Gbarnga, Bong County — The Deputy Minister for Decentralization at the Local Government, Edward K. Mulbah, has appealed to community chiefs across Liberia to assist the government in addressing the growing influence of an estimated 140,500 people referred to locally as “Burkinabe”.
By D. Franklin Doloquee/Nimba County
Speaking at an induction ceremony of Six members of the Council of Traditional Leaders of Africa (COTLA) Liberia Chapter in Gbarnga, Bong County Center Liberia, Deputy Minister Mulbah urged traditional leaders including members of the Council of Traditional Leaders of Africa (COTLA), Liberia Chapter to bring their knowledge and influence to bear on the problem.
“The lands being used belong to the communities where chiefs and elders live,” Deputy Minister Mulbah said.
“Your peaceful engagement, wisdom, and participation will help government find lasting solutions to the Burkinabe situation.”
Deputy Minister Mulbah described the Burkinabe phenomenon as widespread and complex, involving large numbers of people who crossed and settled along community borders and use land traditionally held by local communities.
He stressed that chiefs are uniquely positioned to mediate disputes, identify root causes and recommend culturally appropriate interventions that respect community rights while protecting national interests.
He encouraged chiefs to focus on problem-solving that strengthen unity, love and care among citizens rather than activities that create tension or conflict.
“We need your leadership to promote peace and prevent disputes that could harm counties and the country at large,” he added.
Induction ceremony and chiefs’ role
The appeal came during the induction of five traditional chiefs who have been formally enrolled into the COTLA Liberia Chapter.
The ceremony honored the new chiefs and emphasized their expected role as partners with government in conflict prevention and resolution.
Deputy Minister Mulbah asked the inductees to act as focal points in their counties for land mediation, the prevention of early and forced marriages, and other disputes that can destabilize communities.
He said the Ministry of Local Government intends to work closely with traditional authorities to map affected areas, establish community dialogues and set up early-warning mechanisms that can prevent tensions from escalating.
“We will support chiefs with training in mediation and record-keeping so that interventions are fair, transparent and sustainable,” Deputy Mulbah stated.
Community impact and next steps
Local leaders and civil society representatives who attended the event welcomed the government’s outreach.
Several chiefs, who spoke on the sidelines, described situations where confusion over land boundaries and migration patterns had led to overcrowding, resource strain and local disputes.
They expressed hope that coordinated action combining customary authority with government policy and social services would reduce conflict and protect vulnerable households.
Deputy Minister Mulbah outlined preliminary next steps: a nationwide consultation with county superintendents and COTLA representatives, the creation of community-based committees to monitor land use and migration, and targeted education campaigns about rights, land tenure, and the dangers of early and forced marriage.
He also proposed partnering with NGOs and local civil-society groups to provide legal counseling and support services to affected families.
Conclusion
As Liberia faces complex social and land-use challenges, the Ministry of Local Government is turning to traditional leaders to bridge gaps between formal institutions and community life.
By tapping chiefs’ deep community ties and conflict-resolution experience, the government hopes to address the presence and impact of the estimated 140,500 Burkinabe in a manner that protects communal land rights and promotes peace across the country.
