AYV News, December 16, 2024
Sierra Leone’s main opposition, All People’s Congress (APC) Party, has joined the clarion call for Guinean authorities to stop the mass deportation of Sierra Leoneans and prioritise dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the issue peacefully.
In a statement, APC’s 2023 elections Presidential Candidate, Dr. Samura Mathew Wilson Kamara said: “I am deeply concerned about the ongoing mass deportation of our brothers and sisters from our sister Republic of Guinea-Conakry. I would like to urge both governments to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy to resolve this issue peacefully. Our shared history of cooperation and mutual respect must continue”.
He appealed to the Guinean authorities to adhere to internationally accepted norms and standards, while noting that the two nations have a long history of peaceful coexistence and the free movement of their people across borders.
Dr. Samura Kamara said: “We must, therefore, work together to maintain this bond on the basis of our shared values of peace, cooperation, and human dignity. The ongoing deportation is a setback to these ideals”.
He encouraged the two nations to reaffirm their commitment to regional integration, well-being of theircitizens, and their free movement across the borders of the Mano River Union (MRU) and the wider ECOWAS while applying agreed Protocols.
The outgoing APC leader said while respecting Guinea’s sovereignty, he strongly appeal to the Guinean authorities to demonstrate compassion and follow due process in line with the principles of justice and human rights.
He reminder the Guinean authorities that the nations’ shared humanity and regional solidarity demand that the two governments work together to address this crisis compassionately, while appealing for the nations to be guided by empathy and justice as they seek sustainable solutions for these affected families.
