Claim: An online platform, “Chat Liberia,” alleged that French President Emmanuel Macron declined President Joseph Boakai’s request to intervene in the Liberia-Guinea border crisis.
Verdict: False! The claimants refused to provide evidence, as the French Embassy in Liberia denies all allegations.
Full Text
An online platform, “Chat Liberia,” alleged that French President Emmanuel Macron declined President Joseph Boakai’s request to intervene in the border crisis between Liberia and Guinea.
“French President Emmanuel Macron has reportedly declined President Joseph Boakai’s request to intervene in the Liberia-Guinea border dispute. Sources indicate that President Boakai had reached out to Macron, leveraging France’s historical ties with Guinea to help de-escalate tensions. However, Macron’s response suggests that France will prioritise regional ownership and African-led institutions in resolving the conflict.”
The post generated 804 likes, 30 comments, and 20 shares. Other online media platforms, including Frontpage Africa, News Africa, and Republic of Liberia-LIB, made the same claim.
DUBAWA decided to conduct a fact-check of the claim as part of its mandate to counter misinformation and disinformation, and to promote truth-telling in public discourse.
Verification
Our researcher contacted the claimants to request the source of their information, but they refused to respond. He then contacted the French Embassy in Liberia, which denied the allegation, noting that it has no known source.
The Embassy also referred the researcher to a published release on its website clarifying the allegation. The statement noted that there has been no call between the two leaders regarding the border dispute between Liberia and Guinea.
Conclusion
Given the claimants’ refusal to provide evidence to support their claims and the French Embassy in Liberia’s denial, the claim is false.