As IOM Facilitates…
149 Sierra Leoneans Returns Home from Niger
BY Mohamed Konneh
With effort from the International Migration office a total of 149 Sierra Leonean have safely returned home from Niger. They were returned to their home country after several plea and negotiations. Sierra Leone is among top five countries in West Africa, with the highest number of returns of stranded migrants in 2022.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) after thorough assessment assisted the 149 Sierra Leonean migrants stranded in Niger to return home safely via charter flight.
IOM worked in close coordination with the Government of Sierra Leone to facilitate this return. Even before the scheduling of the flight, returnees underwent a special online verification exercise by Sierra Leone’s Immigration Department to ascertain their nationalities. Upon arrival, IOM staff registered the returnees and provided cash assistance for their immediate needs, as well as food, water, and onward transportation.
In the coming weeks, they will receive reintegration assistance that will address their economic, social, and psychosocial needs, with several types of support tailored to their needs and interests.
From 2017 to 2022, more than 5,000 Sierra Leoneans stranded along migration routes have been assisted to voluntarily return home. Sierra Leone is among the top five countries in West Africa, with the highest number of returns of stranded migrants in 2022.
“Too many young Sierra Leoneans embark on high-risk journeys through irregular migration. Thanks to the EU and the Government for their support. To be able to cover the needs of vulnerable Sierra Leoneans stranded abroad, collective action is needed now to support their return home and reintegration options,” said Christos Christodoulides, Head of Office at IOM Sierra Leone.
Joseph, 23, is returning home after 2 years abroad. He shared his story with Standard Times on how his journey unfolded. Before attempting the 'back way' to seek new opportunities in Europe, he was completing senior secondary school. Now he wants to make up for the lost time. "Thanks for the opportunity of returning safely. I am glad that I am back and hope to be able to continue my education," Turay said.
Aruna Bangura is also returning home after two years trying to travel to Europe. He explains how challenging the journey was and is now hopeful for a better future at back home. “Irregular migration is not worth it. I suffered a lot in the desert as I attempted to go to Europe. You can make a living here if you have the skills & work hard. During my travels, I have seen people with valuable skills succeed,” Aruna said.” If I should travel at all, I will instead use regular channels. But my immediate plans now are to start a business at home,” he added.
The charter flight was made possible by the European Union-IOM Joint Initiative for Migrant Protection and Reintegration in Africa under the Neighbourhood, Development, and International Cooperation Instrument – Global Europe (NDICI- Global Europe)
