By Ishmael Bayoh, Information Attaché, Sierra Leone Embassy, Dakar, Senegal
The Sierra Leone Embassy in Dakar, Senegal and government officials from Sierra Leone and the IOM office based in Freetown on Thursday 18th December 2025, took part in this year’s International Migrants Day celebration organized by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) at the Abdou Diouf International Conference Center (CICAD).
The theme for this year’s celebration is “My Extraordinary Story: Cultures and Development” highlighting stories of migrants, bearers of cultural diversity and drivers of development.
Through a decentralized, participatory, and narrative approach, the celebration is to strengthen local roots, transnational cooperation, and the recognition of extraordinary migration stories. A Sierra Leonean diaspora artist and a cultural group in Senegal, joined other nationals that performed to showcase the cultures of their countries.
International Migrants day is celebrated every December 18 as it is a global opportunity to honor migrants, defend their rights, and strengthen international cooperation on the transformative potential of migration. It raises awareness of the complex realities of migration journeys, highlights the contributions of migrants to societies of origin, transit, and destination, and promotes inclusive, humane, and evidence- based policies.
This day for the IOM is to position migration as a solution, not a problem, in the face of contemporary global challenges; highlights the transformative potential that migrants represent for their communities and societies; and illustrate the resilience, creativity, and innovation that characterize migration journeys.
A Sierra Leonean artiste based in Senegal, Mohamed Unisa Kamara, performed a unique song dedicated to the celebration, delivering a strong message on the risks of human trafficking and the dangers associated with irregular migration. The event also featured a vibrant cultural performance by members of the Sierra Leonean community in Senegal, which showcased the rich cultural heritage of Sierra Leone and pride among migrants.
