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End-of-Year Address by the High Commissioner of Sierra Leone to the United Kingdom and Accredited Countries

Distinguished Sierra Leoneans in the United Kingdom and other accredited countries, friends and partners, as we conclude the year 2024, I extend warm Season’s Greetings to His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, and all Sierra Leoneans.

This is once again a time to reflect deeply on our collective achievements and to confidently anticipate the vast opportunities that lie ahead.

The year 2024 has been marked by significant milestones in our diplomatic mission. Notable among these was the Presidential Engagement in September, when His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio delivered a compelling keynote address at Oxford University on a theme of vital global significance. During that speech, the President emphasized the urgent need for integrated solutions to food security and climate change, positioning Sierra Leone at the forefront of this critical global conversation.

Equally noteworthy was the recognition of our First Lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, who was honored in the British House of Parliament as the LPS African First Lady of the Year 2024. This accolade reflects her unwavering commitment to championing the causes and improving the lives of women and girls both nationally and internationally.

Additionally, the High Commission facilitated the participation of the Sierra Leone delegation, led by His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, at the 27th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa. During this visit, President Bio was bestowed with the esteemed title of “Tuioataga,” meaning “King,” by the people of Magiagi, a settlement on the Island of Upolu renowned for its cultural preservation and environmental conservation. This rare recognition underscores the respect he has earned for his leadership and advocacy on global platforms.
At CHOGM 2024, President Bio also participated in the election of a new Commonwealth Secretary-General.

On July 12, 2024, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh visited the High Commission and addressed Staff before proceeding to the Strand Palace Hotel, where he engaged a cross-section of Sierra Leoneans on current developments under the leadership of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio.

During the year under review, the High Commission hosted other high-ranking dignitaries at the chancery. These officials included the Chief Minister, Dr. David Monina Sengeh; the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Mr. Timothy Musa Kabba; the Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie; the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Mr. Chernor Bah; and the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Mr. Julius Daniel Mattai.

The High Commission also proudly supported Sierra Leone’s successful participation in the 2024 World Travel Market (WTM), a prestigious four-day tourism event held at the ExCel Centre in London. This platform allowed Sierra Leone to showcase its unique tourism offerings, including eco-tourism, cultural heritage, and investment opportunities, to a global audience of industry leaders, travel experts, and investors. This engagement, expertly spearheaded by Mrs. Nabeela Tunis, Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, was instrumental in elevating our nation’s profile as a premier destination for tourism and business.

In line with our diplomatic responsibilities, the High Commission supported and participated in several other events, including the 24th Anniversary of
the Disabled International Foundation UK/Sierra Leone in London, demonstrating our dedication to inclusivity and community engagement.

Our mission remains steadfast in promoting Sierra Leone’s rich cultural heritage, investment opportunities, and tourism potential. Through various platforms and events, we have proudly highlighted the nation’s progress and the vast opportunities available for investors and tourists alike.

To all Sierra Leoneans residing in or visiting the United Kingdom and other accredited countries, I encourage you to consider the High Commission your home away from home. We urge you to register with our consular section, seek assistance when needed, and share information with us. Your engagement is vital in strengthening our community and fostering national development.

We particularly call on Sierra Leoneans and potential investors to present proposals that align with our national priorities. Your contributions are essential in addressing critical areas such as agriculture, healthcare, education, and infrastructure development. Let us continue working together to make Sierra Leone a thriving, happy, and healthy place for all.

As we look forward to the coming year, let us unite in support of President Bio’s vision, particularly his “Big Five” agenda, which prioritizes sectors including agriculture and healthcare. Together, we can make Sierra Leone a beacon of prosperity and development.

In conclusion, I extend my heartfelt wishes for a joyous holiday season and a prosperous 2025. Let us continue to collaborate, support one another, and strive for the advancement of our beautiful, beloved, and always very welcoming Mama Salone.

Thank you, and may God bless Sierra Leone.

Fellow Sierra Leoneans, compatriots living here in the United Kingdom and all other countries of accreditation, we are all painfully aware of, and directly affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

At a time like this, our humanity must speak out loudly from within our souls. At a time like this, we must support each other and work within prescribed Government guidelines towards the collective goal of keeping our communities secured and our people safe. We must also be firmly united in prayers and in hope.

The High Commission here in the U.K. (and I believe Sierra Leoneans everywhere) is justifiably proud to see the commendable strides being taken by our president, H.E. Julius Maada Bio, and the Government in leading this very serious battle against an unseen but deadly enemy.

I encourage every Sierra Leonean to follow current government guidelines and advisory in force wherever you are, to help ensure our collective safety and wellbeing. I wish you all a safe sail through this very difficult period.

Please stay in touch with the High Commission using the available phone and910nternet channels.

For emergency Consular services please contact us via email as follows; info@slhc-uk.org or via contact details provided on the High Commission’s website at www.slhc-uk.org

Thank you and may God bless us all!

H.E. Dr. Morie Komba Manyeh. High Commissioner, United Kingdom.