Sierra Leone’s Foreign Minister, Professor David John Francis has today 10th September, 2022 signed the Queen’s book of Condolence at the British High Commissioner’s residence, H.E Lisa Chesney, at Runnymede, Hill Station.
Professor Francis sends his thoughts to the people of Britain as they celebrate the life of Her Majesty the Queen. He said Sierra Leone and Britain had good memories to share. He wish them peace and comfort during this challenging time.
The Minister also used the occasion to send a congratulatory notes to the Britain’s new Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, who was appointed Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs on 6th September 2022.
more information….
Membui Emmanuel,
+23276-631757
Director, Media & Strategic Communications
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
https://55m202.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/f7ee99d6-5d83-403f-9ba7-401b2116513d.jpg?time=1713232587750999mediahttps://55m202.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Mfaic_Logo-e1597236915684.pngmedia2022-09-12 13:04:572022-09-12 13:04:57Professor Francis Signs The Queen’s Book of Condolence.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has today 7th September, 2022 hosted key stakeholders from different MDA’s and the United Nations on a two-day workshop on the monitoring and implementation of the GoSL’s nascent Human Rights development in relation to recommendations of the 3rd Cycle Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of Sierra Leone.
The UPR is a State-driven process, under the auspices of the Human Rights Council, which provides the opportunity for each State to declare what actions they have taken to improve the human rights situations in their Countries and to fulfil their human rights obligations. The UPR is also a unique process which involves a periodic reviews of the human rights records of all UN Member States.
The Director of Legal Affairs, Int. Conventions and ECOTECH in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abass Salieu Kamara Esq in his welcome address said the purpose of the workshop was to Share a methodology to identify existing human rights-based indicators and contextualize them, to monitor the implementation of UPR recommendations received by Sierra Leone in the past UPR cycles, including those received in 2021.
‘‘Today we take another milestone for the implementation and monitoring of UPR of Sierra Leone. Following the submission of the 3rd circle report in 2021, we have established a National Reporting Mechanism Secretariat in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to make sure all reports are completed in due time. Launched the National Implementation Plan and National Strategy for the implementation and monitoring of the UPR recommendations. ’’ He stated.
Mr. Christian Mukosa, a Senior Human Rights Adviser to the United Nations Resident Coordinator expressed appreciation to the Government of Sierra Leone for taking engagements on volitional pledges, including the abolition of the death penalty, removal of seditious libel law and the many positive contributions to other treaty bodies.
He commended the Foreign Minister for launching the National Reporting Mechanism in November followed by the validation of the national development plan on human rights.
The workshop was facilitated by Nicoletta Zappile UPR Programme Manager in Geneva, Mona M’Bikay, Executive Director, Christian Mukosa, Senior Human Right Adviser to the United Nations Resident Coordinator and the United Nations Country team in Sierra Leone and Samuel U.B Saffa Esq. Deputy Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
The workshop which started today 7th September, 2022 will end on Thursday 8th September, 2022.
more information….
Membui Emmanuel,
+23276-631757
Director, Media & Strategic Communications
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
https://55m202.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/f9089b97-bd21-4d2f-9ba8-9465985e469f.jpg?time=1713232587750999mediahttps://55m202.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Mfaic_Logo-e1597236915684.pngmedia2022-09-07 21:10:012022-09-07 21:10:01MoFAIC Holds a Two-Day Human Rights Training Workshop On The Monitoring and Implementation Of UPR Of Sierra Leone.
A delegation from the Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture has today, Thursday, 1st September, 2022 paid courtesy call on the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Madam, Mamadi Gobeh-Kamara at her Tower Hill Office in Freetown.
According to Professor Michael Abberton, the Country Convener from IITA from Ibadan, Nigerian, the visit was for IITA to collaborate with SLARI through integration and cooperation on food security and how to fill their role in Sierra Leone by coordinating and supporting SLARI.
The head of Administration for IITA, Mrs. Sylvia Oyinlolo, said they will focus more on systems that will help tackle the current climatic issues in order to put Sierra Leone on the global stage when it comes to food security.
The Deputy Minister thanked the team, as she welcomed them to the Foreign Ministry. She said Agriculture is a key component on the Government’s flagship programs under the Human Capital Development agenda.
“We are open to partner and to work with well meaning organizations. We will do our part as a Ministry to support the integration, collaboration and cooperation needed.” She reaffirmed.
