New Algerian Ambassador Engages Sierra Leone Parliament on Bilateral Ties

The newly appointed Resident Ambassador of Algeria to Sierra Leone, Hachem Abdelhafid, on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, paid a courtesy visit to the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, as part of efforts to strengthen parliamentary and diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The engagement focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation, particularly through parliamentary exchanges and institutional collaboration. Ambassador Abdelhafid described the meeting as timely and significant, noting that his posting marks the first permanent Algerian diplomatic presence in Sierra Leone since the establishment of the Algerian Embassy in Freetown in 2025.

He commended the Speaker for granting him audience despite a busy parliamentary schedule and stressed the importance of nurturing long-term partnerships between Algeria and Sierra Leone. The Ambassador highlighted shared historical experiences, including periods of civil conflict, which he said provide a common platform for cooperation in governance, peacebuilding, and democratic development.

As part of efforts to deepen engagement, Ambassador Abdelhafid extended an official invitation to Speaker Thomas to visit Algeria, expressing optimism that such exchanges would further consolidate ties between the two legislatures.

In response, Speaker Thomas welcomed the Algerian diplomat and reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to maintaining strong and friendly relations with Algeria. He underscored the importance of reciprocal diplomatic representation, noting that the establishment of embassies in both countries would enhance communication and cooperation.

The Speaker also invited Ambassador Abdelhafid to attend a parliamentary sitting later in the week, during which he would be formally introduced to Members of Parliament. He described the relationship as one of mutual benefit, pointing to the opportunity for learning exchanges between Algeria’s bicameral parliamentary system and Sierra Leone’s unicameral legislature.

Speaker Thomas further noted that Sierra Leone’s Sixth Parliament, comprising 149 Members, has enacted several progressive laws and remains committed to advancing legislative reforms that promote national development. He expressed confidence that closer collaboration with Algeria would yield tangible benefits for both countries.

The visit signals a renewed commitment by both nations to deepen diplomatic and parliamentary cooperation, laying the foundation for stronger political, institutional, and people-to-people relations.