Sierra Leone’s opposition leader in Parliament, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, has raised the alarm over growing discussions in the European Parliament about possible sanctions and the suspension of development aid to the country.
In a social media post, Hon. Kargbo cited concerns over drug trafficking and the refusal to extradite Dutch fugitive Jos Leijdekkers, who is wanted in the Netherlands and believed by some to be hiding in Sierra Leone.
His concerns come amid a document dated 5 June 2026, addressed to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and European Commissioner Jozef Síkelä, which describes Sierra Leone as “a logistical hub for cocaine destined for the European market” and “a safe haven for criminals convicted in the EU.”
The document notes that the EU has allocated €352 million to Sierra Leone for the 2021–2027 period and argues that neither the suspension of development funds nor the establishment of a sanctions regime against transnational organised crime has been deployed.
It also recalls that during the EU-Sierra Leone Political Partnership Dialogue of 16 December 2025, chaired by President Bio, both parties agreed to intensify cooperation against drug trafficking. Five months later, Spanish police intercepted 30 tons of cocaine on a ship that departed from Freetown.
“Our country cannot afford to gain an international reputation as a safe haven for drug traffickers,” Mr Kargbo wrote.
He warned that the consequences could affect Sierra Leone’s economy, foreign relations and national security, adding that the fight against drugs must be “credible, impartial and free from political interference.”
There has been no official response yet from the Sierra Leone government.
