Guinea Detains 16 Sierra Leonean Soldiers Amid Border Tensions

Guinean authorities have detained 16 Sierra Leonean soldiers accused of crossing into its territory without authorization, escalating tensions along the shared border.

In a statement issued Sunday, the Guinean army said several dozen Sierra Leonean troops entered Guinean territory near Koudaya in Faranah Prefecture, erected a tent, and raised their national flag.

“The General Staff of the Armed Forces informs the national and international public that on Sunday, February 22, 2026, several dozen armed soldiers from Sierra Leone unlawfully entered Guinean territory in the area of Koudaya,” the statement said.

However, Sierra Leone disputed the account, alleging that Guinean forces crossed into its territory near the town of Kalieyereh on February 23, where units of the Sierra Leone Armed Forces were stationed.

According to Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Information, Guinean personnel detained several soldiers, including an officer, and transferred them across the border into Guinea. Their weapons and ammunition were reportedly seized.

“The government is actively engaging through established diplomatic and security channels to confirm their whereabouts and ensure their safe and unconditional release,” the ministry said.

Both governments have launched investigations to clarify the sequence of events. The latest incident adds to a history of diplomatic strain between the two countries. In January 2025, Sierra Leone recalled its ambassador to Guinea, Alimamy Bangura, after seven suitcases containing a white powder suspected to be cocaine were discovered in an official embassy vehicle.