A major breakthrough has emerged in easing tensions along the Mano River basin, as Guinea has officially announced the withdrawal of its troops from border areas shared with Liberia and Sierra Leone.
The decision was confirmed by Guinea’s Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, General Ibrahima Sory Bangoura, who disclosed that the withdrawal process will begin on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
In an official statement issued in Conakry by the Guinean Ministry of National Defense, the General Staff of the Armed Forces said the move comes in direct response to resolutions reached during the Mano River Union (MRU) Heads of State Summit held on March 16.
According to the military leadership, the summit produced a consensus among Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone to resolve all border disputes through diplomatic means while strengthening cooperation to foster a climate of security and trust among neighboring populations bound by shared history, geography, and culture.
The statement further noted that the General Staff expressed appreciation to the Guinean people for their patriotism and the calm demonstrated during the recent period of heightened tension. It also commended the country’s defense and security forces for their professionalism, discipline, and restraint in carrying out their national duties.
Reaffirming its mandate, the Armed Forces emphasized that it remains fully committed to defending every portion of Guinean territory as a symbol of national sovereignty. However, in line with the outcomes of the Conakry summit, the military announced a gradual reduction of its defense posture along the country’s borders beginning March 17, aimed at ensuring the effective implementation of the agreement reached by regional leaders.
The General Staff also urged citizens to remain vigilant while continuing to support peace and dialogue initiatives among the Mano River Union countries.
The withdrawal is widely seen as a major step toward easing tensions along the Liberia–Guinea and Sierra Leone–Guinea borders, following weeks of uncertainty and incidents in contested areas. Regional leaders are hopeful that the move will restore confidence among border communities and pave the way for sustained peace, stability, and strengthened cooperation across the Mano River basin.
