Nairobi, Kenya- June 13th, 2025
His Excellency Peter K. Lavahun, High Commissioner of the Republic of Sierra Leone to Kenya and Sierra Leone’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON), formally presented his letters of credence to the United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Director-General of UNON, Her Excellency Madam Zainab Hawa Bangura, during a significant ceremony held at the UNON complex, Gigiri, Nairobi.
In his address, High Commissioner Lavahun conveyed warm greetings and well wishes from His Excellency Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, alongside his government and citizens. He expressed profound gratitude to Madam Bangura for the UN’s vital humanitarian and peacekeeping efforts during Sierra Leone’s tumultuous civil war, as well as the ongoing support for the post-war reconstruction and development initiatives in the country.
“On behalf of President Bio and the people of Sierra Leone, I want to extend our deepest appreciation to you, Madam Bangura, Secretary-General António Guterres, and the United Nations for your instrumental role in restoring peace and security during our civil war. The ongoing post- war reconstruction programs underscore that Sierra Leone is a beneficiary of the United Nations’ endeavors, sharing its core values as we engage on pressing global challenges, including environmental sustainability, housing, and security,” he remarked.
H.E. Lavahun also pledged demonstrating an exceptional commitment working in tandem with the UNON Director- General- Madam Bangura, a Sierra Leonean, for the wider betterment of Sierra Leone and its citizens. He assured the Director- General of Sierra Leone’s steadfast dedication not only to UNON but to all UN agencies operating within Kenya.
High Commissioner Lavahun further highlighted the leadership of President Bio as the current Chair of the Committee of Ten (C10) of African Heads of State and Government advocating for UN Security Council reform He reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to championing the African Common Position, as articulated in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration, and referenced the recent C10 Summit held in Freetown in 2025.
Accompanying High Commissioner Lavahun to the presentation ceremony were: Mr. Abdul Karim Kargbo, Minister Plenipotentuary of the Sierra Leone High Commission in Kenya; Mr. Henry Nyandemoh, Minister Counsellor and Head of Chancery; cross section of the Diplomatic Staff and some Sierra Leonean professionals from the UN.
In her response, Madam Bangura heartily welcomed High Commissioner Lavahun and the team, and congratulated him on his recent appointment.
Madam Bangura further gave an aphoristic background of the United Nations since its inception in 1945 and adumbrated the organization’s principles, core values, and its future mega plans. She also maintained that UN has its biggest complex in Nairobi, and that very soon, Kenya will start hosting the UN- General Assembly after the completion of the Gigiri Plan.
Conclusively, Madam Bangura reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to supporting the Government and people of Sierra Leone in their developmental efforts.
A.B. Dakowa
SLHC, Kenya.