By: Thaimu Bai Sesay
Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Madam Francess Piagie Alghali, held a landmark meeting with senior Russian officials on Saturday, 9th November 2024, at the first Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Summit.
The diplomatic discussions in Sochi showcased Sierra Leone’s commitment to enhancing its longstanding bilateral relations with Russia, dating back 63 years.
Madam Alghali engaged in discussions with Mikhail Bogdanov, the Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation for the Middle East and African Countries and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia.
She began by conveying warm greetings from President Julius Maada Bio and Foreign Minister Timothy Musa Kabba, who was unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances. “Sierra Leone values its strong and historic ties with Russia,” she affirmed, emphasizing the benefits of deepening this relationship further.
A key highlight of the meeting was Sierra Leone’s anticipation of reopening the Russian Embassy in Freetown, an effort seen as pivotal to strengthening bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors. “Sierra Leone stands ready to support Russia in re-establishing its embassy, which will enhance business partnerships and deepen people-to-people connections between our two nations,” Madam Alghali added.
The Deputy Minister underscored Sierra Leone’s eagerness to welcome more Russian businesses to Africa, referencing a time when Russian enterprises were active in Sierra Leone, notably a Russian-run sugar company.
She encouraged Russian investment, particularly in agriculture and human capital development—two pillars of President Bio’s Five Big Game Changers agenda, which focuses on accelerating food production and boosting economic resilience.
Throughout the discussions, Madam Alghali expressed deep appreciation for Russia’s historical support, recalling their solidarity in challenging times, from the Ebola and COVID-19 crises to scholarships for Sierra Leonean students and donations of essential equipment, including dump trucks. She noted the hope that Russia’s strategic re-engagement with Sierra Leone could revitalize trade, education, and security collaboration across the continent.
Mikhail Bogdanov reciprocated with praise for Sierra Leone’s commitment to fostering diplomatic relations. He lauded Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Russia, Mohamed Yongawo, for his dedication to nurturing Sierra Leone-Russia ties, noting Ambassador Yongawo’s strong reputation and influence among his peers in Moscow. “Ambassador Yongawo is a respected and tireless advocate for Sierra Leone in Russia,” Bogdanov observed, further signaling Russia’s interest in elevating cooperation with Sierra Leone.
Reaffirming President Putin’s support, Bogdanov expressed optimism about the embassy’s reopening and its anticipated impact on both nations’ diplomatic and economic pursuits. Discussions also addressed a range of multilateral, bilateral, and regional issues, focusing on deepening political dialogue, bolstering global security, and fostering economic stability.
Key Sierra Leonean officials, including Ambassador Mohamed Yongawo, Mr. Mustapha Bamorie Turay (NMA Board Chairman), Mr. Mohamed Conteh (Director of Legal Affairs), and Mr. Ibrahim Saspo Sankoh (Head of Chancery at the Embassy in Moscow), accompanied Madam Alghali at the summit. Their presence underscored Sierra Leone’s commitment to a strong diplomatic presence in Russia, ready to forge new pathways for mutual progress and cooperation.
As the Ministerial Conference in Sochi continued, the engagement between Sierra Leone and Russia emerged as a beacon for a renewed Africa-Russia partnership built on shared values, mutual respect, and a shared vision for a more interconnected world.
