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The Chief of Army Staff of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), Major General Kemoh Sesay, has commended Sierra Leonean troops for what he described as professionalism and restraint during a recent border incident involving Guinean forces in Kaliyereh.
Speaking at a press conference organized by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education at the Miatta Conference Centre on Tuesday, 3rd March 2026, Major General Sesay provided details of the incident, highlighting the leadership and judgment exercised by the commanding officer on the ground.
According to the Army Chief, the officer conducted what he termed a “battle appreciation” and concluded that even a limited exchange of gunfire could escalate into a broader conflict between Sierra Leone and Guinea. Despite reportedly being surrounded and asked to surrender their weapons, the troops chose not to engage.
“He understood that even if shots were fired and some lives lost, it could escalate into a full-scale conflict between two sister nations,” Major General Sesay said.
He explained that the troops complied peacefully and were taken into Guinea without resistance, describing the decision as a calculated move to de-escalate tensions. The Army Chief dismissed suggestions that the action reflected weakness, instead characterizing it as a demonstration of discipline and commitment to regional peace.
Major General Sesay emphasized the longstanding cultural and historical ties between Sierra Leone and Guinea, noting that preserving diplomatic relations remains a national priority. He added that safeguarding territorial integrity does not necessarily require immediate use of force, particularly in sensitive border situations.
To prevent future incidents, he called for a comprehensive joint boundary survey between the two countries. He proposed the involvement of neutral regional and continental bodies, including the Mano River Union, the Economic Community of West African States, and the African Union, to ensure transparency and mutual recognition of findings.
The proposed survey, he said, should cover key border areas from Pamelap through Kambia, Falaba, Kono, and Kailahun Districts to provide a clearer framework for addressing boundary concerns.
Major General Sesay reaffirmed the RSLAF’s commitment to protecting Sierra Leone’s territorial integrity while maintaining peaceful relations with Guinea, praising the troops involved for acting in what he described as the best interest of national and regional stability.
