In a move set to sharpen the nation’s diplomatic edge, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has inducted new administrative officers, fortifying its ranks to advance Sierra Leone’s interests to effectively respond to the evolving international diplomatic environment and advance Sierra Leone’s Foreign Policy interests, it has received and inducted the new set of working personnel who were recruited through the Human Resources Management Office (HRMO).
The new cadre, deployed throughout the Ministry’s directorates since September, were formally welcomed in a ceremony on October 13th. Acting Director General Alan C. E. Logan outlined the strategic importance of the recruitment, describing it as a pillar of a broader plan to create a more dynamic and effective administration. He further announced that a comprehensive induction program is in development to fully equip the new officers for their critical roles.
The event’s highlight was a stirring address from the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba, who framed diplomacy not as a technical exercise, but as a test of personal integrity. He immediately set a profound tone for the new diplomats, asserting that in the service of the nation, the strength of one’s character eclipses all academic credentials.
He welcomed them into what he called the nation’s most prestigious ministry, a place valued not for its financial rewards but for its unrivalled capacity to build legacy careers. “This is the ministry to be,” Minister Kabba declared, “if you aspire to become an outstanding public servant.”
Reminding them of the gravity of their new calling, he anchored their mission in the nation’s Constitution, describing the ministry as a guardian of Sierra Leone’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“You are now the standard-bearers of Sierra Leone’s foreign policy,” he told the attentive recruits. “The world will know our nation through you. That is a powerful trust.”
Drawing from his own unconventional journey from Petroleum Engineer in the Ministry of Mines to the pinnacle of foreign policy, the Minister offered a powerful lesson. “My background had nothing to do with international relations,” he shared, highlighting the recruits’ advantage of building a diplomatic career from its very foundation.
He urged them to be humble and to learn from the “rich reservoir of knowledge” found in seasoned colleagues, noting that wisdom in the foreign service comes from every level, from senior ambassadors to support staff.
He also cautioned personnel against perils of complacency, warning them not to become careerists who focus solely on coveted overseas postings while neglecting their core duties and personal growth.
Returning to his essential message, Minister Kabba left no room for ambiguity about the cornerstone of success in the foreign service. “Let me be clear,” he concluded. “What matters here is not your qualification; it is your character. I came to this ministry with character. I brought neither qualifications nor experience, but a commitment to integrity.”
He charged the new officers to immerse themselves in the training at the Foreign Service Academy and to prepare rigorously for the challenging and rewarding path of diplomacy that lies ahead.
This MoU with WanGov stands as a testament to the Authority’s resolve to embrace modern, forward-looking approaches in fulfilling its mandate.
As this partnership unfolds, the public can look forward to a more efficient, transparent, and customer-centric experience when accessing SLRSA services.
