Yenga Border Reopens After More Than a Year, Restoring Trade and Hope Between Sierra Leone and Guinea 

FREETOWN, Sierra Leone – After more than a year of closure that disrupted livelihoods and displaced families, the Yenga border between Sierra Leone and Guinea has officially reopened, marking a major diplomatic breakthrough and paving the way for the resumption of cross-border trade and movement.

The Government of Sierra Leone announced that the Yenga border crossing along the Makona River resumed operations on 24 June 2026 through the Koindu–Nongoa crossing point in Kissi Teng Chiefdom, Kailahun District. The border had remained closed since 28 April 2025, creating significant economic and humanitarian challenges for residents on both sides.

According to the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, the reopening follows months of sustained diplomatic engagements between the governments of Sierra Leone and Guinea aimed at resolving the long-standing border impasse.

The border closure had severely affected commerce and freedom of movement while forcing many residents of Yenga to relocate to Koindu and neighbouring communities. Throughout the period, the Government of Sierra Leone said it provided humanitarian support to affected families while continuing negotiations with Guinean authorities.

The agreement to reopen the crossing came after directives from President Dr. Julius Maada Bio and coordinated engagements involving the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces and the Guinean Armed Forces, with support from political and administrative officials from both countries.

As part of the new arrangements, the Sierra Leone National Revenue Authority will continue collecting revenue within Sierra Leonean territory, including Yenga, while the Sierra Leone Immigration Department will maintain its presence in the area. Guinea has also committed to providing Sierra Leone with at least 48 hours' notice before any future border closure.

Both governments reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful coexistence, stronger bilateral relations, and continued dialogue towards achieving a lasting solution to the Yenga border issue and other outstanding boundary matters.

Meanwhile, discussions are ongoing to facilitate the safe return of displaced Yenga residents, offering renewed hope that normal life will soon return to the border community.

The reopening is widely seen as an important step towards strengthening regional cooperation, restoring economic activity, and promoting lasting peace between the two neighbouring West African nations.

Source: MoICE 

 Sierra Leone Ranks Among West Africa's Top Aviation Performers with 23% Passenger Growth

Sierra Leone Ranks Among West Africa's Top Aviation Performers with 23% Passenger Growth

Sierra Leone has recorded one of the strongest recoveries in air travel across West and Central Africa, posting a 23% year-on-year increase in estimated aviation passenger arrivals during the first quarter of 2026, according to the World Bank's Tourism Watch – June 2026.

The latest report places Sierra Leone among the region's top three fastest-growing aviation markets, trailing only Chad (25%) and Cabo Verde (24%). The achievement underscores the country's growing appeal as a destination for tourism, business, and investment.

According to the World Bank, Sierra Leone outperformed several regional economies, including Burkina Faso, Togo, Cameroon, Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, and Senegal, reflecting sustained growth in international air travel and improved connectivity.

The report also highlights that while most countries in West and Central Africa recorded positive growth, only three experienced declines in passenger arrivals during the period: São Tomé and Príncipe (-7%), Gabon (-15%), and the Republic of Congo (-15%).

The strong increase in passenger arrivals is expected to boost tourism, facilitate trade and investment, and support broader economic growth as Sierra Leone continues to strengthen its aviation sector and position itself as an emerging regional travel hub.

The figures are contained in the World Bank's Tourism Watch – June 2026, which tracks tourism and aviation trends across countries worldwide.

Source: The Ministry of Information and Civic Education 

 Sierra Leone Receives 15 Presidential Vehicles from China as ECOWAS Summit Preparations Gather Pace

FREETOWN – Sierra Leone has received a fleet of 15 presidential vehicles donated by the Government of the People's Republic of China, marking another milestone in the country's preparations to host the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.

The vehicles arrived as the Government intensifies logistical and security arrangements for the high-profile regional summit, which is expected to bring together Heads of State, senior government officials, diplomats, and international partners from across West Africa.

The donation underscores the longstanding partnership between Sierra Leone and China and is expected to enhance the transportation and protocol requirements for the summit.

Government officials have confirmed that an official handing-over ceremony for the vehicles will be held at a later date.

As the countdown to the ECOWAS Summit continues, Sierra Leone is accelerating preparations to ensure the successful hosting of one of the region's most important diplomatic events, reflecting its commitment to delivering a well-organised and memorable summit.

10-Day Countdown Begins as Preparations Intensify for ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit 2026 

With just ten days remaining before the ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit 2026, preparations have entered a critical phase, as organizers and stakeholders intensify efforts to ensure the regional gathering is successfully delivered.

