Gambiaj.com – (Freetown, Sierra Leone) – Sierra Leone is prepared to escalate its decades-long Yenga border dispute with neighboring Guinea to international legal forums if ongoing diplomatic efforts fail, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Francess Piagie Alghali announced during a press briefing in Freetown.

The Yenga dispute traces back to the Sierra Leonean civil war, during which Guinean forces occupied the village in the Kailahun District. Although previous agreements have affirmed that Yenga belongs to Sierra Leone, continued reports of Guinean military presence and alleged intimidation of local residents have kept the issue alive.

Addressing the government and the media in Freetown, Minister Alghali expressed the deep frustration of the Sierra Leonean government and people over the unresolved status of Yenga, describing the situation as “a real pain in our hearts.” She reported that Guinean security forces stationed in the contested area have allegedly prevented Sierra Leonean citizens from engaging in farming and other essential activities, fueling further tensions along the border.

“We are not afraid, and we are strong enough to pursue this to the next level,” Alghali declared. “Let me assure you: Sierra Leone will never resort to war. We believe in peaceful resolutions and will explore every legal and diplomatic remedy available, including the International Court of Justice (ICJ), if necessary.”

The Deputy Minister emphasized the commitment of the government, under the leadership of Foreign Affairs Minister Timothy Kabba, to continuing dialogue and peaceful negotiations with Guinea. Nevertheless, she made it clear that if domestic diplomatic channels fail to produce a lasting solution, Sierra Leone stands ready to seek adjudication through international legal mechanisms to secure its territorial integrity.

Adding weight to Sierra Leone’s diplomatic strategy, Charles Chernor Jalloh, the country’s nominee to the ICJ, expressed his personal dedication to resolving longstanding African border disputes like Yenga. If appointed, Jalloh would become only the second Sierra Leonean to serve on the world court.

“Matters involving African countries—especially longstanding disputes like Yenga—deserve fair, just, and internationally guided resolutions,” Jalloh said, stressing the critical role of international law in upholding peace and justice on the continent.

The firm but measured stance comes against the backdrop of some recent progress. On March 30, 2025, officials from Guinea and Sierra Leone agreed during a meeting of the Technical Committee of the Joint Boundary Commission in Kailahun to jointly produce boundary documents related to the Yenga area. That agreement was seen as a hopeful step toward resolving the territorial impasse.

However, the latest statements from Minister Alghali suggest that Sierra Leone remains cautious about the pace and outcome of diplomatic discussions. The government is now openly signaling its willingness to escalate the matter to the ICJ if tangible results are not achieved soon.

With its latest declaration, Sierra Leone underscores that while it remains firmly committed to peace, it is equally determined to defend its sovereignty through every lawful means available.