Freetown, Sierra Leone – February 26, 2026 – The Mano River Union (MRU) Secretariat has issued a urgent call for restraint and diplomatic engagement amid reports of escalating developments along the border between Sierra Leone and Guinea, specifically in the Falabah District and Faranah Prefecture.
In a press release dated February 25, 2026, the MRU Secretariat expressed concern over recent incidents in the border region, emphasizing its mandate under the 15th Protocol on Peace, Security, and Defence to promote regional stability.
The organization is actively investigating the situation by engaging with local authorities and stakeholders from both countries to verify facts on the ground.
“This process is intended to provide the basis for constructive dialogue that will contribute to a clear understanding of the situation,” the press release stated, highlighting the impact on affected border communities in both member states.
The MRU is also coordinating with the governments of Sierra Leone and Guinea to encourage de-escalation. It urged the use of established diplomatic and bilateral mechanisms to resolve the issues peacefully, in a spirit of cooperation. Q
“The Secretariat stands ready to support ongoing efforts aimed at de-escalation and the preservation of cordial relations between the two sisterly Member States,” the statement added.
Reaffirming its commitment to regional harmony, the Secretariat pledged to assist member states in addressing cross-border challenges through dialogue, confidence-building measures, and collaborative solutions.
The MRU, which includes Sierra Leone, Guinea, Liberia, and Côte d’Ivoire, has long served as a platform for fostering peace and economic integration in West Africa.
Officials from the MRU Secretariat in Freetown could not be reached for immediate comment, but the press release underscores the organization’s proactive role in preventing potential conflicts in a region historically prone to border disputes.
This development comes at a time when West Africa is grappling with various security challenges, including insurgencies and resource-related tensions.
