By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The Chief of Army Staff of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, Major General Kemoh Sesay, has provided an official account of the circumstances that led to the recent tensions in Falaba District involving Sierra Leonean and Guinean soldiers.
Speaking on the incident, Major General Sesay said the situation arose when Sierra Leonean military personnel were making preparations to erect a temporary structure on land that had been formally allocated to them by the local Paramount Chief. He explained that the land in question is located on Sierra Leone’s side of the international border and was intended to support routine security operations in the area.
According to the Army Chief, the initial activity was interrupted when about ten Guinean soldiers arrived at the site accompanied by a Guinean Paramount Chief. The Guinean delegation reportedly objected to the construction, claiming that the land fell within Guinean territory. This disagreement over the exact border demarcation immediately created tension between the two sides.
Major General Sesay noted that efforts were made by the Sierra Leonean personnel to avoid confrontation and to clarify that their actions were taking place within Sierra Leonean territory. However, the disagreement persisted, and the Guinean side later returned to the area with a significantly larger force.
He disclosed that more than 300 armed Guinean security personnel subsequently moved into the area, further escalating the situation. During this development, 16 Sierra Leonean security officers were arrested by the Guinean forces. The Army Chief emphasized that the detained officers did not resist arrest, as they were instructed to remain calm and avoid any actions that could lead to violence.
The Chief of Army Staff stressed that the Sierra Leone Armed Forces acted with restraint throughout the incident, prioritizing peace and the safety of personnel on both sides of the border. He said the military leadership remains committed to resolving the matter through dialogue and established diplomatic and military channels.
Major General Sesay also reassured the public that the government of Sierra Leone is actively engaging with the authorities of Guinea to ensure that the detained officers are treated in line with international standards and that the situation is resolved peacefully. He added that border issues of this nature are not uncommon and are best handled through cooperation and mutual respect.
The Army Chief called on residents of border communities to remain calm and continue their normal activities, assuring them that national and regional mechanisms are being used to address the misunderstanding. He reaffirmed the commitment of the Sierra Leone Armed Forces to defend the country’s territorial integrity while maintaining peaceful relations with neighboring states.
The incident has renewed discussions on the importance of clear border demarcation and sustained engagement between Sierra Leone and Guinea to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
