Sierra Leone Deports Convicted Criminals to the United States - Sengeh

Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh has confirmed that Sierra Leone has deported individuals involved in criminal activities to several countries, including the United States, in line with international obligations.

Speaking on the AVY Wake Salone programme, Sengeh explained that deportation is a global practice rooted in a country’s responsibility to accept its citizens. He emphasized that no nation can refuse to receive its own nationals, regardless of their criminal record.

“When individuals commit crimes abroad and are deported, it is the responsibility of their home country to receive them,” Sengeh said. “Sierra Leone has consistently upheld this responsibility, including receiving and processing deportees from countries such as the United States.”

The Chief Minister added that deportation is a reciprocal international process and should be understood within the broader context of global migration management and law enforcement cooperation. He noted that such arrangements help countries manage crime across borders, ensure accountability, and support the rule of law.

Sengeh further stressed that deportation is not a punitive measure imposed unilaterally but a coordinated practice recognized under international law. “These processes are part of standard protocols between states to maintain order and cooperation in global migration,” he said.

He stated that Sierra Leone’s adherence to these procedures demonstrates the country’s commitment to international norms and its willingness to work collaboratively with partner nations to address issues related to crime and migration.

Sengeh’s remarks come amid wider public discussions on migration, criminal accountability, and cross-border security cooperation, reinforcing the government’s position that deportation remains both a legal obligation and a necessary component of international order and security.