The government of Sierra Leone has acknowledged receiving about 942 of its citizens that the Guinean government deported.
In the wake of the confusion, Guinean authorities has informed its Sierra Leone counterpart of ongoing operations involving the clearing of “informal settlements, and the identification and return of undocumented foreign residents.”
As part of these operations, an exercise was conducted on Monday, March 23, 2026, in the Boulbinet port area of Conakry, where Sierra Leoneans were among those affected.
Other citizens included individuals without “valid documentation.”
Sierra Leoneans with valid documentation were released, while those without valid status were scheduled for return to Sierra Leone.
The Government of Sierra Leone, through its Embassy in Conakry, has engaged the Guinean authorities to ensure the process is handled in an “orderly and humane manner, with full respect for the rights and dignity of our citizens.”
The expulsion process is being jointly managed by officials of both countries at the border.
Sierra Leonean authorities have meanwhile, received, screened, and documented returnees, and facilitated their safe and dignified repatriation to their respective communities.
As of Tuesday, March 24, 2026, a total of 942 Sierra Leoneans, including adults and children, have been received at the Kambia border, with onward arrangements in progress.
The government has promised to continue monitoring the situation, and maintain “diplomatic engagement” with the Government of Guinea to ensure due process and the continued protection of Sierra Leonean nationals.
Guinea land claims
In a related development, Guinea has declared: “not a single centimeter will be taken away.”
Due to that treat, Guinea’s Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralization, General Ibrahima Kalil Condé, has warned neighboring countries that the nation’s territorial integrity is non-negotiable.
Gen. Condé noted that Guinea shares 3,399 kilometers of borders with six neighboring countries, including Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, Mali, La Coté d’ivoire (Ivory Coast), Sierra Leone, and Liberia, covering a total area of 245,857 square kilometers.
He added: “This space will not be mortgaged. Not a single centimeter will be taken away.”
The statement reaffirms Guinea’s commitment to defending its borders amid regional concerns.