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Journalists in Sierra Leone are calling on President Julius Maada Bio to initiate a public inquiry into the investigation of the Sierra Leone ambassador to Guinea, who has been recalled for questioning over his potential involvement or knowledge in a scandal surrounding a utility vehicle belonging to the Sierra Leone embassy in Guinea.
The vehicle was arrested by Guinean authorities in January 2025 and was found to be carrying cocaine.
While the ambassador has returned to Sierra Leone following an intense dialogue with the Guinean authorities, the public has heard very little regarding the status of the investigation. No official statements have been made about the progress of the probe.
Several journalists and Civil Society groups are calling for President Bio to establish a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the incident fully. They say this would ensure public trust and transparency, regarding the involvement of the ambassador and the handling of the case by the government.
In early 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. The Sierra Leone ambassador was placed in self-confinement awaiting questioning. While the government confirmed the ambassador’s return to Sierra Leone, no official updates on the investigation have been provided.
With the investigation shrouded in mystery.
The Constitution of Sierra Leone, Section 147, allows the president to establish a commission of enquiry to investigate any issue of public concern. The formation of such a commission is typically used in cases where there is public interest, widespread concern, or when the government wants to provide transparency in an investigation.
The constitution grants the president the authority to appoint a commission, which can have the power to summon witnesses and make recommendations for further action. A commission of enquiry ensures that investigations are conducted in an independent, unbiased manner and provides the public with much-needed clarity on the matter.
some of the reasons put forward by the journalists for the forming of a Commission are:
– Public Trust and Transparency: The lack of official updates on the investigation regarding the ambassador and the drug case has created an environment of suspicion and distrust. A commission of enquiry would allow for an independent investigation, reassuring the public that the issue is being addressed fairly.
- . Accountability: The government would hold accountable not only the individuals directly involved in the incident but also any possible systemic failures or lapses within Sierra Leone’s diplomatic and security structures.
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Protection of National Interests: The scandal involving the ambassador has the potential to harm Sierra Leone’s reputation in the international community. A public enquiry would demonstrate the government’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and illegal activities in the country.
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Clarification of the Ambassador’s Role: There are serious questions surrounding the ambassador’s potential involvement or knowledge of the cocaine transportation. A commission of inquiry would clarify whether he was complicit or simply a victim of circumstance. It would also shed light on the second individual involved, whose identity has not been revealed.
To many, the formation of a commission is essential to restore confidence in the government’s ability to deal with corruption, maintain transparency, and uphold the rule of law.
I see.It was Allegedly cocain.Have they investigated and changed the allegedly to certainly.Where is the cocain,in Guinean police custody?So where is it?Food for thought
U want to use money on issues that true , the drug champion is with you in country
“I see.It was Allegedly cocain.Have they investigated and changed the allegedly to certainly.Where is the cocain,in Guinean police custody?So where is it?Food for thought
The reporter”
The reporter said allegedly, not the Guineans. Countries don’t go around arresting ambassadors and holding up official embassy vehicles over mere allegations, you stupid Bio bootlicker. Put our country first you idiot. You want proof that they were indeed trafficking cocaine? Your government has not come out yet and said explicitly that this is false. Your government says the ambassador is back in the country but he has not made a public appearance yet and given a statement, which is the first thing that you would see in a more advanced country AND if the “allegations” were not true. And it is probably not the first time they have been moving cocaine. They were probably already suspected by Guinea. If you come to Freetown, pick up your cocaine, and go back to Guinea, heading straight to the embassy, why is Guinea stopping the vehicle? There is nothing suspicious about that in and of itself. So unless someone informed the authorities in Guinea to watch out for the vehicle, most likely, Guinea has been hearing things that have happened in the past.
You don’t really know what you’re saying. Cocin trafiking is illigal. No matter your status if you’re involve in to it you need to face the Law OK. We’re in Guinea we know what some of our Sierra Leone brothers and sisters are doing here. So not only Guinea but every country has the right to check all inported things in their country. So the enbassador have to be questionned de if found guilty he need to face the parnality of his offense
Why are we always concern about stories that will make our country look bad in the eyes of other Countries? The more we talk about this issue, the more we destroy our country’s image. Let’s look at issues / things that will make our country’s image and not things that will make us look like we are the only country that has issues of Drug. Even the countries that are Preaching against Harmful Drugs, they are the countries that has Drug Lords. So, why do we have to make ourselves look bad their eye. Leh wi becareful, mak wi nor poil wi broda 4 mak wi sef to trianger.