AYV News, March 4, 2026
The Government of Sierra Leone has successfully evacuated 24 nationals and embassy staff from the Islamic Republic of Iran following the recent escalation of military strikes and retaliatory actions in the Middle East.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the evacuees have been safely relocated to Armenia as a precautionary measure.
The group comprises 14 students, one private citizen, three Sierra Leonean diplomats, and six locally recruited staff members from the Sierra Leone Embassy in Tehran.
Officials stated that emergency evacuation protocols were immediately activated in response to the rapidly evolving security situation in the region. The government continues to closely monitor developments and remains actively engaged through its diplomatic missions.
The ministry further disclosed that Sierra Leoneans residing in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Kuwait, Bahrain and Israel have been reported safe, based on updates received from Sierra Leone’s diplomatic missions in those countries.
Given the fluid and unpredictable security environment, the government has strongly advised Sierra Leoneans in affected areas to strictly comply with local safety directives, including curfews and emergency response measures. Citizens have also been urged to maintain regular communication with their families and Sierra Leone’s embassies or high commissions.
“The safety and welfare of Sierra Leonean citizens remain a priority,” the Ministry emphasized, assuring the public that further updates will be provided as the situation unfolds.
The evacuation underscores the government’s ongoing efforts to safeguard its citizens abroad amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the region.
