By Fatima Kpaka
Sierra Leone – August 28, 2025: A 12-member delegation from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has concluded a fact-finding mission in Sierra Leone aimed at resolving the long-standing border dispute over the village of Yenga, located in the Kissi Teng Chiefdom, Kailahun District.
On Tuesday, August 26, the delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Deputy Minister of Defence, Colonel Muana Brima Massaquoi (Retired), according to the Directorate of Defence Public Relations and Information, Ministry of Defence.
During the meeting, ECOWAS Resident Representative Ambassador John Azumah emphasized the impartial and technical nature of the mission, stating that the team would engage stakeholders and visit the disputed area to gather substantial facts that would inform recommendations for a peaceful resolution.
Colonel Massaquoi welcomed the delegation and expressed the Sierra Leonean Government’s appreciation for ECOWAS’s swift response. He reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to a diplomatic solution, noting, “Sierra Leone and Guinea are the same country in spite of the imaginary boundary. Hence, taking a different approach will cause a serious humanitarian crisis for the peoples of both countries.”
Major General Kemoh Tewoh Sesay, Chief of Army Staff and Acting Chief of Defence Staff, provided a historical overview of Guinea’s occupation of Yenga. He reiterated that the village’s residents identify as Sierra Leonean and that Yenga has long been considered part of Sierra Leone.
Yenga, situated at the confluence of the Mafissia and Makona (Moa) Rivers, became a focal point of contention following Guinea’s military support to Sierra Leone during its civil war in the 1990s. Although Guinean troops were initially deployed with Sierra Leone’s consent in 1998 to deter rebel incursions, Guinea continued to occupy the village after the war ended in 2002.
Despite several bilateral agreements—including a 2002 accord, a 2005 reaffirmation of Sierra Leone’s ownership, and a 2012 Joint Declaration for demilitarization—Guinean forces reoccupied Yenga in 2020. Tensions escalated further in April 2025 when Guinean troops attempted to annex Sokoma and Pengubengu, prompting a standoff with the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) and triggering a humanitarian crisis.
In response, President Julius Maada Bio (Retired) provided emergency relief to displaced villagers and initiated high-level diplomatic talks. His election as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in June 2025 has further strengthened regional efforts to resolve the dispute.
Following a commitment from ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, the assessment mission was deployed to Sierra Leone on 25 August. The delegation has since held consultations with key government institutions including the Office of National Security and the Ministries of Defence, Foreign Affairs, Internal Affairs, and Planning and Economic Development.
The team departed Freetown on Thursday for Yenga to continue its investigation and is expected to visit Guinea in the coming weeks as part of its comprehensive regional assessment.