Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. The Sierra Leone Embassy in Dakar has secured the release of undocumented Sierra Leonean nationals detained in Mauritania and initiated procedures for their repatriation.
Ambassador Hamza Mailim, Director of African Affairs at Mauritania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, on Thursday received Madam Evelyn T. Akapo, Head of Chancery of the Sierra Leone Embassy in Dakar, which holds accreditation to Mauritania.
The emergency meeting addressed the recent detention of Sierra Leonean migrants and broader protection concerns. “Our immediate priority was securing their release,” Akapo stated, confirming the embassy would issue emergency travel certificates for those wishing to return home.
The discussions also covered challenges regarding residence permit renewals, passport services, and birth registration for children of Sierra Leonean descent born in Mauritania.
A verification exercise launched Thursday at the embassy’s temporary office in Nouakchott processed 236 individuals on the first day, predominantly women and children. The mission will continue issuing laissez-passers throughout Friday to facilitate voluntary returns.
This intervention comes as Mauritania implements stricter migration controls across its territory. The Sierra Leonean government has urged all undocumented citizens in the country to regularize their status through official channels.
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