9 Comments
A simmering boundary encroachment attempt by Guinea military officers has escalated, leading to contention between the RSLAF and Guinean Armed Forces (GAF) over a piece of land called “Saraboli Salone” in Masineh Community, Dixing Chiefdom, Kambia District.
From Sunday, June 16th, to Tuesday, June 18th, 2024, Guinean Armed Forces (GAF) made provocative visits to the contested area. In response, ONS District Coordinator Joshua Bockarie and Lieutenant Colonel Kamara of the 11th Infantry Battalion, accompanied by local authorities including town chiefs of Masineh, swiftly visited the scene to verify the reports.
Upon arrival, Chief Kokorioko presented evidence to ONS and RSLAF, reaffirming that the contested land (“Sarabolie Salone”) rightfully belongs to Sierra Leone.
Sources close to the incident allege that GAF personnel even attempted to disarm the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) they encountered, but were unsuccessful. This tense situation prompted ONS Coordinator Mr. Joshua Bockarie, Military Commander Lieutenant Colonel Kamara, and senior military officials to seek diplomatic intervention.
Following a peaceful engagement meeting, the Guinean Commandant reportedly apologized for the incident and promised to address the deployment of his men in that part of “Sarabolie Salone”.
The incident has raised concerns among peacekeepers and community members in the border region, who have called on both countries to exercise restraint and pursue peaceful negotiations to resolve the attempted boundary encroachment.
“The well-being and security of our communities depend on peaceful coexistence,” emphasized the Town Chief of Masineh Community. “We urge the governments of Sierra Leone and Guinea to engage in constructive dialogue and find a diplomatic solution to this conflict.
“It is worth noting that boundary disputes between Sierra Leone and Guinea date back to the colonial era. After gaining independence, the two countries inherited a poorly demarcated border from their colonists, which has been a longstanding source of tension.
Over the years, numerous attempts have been made to resolve the dispute over land encroachment between Sierra Leone and Guinea, but progress has been slow. The latest incident underscores the urgent need for comprehensive and permanent solutions, including clear and definitive boundary demarcation to prevent future conflicts.
The boundary encroachment attempt at Sarabolie Salone is a complex and sensitive issue that demands a multifaceted approach. Sierra Leone and Guinea must work together to peacefully resolve this alarming issue and prevent further escalation. Diplomatic negotiations, community outreach, and clear border demarcation are essential steps toward a sustainable solution.
Our army is only good treating civilians nor external threat which they are trained for. This is another test case, Guinea soldiers don weigh we.
We need peaceful coexistence but on nor account our right to our demarcated area should not be encroached by those blunt Guinean soldier.
Sometime issues like this does not need diplomatic dialogue. This is the same way we waited for a diplomatic dialogue in Yenga issue and it has become more complex. We have to stand and fight for our right, this way you can attract the attention of international bodies to address the issue. Sierra Leone is not inferior to Guinea. If we don’t stand and fight, one day they will also clam Freetown to be theirs. I rest my case.
It need to be addressed immediately.
LEH WATA NOR PASS GARRI.
In my opinion, we need to have a battle friendly match between Sierra Leone 🇸🇱 and the Republic of Guinea 🇬🇳 even if its just for 2 months 😉 😀. This junta don’t know what he’s playing with
I think sometimes they have to see the roar of a lion before it been respected.
No amount of world will stop this guy’s no matter what diplomacy they. A bush meat will always fine food out side of it territory. Lonta.
Rslaf, what are you waiting for?? You are there to guide and protect the territory of our land.
Some time we don’t need diplomatic way.
Go and bulldoze first, later international community’s intervened. I rest my case here lonta.
This long standing territorial dispute between Sierra Leone and Guinea been going on for too long. Successive government after government have not been able to put this to closure . Kind of distressing for my family living in Yenga in Kailahun district. Visiting Sovreing Limits which was established by France and Great Britain in 1913,extend to 817km from the Atlantic to the the tripoint with Liberia. In Kailahun, the Yenga disputed area,the Guinuan agreed it belong to Sierra leone in 2005,which the Guinuan didn’t complete the withdrawal. To avoid dispute with our neighbour, one need to visit the THE NATIONAL ARCHIVE in London or to bring to the attention of United Kingdom parliament or the UK foreign minister David Cameron. Hope and pray President Bio and his administration will put closure to this.
Ar da Kam yah