Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Hon. Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, has met with Commonwealth Secretary-General Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey in London to strengthen bilateral cooperation and reaffirm Sierra Leone’s commitment to shared development goals.
The high-level meeting, held at the Commonwealth Secretariat headquarters in Marlborough House, followed up on a previous engagement between President Julius Maada Bio and Secretary-General Botchwey in May. It is the latest in a series of diplomatic moves to enhance Sierra Leone’s influence and partnerships within the Commonwealth.
Welcoming the delegation, Secretary-General Botchwey praised Sierra Leone’s growing leadership role in the region, especially following President Bio’s recent assumption of the ECOWAS Chairmanship.
“Sierra Leone is demonstrating real leadership at a critical time for the region,” she noted. “The Commonwealth remains committed to walking alongside your country as it continues its journey of peace, democracy, and sustainable development.”
Vice President Jalloh thanked the Commonwealth for its long-standing support, particularly in education, scholarships, and institutional development. He emphasized Sierra Leone’s focus on global peace and national transformation during the final months of its term on the UN Security Council.
“Our engagement with the Commonwealth is strategic,” said Vice President Jalloh. “Under President Bio’s Big Five agenda, we are determined to build strong institutions, enhance international cooperation, and drive progress on sustainable development.”
Among the key proposals discussed was the establishment of a Commonwealth Ambassadors and High Commissioners Group—a diplomatic coordination platform designed to strengthen unity and strategic alignment among Commonwealth nations.
Secretary-General Botchwey welcomed the idea and expressed the Secretariat’s continued support for Sierra Leone, particularly in the justice sector. She encouraged formal collaboration through the Ministry of Justice, including initiatives in legal training, capacity building, and professional exchange programs.
The Vice President was accompanied by H.E. Dr. Morie Komba Manyeh, Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner to the UK; Deputy High Commissioner Mrs. Yvonne King Odigboh; and officials Mr. Mohamed Kapu Lungay and Ms. Mbalia Sankoh.
The meeting ended with a joint commitment to expand cooperation in justice, education, trade, and diplomacy—anchored in the Commonwealth’s core values of democracy, partnership, and inclusive development.
By Brian Lewis
