The Opposition Chief Whip in Parliament, Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara, has issued a stern warning to Sierra Leoneans, urging them to act swiftly in the face of what he describes as a growing national crisis — the country’s deteriorating international image under the current administration.
Hon. Kamara’s remarks come amid renewed concerns about Sierra Leone’s alleged involvement in international drug trafficking networks and the reported misuse of diplomatic passports by foreign nationals linked to criminal syndicates.
A few years ago, President Julius Maada Bio stated that one of the key reasons for his frequent international travels was to “clean the image of the country.” At the time, this message was widely amplified by his supporters, who praised it as a mission to restore Sierra Leone’s global reputation.
However, Hon. Kamara noted that the opposite has since occurred, lamenting that Sierra Leone is now being branded internationally as a “hub for drug trafficking” — a deeply troubling label that threatens the nation’s integrity and security.
He cited the case of a convicted Dutch drug baron, reportedly hiding in Sierra Leone, whose extradition was requested by the Dutch government through INTERPOL. According to Hon. Kamara, the government’s denial of the convict’s presence in the country — despite photographic and video evidence showing him mingling with individuals linked to the presidential family — raises serious questions about transparency and accountability.
“This is not a matter to take lightly,” he warned. “Sierra Leoneans must act fast before our country’s image is destroyed beyond repair.”
The Opposition Chief Whip condemned what he described as the government’s “silence and inaction” in the face of credible allegations, suggesting that certain state actors may be complicit in shielding drug traffickers rather than prosecuting them. He said the proliferation of illicit drugs in the country has reached alarming levels, yet there are no visible or effective mechanisms to tackle the threat.
Hon. Kamara further referenced the case of a Turkish drug trafficker, Alp Ustun, recently arrested in the United Arab Emirates while in possession of a Sierra Leonean diplomatic passport. He described the incident as “an international embarrassment” that places Sierra Leonean citizens abroad at risk.
“Our diplomatic passports, once a symbol of national honor and trust, are now being used to protect international criminals,” he lamented.
The lawmaker also drew attention to findings in the 2023 Audit Report, particularly Page 116, which revealed that several Sierra Leonean diplomatic missions still use rubber stamps instead of standardized visa stickers or automated systems. The report also noted instances where foreign passports were stamped using ordinary rubber stamps, undermining the credibility and authenticity of Sierra Leone’s consular services.
Although some missions have reportedly introduced internal controls to prevent fraud, Hon. Kamara insisted that these measures remain inadequate, allowing continued abuse of official documentation.
In his concluding remarks, the Opposition Chief Whip urged the government to immediately investigate the issuance of diplomatic passports, particularly those granted to foreign nationals with suspected links to drug cartels. He stressed that as long as such practices continue unchecked, Sierra Leone’s reputation will remain at risk, and its citizens will bear the consequences.
“This is not just a political issue — it’s a national emergency,” Hon. Kamara cautioned. “If we don’t act now, Sierra Leone will lose the respect of the international community, and that loss will take generations to repair.”
