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The Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) has set up a Garrison near the disputed Yenga village on the country’s eastern frontier.
The Garrison is believed to be a response to activities by Guinean troops in and around Yenga village. Late last week, tensions between Guinea and Sierra Leone spiked after Guinean troops crossed into Sierra Leone, fired gunshots and closed their border.
In response, the RSLAF deployed battle-readied troops to Gbondu and other villages in Kissi Teng Chiefdom to restore calm and confidence to the local community, which had become wary of the presence and activities of the Guinean troops.
Yenga is a village situated in the Kissi Teng Chiefdom in Eastern Sierra Leone. It has been a focal point of a territorial dispute between Sierra Leone and Guinea. The area gained significance during the conflict in Sierra Leone, as it was occupied by Guinean troops who assisted in the fight against the Revolutionary United Front (RUF). This involvement has contributed to the ongoing tension between the two nations regarding the control of the region. (RUF) rebels in the late 1990s.
The Sierra Leone Foreign Minister, Timothy Kabba told the BBC that Sierra Leone is seeking diplomatic means to regain the territory. Meanwhile, things remain difficult for the local Kissi community which relies on cross-border trade between Guinea and Liberia.
This issue needs to be fixed once and for all…government need to establish Lumaa on one of the weeker days in the week so business an other business activities can be felt in that area so our people can easily accesss commodities….Doing such we starts to contructs the road networks , vichles can move from freetown to the last village towards the boarder just liked Jemdeama Liberia boarder …..so let Government try to considered in such activities ….see like Jemdeama , who can reclaimed it’s clearly identified !!! But the issue of Yenga, has been long abbardone by our previous government so the gueneians are taking advantage of such lapses …..Government should invest in that area , starting with the road net works
Great initial response from our Sierra Leone military to counter the intimidation tactics of the Guinean forces! We must ensure that the Guinean troops cannot advance further into our territory by sealing off Yenga on three sides; their only option should be a retreat across the Moa River from where they came. Sierra Leonean troops should be ordered not to initiate any hostilities unless in self-defense. In such cases, minimal force should be employed at this stage to allow diplomatic efforts to prevail. I recommend demonstrating our unwavering resolve to protect Sierra Leonean national territory by firing random warning shots into the air. Sierra Leoneans love peace but are not cowards!