Feb 25 • 08:22 UTC 🇶🇦 Qatar Al Jazeera

Tension between Sierra Leone and Guinea following soldiers' detention at the border

Sierra Leone has announced a diplomatic effort to resolve tensions with Guinea after Guinean soldiers crossed the border and detained several Sierra Leonean security personnel.

The government of Sierra Leone released an official statement detailing a recent incident where Guinean military forces allegedly crossed into Sierra Leone and captured members of a joint security team, including an officer. This occurred in Kallehyi, situated in the Falaba district, around 360 kilometers from the capital Freetown. The Guinean forces reportedly intervened while Sierra Leonean soldiers and police were constructing a border post and accommodation facilities. Following the confrontation, several members of the Sierra Leonean defense and security forces were arrested, and their weapons and ammunition were confiscated.

In response to this escalating situation, the Sierra Leonean government has expressed its commitment to resolving the issue through diplomatic and security channels. They are actively working to ascertain the whereabouts of the detained individuals and ensuring their unconditional release. Additionally, authorities have emphasized their dedication to finding a peaceful and amicable resolution to the dispute, reflecting a desire to maintain stability in the region and avoid potential conflict.

As of now, there has been no official comment from the Guinean authorities regarding the incident, which adds to the uncertainty surrounding the motivations and context of the soldiers' actions. The lack of communication from Guinea's government complicates the situation and may impact future diplomatic relations between the two neighboring countries, which have a history of collaboration and tension alike.

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