Foreign Affairs Ministry suspends four staff
By Kadiatu Sankoh
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has suspended four officials with immediate effect following an investigation into the alleged misuse of official ministry documentation for visa purposes involving a September 2023 visa-processing exercise reported by Hon. Sidie Mohamed Tunis.
In a press release dated 12 October 2026, the Ministry disclosed that an Investigative Committee had submitted its report, identifying deficiencies in administrative and consular procedures, document verification and authorisation, supervisory oversight, and institutional controls.
Following a review of the report, Ministry management approved interim administrative measures and directed the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to investigate the findings and supporting evidence within its statutory mandate.
The suspended officials are Mr. Alieu Badara Mansaray, Head of Chancery at the Embassy of Sierra Leone in Algeria and former Head of the Consular Unit at the time of the reported incident; Mr. Thomas Alfred Sengeh, Acting Deputy Secretary at the Ministry; Ms. Isatu Joselyn Jalloh, Senior Assistant Secretary at the Ministry; and Ms. Shamit Aminata Tarawallie, Second Secretary at the Embassy of Sierra Leone in Ireland.
The Ministry further confirmed the immediate withdrawal of Mr. Mansaray and Ms. Tarawallie from their overseas postings.
As part of its response, management has also directed the Ministry to issue a formal written apology to Hon. Sidie Mohamed Tunis for procedural failures within its systems and any resulting prejudice.
The Ministry emphasised that the suspensions do not constitute findings of criminal wrongdoing or final determinations of individual responsibility. It stated that further action would depend on the ACC’s findings, applicable laws, and decisions by the competent authorities.
Meanwhile, the Ministry said it is strengthening its administrative and consular safeguards and will cooperate fully with the ACC as investigations continue.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to accountability, due process, and maintaining the integrity of Sierra Leone’s diplomatic and consular functions.
