By Josephine Sesay
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has successfully facilitated the return of 144 Sierra Leoneans from Niger, as part of its ongoing Voluntary Return and Reintegration Program. The group, which includes 104 women and 44 men, has safely arrived in Sierra Leone and is currently being provided with assistance to reintegrate into their communities.
The operation marks a significant achievement in IOM’s mission to provide safe and dignified return options for migrants who have found themselves in vulnerable situations abroad. These 144 individuals had been stranded in Niger, a country often used as a transit point for migrants attempting to reach Europe. Many had faced difficult circumstances, including exploitation, human trafficking, and limited access to basic services.
The Voluntary Return and Reintegration Program is a key initiative by IOM to support migrants who wish to return to their home countries, offering both logistical assistance for safe travel and reintegration support upon arrival. The program aims to help returnees rebuild their lives through vocational training, educational support, and assistance in finding sustainable employment.
Upon arrival in Sierra Leone, the returnees were welcomed by IOM staff and local authorities, who have pledged to assist in their reintegration process. The returnees will also have access to psycho-social support services to help them recover from the trauma many endured during their journey.
IOM’s timely intervention is a part of the organization’s broader commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of migrants globally, as well as fostering cooperation between countries to manage migration challenges effectively.
“We are grateful to IOM for making this return possible”, said a representative of the Sierra Leonean from Niger “This operation is a vital step towards ensuring that Sierra Leonean who have suffered abroad can start afresh with dignity and hope for a better future.”
The return of these 144 Sierra Leoneans underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing the challenges of irregular migration and ensuring the safe return of vulnerable migrants to their home countries.
