Hachem Abdelhafid, Algerian Ambassador to Sierra Leone, and Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas
Hachem Abdelhafid, the first Resident Algerian Ambassador to Sierra Leone, paid a courtesy call on the Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, Speaker of the Parliament of Sierra Leone, was part of a meeting aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries’ legislatures.
Ambassador Abdelhafid, who took up his post after Algeria’s resident embassy in Sierra Leone opened in 2025, thanked Speaker Thomas for his time and emphasised the importance of strengthening diplomatic and parliamentary ties. He cited Algeria and Sierra Leone’s shared experiences, noting that both countries have faced civil conflict in the past, and suggested that common ground could serve as the foundation for closer cooperation between their parliaments. As part of his outreach, he invited Speaker Thomas to visit Algeria to strengthen ties and direct engagement.
Speaker Thomas greeted the Ambassador warmly and described the relationship between Algeria and Sierra Leone as sisterly. He emphasised that opening resident embassies in each other’s capitals would be a significant step toward strengthening bilateral ties. Speaker Thomas invited Ambassador Abdelhafid to attend parliamentary sittings on Thursday, where he would be formally introduced and recognised in front of members.
During the meeting, Speaker Thomas discussed the structure of Sierra Leone’s legislature, noting that the Sixth Parliament is unicameral and consists of 149 Members who have enacted progressive legislation and are committed to further reform. He contrasted this with Algeria’s bicameral system, expressing optimism that parliamentary exchanges and mutual learning would benefit both countries.
Both parties described the visit as a positive and significant step toward strengthening Algeria-Sierra Leone cooperation. They reaffirmed their shared commitment to ongoing dialogue, mutual understanding, and collaborative initiatives that they hope will bring tangible benefits to their peoples.