The countdown signals the final stretch of planning, with teams working around the clock to complete key logistical, administrative, and operational arrangements ahead of the high-level summit.

The call for "all hands on deck" reflects the commitment to excellence and collaboration, underscoring the importance of every stakeholder playing their part in delivering a well-coordinated event. The summit is expected to bring together regional leaders, policymakers, and key partners to deliberate on pressing issues affecting West Africa, including regional integration, peace and security, economic development, and governance.

As anticipation builds, organizers remain focused on ensuring that every aspect of the summit meets the highest standards, reinforcing a shared determination to make the 2026 ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit a success.

With only ten days to go, the message is clear: preparations are accelerating, teamwork is paramount, and together, WeWillDeliver, says the Chief Minister of Sierra Leone.

Government Suspends US$25 Airport Security Fee at Freetown International Airport 

Travellers to Benefit as Government Orders Immediate Suspension Pending Special Audit

FREETOWN, SIERRA LEONE – In a move expected to provide immediate relief to air travellers, the Government of Sierra Leone has announced the temporary suspension of the US$25 Airport Security Fee charged at Freetown International Airport, effective Monday, 6 July 2026.

The announcement, made by the Ministry of Internal Affairs in a public notice dated 3 July 2026, states that the suspension follows a ministerial directive and will remain in force until further notice.

According to the Ministry, the decision forms part of a comprehensive review of the current contractual framework governing the collection of the security fee. The temporary suspension will enable the Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL) to complete an independent Special Audit while authorities evaluate a more efficient and integrated collection system aimed at improving the passenger experience.

The Ministry emphasized that the directive should not be interpreted as the cancellation of the existing operating contract. During the review period, Securiport (SL) Limited will continue to manage its core technological systems and maintain the recording of inbound and outbound passenger traffic data, excluding holders of diplomatic passports.

Airport authorities have been instructed to ensure a smooth transition when the suspension takes effect on 6 July, while the Ministry expressed appreciation to the public for its continued cooperation.

The temporary suspension marks another step in the Government's efforts to strengthen transparency, improve oversight, and modernise airport operations while reducing inconvenience for travellers.

Source: MoICE 

 President Bio Strengthens Regional Diplomacy at High-Level African Political Alliance Summit in Togo

LOMÉ, TOGO — Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio has reaffirmed his commitment to advancing regional unity and cooperation as he joined African leaders in Lomé for the Extraordinary Ministerial Conference of the African Political Alliance (APA), signalling continued efforts to deepen integration and collective action across the continent.

President Bio attended the high-level conference at the invitation of Togolese President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé. The gathering brought together African leaders and senior officials to deliberate on pressing political, security and development issues facing the continent.

Speaking during the conference, President Bio stressed that regional integration remains central to achieving sustainable peace, economic prosperity and shared progress across West Africa and the wider African continent.

Serving as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, President Bio reaffirmed his commitment to working with fellow African leaders to strengthen cooperation, promote stability and pursue policies that advance the collective interests of the region.

The Extraordinary Ministerial Conference of the African Political Alliance serves as an important platform for dialogue, collaboration and coordinated action on Africa's evolving political and development priorities, reinforcing the continent's shared vision for unity and sustainable growth.

Historic Milestone: ECOWAS Opens New Headquarters in Abuja to Accelerate Regional Integration and Economic Growth

Abuja, Nigeria – The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has entered a new era with the official inauguration of its new Commission headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria, marking a landmark moment in the organization's journey toward deeper regional integration and sustainable development.

The historic ceremony was led by the Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS, H.E. President Julius Maada Bio, who hailed the commissioning of the modern facility as a powerful symbol of the bloc's collective achievements and future ambitions.

The new headquarters underscores ECOWAS' continued commitment to fostering economic integration, promoting peace and security, strengthening democratic governance, and improving cooperation among its fifteen member states.

Addressing dignitaries at the event, the Chairman, H.E. President Julius Maada Bio, said the inauguration represents more than the opening of a new building—it reflects the region's shared determination to build a more united, prosperous, and resilient West Africa.

He emphasized that the milestone should inspire renewed efforts to expand regional trade, deepen economic cooperation, strengthen institutions, and deliver lasting opportunities for the people of West Africa.

As ECOWAS continues to confront regional challenges and seize emerging opportunities, the new headquarters is expected to serve as a strategic center for policy coordination, innovation, and collaboration, reinforcing the organization's vision of an integrated, peaceful, and prosperous West Africa.