U.S. Sends Only 9 Deportees to Sierra Leone Despite Initial Expectation of 24 – Foreign Minister Explains
By Kelvin Jay
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Timothy Musa Kabba, has disclosed that although the Government of Sierra Leone initially expected the arrival of 24 deportees from the United States under the Third Country Agreement (TCA), only nine individuals were eventually transferred.
Speaking during an interview on AYV Media Empire, Minister Kabba explained that the arrangement between Sierra Leone and the United States is not a rigid or legally binding treaty, but rather a flexible diplomatic understanding conveyed through official diplomatic notes.
“Yes, we were expecting 24 deportees from the United States after accepting the arrangement, but only nine were sent,” the Minister stated.
According to him, the development is not unusual, noting that in several countries that have entered into similar arrangements with the United States, the number of deportees eventually transferred has often fallen below the initial projections.
He emphasized that the agreement allows room for adjustments and flexibility, adding that the United States still has the option of transferring the remaining individuals in the future if necessary.
Minister Kabba further cited Ghana as an example, revealing that although the country reportedly entered into a similar arrangement, it also did not receive the full number of deportees initially anticipated from the United States.
He added that, based on available information, many deportees transferred under such agreements do not remain permanently in host countries. In Ghana’s case, he noted that only one individual — reportedly an auto mechanic — is known to have stayed and established a business.
The Foreign Minister maintained that Sierra Leone’s engagement with the United States on the matter continues to be guided by diplomacy, cooperation, and mutual understanding.
His remarks come amid ongoing public debate and growing concern surrounding the arrival of Third Country Nationals (TCNs) in Sierra Leone and the broader implications of the arrangement.
Government officials, however, have repeatedly assured the public that all arrivals are being managed in accordance with established immigration, security, and humanitarian procedures.
