Sierra Leone’s Consul in Lebanon, Hashim Hashim, passed away on Sunday, September 22, 2024, just five days after the death of his twin brother, Hassan Hussein Hashim.

The two brothers, both prominent figures in Sierra Leone’s diplomatic and trade sectors, were well-regarded for their service to the nation and their deep ties to the Lebanese community.

Hashim Hashim, fondly known as “Pa Hashim,” had served as Sierra Leone’s Consul in Lebanon for several years, during which he made significant strides in enhancing Sierra Leone’s presence in the Middle East.

His diplomatic efforts strengthened ties between Sierra Leone and the region, making him a respected figure among politicians, diplomats, and business leaders. His death, which followed a protracted illness, has left a profound sense of loss within both the Sierra Leonean and Lebanese communities.

His twin brother, Hassan Hussein Hashim, who served as Sierra Leone’s trade envoy to the Middle East, passed away just days earlier, also in Lebanon.

The two brothers, inseparable in life, shared a remarkable commitment to the service of Sierra Leone, dedicating their entire adult lives to advancing the country’s diplomatic and trade interests abroad. Their deaths in such close succession have left a significant void in Sierra Leone’s representation in the Middle East.

The Hashim brothers, originally based in Kenema, had deep roots in Sierra Leone despite spending much of their professional lives abroad. After the civil war in 2002, they partially relocated to Freetown but continued their work in advancing Sierra Leone’s international relations.

Both were highly regarded within the Lebanese community in Sierra Leone, often consulted for their expertise on political and economic matters affecting both nations.

Their passing has triggered an outpouring of grief, with tributes pouring in from across the region. The brothers were laid to rest in Lebanon, where they spent their final days, but their legacy of service and diplomacy will be remembered both in Sierra Leone and beyond.

Their deaths mark the end of an era of twin dedication to Sierra Leone’s diplomatic and economic outreach in the Middle East.

Both men will be remembered for their unwavering commitment to the nation and for the strong relationships they built between Sierra Leone and the wider world.