The Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, held discussions with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Timothy Musa Kabba, on Monday October 2, 2023, to explore ways to advance one of the “Big Five Game Changers” outlined by His Excellency, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio.
The meeting, which included a guided tour of the newly established Foreign Service Academy, marked a crucial step in the country’s ongoing public sector reforms, with a specific emphasis on enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of public service delivery.
Minister Kabba, during the discussions, underscored the significance of his Ministry as the face of Sierra Leone on the international stage, highlighting the dedication of his team. He explained that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation is equipped with various directorates focusing on different geographical regions worldwide, each staffed by highly committed personnel.
He praised the Foreign Service Academy as a critical institution for training Sierra Leonean nationals as well as foreign individuals in the intricacies of Foreign Service also emphasizing that Foreign Service is distinct from ordinary civil service and the academy is playing a pivotal role in enhancing the capacity of diplomats.
“The Foreign Academy comes at a very important time, more so when Sierra Leone is a member of the United Nations Security Council in the Non-Permanent Member Category. We play a significant leadership role in different multinational organizations. So this academy must be here to add to the capacity building of our nationals,” Minister Kabba affirmed.
He further announced plans to extend the Academy’s training to Government Ministers and Heads of various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. This initiative aims to ensure that Sierra Leone maximizes its diplomatic potential in representing the nation effectively on the global stage.
Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh’s visit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation was unannounced and aimed at gaining insight into the inner workings of the administration. He expressed a genuine interest in understanding the challenges, achievements and needs of the Ministry clarifying that his visit was not intended as punitive but rather as a means to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
Dr. Sengeh commended the professionalism and decorum exhibited by the Ministry’s staff and facilities. He emphasized the importance of acknowledging and celebrating efficiency within the public service.
“I am impressed with what I observed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, especially with the decorum on both facilities and the level of professionalism demonstrated in the Ministry. This is not because I wanted to celebrate them but because, as citizens, we need to celebrate and highlight where there is efficiency,” Dr. Sengeh noted.
The Chief Minister also pledged to provide the academy with a direct fiber optic line with special bandwidth to enhance communication capabilities. Ambassador Soulay B. Daramy, Head of the Academy, revealed that the institution now offers classes in all the languages spoken at the United Nations.
The discussions between Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh and Minister Timothy Musa Kabba signify a commitment to bolster Sierra Leone’s foreign policy efforts and ensure the nation’s effective representation on the global stage. This collaborative effort aligns with President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s vision for a transformed and influential Sierra Leone.
