NATIONAL NEWS
Capitol Hill — Alarmed by the growing wave of land disputes across Liberia, the Plenary of the Liberian Senate has summoned key government institutions to account for their roles in addressing what lawmakers describe as an emerging threat to national peace and stability.
The Senate’s action follows a formal communication from River Gee County Senator Jonathan Boycharles Sogbie, who warned of a sharp increase in land-related conflicts driven by irregular land acquisition and re-acquisition practices.
By: Sampson W Weah sampsonwweah7@gmail.com
In his letter addressed to Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence and her colleagues, Senator Sogbie expressed concern that numerous land transactions are being conducted without the full involvement of the Liberia Land Authority, a situation he said is weakening transparency and undermining the country’s land governance framework.
“Land disputes are fast becoming a national security concern,” Senator Sogbie cautioned. “The rising wave of violence and growing tensions in various communities constitute a serious threat to the peace and stability of our nation. If urgent corrective measures are not taken, the situation could spiral out of control.”
According to the River Gee lawmaker, unresolved land conflicts have already triggered violence in several parts of the country, leading to property destruction and the displacement of families.
Following deliberations, the Senate summoned officials from the Liberia Land Authority, the Ministry of Public Works, the Ministry of Justice, and the Liberia National Police, among others, to provide updates on measures being taken to curb the escalating crisis.
Senator Sogbie stressed that the Legislature must act decisively to prevent further bloodshed and instability linked to land ownership disputes.
“The Senate’s timely intervention will help save lives, protect property, and restore public confidence in the land administration system,” he said.
Land disputes remain one of the leading causes of community conflict in Liberia, with recent incidents reportedly resulting in violence, displacement, and the destruction of homes and farmlands.
The summoned institutions are expected to appear before the Senate in the coming days to clarify gaps in land administration and outline strategies aimed at reducing disputes nationwide.
