By SierraEye
The recent unauthorized landing of a 14-seater aircraft at Freetown International Airport raises significant concerns about Sierra Leone’s airspace security. On September 20, 2024, a plane flying from Liberia to Mexico made an unscheduled stop at Lungi without a landing permit.
The preliminary investigations revealed serious irregularities: the aircraft was flying with a fake registration number, the crew refused to submit documents or have allegedly torn up the same, and the captain, who initially claimed he could not speak English, later revealed that he was paid $20,000 for the trip.
While the authorities have assured the public that nothing suspicious was found during the search, this incident brings into sharp focus the broader national and regional security implications, particularly relating to drug trafficking and money laundering. Sierra Leone has long been identified as a transshipment point for illicit substances moving from South America to Europe and beyond, as confirmed by reports from the U.S. Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs. The deliberate act of scratching off the plane’s registration number is strongly suggestive of criminal intent.
This unauthorized landing not only exposes significant flaws in Sierra Leone’s aviation security but also highlights potential systemic lapses in the region. The questions many are asking are – Why did the aircraft choose to land at Lungi Airport instead of the Robertsfield Airport in Liberia where it was allegedly scheduled to land? Why was there no advance notification from the Liberian authorities about this suspicious flight? How can a plane land at an international airport without the approval of air traffic controllers? Do we have an adequate radar system to monitor our airspace?
These lapses suggest a glaring vulnerability in regional aviation security cooperation, specifically under the Roberts Flight Information Region Protocol, was established on January 17, 1975 when Guinea Conakry, Liberia, and Sierra Leone set up an aeronautical cooperative venture to provide air navigation services for en route flights (above 3,000 feet AGL) in their combined airspace. This incident could have been prevented if our Liberian counterparts had flagged the aircraft’s unauthorized movement earlier. Under the Roberts FIR, all flights traversing the controlled airspace of these countries are expected to be closely monitored and directed by air traffic control. Yet, this incident starkly exposes a failure in communication and surveillance across our regional airspace. The fact that a non-scheduled flight could cross into Sierra Leone’s airspace undetected by both Liberian and Sierra Leonean air traffic controllers highlights serious gaps in radar coverage and coordination.
Sierra Leone cannot afford to treat this incident as an isolated case. Given the history of drug trafficking and criminal activity in the region, we must leave no stone unturned. This is why the Government of Sierra Leone must invite the FBI and Interpol to assist in the investigation. Under Part VI of our National Drugs Control Act, mutual assistance in drug-related investigations and proceedings is not only permissible but necessary in cases like this. Section 3 of the Act also empowers the government to confiscate and forfeit any property involved in illegal activities, ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.
In the light of the seriousness of this breach, international expertise is required to support our national investigation. This is not just about uncovering the truth but also about safeguarding our country’s reputation. Sierra Leone must not become a haven for drug traffickers or any form of transnational crime.
One of the critical reasons for seeking international collaboration in this investigation is to ensure we obtain the biodata of the crew, especially given their refusal to cooperate with local authorities. With assistance from Interpol and other international agencies, Sierra Leone can leverage global databases and intelligence networks to uncover the identities of these individuals. This will allow us to determine whether they are connected to any global drug trafficking cartels or other transnational criminal organizations. Moreover, it can help expose any potential local operatives or collaborators they may have in Sierra Leone, enabling us to disrupt any broader illegal networks operating within our borders.
The investigation’s results will speak volumes about the state of our national security apparatus. While we await the technical report from the Civil Aviation Authority and further action from the Office of National Security, the incident serves as a wake-up call to review and strengthen our aviation security protocols. It also underscores the importance of regional collaboration to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The unauthorized landing at Lungi Airport is a serious national security breach that demands a robust response. By bringing in international experts and conducting a thorough investigation, we can prevent our country from being exploited by criminal networks. This is a critical moment for Sierra Leone, and how we respond will shape the future of our national security. Let us act swiftly and decisively to protect our sovereignty, our people, and our reputation on the global stage.
