By: Saidu Jalloh
The Ministry of Internal Affairs has hosted officials from the British High Commission in Freetown to deepen bilateral cooperation on migration and security.
The engagement, held at the Ministry’s Gloucester Street office, brought together the Minister of Internal Affairs, AIG (Rtd.) Morie Lengor Esq., and the United Kingdom’s Deputy High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, Madam Kathleen Reid, along with senior officials from both sides.
Discussions focused on strengthening collaboration in migration management, return processes, and broader security cooperation, as both countries negotiate a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on migration.
Madam Reid requested comprehensive insights into Sierra Leone’s current migration and security landscape, highlighting challenges associated with irregular and involuntary migration. She emphasized the United Kingdom’s interest in reinforcing structured migration partnerships and ensuring that return processes are conducted in a dignified and humane manner.
She noted that migration remains a priority issue for the UK Government and stressed the importance of establishing a strong and sustainable bilateral framework to address shared concerns.
In response, Minister Lengor welcomed the initiative and reaffirmed his Ministry’s commitment to strengthening security cooperation. He underscored the need for joint efforts to reduce the risks, vulnerabilities, and exploitation linked to irregular migration.
The Minister also outlined measures already undertaken by the Government of Sierra Leone in collaboration with international partners, including the International Organization for Migration (IOM), to facilitate the safe return and reintegration of migrants.
He thanked the UK delegation for its continued support and described the longstanding relationship between Sierra Leone and the United Kingdom as one built on mutual respect and cooperation. He assured the delegation of the Government’s readiness to implement the proposed MoU once finalized.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to developing practical and actionable plans under the agreement to address migration challenges and promote safer, more structured migration management.
Officials at the meeting also expressed concern over the global rise in migration driven by economic pressures, conflict, and other contributing factors, emphasizing the need for coordinated and sustainable international responses.