By Hassan Osman Kargbo
In a powerful and principled address at the recent ECOWAS Parliamentary session, Honourable Abdul Kargbo of Sierra Leone reaffirmed his commitment to peace, justice, and responsible leadership, as he tackled two of the most pressing issues facing his country: the Yenga border dispute, and the slow implementation of the National Unity Agreement.
Representing Sierra Leone in the regional assembly, Hon. Kargbo delivered a thoughtful intervention during deliberations on the Sierra Leone Country Report. His speech, which blended diplomacy with an appeal for accountability, called for constructive regional engagement in support of Sierra Leone’s territorial sovereignty and democratic consolidation.
At the centre of Hon. Kargbo’s address was the longstanding dispute over the border town of Yenga, situated in the eastern part of Sierra Leone. The town has been under contention between Sierra Leone and Guinea since the end of Sierra Leone’s civil war in 2002. Despite several bilateral efforts to resolve the matter, tensions occasionally resurface.
Hon. Kargbo reiterated Sierra Leone’s unwavering position on Yenga: that the town belongs to Sierra Leone and that a diplomatic resolution is the only sustainable path forward. “It is in the best interest of both nations to resolve the Yenga issue through peaceful dialogue rather than confrontation,” he emphasized.
To bolster his case, Hon. Kargbo referenced a series of bilateral agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) signed between the late President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah of Sierra Leone and the late President Lansana Conté of Guinea. These agreements, he explained, serve as formal recognition by Guinea that Yenga lies within Sierra Leone’s internationally recognized borders.
By highlighting these historical and legal instruments, Hon. Kargbo underscored his nation’s commitment to a peaceful and just resolution, while also reminding the ECOWAS Parliament of the importance of respecting sovereign boundaries to prevent regional instability.
Turning his focus inward, Hon. Kargbo also addressed Sierra Leone’s domestic political climate, particularly the implementation of the Agreement for National Unity — a post-election peace deal signed nearly a year ago to heal political divisions following the disputed 2023 elections.
He expressed concern that progress on the agreement has been slow and uneven, with key provisions yet to be fulfilled. “The spirit of the agreement was to foster unity, mutual trust, and a path toward national reconciliation,” he stated. “Unfortunately, its implementation has been partial at best.”
Highlighting the plight of opposition members, Hon. Kargbo noted that several All People’s Congress (APC) leaders and supporters remain either in exile or in detention, despite calls for inclusive governance and political tolerance. He argued that such conditions undermine democratic values and the legitimacy of the reconciliation process.
In a heartfelt plea, Hon. Kargbo called on ECOWAS to engage the Government of Sierra Leone and encourage it to fully implement the terms of the agreement. “Let us not allow the principles of justice, inclusivity, and national healing to become lost in political inertia,” he said. “ECOWAS has a crucial role to play in urging the government to honor its own commitments.”
His remarks resonated strongly with fellow parliamentarians, as they reflected broader concerns about democratic backsliding in parts of the region. Hon. Kargbo’s measured but firm tone positioned him as a statesman advocating not just for his party or constituency, but for the integrity and unity of Sierra Leone as a whole.
In conclusion, Hon. Abdul Kargbo’s address to the ECOWAS Parliament was both a call to action and a reaffirmation of democratic principles. Through his emphasis on lawful diplomacy, national reconciliation, and responsible governance, he not only defended Sierra Leone’s sovereignty but also strengthened the role of ECOWAS as a guardian of peace and democratic accountability across West Africa.
