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Tensions have escalated in the eastern Sierra Leonean chiefdom of Kissi Teng following the occupation of multiple border crossing points by heavily armed Guinean forces, including the long-disputed Yenga area.
Local residents were reportedly caught off guard by the sudden military presence, which led to the closure of several key border crossings — among them the Sierra Leone Immigration Base in Pengu Bengu, Sokoma, Kpongoma, Payluan, Kpemalu, and Kpengbakordu. The move has significantly restricted civilian movement and triggered widespread security concerns.
Dr. Sylvia Olayinka Blyden, a prominent APC politician with deep ties to the Kissi region, confirmed the developments via her official Facebook page, describing the situation as “deeply troubling.” She called on the government to act swiftly to protect the lives and rights of affected Sierra Leonean citizens.
Paramount Chief Ganawa of Kissi Teng Chiefdom, speaking by phone from his residence in Kangama, expressed shock and confusion over the sudden turn of events. He disclosed that just days earlier, a peaceful meeting had been held with Guinean authorities to discuss maintaining civilian access to farmlands in Yenga, pending final border resolution negotiations.
“I don’t understand what is behind this sudden aggression from Guinea this morning. It is deeply troubling,” said P.C. Ganawa.
Chiefdom Speaker Fallah Jusu, who traveled from Sokoma to Koindu to report the incident, described it as the most alarming event to hit the Kissi people since Sierra Leone’s civil war.
“Since the end of the war, today is the worst day ever for our people. The tension is so high. Everyone is scared. We do not understand why this is happening,” Speaker Jusu stated.
In response, Sierra Leonean security forces are reported to have been deployed to the area. Hon. Alhaji Timothy Kabba, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, currently in New York, has been briefed and is monitoring the situation. He urged residents to remain calm and assured that the government, including the Chief of Defence Staff, is actively engaged.
A full government update is expected soon. Meanwhile, residents and concerned citizens are calling on both governments to prioritize dialogue and prevent further escalation.
This issue of yega land dispute had been accounted a much level of disrespect and disadvantage to Sierra Leoneans. The government of Sierra Leone should actually try to put stop to this!!!! God will take control!
The Guineans have long been our brothers, yet their government’s action in seizing Yenga has unequivocally demonstrated that they perceive us (Sierra Leoneans) as weak and defenseless. Our attempt to pursue a peaceful diplomatic solution is commendable, but has it emboldened the government of Guinea? What if the Guinean government moves further inland and seizes more territory from us? Our Sierra Leonean nation ought to dispatch a contingent of fully armed military personnel and police to establish a buffer, with explicit orders not to initiate any hostilities but to monitor the situation peacefully while providing feedback to our government. This action should be carried out as a show of strength, alongside our drive for a peaceful diplomatic solution. The Sierra Leone authorities must act now.
Both pats and present government are playing with the kissi teng issues. Because since 1991- 2000 we are still talking about the sam saturation, how long are we going to talking about deploymatic negotiations? The rabel war started 1991-2000 and we are expecting this madness to come to an end, but is like we have some Sierra Leonean who are pluming the situation to go out of hand everyday. Hmmm!
I believe yenga isn’t part of guinea i wonder why they’re so egger for that place.
Maybe the have another intention.
So they just wanna walk through yenga.
But they will not succeed.
The recent actions of Guinean soldiers in Yenga, a region unequivocally recognized as part of Sierra Leone’s sovereign territory, are deeply concerning. Yenga’s status has been clearly demarcated following international agreements and historical treaties that affirm its belonging to Sierra Leone.
The Republic of Sierra Leone has consistently demonstrated a commitment to peaceful coexistence with neighboring countries, including the Republic of Guinea. This spirit of mutual respect and adherence to international boundaries has been a cornerstone of our bilateral relations. However, the recent incursions by Guinean forces represent a breach of this understanding and a disregard for Sierra Leone’s territorial sovereignty.
It is critical to emphasize that international law and the principles of territorial integrity must remain the guiding frameworks for resolving any disputes. Sierra Leone is prepared to engage diplomatically with Guinea to address any concerns or misunderstandings, but such dialogue must be predicated on mutual respect and adherence to established agreements.
Sierra Leone calls on all stakeholders, including the Mano River Union and other regional and international bodies, to reaffirm the importance of respecting borders to maintain peace and stability in the region. Unwarranted actions, such as those reportedly occurring in Yenga, risk undermining the progress made toward fostering harmonious relationships in West Africa.
We urge the Guinean authorities to act responsibly and to ensure that the actions of their personnel reflect the principles of good neighborliness and international law. Sierra Leone remains resolute in its dedication to safeguarding its sovereignty while pursuing peaceful and diplomatic solutions to any challenges that arise.
Respect for sovereignty is not just a national concern; it is a regional imperative for maintaining peace and unity across our borders. Let this situation serve as a call for reaffirming the integrity of all nations involved.
This is very disrespectful!
Guinea people’s need to move from yanga, river moa is supposed to be the bandry.
Why is this still happening 😭 curse I remember the last time the current minister of internal affairs ,MORIE LENGOR went there to settle the dispute between the three countries ,why is Guinea 🇬🇳 still being defecult
The issue of yenga is gradually coming to it final destination. It’s only a mad man who can chase a lion empty handedly. To my honest opinion, you don’t interrupt your enemy when they are doing a very huge mistake.
The said issue was taken to Britain and there was a map clearly indicating that yenga belongs to Sierra Leoneans.
The visit of the Guinean junta leader sometime in sierra Leone and seeing the weakness of our security apparatus and that is why they are disrespecting the sovereignty of our country knowing that they will be able to deal with sierra Leone should there be an arm conflict.
Correct 👍
Let us behave maturely as Sierra Leonean and follow due process.
Let file the international communities to look into the issue
I hold the government of Sierra Leone responsible for years of neglect that have left our people vulnerable and unprotected. In fact even before the war in 1991, this part of Sierra Leone has been without good security hence the crossing points from Sierra to Guinea was very vulnerable as it was with Liberia. The government of Sierra Leone needs to alerting high security presence in these areas so that our people can feel secured and safe. The long-standing inaction of our government has allowed Guinean troops or militaries to encroach on our land, bringing hardship and suffering to our communities. While authorities claim the war is over because Freetown and other regions enjoy peace, the reality is very different for the people of Yenga. They continue to live under tension and fear, effectively in a state of ongoing conflict. True peace cannot exist when parts of our country remain occupied and our citizens feel abandoned. The sovereignty of Yenga must be restored, and the government must now and urgently take decisive action to protect the rights and dignity of its people.