Sierra Leone’s new High Commissioner for Nigeria takes office, to oversee decades-long historical alliance

President Julius Maada Bio (R) has expressed confidence in Dr. Sandy’s (L) abilities in his new task.

The Sierra Leonean government has a new representative in Nigeria, replacing the respected former High Commissioner and seasoned diplomat, Rupert Davies.

The New High Commissioner to Nigeria, and ECOWAS, Dr. Julius Fofanah Sandy who, until his appointment, was the Secretary to President Julius Maada Bio, formally bade farewell to the president, along with four other newly appointed ambassadors, following their successful parliamentary approval.

Dr. Sandy, along with his colleagues, was presented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba, at the State House in Freetown.

The other diplomats taking leave of office are Mr. Momodu Koroma, Ambassador to the Kingdom of Morocco; Mr. Ibrahim Turay, Ambassador-designate to Senegal; Madam Fatmata Sawaneh, Deputy Ambassador-designate to the Republic of Guinea; and Mr. Lusine Kallon, Deputy Ambassador-designate to the Republic of Liberia.

The president expressed confidence in their abilities and assured them of his full support during their diplomatic missions, encouraging them to deepen the existing bilateral ties between Sierra Leone and their respective countries and to serve with distinction.

Dr. Sandy’s position as the Sierra Leonean representative to the region’s economic powerhouse and the regional organisation highlights the importance of his position as Head of one of the country’s most important diplomatic missions saddled with the task of strengthening bilateral relations between Sierra Leone and Nigeria, a relationship that has stood firm for over six decades.

As both countries continue to further strengthen long established ties on socio-economic, technical, and security fronts, the strength of their historical connection continues to define their alliances and partnerships.

Sandy’s appointment represents a new chapter in his contributions to the country from being the secretary to the president to being a diplomat, and many see this transition as proof of the confidence Bio places in his ability to carry out his new function.

With over three decades of managerial and strategic decision-making positions in Public Sector Management, Governance, Public Policy, Development Administration, Ethics, and Human Resources Management, Dr. Sandy comes with an impressive store of expertise in managing administrative responsibilities and handling his diplomatic responsibilities.

A brief profile on an online platform says his professional background also includes expertise in donor coordination / technical assistance management reform and re-organisation of public institutions, including the development of strategic plans, capacity building and international development/ management.

Dr. Sandy also taught public policy and development administration at the University of Sierra Leone and Njala University. His last duty before his appointment as High Commissioner was as the secretary to the president, making him the Principal Adviser to President Bio. He was also Chancellor of Eastern Technical University of Sierra Leone.