July 8, 2021
By: James Kamara-Manneh
A group of Sierra Leoneans in Liberia are dissatisfied with the ill treatment meted out to them by especially Immigration officers demanding resident permits. The say the treatment amounts to molestation and harassment.
In an exclusive interview with the head of Sierra Leonean Descendant Association in Bormi County, Liberia, Abdulai S. Aruna said the organization was formed to cater for the needs and protection of fellow Sierra Leoneans. He said his fellow countrymen most times are faced with serious pestering and humiliation from the Liberian Security officers in the name of resident permit..
Mr. Aruna who has been in Liberia for 8yrs with his family said Liberians coming into Sierra Leone face little or no harassment as compared to the conditions the Sierra Leoneans are subjected to in Liberia.
“Even though immigrants were advised to acquire resident permit if you decide to stay longer in the country and do petty trading or business that is not up to 50USD, you will not be required to obtain r resident permits,” he narrated..
He continued that businesses worth 500-600 USD you will be compelled to pay even when profits is not realized from the business. He also said the living condition of Sierra Leoneans is deplorable and called on the ECOWAS community to take note of the situation in terms of finding mitigating options.
He said obtaining the resident permit costs 250 USD and most Sierra Leonean residents in Liberia can hardly afford this amount.
He disclosed that the have been making representation to the Liberian government to review the cost and are yet to get favorable response on the issue.
Mr. Aruna cited an experience a Sierra Leonean man encountered with the Liberian authority at the B0-Water side border, where he was molested and undressed on the pretext of searching for documents. He further revealed that they extorted 150 USD from the said Sierra Leonean, noting that this is not the first time such incident has happened.
He called on the Sierra Leonean government to help those Sierra Leoneans who may wish to return and protection for those who decide to stay.
.