Madam Gobeh-Kamara committed the Ministry’s willingness to quickly work on the pending MOU’s which are to be signed by both SLARI and IITA as a way of deepening collaboration.
A delegation from the Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture has today, Thursday, 1st September, 2022 paid courtesy call on the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Madam, Mamadi Gobeh-Kamara at her Tower Hill Office in Freetown.
According to Professor Michael Abberton, the Country Convener from IITA from Ibadan, Nigerian, the visit was for IITA to collaborate with SLARI through integration and cooperation on food security and how to fill their role in Sierra Leone by coordinating and supporting SLARI.
The head of Administration for IITA, Mrs. Sylvia Oyinlolo, said they will focus more on systems that will help tackle the current climatic issues in order to put Sierra Leone on the global stage when it comes to food security.
The Deputy Minister thanked the team, as she welcomed them to the Foreign Ministry. She said Agriculture is a key component on the Government’s flagship programs under the Human Capital Development agenda.
“We are open to partner and to work with well meaning organizations. We will do our part as a Ministry to support the integration, collaboration and cooperation needed.” She reaffirmed.
Madam Gobeh-Kamara committed the Ministry’s willingness to quickly work on the pending MOU’s which are to be signed by both SLARI and IITA as a way of deepening collaboration.
more information….
Membui Emmanuel,
+23276-631757
Director, Media & Strategic Communications
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
https://55m202.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/b297927c-144f-40de-8a00-caf5ed49c532.jpg?time=1713232587750999mediahttps://55m202.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Mfaic_Logo-e1597236915684.pngmedia2022-09-01 16:30:592022-09-01 16:30:59Deputy Foreign Minister hosts Delegation From SLARI And IITA
The Foreign Minister of Sierra Leone, Professor David John Francis has led a delegation to the Tokyo International Conference on Africa Development -TICAD-8 summit in Tunis, Republic of Tunisia. A summit that is expected to bring to the African continent a US$ 30 Billion investment on human Capital Development and US$ 4 billion on green growth.
The Hon. Foreign Minister in his statement suggested that Sierra Leone will develop a strategy paper on how to leverage and access the Japanese funding opportunity.
Professor Francis suggested for the establishment of an African Union -TICAD monitoring framework to ensure the roll out of the Japanese investment funding as announced.
more information….
Membui Emmanuel,
+23276-631757
Director, Media & Strategic Communications
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
https://55m202.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/301820471_216782804006754_8191398768468243469_n.jpg?time=17132325877681024mediahttps://55m202.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Mfaic_Logo-e1597236915684.pngmedia2022-09-01 16:23:512022-09-01 16:23:51The Foreign Minister of Sierra Leone, Professor David John Francis has led a delegation to the Tokyo International Conference
Mr. Roderico C. Atienza, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Philippines in Abuja has today 29th August,2022 paid Courtesy call on the Deputy Foreign Minister, Madam Mamadi Gobeh-Kamara at her Tower Hill Office in Freetown.
Speaking to the Deputy Minister, Mr. Atienza thanked the People and Government of Sierra Leone for the long standing friendship that has existed between the two Countries, since 1980’s. He said both Countries already have a laid out framework on the signing of two MOU’s. One on Technical Cooperation and the other, on Vocational Training.
“Philippines is fastly realizing the importance of the African Continent in the future. For this, we are advocating for Sierra Leone to have a Honorary Consul in Philippines to help tap into the opportunities we have in Education, Agriculture and Technical and Vocational Trainings.” He stated.
The Deputy Minister expressed delight for the visit and that the meeting was timely and gave hope for the two Countries to continue benefitting each other in a win-win situation.
She said the Ministry will fast track the signing of the two pending MOU’s inorder to deepen the bilateral ties between both Countries.
The Deputy Minister presented Sierra Leone’s unique opportunities in areas of Education, Agriculture and Technical and Vocational Trainings. She reaffirmed the Government’s willingness to work with the Philippines as they hope for a continuous and fruitful relationship.
more information….
