ECOWAS Mediation Efforts to Intensify Amidst Yenga Dispute Between Sierra Leone and Guinea

In an interview on Radio Democracy's Breakfast Show, Dr. Timothy Kabba, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, announced that ECOWAS is scheduled to hold a mediation and security meeting this week, with the Yenga issue being a primary focus.

Minister Kabba confirmed that a constructive meeting took place in Yenga village last weekend, involving military and state officials from both countries. The meeting included police, military personnel, and co-chiefs from both nations.

He highlighted that this gathering has significantly promoted peace and stability in the Yenga region. However, he emphasized that the aggression against Sierra Leone violates international law.

The Minister remarked that resolving the longstanding issue between Sierra Leone and Guinea over Yenga, which has persisted for two decades, requires careful attention, and the government is actively engaging with the Guinean government to find a resolution.

He further explained that diplomatic efforts have been ongoing, with current initiatives focusing on a bilateral approach. Additionally, the issue has been presented to various organizations to which both Guinea and Sierra Leone are members, including ECOWAS and the African Union.

He stated that all options will be considered, with the possibility of involving the International Court of Justice as a final mediation solution, should other efforts prove unsuccessful. 

He stressed that diplomacy is the ultimate recourse for resolving border disputes between two sovereign nations.