By: Saidu Jalloh
In a strong reassurance to the nation, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Musa Timothy Kabba, has reiterated the government’s steadfast commitment to resolving the long-standing Yenga border dispute with Guinea through diplomatic means.
Speaking at the government’s weekly press briefing held at the Miatta Conference Center, Youyi Building, Minister Kabba emphasized that Sierra Leone will not resort to armed conflict over the disputed territory.
“No country has ever successfully resolved a border conflict through violence,” Kabba asserted. “We remain firmly on the path of diplomacy, and we are confident that peace and stability will be restored in Yenga.”
He highlighted that President Julius Maada Bio’s current tenure as Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) presents a strategic opportunity to address the Yenga issue. However, he cautioned that any resolution must be achieved within the framework of ECOWAS’ collective mandate.
“President Bio will not act outside the scope of ECOWAS,” Kabba affirmed. “Any decision on Yenga must be reached through consensus within the regional body.”
Minister Kabba revealed that the Yenga matter had been brought before the ECOWAS Security Council even before President Bio assumed the chairmanship. “It’s a matter ECOWAS takes very seriously,” he noted.
Shifting focus from Yenga, the Minister outlined President Bio’s broader vision for ECOWAS, emphasizing the president’s dedication to restoring constitutional order, strengthening democratic governance, enhancing regional security cooperation, and fostering people-to-people integration.
Notably, President Bio has proposed a “free trade, no barrier” policy aimed at bolstering economic integration across ECOWAS member states.
Kabba also stressed the president’s commitment to restoring “trust and credibility” within ECOWAS institutions. “When citizens lose trust in institutions, democracy cannot thrive,” he warned.
Addressing broader regional concerns, Kabba acknowledged the numerous challenges facing ECOWAS, including terrorism, civil conflict, climate change, and food insecurity. He further pointed out that three member states have withdrawn from ECOWAS to form the Sahel Alliance, compounding the regional body’s difficulties.
“The rise in unconstitutional changes of government in four member states also poses a serious threat to regional stability,” he added.
Despite these hurdles, Kabba was quick to highlight ECOWAS’ key achievements. Chief among them is the successful implementation of the ECOWAS passport, which has significantly enhanced the free movement of people across member countries.
He also praised ECOWAS’ political and military interventions through ECOMOG, which have helped restore peace and facilitate development in conflict-affected nations.
“As we continue to face both old and emerging threats, the role of ECOWAS remains vital in safeguarding democracy, unity, and sustainable development across West Africa,” Kabba concluded.