By Amin Kef (Ranger)
President Dr. Julius Maada Bio warmly received His Excellency Lieutenant General Abdel-Fattah Al-Burhan Abdelrahman Al-Burhan, President of the Transitional Sovereign Council of the Republic of Sudan, during a working visit to Sierra Leone on Monday, January 13, 2025. The meeting, held at Lungi International Airport, underscored the shared vision and commitment of both nations toward fostering unity and addressing pressing African challenges.
In his welcome address, President Bio highlighted the enduring bonds between Sierra Leone and Sudan, emphasizing that despite the geographical distance, both nations are united in their commitment to advancing Africa’s interests. “As Africans, our colonial borders do not define us. We are united by our shared aspirations for peace, development and prosperity for our people,” President Bio affirmed.
Lieutenant General Al-Burhan expressed gratitude for the warm reception extended to him and his delegation. He noted that the visit reflects Sudan’s determination to strengthen bilateral and diplomatic ties with Sierra Leone. Al-Burhan emphasized the importance of solidarity among African nations in addressing regional and continental challenges. “We have come to Sierra Leone to deepen our partnership and seek collaborative solutions for Sudan’s challenges,” he stated.
During their discussions, the two leaders addressed key issues, including peace and security in Sudan and the broader African region. President Bio and Lieutenant General Al-Burhan reiterated the urgency of facilitating swift and unhindered humanitarian access to tackle acute food insecurity and provide aid to those affected by the conflict. They stressed the protection of civilians, particularly vulnerable groups such as women, children and ethnic minorities and called for accountability for any violations of international humanitarian law.
In a brief Press Conference, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Timothy Musa Kabba, spoke about the devastating impacts of the ongoing conflict in Sudan, describing it as a significant challenge to the political and socio-economic stability of both Sudan and the African continent.
“The protracted conflict in Sudan is not in the geostrategic interest of Africa,” the Minister underscored. He emphasized the shared commitment of the two leaders to de-escalation, an immediate cessation of hostilities and a peaceful resolution through an inclusive Sudanese-led process supported by the United Nations and the African Union.
The visit also served as an opportunity to reaffirm the longstanding friendship between Sierra Leone and Sudan. President Bio assured Lieutenant General Al-Burhan and his delegation that Sierra Leone remains a steadfast partner in the pursuit of peace and development. “Consider Freetown a home for Sudan, as we work together to create a brighter future for our continent,” President Bio concluded.
