By: Amara Kargbo
The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, 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, strengthening cooperation across security, economic, cultural, and diplomatic sectors.
The meeting took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Europe in Paris during the 9th World Congress Against the Death Penalty, reaffirming the growing partnership between the two nations.
Both sides reviewed the positive bilateral trajectory, emphasising Sierra Leone’s continued contribution to international peace and security, including planned troop deployment cooperation in Haiti. France commended Sierra Leone’s global peace engagement; Sierra Leone reaffirmed its commitment to international stability and multilateral cooperation.
Economic relations featured prominently, with growing French interest in Sierra Leone’s infrastructure development sectors. Both noted increasing French company presence in development initiatives, including major infrastructure and education projects. Particular reference involved Matière Group constructing key bridges, including Mabang Bridge in Kambia District and Tompari Bridge in Karene District, strengthening national connectivity, facilitating trade, and supporting inclusive economic growth. Mention included Orange Sierra Leone’s investment, expanding mobile communications, broadband services, and Orange Money, significantly enhancing digital connectivity and financial inclusion nationwide.
Discussions highlighted the upcoming establishment of a new French school in Freetown, the Association Ecole Française de Freetown, contributing positively to educational development and people-to-people ties.
The meeting underscored the importance of strengthening cultural and linguistic cooperation. France welcomed Sierra Leone’s proactive French language promotion; Sierra Leone called for expanded French language education access beyond the secondary level meeting growing youth population needs.
Sierra Leone further called for revitalising historical academic cultural exchanges, including Alliance Française cooperation and university-level partnerships like Fourah Bay College. France responded positively, affirming commitment and following up on strengthening cultural and educational programmes and expanding French language cooperation in Sierra Leone.
Maritime security discussions saw French collaboration calls on vessel registration sanctions evasion linked “shadow fleet” registered under the Sierra Leone flag. Sierra Leone outlined ongoing reforms including maritime administration improvements, enhanced data-sharing mechanisms, and strengthened cooperation with the European Union Delegation in Freetown. Both sides agreed on reinforcing oversight, institutional capacity, and international cooperation to ensure maritime security and safeguard global trade routes.
Transnational organised crime and drug trafficking discussions acknowledged growing criminal network threats. Both countries emphasised rule law importance while underscoring continued cooperation in combating transnational crime. Sierra Leone highlighted a domestic drug crisis involving synthetic substances like “Kush,” declaring a national emergency. Both sides agreed these issues required coordinated international action given cross-border precursor chemical supply chains.
Recognising Sierra Leone’s limited maritime enforcement capacity, both sides agreed enhanced technical and institutional support is needed. France outlined existing cooperation mechanisms including maritime surveillance system support, potential surveillance technology assistance, port security systems, and law enforcement capacity-building. Sierra Leone welcomed support, noting strengthened intelligence sharing, institutional development, and technical training would significantly enhance national and regional security.
The meeting covered regional security challenges in the West African Sahel, focusing on the importance of inclusive dialogue with all regional actors including ECOWAS member and non-member states. Sierra Leone highlighted ongoing diplomatic engagement with transition countries including Burkina Faso and Mauritania, plus ECOWAS’s leadership role under President Julius Maada Bio. France welcomed Sierra Leone’s constructive regional role and encouraged continued dialogue supporting peace, stability, and democratic transitions across the Sahel and West Africa.
Both sides discussed a potential future state visit by President Julius Maada Bio to France. France noted the visit’s impact would increase with concrete progress in priority areas like maritime security and counter-narcotics cooperation. Sierra Leone encouraged considering French Embassy reopening in Freetown; France noted the decision would depend on political momentum and sustained bilateral cooperation.
Meeting concluded both parties reaffirming commitment deepening Sierra Leone-France relations, strengthening cooperation security, trade, education, culture, regional stability, maintaining close collaboration global challenges. Both governments expressed confidence that continued engagement will further enhance bilateral ties and contribute to peace, development, security, and regional and international levels.
Bilateral engagement occurred Ministry Europe Foreign Affairs in Paris, with His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Kanja Sesay, Sierra Leone Ambassador to France, and Patrick Hassan Morlai Koroma, Esq, Director Legal Ministry of Foreign Affairs International Cooperation Freetown, accompanying Her Excellency Mrs. Frances Piagie Alghali.
