The recent mass expulsion of Sierra Leoneans by Guinean authorities has ignited a diplomatic and humanitarian crisis, compounded by Sierra Leone’s targeted retaliation against the Fullah ethnic group within its borders.

The Institute for Legal Research and Advocacy for Justice (ILRAJ) has condemned both actions, calling them grave violations of international law and regional cooperation protocols.

Guinea’s forced deportation of Sierra Leonean nationals and Sierra Leone’s subsequent actions—marked by wrongful arrests and ethnic profiling of the Fullah community—have drawn widespread criticism. Observers say these incidents breach multiple legal frameworks, including the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement, which guarantees the rights of citizens to move, reside, and work freely within member states.

The African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) explicitly condemns mass expulsions, while the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) requires fair and lawful expulsion processes—both principles reportedly absent in these actions.

The Mano River Union (MRU), a regional organization aimed at fostering economic and social cooperation between Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Liberia, has also been undermined, ILRAJ warned.

In Sierra Leone, the government’s response has disproportionately targeted the Fullah community, with reports of arbitrary arrests, detentions, and accusations of being “undocumented foreigners.” This ethnic profiling has raised alarm among human rights groups.

“The Fullah community is an integral part of Sierra Leone’s fabric, and scapegoating them undermines national unity,” ILRAJ said in a statement. Historical parallels to similar ethnic tensions in the 1970s, which led to deep fractures in Sierra Leonean society, add to the gravity of the situation.

ILRAJ has called for an immediate halt to all forms of ethnic harassment and deportations by both nations. It urged adherence to regional and international obligations, including the ECOWAS framework, and demanded independent investigations to hold officials accountable.

The institute also recommended diplomatic engagement between Guinea and Sierra Leone to prevent future escalations.

“This crisis threatens the hard-won peace and unity of Sierra Leone and undermines regional stability,” ILRAJ stated.

As tensions escalate, both governments face growing pressure to address these violations and reaffirm their commitment to inclusivity, the rule of law, and regional cooperation.