Targeting and harassing a specific ethnic group, such as the Fula in Sierra Leone, can be regarded as an act of tribalism. This not only threatens national security and the economy but also undermines the government’s efforts to maintain peace, stability, and harmony within the country.

According to victims repatriated to Sierra Leone, foreign nationals residing in Guinea were involved in smuggling drugs—mainly Kush, marijuana (weed), Jamba, and other illegal substances—into Guinea. Evidence gathered by Guinean authorities led to their expulsion, forcing many to return home due to these illegal activities.

In response, Sierra Leonean authorities, particularly the police, have reportedly targeted the Fula ethnic group, claiming they are foreign nationals from Guinea.

Statistics reveal that of the 13,986,170+ people living in Guinea,

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33.4% are Fula,
29.4% are Mandingo,
21.2% are Susu,

The remaining population comprises Kissi, other ethnic groups, and foreigners.

In Sierra Leone, the Fulas are recognized as the third-largest ethnic group, accounting for 3.9% of the country’s population of 8,722,550+. Other notable groups include:

2.9% Susu,
2.4% Mandingo,
2.8% Koranko.

The most commonly spoken dialect in Guinea is Susu, while Krio is widely spoken in Sierra Leone as the most common dialect.

Targeting one specific group—many of whom are either Sierra Leonean citizens by birth or legal foreign residents—raises serious questions about liberty, freedom, and justice, the foundational principles of Sierra Leone. Harassing citizens based on their tribal background constitutes a violation of the constitution and the citizenship act, which guarantees citizenship through birth, marriage, or naturalization.

Guinea remains Sierra Leone’s only northern neighbor and serves as a critical transit route for travel to other ECOWAS member states in the north. Additionally, Guinea has historically served as an escape route for government officials in Sierra Leone during periods of political crisis.

The harassment and targeting of the Fula ethnic group in Sierra Leone not only strain domestic peace but also risk damaging regional relationships and undermining national unity. A more inclusive and fair approach is essential to uphold the values of justice, equality, and stability upon which Sierra Leone was founded.