By Aminaash Nyande Brima, Information Attaché, Sierra Leone Embassy in Rabat, Morocco
Rabat, Morocco – Sierra Leone Ambassador accredited to the Kingdom of Morocco, His Excellency Alhaji Momodu Koroma, informed the Speaker of Parliament, the Rt. Hon. Sengepoh Solomon Thomas, that the diplomatic ties between Sierra Leone and Morocco have been exceptionally fruitful, with several opportunities yet to be tapped into.
Ambassador Koroma made this statement during the Speaker’s courtesy visit to the Sierra Leone Embassy in Rabat on Saturday, February 8, 2025.
The Speaker and his delegation arrived in Morocco on Wednesday, 5th February 2025, to attend a four-day high-level meeting of Speakers of Parliament from the Atlantic African States in Rabat, which took place from Wednesday 5th to Saturday 8th February 2025. During the meeting, the Speaker also delivered a statement.
Ambassador Koroma highlighted the strong and supportive relationship between Sierra Leone and Morocco, noting that the Moroccan counterparts are going beyond normal diplomatic efforts to assist Sierra Leone. He mentioned that the Government of Morocco has proven on numerous occasions that they value and cherish their diplomatic relations with Sierra Leone. Additionally, the Moroccan Government has opened a mission in Sierra Leone with plans to expand it in Freetown.
However, Ambassador Koroma emphasized that Sierra Leone has not fully exploited the vast opportunities offered by Morocco. He noted that the Moroccan government provides 105 scholarships to Sierra Leone annually, but the language barrier hinders Sierra Leone from fully utilizing these scholarships. To address this, an agreement has been made for the Moroccan Government to offer six months of French language training to Sierra Leoneans on a pro bono basis.
Ambassador Koroma urged Speaker Thomas to engage with relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure that Sierra Leoneans benefit from the scholarships and other opportunities offered by Morocco. He also called on the government to propose an investment in the Fish Harbour, which would boost Sierra Leone’s socio-economic development.
Furthermore, Ambassador Koroma informed Speaker Thomas that the Embassy plans to meet with private farmers in Morocco to seek investment in President Julius Maada Bio’s flagship Agriculture Programme. He assured the Speaker that agreements have been made with the Moroccan Government on Fisheries, Education, and Tourism, and that Morocco is ready to honor these agreements.
Impressed by the updates, Speaker Thomas expressed the Sierra Leone government’s appreciation for the work of the Sierra Leone Embassy in Morocco. He assured Ambassador Koroma that upon his return, he would convene a meeting with the respective MDAs to ensure that Sierra Leone benefits from the scholarships and other opportunities. The Speaker acknowledged the language barrier challenge but appreciated Morocco’s agreement to provide French language training. He also requested that Ambassador Koroma document all agreements and opportunities to facilitate action by the Sierra Leone Government.
The Speaker and his delegation departed Morocco on Sunday, February 9, 2025.