Mikko Takkunen | Photographer

SIERRA LEONE: Portraits

Amie Kollie, 65. Tens of thousands of Liberians entered Sierra Leone in 2001-2002 to escape conflict in their homeland. The refugees were taken to camps such as Jimmy Bagbo in south eastern Sierra Leone, which at one point provided refuge to thousands of Liberians. However, majority of Liberian refugees have since left Sierra Leone. Only a few hundred remain in Jimmy Bagbo. People who have decided to stay have various reasons for doing so, some have Sierra Leonese partners, whereas others might not have any relatives left in Liberia to go back to. Mrs. Amie Kollie, 65, from Vanama, Lofa County, north Liberia. Mrs. Kollie entered Sierra Leone in 2002 and was brought to Jimmy Bagbo by the UN. She says, she feels too old to return and there is nobody left in Vanama for her anyway.
Sierra Leone. Jimmy Bagbo refugee camp. March 2008

Amie Kollie, 65. Tens of thousands of Liberians entered Sierra Leone in 2001-2002 to escape conflict in their homeland. The refugees were taken to camps such as Jimmy Bagbo in south eastern Sierra Leone, which at one point provided refuge to thousands of Liberians. However, majority of Liberian refugees have since left Sierra Leone. Only a few hundred remain in Jimmy Bagbo. People who have decided to stay have various reasons for doing so, some have Sierra Leonese partners, whereas others might not have any relatives left in Liberia to go back to. Mrs. Amie Kollie, 65, from Vanama, Lofa County, north Liberia. Mrs. Kollie entered Sierra Leone in 2002 and was brought to Jimmy Bagbo by the UN. She says, she feels too old to return and there is nobody left in Vanama for her anyway.