After gaining independence (Guinea in 1958[1] and Sierra Leone in 1961[2]) initial relations between the two countries in the Cold War context turned to be tense due to conservative strategy of Sierra Leone (advocating strong links with the former Metropole) and much more Pan-African and pro-socialist leanings of Guinea.

[3] In 1961 Guinea was among the countries that officially sponsored Sierra Leone's candidacy for membership in the United Nations.

[3] Initial tense relations nevertheless improved more significantly only after Albert Margai got into power in Sierra Leone in 1964 leading to 1967 Mutual Defence Pact.

[5] The dispute was officially "resolved" in 2019 when President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah announced that "Conakry has now affirmed that Yenga is a part of Sierra Leone".

[7] However, in early 2021, President Julius Maada Bio reported to the 58th Ecowas summit that "The issue remains unresolved and our Guinean counterparts have continued to encroach on Sierra Leone's land and sea borders".