The Chief Minister of the Republic of Sierra Leone, David Moinina Sengeh, has engaged members of the Sierra Leonean community in Gbah Jarkeh, Bomi County, as part of sustained government efforts to deepen diaspora relations and address welfare concerns affecting citizens living abroad.
The high-level engagement, held on Monday, brought together community leaders, traders, youth representatives, and women’s groups, who used the opportunity to present a range of challenges confronting Sierra Leoneans in the area. Central among the concerns were allegations of harassment by immigration authorities and the precarious conditions faced by citizens involved in small-scale trading and mining activities.
Speaking on behalf of the community, former community leader Mr. Alex Koroma drew attention to the economic hardships endured by vulnerable traders, particularly women, whose livelihoods depend on informal cross-border commerce. He appealed for government intervention to protect the rights, dignity, and economic survival of Sierra Leoneans operating under difficult circumstances.
The meeting was attended by several key community stakeholders, including the Governor of the Sierra Leonean Community, Mr. Ibrahim Momoh; Youth Leader, Mr. James Momoh; the Women’s Leader; the Fulah community leader, Mr. Osman Bah; and his Deputy, Mr. Amadu Sow, among others. Participants collectively called for stronger diplomatic engagement to ensure fair treatment and improved living and working conditions for Sierra Leoneans in the host country.
Responding to the concerns, Chief Minister Sengeh assured community members that their issues had been carefully noted and would be addressed through appropriate diplomatic channels. He emphasized that the government takes the welfare of Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora seriously and remains committed to defending their rights wherever they reside.
He specifically called on the Sierra Leonean Ambassador to Liberia to intensify engagement with relevant authorities and stakeholders to help resolve immigration-related challenges and foster a more supportive environment for Sierra Leonean nationals.
“This is what leadership is about listening to our people and working to resolve their concerns,” Dr. Sengeh stated, reaffirming the government’s resolve to remain responsive and people-centered in its approach to governance.
The Chief Minister further underscored that sustained diaspora engagement is a key pillar of the government’s development agenda, aligning with the Big Five Game Changers particularly human capital development, job creation, and inclusive economic growth.
The engagement in Gbah Jarkeh once again highlighted the government’s determination to ensure that Sierra Leoneans abroad are not left behind, but are fully supported and integrated into national development efforts, regardless of where they live or work.