Dar es Salam,Tanzania- April 24th, 2026

In a ceremony marked by diplomatic decorum and renewed continental optimism and solidarity, Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, formally received the Letters of Credence from H.E Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Peter Kakowou Lavahun, Sierra Leone’s Non-Resident High Commissioner to Tanzania.

This event reinforces Sierra Leone’s diplomatic ties with Tanzania and marks the start of High Commissioner Lavahun’s official diplomatic engagements with Tanzanian authorities in the pursuit of Sierra Leone’s interests within the shores of Tanzania.

The presentation, held at the State House in Dar es Salam, Tanzania, signified the official accreditation of High Commissioner Lavahun as Sierra Leone’s envoy and the recognition of his diplomatic mandate in the East African nation. The event followed formal communications from Tanzania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, where the Deputy Minister of the said Ministry, Hon. Dr. Ngwaru J. Maghembe, extolled the exquisite relations between the two countries, and futher encouraged deepening of cooperation in strategic areas including agriculture, mining, and the blue economy; all underscoring the procedural and symbolic importance of the occasion in bilateral relations.

President Hassan, in her remarks, congratulated High Commissioner Lavahun on his appointment and welcomed his mission to Tanzania. She reaffirmed her government’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Sierra Leone, with particular emphasis on enhancing political dialogue and unlocking economic opportunities between the two countries.

She further reminded HE Lavahun of her inevitable visit to Sierra Leone, and requested President Bio’s support as coordinator of C- Ten and Chair of ECOWAS to throw his country’s full weight behind Tanzania’s bid for upcoming positions in the international horizons.

She also expressed her hope for a further strengthening of the already excellent relations between the two nations, particularly emphasizing political and economic dimensions and largely encouraging investment possibilities with Sierra Leone and other West African states.

Conveying warm greetings from President Julius Maada Bio and the people of Sierra Leone, High Commissioner Lavahun expressed deep honour at his appointment and reaffirmed his commitment to consolidating the longstanding ties between the two nations. He emphasized that Sierra Leone and Tanzania share enduring historical bonds rooted in common African aspirations, multilateral cooperation, and shared membership in key international bodies, including the African Union, the Commonwealth, and the United Nations. 

HE Lavahun pledged to work diligently to expand cooperation across political, economic, and social sectors, while also advancing Africa’s collective voice on global issues—particularly ongoing advocacy for United Nations reforms in line with the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration. 

Reflecting on contemporary challenges, the Sierra Leonean envoy noted that both nations, like much of the continent, face pressures from climate change, emerging health threats, and democratic transitions. He commended African leadership efforts in addressing these issues, expressing confidence that strengthened bilateral engagement would contribute meaningfully to regional resilience and development.

High Commissioner Lavahun also touted the Defence Agreement signed between the countries while serving as his country’s Chief of Defence Staff of the Armed Forces, and requested for easing of visa restrictions for Sierra Leonean nationals intending to visit Tanzania for multiple progressive reasons.

HE Lavahun further pledged exploring stronger partnerships in all areas of common interest, including socio-economic and political sectors. He also highlighted that the relation between Sierra Leone and Tanzania is profoundly enriched by a dynamic network of contacts at all levels of political and social interactions between the two nations over time since the end of colonialism in the continent.

While on an official duty in Tanzania, on Saturday, 25th April 2026, High Commissioner Lavahun joined the Sierra Leone Community in Tanzania to celebrate Sierra Leone’s 65th Independence anniversary in Dar es Salam 

The ceremony not only formalized diplomatic representation but also reinforced the evolving partnership between Freetown and Dar es Salam —one anchored in shared history, mutual respect, and a forward-looking agenda for African unity and progress.

Accompanying High Commissioner Lavahun to this auspicious diplomatic function were: Mr. Abdul Karim Kargbo, Minister Plenipotentiary of the Nairobi Mission and Mr. Hussein T. Hamadi, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Sierra Leone to the United Republic of Tanzania.

A. B Dakowa
SLHC, Kenya