Quick Facts about Sierra Leoneans in the Diaspora
The civil war had a dramatic effect on the population in
Sierra Leone, primarily through the loss of thousands of
lives, but also through migration as thousand fled the
country.
According to United Nations (UN) figures, it is estimated
that approximately 30% of the educated nationals left for
other countries, mainly the USA, the UK and mainland
Europe. It is believed that the UK holds the biggest number
of Sierra Leoneans, with an estimated figure of 100, 000
people. (2002)
The war also forced thousands of Sierra Leoneans to take
refuge in the other Mano River Union States. UN figures
from 2002, also show that there are over 83, 000 Sierra
Leoneans refugees in Guinea, over 37, 000 in Liberia, 7,
000 in the Gambia and 2,000 each in Cote D'Ivoire, Ghana
and Nigeria.
This level of migration has brought with it a significant
increase in remittances, especially from nationals living
in the West. Arguably, remittances have become the main
source of aid in Sierra Leone. However, the lack of a
formal structure has reduced its potential impact.
There is a need for a network to mobilize the Diaspora and
disseminate pertinent information that fuel development and
investment in Sierra Leone.
SLDN intends to complement the efforts of the Government of
Sierra Leone and work closely with other Diaspora
organisations worldwide, to become the vehicle for such
development.
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