Hundreds of Sierra Leoneans Rounded Up and Deported From Guinea

The streets of Conakry, Guinea, have witnessed a wave of forced deportations this week, as Guinean authorities rounded up over 1,000 Sierra Leoneans living in makeshift camps on beaches and in slums. Accused of loitering, engaging in prostitution, theft, and other crimes, these individuals were forcibly loaded onto trucks and deported to the Sierra Leonean border.

The operation, which began earlier in the week, has left the migrant community in shock. Many of those affected told harrowing stories of losing their belongings, money, and dignity in the process. Some reported being beaten mercilessly by military officers during the roundup.

“We were treated like animals,” said Mariatu, a young woman who recounted her ordeal. “I lost everything—my clothes, my savings, even my phone. They accused us of crimes, but many of us were just trying to survive. I am not a thief or a prostitute. I came here to make an honest living.”

Mohamed, a father of three who has lived in Conakry for five years, shared a similar story. “They came at night and stormed our camp. I had managed to save some money from the small jobs I was doing, but now it’s all gone. My children are traumatized by what they saw—the beatings, the shouting. It was terrifying.”

The Guinean authorities have justified their actions, claiming that the presence of Sierra Leonean migrants in Conakry has contributed to social instability. “This exercise is in consonance with the Sierra Leonean Embassy here in Conakry,” a military officer involved in the operation said. “It has been discussed diplomatically. These individuals cannot continue to live here under such conditions, engaging in loitering, theft, and other crimes.”

While the deportations may be rooted in concerns over security and public order, the human cost has been immense. Families have been torn apart, and individuals stripped of their belongings and dignity. The slums and beaches, once home to vibrant but struggling migrant communities, now stand empty, with scattered belongings bearing witness to the crackdown.