MONROVIA, LIBERIA-Burkinabe migrants in Liberia are currently at the centre of a complex national debate involving economic opportunity, environmental protection, and security concerns.

While many are praised by local farmers for revitalizing the cocoa industry, their large-scale presence in southeastern forests has triggered government and international partners’ concerns.

So, to tackle the situation, the LRRRC led by its new executive director, Cllr. Cole Bangalu is leading a joint assessment mission team in the southeast.

Cllr. Bangalu, joined by the French Ambassador to Liberia, the International Organization for Migration, and UNFPA, said the team is in the south-east to gather firsthand information on the circumstances behind the influx of undocumented Burkinabe migrants in Liberia.

Speaking in Fish Town City, River Gee County, Cllr. Cole Bangalu said the visit will provide a legal understanding of the complex factors fuelling migration and submit recommendations to the national government.

Cllr. Bangalu said the government takes the presence of the huge numbers of undocumented Burkinabes in the territory of Liberia.

Also making remarks in Fish Town, Rivergee county, French Ambassador to Liberia, Isabelle Le Guellec, highlighted that the mission is built on a 2024 dialogue among EU member states on the influx of migrants, particularly Burkinabes, and its impact on communities, land, resources, and forests.

Ambassador Le Guellec said France and other EU member states are very concerned about the huge influx of Burkinabes in Liberia and want to provide support to address the situation.

She emphasized that the final report will guide Liberian authorities in shaping policies to address and mitigate uncontrolled migration in the areas.

Also speaking, Rivergee County Superintendent Mark Swengbe hailed the initial efforts of the LRRRC and partners in seeking a solution to the influx of Burkinabes in southeastern Liberia.

The  Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC), a seven-day Joint assessment mission, is continuing in counties in Southeastern Liberia.

The LRRRC, in collaboration with Liberia Immigration Services (LIS), the French Embassy, International Organization of Migration, and UNFPA, is gathering firsthand information on the circumstances behind the influx of undocumented Burkinabe migrants in Liberia.

Led by LRRRC Executive Director, Cllr. Jeror Cole Bangalu, the delegation has visited Grand Gedeh and River Gee, where a series of dialogues with local leaders and migrants were held to address the challenges.

Reports estimate the number of Burkinabe migrants in the southeastern region, primarily in Grand Gedeh, Rivergee, and Maryland Counties, at a range between 40,000 and over 50,000. Most are members of the Mossi ethnic group who crossed from the Ivory Coast to work as labourers or independent cocoa farmers.