By Ragan M. Conteh

Hundreds of Sierra Leoneans in Niger have informed this medium that “We are not safe here in Niger”.

The number of Sierra Leoneans coming is increasing daily with limited support.

One Osman Sankoh said they are seriously suffer, adding that food shortage and inhuman treatment in Niger.

He pointed out that, they are in dire need for repatriation from Niger to Sierra Leone.

Reports from Niger disclosed that over 750 Sierra Leoneans, including women and children, are currently stranded at International Organization for Migration (IOM) camp in Agadez, Niger.

According to report, Sierra Leone is also among the top five countries in West Africa with the highest number of stranded migrants.

“Too many young Sierra Leoneans embark on high-risk journeys through irregular migration. Thanks to the EU and the Government for their support. To be able to cover the needs of vulnerable Sierra Leoneans who are stranded abroad, a collective action is needed now to support their return home followed with reintegration options,” said Christopher Christodoulides, Head of Office at IOM Sierra Leone.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has assisted 149 Sierra Leonean migrants stranded in Niger to return home safely via charter flight while about 750 Sierra Leoneans are still trapped in the foreign land.

According to IOM office they are  working in close coordination with the Government of Sierra Leone to facilitate this dignified return.

“Even before the scheduling of the flight, returnees underwent a special online verification exercise by Sierra Leone’s Immigration Department to ascertain their nationalities,” IOM said.

Upon arrival, IOM staff registered the returnees and provided cash assistance for their immediate needs, as well as food, water, and onward transportation.