Freetown, Sierra Leone – In a significant diplomatic gesture to strengthen regional ties, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko of Senegal has touched down in Sierra Leone for an official visit aimed at fostering closer cooperation between the two nations. Welcomed at Lungi International Airport by Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, the visit signals the start of a series of high-level discussions between these West African allies.
Building on previous dialogues held in Dakar on April 22, 2024, where mutual commitments were made to collaborate on pivotal areas like food security, sustainable energy, and the establishment of a mineral processing hub in West Africa, Prime Minister Sonko’s presence exemplifies a shared determination to translate these aspirations into actionable strategies on the ground.
During his time in Sierra Leone, Prime Minister Sonko is slated to engage in bilateral talks with His Excellency, President Julius Maada Bio. These discussions will delve into the proposed creation of a mineral processing hub in Sierra Leone, designed to add value to the mining sector, foster job creation, and bolster regional commerce.
Energy cooperation will take precedence as both countries explore joint investment opportunities and innovative solutions in sustainable energy practices. Given the natural resources and renewable energy potential abundant in Senegal and Sierra Leone, this collaboration could revolutionise energy resilience across West Africa.
Economic collaboration will also feature prominently as the delegation delves into ways to enhance business ties and facilitate smoother trade between the two nations, in line with the vision of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) for a more integrated and self-reliant continent.
Prime Minister Sonko’s itinerary includes visits to vital mining sites across Sierra Leone, where he will receive insights from officials in the mining and energy sectors to gain firsthand knowledge of the country’s resource landscape and investment opportunities.
The visit is anticipated to conclude with the signing of a joint communiqué and a memorandum of understanding (MoU), paving the way for sustained collaboration and shared progress between Senegal and Sierra Leone.
By: Tejan Macavoray
