On Friday, October 10, 2025, His Excellency Alhaji Mohammed Foday Yumkella, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Sierra Leone to the Republic of Guinea, formally presented his letters of credence, as well as the recall of his predecessor, to His Excellency General Mamadi Doumbouya at the Presidential Lodge in Conakry.
The handover marked the official start of Ambassador Yumkella’s diplomatic mission to Guinea. The handover marked the official start of Ambassador Yumkella’s diplomatic mission to Guinea. From His Excellency President Brigadier (Rtd.) Dr. Julius Maada Bio, as well as the Government and People of Sierra Leone, to President Doumbouya and the Government and People of Guinea. Ambassador Yumkella recalled the two neighbouring countries’ deep-rooted, fraternal relationship, emphasizing strong cultural, traditional, and economic ties. He praised Guinea’s support and intervention during Sierra Leone’s decade-long civil war, a gesture that the country still remembers with gratitude.
President Doumbouya welcomed Ambassador Yumkella and promised to extend brotherly hospitality throughout his term. He emphasized the close personal and political ties between himself and President Julius Maada Bio, noting with gratitude that President Bio was the first foreign head of state to visit Conakry after Doumbouya took office. The Guinean President reiterated that President Bio and Sierra Leone are always welcome in Guinea, reaffirming their goodwill.
In a post-ceremony interview, Ambassador Yumkella reaffirmed Sierra Leone and Guinea’s long-standing fraternal relations and pledged to strengthen collaboration in areas of mutual interest. He emphasized his intention to leverage existing cultural and economic ties to advance cooperation that benefits both countries.
Ambassador Yumkella was accompanied to the Presidential Lodge by his spouse, Haja Fatu Yumkella, and members of his diplomatic team, including Deputy Ambassador Madam Fatmata Sawaneh, Head of Chancery Madam Rakie M.B. Macarthy, and Information and Press Attaché Mr. Umaru Sitta Turay. The visit paves the way for renewed engagement and closer bilateral cooperation between Sierra Leone and Guinea.
