Foreign Minister, Timothy Musa Kabba
Algeria deliberately engaged in diplomatic efforts to influence Sierra Leone’s stance on the divisive topic of Western Sahara’s sovereignty during the 37th African Union summit in Addis Ababa. According to Algerian diplomatic sources, the Foreign Ministers of Algeria, Mozambique, and Sierra Leone—all non-permanent members of the Security Council—met on February 19 to discuss tactics for maintaining the collective African action for just causes, with a particular emphasis on the decolonisation of Western Sahara.
An important development occurred that day when the Vice President of Sierra Leone, Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, held discussions with the Foreign Minister of Algeria.
The summit, which was purportedly intended to strengthen ties between the two countries, came after President Julius Maada Bio visited Algeria in January. The strengthening relations between Sierra Leone and Algeria were highlighted by General Peter Kakowou, the Chief of Defence Staff of Sierra Leone, who visited the country earlier than President Bio. The official recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the Western Sahara by Sierra Leone is particularly noteworthy.
This recognition was reinforced in August 2021, with the opening of a General Consulate in Dakhla. In September 2023, Foreign Minister, Timothy Musa Kabba, reaffirmed the unwavering support of his nation for Morocco’s territorial integrity. On October 30, the Security Council voted to extend MINURSO’s mandate. Notably, Sierra Leone voted in favour of the resolution, voting with Morocco, while Mozambique, which recognises the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), abstained along with Russia.
Algeria’s diplomatic moves seem to be intended to secure strategic wins against the backdrop of growing challenges in the Sahel, with Sierra Leone’s position in the Western Sahara emerging as a key target for potential influence. The complex network of exchanges and partnerships amongst these African countries highlights the intricacy of regional dynamics and the subtleties of diplomatic ties within the continent.
The changing dynamics between Algeria and Sierra Leone over the Western Sahara issue provide a gripping account of geopolitical manoeuvring and strategic interests in the region, as Algeria continues to negotiate the complex terrain of African diplomacy.
