Caritas Official Calls On Sierra Leonean Government to Act as EU Cuts Aid over Convicted Cocaine Kingpin

The Executive Director of Caritas Freetown, Father Peter Konteh, has urged the Sierra Leonean government to investigate claims that it has refused to arrest and extradite Jos Leijdekkers, a convicted European cocaine trafficker. According to a Reuters report from October 1, the European Commission has suspended 18 million euros ($20 million) in aid payments scheduled for this year to pressure the country into taking action against Leijdekkers, who has reportedly lived in Sierra Leone with high-level protection since at least 2023.

Father Konteh stated that the suspension of these funds threatens the poor and vulnerable communities that rely on this assistance. He called on the government to resolve the matter through transparent and lawful cooperation, noting that any allegations of protecting a convicted trafficker must be investigated. He added that the interests of the people should take priority over political convenience or personal relationships.

The Caritas official also appealed to the European Union to protect aid that directly serves vulnerable populations whenever possible.