Freetown, August 27, 2025 – A high-level delegation from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has engaged the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) on its recent fact-finding mission to Yenga, aimed at supporting a peaceful settlement of the long-standing border dispute between Sierra Leone and Guinea.
The delegation, led by Dr. Odigie Brown, Program Officer for Mediation at the ECOWAS Commission, also included Resident Representative Mr. John Azumah and other senior officials from ECOWAS and the Mano River Union.
Welcoming the delegation, Planning Minister Kenyeh Barlay reiterated President Julius Maada Bio’s firm commitment to regional cooperation, democracy, and peace.
She stressed that while the Mano River Union had previously engaged on the matter, Yenga still requires a lasting resolution. Development Secretary Ambrose James also assured MoPED’s full support for the mediation process, noting President Bio’s leadership in advancing ECOWAS regional policies that strengthen peace, governance, and resilience across member states.
The briefing brought together senior representatives from MoPED, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Lands, the Office of National Security (ONS), and other security agencies.
Discussions provided historical, geographical, and economic perspectives on Yenga, with all parties emphasizing the need for impartiality, inclusivity, and sustained diplomatic dialogue to achieve a durable solution to the dispute.
