AYV News, March 3, 2026
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Alhaji Musa Timothy Kabba, has revealed that taking Guinea to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) remains an option if diplomatic efforts fail to resolve ongoing border concerns between the two neighbouring states.
Speaking to AYV, Minister Kabba said there have been growing public calls for the government to escalate the matter to the world court. However, he emphasised that the government is prioritising diplomatic engagement as the primary means of resolving the issue.
He disclosed that, for the first time in many years, he led a high-level delegation to Guinea where they held bilateral discussions with Guinean authorities aimed at finding a lasting solution.
“Our meeting with Guinea provided an opportunity to take a holistic view of these border conversations, resolve the issues once and for all, and pursue economic development,” the minister stated.
According to him, Guinean officials highlighted the longstanding brotherly ties between Sierra Leone and Guinea and expressed willingness to maintain peaceful cooperation.
Minister Kabba further disclosed that Sierra Leone, alongside Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea and Liberia, has agreed to revitalise cooperation within the Mano River Union (MRU).
He announced plans for a technical MRU meeting to be held in Freetown for the first time, followed by a ministerial meeting in Monrovia and a Heads of State Summit scheduled for May in Conakry.
The minister explained that the MRU has an established mediation framework designed to address inter-border disputes among member states. He said Sierra Leone’s strategic plan is to utilise this regional mechanism to engage Guinea constructively.
Beyond resolving territorial concerns, he noted that discussions are also focused on stimulating economic activities in vulnerable border communities to promote shared prosperity and stability.
On the issue of the U.S. visa ban affecting Sierra Leone, Minister Kabba said the government is making significant efforts to resolve the matter.
He acknowledged education, health, and family, amongst others, as some of the serious implications of the restrictions on Sierra Leoneans and stated that the government is working to comply with requirements outlined by the United States Department of State.
“We very much understand the implications that come from the U.S. visa ban on Sierra Leone,” he said. “We are ensuring a complete overhaul in the Consular Section of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and actions are being taken to remedy this not-so-pleasant situation.”
The minister expressed optimism that ongoing reforms and diplomatic engagement would help restore normal consular relations and strengthen bilateral ties.
Observers note that the coming months will be critical as Sierra Leone balances diplomatic negotiations with regional mechanisms to safeguard its territorial integrity while preserving long-standing regional partnerships.
