Yenga abandoned : Deportees welcomed ; where are the government’s priorities ?

YENGA ABANDONED, DEPORTEES WELCOMED: WHERE ARE THE GOVERNMENT’S PRIORITIES?

By Gibril Bangura

It is a bitter irony that while our beloved Yenga remains under the control of Guinean authorities, Sierra Leone’s leadership appears more concerned with accommodating deportees from the United States than resolving a longstanding national issue that strikes at the heart of our sovereignty.

What makes this situation even more troubling is that President Julius Maada Bio currently serves as Chairman of ECOWAS, a position that should provide him with significant diplomatic leverage to advance Sierra Leone’s interests in the Yenga dispute. Yet, despite the prestige and influence attached to that office, Yenga remains unresolved and seemingly forgotten.

For years, Sierra Leoneans have been told that diplomatic efforts are ongoing. Yet the reality on the ground remains unchanged. The people of this nation continue to watch a portion of their territory remain outside their effective control while their government celebrates international arrangements that many citizens neither requested nor fully understand.

Now, reports indicate that Sierra Leone has agreed to receive deportees from the United States under an arrangement reportedly supported by approximately $1.5 million in funding. This has raised legitimate questions among citizens about national priorities. Many are asking: why is there apparent urgency when it comes to negotiating and implementing agreements involving deportees, while the Yenga issue continues to languish without resolution?

The question confronting the government is simple: if the Chairman of ECOWAS cannot mobilize sufficient diplomatic energy to secure meaningful progress on Yenga, what exactly is the benefit of holding such a prestigious regional position?

Sierra Leoneans deserve answers. They deserve transparency. Most importantly, they deserve a government that demonstrates the same determination in defending national sovereignty as it does in pursuing international agreements.

Yenga is not merely a border dispute. It is a test of leadership, national dignity, and political will. Until it is resolved, many citizens will continue to question whether the government’s priorities are aligned with the interests of the nation.