The Sierra Leone Ambassador to Senegal, His Excellency Ibrahim Turay, held an engagement with Sierra Leonean expatriates residing in Senegal on Saturday, April 12, 2025. This marks his second formal meeting with the Sierra Leonean community since assuming office five months ago.
The event brought together expatriates from various sectors, including GAIBA, UNICEF, UNDP, international non-governmental organizations, academia, and the business community. The initiative was met with enthusiasm, as attendees described the meeting as a valuable opportunity to foster unity and contribute their skills and expertise toward Sierra Leone’s development.
Ambassador Turay expressed gratitude for the warm reception and attendance. He explained that his interactions during the embassy-hosted Biennale Arts Festival revealed the importance of uniting Sierra Leoneans in Senegal. Having spent years in Senegal as an expatriate himself, Ambassador Turay underscored the necessity of leveraging their collective knowledge and experience to promote collaborative progress.
The gathering served multiple purposes: it facilitated connections among Sierra Leoneans, encouraged the utilization of shared resources and expertise, and explored the role of the embassy in supporting the community. Discussions also focused on strengthening bonds within the expatriate community and addressing specific challenges faced by Sierra Leoneans in Senegal.
Ambassador Turay highlighted the plight of over 3,000 Sierra Leoneans working in sectors such as fisheries and construction, many of whom face exploitative conditions due to the absence of formal contracts. He urged professionals in attendance to assist in drafting standardized employment agreements to protect these vulnerable workers.
As part of his address, the ambassador also briefed attendees on preparations for Sierra Leone’s upcoming Independence Anniversary celebration, scheduled to be held at Dakar’s iconic African Renaissance Monument. Attendees pledged their support and commitment to participating in the festivities, further cementing their bond with their homeland.