By Daniel Kamara
FREETOWN, July 9– Sierra Leone and Guinea have reopened the Yenga border crossing following months of diplomatic engagement, ending a closure that had disrupted cross-border trade and displaced residents in communities along the Makona River.
In a public notice issued on July 6, Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Information and Civic Education said the border, which had been closed since April 28, 2025, officially reopened on June 24, 2026, at the Koindu–Nongoa crossing point in Kissi Teng Chiefdom, Kailahun District.
The ministry said the reopening allows the resumption of trade and the free movement of people between the two neighbouring countries.
Authorities said the prolonged closure caused humanitarian and economic hardship, forcing residents of Yenga to relocate to Koindu and nearby communities.
During the period, the Sierra Leone government said it provided assistance to affected residents while pursuing diplomatic efforts that ultimately led to the reopening.
According to the statement, the breakthrough followed directives from President Julius Maada Bio and engagements between the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces and the Guinean Armed Forces, with support from political and administrative authorities in both countries.
Under the agreed arrangements, the Sierra Leone National Revenue Authority will continue collecting revenue within Sierra Leonean territory, including Yenga, while the Sierra Leone Immigration Department will maintain its presence in the area. Guinea has also agreed to provide Sierra Leone with at least 48 hours’ notice before any future border closure.
Both governments reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful coexistence, stronger bilateral relations and continued dialogue aimed at finding a lasting solution to the long-standing Yenga boundary dispute and other border-related issues.
The ministry added that discussions are continuing on the safe return of displaced residents to Yenga.
Yenga, a strategically located border village in Kailahun District, has been the subject of a long-running territorial dispute between Sierra Leone and Guinea since Guinea’s military remained in the area after assisting Sierra Leone during its civil war.
Successive governments in both countries have held negotiations to resolve the issue, while local communities have repeatedly faced uncertainty over access, trade and movement across the border.
