On Wednesday, October 23, 2024, staff of the Sierra Leone Embassy, alongside the Sierra Leone Community and the Sierra Leone Students Union in Morocco, gathered to bid farewell to the outgoing Ambassador to Morocco, Atumanni Dainkeh, during a heartfelt lunch at the Embassy in Rabat.
This gathering celebrated Ambassador Dainkeh’s significant contributions to strengthening bilateral relations between Sierra Leone and Morocco throughout his tenure. He expressed profound gratitude to President Julius Maada Bio for the opportunity to serve in such a prestigious role. Reflecting on his experiences at both the African Union and the Kingdom of Morocco, Ambassador Dainkeh emphasized the importance of diplomatic relations and collaboration on the African continent.
Under his leadership, Ambassador Dainkeh played a pivotal role in fortifying ties between Sierra Leone and Morocco. His tenure saw a marked enhancement in mutual cooperation across various sectors, establishing a framework for long-term collaboration. One notable achievement was the increase in scholarship opportunities for Sierra Leonean students, with the number of scholarships offered annually rising from 50 to 105, providing many young Sierra Leoneans the chance to pursue higher education in Morocco.
Ambassador Dainkeh also successfully advodcated for an increase in the Hajj scholarship fund from the Moroccan government, allowing more Sierra Leoneans to participate in the Hajj pilgrimage and reflecting a commitment to supporting cultural and religious aspirations.
Another key accomplishment was securing Morocco’s invaluable support for Sierra Leone’s bid for a Non-Permanent Membership on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for 2024-2025. The Kingdom of Morocco provided essential technical aid and campaign materials that were crucial for Sierra Leone’s successful election to the UNSC.
During his tenure, Ambassador Dainkeh facilitated the signing of 13 Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in critical development areas, including energy, agriculture, security, tourism, youth, and education. These agreements promote sustainable energy initiatives, enhance agricultural practices, strengthen cooperative security measures, foster tourism development, and advocate for programs that empower youth and improve educational systems.
His advocacy with the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation (AMCI) has been instrumental in facilitating the transition of Sierra Leonean students from undergraduate studies to higher education, including diploma, master’s, and PhD programs, thereby enhancing their qualifications and skill sets.
Haja Halimatu S. Bangura, on behalf of the diplomatic staff, highlighted Ambassador Dainkeh’s unwavering commitment to advancing diplomatic representation and fostering relationships in Morocco and beyond. She acknowledged the challenges and achievements encountered during his impactful leadership, illustrating his contributions to building bridges between nations.
The Embassy extends its heartfelt gratitude to Ambassador Dainkeh for his dedicated service and wishes him success in his future endeavors.
Sanusie Janneh, President of the Sierra Leone Students Union in Morocco, conveyed the bittersweet emotions surrounding H.E. Dainkeh’s departure, noting how he served as a mentor and father figure to the students.
Abou Bakar Turay, President of the Sierra Leone Community in Morocco, shared heartfelt anecdotes that painted a vivid picture of H.E. Dainkeh’s character. His stories of leadership and ability to connect with people from all walks of life resonated throughout the event, reflecting how the Ambassador raised the bar for diplomatic representation through his dedication.
Shaima Bah, speaking on behalf of the support staff at the Embassy, urged her colleagues to reflect on Ambassador Dainkeh’s impactful tenure and the profound legacy he leaves in promoting Sierra Leone’s interests in Morocco.
In his closing remarks, H.E. Dainkeh expressed his heartfelt gratitude to President Julius Maada Bio for the incredible opportunity afforded to him. He further thanked the Embassy staff, the students, and the Sierra Leone community for their support throughout his tenure.
Ambassador Dainkeh emphasized the importance of maintaining strong ties and continuing to advocate for collaborative efforts in the future. He urged the diplomatic staff to extend the same support to his successor, Ambassador Designate Alhaji Momodu Koroma.
The event was attended by Embassy staff, representatives of the Sierra Leone Community, members of the Sierra Leone Students Union in Morocco, and support staff.
H.E. Atumanni Dainkeh served as the first Ambassador to Morocco since 2021, appointed by President Julius Maada Bio. He concluded his tenure on 24th October 2024, departing Morocco for Sierra Leone following his replacement on the 1st of July 2024.
By Aminaash Nyande Brima,
Information Attaché,
Sierra Leone Embassy,
Rabat, Morocco.