Government Evacuates Sierra Leoneans from Iran Amid Rising Middle East Tensions
The Government of Sierra Leone has successfully evacuated twenty-four (24) Sierra Leonean nationals and embassy staff from the Islamic Republic of Iran following the recent escalation of military strikes and retaliatory actions across the Middle East.
The evacuees have been safely relocated to the Republic of Armenia as a precautionary measure.
Those evacuated include fourteen (14) students, one (1) private citizen, three (3) Sierra Leonean diplomats, and six (6) locally recruited staff members of the Sierra Leone Embassy in Tehran.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation activated emergency response protocols in light of the evolving security situation. The Government continues to closely monitor developments across the Middle East and remains actively engaged through its diplomatic missions in the region.
According to official updates, Sierra Leoneans residing in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Israel are reported safe at this time.
Given the fluid security environment, the Government strongly advises all Sierra Leoneans in affected areas to strictly adhere to local safety directives, including curfews and emergency procedures. Citizens are also encouraged to maintain regular communication with their families and Sierra Leone’s diplomatic missions.
The safety and welfare of Sierra Leonean citizens remain a top priority. The Government has assured the public that it will continue to provide timely updates as necessary.
