AYV News, March 5, 2026
The Chief of Army Staff, Kemoh Sesay, has provided a comprehensive account of the recent incident in Falabadistrict involving Sierra Leonean and Guinean soldiers.
According to Major General Sesay, Sierra Leonean personnel were preparing to construct a temporary structure on land allocated to them by a Paramount Chief on the Sierra Leonean side of the border. However, about ten Guinean soldiers, accompanied by a Guinean Paramount Chief, intervened, alleging that the location encroached into Guinean territory.
The situation escalated when the Guinean side reportedly returned with reinforcement of more than 300 armed personnel. At that stage, 16 Sierra Leonean security officers were arrested without resistance.
Major General Sesay commended the Captain on the ground for demonstrating restraint and professionalism, choosing de-escalation rather than confrontation. He stressed that the decision not to engage was not a sign of weakness but a deliberate effort to preserve regional peace and stability.
He confirmed that all 16 personnel were safely released and that their weapons were returned intact to Sierra Leonean authorities.
The Army Chief further disclosed that a comprehensive joint border survey will be conducted along the entire Sierra Leone–Guinea boundary, covering Kambia, Koinadugu, Falaba, Kono, and Kailahun districts. He expressed confidence that upon completion, longstanding boundary concerns between Sierra Leone and Guinea would be conclusively addressed.
Speaking on efforts to secure the officers’ release, Minister Kabba explained that a multifaceted diplomatic approach was employed. He highlighted the deep historical, social, and cultural ties between the two countries as key factors in achieving a peaceful resolution.
The Minister confirmed the detained personnel were treated with dignity and commended the leadership of Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh for coordinating the process.
He reassured the public that relations between Sierra Leone and Guinea remain cordial and firm, noting Guinea’s historic role as a safe haven for Sierra Leonean leaders during periods of political instability between 1967 and 1997. He emphasized that conflict between the two sister nations would be unnecessary and counterproductive.
The Deputy Ambassador to Guinea, H.E. Fatmata Sawaneh, also provided an update on the Sierra Leone Embassy, stating that it continues to function effectively while maintaining cordial relations with the Government of Guinea and other diplomatic missions.
She encouraged Sierra Leoneans visiting Guinea to register with the Embassy to enable timely support during emergencies, reaffirming its open-door policy and commitment to citizens’ welfare.
