Sierra Leone's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Timothy Musa Kabba and US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau
On Tuesday, February 3, 2026, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Timothy Musa Kabba, met with US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau at the Department of State in Washington, D.C. The discussions, part of a broader diplomatic agenda for the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial hosted by the United States, focused on expanding economic ties, promoting shared prosperity, and strengthening cooperation to deter illegal migration.
Deputy Secretary Landau described the meeting as “productive and forward-looking,” stating that he valued the opportunity to “reconnect” with Minister Kabba and discuss how the US and Sierra Leone can “better promote prosperity for our peoples and work together to deter illegal immigration.” His remarks emphasised Washington’s desire to form practical, mutually beneficial partnerships with Freetown on development, security, and migration.
Minister Kabba arrived in Washington at Senator Marco Rubio’s invitation and stated that his visit would include participation in the Strategic and Critical Minerals Conference as well as a series of bilateral engagements. “At the invitation of the US Secretary of State, I arrived in Washington, D.C. this morning to participate in a Strategic Minerals Conference and engage on broader bilateral issues,” he said, emphasising the trip’s dual diplomatic and technical purpose.
Kabba was accompanied by Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Mines as well as other senior Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation officials. The presence of mining and diplomatic experts indicated Freetown’s willingness to engage deeply in policy and technical matters concerning mineral governance and supply chains. Sierra Leone has established itself as a credible partner in efforts to diversify and secure critical mineral supplies, which are becoming increasingly important to both consumer and producer countries.
Kabba, citing his previous role as Minister of Mines and his background as a petroleum engineer, emphasised
the importance of “resource diplomacy” in modern international relations. He contended that natural resources now intersect economic growth, national security, and environmental sustainability, and that effective collaborations must be founded on competitiveness, collective security, mutual benefit, and environmental stewardship.
The minister also highlighted domestic reforms implemented by President Julius Maada Bio, describing government extractive sector policies as “compelling and progressive,” particularly in terms of transparency, value addition, and long-term national interest. These reforms, according to Kabba, aim to make Sierra Leone a more appealing and responsible partner for foreign investment and international cooperation.
