By Foday Moriba Conteh
The Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone on Tuesday 17th March 2026 donated assorted food items to the Ministry of Social Welfare in Freetown as part of ongoing support to Muslim communities in the country. The donation, presented at the Chinese Embassy on Spur Road in Freetown, included 300 bags of 25kg rice, 30 barrels of 5 litres cooking oil and 30 bags of 50kg sugar.
Receiving the items on behalf of the Ministry, the Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Mohamed Haji-Kella, expressed appreciation to the Chinese Government through the Chinese Embassy in Freetown for what he described as a timely and generous contribution.
He noted that the donation will go a long way in supporting Muslim groups across the country, especially during the holy month of Ramadan when the demand for food assistance increases.
Mohamed Haji-Kella reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that the donated items are distributed to those most in need, adding that such support strengthens Government efforts in addressing social welfare challenges.
Sheik Ibrahim Barrie, Secretary General of the Supreme Islamic Council Sierra Leone, on behalf of the Muslim community, joined the Deputy Minister to commend the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone for what he described as a timely and important gesture, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.
He noted that this is not the first time the Embassy has supported Muslims with such donations, adding that similar contributions have been made annually during Ramadan.
Sheik Barrie also used the opportunity to applaud the Ministry of Social Welfare Sierra Leone for consistently facilitating the process on behalf of Muslim communities across the country.
The gesture highlights the continued cooperation and longstanding relationship between Sierra Leone and China, particularly in supporting humanitarian initiatives and social protection programmes.
The presentation concluded with a formal handover of the items by the Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, His Excellency Zhao Yong, to the Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Mohamed Haji-Kella, underscoring the strong spirit of partnership and solidarity between the two countries.
