Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. The Chief Executive of the Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI), Abdul M. Fatoma, is calling on the Sierra Leone government to act fast before the situation at the Yenga border with Guinea gets worse.
He says the country can’t keep taking the issue lightly while citizens are suffering.
Fatoma pointed to an earlier incident when Guinea’s leader, Mamady Doumbouya, was allowed to enter Sierra Leone’s State House with armored vehicles and weapons. Many people saw that as the moment when the Guinean authorities started gaining ground in Sierra Leone.
He said this kind of over-familiarity and ignored protocols has been a weakness in the country for years. He also mentioned how Muammar Gaddafi once entered Sierra Leone with his own security and didn’t even sleep inside his own tent was set up instead, guarded by his own military.
“We’re taking too many things for granted in this country,” Fatoma said. “It’s been our weakness not just here, but across the sub-region.”
He said he doesn’t trust the Guinean authorities to keep their promises. He believes Sierra Leone has stayed too long in failed talks. “We have several options without going to war,” he said. “ECOWAS has failed Sierra Leone. Even the Mano River Union doesn’t have the capacity to help, with all due respect.”
Fatoma also reminded the public that Guinea is currently suspended from ECOWAS, making it harder to hold them accountable. “They have shown many times that they are not ready to leave peacefully,” he added. “Our people are under pressure, being forced to register as Guineans. The government must make sure they enjoy their rights.”
Reports confirm that at least seven villages near Yenga have been affected. Many residents have fled after Guinean troops reportedly moved in, while Sierra Leonean forces are stationed in Sokoma to hold the line. Daily life has stopped, and displaced residents are begging for government help.
The government says it is aware of the situation. Officials have visited the area and promised peaceful steps, but people on the ground are still waiting for action.
For More News And Analysis About Sierra-Leone Follow Africa-Press
