By Sallieu S, Kanu
Freetown, March 3, 2026 — The Government of Sierra Leone has successfully evacuated 24 nationals and embassy staff from the Islamic Republic of Iran following the recent escalation of military strikes and retaliatory actions in the Middle East.
The evacuees have been safely relocated to Armenia.
The group includes 14 students, one private citizen, three Sierra Leonean diplomats, and six locally recruited staff of the Sierra Leone Embassy in Tehran.
The evacuation was coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, which activated emergency protocols in response to the evolving security situation.
Government reports confirm that Sierra Leoneans residing in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Israel are safe, based on updates from Sierra Leone’s diplomatic missions.
Advisory to Citizens
The Government has strongly advised Sierra Leoneans in affected areas to:
- Comply with local safety directives, including curfews and emergency procedures.
- Stay in regular contact with their families and Sierra Leone’s diplomatic missions.
Government’s Commitment
Officials emphasized that the safety and welfare of Sierra Leonean citizens remain a top priority, with continued monitoring of developments and updates to be provided as necessary