MONROVIA – The Executive Director of the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC), Cllr. Jerror Cole Bangalu, says the Commission is closely monitoring reports of xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals, including Liberians in South Africa.
By Augustus D.R Bortue, augustus d.r bortue@frontpageafrica.com
According to Executive Director Cllr. Bangalu, to date, 263 Liberians have engaged the Embassy of Liberia in Pretoria, expressing fears for their safety and security.
Of this number, Cllr. Bangalu said 21 Liberians have requested immediate repatriation assistance.
Speaking Tuesday, June 16, at the Ministry of Information, Culture Affairs and Tourism(MICAT) regular press briefing in Monrovia, the LRRRC boss stated that the Commission is actively engaging the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning to mobilize the necessary support and resources to address the situation and ensure the safety and welfare of affected Liberian citizens.
Cllr. Bangalu pointed out that as Liberia confronts increasingly complex migration realities, the Commission remains committed to building a responsive, modern, and accountable human mobility governance system that safeguards national interests while upholding international humanitarian and human rights standards.
‘‘We call upon all partners, development agencies, civil society organizations, traditional leaders, local authorities, and citizens to work collectively in addressing migration challenges and harnessing migration’s developmental opportunities. Together, we can ensure that Liberia remains secure, compassionate, environmentally responsible, and fully prepared to manage the evolving dynamics of human mobility. I thank President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr., the Government of Liberia (GoL), our international partners, and all stakeholders for their continued support,’’ Cllr. Bangalu intimated.
At the same time, Executive Director Cllr. Bangalu disclosed that since assuming leadership of the Commission during a critical period of reform and transformation, one of the Commission’s first priority interventions was the conduct of a high-level Joint Assessment Mission from March 9–14, 2026, led by him (Executive Director) and involving relevant government agencies and partners.
He said the Commission assessed the growing influx of Burkinabe migrants into southeastern Liberia and generated the first comprehensive national assessment of the situation.
He intoned that the assessment estimated approximately 140,500 Burkinabe migrants residing in Liberia, distributed as follows:
- Grand Gedeh County – 80,000
- Nimba County – 45,000
- River Gee County – 15,000
- Maryland County – 500
Key Findings
He mentioned that the assessment identified several major drivers of the movement, including regional insecurity and instability in parts of the Sahel region, economic hardship and livelihood challenges, search for agricultural land and economic opportunities, and existing transnational family and community networks.
Cllr. Bangalu averred that the mission further documented several critical concerns.
He named critical concerns such as increasing pressure on local social services, competition over land and natural resources, rising concerns regarding social cohesion in some affected communities, and limited access to health, education, and other public services.
Meanwhile, Cllr. Bangalu provided an update on the significant progress made by the LRRRC since assuming leadership of the institution.
Pursuant to Executive Order No. 159 issued by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., Cllr. Bangalu noted that the Commission has undergone a historic repositioning from a narrowly focused refugee management institution to a broader human mobility governance agency with expanded responsibilities covering migration governance, statelessness, deportees and returnees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees, asylum seekers and related population movements.
‘‘This transformation reflects the realities of contemporary human mobility and Liberia’s growing role within regional and global migration dynamics,’’ Cllr. Bangalu stressed.
Major Institutional Reforms and Achievements
He said the administration has prioritized comprehensive institutional strengthening and governance reforms.
Key achievements, he intimated, include expansion of the Commission’s operational focus in line with Executive Order No. 159 and development of a framework for transitioning LRRRC into a modern migration governance institution.
Policy Development and Governance Reforms
‘‘Initiation of Liberia’s first comprehensive National Migration Policy. Development of a National Policy Framework on Internal Displacement. Formulation and review of key institutional policies, including:
Human Resource Policy; Procurement Policy;
Financial Management Policy; Asset Management Policy; Administrative and Operational Guidelines.’’
Commissioning of National Policy Working Groups
‘‘Establishment of multi-sectoral technical working groups comprising government institutions, development partners, academia, and civil society organizations to guide policy formulation and implementation.’’
Strengthening National Civil Documentation Systems
‘‘Execution of strategic Memoranda of Understanding with the National Identification Registry (NIR) and the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS).
Advancement of initiatives aimed at enhancing civil documentation, identity management and legal identity for persons of concern.’’
Durable Solutions for Refugees
‘‘Continued efforts toward securing durable solutions for Exempt Ivorian Refugees and other refugee populations residing in Liberia.
Promotion of local integration and legal documentation initiatives in collaboration with national and international partners,’’ he added.
