Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. The Government of Sierra Leone is actively seeking international support to resolve the ongoing border dispute with Guinea over the town of Yenga, located in the Kailahun District near the Makona River.
Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah says that detailed reports have been submitted to both the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU), urging their intervention to uphold the sovereignty and territorial integrity of member states.
The conflict over Yenga dates back to the early 2000s, when Guinean troops entered the area during Sierra Leone’s civil war. Initially deployed to assist in combating rebel forces, those troops have remained in the region, leading to ongoing tensions regarding control of the town. Despite the end of the civil war, the Guinean military presence has persisted, complicating the situation further.
Local communities, particularly in areas like Koindu and Sokoma, are facing significant challenges due to the dispute. Women who relied on cross-border markets for their livelihoods have been cut off from their sources of income, while children are unable to attend school due to the prevailing insecurity.
Many families have been displaced, living without adequate shelter or basic household items. Reports of safety concerns, including instances of sexual harassment and abuse, have also emerged from discussions with affected groups.
In response to the escalating situation, Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, has directed Sierra Leone’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Michael Imran Kanu, to formally brief the UN Secretary-General and the UN Security Council on the matter.
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