By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In what appears as to be international diplomacy at play, Hungarian Foreign Affairs Minister, Peter Szijjarto, has expressed disappointment over foreign interference into the domestic politics of Sierra Leone. In an interview on AYV Wake Up Sierra Leone aired on April 19th April, 2023, Szijjarto said he had been briefed by Sierra Leone’s Foreign Minister, Professor David Francis, about the undiplomatic conduct of the Head of the European Delegation to Sierra Leone, Ambassador Manuel Muller, who stands accused of meddling in the internal politics of the country with the view of promoting ‘regime change’.
Peter Szijjarto further noted that such a conduct by a senior diplomatic representative is against the ground norm of the European Union and should therefore be roundly condemned. He said he would make a representation to the European Community on the issue and would defend Sierra Leone’s interest in the EU.
The Hungarian diplomat said his country was used to been berated by “others,” in a hint at EU criticism of Budapest‘s take on democracy and, more recently, of its stance on the conflict in Ukraine.
According to him Hungary was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with Sierra Leone after gaining independence further disclosing that Hungary is supporting Sierra Leone’s bid for non-permanent membership in the UN Security Council in the 2024-2025 period without any hesitation.
It must be noted that the European Union and the United States have been pushing Hungary to take a hard line on Russia over its military operation in Ukraine. The US Congress is reportedly drafting a bipartisan bill that will target former Hungarian officials with sanctions over Budapest‘s refusal to cut ties to Moscow.
