The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has suspended four officials from duty following an investigation into alleged misuse of official ministry documentation during a September 2023 visa-processing exercise.
In a press release issued in Freetown on Monday, 12 October 2026, the Ministry said the suspensions followed the submission of a report by an Investigative Committee examining the visa-processing exercise reported by Hon. Mohamed Sidie Tunis and related matters.
The four officials suspended with immediate effect are Alieu Badara Mansaray, Head of Chancery at the Sierra Leone Embassy in Algeria and former head of the Consular Unit at the time of the reported incident; Thomas Alfred Sengeh, Acting Deputy Secretary at the Ministry; Isatu Joelyn Jalloh, Senior Assistant Secretary at the Ministry; and Shamit Aminata Tarawallie, Second Secretary at the Sierra Leone Embassy in Ireland.
The Ministry also announced the immediate withdrawal of Mansaray and Tarawallie from their overseas postings.
According to the Ministry, the Investigative Committee identified deficiencies in administrative and consular procedures, document verification and authorization, supervisory oversight, and institutional controls.
Following a review of the report, the Ministry’s management approved interim administrative measures and directed the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to investigate the report and supporting evidence within its statutory mandate.
However, the Ministry emphasized that the suspensions do not constitute findings of criminal wrongdoing or final determinations of individual responsibility.
It said further action would depend on the ACC’s findings, applicable laws, and decisions by the competent authorities.
The Ministry also directed that a formal written apology be issued to Hon. Mohamed Sidie Tunis over procedural failures within its systems and any resulting prejudice.
It added that it was strengthening administrative and consular safeguards and would cooperate fully with the ACC as the investigation proceeds.
The Ministry said further public updates would be provided as appropriate, reaffirming its commitment to accountability, due process, and the integrity of Sierra Leone’s diplomatic and consular functions.