The Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) Member of Parliament representing Kailahun District, Hon. Engineer Fallah Tengbeh, has raised alarm over what he described as threats by Guinean Armed Forces to take over Sokoma Village in eastern Sierra Leone.
Speaking on Thursday, 26th February 2026, during an interview in the Sixth Parliament, Hon. Tengbeh alleged that Guinean military personnel have indicated their intention to occupy Sokoma Village, which he said lies approximately 300 meters from the disputed border community of Yenga.
According to the lawmaker, Sokoma Village is separated from Yenga only by a small valley, making it strategically vulnerable. He further disclosed that the recent tensions followed an unfortunate incident at Kaliyereh Village, Falaba District.
“The message the Guinean military personnel came with, as usual, is that they are coming to take over Sokoma Village. It is just a valley that separates them from Yenga,” he explained.
Hon. Tengbeh called on all Sierra Leoneans to take the situation seriously, warning that similar military manoeuvres in the past had gradually evolved into what he described as garrison-based occupation.
He claimed that Guinean soldiers had informed residents of Sokoma Village including personnel of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) that Sokoma Village belongs to Guinea and that they intend to take control of the area.
Describing the development as “very scary,” the MP urging the Government of Sierra Leone to deploy additional manpower to safeguard the country’s territorial integrity.
“The nation exists because of its territory. If we start losing territories bit by bit, the state itself will be at stake. Sovereignty is very important,” he stressed.
Hon. Tengbeh acknowledged the long-standing cultural and family ties between Sierra Leoneans and Guineans, noting that intermarriages and cross-border living arrangements make the situation delicate. He said this reality has been one of the reasons Sierra Leone has historically pursued diplomatic engagement over the Yenga issue.
However, he maintained that patience must not be mistaken for weakness.
“Enough is enough. If we fail to take an appropriate defensive posture, Sierra Leone risks losing most of its territories to foreign countries,” he warned.
The MP confirmed that Sierra Leonean civilians and RSLAF personnel are currently stationed in Sokoma Village as part of a defensive strategy to protect national sovereignty. He revealed that about 30 to 40 Guinean military personnel, reportedly armed with machine LMGs, machine guns recently entered the area, creating heightened tension.
While noting that the Guinean forces eventually withdrew without confrontation, he cautioned that the situation remains volatile.
“At the climax the situation has reached now, any slight mistake could result in serious confrontation between the two countries,” he said.
Hon. Tengbeh called on the Government of Sierra Leone to urgently engage its Guinean counterpart to resolve the escalating tensions and permanently settle the border dispute. He emphasized that sustained provocations in Yenga and now Sokoma could destabilize relations between the two neighboring states if not properly managed.
Hon. Tengbeh concluded by urging calm but stressed the need for firm diplomatic and security measures to ensure that Sierra Leone’s territorial integrity is protected.
