The Governments of Sierra Leone and Guinea have agreed on a full package of measures following a high-level working visit to Conakry on September 9, 2026. The Sierra Leonean delegation, led by Vice President Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, engaged with the Government of Guinea, which was led by Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah. Their bilateral discussions focused on several key areas, including immigration, labour and employment, trade, and consular affairs. Other topics addressed were security and ensuring the safe and lawful movement of citizens between the two nations. These discussions showed a shared commitment to fostering stronger ties and addressing common challenges. The full package of measures represents a significant step forward in bilateral relations between the two West African nations.
Regulating Migration and Employment
An agreement was reached to facilitate the regularization of Sierra Leoneans and Guineans residing and working in each other’s country. Both governments committed to encouraging their nationals living in the neighboring country to voluntarily register with their respective embassies or designated consular authorities. This initiative is designed to provide better oversight and support for their citizens abroad. A joint mechanism will also be established by the two governments to identify, register, and support Sierra Leonean and Guinean nationals engaged in commercial activities within each other’s territory. This mechanism aims to formalize and protect cross-border economic activities, ensuring they operate within legal frameworks.
Officials stated this temporary measure aims to allow authorities to develop safeguards against human trafficking, migrant smuggling, fraudulent recruitment, exploitation, mass deportation, and other risks associated with irregular overseas employment. The measure does not impact ordinary individual, family, business, official, or other lawful travel between Sierra Leone and Guinea, ensuring that legitimate movement and interactions are not hindered. The Sierra Leonean delegation, during its bilateral engagements, emphasized the importance of protecting its citizens while also facilitating legitimate economic and social exchanges. Sierra Leone’s representation on the Joint Inter-Ministerial Committee will include the Minister of Internal Affairs, Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Minister of Information and Civic Education, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Trade and Industry, and Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Guinea. The Joint Technical Committee will convene senior officials from relevant institutions addressing immigration and border management, foreign affairs, labor and employment, trade, security, information, and public communication. This broad representation notes the multi-faceted nature of the issues being addressed and the integrated approach both governments are taking.
Enhancing Border Security
Sierra Leone and Guinea reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the Tripartite Communiqué on border security, a document originally signed by the Heads of State of Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. The communiqué outlines a framework for enhanced security measures along their shared borders, aiming to prevent illicit activities and maintain regional stability.
The two nations also agreed to collaborate with Liberia to strengthen border security, facilitate information-sharing, and improve regional coordination. This cooperation will extend to the Mano River Union where appropriate, aiming to create a more unified approach to managing cross-border challenges. This collaborative effort is key for addressing transnational threats and ensuring the safety of communities along the shared frontiers. The agreement shows a joint effort to address security concerns and promote stability within the region, reflecting a shared understanding of the interconnectedness of their security landscapes.
Establishing Joint Committees
Sierra Leone and Guinea have agreed to establish both a Joint Inter-Ministerial Committee and a Joint Technical Committee. The Joint Inter-Ministerial Committee will be responsible for providing high-level strategic direction and policy oversight. The Joint Technical Committee is tasked with providing regular updates, specifically submitting an implementation status report every six months. This reporting mechanism ensures ongoing oversight and accountability for the agreed-upon initiatives, allowing for continuous monitoring of progress and challenges. The ministerial body, comprising high-level officials from both nations, will then review the progress outlined in these reports. This review process will allow the committee to assess the effectiveness of current strategies and issue further directions as deemed necessary to advance the bilateral cooperation pact, ensuring that the agreements remain dynamic and responsive to evolving circumstances. The establishment of these committees demonstrates a structured approach to implementing and sustaining the new bilateral cooperation.
Guiding Principles and Future
The Sierra Leonean delegation engaged in bilateral discussions with the Government of Guinea, where they addressed various aspects of their relationship. During these engagements, the two governments agreed to temporarily halt facilitated large-group travel arrangements for employment in third countries, including destinations in the Middle East, particularly when such groups intend to transit through the other country’s international airport. This temporary suspension is a proactive measure to prevent potential exploitation and ensure the safety of their citizens seeking overseas employment. Both governments affirmed that the implementation of their agreements will be guided by principles of reciprocity, mutual respect, transparency, non-discrimination, protection of nationals, and adherence to national and regional legal frameworks. These principles will form the bedrock of their ongoing cooperation, ensuring fairness and equity in all future engagements. The full package of measures is expected to strengthen the deep-rooted ties between Sierra Leone and Guinea, fostering a more secure and prosperous environment for their citizens.