Sierra Leone and Guinea have agreed to create follow-up and technical mechanisms to address migration and integration challenges, strengthen border security cooperation, and deepen trade and economic ties between the two neighbouring countries.
Vice President Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh announced the agreement in Conakry while briefing Sierra Leoneans at the country’s Embassy. The discussions followed his high-level engagement with Guinea’s Prime Minister and Head of Government, Amadou Oury Bah, during a working visit on 9 September 2026.
The new mechanisms will provide a structured platform for resolving practical problems facing Sierra Leoneans living in Guinea. They will also help ensure full implementation of the Tripartite Border Security Communiqué signed by the Presidents of Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia after their summit in Conakry on 16 March 2026 (sometimes referred to around late March in related reporting). That earlier agreement committed the three Mano River Union countries to peaceful resolution of border issues, joint patrols, intelligence sharing, and stronger cooperation against threats such as transnational crime.
Dr Jalloh urged Sierra Leoneans in Guinea to register with the Embassy and obtain consular identification cards. He also called on them to respect the laws and regulations of their host country. The two sides discussed improving arrangements around consular cards and trader cards to support legitimate movement and economic activity.
The Vice President said the visit also advanced talks on trade and economic cooperation. Both countries are exploring practical ways to facilitate commerce, attract investment and promote industrialisation. Stronger institutional engagement, he noted, would help resolve day-to-day challenges for citizens and businesses while building on the long-standing historical, cultural and geographic ties between Sierra Leone and Guinea.
The visit took place against the backdrop of recent migration-related issues, including the escort of some Sierra Leoneans to the border earlier, and the tragic landslide at the Dar-es-Salam dumpsite in Conakry in late August 2026, which claimed lives including those of Sierra Leonean nationals. Dr Jalloh conveyed condolences from President Julius Maada Bio, the government and the people of Sierra Leone, and praised Guinean authorities for their swift response and care for victims regardless of nationality.
Dr Jalloh was accompanied by Minister of Information and Civic Education Chernor Bah, Minister of Internal Affairs Morie Lengor Esq., Minister of Labour and Social Security Umaru Napoleon Koroma Esq., and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Madam Jeneba Bangura. The engagement with Sierra Leoneans from various communities and organisations in Guinea was organised by Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Guinea, Foday Yumkella, and Deputy Ambassador Madam Fatmata Sawaneh.
The talks form part of ongoing efforts to stabilise the shared borders, support the free but orderly movement of people under ECOWAS protocols, and expand economic opportunities for citizens of both countries. Further discussions between the trade and industry ministers are expected, including the possibility of a joint commercial fair or exhibition.
