Developing Situation at Kissi Teng as Heavily Armed Guinean Soldiers Occupy Border Point

BBC correspondent Umaru Fofana in Freetown provided insight into the history and current border incursion.

Tensions in the eastern Sierra Leonean chiefdom of Kissi Teng have escalated as heavily armed Guinean forces have taken control of multiple border crossing points, including the long-disputed Yenga area. This aggressive maneuver raises serious concerns for the region's stability and security.

The move by the Guinean soldiers has restricted civilian movement and triggered widespread security concerns as residents were reportedly caught off guard by the sudden military presence, and the closure of several key border crossings — the Sierra Leone Immigration Base in Pengu Bengu, Sokoma, Kpongoma, Payluan, Kpemalu, and Kpengbakordu.

What happened to the Guinea, Sierra Leone Border over the years, and how it manifested in the 2023 takeover of Yenga Town by Guinean Soldiers as Sierra Leone soldiers watched helplessly.

Protecting our land borders – a priority for parliament.

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READ: Footnote by Victor Ako Mengot, Consultant on ECOWAS Trade Facilitation & Joint Border Post Security & Management.

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Local officials and residents alike expressed shock and confusion over the sudden turn of events and called on the government to act swiftly to protect the lives and rights of affected Sierra Leonean citizens. 

The lack of a solid border and border security apparatus allows for cross-border incursion and illicit actions, such as the drug and arms trade, and human trafficking.

The Yenga diplomacy during the Maada Bio presidency, and earlier on.

What came of this meeting?

“UPDATE: May 5, 2025: Sylvia Blyden’s comments on the situation in Yenga and the response from the Sierra Leone government. Listen!”

— Social and political implications: The SLPP Government propaganda and lies.

It can be recalled that there has been controversy over Yenga in recent times due to the Guinean occupation of that Sierra Leone territory.

Meanwhile, Dr. Blyden's broadcast gave a detailed historical perspective about Yenga from 1994 to date. Below is the correct factual timeline of events concerning the Guinean occupation of Yenga according to Dr. Blyden:

• 1994-2012: Yenga was under Guinean military occupation.

• 2012-2020: Yenga was totally free of Guinean occupation, especially after 2013 when the last Guinean war tank was finally removed.

• 2020-Date: Yenga is back under Guinean military occupation.

Towards the end of April 2025, there was a recent upsurge in instabilities within Yenga that led to a host of vulnerable residents fleeing from Yenga due to aggression from the foreign Guinean troops.

©️Awareness Times Newspaper (06/05/25)

WARNING to the Ministry of Information & Civic Education (MoICE), Chernoh Alpha Bah, to immediately retract their claim that citizens who fled can safely go back to Yenga because, according to the LIARS of this LYING GOVERNMENT, the

_'...Sierra Leone Army is inside Yenga now and will be able to secure them from Guinean soldiers.'_

That's a shameless LIE from a Government that lacks self-respect, as displayed by their official Spokespersons.

Guinea Military Barracks in YENGA | COURTESY: Awareness Times: May 24, 2024 archive