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Dr Sylvia Olayinka Blyden has commended President Julius Maada Bio and First Lady Fatima Bio for what she described as strong leadership in advancing diplomatic relations between Sierra Leone and Gabon following the Gabonese president’s official state visit.
In a personal statement issued Tuesday, August 4th 2026, Blyden expressed appreciation to the Sierra Leonean First Family after President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema and First Lady Zita Oligui Nguema concluded an official bilateral visit to Sierra Leone. She noted that the Gabonese First Couple was accompanied to Lungi Airport by President Bio and the First Lady at the end of the visit.
According to Blyden, the visit represents a significant step in strengthening relations between the two countries. She pointed out that while the late Gabonese President Omar Bongo attended the Organisation of African Union (AU) summit in Freetown in 1980 under President Siaka Stevens, the recent trip marked what she described as the first official bilateral state visit by a Gabonese president dedicated exclusively to Sierra Leone-Gabon relations.
Blyden said the engagement was both timely and overdue, arguing that the historical and cultural connections between the two nations warranted closer diplomatic cooperation long before now.
She highlighted similarities between the histories of Freetown and Libreville, noting that both capitals were established as settlements for formerly enslaved Africans who regained their freedom. Although founded under different colonial administrations, she said the two cities remain enduring symbols of liberty, hope, and resilience.
The former minister also drew attention to similarities between the national flags of Sierra Leone and Gabon, observing that both feature three horizontal stripes with green at the top and blue at the bottom. She noted that Sierra Leone’s flag has a white centre stripe, while Gabon’s is yellow, adding that the shared colours symbolise fertile land, a connection to the Atlantic Ocean, and aspirations for a brighter future.
According to Blyden, those historical and symbolic parallels demonstrate the deeper bonds shared by African nations and should encourage stronger cooperation based on common heritage, peace, progress, and continental unity.
Concluding her statement, Blyden praised the organisation of the state visit and expressed hope that the renewed relationship between Sierra Leone and Gabon would continue to grow.
“This is why, as a patriotic Sierra Leonean, I stand up tonight to applaud and appreciate Their Excellencies Julius & Fatima Maada Bio for this amazing and well-organised State Visit. May the stronger ties now built between the two nations continue.”
Her remarks followed the conclusion of President Oligui Nguema’s official visit to Sierra Leone, which focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
