Kambia, Sierra Leone — December 12, 2024
The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) have confirmed a border incident involving Guinean authorities at the Gbalamuya border crossing in Kambia District earlier this week.
The situation unfolded when Guinean officials transported a group of individuals believed to be Sierra Leoneans to the border, claiming they posed a security threat to Guinea.
According to the SLP, Guinean authorities failed to provide prior notice of the transfer, neither to Sierra Leonean border officials nor to the Sierra Leone Embassy in Conakry. This lack of communication raised concerns among local authorities about the individuals’ identities and the circumstances surrounding their repatriation.
“We could not confirm whether the individuals were indeed Sierra Leoneans,” said SLP in a public notice issued today. “As a result, our border officials had no choice but to deny entry and request that Guinea adhere to established protocols for repatriating foreign nationals.”
The uncertainty led to a brief standoff on Wednesday, December 11, during which the Gbalamuya border was temporarily closed. The closure disrupted cross-border activities but was resolved after Guinea issued an official notification regarding the planned repatriation.
Health and security screenings are currently being conducted to confirm the identities of the individuals.
“If their Sierra Leonean nationality is verified, we will ensure their safe reintegration with their families,” the Police added.
As of now, the border has been reopened, and normal operations have resumed. The SLP assured the public that further updates would be provided as the situation develops.
Authorities have emphasized the importance of adherence to diplomatic protocols to avoid similar incidents in the future.
