The Institute for Legal Research and Advocacy for Justice (ILRAJ) has issued a strong condemnation of recent events involving the mass expulsion of Sierra Leoneans by Guinean authorities and the subsequent targeted actions by Sierra Leone’s security forces against individuals predominantly from the Fullah ethnic group.
In a press release, ILRAJ expressed grave concern over these developments, highlighting their violation of fundamental rights protected under international and regional frameworks.The organization stressed that these actions undermine Sierra Leone’s constitutional values and betray the principles of regional cooperation.
ILRAJ emphasized that the expulsions and retaliatory measures contravene the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, Residence, and Establishment, which guarantees the right to live, work, and move freely within member states. The African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) also explicitly prohibit mass expulsions and mandate lawful processes for deportation, which were reportedly absent in these incidents.
The organization further noted that these actions contradict the founding principles of the Mano River Union (MRU), which seeks to foster economic and social cooperation among member states, including Guinea and Sierra Leone.
Particularly alarming to ILRAJ is Sierra Leone’s response, which has disproportionately targeted the Fullah community. Reports of arbitrary arrests, detentions, and labeling Fullahs as “undocumented foreigners” have raised serious concerns about ethnic profiling and discrimination.
ILRAJ warned that such actions could fracture Sierra Leone’s national unity and draw painful parallels to ethnic divisions experienced in the 1970s.“The Fullah community is an integral part of Sierra Leone’s social, economic, and cultural fabric,” ILRAJ stated. “Scapegoating them undermines the nation’s progress and unity.”
ILRAJ has outlined a series of recommendations for both governments, urging them to:
Cease all harassment, detention, and deportation based on ethnicity.
Fulfill their obligations under regional and international laws, including the ECOWAS Protocol and ACHPR.
Conduct an independent investigation into the expulsions and retaliations, ensuring accountability for all responsible parties.
Reaffirm the rights of all Sierra Leoneans, including the Fullah community, to live free from discrimination.
Engage diplomatically to address the underlying issues and prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
ILRAJ warned that these events pose a significant threat to Sierra Leone’s hard-won peace and stability. The institute called on the government to prioritize justice, inclusivity, and adherence to the rule of law.
“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,” the statement concluded.
The mass expulsions and retaliatory actions have sparked widespread concern over the erosion of regional cooperation and the potential for heightened tensions between Guinea and Sierra Leone. As calls for accountability grow louder, the spotlight is on both nations to uphold their commitments to human rights and the shared vision of peace and development within the subregion.
