Guinea Detains Sierra Leone Soldiers in Border Dispute – All You Need to Know

The Guinean military has, on Sunday, 22 February 2026, detained 16 Sierra Leonean military personnel from Sierra Leone following what it described as an unauthorised invasion into its territory, along with their equipment and supplies.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by Guinea’s Ministry of National Defence, the Sierra Leonean troops crossed into the Koudaya district in the Faranah region “without authorization,” where they allegedly set up a tent and raised their national flag.

“They set up their tents on our land and raised their national flag,” said Ansoumane Toumany Camara, director of information and public relations of the Guinea Armed Forces and spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defence. 

Guinean authorities have told the media that the 16 Sierra Leonean soldiers will remain in custody pending further investigation.

“Our defense and security forces acted promptly to preserve the integrity of national borders,” the ministry said.

Sierra Leone Government Response

Image: Sierra Leone Ministry of Information and Civic Education Press Release

Earlier on Tuesday, 24 February 2026,  Sierra Leone’s government acknowledged the arrest of its soldiers stationed at Kalieyereh, Falaba district, a town that borders Sierra Leone and Guinea. 

According to a press statement released by the Sierra Leone Ministry of Information and Civic Education, the personnel “were making bricks for a border post” in Kalieyereh, Sulima Chiefdom, Falaba District, a village near Guinean territory. 

The Ministry of Information and Civic Education did not directly confirm the crossing of Sierra Leonean soldiers into Guinean territory. 

As of Wednesday, neither government had announced a timeline for the soldiers’ release or for formal bilateral talks.

What We Know So Far

• Number detained: 16 Sierra Leonean soldiers, including at least one officer.
• Guinea’s claim: Sierra Leonean soldiers entered the Koudaya district in the Faranah region, a Guinean territory, without authorisation and hoisted their flag.
• Sierra Leone’s position: The Ministry of Information and Civic Education said soldiers were constructing a border post in Kalieyereh, Falaba District.
• Current status: 16 Sierra Leonean military soldiers and one officer remain in Guinean custody pending investigation.
• Diplomatic engagement: Sierra Leone says it is pursuing clarification through official channels and diplomatic channels.