By Kadijatu Bangura, D.S
Town Chief Tamba Nyuma has disputed the reported reopening of the Yenga border, saying displaced residents cannot return because the process lacked government and traditional leadership, and because Guinean security forces remain in control on the ground.
Chief Nyuma said the talks that led to the reported reopening were held only between Sierra Leonean and Guinean security personnel. He said no ministers, members of parliament, or paramount chiefs took part.
“The absence of key government representatives suggests this exercise did not have the full backing of the Government of Sierra Leone,” he said. He named local MP Hon. Tengbeh and Paramount Chief Emmanuel Nyuma Ganawa as absent from the meeting, and said no government minister attended the reported ceremony.
He argued that decisions on Yenga’s future should involve elected and traditional leaders, not security officials alone.
Despite reports that the border had been reopened, Chief Nyuma said conditions in Yenga do not allow safe return. He claimed Guinean soldiers continue to occupy the area and would not permit residents to live under Sierra Leone’s authority.
“There is no way the Guinean soldiers would allow us to be ruled by the Sierra Leone Government if we return there,” he said.
The chief also cited past intimidation of villagers who were blocked from farms and bush areas. He said military posts remain visible across Yenga, which he said undermines confidence among displaced residents.
“As I speak, if you go to Yenga, you will see the booths of the Guinean Army all over the bushes. There is no way we can go back to Yenga,” he said.
His comments reflect ongoing concerns in the community over how the Yenga matter is being handled, particularly questions around security, governance, and the exercise of state authority in the disputed border town.
The Government of Sierra Leone has not commented on Chief Nyuma’s claims about the reported security-led meeting or the absence of senior officials at the border reopening.
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