By: Amara Kargbo
The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Sierra Leone, Her Excellency Mrs. Frances Piagie Alghali, held high-level bilateral discussions with the French Minister Delegate for Francophonie and International Partnerships, Her Excellency Ms. Éléonore Caroit, aimed at strengthening cooperation across security, economic, cultural, and diplomatic sectors.
The meeting took place at the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs in Paris during the 9th World Congress Against the Death Penalty, reaffirming the growing partnership between Sierra Leone and France.
Both sides reviewed the positive trajectory of bilateral relations, with emphasis on Sierra Leone’s continued contribution to international peace and security, including planned cooperation in troop deployment to Haiti. France commended Sierra Leone’s global peace efforts, while Sierra Leone reaffirmed its commitment to international stability and multilateral cooperation.
Economic relations featured prominently in the discussions, with growing French interest in Sierra Leone’s infrastructure development sector. Both parties noted the increasing presence of French companies in major development projects, particularly in infrastructure and education.
Reference was made to the work of the Matière Group, which is constructing key bridges, including the Mabang Bridge in Kambia District and the Tompari Bridge in Karene District, projects aimed at improving national connectivity, facilitating trade, and supporting inclusive economic growth.
The meeting also highlighted the role of Orange Sierra Leone, whose investments in mobile communications, broadband services, and Orange Money have significantly enhanced digital connectivity and financial inclusion across the country.
Discussions also focused on the planned establishment of a new French school in Freetown, the Association École Française de Freetown, which is expected to strengthen educational development and deepen people-to-people ties.
Both sides underscored the importance of expanding cultural and linguistic cooperation. France welcomed Sierra Leone’s efforts to promote the French language, while Sierra Leone called for expanded access to French language education beyond the secondary level to meet the needs of its growing youth population.
Sierra Leone also called for the revitalization of historical academic and cultural exchanges, including cooperation with the Alliance Française and strengthened university partnerships, particularly with Fourah Bay College. France expressed support for expanding cultural and educational programmes in Sierra Leone.
Maritime security formed a key part of the discussions, particularly concerns over vessel registration and sanctions evasion linked to the so-called “shadow fleet” operating under the Sierra Leone flag.
Sierra Leone outlined ongoing reforms, including improvements in maritime administration, enhanced data-sharing mechanisms, and strengthened cooperation with the European Union Delegation in Freetown. Both sides agreed on the need to reinforce oversight, institutional capacity, and international cooperation to safeguard maritime security and global trade routes.
The discussions also addressed transnational organized crime and drug trafficking. Both countries emphasized the importance of the rule of law and sustained cooperation in combating these threats.
Sierra Leone highlighted its domestic drug crisis involving synthetic substances such as “Kush,” describing it as a national emergency. Both sides agreed that these challenges require coordinated international action, particularly given cross-border trafficking networks and precursor chemical supply chains.
France noted existing cooperation mechanisms, including maritime surveillance support, potential provision of surveillance technology, port security systems, and law enforcement capacity-building. Sierra Leone welcomed this support, noting that enhanced intelligence sharing and technical training would significantly strengthen national and regional security.
The meeting also addressed security challenges in the West African Sahel, with emphasis on inclusive dialogue involving both ECOWAS and non-ECOWAS member states.
Sierra Leone highlighted its ongoing diplomatic engagement with transitional governments, including Burkina Faso and Mauritania, and reaffirmed the leadership role of ECOWAS under President Julius Maada Bio. France welcomed Sierra Leone’s constructive regional engagement and encouraged continued dialogue to support peace, stability, and democratic transitions across West Africa and the Sahel.
Both sides discussed the possibility of a future state visit by President Julius Maada Bio to France. France noted that such a visit would be more impactful if accompanied by tangible progress in priority areas such as maritime security and counter-narcotics cooperation.
Sierra Leone also encouraged consideration of reopening the French Embassy in Freetown. France stated that this decision would depend on sustained political momentum and continued strengthening of bilateral cooperation.
The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to deepening Sierra Leone–France relations across security, trade, education, culture, and regional stability. They expressed confidence that continued engagement would further strengthen bilateral ties and contribute to peace, development, and international cooperation.
The bilateral engagement took place at the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs in Paris. The Sierra Leone delegation included His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Kanja Sesay, Ambassador to France, and Patrick Hassan Morlai Koroma Esq., Director of Legal Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, who accompanied Minister Alghali.