In a formal farewell ceremony held at the State House, Mr. Kalilu Totangi, the newly appointed Deputy Permanent Representative for Political Affairs to the United Nations, and Madam Michaela B. E. Swallow, the Deputy Permanent Representative for Legal Affairs, took their leave from His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio. The occasion marked the beginning of a new chapter for both representatives as they prepared to advocate for Sierra Leone’s national interests on the global stage.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr Timothy Musa Kabba, was present to inform President Bio that both appointees had successfully secured parliamentary approval for their positions. They had also completed a rigorous protocol training program organized by the Foreign Service Academy, ensuring they were well-prepared for their upcoming roles in New York.
During the meeting, Mr. Totangi expressed heartfelt gratitude to President Bio for the opportunity to serve the nation in this capacity. He assured the President of his unwavering commitment to advancing Sierra Leone’s interests at the United Nations, highlighting the importance of effective representation in international affairs.
Madam Swallow also took the opportunity to express her deep appreciation for the trust President Bio placed in her. She conveyed a sense of honour at being chosen for such a significant role, emphasizing the strides the President has made in promoting democracy, peace, and development within Sierra Leone. She remarked that under his leadership, the nation’s international reputation has seen considerable enhancement, demonstrating that progress is indeed achievable.
With a robust background in law, Madam Swallow shared her extensive experience, which includes 17 years at the Bar. She has held prominent positions such as the President of the Sierra Leone Bar Association, a Governing Council Member of the Commonwealth Lawyers Association, and the Interim Chair of the West Africa Bar Association. “This foundation has equipped me with the necessary skills to tackle the complex legal challenges that await me in New York,” she stated confidently.
In her commitment to the nation, Madam Swallow outlined her focus areas, which include sustainable development, human rights advocacy, the empowerment of women and girls, global peace initiatives, and efforts toward reforming the UN Security Council. “I will bring with me the aspirations of our citizens and your vision of a Sierra Leone that is prosperous, progressive, and globally respected,” she assured President Bio.
In response, President Julius Maada Bio congratulated both Deputy Permanent Representatives on their appointments. He expressed confidence in their abilities to rise to the occasion and assured them of his continuous support and guidance as they undertook their responsibilities. The President also acknowledged the vital work being carried out by the team at the Sierra Leone Mission in New York, encouraging the new appointees to maintain high standards in their efforts.
Emphasizing the importance of their professional backgrounds, President Bio expressed optimism that both Mr Totangi and Madam Swallow would competently fulfil their duties. He extended his best wishes as they prepared to embark on their new assignments, noting that their contributions would be integral to Sierra Leone’s representation and efforts at the UN Security Council.
Before their appointments, Mr Kalilu Totangi had notably served as the Chairman of the National Council for Civic Education and Development, while Madam Swallow was the President of the Sierra Leone Bar Association and held the position of Senior Legal Counsel at the Petroleum Directorate. Their diverse experiences and dedication to public service position them well for their new roles in advocating for Sierra Leone at the United Nations.
