By: Amara Kargbo
Diplomacy, heritage, and shared values took centre stage at the St. Patrick’s Day celebration hosted by the Embassy of Ireland at the Freetown Golf Club. The event brought together government officials, diplomats, and distinguished guests to celebrate the longstanding relationship between Ireland and Sierra Leone.
Ireland’s Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Patrick McManus, used the occasion to highlight the deep historical ties and shared values that unite the two nations. He described the celebration as more than a cultural tradition, framing it as a reflection of Ireland’s commitment to faith, peace, community, and inclusion.
“Today celebrates what it is to be Irish: history and culture, connections and shared values, people both at home and abroad, and the strong bonds built worldwide,” Ambassador McManus said.
He traced the relationship between the two countries back over 150 years, beginning with Irish missionary work in Sierra Leone. He noted that Irish non-governmental organizations laid the foundation for the establishment of the Irish Government Development Cooperation Office in 2009, followed by the opening of the Embassy of Ireland in Freetown in 2014. Sierra Leone further strengthened ties by opening its embassy in Dublin in 2025.
The Ambassador also highlighted the contributions of Concern Worldwide, which is marking 30 years of operations in Sierra Leone. He described the organization’s presence as a strong demonstration of Ireland’s commitment to human rights, equality, and social justice.
On global affairs, McManus described Ireland as a small nation with a strong voice in promoting multilateralism and a rules-based international order, anchored by the United Nations. He outlined Ireland’s bid for a seat on the UN Human Rights Council for the 2027–2029 term, focusing on priorities such as protecting civil society space, advancing gender equality, defending LGBTQI rights, ensuring the right to food, and supporting persons with disabilities in conflict situations.
He commended Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra Leone, for his leadership on the United Nations Security Council and within ECOWAS, noting that both Ireland and Sierra Leone demonstrate the influence smaller nations can have on the global stage.
Addressing global conflicts, McManus expressed concern about rising instability across Africa and described the situation in Sudan as particularly alarming. Drawing on Ireland’s experience in the Northern Ireland peace process and its long-standing role in UN peacekeeping, he reaffirmed Ireland’s commitment to supporting peace and security initiatives.
He also reiterated Ireland’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty in the face of Russian aggression and called for a just and lasting peace grounded in international law. Additionally, he voiced concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the West Bank, urging de-escalation, the delivery of humanitarian aid, and renewed commitment to a two-state solution.
Despite global reductions in development assistance, McManus affirmed that Ireland remains committed to its Official Development Assistance programmes, particularly in areas such as gender equality, climate action, governance, and humanitarian support in Sierra Leone.
In her remarks, Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Francess Alghali, celebrated the enduring friendship between the two nations. She reflected on cultural connections, recalling how St. Patrick’s Day was celebrated during her school years.
Speaking on behalf of President Bio and the Government of Sierra Leone, she extended congratulations to Ireland and emphasized the shared commitment to equality, economic growth, and sustainable development.
Alghali expressed appreciation for Ireland’s continued support in Sierra Leone’s development, particularly in empowering women and girls, improving food security and nutrition, expanding rural electrification, strengthening electoral systems, and promoting human rights. She also praised Concern Worldwide for its contributions to healthcare and livelihoods.
She called for stronger multilateral cooperation to address global challenges such as inequality, climate change, and development financing. In particular, she advocated for reforms to global governance systems, including the expansion of the UN Security Council to better reflect current geopolitical realities.
On international issues, Alghali reiterated Sierra Leone’s support for peaceful conflict resolution. She stressed the need for de-escalation in the Middle East and highlighted Africa’s vulnerability to the wider impacts of global instability. Regarding the conflict in Ukraine, she reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s position on respecting territorial integrity and pursuing dialogue for a political settlement.
Concluding her remarks, the Deputy Minister expressed optimism about the future of Ireland-Sierra Leone relations, noting that the strong partnership between the two countries continues to deliver meaningful and mutually beneficial outcomes.
