The Sierra Leonean soldiers has reportedly reinforced their presence in the contested border town of Yenga in Kailahun District following an alleged “sporadic gunshot” from the Guinean Soldiers amid ongoing disputes over territorial ownership.
The region has long been a source of contention between Guinea and Sierra Leone, with recent mapping confirming the land belongs to Sierra Leone, however, Guinean forces have continued to assert their dominance in the area, raising concerns about a potential outbreak of conflict.
Reports indicated that since 29th April, 2025, Guinean troops have taken control of several key crossing points, restricting movement in and out of Guinea for local residents.
Sierra Leonean soldiers have also deployed to the Kissi Teng area as part of their security measures, signaling heightened military vigilance in the region. Although specific details regarding their operational plans are not disclosed for security reasons, the presence of both countries’ forces adds to the complexity of the situation.
Sierra Leone’s Foreign Minister, Alhaji Timothy Kabba, while out of the country in New York, made a plea to residents to remain calm. He confirmed that he is in contact with relevant authorities, including the Chief of Defense Staff of the Armed Forces, to address the developing situation, assuring that further updates will be provided soon.
Journalist Sylvia Olayinka Blyden reported on the situation, stating, “There is significant tension inside my adopted homeland of Kissi Teng this morning as heavily armed Guinean soldiers took over all crossing points.” The sudden escalation by Guinean troops has alarmed residents, though the reasons behind the renewed aggression remain unclear.
Local inhabitants describe the atmosphere in Yenga as tense and uncertain. “We don’t know what’s happening right now,” a local resident expressed, voicing the widespread anxiety felt by the community.
As of April 29 2025, Guinean soldiers have blocked access to crucial areas around Yenga, including the Sierra Leone Immigration base at Pengu Bengu, Sokoma, Kpongoma, Payluan, Kpemalu, and Kpengbakordu. The blockade has reportedly prompted serious concerns from local leaders.
Paramount Chief Ganawa articulated his confusion regarding the escalation, particularly since a mere two days earlier, a productive meeting had taken place between Sierra Leonean and Guinean officials regarding agricultural access for local civilians. “I don’t understand what is behind this sudden aggression from Guinea this morning. It is deeply troubling,” he stated over a phone call with Sylvia Blyden.
Speaker Fallah Jusu, who was forced to leave Sokoma to inform others about the urgent nature of the situation, echoed the sentiment of fear gripping the community: “Since the end of the War, I can tell you that 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.”
As the situation continues to evolve, both Sierra Leonean and Guinean forces remain in the area, and local officials are appealing for immediate government intervention to mitigate escalating tensions and restore peace in Yenga.
What is this bull shit …
So Guinea president was masterminding the peace of salon…
Guinean nationals be ready to go back..
Is sierra Leone afraid to confort the Guinean,, enough of the nonsense,
The government of sierra Leone is too weak to take action…
I blame the Government of Sierra Leone for allowing the Guinean soldiers for a single day.
What sort of rubbish is that,is like they want war,because that is what the thing is like
The ongoing aggression by Guinean troops in taking control of all border crossings around Tonga Town in the Kailahun District, Eastern Province of Sierra Leone, is deeply concerning and poses a serious threat to regional peace and stability. Such actions undermine national sovereignty and could escalate tensions between the two nations, destabilizing cross-border communities that rely on peaceful coexistence for trade, family ties, and mutual support.
This is not a good development for peace. Military occupation of border areas, especially without diplomatic agreement, fosters distrust, fear, and resentment. It can lead to humanitarian issues, disrupt local economies, and provoke retaliatory measures. The appropriate path forward is dialogue, respect for international borders, and cooperation through ECOWAS or the African Union to resolve disputes peacefully.
As citizens of Sierra Leone, bound by a shared history, a united people, and a sacred commitment to peace, we stand deeply troubled by the continued presence and encroachment of Guinean troops in Yenga and surrounding border areas. Yenga is Sierra Leonean territory—its soil, its rivers, and most importantly, its people are part of our national family. Their safety, dignity, and freedom are not negotiable.
We call for restraint and wisdom on all sides. Peace is the path that has guided our nation from the shadows of conflict into the light of rebuilding. We do not seek confrontation, but neither shall we accept silent occupation nor the intimidation of our fellow citizens. The presence of foreign troops without mutual agreement is an affront not only to our sovereignty but to the spirit of regional brotherhood we have long cherished with our Guinean neighbors.
To our brothers and sisters in Yenga—we see you, we stand with you, and we will not rest until your rights, your peace, and your land are fully restored. Let it be known: Sierra Leone values peace, but peace must walk hand in hand with justice and respect.
We urge the Government of Sierra Leone to act decisively and diplomatically, engaging regional and international bodies to uphold the integrity of our borders and the welfare of our people. Let dialogue prevail, but let our resolve be unshaken.
God bless Yenga.
God bless Sierra Leone.
We, the people of Sierra Leone, value peace; however, such peace must be accompanied by freedom, justice, and respect. Make no mistake, this Yenga problem is not with the Guinean people per se; it is with the Guinean government that wishes to seize a strategic border area. Guineans are our brothers; we are one family entwined along cultural and social lines. However, Sierra Leone has remained passive for far too long while the Guinean authorities continue to bully and intimidate us. It is evident that the Guinean authorities see us as weak, cowardly, and defenseless. They have misunderstood our peaceful attitude as cowardice. The Guinean authorities are mistaken; Sierra Leoneans value peace but will confront a bullying neighbor if necessary. We must stand up firmly with a heavy military presence in readiness for the inevitable (mark my word!) to meet this aggression head-on. Doing nothing will only embolden the Guinean army junta further to attempt to take more territory from us. Nobody wants a war, but should we stand dormant and let a so-called good neighbor trash our sovereignty, dignity, and respect?
Will the Commander-in-Chief be going to Yenga? Oh, he is busy collecting airmiles. Or, is this time for SLRAF to show what stuff they are made of? Where is Hungry Lion? Damn…
the government is a woman base government, that is why those boys are invaling in the land