Sierra Leone’s main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) has called for parliamentary scrutiny of an agreement between the government of President Julius Maada Bio and the United States that allows for the transfer of third-country nationals to the West African nation.
The APC said the arrangement should be fully disclosed and subjected to parliamentary oversight before any further implementation, raising concerns over transparency and national interest.
Acting opposition leader of the All People’s Congress (APC) in parliament, Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma, has urged lawmakers to compel the government to present the Third Country National Arrangement (TCNA) for parliamentary ratification before it is fully implemented.
He argued that the agreement, which involves the transfer of third-country nationals from the United States to Sierra Leone under a deal with the administration of President Julius Maada Bio, requires full legislative scrutiny to ensure transparency and safeguard national interest.
Koroma’s call adds to growing political debate over the arrangement, which the opposition says has not been adequately disclosed to Parliament.
Addressing Parliament on May 19 under Standing Order 23, Koroma said legislators had not been formally briefed on the agreement despite government indications that the first transfers were expected to begin on May 20.
“We think this is very fundamental,” he told Parliament, arguing that the deal required legislative scrutiny.
The agreement between Sierra Leone and the United States allows for the temporary transfer of selected third-country nationals under immigration, humanitarian and security procedures, according to government briefings.
Officials say 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;
- excludes individuals with known violent criminal backgrounds.
Authorities say the individuals are held temporarily while repatriation or onward transfer arrangements are completed, typically within 14 days and up to 30 days in exceptional cases.
The government has said the United States provided about $1.5 million to support operational and humanitarian costs linked to the programme.
The deal has sparked public debate in Sierra Leone, with critics raising concerns over transparency, security and parliamentary approval.
The Ministry of Information confirmed that the first group of Third Country Nationals arrived at Lungi International Airport on Thursday.
Officials said nine of an expected 24 individuals were received, including nationals of Ghana, Guinea, Senegal and Nigeria. They said the group had been placed in accommodation facilities and is cooperating with repatriation processes.
