Sierra Leone: Mr President, please protect my citizenship rights

Published: 2/Juil/2010
Source: Sierra Express

By Rodney Edmond Michael

In the last several months, those of us that are Sierra Leoneans of Caucasian (white) Skin have been shocked, embarrassed and discouraged by an Immigration Policy demanding we seek clearance as Sierra Leoneans before traveling with our Passports.

I have been forced to write this article by virtue of the embarrassment I faced on my way to South Africa to watch the World Cup matches in the company of Mr Sanusi Bruski Kargbo, Lions Vice Chairman, on Sunday 20th June 2010. I was asked to produce my clearance from the Immigration Department that I am a Sierra Leonean and even my reference to the last three Passports all clipped together, were not immediately considered sufficient. It was suggested that I may have to go back to Freetown for clearance but thank God some Airport employees were quick to explain the history of The Michael Family and The Immigration officer present realized it would have been catastrophic for him to adhere to the instructions of the said release.

Read further : Mr President Please Protect My Citizenship Rights

Themes: Discrimination, Ethnique/Raciale/Religieuse
Regions: Sierra Leone
Year: 2010