By Alusine Sesay
SIERRA LEONE, August 3, 2026: Sierra Leone rolled out the red carpet for His Excellency Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, President of the Gabonese Republic, who arrived for a three-day State Visit aimed at deepening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, and tourism.
President Oligui Nguema, accompanied by the First Lady and a high-level delegation, was officially received at the Freetown International Airport in Lungi by Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh on behalf of His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio. The visiting Head of State was accorded full State honours, including a ceremonial Military Guard of Honour, symbolising the longstanding friendship and mutual respect between Sierra Leone and Gabon.
Following the welcome ceremony, the delegation travelled to Freetown, where senior Government officials received them at the Bintumani Hotel.
Leaders’ Statements at State House
At State House, President Julius Maada Bio warmly welcomed his Gabonese counterpart:
“Your official visit to our beloved Sierra Leone highlights the enduring strength of our bilateral relations. We remain committed to cooperation for the mutual benefit of our peoples. Please enjoy our warm Sierra Leonean hospitality.”
President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, in his remarks, expressed gratitude for the reception and reaffirmed Gabon’s commitment to strengthening ties:
“This visit reflects the excellent relations between Sierra Leone and Gabon. We are determined to deepen cooperation in trade, agriculture, tourism, and investment, while advancing African solidarity and regional integration.”
Government Perspective
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba, described the visit as “another important milestone in strengthening diplomatic relations between the two countries.” He emphasised that the engagements would open new avenues for cooperation in key sectors and reaffirm both nations’ shared commitment to peace, regional cooperation, and sustainable development.
Senior Government officials, including Resident Minister for the North-West Region Dr. Umaru Bond Wurie, joined ministers, diplomats, civil society representatives, and community stakeholders in welcoming the Gabonese delegation.
The State Visit comes against the backdrop of growing diplomatic engagement between Sierra Leone and Gabon. President Bio attended President Oligui Nguema’s inauguration in Libreville in May 2025, underscoring Sierra Leone’s commitment to African cooperation and solidarity.
Over the next two days, President Oligui Nguema is expected to hold bilateral discussions with President Bio, visit key tourism sites, and meet with Government officials and private sector leaders to explore new opportunities for investment and economic partnership.
The Ministry of Information and Civic Education has pledged comprehensive coverage of the visit as Sierra Leone and Gabon seek to deepen their friendship and advance a shared vision of sustainable development, regional integration, and prosperity for their peoples.