Membui Emmanuel,
+23276-631757
Director, Media & Strategic Communications
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
https://55m202.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/1b7e3198-b123-4786-876e-e9d951bc48db.jpg?time=1713232587750999mediahttps://55m202.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Mfaic_Logo-e1597236915684.pngmedia2022-09-01 15:57:492022-09-01 15:57:49The Deputy Chief of Mission , Embassy of Philippines in Abuja Pays Courtesy Call on Deputy Foreign Minister
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Tower Hill, Freetown, 17th August, 2022. The Ghanaian High Commissioner designate and two Ambassadors Designate from Germany and Iran have presented copies of letters of Credence to Sierra Leone’s Foreign Minister, Professor David John Francis.
High Commissioner, H.E Mrs. Worwornyo Agyeman, designate of the Republic of Ghana, H.E jens Kraus- Masse, Ambassador designate of the Republic of Germany and H.E seyed Khalil Sadati Amiri, Ambassador Designated of the Islamic Republic of Iran, all expressed their delight to have been assigned by the Various Head of States to work with the People and Government of Sierra Leone. The all condemned the August 10th insurrection and asked on the Government to Continue maintaining peace as they carry on with investigations.
On behalf of the Government of Sierra Leone, Professor David Francis welcomed the Ambassadors designate as he formally received copies of their credentials. He reiterated the Government of Sierra Leone’s commitment towards strengthening the longstanding relationships of mutual supports that exists among the various Countries with Sierra Leone. He highlighted series of issues they will be engaging on after their official presentation of letters of Credentials to His Excellency President Maada Bio. Key among those issues geared towards Security Council reforms, Sierra Leone’s bid for the UN Security Council in the non-permanent category for the term 2024-2025, gender equality and empowerment, SDGs implementation, Education, Agriculture and post-COVID-19 recovery.
Professor Francis assured them of a peaceful stay as they await their official presentation of credentials to His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio.
more information….
Membui Emmanuel,
+23276-631757
Director, Media & Strategic Communications
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
https://55m202.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/295887199_214756544209380_1073100350350474963_n.jpg?time=1713232587750999mediahttps://55m202.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Mfaic_Logo-e1597236915684.pngmedia2022-09-01 15:52:192022-09-01 15:52:19Ghana High Commissioner and 2 Ambassadors Designate from Germany and Iran Presents Copies of Letters of Credence To Foreign Minister
State House, Freetown, Monday 15 August 2022 – Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, has paid a solidarity visit to Freetown after the violent insurrection of August 10 that killed innocent Sierra Leoneans, including Police Officers on duty.
His Excellency President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, told a meeting of ambassadors, heads of missions, the United Nations and journalists that he had been fully briefed by His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio, on the sad events east of the capital city and in some parts of the country.
“Your Excellency, as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority, let me start by condemning this act of gruesome violence where law enforcement officers have been brutally killed in cold blood. On behalf of the ECOWAS Authority, the Government and people of the Republic of Guinea Bissau, let me express my heartfelt condolences to all those who have lost loved ones.
“I was shocked when I saw the killing of policemen. This is the first time I have seen such gruesome violence against law enforcement officers after 20 years in the ECOWAS region. That won’t happen in my country. It is not a good example. Good citizens don’t kill security personnel,” he said.
He also emphasised that violence had no place in a democratic dispensation, particularly in a country like Sierra Leone which was making immense progress in building a stable democratic nation over the years and one that was recently ranked the 4th most peaceful country in sub-Saharan Africa.
“As Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority, I am equally pleased that the President has launched an investigation into the events of 10th August 2022, which is in line with the ECOWAS position.
“I want to encourage the President to continue to engage with various stakeholders in the coming days, including getting the Peace Commission to undertake strategic engagements with youth and opposition parties in various parts of the country,” he noted.
He said he had also called up former President Ernest Bai Koroma, who was still in Kenya, to encourage him to support the government and work with President Bio, adding that the opposition leader had promised to engage him further when he returned to Sierra Leone.
“When you are in the opposition and you ignite a huge fire in society, it will rage on until you come to power one day and face the challenge of putting that fire out,” he warned.
“The President also informed me that he will be meeting with traditional chiefs, religious leaders, civil society and political party leaders. He also told me that government has briefed the international community and he has personally met and engaged with Ambassadors. I want to thank the President for all these efforts and encourage him to continue to engage,” he concluded.
He ended by thanking the diplomatic community in the country for their efforts and encouraged them to continue to use their good offices to support the good work of the President, reminding them that the international community, like ECOWAS, had invested enormously to bring peace to the West African nation.
more information….
