In light of escalating tensions between Sierra Leone and Guinea over the Yenga region and surrounding areas, the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs (MoGCA) announced on May 10, 2025, via social media, that it is conducting an evaluation.

The announcement highlighted growing concerns about sexual abuse and insecurity in the affected regions.

This announcement highlighted the increasing threats of sexual abuse and insecurity in these regions.

To address these concerns, MoGCA deployed a delegation led by Deputy Chief Director Charles Vandi. The team included representatives from the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), the Family Support Unit (FSU), the Rainbo Initiative, and the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP). The primary objective of this mission was to assess the impact of border tensions with Guinea on women and children.

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The delegation visited Koindu, Sokoma, and other vulnerable communities, where they documented significant disruptions in education, displacement, and loss of livelihoods. Focus group discussions revealed a troubling rise in cases of abuse and harassment.

Local women, who previously depended on cross-border trade, reported that they could no longer access markets due to the prevailing security concerns. Additionally, many children have been withdrawn from school as a result of the ongoing instability.

“We have rice but no pots, no ingredients, and many of us don’t even have a place to sleep,” lamented Chief Tamba Nyuma of Yenga, who expressed gratitude to President Julius Maada Bio for food assistance but underscored the continued unavailability of necessities.

Hon. Ing. Fallah Tengbel, the Member of Parliament for Constituency 002, corroborated the urgent need for medical care, shelter, and food relief. He emphasized the importance of resolving the conflict through peaceful means and commended the efforts of national security forces in maintaining stability in the region.

The assessment has highlighted the urgent need for immediate interventions, which include the deployment of additional Family Support Unit (FSU) personnel, the provision of trauma support, the establishment of safe learning environments for children, and the supply of clean water, shelter materials, and essential medicines. Charles Vandi emphasized that the humanitarian situation necessitates prompt and sustained action.

“Our collective response must be gender-sensitive, rights-based, and, above all, compassionate,” he elaborated.

As announced by the ministry, this visit is part of a broader initiative aimed at understanding and addressing the social repercussions of the Yenga dispute, particularly for vulnerable populations.