FREETOWN, July 21 (Xinhua) -- The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has urged Guinea to fully withdraw its troops from the disputed border enclaves of Yenga and Lofa, making the long-running territorial issue a key outcome of the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government held in the coastal town of Lungi, Sierra Leone.
In its final communique, the bloc welcomed the partial reopening of the Yenga border by Sierra Leone and Guinea, while calling on Conakry to implement the March 2026 tripartite communique by withdrawing its forces and pursuing diplomacy.
The ECOWAS also directed its commission to accelerate technical assessments of border friction points in collaboration with the Mano River Union, the African Union, and the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel.
The summit welcomed progress under Sierra Leone's Agreement for National Unity, praising President Julius Maada Bio's decision to discontinue charges against former President Ernest Bai Koroma as a contribution to national reconciliation ahead of the 2028 elections. Leaders urged continued dialogue, inclusivity, and transparent constitutional and electoral reforms.
The ECOWAS further condemned terrorism across the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin, reaffirmed plans to operationalize its counterterrorism brigade by 2027, expressed solidarity with Nigeria over insecurity, and denounced xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
Sierra Leone's Francess Piagie Alghali has been appointed as ECOWAS commissioner for political affairs, peace, and security. ■