By: Juliana Vandy
Strategic Communications Unit – MoICE
In a significant advancement in migration governance, the Sierra Leone Government has officially unveiled its National Implementation Plan for the Global Compact for Migration. The launch which took place on October 21, 2025, at Country Lodge in Freetown, marks a pivotal moment in the country’s commitment to addressing migration challenges and opportunities.
The National Implementation Plan provides a comprehensive framework for managing migration in line with international standards. It emphasises collaboration among various stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society, and international partners, to promote safe, orderly, and regular migration practices.
At the launch, Usman Cherry Conteh, Development Secretary in the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, (MOPED), highlighted the importance of a coordinated approach to migration, announcing the establishment of a National Coordination Mechanism for Migration. He described the compact as Sierra Leone’s homegrown blueprint, a product of extensive consultations with government, development partners, the private sector, and civil society. He stated that the plan translates the global aims of the compact into concrete, actionable steps tailored to the national context.
“This is our strategic roadmap to effectively manage migration, support our citizens abroad, and integrate the contributions of migrants into our national development plan,” Conteh emphasized. He said that Sierra Leone endorsed the Global Compact for Migration during the consultations and integrated it into the national development strategy, showcasing the country’s commitment to viewing migration as a development issue.
The event also marked the launch of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Sierra Leone Country Strategy, which signifies a strengthened partnership and shared vision. Conteh explained that this strategy outlines how IOM will align its expertise and resources to support Sierra Leone in achieving the objectives laid out in the national implementation plan, reinforcing the country’s collaboration and dedication to international solidarity.
In his keynote address, Morie Lengor Esq., the Minister of Internal Affairs, described the occasion as a milestone in the country’s commitment to implementing international cooperation and sustainable development. He pointed out that the meeting was not merely about launching a document, but to embark on a transformative journey to reshape the nation’s approach to human mobility.
He described the National Implementation Plan, the National Coordination Mechanism on Migration (NCM), and the accompanying IOM Strategy as pivotal milestones in Sierra Leone’s national development trajectory. Minister Lengor commended the United Nations Network for Migration and the IOM for their unwavering support, as well as the technical government partners and migrant communities involved in the process.
“Migration is not just an abstract concept for Sierra Leone, it is woven into the very fabric of our society,” he stated, noting the impact of rural-urban movement and the diaspora, whose remittances support countless families and contribute significantly to the national economy.
He affirmed that when well-managed, migration can lead to economic growth, cultural exchange, and human capital development. However, he acknowledged the negative aspects of migration, including brain drain and the vulnerabilities faced by citizens pursuing perilous journeys for better opportunities.
The Internal Affairs Minister noted that the essence of the Global Compact for Migration and the National Implementation Plan is to shift the narrative from reactive to proactive migration management. He explained that the Global Compact provides a structured framework for Sierra Leone to align national priorities with global commitments.
“The plan represents our commitment to ensuring that migration is a choice, not a necessity, and a source of prosperity, not peril,” he concluded.
The National Implementation Plan establishes clear strategies, indicators, and responsibilities for various ministries and departments, translating the global vision into actionable national priorities.