The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba, has reassured Sierra Leoneans that the Government remains firmly committed to diplomacy, regional peace and the protection of its citizens following the recent border disagreement between Sierra Leone and Guinea that led to the arrest of sixteen Sierra Leonean security personnel.
Speaking at the Weekly Press Conference convened by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE) on Tuesday, 3rd March 2026, Minister Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba provided a comprehensive briefing on the diplomatic efforts that secured the safe release of the detained officers and addressed broader regional and international issues affecting Sierra Leone. The Press Conference also featured the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Kemoh Sesay and Sierra Leone’s Deputy Ambassador to Guinea, H.E. Fatmata Sawaneh.
Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba disclosed that the Government of Sierra Leone deployed a carefully coordinated diplomatic strategy to secure the release of the detained security personnel, who had been arrested by Guinean forces during a border disagreement in Falaba District.
According to him, the swift intervention was guided by Sierra Leone’s longstanding commitment to diplomacy and regional cooperation. He explained that historical, cultural and political ties between Sierra Leone and Guinea played a vital role in resolving the matter peacefully.
“The relationship between Sierra Leone and Guinea is deep and longstanding. Our nations share historical, cultural and economic bonds that make dialogue and cooperation the only viable path in moments of misunderstanding,” the Minister stated.
He confirmed that the sixteen officers were treated with dignity while in custody and were later released following diplomatic engagements between the two Governments.
The Foreign Minister also commended the leadership of Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, who coordinated key aspects of the diplomatic response to ensure a peaceful resolution.
Minister Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba further reassured the public that relations between Sierra Leone and Guinea remain cordial and strong, despite the recent border misunderstanding.
He reminded citizens that the two countries share a unique historical connection, particularly between 1967 and 1997, when Guinea provided refuge for Sierra Leonean leaders during periods of political instability.
Beyond history, he emphasized that the two nations maintain strong cultural, social and economic interactions, including cross-border trade and community ties.
“Conflict between Sierra Leone and Guinea would not only be unnecessary but also counterproductive to the progress and stability both countries seek,” he stressed.
The Minister reiterated that both Governments remain committed to maintaining peace along their shared border while strengthening diplomatic cooperation.
Minister Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba also addressed concerns about the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, particularly regarding the safety of Sierra Leoneans residing in the Gulf region.
He referenced President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s statement issued in his capacity as Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in which the President called for restraint and de-escalation among the parties involved in the conflict.
President Bio, he noted, urged all actors to operate in accordance with the United Nations Charter and International Law, while encouraging renewed diplomatic engagement through regional and international frameworks.
Minister Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba emphasized that ECOWAS’s position is consistent with that of the African Union, both of which are advocating for peaceful resolution and diplomatic dialogue.
Providing further updates, the Foreign Minister confirmed that the Government of Sierra Leone recently successfully evacuated twenty-four nationals and embassy personnel from the Islamic Republic of Iran following escalating tensions in the region.
The evacuees were safely relocated to the Republic of Armenia as part of emergency measures activated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
According to him, the group comprised fourteen students, one private citizen, three Sierra Leonean diplomats and six locally recruited staff members of the Sierra Leone Embassy in Tehran.
He assured the public that the Government continues to monitor developments across the Middle East and remains prepared to take additional measures if necessary to ensure the safety of Sierra Leoneans abroad.
“The safety and welfare of Sierra Leonean citizens anywhere in the world remains a top priority for this Government,” he emphasized.
The Minister concluded by reaffirming Sierra Leone’s unwavering commitment to diplomacy, regional cooperation and peaceful conflict resolution.
He stressed that the Government will continue working closely with neighbouring countries and international partners to maintain stability and safeguard Sierra Leone’s national interests.
The Foreign Minister also urged the public to remain calm and rely on verified information from official sources, noting that the Government remains proactive in addressing both regional developments and global events that may affect Sierra Leone and its citizens.
