By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The world’s largest amateur rally, the Budapest–Bamako–Freetown Rally, on Monday, February 9, 2026, reached its triumphant finish line in Freetown, marking another historic moment for Sierra Leone as a destination for major international events.
Rally participants arrived in the country on Sunday, February 8, crossing the Gbalamuya border in Kambia District before proceeding to an overnight stop at the picturesque Bureh Beach. Their arrival was met with vibrant cultural performances, warm hospitality and coordinated support from Government Ministries, border authorities and security agencies, setting the tone for the grand finale in the capital.
The official finish line ceremony took place at Gigibonta Car Park along Lumley Beach Road, drawing senior Government officials, members of the diplomatic and consular corps, rally participants and members of the public. Speaking at the ceremony, Jihad N. Eter, Honorary Consul of Hungary to Sierra Leone, described the occasion as a celebration of endurance, friendship and shared humanity.
“It is with profound honour and sincere gratitude that I stand before you today at the triumphant finish of the Budapest–Bamako–Freetown Rally 2026,” Jihad Eter said, addressing His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, cabinet ministers, diplomats and distinguished guests. He noted that the rally’s return to Freetown once again reflected the growing confidence the international community places in Sierra Leone’s stability and peace.
Jihad Eter highlighted the symbolic importance of the rally concluding in Sierra Leone during 2026, officially designated as the “Year of Culture and Creativity.” He said the theme underscores the country’s recognition of culture as a driver of unity, innovation and inclusive development. According to him, the rally itself represents a bridge between continents and cultures, making Sierra Leone a fitting destination for its conclusion.
Commending the leadership of President Bio, the Honorary Consul praised achievements made under the current administration, particularly in tourism development, foreign exchange growth and the implementation of the Free and Quality Education programme. He said those initiatives have empowered thousands of Sierra Leonean children and strengthened the nation’s human capital.
Jihad Eter also highlighted the deepening bilateral relations between Sierra Leone and Hungary, citing the Hungarian Stipendium scholarship programme as a key example. He disclosed that in 2025, thirty-three Sierra Leonean students benefited from the scholarship, while up to fifty students are expected to be awarded scholarships in 2026 across various fields of study. He described the programme as a strategic investment in Sierra Leone’s future leadership and sustainable development.
The Honorary Consul expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs and its leadership for their role in positioning Sierra Leone as an attractive destination for global events. He further commended the Inspector General of Police, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Office of National Security, the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority and personnel of the Sierra Leone Police and Road Safety Corps for ensuring a peaceful, secure and well-coordinated rally.
Participants from Hungary, the United Kingdom, the United States, Eastern Europe, Northern Europe and Sierra Leone were also acknowledged for their presence, reflecting the rally’s truly global character. Jihad Eter congratulated the rally crews for their resilience and discipline in completing the demanding transcontinental journey, noting that this was the first group of participants to arrive for the 2026 edition. He announced that a second wave of participants is expected to arrive in March 2026.
Ahead of the final drive into Freetown, rally vehicles and motorbikes were escorted in a coordinated motorcade by the Sierra Leone Police and security teams from Bureh Beach to the finish line. The convoy’s movement generated excitement across communities, with residents lining routes to witness the arrival of the international adventurers.
At Bureh Beach, participants relaxed and celebrated after weeks on the road, enjoying the ocean breeze, cultural interactions, and the renowned warmth of Sierra Leonean hospitality. The beach stop further showcased the country’s tourism potential, combining natural beauty with cultural vibrancy.
In closing, Jihad Eter encouraged rally participants to explore Sierra Leone’s beaches, islands, landscapes and culture, and to share their positive experiences with the world. He reaffirmed his office’s commitment to strengthening relations between Sierra Leone and Hungary, while supporting initiatives that promote tourism, people-to-people connections and international cooperation.
The successful conclusion of the Budapest–Bamako–Freetown Rally once again places Sierra Leone firmly on the global tourism and cultural map, reinforcing its image as a peaceful, welcoming, and internationally connected nation.
