Freetown, 13th March, 2026 — The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has expressed deep concern over rising tensions along the borders shared by Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, urging all parties to exercise restraint and pursue peaceful resolution through dialogue.
In a statement, the ECOWAS Commission announced the deployment of a technical assessment mission to the Yenga border area between Guinea and Sierra Leone. The mission’s scope has been expanded to include the Lofa border between Guinea and Liberia, following recent developments that have added new complexities to territorial sensitivities in the Mano River Basin.
ECOWAS called on the affected member states to immediately de‑escalate tensions, respect internationally recognized boundaries, and refrain from unilateral actions that could undermine bilateral relations or regional security. The Commission emphasized that disputes should be addressed through ECOWAS‑facilitated diplomatic channels rather than confrontation.
Reaffirming its commitment to regional stability, the Commission pledged to work closely with national authorities to foster mutual respect, cooperation, and lasting peace in the Mano River Basin. “Our priority is to ensure that the sovereignty of states is respected while protecting the peace and security of all West Africans,” the statement noted.
The intervention comes as border disputes in the region threaten to strain relations among Mano River Union countries, underscoring the importance of regional cooperation in safeguarding stability.
