By: Wilmot Konah
Capitol Hill, Monrovia – The Liberia Land Authority (LLA) is calling on members of the 55th National Legislature to take swift and decisive action in addressing the growing wave of land disputes across Liberia, with particular emphasis on the urgent need for comprehensive boundary demarcation nationwide.
Appearing before the plenary of the House of Representatives of on Tuesday, the LLA Vice Chairperson for Administration and Customer Services, Hon. Joe K. Williams, underscored the critical role the Legislature must play in strengthening the Authority’s operational capacity. He stressed that increasing budgetary support to enable a nationwide boundary demarcation exercise—covering all counties down to districts, clans, and communities, is essential to sustaining peace and stability.
Hon. Williams explained that unresolved boundary issues remain one of the leading causes of protracted land conflicts, often escalating into violence and undermining local governance structures. According to him, without clearly defined and legally recognized boundaries, disputes among communities, families, and even local authorities will continue to threaten social cohesion and development efforts.
“The importance of clearly demarcated boundaries cannot be overstated,” he told lawmakers. “A well-funded and technically equipped Liberia Land Authority will not only resolve existing disputes but also prevent future conflicts by providing clarity, transparency, and legal certainty in land ownership and administration.”
He further noted that the LLA’s current logistical and financial constraints have slowed efforts to conduct surveys, mapping, and adjudication processes in several parts of the country. The Vice Chairperson urged lawmakers to prioritize land governance reforms and provide the necessary legislative enactment and appropriations that will empower the Authority to effectively execute its statutory mandate.
Hon. Williams emphasized that traditional boundary markers such as trees, streams, and other natural features are gradually disappearing, making it imperative for the country to undertake a new national demarcation effort backed by legally recognized deeds for counties, districts, and other administrative units.
He warned that Liberia cannot afford to ignore the historical lessons surrounding land governance. He referenced findings from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Liberia (TRC), which identified land disputes and longstanding grievances over ownership and boundaries as significant contributors to the country’s civil conflict. According to him, failure to adequately address boundary ambiguities and land ownership tensions could risk reopening old wounds and destabilizing the peace the nation has worked hard to sustain. He stressed that proactive legislative support for nationwide demarcation is not only a development priority but also a safeguard against the potential resurgence of conflict.
The LLA’s appeal comes amid increasing reports of land-related tensions in rural and urban communities alike. Observers believe that sustained legislative support, coupled with institutional strengthening, could mark a turning point in resolving one of Liberia’s most persistent governance challenges.
