The Government of Sierra Leone has confirmed the return of 942 citizens from Guinea following operations targeting undocumented foreign residents in Conakry. The exercise, conducted by Guinean authorities on 23 March 2026, affected Sierra Leoneans in the Boulbinet port area, including individuals without valid documentation.
According to a statement released by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education on 24 March 2026, “Sierra Leoneans with valid documentation were released, while those without valid status were scheduled for return to Sierra Leone.” The Government emphasized that it is actively engaging with Guinea to ensure the process is carried out “in an orderly and humane manner, with full respect for the rights and dignity of our citizens.”
Government officials assured the public that they are closely monitoring the situation and maintaining diplomatic engagement with the Guinean authorities to safeguard the rights of all Sierra Leonean nationals. Citizens have been urged to remain calm and rely on verified information issued through official government channels.
The Ministry of Information and Civic Education highlighted that the operations in Guinea were part of a broader exercise involving the clearing of informal settlements and the identification of undocumented foreign residents. The statement reads, “The Government of Sierra Leone has been informed by the Guinean authorities of ongoing operations involving the clearing of informal settlements and the identification and return of undocumented foreign residents.”
Officials said that the Government, through its Embassy in Conakry, is working to ensure that no Sierra Leonean is treated unfairly during the process. “The return process is being jointly managed by officials of both countries at the border,” the statement added, stressing that all measures are in place to guarantee safety and dignity for the returning citizens.
The Ministry further noted the Government’s commitment to protecting citizens abroad, stating that it “will continue to monitor the situation and maintain diplomatic engagement with the Government of Guinea to ensure due process and the continued protection of Sierra Leonean nationals.”
The Ministry’s communication emphasized the need for public vigilance against misinformation, urging citizens to “remain calm and rely on verified information from official government channels.”
This development comes amid increasing concerns over the treatment of foreign nationals in parts of West Africa. Sierra Leonean authorities have reiterated that the Government is prepared to provide assistance to returning citizens, ensuring they are screened, documented, and safely reintegrated into communities across the country.