FREETOWN, Sierra Leone — The Government of Sierra Leone has announced that nine nationals from member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have safely returned to their respective countries after a temporary stay in Freetown under a migration arrangement between Sierra Leone and the United States.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, officials confirmed that the individuals arrived in Sierra Leone on 20 May 2026 as part of the U.S.–Sierra Leone Third Country National Agreement.
The arrangement allows Sierra Leone to temporarily host certain deportees from the United States while preparations are made for their repatriation to their home countries.
According to the ministry, all nine individuals have now voluntarily departed Sierra Leone following the completion of immigration, consular and other administrative procedures required for their onward travel.
Authorities said the temporary guests were provided with accommodation and essential support services throughout their stay. These included medical care, psychosocial assistance and other welfare provisions coordinated by government agencies, diplomatic missions and partner organizations.
The ministry noted that the process was conducted in accordance with international standards and regional cooperation frameworks, emphasizing Sierra Leone’s commitment to humanitarian principles and collaboration with international partners on migration management.
The successful departure of the ECOWAS nationals marks another step in the implementation of the bilateral migration agreement between Sierra Leone and the United States, which has attracted public interest since its introduction earlier this year.
