Tuesday, 3rd March 2026
Key Highlights
By: Zacharia Jalloh Ministry of Information and Civic Education
Introduction:
Following the release of 16 Sierra Leonean security personnel who were arrested by Guinean security forces over a border disagreement, the Ministry of Information and Civic Education convened its weekly press conference. The briefing featured the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba, the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Kemoh Sesay and Sierra Leone’s Deputy Ambassador to Guinea, H.E. Fatmata Sawaneh. These officials addressed the circumstances surrounding the incident and other pertinent cross-border matters between the two sister countries. The following are the key highlights:
Government Reassures Public on Middle East Conflict and Petroleum Transparency
Addressing public concerns about the conflict in the Middle East, the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, assured citizens that the Government remains transparent and honest in managing the petroleum sector. He stated that under President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, the downstream petroleum sector has experienced significant transformation, expanding from two market players to ten, alongside increased storage capacity and the introduction of a transparent pricing formula.
Update on Middle East Conflict and Evacuation of Sierra Leoneans
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba, provided an update on the ongoing Middle East conflict and the welfare of Sierra Leoneans living in the Gulf region. He referenced President Bio’s statement in his capacity as Chairman of ECOWAS, calling for de-escalation and restraint while urging all parties to act in full compliance with the United Nations Charter and international law. The President further called for renewed diplomatic engagement through international and regional frameworks to resolve the conflict. Minister Kabba emphasized that ECOWAS’s position aligns with that of the African Union.
Additionally, the Minister announced that Sierra Leone successfully evacuated 24 nationals and embassy staff from the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Republic of Armenia. The evacuees include 14 students, one private citizen, three Sierra Leonean diplomats, and six locally recruited staff of the Sierra Leone Embassy in Tehran. Minister Kabba assured the public that the Ministry continues to monitor developments across the Gulf region to ensure the safety of Sierra Leoneans.
Sierra Leone–Guinea Diplomatic Relations Remain Strong
On the status of diplomatic relations between Sierra Leone and Guinea, Minister Kabba assured the public that ties between the two nations remain cordial and firm. He highlighted the historic relationship dating back to 1967–1997, when Guinea served as a safe haven for Sierra Leonean leaders during periods of political instability. He further underscored the strong cultural and trade ties between the two countries, concluding that conflict between the sister nations would be both unwise and unnecessary.
Mission Secured Release of the 16 Security Personnel
Speaking on the mission to secure the release of the arrested personnel, Minister Kabba stated that a multifaceted diplomatic approach was employed. He noted that the deep historical, social, and cultural connections between the two countries played a pivotal role in achieving their release. The Minister confirmed that the 16 personnel were treated with dignity while in custody and commended the leadership of the Honourable Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, for coordinating the entire process.
Chief of Army Staff Explains What Transpired in Falaba
The Chief of Army Staff, Major General Kemoh Sesay, provided a detailed account of the events in Falaba involving Sierra Leonean and Guinean soldiers. He explained that Sierra Leonean personnel were preparing to construct a makeshift structure on land allocated to them by the Paramount Chief on the Sierra Leonean side of the border. However, approximately ten Guinean soldiers, accompanied by a nearby Guinean Paramount Chief, halted the construction, alleging encroachment into Guinean territory. The Guinean contingent later returned with reinforcement of over 300 armed personnel. At that point, the 16 Sierra Leonean security personnel were arrested without resistance.
Major General Sesay praised the professionalism and composure of the Captain on the ground, who assessed the situation and chose de-escalation over confrontation. He emphasized that the decision was not a sign of weakness but rather a demonstration of professionalism and commitment to preserving regional peace. He further confirmed that, in addition to the safe release of the 16 personnel, all their weapons were returned intact to Sierra Leonean authorities.
Joint Border Survey to Prevent Future Disputes
Major General Sesay revealed that a comprehensive joint border survey will be conducted along the entire Sierra Leone–Guinea boundary, covering Kambia, Koinadugu, Falaba, Kono, and Kailahun Districts. He concluded that upon completion of the survey, border disputes between the two countries are expected to be conclusively addressed.
Embassy Situation Report from Guinea
The Deputy Ambassador to Guinea, H.E. Fatmata Sawaneh, provided a situation report on the Sierra Leone Embassy in Guinea. She stated that the Embassy continues to function effectively, with staff and leadership working harmoniously. She added that the Embassy maintains cordial relations with the Government of Guinea and other diplomatic missions in the country. Echoing earlier sentiments, she emphasized that conflict between Sierra Leone and Guinea serves no one’s interest.
In her concluding remarks, Deputy Ambassador Sawaneh urged Sierra Leoneans visiting Guinea to register with the Embassy. She explained that registration enables the Embassy to provide timely support in case of emergencies. She emphasized that the Embassy operates an open-door policy and prioritizes the welfare of Sierra Leonean citizens.
© Ministry of Information and Civic Education
