By: Mamajah Jalloh
Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, has arrived in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, on a diplomatic visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and deepening security cooperation between Sierra Leone and its West African neighbour.
Upon arrival, Dr. Jalloh was warmly received by Côte d’Ivoire’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, H.E. Téné Birahima Ouattara, reflecting the cordial diplomatic relations and longstanding partnership between the two countries.
During the engagement, the Vice President expressed appreciation to the Government and people of Côte d’Ivoire for their continued support to Sierra Leone, particularly in strengthening the professional capacity of the country’s military and police personnel through specialized training programmes.
He specifically recognized Côte d’Ivoire’s contribution through the International Academy for the Fight Against Terrorism, an important regional institution that provides specialized training and capacity-building opportunities for security personnel involved in addressing terrorism and other emerging security threats.
Dr. Jalloh noted the importance of such support in enhancing the operational capacity, professionalism and preparedness of Sierra Leone’s security institutions. He also underscored the value of continued collaboration between the two countries in addressing security challenges that increasingly require coordinated regional responses.
The cooperation comes at a time when West African countries continue to face evolving security concerns, including terrorism, violent extremism, organised crime and cross-border threats. These challenges have reinforced the need for stronger intelligence-sharing mechanisms, institutional partnerships, specialized training and coordinated security strategies among countries in the subregion.
Sierra Leone and Côte d’Ivoire share historical, diplomatic and economic ties, with their relationship extending beyond security cooperation to include regional stability, development and broader engagement within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The Vice President’s visit therefore provides an opportunity to further consolidate existing partnerships, strengthen institutional relationships and explore additional areas of cooperation that could contribute to peace and stability in the wider West African region.
As part of his engagements in Abidjan, Dr. Jalloh is also expected to deliver a special message from President Julius Maada Bio to his Ivorian counterpart, President Alassane Ouattara.
The message is expected to further reinforce the diplomatic relationship between the two heads of state and demonstrate Sierra Leone’s commitment to maintaining strong relations with Côte d’Ivoire.
The visit highlights the importance Sierra Leone attaches to regional partnerships, particularly in building stronger security institutions through international cooperation, professional training and sustained diplomatic engagement.