A delegation from Sierra Leone, including representatives from the police, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other government officials, has been in Conakry since February 1, 2025, to further investigate a troubling incident involving a diplomatic vehicle linked to the Sierra Leonean Embassy. The car was seized in Guinea earlier this month and is suspected of transporting suitcases filled with cocaine, a situation that has caused significant embarrassment for the Sierra Leonean government and has strained diplomatic relations between the two neighboring countries.
The incident, which first came to light in mid-January, has prompted urgent action from Sierra Leonean authorities, who are eager to uncover the details surrounding the suspicious cargo. To expedite the investigation, the delegation is expected to spend a week in the Guinean capital, focusing on interrogating the individuals who were apprehended with the vehicle. Inspector General of Police William Fayia Sellu addressed the media last Tuesday, emphasizing the importance of this inquiry. On the same day, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Information, Chernor Bah, expressed frustration over the lack of communication from Guinean authorities regarding the case.
He called for greater cooperation and transparency from Conakry, stressing the need for clarity. “We seek to understand the facts surrounding this incident, as the Guinean authorities have maintained a notable silence on the matter. Our Foreign Minister is currently in Guinea to facilitate discussions and responses concerning the involvement of foreign nationals, particularly from Liberia and Guinea. It is crucial that we can interrogate those detained to shed light on what transpired,” Bah stated. He further highlighted the importance of identifying the origins of the vehicle before its interception, as well as assessing the potential risks of border infiltration. “There are many unanswered questions that remain in limbo.
We hope that upon the Minister’s return today, investigators will gain access to the detainees and provide a comprehensive report on the incident,” he added. As the investigation unfolds, the Sierra Leonean government remains committed to uncovering the truth behind this alarming situation, which has raised concerns not only about drug trafficking but also about the integrity of diplomatic missions in the region.
