Sierra Leone is set to receive dozens of deportees from the United States under a new migration arrangement that expands Washington’s use of third-country removals across Africa. The agreement allows the West African nation to accept up to 300 migrants each year from member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), with arrivals limited to a maximum of 25 people per month. The first group of deportees is scheduled to arrive on May 20 and will include nationals from Senegal, Ghana, Guinea and Nigeria, Sierra Leone’s Foreign Minister Timothy Kabba told Reuters. More To Read Sierra Leone drops treason charges against former President Ernest Bai Koroma over health concerns UN rights chief urges ‘massive rethink’ of US immigration policies ahead of World Cup Rights group voices concern over Sierra Leone accepting US deportees UN experts warn US deportees in Equatorial Guinea face risk of torture, death FIFA World Cup: US drops bond requirement for ticket holders Justice Lenaola elected president of Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone “The arrangements are part of our bilateral relationship with the US to assist with its immigration policy,” he said. The deal effectively places Sierra Leone within a widening network of African countries cooperating with US deportation efforts, even in cases where those being transferred are not citizens of the receiving state. Similar arrangements have previously involved countries including Ghana, Equatorial Guinea, Eswatini and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Latest Stories Somalia trains nearly 80 police, NISA officers in major us-backed programme DCP leader Gachagua tells Mt Kenya voters to choose leaders freely ahead of 2027 At least 30 dead after massive rubbish heap collapses at landfill in Guinea's capital Conakry FKF launches probe after violence erupts at Gor Mahia-Tusker Super Cup clash Human rights organisations and immigration lawyers have raised concerns about this growing practice, warning that third-country deportations can leave migrants in legal limbo and may expose them to further risk after removal from the United States. Critics also argue that such arrangements complicate the protection of individuals who may have been granted safeguards against return during US immigration proceedings. Questions have also emerged over what happens after arrival, particularly in cases where deportees have no legal or familial ties to the destination country. Rights advocates warn that some individuals could ultimately face pressure to return to their countries of origin despite fears of persecution or instability. While Sierra Leone has confirmed the agreement, authorities have not clarified whether deportees sent under the arrangement will be allowed to remain in the country or will be returned onward to their home states. The policy also carries historical weight in relations between Washington and Freetown. During Donald Trump’s first term in 2017, the United States imposed visa restrictions on some Sierra Leonean officials after accusing the government of failing to accept deported nationals. The deal also carries historical weight in relations between Washington and Freetown. During Donald Trump’s first term in 2017, the United States imposed visa restrictions on some Sierra Leonean officials after accusing the government of failing to accept deported nationals. Other Topics To Read Sierra Leone deportation deal US third-country deportations Africa ECOWAS migrants US deportation policy Trump deportation policy Africa Sierra Leone US migration agreement Sierra Leone US immigration laws