Guinean nationals living in Liberia, particularly in the Boni Town region, are facing a dire situation as the Liberian authorities have given them a 10-day ultimatum to regularize their stay in the country or face arrest, imprisonment, or repatriation.

According to reports from Guinea, a Guinean citizen named Mamadou Saliou Diallo spoke to a media house about the ordeal faced by his compatriots in Liberia.

Diallo revealed that he was arrested and imprisoned on June 6, 2024, along with six other Guineans, for allegedly lacking the necessary documents to live and work in Liberia.

In his testimony, Diallo explained that the Liberian immigration police conduct daily arrests, demanding papers from foreigners.

He stated that the authorities often disregard ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) documents, which are valid for travel within the region. Diallo and his friends were forced to pay over $700 to secure their release from prison.

The Guinean national pleaded with the Guinean authorities, particularly the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Integration, and Guineans established abroad, as well as the embassy and Guinean consul in Liberia, to take immediate action to address the plight of their compatriots living in Liberia.

He emphasized that Guinean nationals are facing constant harassment and mistreatment, with the threat of deportation looming large.