By Sulaiman Bun Ibrahim Kamara
The Netherlands government is reported to be actively pushing the European Union to suspend millions in development aid to Sierra Leone to force the extradition of convicted Dutch drug trafficker Jos “Bolle Jos” Leijdekkers.
The reports come following stalled diplomatic efforts to settle the protracted issue.
Mr Leijdekkers faces an 80-year cumulative prison sentence in the Netherlands and Belgium for massive drug smuggling and organized crime. He has been traced to Freetown since last year, although Sierra Leonean authorities denied his presence in the country. Reports also suggested that the wanted fugitive is linked to the First Family. This has also been denied by the government.
Report by the Dutch News, a Netherlands base English news platform targeting international audiences, cited Dutch Justice Minister David van Weel announcing that the Netherlands is pressing other European nations and the European Commission to halt development aid to Sierra Leone. This puts a significant portion of the EU’s €352 million development budget allocated for 2021–2027) at risk, say analysts.
European Parliament Action
Even as discussion continue about his whereabouts and possible link to Sierra Leone, Leijdekkers continues to cause stir as his name is linked to recent major drug trafficking bust.
Following a massive 40-ton cocaine seizure by Spanish authorities that allegedly originated in Freetown, the European Parliament formally escalated the issue, pressuring the European Commission to suspend grants unless Sierra Leone cooperates with extradition demands.
While members of the European Parliament are actively pushing for economic consequences, the EU Delegation in Freetown has clarified that the Parliament has not yet adopted a formal, legally binding resolution for comprehensive sanctions.
The Sierra Leonean government has acknowledged the diplomatic filings but has cited the lack of a formal extradition treaty with the Netherlands.
