The Embassy of Sierra Leone in Washington, D.C., welcomed Sierra Leoneans of both Muslim and Christian faiths to a Ramadan Iftar in the Chancery Hall on March 12, 2026, in an event that emphasised unity, faith, and a renewed call for diaspora support for the homeland.
His Excellency Amara Mohamed Sheikh Sowa, Ambassador to the United States, welcomed attendees and reminded them of President Bio’s mandate to strengthen ties between Sierra Leoneans in the United States. Ambassador Sowa stated that cultivating quality relationships in the diaspora is an important part of his mission and urged attendees to stay connected to and speak positively about their country. “We should all work together to improve our country,” he said, pleading for collective responsibility and goodwill toward Sierra Leone.
During Ramadan, Muslim leaders emphasised the importance of unity and spiritual renewal. Imam Teslim Alghali informed the congregation that Sierra Leonean mosques throughout the United States had agreed to work more closely together to serve the interests of Sierra Leonean Muslims living abroad. Sheikh Sankoh spoke about Ramadan’s spiritual significance, emphasising Allah’s forgiveness and the transformative power of prayer. He described Ramadan as a time of self-discipline, restraint, and personal transformation that heightens one’s awareness and commitment to moral improvement.
Christian clergy also took part in the Iftar, adding to the event’s interfaith spirit. Reverend David B. Vandi emphasised religious tolerance as one of Sierra Leone’s defining characteristics, pointing out that Christians and Muslims in the country regularly come together in celebration and mutual respect. Rev. Vandi urged the Sierra Leonean community in the United States to reject misinformation and negativity directed at the government and the country. “Let the good people stand up so that the bad voices don’t prevail,” he said, urging community members to be measured and responsible in public discourse and to protect the country’s reputation.
Alhaji Pateh Barrie spoke about the cultural and communal significance of Iftar, and Sheikh Sulaiman Tarawaly led the Maghreb prayer at the embassy, concluding the evening’s events. Throughout the event, leaders and attendees emphasised cross-religious unity and a shared responsibility to contribute to Sierra Leone’s well-being from abroad.
The Iftar at the Sierra Leonean Embassy served not only as a time for spiritual reflection and interfaith fellowship, but also as a reminder of the diaspora’s role in supporting and defending the nation’s interests while promoting unity, tolerance, and positive participation.
