Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba, has defended the Government of Sierra Leone’s diplomatic approach to the longstanding Yenga border dispute, saying expectations that the issue would have been resolved during Sierra Leone’s one-year tenure as Chair of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) were unrealistic given that the dispute has remained unresolved for more than two decades.
Speaking in an interview on Truth Media with Amadu Lamrana Bah, the Foreign Affairs Minister said the Government deliberately chose diplomacy over military confrontation despite what he described as serious provocations along the Sierra Leone-Guinea border. He recalled that tensions escalated after Guinean soldiers established a military presence on territory claimed by Sierra Leone, describing the development as an act of military aggression that became a major national concern.
The Minister referred to an incident on 28 April at Kotoma Village in Kailahun District, where Guinean security forces allegedly fired multiple rounds of gunfire. He said the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces had the capacity to defend the country’s territorial integrity and could have responded militarily, but were instead instructed to exercise restraint while diplomatic efforts continued.
According to him, those diplomatic engagements culminated in the Mano River Union Summit held in Conakry, Guinea, on 6 June, where regional leaders discussed border-related concerns affecting member states. He noted that similar territorial challenges involving Guinea have also affected parts of Liberia’s Lofa County, adding that the issue extends beyond Sierra Leone. He expressed confidence that continued engagement through the Mano River Union would eventually lead to a peaceful resolution of the dispute.
Timothy Musa Kabba also disclosed that ECOWAS Heads of State and Government formally considered the issue of xenophobic attacks in South Africa during the recent ECOWAS Summit in Freetown and adopted a regional position to escalate the matter to the African Union. He said the concern was incorporated into the summit’s official communiqué as part of the bloc’s collective response.
Describing the attacks as unacceptable, the Minister said they deserved the strongest international condemnation, particularly because African countries had played a significant role in supporting South Africa’s liberation struggle against apartheid. He noted that many countries across the continent, including Sierra Leone, had contributed financially and materially to the African National Congress and the campaign for black majority rule.
He further observed that several ECOWAS member states had been directly affected by the attacks, with countries such as Nigeria and Ghana repatriating their citizens. He said ECOWAS had resolved to pursue the matter at the African Union in the hope of securing stronger continental action against xenophobic violence while encouraging the South African Government to take decisive action against those responsible.
The Minister also commended Ghana for championing the issue of reparative justice at the United Nations through its advocacy for redress over the historical injustices of slavery and colonialism. He argued that those issues should remain central to contemporary international discussions rather than being treated solely as matters of history. He expressed optimism that Ghana’s assumption of the African Union Chairmanship in 2027 would further strengthen West Africa’s collective voice on major continental issues.
On domestic political matters, Timothy Musa Kabba clarified the circumstances surrounding former President Ernest Bai Koroma’s attendance at the recent ECOWAS Summit in Freetown. He disclosed that the former President attended the summit after requesting permission from President Julius Maada Bio, explaining that Ernest Bai Koroma wished to express appreciation to both the President and the people of Sierra Leone for the successful hosting of the regional gathering.
According to the Minister, President Bio approved the request in the spirit of national reconciliation and unity, allowing the former President to attend as an invited guest. He emphasized, however, that Ernest Bai Koroma did not participate in the closed session reserved exclusively for serving Heads of State and Government but attended solely as an observer and invited guest. He added that the former President appeared to appreciate the significance of witnessing Sierra Leone host one of the region’s most important diplomatic meetings.
Reflecting on Sierra Leone’s political environment, the Minister recalled the events of 26 November 2023, describing them as a period during which the country’s democracy came under serious threat. He said the loss of lives, including both civilians and security personnel, was tragic and unnecessary, extending condolences to the bereaved families while urging the nation to move forward in peace.
He called on Sierra Leoneans to embrace reconciliation and put aside political divisions that continue to undermine national cohesion. He also warned that approaching the 2028 general elections with hostility and bitterness could deepen existing divisions and threaten national stability.
Timothy Musa Kabba reminded citizens that the painful legacy of the civil war remains a shared national experience and appealed for collective responsibility in preserving peace, strengthening unity and promoting development. He maintained that every opportunity capable of fostering national cohesion should be embraced in the broader interest of Sierra Leone’s future.
