Bujumbura, Burundi- December 11th, 2025

Sierra Leone’s Ambassador-Designate to Burundi, Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Peter K. Lavahun has formally presented his Letters of Credence to His Excellency Evariste Ndayishimiye, President of the Republic of Burundi. The ceremony, held at State House in Bujumbura, marks the official commencement of Ambassador Lavahun’s diplomatic duties in Burundi and signals the resumption of Sierra Leonean-Burundian diplomatic engagement.

This credential presentation establishes the bilateral framework between Sierra Leone and Burundi and authorizes Ambassador Lavahun to conduct diplomatic engagements on behalf of Sierra Leone within Burundi. It underscores Sierra Leone’s commitment to protecting the interests of Sierra Leoneans residing in Burundi while strengthening cooperation with Burundi across political, economic, and socio-cultural domains. The moment also indicates a new phase in Sierra Leone–Burundi relations, with a focus on expanded collaboration with regional and multilateral partners to advance mutual aims.

The ceremony itself featured highlights that underscored Burundi’s recognition of the importance of its relations with Africa and with Sierra Leone. Lavahun was received at State House by a guard of honour, a dignified gesture reflecting the high regard with which Burundi views its ties to other African nations. During the proceedings, HE Lavahun conveyed President Bio’s fraternal greetings to President Ndayishimiye and his administration, expressing gratitude for the privilege of serving as Sierra Leone’s envoy to Burundi. He commended Burundi’s uncommon hospitality and reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s readiness to deepen diplomatic ties and pursue shared benefits.

Ambassador Lavahun also recognized and appreciated the combined formidable and the unrelenting efforts of both Presidents Bio and Ndayishimiye, and other African heads of state in stoutly pushing for the reform of the UN Security Council, advocating for democratic good governance across the African continent, and the resilience efforts of their post-conflict societies.

President Ndayishimiye responded by congratulating Lavahun on his new diplomatic appointment and reaffirming Burundi’s commitment to working with Sierra Leone across all diplomatic and political fronts. He praised President Bio’s leadership in regional affairs and his advocacy for democratic good governance within the West African sub-region, sentiments that align with Burundi’s own regional outlook.

The President further maintained that both Sierra Leone and Burundi have a shared history, a history of civil conflict, resilience, and natural resources; but are now well positioned on the global stage robustly combating and navigating their common challenges.

President Ndayishimiye finally conveyed his warmest regards to President Bio and wished Ambassador Lavahun well in all his diplomatic endeavours.

In a related engagement during his time in Bujumbura, HE Lavahun, accompanied by his delegation, presented copies of his Letters of Credence to Burundi’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and Development Cooperation, Ambassador Édouard Bizimana, in preparation and part of the requirements for the formal and the grand presentation at State House. The delegation accompanying Lavahun included the Mission’s Minister Plenipotentiary in Nairobi, Mr. Abdul Karim Kargbo, and the Information Attaché Abu Bakarr Dakowa, underscoring Sierra Leone’s coordinated approach in pursuing its diplomatic objectives

Thus, the occasion was ultimately climaxed by the formal presentation of HE Lavahun’s Letters of Credence, emphatically denoting his appointment by President Julius Maada Bio as Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the Republic of Burundi, with residence in Nairobi, Kenya. This development inaugurates a renewed era and new chapter of cooperation between Sierra Leone and Burundi across multiple sectors, solidifying their diplomatic relations and reflecting a shared commitment to deeper engagement and constructive collaboration on regional and global stages.

Abu Bakarr Dakowa
SLHC, Kenya