By Emma Black,

 The Sierra Leone Army has sent more soldiers and heavy equipment to Sukuba Village in Yenga, Kailahun District, after Guinean soldiers tried to force them out of the area. Kailahun District, on May 2, 2025 The village, which lies on the border between Sierra Leone and Guinea, has long been a point of dispute between the two countries.

Local sources said the recent tension began when Guinean forces, stationed just across the Makona River, entered Sukuba Village and tried to remove Sierra Leonean troops. But the Sierra Leone Army stopped them and kept control of the area. After being pushed back, the Guinean soldiers reportedly fired shots into the air and shouted, scaring many villagers.

People from Yenga and nearby communities fled to Koindu town, fearing for their lives.

Yenga is located in the Kissi Teng Chiefdom in Kailahun District. It has been disputed since 1998, when Guinean soldiers entered to help Sierra Leone’s government fight rebels during the civil war. Even though agreements were signed in 2002, 2005, and again in 2019 stating that Yenga belongs to Sierra Leone, Guinean forces have sometimes refused to leave.

Many residents say they feel unsafe. One community leader told local media, we are worried for our safety. People are afraid the fighting might get worse.

The Sierra Leone government is trying to solve the problem peacefully through talks. However, Guinea’s President, Col. Mamady Doumbouya, is currently out of the country, which may delay discussions. President Julius Maada Bio has called on the West African group ECOWAS to help resolve the issue. Officials from both countries are also working under the Mano River Union to stop the conflict from getting worse.

The Sierra Leone Army’s move to send more troops shows it is serious about protecting the country’s land and people. Although the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not released a formal statement, sources say discussions are ongoing.

This problem is not just about land it’s also about history and resources. Yenga sits near a diamond-rich area, which may be one reason Guinea still wants control. Sukuba Village and the Yenga area are close to the Makona River, which separates Sierra Leone from Guinea. The river is also important for fishing and trade.

Guinean soldiers have been accused of scaring villagers, threatening farmers, and disrupting daily life in the area. Some locals say Guinea is trying to claim the land because of the diamonds and its strategic location. Yenga is a key spot for both security and economic reasons.

While Sierra Leone and Guinea share strong cultural and family ties many people in both countries speak the same Kissi language this land issue continues to create problems. The people of Yenga want peace and safety, and they are calling on both governments to settle the matter without more violence.

Yenga is in Kissi Teng Chiefdom, Kailahun District, in the eastern part of Sierra Leone, right on the border with Guinea. The village sits along the Makona River, which divides the two countries.

From Freetown to Sukuba Village, Yenga, the Distance is 423 km 263 miles to Kailahun town. Driving Time, it 6 hours 36 minutes to Kailahun, then 1–2 hours more to Yenga on rough roads.

 From Guinea to Sukuba Village, Yenga Yenga is right on the border, so access from southeastern Guinea is very short just across the Makona River.

Straight-line distance from central Guinea is around 282 km 175 miles,

 from Liberia to Sukuba Village, Yenga, Straight-line distance from central Liberia is 343 km 213 miles. The driving distance by road is  508.6 km 316 miles. estimated driving time, about 7 hours.

The area has valuable diamonds, making it important for mining.The Makona River supports fishing, farming, and trade. Controlling Yenga gives power over a key crossing point.Guinea entered the area during the war in 1998 and never fully left. As Sierra Leone strengthens its military in Yenga and works through peaceful talks, many hope that both countries will finally end the long-standing dispute for the sake of the people who call Yenga home.

Copy right –Printed in the Expo Times News on Friday, May 5th, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)