By Hassan Osman Kargbo
In a significant step towards addressing the growing concerns of Sierra Leoneans residing irregularly in Mauritania, the Sierra Leone Embassy in Dakar- Senegal has commenced the distribution of over 200 Laissez-Passer documents to nationals wishing to return home voluntarily. The process began Monday, June 9, 2025, at a designated location known as CANAL in Nouakchott—an accessible site widely recognized by the Sierra Leonean community.
This initiative comes in response to increasing arrests and deportations of foreign nationals by Mauritanian authorities, targeting individuals without valid legal status. Many undocumented migrants, including Sierra Leoneans, have been living under the constant threat of detention and forced deportation.
In a proactive measure, the Sierra Leonean Embassy conducted a verification and registration exercise on May 22, identifying nationals in urgent need of assistance. The exercise enabled the embassy to compile a list of individuals eligible to receive emergency travel documents. The move was also a response to mounting pressure and appeals from affected Sierra Leoneans, many of whom had traveled to Mauritania in search of better economic opportunities but have since found themselves stranded without support or documentation.
The ongoing repatriation process has been made possible through collaboration with the Sierra Leone National Union in Mauritania, a community-based organization that has played a vital role in mobilizing and coordinating Sierra Leoneans in the country. The union has been instrumental in liaising with the embassy and ensuring the smooth execution of the documentation and repatriation procedures.
Speaking to some recipients of the Laissez-Passers, many expressed deep gratitude to the Sierra Leonean authorities for their efforts. “I had lost hope. We’ve been living in fear for months because of the arrests,” said Mohamed Koroma, a resident of Nouakchott who received his travel document this week. “The embassy didn’t forget about us. We thank them for helping us go back home safely.”
This is not the first intervention by the embassy. On two previous occasions, the diplomatic mission facilitated the voluntary return of 134 Sierra Leoneans from Mauritania, in an effort to ease the growing humanitarian concern. The embassy’s consistent efforts underscore its commitment to the welfare of Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora, particularly those caught in vulnerable situations.
An embassy official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the number of nationals requiring assistance has grown over the past year due to stricter immigration enforcement in Mauritania. “Our primary concern is to ensure the safety and dignity of our citizens. Many of them came here seeking a better life, but circumstances have changed,” the official said.
The embassy has also issued public calls encouraging undocumented Sierra Leoneans in Mauritania to come forward for assistance, promising a safe and voluntary repatriation process. “We are not here to judge anyone. We are here to help,” the official added.
Community leaders within the Sierra Leone National Union have echoed these sentiments, calling on fellow nationals to take advantage of the current initiative. “This is a lifeline for many. We urge our brothers and sisters to reach out before it’s too late,” said Union President.
Despite logistical and resource challenges, the ongoing documentation and repatriation campaign is being viewed as a beacon of hope for many Sierra Leoneans in Mauritania. With over 200 Laissez-Passers already issued and more expected, the embassy has signaled its intention to continue supporting its nationals through every phase of the return process.
As deportations and legal crackdowns continue in Mauritania, the importance of coordinated diplomatic and community action has become increasingly apparent.
For many Sierra Leoneans, the embassy’s intervention marks not just a path home, but a restoration of hope and dignity in a time of uncertainty.
