Guinea’s armed forces on Tuesday began to gradually withdraw troops deployed along its borders with Liberia and Sierra Leone, following agreements reached at a summit of Mano River Union heads of state, according to an official statement.
The Guinean army announced the move after leaders of the three countries agreed to resolve ongoing border disputes through diplomacy and strengthen cooperation to ensure security.
“For the effective implementation of the conclusions of this summit, the General Staff of the Armed Forces has decided on the gradual easing of the defence system deployed along Guinea’s borders, starting from Tuesday, March 17, 2026,” the statement said.
The military also reiterated its commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty, stating it would “firmly defend every portion of the national territory.”
Peace and dialogue
The army also called on citizens to remain vigilant and support peace and dialogue initiatives among Mano River Union countries.
The announcement follows a summit held on Monday in Guinea’s capital, Conakry, with the leaders of the Mano River Union, a regional bloc that constitutes Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Cote d’Ivoire.
The latest meeting focused on resolving border disputes that have heightened tensions in recent days.
Ahead of the summit, Guinea had deployed military forces to its border areas, prompting concerns over regional stability. The latest agreements signal a shift toward de-escalation and diplomatic engagement among the affected states.
