By: Abdul Kamara

The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED), host of the ECOWAS National Office in Sierra Leone, has received a high-level fact-finding mission from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to assess the long-standing Yenga border dispute between Sierra Leone and Guinea.

The delegation, comprising ECOWAS officials, technical experts, and representatives of the Mano River Union (MRU), held a working session with the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Honourable Kenyeh Barlay, alongside senior government officials.

In her address, Minister Barlay reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s full cooperation with the mission, emphasizing the government’s commitment to a peaceful resolution. She stressed that the Yenga issue goes beyond land, symbolizing “history, sovereignty, and the peaceful coexistence” of the peoples of both nations.

She further highlighted that the mission aligns with President Julius Maada Bio’s four-point agenda as current Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, which prioritizes restoring constitutional order, revitalizing regional security cooperation, enhancing economic integration, and strengthening institutional credibility.

Ambrose James, Development Secretary at MoPED, also underscored Sierra Leone’s readiness to support ECOWAS initiatives, noting President Bio’s pivotal role in advancing regional peace and stability.

The delegation was led by Dr. Odigie Brown, Program Officer for Mediation at the ECOWAS Commission, accompanied by ECOWAS Resident Representative in Sierra Leone, Mr. John Azumah. Dr. Brown emphasized impartiality and inclusivity, stating that the mission seeks not only to address the border issue but also to contribute to lasting regional peace.

Other members included Ebenezer Asiedu, Head of the Democracy and Good Governance Division of the ECOWAS Directorate of Political Affairs, Mr. E. Mohamed Njie, and Mrs. Ange M.C. Konan Munu of the MRU, who stressed the importance of collaboration in achieving sustainable solutions.

Representing ECOWAS Ambassadors in Abuja, a PRC delegate noted that the Yenga matter had been elevated from ambassadorial discussions to the ECOWAS Council, underscoring its seriousness. He assured Sierra Leone of the Ambassadors’ commitment to ensuring an amicable resolution.

The experts explained that their assessment would focus on situational analysis, territorial integrity, conflict dynamics, and the views of border communities. They clarified that the Yenga situation is a “dispute and not a conflict,” stressing the need for early action to prevent escalation.

The mission also engaged officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Lands, the Office of National Security (ONS), and security agencies, who provided historical and geographical insights into the matter.

The session ended with a reaffirmation of commitment from all sides to pursue dialogue and impartial assessment. Minister Barlay thanked the delegation for their efforts, while the ECOWAS team expressed appreciation for Sierra Leone’s cooperation and pledged to present their findings to the ECOWAS Council.