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Prominent opposition politician and media personality Dr Sylvia Olayinka Blyden has raised concerns over what she described as a directive by President Julius Maada Bio to reopen the Yenga Road and encourage residents of the disputed border community to return and resettle.
In a statement made public on Wednesday, Dr Blyden said she was deeply troubled by what she alleged was an order issued by President Bio, in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief, instructing the country’s security sector to reopen access to Yenga and facilitate the return of residents, particularly members of the Kissi Teng community.
“I am in distress over an action ordered yesterday by H.E. Bio, as Commander-in-Chief, for our security sector to re-open Yenga road and ask our vulnerable Kissi Teng people to go back to live under the very intimidating Guinean military occupation of Yenga,” Dr Blyden stated.
According to her, the reported decision could expose returning residents to insecurity and intimidation amid the continued presence of Guinean military personnel in the border settlement. She said the development had caused her considerable emotional distress. “I shed tears at this,” she added.
“Bio’s Order to Reopen Yenga Road and Return Residents Left Me in Tears” – Sylvia Blyden
Dr Blyden questioned whether the reported move signalled a shift in Sierra Leone’s position on Yenga, which has remained a longstanding subject of diplomatic discussions between Sierra Leone and Guinea. “Does this mean Sierra Leone has finally given up Yenga to Guinea?” she asked.
Yenga, situated along the Sierra Leone-Guinea border, has been at the centre of a territorial dispute for several years, with successive governments in Sierra Leone maintaining that the area remains part of Sierra Leone while pursuing diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the issue.
Dr Blyden’s comments have generated renewed public debate over the status of the border community and the implications of any decision to reopen access to the area and encourage residents to return.
As of the time of publication, the Government of Sierra Leone had not issued an official statement responding to Dr Blyden’s claims regarding the reported directive to reopen the Yenga Road and facilitate the resettlement of residents.
