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3d ago

Sierra Leone Accepts First US‑Deported Migrants Under Third‑Country Deal

The agreement, backed by a $1.5 million US payment, reflects Washington’s effort to speed removals by sending willing African states short batches of migrants.

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Sierra Leone has agreed to accept up to 300 people a year expelled by the United States, but only from the member states of the west African economic bloc ECOWAS.

Overview

  • The flight that landed Wednesday in Freetown carried nine West African nationals and implements a pact that limits Sierra Leone to taking up to 300 deportees a year from ECOWAS countries.
  • A Sierra Leone foreign ministry document shows the United States is providing $1.5 million to cover the programme’s humanitarian and operational costs.
  • Sierra Leone’s government, the International Organization for Migration and private contractor Kenvah Solutions are running intake and housing, with sources saying most arrivals will be hosted at hotels near the airport for up to two weeks and up to 30 days in exceptional cases.
  • News reports and witnesses recorded at least one deportee resisting disembarkation, while lawyers, rights groups and a Senate staff report have raised legal and transparency concerns, including court orders that have halted some removals.
  • Key questions remain about what Sierra Leone receives in return, how deportees will be settled after brief receptions, and whether the programme will expand to other partners or face more legal challenges.