By Aminaash Nyande Brima, Information Attachè, Sierra Leone Embassy Rabat, Morocco
In a formal ceremony at State House on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, Sierra Leone’s newly appointed Ambassador to the Kingdom of Morocco, Alhaji Momodu Koroma, took official leave of His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, ahead of commencing his diplomatic duties. Alhaji Momodu Koroma, a seasoned diplomat and academic, brings a wealth of experience from his time in Government and academia and is set to enhance Sierra Leone’s diplomatic relations with Morocco.
Alhaji Momodu Koroma has had an illustrious career, having served in various high-profile roles within the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the Government of Sierra Leone under the late President Tejan Kabba. Notably, he held the positions of Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Minister of Presidential Affairs and Minister of Energy and Environment, where he played critical roles in policy implementation, diplomatic relations and sustainable development.
During his tenure as Foreign Minister, Alhaji Momodu Koroma was instrumental in managing Sierra Leone’s international relations and fostering stronger diplomatic ties with key nations. He is also recognized for his contributions to the establishment of the Peacebuilding Fund for Sierra Leone in collaboration with the United Nations, which played a pivotal role in the country’s post-conflict recovery and reconciliation efforts.
President Bio, in his address to the diplomats, including the High Commissioner to Nigeria and the Ambassador to Senegal who also took leave, congratulated them and expressed confidence in their abilities to strengthen Sierra Leone’s strategic partnerships with their respective host countries. He emphasized the importance of their roles in advancing Sierra Leone’s national interests and fostering mutual benefits in diplomacy, trade and cooperation.
Alhaji Momodu Koroma’s extensive background in academia as a university professor, physicist and environmentalist, further complements his diplomatic skills. His focus on education, science and environmental sustainability, particularly in the areas of renewable energy and sustainable development, underscores his commitment to advancing Sierra Leone’s global standing in these critical areas.
His new role as Sierra Leone’s second Ambassador to Morocco, following the tenure of H.E. Atumanni Dainkeh, comes at a time of growing bilateral cooperation between the two nations.
Alhaji Momodu Koroma’s expertise in economic diplomacy is expected to further enhance the partnership, particularly in light of recent trade agreements between Sierra Leone and Morocco.
The Sierra Leone Embassy in Rabat, established on August 27, 2021, will be the focal point for strengthening ties between the two nations.
Alhaji Momodu Koroma’s appointment signals a renewed focus on diplomatic and economic collaboration, with hopes of driving progress in areas such as trade, investment and cultural exchange.
With his family by his side, Alhaji Momodu Koroma’s departure marks the beginning of a promising diplomatic mission, one that is poised to build on the strong foundation of relations between Sierra Leone and Morocco.
