In a significant diplomatic move, President Julius Maada Bio welcomed a delegation led by Prime Minister Bernard Goumou from the Republic of Guinea on Friday, January 5, 2024, at State House, Freetown. The delegation conveyed messages of solidarity and gratitude from President Col. Mamady Doumbouya, along with the Guinean government and citizens, acknowledging Sierra Leone’s crucial support following the tragic explosions in Conakry.
The delegation, comprising government officials, ministers, and technical staff, made the day-long visit to express gratitude to President Bio and his administration for their prompt response following the catastrophic explosion at an oil depot in Conakry on December 18, 2023. This incident led to fatalities, injuries to over 500 individuals, created a humanitarian crisis, and caused fuel shortages across Guinea.
Sierra Leone’s immediate dispatch of a high-ranking delegation, led by Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, accompanied by government ministers, heads of national agencies, and medical personnel, was a gesture of support and solidarity from President Julius Maada Bio to Guinea during this challenging time.
Nearly three weeks later, the Guinean delegation’s visit to Freetown aimed to express profound gratitude to President Bio, the Sierra Leonean government, and its people. Additionally, the delegation honored and decorated the fifteen-member team from Sierra Leone who had provided assistance in Conakry following the tragic incident.
Prime Minister Goumou lauded President Bio’s administration for its swift and comprehensive intervention during the crisis. He conveyed President Mamady Doumbouya’s deep appreciation and highlighted the commendable efforts of Sierra Leone’s medical team and disaster management agency in providing critical aid and services to the affected individuals.
President Julius Maada Bio expressed gratitude for the visit, emphasizing his government’s commitment to bolstering the longstanding bilateral relations between Sierra Leone and Guinea. He highlighted the enduring neighborly bond between the two nations and expressed optimism about fostering a sustainable framework facilitating Guinea’s access to petroleum products from Sierra Leone. President Bio also envisioned broader opportunities for collaboration in trade, healthcare, and energy sectors between the two countries.
