GOL Arrests Additional four in Connection to Ongoing Liberian/La Cote D’Ivoire Border Investigation

By:   Isaac W. Jackson, Jr.

July 28, 2012, MONROVIA: In response to the deteriorating security situation along the Liberian/La Cote D’Ivoire border, the Government of Liberia (GOL) took a number of measures including, the closure of the border, the suspension of all mining activities along the border, the deployment of armed units of the Liberia National Police (LNP), the Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization (BIN), the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), and other security agencies. Additionally, the GOL has continued to pursue security and diplomatic efforts within the framework of the Four Party Agreement recently signed in Abidjan between the Government of Liberia, the Government of La Cote D’Ivoire, the United Nations Missions in Liberia (UNMIL), and the United Nations Operations in La Cote D’Ivoire (UNOCI).

Within this framework, on July 13, 2012, the GOL arrested three Liberians, including Mr. Neezee Barway. The arrest and ongoing investigation of these individuals have led to additional arrests. Between July 20-28, 2012, the Liberia National Police (LNP) arrested four Liberians including, Mr. Steve Gloto, alias “Rambo”. The GOL has notified the Government of La Cote D’Ivoire of these arrests, and the latter is collaborating with the investigation.  

The GOL assures the general public, the United Nations and all concerned of its determination to conclude these investigations and bring the perpetrators to justice. Meanwhile, the GOL remains committed to the maintenance of peace and security within the sub-region and to fostering good neighborly relations between the governments and peoples of Liberia and La Cote D’Ivoire.