By Kelfala Kargbo
Freetown, 10th July 2026— Sierra Leone’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Morie Lengoh, has officially opened the Mano River Union’s (MRU) 3rd Ordinary Session of the Technical Meeting on Peace, Security and Defence, setting the stage for what he described as a historic milestone in regional cooperation.
The two‑day session, which brings together delegates from MRU member states and regional representatives from ECOWAS, is focused on tackling pressing security challenges including human trafficking, illegal drug trade, and persistent border tensions.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister Lengoh underscored Sierra Leone’s commitment to lasting peace and regional solidarity. He assured participants that the outcome of the meeting would go beyond dialogue, pledging concrete steps to ensure that “tensions around the borders be permanently eliminated, Yenga be demilitarized and free of military occupation, and free movement of people, goods and services be maintained.”
His remarks drew attention to Yenga, a long‑standing flashpoint along Sierra Leone’s border, where military presence has often symbolized unresolved disputes. Lengoh’s declaration signals a turning point, with the MRU session expected to chart a path toward demilitarization and unrestricted cross‑border exchange.
“This meeting will serve as an historic milestone in our collective journey towards lasting peace,” Lengoh affirmed, emphasizing that regional cooperation remains the cornerstone of stability and prosperity across the Mano River basin.
