After a fact finding mission to Yenga, the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) has on Tuesday 2nd February called on government to employ diplomatic channels to resolve the border conflict once and for all.
The fact-finding mission was informed by a WhatsApp audio making rounds on social media alleging Guinean soldiers had crossed over to Yenga and laid claim to it.
Residents of Yenga therefore gave government an ultimatum to either step in to resolve the problem, or they will resort to taking the law into their hands.
HRCSL therefore viewed the said ultimatum as a warning threat and acted pro-actively by moving to Yenga, engaging stakeholders on both sides, and took part in a conducted tour of the border area.
During the fact finding mission, the Commission noted with dismay several human rights abuses in Yenga.
The Commission categorised human rights issues in three broad areas: security, economic and social rights, and development.
In the area of security, the Commission revealed that there is no security presence at the Sierra Leone border along the Makona Moa River as opposed to the Guinean side that has a huge military presence at the foot of the border (Moa River).
Security presence on the Sierra Leone side is only found at the Pengu Bengu checkpoint, which is about 5 miles from the actual border crossing point. Even at the checkpoint, security presence is very low.
Residents of Yenga complained of intimidation and harassment by Guinean security personnel. There is no Guinean military occupation of Yenga, the Guineans only crossed the border to come and erect a beacon that was destroyed as a result of the road construction. The Guinean personnel consider the area where the beacon is erected as a buffer zone and are determined to prevent anyone from meddling in that area.
On economic and social rights, the Commission noted the absence of schools, health and market facilities in the Yenga border axis. Residents complained that sometimes they are prevented by the Guinean security personnel from using their land for farming and other agricultural purposes. They also complained that they are normally asked to pay dues by the Guinean authorities to enable them undertake cross-border trade.
The people complained of extortion by the Guinean security personnel during this period of restriction of people’s movement across the border. Residents complained that the Guinean security personnel demolished the only primary school serving Yenga. The residents said Guinean security personnel did not allow the erection of solar street light poles bought by government and partners to provide light to the community and its environs.
However, the Commission disclosed that government has commenced road construction from Kailahun town to the Yenga border.
According to HRCSL, the tour was aimed at identifying the human right issues prevalent in that part of the country, and advising government appropriately.
Among the many other recommendations put forward by the Commission include: Employ with utmost urgency diplomatic channels to resolve the Yenga border conflict once and for all; increase security personnel at the Pengu Bengu checkpoint; deploy security personnel to the mouth of the Makona/Moa River, which is the colonial boundary between Sierra Leone and Guinea from that end; in the long term, erect permanent structures around the border axis in a bid to make it an economic hub; as matter of urgency, provide social amenities including school, health centre, market and a community centre in Yenga.
HRCSL has meanwhile called on the Yenga community especially the youth to desist from using any violent means to claim their rights over the territory, as the HRCSL remains committed to the protection and promotion of human rights.
HRCSL Chairperson Patricia Narsu Ndanema said the fact finding mission was done independently after the Commission sensed a potential for conflict in that part of the country. She added that the Commission is in touch with other human rights organisations in Guinea in an effort to resolve the issue.
HRCSL Vice Chairperson Victor Lansana disclosed that Yenga is the bonafide property of Sierra Leone, adding that Yenga is not a disputed territory, but disclosed that they were more concerned about the human right abuses in the area.
He urged Sierra Leoneans to desist from sending inciting messages on social media, adding that they have the potential to spark conflict in any country.
SS/3/2/2021
By sulaiman.sesay@awokonewspaper.sl