Foreign Minister Calls for Results-Driven Foreign Service Reform to Put Sierra Leoneans and Investment First.

The Foreign Affairs Minister Mohamed Rahaman Swaray has called for stronger performance, improved public services and greater economic returns as Sierra Leone begins efforts to reposition its Foreign Service.

Mr Swaray made the call during an engagement with ministry staff, directors, heads of missions and deputy heads, outlining a reform vision centred on service continuity, professional standards, citizen protection and economic diplomacy. The engagement followed consultations with ministry officials, diplomatic missions and senior government leaders as the ministry prepares to implement a 100-day reform programme aligned with the government's Big Five Game Changer agenda and the Medium Term National Development Plan.

Director-General Mr. Alan C.E. Logan said Mr Swaray had spent his first days in office consulting widely with directors, directorate teams and heads of missions while holding strategic discussions with the country's leadership. Mr Logan also introduced Deputy Minister Jeneba J. Bangura, former Commissioner General of the National Revenue Authority, highlighting her experience in revenue policy and Financial Administration as an asset to the Ministry's reform efforts.

The proposed 100-day proposal is built around five priorities: peace, institutional balance and accountability; citizen protection and legal migration; diaspora and consular services; economic diplomacy and revenue; and regional, multilateral and community engagement. Mr Logan said the approach would strengthen evidence-based decision-making, delivery systems and accountability while working within existing diplomatic structures.

Mr Swaray told staff that his appointment represented continuity rather than a complete departure from existing foreign policy, but with a different emphasis on measurable results and improved delivery. He acknowledged concerns that diplomacy must justify its cost and argued that stronger performance, rather than increased funding, should determine the ministry's value to the country. “Let us do more. Let us push boundaries,” he told officials.

Economic diplomacy forms one of the central elements of his vision. Mr Swaray said Sierra Leone's missions must move beyond traditional diplomatic responsibilities and play a more active role in attracting investment, promoting national products and services and supporting economic development. Describing diplomats as “front-line marketers”, he urged overseas missions to identify opportunities, build productive relationships and help present Sierra Leone as a credible destination for trade and investment.

The Chief Minister also highlighted investment opportunities involving India, China and the United Arab Emirates, while stressing the importance of investor protection and reliable government channels. Discussions around recent investment-related scams underlined the need for stronger safeguards and closer monitoring. Proposed trade and investment support structures are expected to help identify and guide potential investors towards legitimate government institutions while reducing reputational risks for Sierra Leone.

Improving services for Sierra Leoneans abroad is another major priority. Mr Swaray criticised procedures that require citizens to travel long distances to obtain passports, visas, national identity documents and other consular services. He called for services to be delivered closer to citizens through greater use of technology and digital platforms. “People can stay where they are and still get services whenever they want,” he said, arguing that modern diplomacy should make public services more accessible rather than place unnecessary burdens on citizens.

Digital transformation is therefore expected to play a significant role in the reform programme. Mr Swaray said websites, social media, and online platforms could improve communication and service delivery, and that diplomatic missions should move forward with digital solutions ready for implementation. He also recalled a recent emergency involving Sierra Leoneans abroad and praised mission staff for responding promptly, saying clear standard operating procedures should make such responsiveness routine rather than exceptional.

The minister also challenged Foreign Service personnel to raise professional standards and strengthen their knowledge of international affairs. “The parley-parley is over,” he said, urging officers to read widely before advising on foreign policy, global affairs and developments in regions such as the Middle East. He pledged to promote a merit-based system in which professional competence, performance and delivery would matter more than rank or personal connections. “If you want to advise me, you have to read,” he said, adding: “I want to see everybody. This will be a meritocracy.”

Mr Swaray also referred to an ongoing investigation, saying he would not prejudge its outcome and that any action would follow the findings. At the same time, he stressed the importance of continuous professional development and called for longer attachments at the Foreign Service Academy so returning diplomats can mentor younger officers preparing for future postings. He noted that the ministry's responsibilities have expanded considerably, with emerging areas such as climate finance, cybersecurity and digital affairs now forming part of modern diplomacy.

Strengthening the capacity of diplomatic missions will also be central to the reform. The ministry has emphasised the need for properly trained mission leaders and competent front-desk personnel capable of identifying opportunities, establishing networks and connecting citizens, businesses and other stakeholders with the appropriate authorities. Officials have also identified structured procedures and further training, particularly for mid-level officers, as important measures for improving institutional performance and helping missions respond more effectively to changing demands.

Mr Swaray's consultations with headquarters staff and diplomatic missions are intended to build institutional support for the proposed changes and address challenges that could arise during implementation. Further engagement, including a possible retreat involving missions, is expected to strengthen coordination and give officials a shared understanding of the reform priorities. The ministry is also exploring opportunities to mobilize external resources to complement its existing budget and support implementation.

The reform seeks to establish a Foreign Service that is more responsive, accountable and focused on measurable results. While economic diplomacy and investment promotion will receive greater attention, the protection of Sierra Leoneans abroad remains central to the ministry's mandate. Mr Swaray said citizens should be able to rely on diplomatic missions when they encounter difficulties overseas. At the same time, investors should receive sustained assistance throughout their engagement with Sierra Leone, including aftercare.

“We are saying to the world: Sierra Leone is ready for business,” Mr Swaray said, urging ministry personnel to support the reform programme and help turn its priorities into practical results. The minister thanked staff for their engagement and pledged continued consultation as the Foreign Service begins its repositioning.

Senior Correspondent Media Officer- Amara Kargbo

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International