SIERRA LEONE HIGH COMMISSION IN THE GAMBIA ASSISTS VICTIMS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING.

The Sierra Leone High Commission in The Gambia has extended urgent humanitarian support to a group of Sierra Leonean nationals who were victims of a suspected human trafficking operation. The group, consisting of four women, two men, and three children, was allegedly trafficked from Freetown to Banjul by an individual identified as Alhaji Kamara, a resident of Sierra Leone’s capital.

According to the victims, they were lured under false promises of traveling to Europe for better opportunities. Each person reportedly paid over Le10,000 to Kamara for what they believed was a legitimate migration arrangement. Instead, they were transported by road and abandoned at Banjul Park on May 15, 2025, without shelter, food, or support. For seven nights, the victims endured harsh conditions—sleeping on market stalls and surviving without basic necessities.

Upon learning of their plight, the Sierra Leone High Commission, led by the High Commissioner, along with Head of Chancery Madam Kadija E. Alpha and staff, swiftly intervened. The mission conducted interviews with the victims, provided immediate food and temporary accommodation, and began the process of contacting their families in Freetown. Initial findings revealed that many of the victims had departed Sierra Leone without the knowledge or consent of their relatives—further highlighting the deceptive and exploitative nature of the trafficking scheme.

The High Commission is now actively coordinating the victims’ safe and dignified repatriation and working to ensure proper reintegration into their respective communities. The mission also called for a comprehensive investigation into Alhaji Kamara’s actions and urged authorities to strengthen anti-trafficking measures.

This incident has prompted renewed calls for heightened community awareness, cross-border collaboration, and tougher legal enforcement to combat human trafficking and irregular migration. The Sierra Leone High Commission in The Gambia reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of Sierra Leoneans abroad, noting that swift and decisive actions are essential in preventing similar tragedies.