In a powerful demonstration of leadership and empathy, Charles Mambu, Executive Director of Health For All Coalition Sierra Leone and Head of the Sierra Leone Consortium of Civil Society Organizations, made a significant visit to the Gbalamuya Border Customs Base on December 12, 2024.
Mambu’s mission was sparked by alarming reports on social media about Sierra Leoneans who had been deported from Guinea’s slum areas and were now stranded at the border, struggling to survive in dire conditions.
Mambu’s visit aimed to uncover the truth behind these reports and engage with the authorities directly. At the border, he met with key security figures, including the LUC (Local Unit Commander), the CO (Commanding Officer) of the 11 Infantry Battalion, and the ONS (Office of National Security) District Coordinator in Kambia District, in order to gather firsthand information on the situation. While acknowledging the efforts of these stakeholders in managing the crisis, Mambu expressed concern over the severe resource limitations they were facing in addressing the needs of the displaced Sierra Leoneans.
In addition to engaging with security personnel, Mambu took time to meet with the deportees themselves. The heartbreaking stories shared by these individuals painted a grim picture of their suffering. Many spoke of enduring hunger, lacking shelter, and facing critical medical needs. Stranded in a foreign land with no support, the deportees’ testimonies highlighted a sense of hopelessness and desperation. Some spoke of having lost everything, while others were in urgent need of medical care and basic sustenance.
“Their stories are not just numbers or statistics. These are human beings, citizens of Sierra Leone, with dignity and fundamental rights,” Mambu remarked during his visit. “The government and relevant agencies must act swiftly to provide food, shelter, and medical support to these vulnerable people who are in dire need of help.”
The Sierra Leonean deportees’ situation has sparked widespread concern across the country, bringing attention to the urgent need for a coordinated and swift humanitarian response. The community is calling for the government, as well as international organizations such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM), to step in and provide immediate assistance to ease the suffering of those stranded.
Mambu’s decision to leave the comfort of Freetown and personally witness the situation at the border has been widely acclaimed. His actions underscore his unwavering commitment to advocacy, justice, and the well-being of the most vulnerable members of society. His visit serves as a stark reminder of the importance of grassroots engagement and direct action in addressing human rights challenges.
The growing number of deportees is a clarion call for coordinated intervention. Their cries for help cannot be ignored, and immediate action must be taken to ensure their safety and dignity. There is a clear need for sustainable solutions that go beyond short-term relief, ensuring that deportees are reintegrated into society and provided with the support they need to rebuild their lives.
‘’The government of Sierra Leone, humanitarian organizations, and the international community must work together to provide immediate relief and long-term solutions for the stranded deportees. It is not just an issue of survival, but one of justice, compassion, and the recognition of human rights.’’ Mambu Said.
