Deportees Share Harrowing Journeys and Praise Freedom
Aminata Tholley, 27, one of 149 Sierra Leonean migrants recently deported from Niger, expressed profound gratitude for returning home alive after enduring the hardships of seeking greener pastures abroad.
Speaking at the Freetown International Airport, Tholley recounted her ordeal, including being detained in Niger during a perilous journey to Tunisia. “Today is my happiest day. I was arrested and jailed for weeks in Niger before being deported. I can only thank God I am back in my country safe. Life was truly difficult in Niger,” she said.
Tholley and the other deportees, including children, were facilitated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) with funding from the European Union. She urged fellow Sierra Leoneans to reconsider embarking on similar dangerous journeys.
Another returnee, Abu Bakarr Sesay expressed relief and gratitude for his safe return. “I left this country four years ago, hoping to find a better life in Europe, but it didn’t work out. I’m just happy to be back alive, unlike others who lost their lives in the struggle,” he said. Sesay shared harrowing memories, including witnessing the death of his best friend in Libya and the abuse of women.
“I went through so much, but now that I’m here, I want to rebuild my life,” Sesay added.
IOM’s Head of Office, Pauline Macharia, revealed that with EU funding, the organization has facilitated the return of over 1,000 Sierra Leonean migrants and plans to assist more. She emphasized the importance of reintegration programs to help returnees rebuild their lives and urged them to avoid harmful habits like drug abuse.
Presidential Adviser on Youth, Desmond Pessima, reiterated the government’s commitment to its citizens worldwide. He highlighted ongoing collaboration with IOM to ensure the smooth reintegration of returnees and promote youth empowerment and employment opportunities.
Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs, Patrick Michaelson Gibrilla, outlined the government’s progress in creating opportunities for youth under its “Big Five” agenda, which aims to generate 500,000 jobs.
“Recently, we distributed 200 tricycles to youth and plan to provide fishing boats to support livelihoods. We will ensure deportee children return to school and assist adults in resuming education or learning skills,” he said.
The Deputy Minister encouraged returnees to remain focused, promising that they would be prioritized for future opportunities.
The return of these migrants underscores the importance of coordinated efforts to address migration challenges and support those seeking to rebuild their lives in Sierra Leone.
