Sierra Leone MP Saa Emerson Lamina has called on Guinea to return the disputed town of Yenga to Sierra Leone during an ECOWAS Parliament session. He emphasized historical claims, cultural ties to the Makona River, and criticized Guinean military actions as violations of Sierra Leonean rights. The ongoing dispute highlights significant international relations issues within ECOWAS.
A Sierra Leonean MP, Saa Emerson Lamina, has urged Guinea to fully restore territorial rights over Yenga, a contested town in the Kailahun district, back to Sierra Leone. This demand was made during the ECOWAS Parliament plenary on July 9, where he responded to the Guinean delegation’s country report, referencing the long-standing dispute that has persisted for over 20 years.
Lamina invoked Article 40 of the ECOWAS Parliament’s Supplementary Act, emphasizing Guinea’s duty as a sovereign state to respect international law. He asserted that Yenga and the adjacent Makona River are inherently part of Sierra Leone, established during colonial times by Britain and France, and urged Guinea to acknowledge this historical context.
The MP highlighted the cultural and economic ties of Sierra Leoneans to the Makona River, which serves as a crucial resource for irrigation, fishing, and family connections across the border. Furthermore, he criticized the actions of Guinean troops that, after initially offering security against rebels, have allegedly harassed local residents and violated their rights on Sierra Leonean soil.
Historically, Yenga was undisputedly part of Sierra Leone until the RUF rebel war in 1991 prompted military involvement from Guinea. Following the end of the conflict in 2002, Guinea claimed Yenga and the river, which led to complaints from residents of harassment and restriction of access to farmland by Guinean soldiers. Although diplomatic efforts had previously led to the withdrawal of troops from the area, reports suggest a recent resurgence of Guinean military presence in Yenga.
The territorial dispute over Yenga stems from historical colonial borders between Britain and France. The situation escalated during the Sierra Leone civil war, leading to military interventions by Guinea. Despite a cooperative relationship post-war, tensions have risen due to claims over Yenga and the behavior of Guinean troops in the area, which has raised concerns about the rights of Sierra Leonean residents. The calls for returning Yenga to Sierra Leone highlight significant implications for international relations within ECOWAS and underscore the importance of respect for sovereignty and adherence to international law in addressing territorial disputes.
In summary, the ongoing dispute over Yenga underscores complex historical ties and the need for diplomatic resolution. The Sierra Leonean Parliament’s call for Guinea to relinquish claims emphasizes respect for sovereignty and the rights of local populations. Continued monitoring and diplomatic engagement will be crucial to resolve this long-standing issue amicably.
Original Source: politicosl.com
