Fifty-six Sierra Leonean nationals were deported from Guinea on Tuesday after being arrested in the capital Conakry for
lacking valid residence permits, Sierra Leonean police said.
The group was handed over to officers at the Kambia Police Division in northern Sierra Leone at about 15:45 local time, Deputy Superintendent of Police Simmah Eric Turay said in a statement.
According to Kai Morsay, who identified himself as the spokesman for the deportees, they had lived in Conakry for about four years, working in construction, security and small businesses. He alleged they were detained in “harsh and inhumane conditions” before the Sierra Leonean embassy intervened.
The police said the returnees were being housed at the divisional headquarters in Kambia while officials investigate the circumstances of their arrest and deportation.
Guinean authorities did not immediately comment on the removals.
Sierra Leone’s police said they remained committed to protecting the rights and dignity of citizens at home and abroad.
By James Brima
