A high-level government delegation visited Koindu Town in the Kissi Teng Chiefdom on Saturday, 3rd May, 2025, to address the longstanding border dispute concerning Yenga, a territory claimed by both Sierra Leone and Guinea.

The delegation included prominent officials such as the Minister and Deputy Ministers of Internal Affairs and Defense, senior representatives from the Office of National Security (ONS), the Sierra Leone Armed Forces, and the Police.

Additionally, dignitaries from the Mano River Union Peace and Security Directorate and the Government of Liberia participated, alongside the Paramount Chiefs from Nongoa and Kissi Teng Chiefdoms.

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The visit followed rising tensions between local youth of Yenga town and the Guinean Armed Forces following the displacement of Sierra Leonean citizens from Yenga.

Paramount Chief Ganawa of Kissi Teng expressed gratitude for the delegation’s presence, calling it a crucial step towards resolving the Yenga issue. “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 stated.

The Minister of State, Hon. Gbessay Jusu Jaka Ngobeh, appealed to aggrieved youth to maintain calm and avoid taking matters into their own hands. He reassured attendees that the Government of Sierra Leone, under President Julius Maada Bio’s leadership, is dedicated to finding a diplomatic solution to the Yenga crisis.

“This is a deeply rooted issue inherited by President Bio. It began under the leadership of the late President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah and remained unresolved during former President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma’s tenure,” he noted.

Ngobeh emphasized that the continued presence of the Sierra Leone Armed Forces in Yenga demonstrates the government’s commitment to protecting its citizens and upholding national sovereignty.

Youth representative, Mr. John Tamba Focko called for clarity regarding Yenga’s ownership. “Within a reasonable time, we, the people of this Kissidom, want to know definitively, does Yenga belong to Guinea or Sierra Leone?” he questioned.

Paramount Chief Tamba G. Bongono of Nongoa recounted his intervention to stop Guinean forces from constructing structures in the disputed area. He highlighted the cultural and familial ties between the two nations, urging both Heads of State to resolve the issue amicably.

“Let the armed forces from both countries withdraw from Yenga so civilians can return to peaceful coexistence,” he urged, proposing annual meetings under the Mano River Union framework to foster regional dialogue.

Deputy Secretary-General of the Mano River Union for Peace and Security, Madam Ange Konan Mono, reiterated the necessity for peace, stressing that this longstanding issue must be resolved to ensure stability across Sierra Leone, Guinea, Liberia, and Côte d’Ivoire.

Also supporting a peaceful resolution, Hon. B. Njamilah S. Bornguoi, representing the Government of Liberia, expressed solidarity with Sierra Leone’s efforts.

In closing, the head of the delegation, Hon. Morie Lengor, Minister of Internal Affairs, reiterated the government’s commitment to a diplomatic approach to the Yenga dispute, drawing parallels with the peaceful resolution of the Bakassi Peninsula conflict 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,” he assured the gathering.

The delegation concluded the visit by providing transportation fares and mosquito bed nets to displaced citizens, symbolizing the government’s concern for their well-being and commitment to support in the face of adversity.