Uganda, Ghana Seek Waiver of Fines for Stranded Nationals in Cambodia… Why Has SierraLeone Yet to Act?
By Kelvin Jay
Following the stranding of Sierra Leonean, Ghanaian, and Ugandan nationals in the Kingdom of Cambodia, the Embassies of Uganda and Ghana in Kuala Lumpur have formally written to Cambodian authorities, requesting humanitarian intervention on behalf of their citizens.
In a diplomatic correspondence, the Embassy of the Republic of Uganda requested a waiver of fines for illegal overstay and the issuance of exit visas for 291 Ugandan citizens, as listed in an attached document, to enable their return home.
Similarly, the Embassy of Ghana in Kuala Lumpur appealed for a waiver of fines for illegal overstay in Cambodia and the issuance of exit visas for 47 Ghanaian nationals, also listed in an accompanying document, to facilitate their repatriation.
Citing humanitarian considerations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Cambodia acknowledged the request as appropriate and recommended the waiver of the accrued fines, along with the issuance of exit visas, to enable the affected citizens to travel back to their respective countries.
Consequently, His Excellency Abhisantibindit, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, was formally requested to review and approve the appeal, in line with humanitarian principles. The correspondence concluded with assurances of the highest diplomatic regards.
However, despite the proactive steps taken by Uganda and Ghana to protect their stranded nationals, questions continue to arise as to why Sierra Leone has yet to take similar diplomatic action on behalf of its citizens affected by the same circumstances.
