By Dadson A. Musa
Her Excellency Madam Angie Lavela von Ballmoos, Ambassador of the Republic of Liberia to Sierra Leone, has officially bade farewell to His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio after completing three years of diplomatic service in Sierra Leone,on Wednesday 9 July 2025, the farewell meeting took place at State House in Freetown, marking the end of what both parties described as a deeply collaborative and mutually enriching chapter in Sierra Leone–Liberia relations.
In her remarks, Ambassador von Ballmoos expressed profound gratitude to the government and people of Sierra Leone for their hospitality and support throughout her tenure, it is with a heavy heart that I take my leave, she said. Sierra Leone has not only been my host country it has become a second home. I will miss the warmth of your people, our shared culture, and of course, your delicious cuisine.
She congratulated President Bio on his recent appointment as chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS, describing the honor as a proud moment not only for Sierra Leone but for the entire West African sub-region.
Your leadership continues to inspire hope across our region. Liberia stands with Sierra Leone in celebrating your achievement, and we remain confident in your ability to lead ECOWAS toward greater unity, peace, and development, the outgoing ambassador stated.
Ambassador von Ballmoos also commended President Bio’s contributions to continental and global platforms, including his role on the African Union’s Committee of Ten (C-10), as well as his administration’s prioritization of human capital development and gender equality.
We have witnessed Sierra Leone’s progress under your leadership, and we believe your new regional role will extend that vision to benefit all West Africans, she added.
In his response, President Bio thanked the ambassador for her distinguished service and for deepening diplomatic and people-to-people ties between the two nations, your tenure in Sierra Leone has been both impactful and dignified, you have been a true advocate for Liberia’s interests and a respected bridge-builder between our countries, President Bio said, Liberia should be proud to have had you as its representative here.
He acknowledged the long-standing historical and cultural bonds between Sierra Leone and Liberia and assured Ambassador von Ballmoos that she will always have a place in Freetown, Sierra Leone is your home, he affirmed warmly, you are always welcome to return both as a friend and as a sister of our shared Mano River family.
The farewell exchange concluded on a note of mutual admiration and optimism for continued cooperation between the two neighboring states, even as Ambassador von Ballmoos embarks on her next diplomatic chapter.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Friday,11th July, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
