By Sulaiman Jalloh

The government of Sierra Leone has recalled Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Guinea, Alimamy Bangura to provide a full account of an incident alleging that the government of Guinea informed GOSL that a vehicle belonging to the Embassy of Sierra Leone in Conakry had been impounded for carrying unlawful substance. The driver and another occupant of the vehicle, who had not been named, were already held on suspicion of possessing substance suspected to be Cocaine.

In an emergency press conference held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation conference hall on Thursday, January 16, 2025, the government expressed readiness to investigate the matter and assured that anyone found wanting would be brought to book.

Reading a government press statement on behalf of the government, the minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation, Timothy Kabba, said that on 13 January 2025, the government was informed of an impoundment of the government’s vehicle in Guinea and that the ambassador was invited to Sierra Leone to provide information relating to the matter. He added that the Guinean Authorities had informed GOSL that the vehicle was impounded for alleged drug trafficking.

“In light of the serious development, the government has urgently recalled Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Guinea, Mr. Alimamy Bangura, to Freetown to provide a full account of the incident,” he underscored, emphasizing that a thorough investigation has been launched to determine how the incident occurred. Minister Kabba noted that anyone found culpable will be dealt with accordingly.

He furthered that the government of Sierra Leone is collaborating with the Guinean Authority to verify the facts on the matter while confirming that the ambassador in Guinea is not under house arrest. He added that a diplomatic vehicle in Guinea was impounded carrying seven boxes of contraband, cash of about two thousand dollars, among other items.

Inspector General of Police, William Faya Sellu, called on citizens to provide the Police with the requisite information as the investigation continues. The police boss said that no police officer should check government vehicles, noting all officers that were assigned along the Sierra Leone-Guinea will be investigated.

Minister Kabba, however, called on citizens and members of the Public to be patient whiles investigations continue.