Published: October 16, 2025
TUBMANBURG, Bomi County — As Liberia prepares to take its historic seat on the United Nations Security Council in January 2026, Bomi County Superintendent Miatta Dorley is calling on the national government to strengthen border security through increased manpower, logistics, and infrastructure support.
Dorley made the appeal during a high-level regional security meeting held in Tubmanburg, which brought together Superintendents from Bomi, Gbarpolu, and Grand Cape Mount Counties, as well as civil society leaders, traditional authorities, women and youth representatives, and persons with disabilities. The discussions focused on peace, stability, and governance challenges in western Liberia ahead of the country’s new international responsibility.
Porous Borders Pose Threats
Superintendent Dorley expressed concern about the growing number of illegal border crossings and the lack of adequate security personnel in key areas of Bomi County.
“Bomi County has several entry points, many of which are porous and unmanned,” Dorley said. “We need more trained officers, proper logistics, and stronger coordination among security agencies to effectively secure these areas.”
She noted that the absence of sufficient border control increases the risk of smuggling, human trafficking, and illegal migration, especially along Liberia’s western frontier with Sierra Leone.
Community-Led Security Initiative
Dorley announced plans by the Bomi County administration to launch a fundraising campaign for the construction of a sub–joint security station in Tomah Town, a key border community near Sierra Leone.
“Security is everyone’s business,” she said. “While we await national support, Bomi County is taking its own steps to strengthen local security through community partnership and local initiatives.”
According to her, the proposed facility will serve as a critical checkpoint to support law enforcement, enhance surveillance, and ensure the safety of both residents and travelers.
National Response and Government Commitment
Responding to the superintendent’s concerns, Cllr. Samuel Kofi Woods, National Security Advisor to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, commended Bomi County authorities for their proactive approach and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving regional security coordination.
“Our traditional leaders remain the backbone of local security,” Woods said. “Their vigilance and mediation efforts have sustained peace even in areas where state security officers are absent.”
Cllr. Woods instructed all Superintendents in the western region to reactivate their County and District Security Councils, in accordance with Liberia’s National Security Reform Law, calling the move a legal necessity.
“The reactivation of these councils is not optional—it is a legal requirement,” he emphasized. “They will help bridge the gap between national leadership and local realities.”
He also disclosed that his office would provide motorbikes and other logistics to support county and district security coordinators, with the first batch of equipment expected by December 2025.
Regional Collaboration Ahead of UN Role
The regional meeting concluded with renewed pledges from both local and national authorities to enhance inter-agency cooperation, community engagement, and resource mobilization — priorities viewed as critical as Liberia assumes its seat on the UN Security Council for the first time in nearly 60 years.
“Liberia’s return to the Security Council is both an honor and a responsibility,” one local official noted. “Our internal stability must reflect the global role we are about to play.”
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