By Mohamed Kamara
The Network of Ex-Asylum Seekers established in 2009 as a humanitarian organization with objective to receive and counsel newly-arrived deportees situated at No. 19 West Street in central Freetown on Friday October 17th 2025 engaged 40 deportees accompanied by relatives and friends to deliberate on thematic issues affecting deportees upon arrival home in the presence of the Country Consultant and a counselling expert for the organization.
A cross-section of NEAS members and deportees
In his welcome address, the National Coordination Executive Officer Mr. Daramy said the organization is not only a home for deportees but a house to shelter. He said NEAS being the only organization that cares for deportees has a history of excellence in addressing the common psychological problems faced by deportees such as accommodation, food, medical, integration into society, and inclusion into educational and career training and reunites them with their respective families as guarantors. He said thanks for the cooperation of management and staff, the Human Rights Commission, the Sierra Leone Police and in particular Immigration and ToOCU, NEAS has been very successful in ensuring that deportees regain their respective integrity and dignity as humans. He pledged that NEAS will not relent especially now that the US President Donald Trump is on the rampage to deport as many migrants as he possibly ca.
From left to right: Consultant, Counselling Expert and National Coordinator
In his address, Resident Consultant, Mr. Ibrahim Alhaji Kamara representing the unique sponsors of NEAS – Medico International based in Germany, assured the deportees of the organization’s utmost desire to address their concerns. He appealed to them to avoid being stigmatized which is very common in communities. He said in difficult times, a lot will be told that is lost but that does not mean the end of life. He called on the deportees to have faith and hope for a successful future irrespective of what has happened. He called on them to restrain from drugs all forms of narcotics and alcohol. He said the US deportation exercise does not only affect the migrants from the African continent but equally so those from South and Central America, Pacific, Caribbean and Asian countries. He appealed to them to be-law abiding as NEAS does not only stand as an umbrella for hope but is working on strategies to improve their livelihood.
The Counselling Office for NEAS Madam Aminata Haja Kamara said the organization is very much conversant with the problems faced by deportees especially in the area of depression, stress, and egoistic tendencies, loneliness, hunger, untidiness, bad moments or even attempting suicide. She said in her relative experience, many people have faced and are facing and will continue to face similar trauma. She said in such a situation, deportees must realize that what they have endured in life is a test from God the Creator to learn from. She said many deportees have ended up successful in life because the lessons they have undergone have given them the experience to move much more positively as they have the desire and the Creator reserves what they deserve.
The meeting was moderated by the Program Officer Mr. Yusuf S. Mansaray. The welcome address was delivered by the Administrative Manager Miss Meseray and the welcome address by the Communications Officer Mr. Mark Adams.
Deportees, their parents and other relatives express delight and said they are convinced that all is not lost.
