During a recent parliamentary session, Hon. Hindolo Ngevao, who represents Kailahun District, expressed his concerns about the Sierra Leone-Guinea border dispute, particularly about the Yenga territory. He emphasized the urgent need for prompt action by the government and the international community to address this issue.
Hon. Ngevao pointed out that Guinean soldiers have been encroaching into Sierra Leonean territory, and have erected military structures along the shores of Yenga. This encroachment has significantly negatively impacted the local farmers and residents in Kailahun District, Eastern Sierra Leone. The Honorable MP's call is for a peaceful resolution to the dispute and to protect Sierra Leone's sovereignty over the Yenga territory.
Hon. Ngevao, a member of the Sierra Leonean government, has emphasized the urgent need for diplomatic intervention to compel the Guinean soldiers to withdraw from Sierra Leonean territory. He has warned against the potential future claims by Guinean forces on neighbouring towns like Koindu and has stressed the gravity of the situation. The presence of Guinean forces in Sierra Leonean territory threatens the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Sierra Leone, and therefore, requires a decisive response from the government.
Hon. Ngevao has called for diplomatic measures to be taken, including negotiations and discussions with the Guinean government. However, if these measures fail, he has also called for the use of forceful actions to reclaim Yenga from Guinean control. He reiterated Sierra Leone's determination to defend its territorial integrity and emphasized that any encroachment on its territory will not be tolerated.
In conclusion, the situation in Sierra Leonean territory requires immediate attention and action from the government. Hon. Ngevao's call for diplomatic intervention and, if necessary, forceful actions, highlights the gravity of the situation and the need to prevent escalation.
Other MPs, such as Hon. Sahr Matthew Nyuma and Hon. Mohammed Bangura, echoed the seriousness of the Yenga issue and advocated for exhaustive diplomatic efforts. They emphasized Sierra Leone's commitment to protecting its territory despite its size.
MPs from Kailahun District demanded immediate and robust measures to address the harassment faced by their constituents from Guinean soldiers at the Yenga border. They criticized the historical neglect of the Yenga issue by successive governments and called for urgent attention.
Hon. Veronica Kadie Sesay, acting as speaker of parliament, cautioned against resorting to military engagement and emphasized the importance of pursuing peaceful resolutions to avoid further bloodshed.
In response to parliamentary inquiries, Colonel Muana Brima Massaquoi, the deputy minister of defence, assured MPs of the government's commitment to resolving the Yenga issue through diplomatic channels. He emphasized ongoing diplomatic engagements with Guinean counterparts and the priority placed on finding a peaceful resolution.
Sierra Leonean lawmakers advocate for diplomacy, unity, and decisive action to safeguard the nation's territorial integrity and protect the welfare of its citizens amidst simmering tensions over the Yenga border dispute.