Over 600 Sierra Leone were on Monday 23rd March 2026, deported to Sierra Leone by the Guinean authorities.
This development comes days after a tripartite meeting in Guinea involving Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone aimed at easing border tensions in the Mano River Region.
Reasons behind the sudden deportation of Sierra Leoneans remain unclear, and the authorities of the two neighbouring countries are yet to issue official statements on the issue.
Some sources have alleged that the deportation is linked to the selling of narcotic drugs, which Sierra Leoneans in Guinea consume or drink, adding that the cost of one Tramadol in Guinea is NLe25 which is equivalent to 10,000FG and because of the huge profits in the business, many Sierra Leoneans are involved in dealing in Tramadol.
They allegedly cited the hotspots for the sale of Tramadol in Guinea, such as Bonfe, Kissidugu, Bardiana, Segere, Conefex, Madina and a few other areas in Conakry.
“This development has reached the Guinean authorities, and they decided to take such drastic measures against defaulters who are mostly Sierra Leoneans.
Critics have argued that the deportation unfairly targeted hardworking, lawabiding immigrants who are neither involved in the sale of narcotic drugs nor do they consume or drink illegal substances.
Local sources in Conakry say the roundups by armed personnel have caused panic families with children and the elderly caught in the operations.
According to analysts, this latest move by the Guniean authorities reflects ongoing tensions over migration and economic pressures in Guinea urban areas. With urban populations swelling, authorities could be using deportation as a way to manage public services and maintain order.
The deportees are currently at the Pamlap crossing point awaiting entry into Sierra Leone.
Reports from Kambia suggest that arrangements have been made by the Sierra Leonean authorities to facilitate the safe transportation of the deportees from the border into the country.
Meanwhile, local reports from Conakry state that more foreign nationals are expected to be deported in the coming days, especially in the slum areas in Guinea, where some Sierra Leoneans, Ivorians, Malians, and other nationals live. These areas, the reports state, have become hubs for illicit drug trafficking, prostitution, and other illegal activities, causing problems for Guineans and their children.
About the Author
