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President Brigadier (Rtd) Dr. Julius Maada Bio has announced the appointment of Ambassador Mohammed Foday Yumkella as Sierra Leone’s new Ambassador to Conakry, Guinea.
The appointment was confirmed in an official statement from State House, signed by Dr. Emmanuel A.R. Gaima, Secretary to the President.
Ambassador Yumkella’s new role is expected to strengthen diplomatic relations between Sierra Leone and Guinea, fostering cooperation on key regional and bilateral matters.
The development follows the recall of Alimamy Bangura, the current Ambassador to Conakry, Guinea following a drug-related incident.
In January 2025, Guinean authorities intercepted a utility vehicle belonging to the Sierra Leone embassy, which was allegedly carrying a significant amount of cocaine. The embassy driver and another individual were arrested in connection with the seizure while the ambassador was placed in self-confinement awaiting questioning.
According to Sierra Leone Ministry of Information, seven suitcases of cocaine and $2,000 were allegedly found in the vehicle.
The incident has sparked public concern in Sierra Leone, fueled by previous reports of citizens’ involvement in drug trafficking. The government initially announced its intention to recall Ambassador Alimamy Bangura for questioning, promising a full investigation and prosecution of those involved.
Bravo to the newly appointed ambassador Foday Yumkalla.
Wish him success in his new job.
Hope and pray that, the image of our nation will be changed to positivism.
Sorry, our image doesn’t just change like that. This wasn’t just rogue embassy employees involved in drug dealing. The Guineans know that the government, all the way up to Maada Bio is involved.
Does this signal the beginning and end of the promised “joint judicial investigation” surrounding the seized embassy vehicle carrying contraband substance? Concerned citizens would like to know…