By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Morie Lengor, has issued a strong warning to Guinean authorities over what he describes as continued aggressive actions along the contested Yenga border area, reaffirming that while Sierra Leone prefers peace, the nation is prepared to defend its sovereignty to the last if necessary.
Speaking during a press briefing in Freetown, Minister Lengor emphasized that Sierra Leone is not seeking confrontation but remains firm on protecting its territorial integrity if provoked further.
“We want to ensure that the matter is resolved amicably, peacefully, and diplomatically because we’ve suffered the consequences of war, and nobody wants bloodshed,” the minister stated.
The remarks come amid rising concerns from citizens and community leaders in Yenga, a town located in the Kailahun District in Eastern Sierra Leone, near the Guinean border. Residents have for years decried ongoing harassment, military intimidation, and territorial encroachment by Guinean forces—issues that continue despite past diplomatic agreements.
A Longstanding Dispute
The Yenga border issue is one of the longest-running territorial disputes in West Africa. It dates back over a century to the 1912 Anglo-French Agreement, in which Britain and France—then colonial rulers of Sierra Leone and Guinea respectively—recognized Yenga as part of Sierra Leone.
This position was further reaffirmed in bilateral agreements signed in the early 2000s by the late Presidents Ahmad Tejan Kabbah of Sierra Leone and Lansana Conté of Guinea, who both committed to recognizing Yenga as sovereign Sierra Leonean territory following Guinea’s military presence in the area during Sierra Leone’s civil war.
Yet, despite these historic and diplomatic recognitions, Guinean forces have continued to maintain an intermittent presence in Yenga, undermining peace and creating an atmosphere of uncertainty for residents who say they live under constant fear.
A Community in Limbo
The people of Yenga, many of whom have lived in the area for generations, continue to suffer the consequences of the unresolved dispute. Their livelihoods, freedom of movement, and access to basic services have been disrupted. Local leaders have repeatedly appealed for a swift and permanent resolution, warning that the situation could deteriorate further without urgent intervention.
Minister Lengor acknowledged the frustration of the Yenga community, and reiterated government’s commitment to finding a peaceful path forward. However, he warned that Sierra Leone’s patience should not be mistaken for weakness. “We are a peaceful nation, but peace must be respected by all sides. We will defend our people and our land if pushed to the wall,” he said.
Diplomatic Channels Still Open
Despite the strong rhetoric, the minister confirmed that diplomatic efforts are still ongoing, with both Sierra Leone and Guinea encouraged to work through ECOWAS and the African Union to bring a lasting solution to the border crisis.
Political observers have cautioned that with tensions escalating, there is an urgent need for third-party mediation to ensure the dispute does not spiral into open conflict.
As Sierra Leone continues to advocate for dialogue, the government’s latest stance sends a clear message: sovereignty is non-negotiable, and while diplomacy is preferred, defence remains an option of last resort.
