Yenga is a small but strategic village in the eastern part of Sierra Leone, located right on the border with Guinea. For years, it has been a hot spot of tension between the two countries. But how did this all start?
The origin of the problem:
Back in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Sierra Leone was facing a brutal civil war. As rebels threatened to take over parts of the country, the Guinean military entered Yenga in support of Sierra Leone to help fight them off. At that time, their presence was welcomed. But once the war ended in 2002, Guinea refused to leave Yenga.
Agreements ignored:
In 2002 and again in 2005, both Sierra Leone and Guinea signed agreements that clearly stated: Yenga belongs to Sierra Leone. But despite those agreements, Guinean troops continued to stay in the area and even increased their presence.
Why is Yenga important?
Although it’s a small village, Yenga sits on a border that’s rich in fishing, farming, and possibly minerals. That makes it a valuable area for both countries. Control over Yenga also means control over trade routes and natural resources.
Recent tensions:
Now, in 2025, tensions are boiling again. Both Sierra Leone and Guinea have deployed soldiers to the area. There are reports that Guinean troops have opened fire on residents, causing many to flee. Sierra Leone is considering taking the matter to the International Criminal Court (ICC) to settle it once and for all.
The bottom line:
Yenga is officially recognized by past agreements as part of Sierra Leone. But Guinea’s refusal to withdraw its troops continues to cause friction. The people of Yenga are caught in the middle of this political and military standoff.
Credit: Gbondo SL
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