Fire Incident at Up Gun Community Claims Millions of New Leones

By Aminata Abu Bakarr Kamara

 

The people of Yenga, Kailahun District, continue to cry for justice as a new development has raised further concerns over the long-standing border dispute between Sierra Leone and Guinea. On Wednesday, March 5, 2025, the Head of the Guinean Police reportedly made an unannounced visit into Sierra Leonean territory, specifically at the Yenga disputed military garrison, which was recently annexed by Guinean forces.

This latest incursion has sparked widespread fear and frustration among residents of Yenga and Koindu, who have long endured the effects of the territorial conflict. Many locals are questioning the continued aggression from Guinea despite multiple peace-building efforts spearheaded by the Mano River Union (MRU) and other diplomatic bodies.

While the MRU has made strides in revitalizing joint border security and confidence-building meetings aimed at fostering peace and stability, Guinea’s continuous actions appear to undermine these diplomatic efforts. This ongoing situation threatens regional harmony and raises serious concerns about national sovereignty.

In response to these developments, the Office of the Member of Parliament in Kailahun District has called on the Government of Sierra Leone and the MRU to take immediate and decisive action to address the Yenga issue. There are growing calls for the Sierra Leonean government to escalate the matter by reporting Guinea’s actions to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Such a move would ensure a thorough and peaceful resolution while intensifying diplomatic engagement at the highest level.

The people of Yenga remain hopeful that their concerns will be taken seriously and that a lasting solution will be reached to restore peace, security, and territorial integrity in the region.