Freetown, Sierra Leone – The Government of Sierra Leone has successfully received its first cohort of Third Country Nationals (TCNs) deported from the United States, with officials confirming that all arrival and reception procedures were completed smoothly and without incident.
Nine individuals arrived out of the expected twenty-four. The group comprises five Ghanaians, two Guineans, one Senegalese, and one Nigerian. All are West African nationals who were promptly transferred to designated hosting facilities in the Freetown area, where they are receiving accommodation, care, and humanitarian support ahead of their repatriation to their respective countries of origin.
Authorities confirmed that the deportees fully cooperated with immigration and reception officials throughout the process.
Third-Country Arrangement Context
The arrivals mark the first practical implementation of Sierra Leone’s Third-Country National Arrangement with the United States. Under the agreement, Sierra Leone will temporarily host a limited number of ECOWAS nationals who are being deported from the US but cannot be immediately returned home. The programme is capped at a maximum of 25 individuals per month and 300 per year, and is supported by US funding.
Foreign Minister Timothy Kabba has described the arrangement as a humanitarian and cooperative framework that upholds dignity and international standards, while strengthening bilateral ties with the United States.
Strong Inter-Agency Coordination
Government officials praised the Multi-Stakeholder Committee and all participating Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) for their effective coordination, professionalism, and seamless collaboration during the operation.
The successful reception of the first group is being viewed as an important demonstration of regional cooperation and Sierra Leone’s willingness to shoulder humanitarian responsibility within the ECOWAS sub-region.
Further cohorts are expected in the coming weeks as the programme continues. Officials assured the public that all security, immigration, and welfare protocols are being strictly observed.
