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Ambassador-designate Philip Bob Jusu, accompanied by Deputy Ambassador Asmaa James and senior staff, recently visited Ambassador Ahmad Awad Sakine, the African Union (AU) Permanent Representative to the European Union (EU), and Ambassador Dedou P. Hemou of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Brussels.
Describing the visit as a “homecoming,” Ambassador Jusu highlighted his extensive 11 years of service at the AU, including five years under Ambassador Sakine’s leadership. He emphasized the significance of the AU office in Belgium as a key contact point for the EU with Africa and expressed his commitment to repositioning Sierra Leone within the Benelux countries through collaborative efforts with the AU and other institutions.
Ambassador Sakine welcomed Jusu’s appointment, praising his dedication during his time at the AU. He underscored Sierra Leone’s vital role in international affairs, particularly as Chair of the C-10 and the AU Peace and Security Council, and advised Jusu to prepare for the challenges ahead in peace and security, migration, NATO, and the ICC.
At the ECOWAS office, Ambassador Hemou expressed confidence in Jusu’s leadership and experience, noting the importance of his role in advancing West Africa’s interests. Ambassador Jusu reaffirmed the strong bond between Sierra Leone and ECOWAS, emphasizing the need for African unity amid shifting global dynamics.
Deputy Ambassador Asmaa James concluded the meetings by thanking both ambassadors for their support and highlighting the importance of collaboration among regional bodies. This visit was part of Ambassador Jusu’s familiarization tour since taking on his new role.
