The Yenga community is in turmoil as residents abandon their homes to escape escalating threats from the Guinean military. Town chief Tamba Nyuma reported that the situation has reached a critical point, with fears mounting among the local population.

In recent weeks, tensions have intensified in Yenga, located near the Sierra Leone-Guinea border.

According to Nyuma, Guinean military forces have taken increasingly aggressive actions, including preventing residents from farming on their ancestral lands. The military has reportedly demanded that local farmers pay taxes to the Guinean government before being allowed to cultivate their fields.

“This is our home, and we should not be subjected to such demands,” said Nyuma. “The community is living in fear, and many have fled to seek safety elsewhere.”

Efforts by the Sierra Leone security sector to engage with local Guinean authorities have so far failed to produce any constructive dialogue or resolution to the crisis. As the situation deteriorates, many families find themselves homeless and displaced within their own country.

Eyewitness accounts describe a community in distress, with families leaving their homes and belongings behind. “We have no choice but to run,” said chief Nyuma who wished to remain anonymous. “We fear for our lives and our future.”

The residents are urgently calling on the Sierra Leone government to take immediate action to address the escalating threat from the Guinean military. They are requesting intervention to restore peace and security in the region, as well as assistance for those who have been displaced.

In light of these developments, local leaders are urging the government to prioritize diplomatic discussions with Guinea to prevent further conflict and ensure the safety of the Yenga community. As the crisis unfolds, the plight of these residents serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of peace in border regions.

The situation remains fluid, and further updates are expected as local and national authorities respond to the ongoing challenges faced by the Yenga community.