Sierra Leone’s Embassy in China has paid tribute to Dr. Stephen Kargbo, the outgoing United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) representative to China, who is leaving to take up a new post in Ethiopia.
The farewell event, held in Beijing, drew representatives from several UN agencies despite short notice, underscoring Kargbo’s influence and network within the diplomatic community, embassy officials said.
Ambassador Abu Bakarr Karim, who was unable to attend in person, joined the ceremony by telephone and praised Kargbo for “making Sierra Leone proud” during his tenure. Senior embassy staff led the proceedings in his absence, with Head of Chancery Ashmed Wurie describing Kargbo as a diplomat who had “flown the flag of Sierra Leone high.”
Deputy Ambassador Saffa-woya Rogers, who received Kargbo at the start of his assignment in China, hailed him as “a leader with humility.”
In his farewell remarks, Kargbo thanked the embassy for the recognition and urged Sierra Leoneans abroad to remain united. “We should be united as Sierra Leoneans because we are family, and together we can do better for the country,” he said, adding that he would continue to collaborate closely with the embassy even after his relocation.
Kargbo also praised Ambassador Karim as a leader “who has his people at heart.” UN colleagues in attendance commended him for bringing “intellectual and servant leadership” to his role.
