Sierra Leone’s ambassador to Turkey, Mohamed Hassan kai-Samba has engaged the Turkish Director-General for Arica Ambassador Nur Sagman, and expressed serious concerns over the well-being of Sierra Leoneans living in Turkey, particularly tier frequent and massive deportation. 

Ambassador Kai-Samba thanked the Trukish Director for Africa for her tireless endeavors in deepening the bilateral relationships between Sierra Leone and other Africa nations. He disclosed that he particularly visited for growing concerns at the rate of which has citizens were arrested, detained and deported. He added that even those with valid resident permits and with no criminal records were been victims of arrest and deportations.

“My team and I are here this morning to know and chat the way forward for the massive deportation of my citizens. As ambassador, I need to know their crimes, and if possible, have audience with them while they are held in the various prisons”, ambassador Kai-Samba noted.

Ambassador Kai-Samba further informed tha the Sierra Leone Embassy has on several occasion written note verbal to the Turkish Ministry of Interior so as to look for possible ways for both sides to engage on the matters of arrest and deportation.

“I am also reliably informed that some of my citizens who are on studies in Turkey are also being arrested and deported. I need to have a clear understanding on what is going on. I am aware that diplomatically with the laws of the host country, but is also my responsibility to ensure my citizens are safe and protected in Turkey”, he maintained.

On her path, the Turkish Director-General for Africa, Ambassador Nur Sagman thanked Ambassador Kai-Samba and team for their visit, and for his bold and frank concerns over the well-being of his people. She said Sierra Leone was one of the few embassies in Turkey who has engaged the Turkish authorities on many occasions on matters regarding arrests and deportation of their citizens.

Ambassador Nur Sagman further noted that she would inform the Turkish Ministry of Interior and organize a meeting for both sides to look into those alleged issues. She also explained that she was aware f many Africans and other nationals in Turkey who were being deported because they entered the country with tourist visas but have over stayed their visit in the country.

She also thanked Ambassador Kai-Samba and the government of Sierra Leone for signing man bilateral agreements with Turkey. She expressed optimism that the two counties would continue to work and together and for mutual benefits.