By Prince J Musa in Kenema
The Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) and their counterparts from Guinea were on a study tour at the controversial town of Yenga in Kailahun district.
Heading the delegation on the 26th June, 2024, the RSLAF Assistant chief of Defense Staff, Brigadier General Albert Sylvester Bockarie said the objective of the tour is to help develop the Guinean Army staff college and to establish a new training partnership between Sierra Leone and Guinea.
He added that the visit was also to create collaboration and coordination among the two neighboring countries for the administrative wing in moving the staff college and to ensure military border cooperation between Guinean army and RSLAF.
The Assistant Chief of Defense Staff stated that as former brigade commander for the second infantry brigade, the manner in which the Guinean Army had occupied the land of Sierra Leone was not good. He said the Guineans were only initially occupying behind the Makona River not establishing any permanent structures which he said is a disappointment to him.
Brigadier A.S Bockarie noted that the actions of the Guinean security sent signals that the Sierra Leone government needs to speed up with the diplomatic engagement to resolve the Yenga situation since the two countries share inter-marriages and cultural ties.
He said that during the study tour with the Guinean army, they talk to stakeholders from Yenga and Koidu in the Kissi Teng chiefdom, especially the Member of Parliament and the paramount chief and they feel threatened and intimidated by the Guinean soldiers on their land. He added that the people do not have freedom in their own land, and assured that the concerns will be further channeled to the government for speedy diplomatic interventions.
The Army Boss pointed out that there is going to be more military diplomacy since they have started hosting the Guinean army in Sierra Leone.
The Head of Guinean delegation of the staff college, Colonel Unis M. Kamara, on behalf of the leadership of the Guinean Armed Forces expressed delight for the reception. He said that the tour is to enable them know the reality between the two countries, saying they want to ensure strong security ties, network and cooperation within the two armies.
He assured that by the time they returned home, he believed that some of the objectives will be achieved.
The Guinean Ambassador to Sierra Leone in charge of Foreign Affairs, Karamoko Keifala Sylla, referred to the visit as important for both countries and believes that the tour will improve the bilateral relationship of both countries. He also said that the tour will provide better understanding of the border activities and affirmed that those concerns raised on border security issues will be further discussed.
Member of Parliament, Engineer Fallah Tengbeh on behalf of his constituent said the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio is working hard to foster tangible development for the country and that Development partners such as African Development Bank (ADB) has secured funding for the construction of Peace Bridge between Sierra Leone and Guinea/ Yenga crossing point.
He said that ADB is now working on getting a reliable contractor for the road from Kailahun to Yenga and Liberia border, noting that the project will increase economic development in the sister countries but with insecurity among them, it will hinder development.
Paramount chief Emmanuel Nyuma Ganawa of Kissi Teng chiefdom outlined the security challenges his people are faced with at the Yenga border with Guinea due to the influx of Guinean troops occupying their land forcefully.
He said that some of the land areas they used to do agricultural activities on have been occupied by the soldiers which is telling on the socio-economic development of the country. He therefore pleaded to the government of Sierra Leone to continue engaging the Guinean Head of State to see reasons to settle the Yenga matter as they continue to talk to the civilians to exercise patience and be peaceful.
The Presentation of a joint border patrol between the army and police especially on human trafficking, drug smuggling and other illegal activities by the battalion Commander of first infantry in Daru barracks, Colonel Abu-bakar Kamara form part of the programme.
Copyright © 2024 Politico (01/07/24)
