The Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Thursday held a post-Hajj briefing at the chancery conference hall in Riyadh. The mission also released its fifth newsletter. The gathering reviewed the Mission’s role in supporting the 2026 Presidential Hajj Taskforce, celebrated achievements, recognised challenges, and presented a publication highlighting recent diplomatic and operational milestones, including an expanded partnership with the Islamic Military Counter-Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC).
In his opening remarks, His Excellency Ambassador Mohammed Barrie thanked Allah for a safe and successful Hajj and commended the entire chancery team for their efforts throughout the Hajj operation. Ambassador Barrie said: “The staff did their absolute best to ensure the successful pilgrimage of the Sierra Leone contingent during Hajj. He praised the professionalism and dedication of the staff that ensured pilgrims from Sierra Leone and the diaspora were well supported.
Ambassador Barrie highlighted the important roles played throughout the Mission, saying that “despite some logistical and operational challenges, the team met its terms of reference in assisting the Presidential Hajj Task Force.” He singled out the Mission’s Information Attaché for his work, and stated that media coverage was handled professionally and was instrumental in keeping Sierra Leoneans both at home and abroad informed about the pilgrimage and Embassy activities.
The Ambassador publicly acknowledged and thanked Alhaji Abubakarr Bah for his coverage of the Hajj operations in the media. He also thanked the drivers, female staff and liaison office for their contribution and recognised the leadership and operational support provided by Deputy Ambassador Abdul Aziz Turay. Ambassador Barrie spoke highly of the good coordination and leadership of the administrative structure by Minister-Counsellor and Head of Chancery Alhaji Ahmed Tejan Kabba.
During the session, the Ambassador also launched the 5th edition of the Embassy’s Newsletter titled “Sierra Leone’s Diplomatic Mission Strengthens Ties with Saudi Arabia”. Copies of the publication were distributed to Sierra Leone’s Head of Delegation to the IMCTC, Brigadier General Samuel Bob Farmar and other members of his delegation attending the briefing.
“Through this newsletter, we want to showcase the scope of the Mission’s work in deepening the long-standing relationship between Freetown and Riyadh,” Ambassador Barrie said. He was particularly pleased that this edition had a special section on cooperation with the IMCTC, which he said was a public affirmation of Sierra Leone’s common commitment to peace, security and the fight against violent extremism. In addition to security cooperation, the publication also covers diplomatic efforts to expand trade and investment ties and the Mission’s ongoing efforts to protect and promote the welfare of Sierra Leonean citizens in the Kingdom.
Information Alhaji Abubakarr Bah The Attaché further explained that the newsletter highlights major activities and achievements of the Mission since Ambassador Barrie assumed office. He said the edition contains activities aimed at deepening bilateral relations, fostering economic linkages and protecting the interests of Sierra Leoneans resident and working in Saudi Arabia, while also showcasing the Mission’s engagement with IMCTC as a symbol of Sierra Leone’s contributions to regional peace and security. In closing, Bah thanked the Chancery team for the colourful and informative publication, and H.E. the Ambassador for his guidance.
Brigadier General Samuel Bob Farmar, the Head of Delegation to the IMCTC, lauded Ambassador Barrie and Embassy staff for their “outstanding work” during Hajj. He thanked the Mission for its partnership and stressed the importance of continued collaboration and networking between the Embassy and the IMCTC delegation based at the Coalition’s headquarters. Brigadier Farmar also praised the newsletter, noting that the specific story on IMCTC was timely and useful in the promotion of mutual understanding and cooperation.
Alhaji Ahmed Tejan Kabba, Minister-Counsellor and Head of Chancery, thanked Brigadier Farmar and his delegation for attending the briefing in spite of their busy schedules. “The major objective of this meeting is to formally appreciate and thank the Embassy staff for their unrelenting support to the Presidential Hajj Taskforce in ensuring that pilgrims perform their rites with dignity and adequate consular protection,” he said.
In concluding the briefing, Ambassador Barrie encouraged staff to uphold the high standards set during Hajj and assured them of ongoing leadership support. The event highlighted the Mission’s dual role of providing practical consular services during major pilgrimages and promoting Sierra Leone’s diplomatic, security and economic ties with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
