The Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone has supported the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) with specialised training for four of its staff in China, aimed at strengthening professional capacity in immigration and border management.

The training, organised under a China-aid programme and hosted by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China (MOFCOM), brought together officials from participating African countries to enhance professional knowledge, share experiences and deepen cooperation in immigration and border management.

Sierra Leone was represented by four officials from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Sierra Leone Immigration Department. They were Ms. Kumba Matilda Senessie, Senior Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Internal Affairs; Mrs. Patricia Marie Kargobai, Senior Immigration Officer and Head of the Foreign National Unit, Sierra Leone Immigration Department; Mr. Ibraham Kofi Conteh, Senior Immigration Officer at Jendema Border Station; and Mr. Lansana Conteh, Border Officer at Freetown National Airport.

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A key component of the programme focused on China’s development history, including its Reform and Opening-up experience, economic and social transformation, governance systems and institutional development. Participants also exchanged experiences from their respective countries and discussed lessons that could be adapted to their national contexts.

For the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Sierra Leone Immigration Department, the training comes at an important time as Sierra Leone continues efforts to strengthen immigration administration, border management and the professional capacity of personnel working at border crossing points and immigration.

Beyond the professional and technical knowledge gained, the programme further strengthened people-to-people relations and mutual understanding between Sierra Leone and China, while creating opportunities for continued cooperation in capacity building, human-resource development and institutional strengthening.

The initiative therefore represents not only a professional development opportunity for the four officials but also an investment in the human-resource capacity of the government and the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Sierra Leone Immigration Department, equipping personnel with international perspectives, practical knowledge and experiences that can support more effective public service delivery.

The Minister of Internal Affairs and the Ministry are greatful to the Chinese Embassy for the opportunity given.