The Sierra Leone Consulate in Beirut, Lebanon, has responded to alarming social media reports about Sierra Leoneans stranded in Lebanon due to the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
In a statement, consular officials assured that they are working closely with humanitarian organizations to locate and provide shelter for their citizens amid the ongoing violence.
“We are taking immediate steps to ensure the safety of our nationals,” said a spokesperson from the consulate. “Through our collaboration with local humanitarian organizations, we have been able to identify and offer shelter to Sierra Leoneans in safe zones, including areas like Ashrafieh, Tripoli, and Beirut.”
This comes after widespread social media videos showed Sierra Leonean women pleading for assistance, with some reporting that buildings they were living in had been hit by Israeli airstrikes. The women expressed fears for their safety as the conflict rages on.
“Our bosses have left us behind in their homes, others have gone offline. We need help, and we are displaced,” one Sierra Leonean worker shared.
Many of the stranded individuals have made urgent appeals to the Sierra Leonean government and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) for immediate repatriation. With hundreds of thousands displaced and over 720 reported fatalities in Lebanon due to recent airstrikes, the call for evacuation has become more pressing.
“We understand the gravity of the situation and are doing everything within our power to bring our people to safety,” the consulate stated, reiterating its commitment to ensuring the well-being of Sierra Leoneans caught in the conflict.
As the situation in Lebanon continues to deteriorate, the consulate, alongside international partners, remains on high alert, working to safeguard the lives of those affected by the violence.
