FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
17th December 2024
The Institute for Legal Research and Advocacy for Justice (ILRAJ) strongly condemns the recent mass expulsion of Sierra Leoneans by Guinean authorities and the retaliatory actions taken by Sierra Leone’s security forces against individuals, predominantly from the Fullah ethnic group. These actions not only violate the fundamental rights guaranteed under international and regional law but also undermine Sierra Leone’s constitutional values.
The expulsions by Guinea and retaliatory actions in Sierra Leone are clear breaches of the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, Residence, and Establishment. The ECOWAS framework guarantees the right to move, reside, and work freely across member states. Mass deportations and ethnic profiling violate these foundational principles and betray the spirit of regional cooperation.
Moreover, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), to which both nations are signatories, explicitly condemns mass expulsions and collective punishment. Article 13 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) further mandates lawful and fair expulsion processes, which were glaringly absent in these events.
The Mano River Union (MRU), established in 1973 and joined by Guinea in 1980, was founded to promote economic growth, social progress, and cultural advancement among its member states—Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea—through collaboration and mutual assistance. These recent actions by Guinea and Sierra Leone stand in stark contrast to the goals of the MRU and threaten the regional unity and cooperation that the Union seeks to uphold. The targeting of specific ethnic groups, particularly the Fullah community, undermines the shared vision of peace, inclusivity, and development in the subregion.
ILRAJ finds it particularly alarming that Sierra Leone’s response has disproportionately targeted the Fullah community. Reports of wrongful arrests, detentions, and labeling of Fullahs as “undocumented foreigners” are deeply troubling. Such actions amount to ethnic profiling and contravene Sierra Leone’s constitutional protections against discrimination and arbitrary arrest.
The Fullah community, an integral part of Sierra Leone’s social, economic, and cultural fabric, must not be scapegoated. Historical parallels to similar events in the 1970s serve as a painful reminder of how ethnic divisions can fracture national unity.
ILRAJ demands the following actions from both the Guinean and Sierra Leonean governments:
- Immediate cessation of all acts of harassment, detention, and deportation based on ethnicity.
- Adherence to regional and international obligations, including the ECOWAS Protocol and ACHPR.
- A full and independent investigation into the circumstances of the expulsions and retaliations, holding all responsible officials accountable.
- Public reaffirmation of the rights of all Sierra Leonean citizens, including the Fullah community, to live free from discrimination and profiling.
- Diplomatic engagement between Guinea and Sierra Leone to address underlying issues and ensure such events are not repeated.
The actions witnessed in recent days are a stark threat to Sierra Leone’s hard-won peace and unity. ILRAJ urges the government to prioritize justice and inclusivity, recognizing that all ethnic groups—including the Fullah community—are equal stakeholders in the nation’s progress.
Sierra Leone must lead with the principles of law, not retaliation. Now is the time to heal, unify, and reaffirm our commitment to regional solidarity and the rule of law.
About ILRAJ
The Institute for Legal Research and Advocacy for Justice (ILRAJ) is an independent, non-partisan public policy research and educational think tank dedicated to promoting human rights, the rule of law, and access to justice in Sierra Leone. ILRAJ works to preserve and enhance accountability, advocate for women’s and children’s rights, and foster youth justice. Through innovative research, policy reform initiatives, litigation, and advocacy, ILRAJ defends the rights of individuals, communities, and disadvantaged groups.
Contact – ilraj@ilraj.org
