By: Saidu Jalloh
A high-level fact-finding mission from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Tuesday met with Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) in Freetown to assess the long-standing Yenga border dispute with Guinea. The visit signals renewed regional efforts toward a peaceful and lasting resolution to the decades-old issue.
MoPED, which hosts the ECOWAS National Office in Sierra Leone, welcomed the delegation comprising ECOWAS officials, technical experts, and representatives of the Mano River Union (MRU). The delegation held a working session with Honourable Minister Kenyeh Barlay and senior government officials.
In her opening remarks, Minister Barlay reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s full cooperation and emphasized the Government’s commitment to a peaceful resolution. She noted that the mission aligns with President Julius Maada Bio’s four-point ECOWAS agenda: restoring constitutional order, revitalizing regional security cooperation, unlocking economic integration, and strengthening institutional credibility.
“For us in Sierra Leone, Yenga is not just about a piece of land — it is about history, sovereignty, and peaceful coexistence,” she stated, assuring the delegation of the Government’s full support.
Ambrose James, Development Secretary at MoPED, also welcomed the delegation and highlighted President Bio’s active role in championing ECOWAS policies that foster resilience and stability across member states.
The delegation was led by Dr. Odigie Brown, Program Officer for Mediation at the ECOWAS Commission, accompanied by Mr. John Azumah, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Sierra Leone. Dr. Brown emphasized the importance of neutrality, inclusivity, and independence in the team’s assessment, noting that their task goes beyond resolving a border dispute it is about promoting sustainable peace in the sub-region.
Other key members of the delegation included Ebenezer Asiedu, Head of the Democracy and Good Governance Division at the ECOWAS Directorate of Political Affairs; Mr. E. Mohamed Njie; and Mrs. Ange M.C. Konan Munu from the MRU, who stressed the importance of inter-institutional collaboration in achieving lasting peace.
Representing the ECOWAS Ambassadors in Abuja, a delegate from the Permanent Representative Committee (PRC) noted that the Yenga issue had been elevated from the ambassadorial level to the ECOWAS Council, reflecting its strategic importance. He pledged the mission’s neutrality and fairness, expressing confidence in the team’s ability to produce practical recommendations.
The delegation outlined its methodology, which includes reviewing historical, geographical, and economic dimensions of the dispute, analyzing conflict dynamics, and proposing long-term, sustainable solutions. They emphasized that the issue is being treated as a “dispute” rather than a “conflict,” highlighting the importance of early intervention to prevent escalation.
In addition to MoPED, the team engaged officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Lands and the Lands Commission, the Office of National Security (ONS), and Sierra Leone’s defense and security agencies. These stakeholders provided in-depth insights into the Yenga dispute and reiterated the country’s preference for diplomatic engagement.
The meeting concluded with a joint reaffirmation of commitment by Sierra Leone, ECOWAS, MRU, and other stakeholders to pursue dialogue, impartial assessment, and sustainable peace. Minister Barlay thanked the delegation for their efforts, while the ECOWAS team expressed appreciation for Sierra Leone’s cooperation and pledged to present their findings to the ECOWAS Authority.