Deputy Director General of Operations Visits SL Embassy in Washington D.C.
Last week, Mr. Franklyn Fawundu, the newly appointed Deputy Director General of Operations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, visited the Sierra Leone Embassy in Washington, D.C. The visit aimed to familiarize himself with the embassy staff while attending a program with the United Nations.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Fawundu shared his appreciation for the opportunity to connect with the team. “I decided to take the honor to visit the Sierra Leone Embassy in Washington, D.C., after a productive telephone conversation with Ambassador Sidique Abou-Bakarr Wai,” he said. He emphasized the importance of diplomacy, stating, “Diplomacy is about discipline, especially for us civil servants who take an oath of secrecy that demands loyalty to the State.”
Mr. Fawundu encouraged an open dialogue regarding the well-being of the embassy. “Respect for staff and teamwork must be fundamental if the embassy is to continue existing and thriving,” he asserted. His commitment to fostering a collaborative environment was well-received by the staff.
Ms. Rakie Macarthy, Head of Chancery at the Sierra Leone Embassy, outlined some of the challenges facing the embassy, highlighting the need for sustained support for the Washington Mission. She requested that the Ministry give full attention to the embassy whenever necessary, emphasizing the critical role it plays in Sierra Leone’s diplomatic relations.
His Excellency Ambassador Sidique Abou-Barr Wai congratulated Mr. Fawundu on his new appointment, recognizing the value of experience in foreign service. He referred to Mr. Fawundu as a seasoned foreign service professional and expressed hope that the needs of the local staff would be considered moving forward. Ambassador Wai stressed the importance of the Sierra Leone Washington Mission in strengthening the country’s diplomatic ties.
After attentively listening to the concerns raised by the embassy staff, Mr. Fawundu acknowledged that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs often faces a heavy workload. However, he reassured the team that he would direct special attention to the Washington Mission, recognizing its unique geopolitical significance.
Also present at the meeting were Deputy Chief of Mission Sheku Mesali, Minister-Counselor Victor Sheriff, and other staff members. The gathering fostered a sense of unity and purpose among the embassy staff, highlighting the commitment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to support its missions abroad.
As Mr. Fawundu concluded his visit, he expressed his eagerness to collaborate with the embassy team to address challenges and enhance the effectiveness of Sierra Leone’s diplomatic efforts in the United States.
