The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has deployed a technical assessment mission to the Mano River Basin following rising tensions along the borders of Guinea and its neighbours.
The move by the ECOWAS Commission comes amid growing concerns over developments along border areas shared by Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
In a statement issued from Abuja on 12 March 2026, ECOWAS said the technical mission will assess the situation between Guinea and Sierra Leone, particularly around the disputed Yenga border area.
According to the Commission, recent developments along the Lofa border region between Guinea and Liberia have also introduced new complexities to existing territorial sensitivities within the Mano River Basin.
ECOWAS explained that the emerging developments have compelled the Commission to broaden the scope of the technical mission and undertake additional diplomatic engagements aimed at ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of all areas where tensions could escalate.
The regional bloc noted that the deployment forms part of its preventive diplomacy efforts to promote dialogue and prevent disputes from deteriorating into broader security challenges in the sub-region.
ECOWAS has meanwhile urged all affected member states to exercise maximum restraint and immediately de-escalate tensions while the technical mission undertakes its assessment.
The Commission also called on the countries involved to respect internationally recognised boundaries and avoid unilateral actions that could undermine bilateral relations and regional security.
It further encouraged the use of ECOWAS-facilitated diplomatic channels to resolve the issues peacefully.
ECOWAS reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with national authorities to promote cooperation, mutual respect and lasting peace across the Mano River Basin for the benefit of the region.
