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Sixteen Sierra Leonean security personnel who were detained by Guinean forces earlier this week have returned safely to Freetown following successful diplomatic negotiations between the two nations.
The officers, who are reported to be in stable condition, were welcomed back at a special dinner hosted by Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh at his official residence. The reception was attended by key government officials, including Foreign Affairs Minister Timothy Musa Kabba, who led the high-level delegation to Conakry that secured the personnel’s release.
Minister of Information Chernor Bah, who was also in attendance, praised the diplomatic resolution and the professionalism of the returning armed forces. Emphasizing the relief felt by the administration, Bah stated that “war [was] averted” and suggested that the successful negotiations could open doors to resolving broader bilateral issues.
The personnel were initially abducted on Monday following a border dispute in the Kaliyereh area of Falaba District. The incident sharply escalated concerns over the fragile security situation along the eastern frontier, prompting Minister Kabba’s immediate deployment to Guinea for intensive talks.
While the swift release of the personnel is being hailed as a major diplomatic success for President Julius Maada Bio’s administration, underlying tensions on the ground remain high.
The recent clashes are closely linked to a long-standing territorial dispute over Yenga, a strategic border town currently under the control of Guinean troops.
Despite the de-escalation in Falaba District, local leaders are raising alarms about further incursions nearby. Hon. Fallah Tengbeh, the Member of Parliament representing Kissi Teng Chiefdom in Kailahun District, reported that heavily armed Guinean soldiers made an unauthorized entry into Sokoma village earlier this week.
According to Tengbeh, the Guinean forces informed local residents and stationed Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) personnel that they intend to return and take control of the village. Sokoma is located just 300 metres from Yenga, and the alleged threats have deeply unsettled local residents.
