Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. Sierra Leone is taking a bold step toward transforming the way it manages migration, unveiling its National Implementation Plan for the Global Compact on Migration (GCM) at a ceremony in Freetown’s Country Lodge.
The plan aims to ensure that migration becomes a choice, not a necessity, and a pathway to prosperity for citizens at home and abroad.
Migration is a reality woven into the fabric of Sierra Leonean society. From families relying on remittances from the diaspora to young people moving to urban centers in search of opportunity, the movement of people shapes the nation’s economy and communities. Yet, unmanaged migration can carry risks, including brain drain, human trafficking, and dangerous journeys abroad.
The National Implementation Plan provides a strategic roadmap to address these challenges. It emphasizes coordinated action among government agencies, civil society, development partners, and international organizations, ensuring that migration contributes positively to development.
At the launch, Usman Cherry Conteh, Development Secretary in the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, stressed that the plan is homegrown and practical, built on extensive consultations with multiple stakeholders.
“We are turning global principles into local action,” Conteh said. “This roadmap will support citizens abroad and harness the contributions of migrants for national development.”
The launch also coincided with the unveiling of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Sierra Leone Country Strategy, signaling a strengthened partnership to support implementation of the plan. This collaboration is expected to provide technical expertise and resources to translate national objectives into tangible results.
In his keynote address, Minister of Internal Affairs Morie Lengor, Esq., described the plan as a milestone in Sierra Leone’s journey toward proactive migration management.
“Migration affects every aspect of our society economically, socially, and culturally,” he noted. “Managed well, it can drive growth, enhance human capital, and promote global connections.”
The Minister also acknowledged the risks migrants face and reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting citizens and maximizing the benefits of migration.
The plan outlines clear strategies, responsibilities, and indicators for government agencies, ensuring that Sierra Leone can track progress and respond effectively to the evolving dynamics of migration. By integrating migration into the national development strategy, the country signals that it is ready to turn challenges into opportunities and place its citizens at the center of policy decisions.
With this initiative, Sierra Leone positions itself as a proactive, forward-looking nation, seeking to harness the power of migration for sustainable development while safeguarding the welfare of its people.
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