Sierra Leoneans stranded in deportation camps in Niger are urgently calling on their government to take immediate action of helping them return to their country.
The affected individuals, who find themselves in dire conditions, have expressed feelings of abandonment as they await support and repatriation.
Those citizens of Sierra Leone, many of whom have faced hardships, are now trapped in a situation where they lack clear communication and representation.
While citizens from other nations have received assistance and safe repatriation from their governments, Sierra Leoneans remain isolated and forgotten in those camps.
In a statement released by concerned citizens and advocates, they emphasized the importance of dignity and protection for their fellow countrymen and women. “These are sons and daughters of Sierra Leone. They deserve dignity, protection, and the unwavering support of their government,” the statement reads.
The group is calling on the Government of Sierra Leone, particularly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, to take decisive steps to address this humanitarian crisis.
They urge the government to send an official delegation to assess the welfare of Sierra Leoneans in the camps and to collaborate with international organizations like the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to facilitate safe and humane repatriation.
They further asked the government to publicly acknowledge the plight of those deportees and provide a clear outline of the actions being taken to assist them. “No Sierra Leonean should be left behind,” the statement insists, highlighting the moral responsibility of the government to protect its citizens.