By Josephine W. Lagawo –
The Minister of Internal Affairs, Rtd AIG Morie Lengor, has clarified recent reports regarding the deportation of Sierra Leoneans from the United States. During a press briefing at the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, Minister Morie Lengor addressed the claim that 1,500 Sierra Leoneans were to be deported, stating that this information was false. He confirmed that only 11 Sierra Leoneans are set to be deported due to issues with proper documentation, and that these individuals have criminal records. The deportation is scheduled to take place in April, and the government has made arrangements to receive them in a respectful manner.
Minister Lengor also explained that he had met with U.S. Ambassador David Brian Hunt, who assured him of the situation’s specifics. He further revealed that discussions with relevant stakeholders have already taken place to ensure the smooth reintegration of the deportees back into society.
Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernoh Bah, also weighed in, emphasizing that Sierra Leoneans should not wish for the deportation of large numbers of their fellow citizens. He prayed for the well-being and guidance of Sierra Leoneans living in the U.S.
Minister Lengor shared that upon taking office, there was no strategic plan in place for the Ministry of Internal Affairs. However, he recognized the importance of creating a comprehensive strategy for the ministry to operate transparently and effectively. He mentioned that he has worked extensively with various agencies under his ministry, including the Sierra Leone Police, Sierra Leone Correctional Service, the National Fire Force, the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, Immigration, and the National Civil Registration Authority, among others.
The next step in the process, according to the Minister, is to hold internal consultations that will involve the media to ensure transparency and foster a collaborative approach to achieving the ministry’s goals.
He also discussed the ongoing efforts to address traffic congestion in the Community Business District (CBD) area. When Minister Lengor was interviewed by Parliament for his appointment, Members of Parliament raised concerns about the growing number of motorbike riders in the CBD. In response, he consulted with the Inspector General of Police to understand the scope of the issue. A strategy to address the congestion was developed in partnership with the UNDP and implemented starting November 1st, 2024. The strategy includes warnings for bike riders, demarcation of the CBD area, and the deployment of police and bike monitors.
Although there are a few individuals who have not complied, the Minister noted that the crime rate, particularly mobile phone thefts, and accidents in the area have significantly decreased, with improvements across 36 streets in the CBD.
Minister Lengor also cautioned passengers who frequently use motorbikes in the CBD area, explaining that aiding and abetting crime is punishable by law. The President of the Bike Riders Association, Ishmael Sandy, reassured the public that his members are complying with the law. He also shared that the Association had secured $2 million from the UNDP to train riders on lawlessness and other relevant issues.
Koma Hassan Kamara, the Information Director of the Freetown City Council (FCC), also addressed the issue of street trading. He explained that the removal of trade from the streets was necessary to reduce congestion and emphasized the importance of citizens paying their city rates to support the development of the area.
