Guinea’s military authorities have confirmed the detention of 16 Sierra Leonean soldiers, accusing them of crossing into Guinean territory and raising their national flag, in what marks the latest escalation in a long-running border dispute between the two West African neighbours.
In a statement, Guinea’s Ministry of National Defense said the soldiers entered the district of Koudaya in the Faranah border region on Sunday without authorization. According to the ministry, the troops set up a tent and hoisted their flag about 1.4 kilometres inside Guinean territory. Their equipment and supplies were seized, and an investigation has been launched.
However, the government of Sierra Leone has strongly rejected the claim, insisting its personnel were operating within national borders.
Freetown said a joint security team was in Kalieyereh, Falaba District, constructing a border post and accommodation facility on what it described as sovereign Sierra Leonean territory when Guinean forces allegedly crossed over and detained them. Authorities added that the soldiers’ weapons and ammunition were confiscated during the arrest.
Long-standing Border Tensions
The confrontation is rooted in a territorial dispute dating back to Sierra Leone’s 1991–2002 civil war, when Guinea deployed troops to support the fight against rebel groups but never fully withdrew from some contested areas.
Tensions have persisted for years, particularly around the diamond-rich Yenga region, which remains a flashpoint as both countries lay claim to it.
Diplomatic Efforts Underway
The Sierra Leonean government said it is pursuing diplomatic channels to secure the “safe and unconditional release” of the detained soldiers, including at least one officer.
It has also briefed regional bodies such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Mano River Union, both of which have reportedly dispatched fact-finding missions to assess the situation.
Meanwhile, Guinea’s army chief has urged defense forces to remain on alert to safeguard the country’s territorial integrity, signaling that tensions remain high along the disputed border.
