By Marian Magdalene Bangura
Strategic Communication Unit – MOICE
Freetown, Sierra Leone –
The Government of Sierra Leone has successfully evacuated 24 nationals and diplomatic personnel from Iran following escalating military tensions across the Middle East. The evacuees have been safely relocated to Armenia as part of emergency measures to ensure their protection.
The group consists of 14 students, one private citizen, three diplomats, and six locally recruited staff members from the Sierra Leone Embassy in Tehran, who were moved out of the country under special evacuation arrangements coordinated by the government.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Timothy Musa Kabba, announced the development during the government’s weekly press briefing hosted by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education at the Miatta Civic Centre on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
Minister Kabba emphasized that the safety and welfare of Sierra Leonean citizens abroad remain a top priority for the government, noting that authorities are closely monitoring developments across the Middle East.
The evacuation was conducted under emergency protocols activated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in response to the evolving security situation in the region.
According to the minister, Sierra Leoneans living in other Middle Eastern countries—including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Israel—have all been reported safe. He added that the government remains in constant communication with diplomatic partners and Sierra Leonean communities in those countries.
Minister Kabba reiterated that the government has contingency plans to protect its citizens abroad, particularly in times of crisis. The successful evacuation from Iran demonstrates the government’s readiness to respond swiftly to emerging threats and safeguard Sierra Leoneans wherever they may reside.
In addition, the government recently launched a National Implementation Plan for the Global Compact for Migration, aimed at strengthening migration governance, improving coordination, and enhancing support systems for Sierra Leonean citizens living overseas.
The evacuation operation underscores Sierra Leone’s commitment to protecting its nationals and maintaining active diplomatic engagement to ensure their safety during periods of international instability.