In a comprehensive address at the Ministry of Information and Civic Education’s weekly press briefing held at the Miatta Conference Hall, Youyi Building in Freetown, the Minister of Internal Affairs, Rtd. AIG Morie Lengor Esq. offered clarity on the recent events surrounding the long-standing border tensions between Sierra Leone and Guinea, particularly in the Yenga and Superman axis.

The Minister began by responding to a viral video circulating on social media, which allegedly misrepresented events at the border. He firmly refuted the contents of the video, stating that it did not reflect the actual situation on the ground. “Let me make it clear,” he said, “the video is misleading. Our first goal was to understand the facts, offer assistance to those affected, and maintain calm,” he insisted.

Minister Lengor explained that a high-level delegation from Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia met between on March 24th and 28th, 2024 to address unresolved border issues. The meeting followed series of similar dialogues, resulting to a number of resolutions, including the need to strengthen community involvement and traditional leadership in peace building efforts.

Following that, on April 26th, local authorities, including the regional minister, parliamentary representatives, and paramount chiefs, convened a meeting in Sokoma. The gathering aimed to inform local residents about the outcomes of the regional dialogue and to emphasize peace. However, the situation on the ground remained delicate. Guinean forces reportedly restricted Sierra Leonean citizens from accessing their ancestral farmlands across the disputed areas, which raised tensions among residents who share family and cultural ties on both sides of the border.

Minister Lengor acknowledged that some Sierra Leonean locals were accused of encroaching on land now being farmed by Guineans, leading to friction. He said efforts were made to calm the situation, but not all Guinean authorities were receptive to Sierra Leoneans asserting their traditional rights in the area. This led to a stand-off in Superman, a community near the border.

The presence of armed forces and increased troop movements heightened fear among civilians, prompting some to flee from Superman, Bendugu, and parts of Yenga to safer locations like Foria. Reports of gunfire and heightened military activity contributed to the panic, although no major conflict was confirmed. Minister Lengor reassured the public that the government responded with precautionary measures and ensured the safety of citizens through engagement and support.

He added that Sierra Leonean traditional authorities and local leaders successfully intervened, convincing Guinean authorities to ease restrictions and allow free movement across the border again. “People can now go about their daily activities freely, and calm has returned to the area,” he said.

The Minister emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence and continued regional cooperation. He also highlighted the emotional and historical bonds shared by people across the border, noting that many families are divided only by geography, not by identity. “We must continue dialogue, not division,” Lengor stressed.

He concluded by reaffirming the government’s dedication to resolving the border issue through diplomatic channels, engagement with community leaders, and mutual understanding between the nations involved.