By Ishmael Bayoh, Information Attachè, Sierra Leone Embassy Dakar, Senegal
Dakar, Senegal – On Thursday, March 6, 2025, the Sierra Leone Embassy in Dakar facilitated the repatriation of 47 Sierra Leoneans who were deported from Mauritania. These individuals, mostly women and children, made their way to the embassy after being deported to the Senegal border by Mauritanian authorities.
The Sierra Leonean deportees were initially sheltered under strenuous conditions at the embassy’s premises. Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Senegal, HE Ibrahim Turay, addressed the group prior to their departure, detailing the diplomatic efforts made on their behalf. Ambassador Turay, along with Acting Head of Chancery Ms. Evelyn T. Akakpo, engaged with the Embassy of Mauritania in Dakar and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to facilitate their repatriation. The Consul in Mauritania also intervened, advocating for the renewal of visas and residential permits for eleven individuals.
Ambassador Turay informed the deportees that the embassy had provided accommodation for 31 women and children and had arranged alternative shelters for others. Despite challenging conditions, the embassy hired a bus to ensure their safe return to Sierra Leone.
In his address, Ambassador Turay urged those intending to travel to adhere to immigration policies and to regularize their status. He cautioned against being lured into deceptive employment offers or fraudulent registration with the IOM. The embassy is aware of individuals involved in human trafficking and is committed to working with authorities to prosecute them.
Ambassador Turay also encouraged the returnees to take advantage of the government’s free education program for their children and to engage in meaningful activities upon their return.