By Sallieu S. Kanu
Sierra Leone — The main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) has called for parliamentary oversight of an agreement between President Julius Maada Bio’s government and the United States that allows for the transfer of third-country nationals to Sierra Leone.
Acting opposition leader Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma urged lawmakers on May 19 to compel the government to present the Third Country National Arrangement (TCNA) for ratification before implementation. He argued that the deal, which involves the temporary transfer of individuals from the United States under immigration, humanitarian, and security procedures, requires full legislative scrutiny to safeguard transparency and national interest.
“We think this is very fundamental,” Koroma told Parliament under Standing Order 23, noting that legislators had not been formally briefed despite government indications that transfers would begin on May 20.
According to government briefings, the arrangement: Does not grant citizenship, asylum, or permanent residency. Limits transfers to 25 individuals per month and 300 per year, Includes security and health screening measures; and Excludes individuals with violent criminal backgrounds.
Authorities say transferees are held temporarily while repatriation or onward transfer is arranged, typically within 14 days and up to 30 days in exceptional cases. The United States has provided about US$1.5 million to support operational and humanitarian costs.
The Ministry of Information confirmed that the first group of nine individuals arrived at Lungi International Airport on May 22, out of an expected 24. The group included nationals of Ghana, Guinea, Senegal, and Nigeria, who were placed in accommodation facilities pending repatriation.
The deal has sparked public debate, with critics raising concerns over transparency, security, and the lack of parliamentary approval. The APC insists the arrangement must be subjected to legislative scrutiny before further implementation.