Kailahun District, 3 May 2025 – A high-level delegation of government officials and regional partners visited Koindu Town in Kissi Teng Chiefdom, Kailahun District on Saturday, engaging directly with community leaders and residents in efforts to ease growing tensions surrounding the disputed border town of Yenga.
The intervention comes amid renewed friction between the youth of Koindu and Guinean Armed Forces, following the reported displacement of Sierra Leonean citizens from the contested area.
The delegation included the Minister and Deputy Ministers of Internal Affairs and Defense, top officials from the Office of National Security (ONS), representatives of the Sierra Leone Armed Forces and Police, the Mano River Union Peace and Security Directorate, the Government of Liberia, and the Paramount Chiefs of Kissi Teng and Nongoa Chiefdoms.
Paramount Chief of Kissi Teng, Chief Ganawa, welcomed the team, describing the visit as a vital step toward resolution. “With the presence of these high-level authorities, I believe that the problem of Yenga will finally come to an end by the grace of God,” he said, expressing appreciation for the government’s commitment.
Minister of State, Hon. Gbessay Jusu Jaka Ngobeh, addressed the youth directly, urging calm and patience. He emphasized the government’s intention to resolve the issue diplomatically under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio.
“This is a deeply rooted issue inherited by President Bio. It began under the leadership of the late President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah, and unfortunately remained unresolved during the tenure of former President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma. However, I assure you that President Bio is committed to ending this crisis and restoring peace, unity, and tranquility to this region,” he stated.
He added that the deployment of the Sierra Leone Armed Forces in Sokoma and Pengu Bendu, approximately 200 metres from Yenga, demonstrated the government’s resolve to protect its citizens and maintain national sovereignty.
Mr. John Tamba Focko, representing the youth, called for definitive answers regarding Yenga’s status. “Within a reasonable time, we, the people of this Kissidom, want to know definitively, does Yenga belong to Guinea or Sierra Leone?” he asked.
Paramount Chief of Nongoa, Chief Tamba G. Bongono, shared his experience of halting construction by Guinean forces in the disputed zone. He highlighted the cultural ties shared by the two countries and urged for peaceful resolution. “We are brothers and sisters who share common interests. Let the armed forces from both countries withdraw from Yenga so civilians can return to peaceful coexistence,” he said.
Chief Bongono also proposed reinstating annual cross-border meetings under the Mano River Union to promote sustained dialogue and regional cooperation.
Madam Ange Konan Mono, Deputy Secretary-General for Peace and Security of the Mano River Union, echoed these sentiments, stating: “This longstanding issue must become a thing of the past to ensure lasting peace in Sierra Leone, Guinea, Liberia, and Côte d’Ivoire.”
Representing the Liberian government, Hon. B. Njamilah S. Bornguoi reaffirmed Liberia’s support for a peaceful resolution and expressed solidarity with the people of Sierra Leone.
Concluding the engagement, Minister of Internal Affairs Hon. Morie Lengor, head of the delegation, reiterated the government’s commitment to a diplomatic path, referencing the peaceful resolution of the Bakassi Peninsula dispute between Nigeria and Cameroon.
“We do not want to return to the dark days of conflict in our country. Those displaced should return to their communities. Their safety is assured by the presence of the Sierra Leone Armed Forces, who will remain in place to maintain peace and security,” he said.
He encouraged youth to exercise restraint and report any suspicious activities to security agencies, assuring them of ongoing government action.
The visit also featured remarks from the Deputy Minister of Defense, the head of ONS, and the Chairman of the Kailahun District Council. The day concluded with the distribution of transport fare and mosquito bed nets to displaced citizens—an act symbolizing the government’s support for those affected.
