Post a comment 
The European Union delegation in Sierra Leone has clarified that a letter circulating on social media from members of the European Parliament does not represent an official position of the Parliament.
In a statement released on social media, the EU delegation addressed growing public discussion about the letter, which was written by two members of the European Parliament regarding Sierra Leone and EU-Sierra Leone relations.
“The letter reflects opinions expressed by two members of the European Parliament on Sierra Leone and EU-Sierra Leone relations,” the EU delegation wrote. “The European Parliament has not adopted any formal position through a resolution.”
The clarification comes amid heightened public debate over the content of the letter and its implications for diplomatic and development ties between Sierra Leone and the European Union.
The letter in question, dated June 5, 2026, was addressed to EU High Representative Kaja Kallas and European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela. It was written by Malik Azmani MEP, leader of the Dutch delegation in the European Parliament, alongside other lawmakers from the Netherlands and Belgium.
The letter raises concerns about Sierra Leone’s alleged role as a transit hub for cocaine destined for Europe and as a safe haven for EU fugitives, specifically naming Dutch convicted criminal Jos “Bolle Jos” Leijdekkers.
Key points in the letter include:
Cocaine trafficking concerns: The letter cites the seizure of approximately 30 tonnes of cocaine by Spanish authorities in late May 2026, aboard a vessel that reportedly departed from Freetown
Extradition failures: It notes that despite Sierra Leone being a party to the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, no extraditions of drug criminals to EU member states have been secured
Calls for action: The lawmakers urge the European Commission to use its leverage, including the possible suspension of €352 million in development funding allocated to Sierra Leone for 2021-2027, to press for extraditions
The letter has sparked political debate in Sierra Leone. Opposition leader Hon. Abdul Kargbo referenced the letter in Parliament, prompting Information Minister Chernor Bah to characterize it as “fake” and suggest the opposition leader had been “gullible”.
However, political commentator Dr. Sylvia Blyden has since demanded a public apology from Minister Bah, arguing that subsequent evidence has confirmed the letter’s authenticity. She pointed to a video posted on Malik Azmani’s official LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter) platforms as proof.
Dr. Blyden noted that while the letter is not a formal resolution of the European Parliament, it is “definitely a Letter from the European Parliament signed by several MPs who discussed it before they signed it”.
The EU delegation’s clarification confirms that the letter represents individual views rather than an official parliamentary position.
