21/11/2024
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168 Sierra Leoneans Evacuated to Freetown Amid Middle East Conflict
In the wake of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Lebanon in the Middle East, 168 Sierra Leoneans have been successfully evacuated to Freetown, as a result of coordinated efforts by the Sierra Leone Embassy in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran, and the Sierra Leone Consulate in Lebanon.
The repatriation, which took place on Tuesday November 19, 2024, was supported by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Among the evacuees were four infants, aged between five and eight months.
The work of the mission underscores the commitment of the government of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio to safeguarding the welfare of Sierra Leonean citizens abroad, particularly those in crisis zones.
According to Mr. Jaward Borniea, who is currently overseeing the Sierra Leone Consulate in Beirut, the evacuation process is ongoing, with an additional 200 Sierra Leoneans expected to return home by next week.
The Israel-Lebanon conflict has exacerbated challenges for Sierra Leoneans living in Lebanon, many of whom had moved there seeking better opportunities. Unfortunately, 98% of evacuees had lost their passports and other vital documents due to the chaos. To address this, the Sierra Leone Embassy in Iran facilitated the issuance of Emergency Travel Certificates (ETC), enabling the processing of their travel documents.
In view of these challenges, Mr. Borniea assured that the consulate is working diligently to resolve documentation issues and ensure a timely and smooth transition for those returning.
He also confirmed that there have been no reported deaths or injuries among Sierra Leoneans in Lebanon.
Yesterday’s effort marks the first large-scale repatriation undertaking by the Sierra Leone Embassy in Iran since the conflict between Israel and Lebanon began. The collaborative effort highlights the critical role of diplomatic missions and international partnerships in addressing humani
