By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The first Resident Algerian Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Hachem Abdelhafid, on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, paid a courtesy call on the Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, marking a significant diplomatic engagement between Algeria and Sierra Leone.
The visit, held at the Parliament of Sierra Leone, was aimed at strengthening bilateral and parliamentary relations between the two countries, following the establishment of Algeria’s resident embassy in Freetown in 2025. Ambassador Hachem Abdelhafid described the meeting as timely and important, noting that his appointment as the first resident ambassador underscored Algeria’s commitment to deepening diplomatic and institutional cooperation with Sierra Leone.
Expressing appreciation for the warm reception, Ambassador Hachem Abdelhafid acknowledged the Speaker’s demanding schedule and commended the leadership of Sierra Leone’s Parliament. He highlighted shared historical experiences between the two nations, particularly their recovery from civil conflict and emphasized the importance of leveraging those similarities to promote peace, stability and development through parliamentary diplomacy.
The Ambassador further expressed optimism about enhanced cooperation between the two legislatures and formally invited Speaker Thomas to visit Algeria. He said such an exchange would strengthen mutual understanding and open new avenues for collaboration between lawmakers of both countries.
In response, Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas warmly welcomed the Algerian envoy and reaffirmed the long-standing sisterly relations between Algeria and Sierra Leone. He stressed the importance of maintaining resident embassies in both countries as a foundation for sustained diplomatic engagement and institutional cooperation.
To further cement the growing relationship, Speaker Segepoh Solomon Thomas invited Ambassador Hachem Abdelhafid to attend a parliamentary sitting on Thursday, where he would be formally introduced and recognized by Members of Parliament. The Speaker noted that such engagement would enhance parliamentary visibility and foster stronger inter-parliamentary ties.
Highlighting structural differences and learning opportunities, Speaker Segepoh Solomon Thomas pointed out that Algeria operates a bicameral legislature, while Sierra Leone has a unicameral system. He noted that the Sixth Parliament of Sierra Leone, comprising 149 Members, has passed several progressive pieces of legislation and remains committed to enacting reforms that advance national development.
Both parties expressed confidence that the evolving partnership would yield mutual benefits. The visit was widely seen as a positive step toward deepening Algeria–Sierra Leone relations, anchored on cooperation, mutual respect and shared parliamentary values.
