By alimamy.jalloh@awokonewspaper.sl
Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – Sierra Leone and Guinea have reaffirmed their commitment to border security and cooperation following the successful conclusion of the Third Joint Technical Commission meeting held in Kailahun from March 23 to 30, 2025.
The high-level engagement, facilitated by the Office of National Security (ONS) and its Guinean counterparts, resulted in the signing of key border documents aimed at clarifying land and maritime boundaries between the two neighboring countries.
During the meeting, representatives from both countries meticulously sorted and categorized historical border documents into three key thematic areas:
- Legal – Documents defining historical treaties and border agreements.
- Administrative – Government records related to border governance.
- Cartographic – Maps and technical references that outline the border demarcations.
The entire process was supported by the German Cooperation (GIZ) under the African Union Border Program (AUBP), which seeks to promote peace, security, and regional integration across Africa’s borders.
The Sierra Leonean delegation, consisting of 16 members and led by Francis Langumba Keili, Chief of Staff at the Office of National Security (ONS), included representatives from the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), Sierra Leone Police (SLP), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Local Government, and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).
Saa David Leno, the lead facilitator representing the African Union Border Program (GIZ/PFUA), praised the cooperative spirit of both nations in addressing longstanding border infractions. He emphasized that the reaffirmation of borders aligns with the aspirations of the African Union, reinforcing peace and cross-border collaboration.
Welcoming the Guinean delegation, led by Moriba Magassouba, the National Director of Public Liberties and Borders and Executive Secretary of Guinea’s National Border Commission, Keili commended the continued engagement between the two nations.
He highlighted a joint awareness-raising mission, previously conducted from October 22 to November 11, 2024, to educate border communities about the importance of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect.
“This meeting demonstrates the commitment of both nations to strengthening collaboration and ensuring peace along our shared borders,” Keili stated.
He further assured GIZ/PFUA representatives that Sierra Leone remains steadfast in its efforts to finalize the border reaffirmation process.
Speaking on behalf of Guinea, Moriba Magassoubaexpressed appreciation for the warm hospitalityextended by Sierra Leone. He urged committee members to carefully analyze all relevant documents to resolve border-related issues and strengthen diplomatic ties between the two countries.
Following extensive deliberations and document verification, both countries unanimously agreed on the selected legal, administrative, and cartographic materials that will form the foundation for finalizing border demarcations.
To maintain momentum, both countries have recommended convening a Fourth Joint Technical Commission meeting in Guinea before mid-2025. The upcoming session will further consolidate efforts to achieve a clearly defined and mutually accepted border agreement.
With this latest development, Sierra Leone and Guinea reaffirm their dedication to regional stability, ensuring that border communities thrive in an environment of peace, cooperation, and mutual prosperity. AJ/31/3/2025
