By Joseph Momoh, Daily Scope Reporter
Freetown, Sierra Leone – On August 26, 2025, the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) hosted a high-level fact-finding mission from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to investigate the long-standing border dispute between Sierra Leone and Guinea. The delegation comprised ECOWAS officials, technical experts, and representatives from the Mano River Union (MRU).
During a working session, Honourable Minister Kenyeh Barlay welcomed the delegation and expressed Sierra Leone’s commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict. She emphasized the importance of the mission, aligning it with the four-point priority agenda of His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra Leone and current Chair of the ECOWAS Authority. This agenda focuses on restoring constitutional order, enhancing regional security cooperation, promoting economic integration, and bolstering the institutional credibility of ECOWAS.
“The Yenga issue is not merely about territorial claims; it encompasses our history, sovereignty, and the peaceful coexistence of our peoples,” Minister Barlay stated. She reiterated the government’s support for the mission and highlighted the need for a definitive resolution.
Ambrose James, Development Secretary at MoPED, acknowledged the delegation’s presence and reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to fostering peace and governance. He noted President Bio’s pivotal role in supporting ECOWAS policies aimed at regional resilience and stability.
Leading the ECOWAS delegation was Dr. Odigie Brown, Program Officer for Mediation, alongside Mr. John Azumah, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Sierra Leone. Dr. Brown stressed the necessity of impartiality and inclusivity in their assessment, indicating that their work extends beyond resolving a border dispute to fostering sustainable peace in the region.
Also participating were Ebenezer Asiedu, Head of the Democracy and Good Governance Division, and Mr. E. Mohamed Njie. Mrs. Ange M.C. Konan Munu from the MRU emphasized the need for collaboration, asserting that both MRU and ECOWAS share a common goal of achieving peace and stability.
A delegate from the Permanent Representatives Committee in Abuja noted that the Yenga issue was initially addressed at the ambassadorial level before escalating to the ECOWAS Council, highlighting its significance. He outlined key guiding principles for the mission, including collaboration, neutrality, and fair assessment.
The experts detailed their methodology, aiming for a thorough evaluation of the dispute. They committed to gathering and analyzing information, identifying underlying causes, reviewing previous initiatives, and proposing sustainable solutions. The experts clarified that the situation is a dispute rather than a conflict, underscoring the importance of early intervention to prevent escalation.
Engagement with senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Lands, the Lands Commission, and national security agencies provided crucial insights into the historical, geographical, and economic dimensions of the Yenga issue, reinforcing the need for diplomatic dialogue.
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the shared commitment among Sierra Leone, ECOWAS, the MRU, and other regional stakeholders to pursue dialogue and impartial assessment. Minister Barlay expressed gratitude to the delegation for their efforts, assuring them of the government’s unwavering support. The ECOWAS team expressed appreciation for Sierra Leone’s cooperation and looked forward to presenting their findings to the ECOWAS Authority.
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