By: Aminata Turay
Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh participated in the Ministry of Information’s Civic Day Programme in London, where he engaged members of the Sierra Leonean diaspora on issues of governance, national development, investment opportunities, and their role in shaping the country’s future on Thursday 18th June 2026.
The event brought together Sierra Leoneans from across the United Kingdom and provided a platform for open and constructive dialogue between citizens and government officials.
Addressing the gathering, Vice President Jalloh emphasized that the primary purpose of the engagement was to listen to the views, concerns, and ideas of Sierra Leoneans living abroad. “We are here today to engage with you. We are here today to discuss. We have not come to tell you what to think about the government. We want to hear your views on governance and the development of the country,” he said.
He further highlighted the importance of the diaspora, describing Sierra Leoneans abroad as an integral part of the nation and a key partner in its development. “The diaspora is an integral part of the state,” he stated.
The Vice President also reflected on how direct engagement with communities has influenced government policies. He cited a visit to a maternity ward, where he witnessed the effects of poor nutrition on pregnant women and newborns.
“We put nutrition at the centre of maternal and infant health,” he said.
He explained that, as a result, the government established nutrition clinics across the country and introduced dedicated budgetary support for maternal and child nutrition programmes.
During a question-and-answer session, Vice President Jalloh addressed a wide range of issues, including land ownership, healthcare, investment opportunities, and access to public services.
He encouraged Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora to explore collective investment initiatives, including land acquisition schemes, and assured healthcare professionals abroad that the government is considering measures to support doctors and nurses who wish to contribute to the country’s healthcare sector.
Speaking on the economy, the Vice President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to infrastructure development, job creation, and improving household incomes. “The number one priority is the economy,” he stated. “The more jobs we create, the more we increase household incomes.”
Addressing concerns about travel documentation and consular services, he noted that efforts are underway to improve access to passports and address some of the challenges faced by Sierra Leoneans living overseas.
Vice President Jalloh concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening engagement with the diaspora, emphasizing that Sierra Leoneans abroad remain vital partners in the country’s development, governance, and economic transformation agenda.