Sporadic Gun Sounds Near-Liberia-Ivory Coast Border

Latest reports indicates that at least 54 Ivorian refugees including the Town Chief of Feteh, a bordering town in Ivory Coast along the Liberian Border, Nube Karbah Rochea have so far crossed over to surrounding towns and villages in Liberia for refuge as sporadic gunfire has become the order of the day in the area.

Speaking to this Paper in Fish Town, River Gee County, Superintendent Daniel G. Johnson, said the renewed fighting started on May 15, 2014 after some unknown men attacked Feteh, an Ivorian border town closed to Liberia, and later, spread to other surrounding towns and villages, forcing residents in those areas to flee to neighboring Liberia for rescue.

According to him, the dissidents, after attacking and capturing Feteh, demanded money from the residents. The Ivorian army later attacked and killed four Ivorian soldiers.He stated further that the situation currently remains tensed, with several residents in surrounding towns of Tarslah, Lepotown, Zloh, Geblaken, Klegbo, Geetwo and Nyanaken in Liberia experiencing sleepless nights due to the ongoing saga.

"The Ivorian army later re-grouped and took Feteh back Feteh, pushing the dissidents back to their previous position and even beyond," Hon. Johnson stated.Meanwhile, several residents in villages and towns along the Liberian, Ivorian border on the Liberian side are living in fear of the latest news of fighting in the Ivory Coast.

Our reporter who visited the seven Liberian towns vividly saw several persons expressing fear of what is occurring in the Ivory Coast. "We are living in fears since the inception of this situation in the Ivory Coast; everyday, we hear heavy gun sounds coming from the Ivory Coast," a resident stated.

Speaking through an interpreter, a female who pleaded for anonymity said, the situation currently is completely political."Those dissidents are allies of former President Laurent Gbargbo; they are fighting for their territory they say Ivorian President Watala gave to people from Burkina Faso," she stated.As of Friday afternoon, 57 Ivorian refugees were counted in Nyanaken so far that have crossed over to Liberia.

Meanwhile, River Gee Superintendent, Daniel G. Johnson, is calling on the Government of Liberia to beef up security at the border, because according to him, he has communicated with the office of the National Security Advisor, the President's Office and the office of the Internal Affairs Minister, Morris Dukuly concerning the latest security situation in the county, including the Defense Ministry.