By Amin Kef (Ranger)

A standoff is brewing between Sierra Leonean students studying in Russia and the country’s diplomatic mission in Moscow, following growing concerns over the non-payment of Government stipends for the 2024/2025 academic year.

In a Press Release issued on August 18, 2025, the National Union of Sierra Leone Students in the Russian Federation (NUSS-RF) described the situation as a humanitarian crisis. According to the student body, Government stipends covering the academic year September 2024 to June 2025 have not been paid, leaving many students unable to cover essential expenses such as medical insurance, hostel fees, visa renewals, food and utilities.

The students stressed that sanctions imposed on Russia have worsened the crisis, making it nearly impossible for their families back home to send them money. With the new academic year set to begin in less than two weeks they are demanding immediate payment of the outstanding stipends and a permanent resolution to recurring delays.

“If no action is taken we will be forced to take further steps, including a peaceful protest, to ensure our voices are heard and our stipends are paid,” NUSS-RF declared, while calling on civil society, humanitarian organizations and the media to amplify their concerns.

In response, the Embassy of Sierra Leone in Moscow issued a counter-release on August 19, 2025, urging students to exercise patience while engagements continue with the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education and the Ministry of Finance in Freetown.

“It is regrettable that despite these efforts, the students’ body decided to go public with the matter,” the Embassy noted, while acknowledging the importance of stipend payments. The Embassy assured that updates will be communicated through official channels and encouraged students to prioritize dialogue and “quiet diplomacy” over public confrontation.

The Embassy reaffirmed its support for Sierra Leonean students in Russia, stressing that their education and contributions remain integral to the nation’s development.

As uncertainty lingers, Sierra Leonean students in Russia continue to wait anxiously for Government intervention to ease their financial struggles. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/sierra-leonean-students-in-russia-demand-urgent-payment-of-delayed-stipends/