By By Staff Writer
Monrovia, Liberia — The Liberia Chapter of the Mano River Union Youth Parliament (MRUYP-LC) has raised concern over the reported detention of sixteen Sierra Leonean soldiers by Guinean authorities, warning that the incident could strain fragile regional relations if not handled through diplomatic channels.
In a statement issued by Speaker Daniel N. Nills of the Parliament’s fourth legislature, the youth body stressed that existing regional security and mediation mechanisms should have been prioritized before resorting to the detention of foreign troops. He pointed to the roles of the Mano River Union, the ECOWAS, and the African Union as key institutions capable of facilitating dialogue and preventing escalation.
Nills praised the diplomatic posture of the Sierra Leone government, describing it as a measured response that supports regional stability. He urged regional leaders to intervene swiftly to calm tensions and help secure a resolution that would allow both parties to resume normal military and diplomatic engagements.
The youth parliament also reflected on the long-standing sensitivity surrounding borders in the Mano River basin, noting that many of these boundaries were imposed during colonial rule rather than shaped by local realities. According to the group, communities such as the Mandingo, Fula, and Susu continue to live across both Guinea and Sierra Leone, underscoring the need for cooperation rather than confrontation.
Concluding the statement, MRUYP-LC called on Heads of State across the MRU region to strengthen unity, promote dialogue, and pursue collaborative solutions that advance peace and sustainable development. The youth body expressed hope that diplomacy will prevail as discussions continue over the incident.
