By Mohamed B. Kallon Information Attaché Sierra Leone Embassy Cairo – Egypt +201104336127
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in collaboration with Sierra Leone Embassy in Cairo facilitated the repatriation of thirteen (13) Sierra Leonean migrants, among whom are a girl child (01) and twelve (12) adult males who were stranded in Tripoli, the State of Libya.
The returnees who departed Tripoli on 31st January 2022, arrived at the Freetown International Airport on Tuesday 1st February 2022 on board Turkish Air, TK533
The Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone in Cairo with accreditation to the State of Libya, Tunisia, Chad and Sudan has been working in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration in concerting efforts to provide support to stranded Sierra Leoneans in Libya, as well as, facilitating the repatriation of them.
In April 2021, the Counsellor and Head of Chancery visited Tripoli and secured the release of over fifty Sierra Leoneans who were held in detention centers in Tripoli. Since then, the Embassy had been working in close collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), leading to the final departure of the thirteen stranded Sierra Leoneans
In a statement over the telephone to the departing Sierra Leoneans, the Charge’ d’affaires of the Sierra Leone Embassy in Cairo, Samuel Alie Kargbo, informed the migrants of the Embassy’s commitment to protecting Sierra Leoneans, providing support and facilitating their return to Sierra Leone in collaboration with the IOM. He admonished them to resettle with their families and reintegrate well in their various communities after the ordeal they have been through. The Embassy worked closely with the office of the IOM in Tripoli to reach this climax.
In response, one of the retuning migrants, who spoke on behalf of the group, expressed their thanks and appreciation to the Embassy for the relentless efforts which were crucial in ensuring their successful repatriation to Sierra Leone. He narrated some of the ordeals they faced in the State of Libya and pledged their willingness to reintegrate and contribute to the development of Sierra Leone. ‘We are prepared to look for a brighter side of life back home’’ he ended. This is an illustration of the New Directions’ commitment to ensuring that Sierra Leoneans are safe and revered around the globe. Those who wish to come home are safely returned.
