Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Timothy Musa Kabba, has assured the nation of the government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding Sierra Leoneans wherever they may be.

Speaking at the government’s weekly press briefing on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at the Miatta Conference Centre, Freetown, Minister Kabba addressed recent tensions between Sierra Leone and Guinea, emphasizing the country’s sovereignty and the government’s diplomatic response.

The minister revealed that Sierra Leone is actively engaging with a special envoy from Guinea to address ongoing issues, including a recent incident involving the forceful repatriation of Sierra Leonean citizens from Guinea.

“The government of Sierra Leone will use all available diplomatic means to resolve these matters while protecting the rights and dignity of its citizens,” he said.

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Minister Kabba highlighted that Guinea’s aggression towards Sierra Leone is not a new issue, referencing the disputed occupation of Yenga, which dates back to the tenure of the late President Ahmed Tejan Kabba.

During a recent meeting with his Guinean counterpart, Minister Kabba reiterated that Guinea’s actions in Yenga constitute a violation of Sierra Leone’s sovereignty. “No matter how small our economy or country may be, Sierra Leone is a sovereign state and a powerful nation on many levels,” he declared.

Discussing the December 10 incident, Minister Kabba disclosed that Guinea’s security forces had raided a slum area reportedly associated with crime and the drug trade, identifying individuals presumed to be Sierra Leoneans. These individuals were forcefully transported to the border without following proper identification and diplomatic protocols. Sierra Leonean security forces, acting in accordance with international standards, refused to admit the individuals until proper procedures were followed.

“This undiplomatic, unfriendly, and barbaric act was later followed by a ‘Note Verbale’ from Guinea, explaining their reasons,” Kabba said.

He added that while some detainees from other nationalities were imprisoned, those presumed to be Sierra Leoneans were subjected to forced repatriation based on the historical ties between the two nations.

In the wake of the incident, an emergency meeting was convened between Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Guinea and the Guinean Foreign Ministry. Minister Kabba confirmed that the Guinean government issued an unreserved apology for the incident, acknowledging that their actions were improper.

Minister Kabba emphasized that the government remains committed to exploring diplomatic avenues to address these and other challenges. He clarified that President Julius Maada Bio has not authorized any actions targeting specific tribes or groups, apologizing on behalf of the government to any individuals who may have felt profiled during the incident.

“The government of Sierra Leone has a solemn duty to protect its citizens and the territorial integrity of the nation,” Kabba stated, adding that Sierra Leone will continue to uphold the principles of justice and international relations while safeguarding its people’s dignity.