Hon. Lamina Alerts ECOWAS Parliament on Guinea’s Border Violation

By Joseph Momoh, Daily Scope Reporter

Abuja, Nigeria, February 24, 2026 At an Extraordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament, Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina, a Sierra Leonean Member of Parliament, voiced urgent concerns regarding alleged territorial infringements by Guinean forces in Kaliyereh Village, located in Sulima Chiefdom, Falaba District, Northern Sierra Leone.

Citing Article 4(d) of the ECOWAS mandate which emphasizes the promotion of peace, security, and stability in West Africa Hon. Lamina highlighted the reported breach of Sierra Leone’s territorial integrity. He disclosed that Guinean troops allegedly crossed into Kaliyereh Village and apprehended 13 members of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (SLRLF), including a captain, before transporting them to Conakry.

In a passionate address, Hon. Lamina stressed that while the ECOWAS principle of free movement and labor mobility is integral to regional integration, it should not undermine the principles of sovereignty and security. He recalled previous border incidents, including tensions in Yenga, Kailahun District in 2025, and Gbane-Kandor, Kono District earlier this year. He noted that as recently as February 23, Kaliyereh was reportedly subjected to an incursion in which Sierra Leonean soldiers were allegedly apprehended and assaulted on their own territory.

“Geographical and GPS evidence clearly confirms that the contested area falls under the jurisdiction of a sitting Member of Parliament in Sierra Leone,” Hon. Lamina asserted, affirming the country’s sovereign claim over the region.

Rather than resorting to militarization, he advocated for enhanced military diplomacy and capacity-building among ECOWAS Member States, suggesting that sensitive cross-border issues should be handled through dialogue and structured cooperation.

Emphasizing the dangers of inaction when facing perceived injustices, he quoted Martin Niemöller, the German theologian:
“First, they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak for me.”

Hon. Lamina warned that while Sierra Leone is currently at the center of this territorial dispute, any Member State could find themselves in a similar predicament if regional solidarity and lawful engagement are not prioritized.

In response to the concerns raised, the Rt. Hon. Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Memounatou Ibrahima, called for the formation of a fact-finding committee to gather comprehensive information regarding the situation in the contested area and to inform the Parliament’s subsequent actions.

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