By: Fayia Jr. Moseray
The Sierra Leone Embassy in Moscow has urged Sierra Leonean students studying in Russia to remain calm and law-abiding as tensions rise over the delayed disbursement of their monthly stipends. These stipends, which are meant to support the students’ livelihoods in the Russian Federation, have been delayed for several months, leaving many students frustrated and vulnerable.
In a public notice issued on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, the Embassy expressed its concerns regarding a statement circulated by students, which highlighted the financial difficulties they are facing due to the delay. The Embassy emphasized that it is in close communication with authorities in Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Higher and Technical Education and the Ministry of Finance to address the issue.
“We are aware of the challenges our students are facing and have communicated with the appropriate authorities in Freetown regarding the release of their monthly stipends,” the notice stated. “However, we urge all students to refrain from making inflammatory statements, spreading misinformation, or engaging in actions that could tarnish Sierra Leone’s reputation abroad.”
The Embassy’s statement followed growing discontent among Sierra Leonean students in Russia, many of whom have gone months without receiving their stipends. This has led to serious challenges, including food insecurity, eviction threats, and an inability to afford basic medical care.
The National Union of Sierra Leonean Students in Moscow issued a press release, describing the situation as dire. The release stated that students are unable to pay rent, buy food, or cover basic utilities, and have been relying on the generosity of friends, church communities, and local donors to survive.
“We are here to learn and represent our country, but we are now seen begging other foreign nationals, friends, and goodwill people just to get by,” the student body said. “We appeal to the government of President Julius Maada Bio to consider our plight as students who are striving to give back to Sierra Leone. Our current living conditions are deplorable.”
While acknowledging the students’ hardships, the Sierra Leone Embassy urged them to remain patient and assured them that the authorities in Freetown are working to resolve the matter as soon as possible. The Embassy also reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the students receive the support they need, pointing to a previous dialogue session held with student representatives on June 18, 2025.
Sources within the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education and the Ministry of Finance have indicated that the government is addressing the backlog of payments owed to foreign-based students. However, procedural bottlenecks and shifting budget priorities have contributed to the delay.
The stipend program, which supports hundreds of Sierra Leonean students pursuing higher education abroad under bilateral scholarship agreements, has faced periodic funding disruptions in recent years.
It is important to note that Russia remains one of Sierra Leone’s key education partners, with dozens of students studying fields such as medicine, engineering, and ICT at institutions in cities like Kazan, Saint Petersburg, and Moscow.