AYV News, September 2, 2025
Member of Parliament of Constituency 002 in the Kailahun district, Hon. Ing. Fallah Kenawah Tengbeh, has confirmed that the Guinean Armed Forces fired three shots at 2:00am in the air shortly after the ECOWAS peace mediation delegation’s fact-finding visit to the Yenga border on 29th August, 2025, while assuring that Sierra Leone’s gallant soldiers remain vigilant and fully prepared to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country.
Hon. Ing. Fallah Kenawah Tengbeh explained that at approximately 5:00am on 30th August, 2025, he received information from a constituent in Paingobengu village, where Sierra Leonean soldiers are currently deployed (about 300 meters from Yenga village) that the Guinean Armed Forces fired three shots at 2:00AM in the air shortly after the ECOWAS peace mediation delegation’s fact-finding visit to the Yenga border on 29th August 2025.
He said upon consultation with the Head of the Office of National Security (ONS) in Kissi Teng chiefdom, as well as the military and police authorities, it was confirmed that gunshots were indeed fired. However, he confirmed that while these did not pose a direct threat to residents, they are clearly a provocative act capable of instilling fear and panic among our people.
Hon. Ing. Fallah Kenawah Tengbeh said, “Our gallant soldiers remain vigilant and fully prepared to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Sierra Leone. The situation is being closely monitored in coordination with security stakeholders. I am currently on the ground in my constituency.
He said the Guinea military later described as an ‘accidental discharge’ but that the development has raised serious concerns regarding professionalism and adherence to protocol.
Guinea and Sierra Leone have been at conflict for Yenga for over twenty years now and Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) have recently made strategic deployments in Sokoma and Pengu Bendu, approximately 200 metres from Yenga, to protect citizens and assert national sovereignty.
The country’s Ministry of Information and Civic Education said the deployments nearly surround the Guinean position, while diplomatic efforts continue to seek a final resolution to the dispute.
Reports recently indicated that Guinean soldiers stationed across the border attempted to dislodge Sierra Leonean troops from their long-standing position in Sukuba.
However, the Sierra Leonean forces stood their ground and successfully repelled the effort, and in a show of apparent frustration, the Guinean troops allegedly fired shots into the air and shouted aggressively upon returning to their base, sparking panic among residents.
A high-powered delegation of government officials and regional stakeholders in May this year, visited Koindu Town in Kissi Teng chiefdom, Kailahun district, to engage with local authorities and residents over the long-standing border dispute concerning Yenga, a territory claimed by both Sierra Leone and Guinea.
Paramount Chief of Kissi Teng chiefdom, Chief Ganawa, expressed deep appreciation for the visit, stating that it was a significant step toward resolving the Yenga crisis. He thanked his counterpart, the Paramount Chief of Nongoa, and the government officials for their commitment and urged that the issue be resolved peacefully. “With the presence of these high-level authorities, I believe that the problem of Yenga will finally come to an end by the grace of God,” he said.
