By James Lahai
Former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has urged the government to take swift and decisive action against non-Liberians who are reportedly occupying the country’s beaches and waterways to carry out illegal activities, including the unauthorized extraction of natural resources.
Speaking during a program Thursday in Monrovia, madam Sirleaf expressed concern over the increasing presence of foreign nationals operating along Liberia’s coastal and riverine areas. She warned that the situation poses serious environmental, economic, and security risks to the country.
The former president stressed that Liberia’s natural resources must be protected and managed in ways that primarily benefit Liberian citizens and contribute to national development.
According to her, weak enforcement mechanisms have allowed some individuals to illegally mine and extract valuable resources from the country’s beaches and waterways.
Sirleaf noted that such activities deprive the nation of much-needed revenue while also threatening fragile ecosystems that support many coastal communities.
The Nobel Peace Prize laureate called on relevant government institutions, including environmental and security agencies, to strengthen monitoring and enforcement to ensure that those involved in illegal operations are held accountable.
She also urged authorities to adopt a coordinated national response aimed at protecting Liberia’s natural heritage while promoting lawful and sustainable resource management.
According to her, safeguarding the country’s beaches and waterways is critical to preserving livelihoods and ensuring long-term environmental sustainability.
