President Julius Maada Bio’s appointment of four Special Envoys has received widespread support from Sierra Leoneans, who see the move as an appropriate recognition of service and sacrifice, despite ongoing debate over its timing and relevance. While some critics have questioned the appointments’ rationale, the government has defended them as a strategic, cost-neutral initiative aimed at accelerating the country’s development agenda by leveraging private networks and goodwill.
On the Liberty Online TV Breakfast Show on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, Presidential Spokesman Alhaji Alpha Khan urged the public to see the appointments as a recognition of “commitment, sacrifice, and proven service” to Sierra Leone. Khan emphasised that the roles are not paid positions or political rewards, stating: “These are not jobs, rewards, or political paybacks.” He referred to the envoys as voluntary, honorary actors whose participation is intended to “leverage personal resources, networks, and goodwill to attract investment, tourism, and infrastructure opportunities for Sierra Leone.”
Khan singled out businessman Faissal D. Antar as an example of the type of citizen that the presidency hopes to mobilise. Antar has made numerous humanitarian and development contributions, such as renovating the 34 Military Hospital, donating an X-ray machine, building schools, rehabilitating mosques, and providing financial support during the Ebola outbreak. They even pre-financed emergency supplies for the government despite delayed repayment. Khan emphasised that such figures “are not people who sit around waiting for recognition.” They act with genuine commitment to Sierra Leone,” and cited the Antar family’s long-standing investments in community health and education, particularly in the Port Loko District.
Some critics used the appointments to question whether people of Lebanese descent were being favoured. Khan dismissed such criticisms as misplaced, claiming that patriotism and service cannot be measured by surname or ancestry. “Sierra Leone should not base patriotism on surname or ethnicity. The Antars are Sierra Leoneans because of their dedication, sacrifice, and integration into our community. “Their contributions to health, education, and community development speak louder than ancestry,” he stated.
Khan made it clear that the envoy appointments do not come with diplomatic or financial benefits. “This is not for personal gain or travel perks. “It is about using their networks to open doors for Sierra Leone on the global stage,” he said, emphasising that the appointments will not increase the government’s wage bill. “Instead, they will create opportunities for trade, tourism, and investment, which is exactly what Sierra Leone needs at this point,” Mr. Khan said.
State House Communications Director Myk Berewa reiterated that message on Facebook, stating unequivocally: “Bringing the Antars on board as Special Envoys will not increase our wage bill. Their position comes with only credentials, not pay.” That sentiment has been shared by some analysts and members of the public, who see the value in leveraging private-sector influence without increasing recurring public spending.
Sheku Putka Kamara, a communications expert, described the decision as timely and practical, given the limited resources that many public institutions face. “In a country where institutions struggle with limited resources, having honorary envoys who are not paid but instead use their personal connections to bring investment is a positive step,” Putka said, dismissing concerns about family ties as a global feature of governance. “What matters is not their surname or origin, but what they can offer. “If these individuals can attract investors, establish new trade links, and promote Sierra Leone abroad, the country will benefit,” he added.
A political commentator praised the appointments, framing them as an inclusive signal that the state will publicly recognise those who contribute to national development. “Thank you, President Bio, for these appointments.” This is commendable. Any individual who contributes to the development of the nation should be recognised. Today, it’s the Antars; tomorrow, it could be anyone. “We should see them as Sierra Leoneans, not foreigners,” the commentator said.
As the debate continues, government officials have sought public support for President Bio’s vision that meaningful contributions to the country should be recognised regardless of background. The State House has portrayed the Special Envoy program as both a recognition of previous service and a practical mobilisation of private goodwill to pursue trade, tourism, and investment opportunities that could help Sierra Leone’s development.
