Gambiaj.com – (FREETOWN, Sierra Leone) – The Government of Sierra Leone says it has received 942 of its nationals who were returned from Guinea following an operation by Guinean authorities targeting undocumented foreign residents and informal settlements in the capital, Conakry.
In a statement issued Monday, Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Information and Civic Education said the government had been informed by Guinean authorities about ongoing operations involving the clearing of informal settlements and the identification of foreign nationals without valid documentation.
The ministry said the exercise included an operation carried out on 23 March at the Boulbinet Port, where several Sierra Leoneans were among those affected.
According to the statement, Sierra Leoneans found with valid documentation were released by Guinean authorities, while those without legal status were scheduled for return to Sierra Leone.
Joint Border Process
The Sierra Leonean government said its embassy in Conakry had engaged with Guinean officials to ensure the repatriation process was conducted in an orderly and humane manner, with full respect for the rights and dignity of the affected citizens.
Authorities from both countries are jointly managing the return process at the border, where Sierra Leonean officials are receiving and screening the returnees.
The government said it is also documenting those arriving and facilitating their safe and dignified return to their respective communities.
Nearly 1,000 Returnees Received
As of 24 March, officials had received a total of 942 Sierra Leoneans, including adults and children, at the Kambia District border crossing.
The ministry said arrangements were underway to assist the returnees and transport them onward to their home communities.
The government added that it would continue to monitor the situation while maintaining diplomatic engagement with Guinea to ensure due process and the continued protection of Sierra Leonean nationals.
Authorities also urged the public to remain calm and rely on verified information issued through official government channels.
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