ABUJA, Nigeria – March 13, 2026 — The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has called for calm and restraint among member states amid growing tensions along border areas involving Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.
In a statement issued Thursday from Abuja, the ECOWAS Commission expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions in the Mano River Basin, particularly in disputed border regions that have recently experienced heightened security concerns.
According to the regional body, a technical assessment mission is being deployed to evaluate the situation surrounding the longstanding border dispute between Guinea and Sierra Leone in the Yenga area.
ECOWAS further disclosed that recent developments along the Lofa border between Guinea and Liberia have added new complexities to the situation, prompting the Commission to expand the scope of its mission to include additional areas within the Mano River Basin that could potentially become flashpoints.
The regional organization warned that any escalation could threaten regional peace and security, urging all affected countries to exercise maximum restraint and avoid actions that could worsen the situation.
“ECOWAS calls on all member states involved to immediately de-escalate tensions, respect internationally recognized borders, and refrain from unilateral actions that could undermine bilateral relations or regional stability,” the statement said.
The Commission also encouraged the governments of the affected countries to utilize ECOWAS-facilitated diplomatic channels to resolve disputes peacefully and maintain long-standing cooperation within the sub-region.
ECOWAS reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with national authorities in the Mano River Basin to promote dialogue, mutual respect, and sustainable peace among neighboring countries.
The Mano River Basin comprising Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire has historically experienced border sensitivities, but regional leaders have continued to rely on diplomatic engagement to maintain stability.
Political analysts say the latest intervention by ECOWAS underscores the importance of regional cooperation in preventing conflicts and safeguarding peace in West Africa.
