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Approximately 750 Sierra Leoneans, including women and children, are currently stranded at an International Organization for Migration (IOM) camp in Agadez, Niger.
The group, having faced numerous challenges, including severe healthcare issues, has been processed and vetted by IOM officials and is prepared for repatriation to Sierra Leone.
Their spokesperson, Musa Alie Sesay, reported that while IOM has completed the necessary procedures for their return, the repatriation is stalled due to a lack of authorization from the Sierra Leonean government. According to Sesay, the Sierra Leonean authorities have not yet provided the required approval for IOM officials in Niamey to facilitate their departure.
The stranded Sierra Leoneans, who initially sought better opportunities abroad, encountered difficulties in Libya, Morocco, and Algeria before being returned to Niger. They now appeal to the Sierra Leonean government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Freetown to expedite their return process.
The group’s plight highlights ongoing challenges faced by migrants and underscores the need for swift diplomatic action to ensure their safe repatriation.
