By: Saidu Jalloh
The Chief of Army Staff, Major General Kemoh Sesay, has provided a detailed account of the recent border incident in Falaba District that resulted in the arrest of 16 Sierra Leonean security personnel by Guinean forces.
Speaking at the Government’s weekly press conference hosted by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, Major General Sesay explained that the incident occurred while Sierra Leonean troops were preparing to construct a temporary structure on land allocated to them by the local Paramount Chief on the Sierra Leonean side of the border.
According to him, approximately ten Guinean soldiers, accompanied by a Guinean Paramount Chief from a nearby community, intervened and ordered the construction to stop, claiming that the land in question fell within Guinean territory. The situation later escalated when Guinean forces reportedly returned with reinforcements of more than 300-armed personnel.
Faced with the overwhelming presence, the 16 Sierra Leonean security personnel were arrested without resistance.
Major General Sesay commended the professionalism and composure of the Sierra Leonean captain who led the team on the ground. He stated that the officer carefully assessed the situation and opted for de-escalation rather than confrontation to prevent a potential armed clash.
“The decision not to resist was not a sign of weakness,” the Army Chief emphasized, describing it as a deliberate and strategic move to preserve peace and stability along the border.
He further confirmed that, following high-level diplomatic engagements between Sierra Leone and Guinea, all 16 personnel were safely released, and their weapons were returned intact to Sierra Leonean authorities.
The Army Chief also disclosed that plans are underway for a comprehensive joint border survey along the Sierra Leone–Guinea boundary. The exercise will cover Kambia, Koinadugu, Falaba, Kono, and Kailahun Districts, with the aim of conclusively addressing recurring boundary disputes.
Major General Sesay reaffirmed the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces’ commitment to safeguarding national security while upholding regional peace and cooperation.