Membui Emmanuel,
+23276-631757
Director, Media & Strategic Communications
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
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Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Tower Hill, Freetown, 5th July, 2022. The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) Representative and Country Director, Mr. Stephen Nsubuga has bid farewell Courtesies on Sierra Leone’s Foreign Minister, Professor David John Francis as he leaves for a new assignment in Ukraine.
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the leading humanitarian organization saving lives and changing lives, delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience.
Professor David John Francis thanked the World Food Programme for the tremendous support given to Sierra Leone during the Covid-19.
“These are challenging times, and the Covid-19 transition has been met with another global Crisis. Nations allover the world are struggling currently, it now takes proactive leadership to make gains in governing any state.” The Minister Said.
The Minister on behalf of the President, His Excellency, Rtd. Dr. Julius Maada Bio thanked Mr. Nsubuga and the World health organization while he assuring his predecessor of the Government’s fullest support.
more information….
Membui Emmanuel,
+23276-631757
Director, Media & Strategic Communications
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
https://55m202.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/292157091_205749921776709_6674901687750444385_n.jpg?time=1713232587600449mediahttps://55m202.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Mfaic_Logo-e1597236915684.pngmedia2022-09-01 15:20:242022-09-01 15:20:24WFP Country Director bids Farewell Courtesies on Sierra Leone’s Foreign Minister
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Tower Hill, Freetown, 11th August, 2022 Sierra Leone’s Foreign Minister, Professor David John Francis has briefed the diplomatic corps on what he referred to as a terrorist attack against the state by desperate politicians using vulnerable youths to cause unlawful violence and intimidation against civilians in the pursuit of political aims.
The ferocious and fatal attack which only took place in the political strongholds of the opposition APC party was described by the Country’s Foreign Minister as deliberately planned, financed and executed by hired thugs for the political self-interest of few inconsiderate politicians who wants to gain political points ahead of the 2023 general elections.
Professor Francis presented photos and video evidences of terrorists in the guise of protesters who took to the streets firearms (AK-47 & pistols) machetes, some holding placards, barricading roads and engaging in riotous conducts using innocent children as shields.
“There are asylum seekers who are out there in different Countries inciting violence and fanning the flame of war in Sierra Leone. Sponsored by few opposition Politicians who has nothing to offer but wants to be in Governance at all cost. Theses are the people who wants to Make Sierra Leone looks bad, the Sierra Leone that was ranked 4th most peaceful Country in West Africa before August 10.”
He stated.
The Foreign Minister reassured the diplomatic Community of the Government’s commitment to deescalate the situation, While reaffirming that they will do everything possible to investigate those who were behind the terrorist act that led to lost of lives and properties.
more information….
Membui Emmanuel,
+23276-631757
Director, Media & Strategic Communications
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
https://55m202.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/297871506_213472847671083_7167019947317970395_n.jpg?time=1713232587390600mediahttps://55m202.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Mfaic_Logo-e1597236915684.pngmedia2022-09-01 15:12:102022-09-01 15:12:10Sierra Leone’s Foreign Minister Briefs Diplomatic Community on August 10 Terrorists Attack
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Tower Hill, Freetown, 19th July, 2022: Both the Iranian Ambassador to Sierra Leone, His Excellency Ambassador Akbar Khosravinejad and the German Ambassador to Sierra Leone, His Excellency, Horst Gurner have on Tuesday 19th July, 2022, paid farewell Courtesies on the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Professor David John Francis.They expressed gratitude to the Government and people of Sierra Leone for supporting them in various diplomatic ways in the achievements made during their four years official mission to Sierra Leone.
Foreign Minister Professor David John Francis thanked the outgoing Ambassadors for strengthening the bilateral relationships between the various Countries, taking it from a dormant phase to a proactive, interactive and developmental one. Professor Francis encouraged the outgoing ambassadors to Continue presenting Sierra Leone as an investors destination.
He assured them and their Governments of the continuation of the Ministry’s coordinating role in promoting the common interest of their Countries.
more information….
Membui Emmanuel,
+23276-631757
Director, Media & Strategic Communications
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
https://55m202.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/294892021_208680081483693_6404599968076181147_n.jpg?time=1713232587395594mediahttps://55m202.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Mfaic_Logo-e1597236915684.pngmedia2022-09-01 15:05:042022-09-01 15:05:04The Iranian & German Ambassadors To Sierra Leone Bids Farewell On Sierra Leone’s Foreign Minister
