A Heartfelt Farewell Fullah Leaders Honor Newly Appointed Ambassador to Saudi Arabia
On Sunday, October 20, 2024, the Fullah community in the Western Area hosted a vibrant farewell celebration for Mr. Mohammed Sheriff Barrie, the newly appointed Ambassador Extra-Ordinary and Plenipotentiary of Sierra Leone to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The event took place at the residence of Alhaji Demba Barrie, a respected figure in the Fullah Tribal Administration.
The gathering was attended by Alhaji Mohamed Sajor Jalloh, the Fullah Tribal Head, and his deputy, Alhaji Lamrana Sow, along with community leaders and members who came together to honor the ambassador’s new role. The ceremony followed Ambassador Barrie’s formal leave-taking from President Dr. Julius Maada Bio at State House, where he received the official endorsement for his diplomatic mission.
In his address, Chief Med-Saj welcomed guests and expressed pride in Ambassador Barrie’s appointment. “Today, we celebrate not just an individual, but our community’s representation on an international stage,” he said. “Ambassador Barrie carries our hopes and aspirations as he embarks on this important journey.”
Chief Med-Saj urged the ambassador to stay connected to his roots and to advocate for the interests of all Sierra Leoneans abroad. “Your success is our success, and we trust you to look after our people living in your diplomatic regions,” he emphasized.
Ambassador Barrie, visibly moved by the warm send-off, thanked the Fullah community for their support. “I am deeply honored to serve as your ambassador,” he stated. “With your encouragement and the backing of my team, I am committed to promoting Sierra Leone’s interests and strengthening our relationships with Saudi Arabia and beyond.”
He outlined his vision for fostering closer ties with the Kingdom, Syria, the Sultanate of Oman, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). “Together, we can create opportunities for collaboration and mutual understanding,” he added.
The farewell ceremony featured traditional music, cultural performances, and speeches that celebrated the Fullah heritage and the significance of diplomatic service. Community members expressed their hopes for the ambassador’s successful tenure, reinforcing their commitment to supporting him from home.
As the festivities concluded, the atmosphere was filled with optimism and pride. The Fullah community rallied behind Ambassador Barrie, looking forward to his contributions in promoting Sierra Leone’s values and interests on the global stage.
