By Marian Magdalene Bangura
Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE)
LUNGI, SIERRA LEONE, 2nd August 2026 –
Sierra Leone, on 2nd August 2026, rolled out the red carpet for His Excellency President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, President of the Gabonese Republic, as he arrived in the country for a three-day State Visit aimed at deepening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture and tourism.
President Oligui Nguema, accompanied by the First Lady and a high-level delegation, arrived at the Freetown International Airport in Lungi, where he was officially received on behalf of His Excellency, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, by Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh.
The visiting Head of State was accorded full State honours, including a ceremonial Military Guard of Honour, symbolising the longstanding friendship and mutual respect between Sierra Leone and the Republic of Gabon.
Following the official welcome ceremony, President Oligui Nguema and his delegation departed the Sea Coach Ferry Terminal in Lungi for Freetown, arriving at the Dolphin Ferry Terminal in Aberdeen before proceeding to the Bintumani Hotel, where they were received by senior Government officials.
Speaking during the welcome programme, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba, described the State Visit as another important milestone in strengthening diplomatic relations between the two countries.
He noted that the visit presents an opportunity to deepen cooperation in key sectors, including trade, investment, agriculture, tourism and economic development, while reaffirming the shared commitment of both nations to peace, regional cooperation and African solidarity.
“The visit reflects the excellent relations between Sierra Leone and Gabon and opens new avenues for stronger bilateral cooperation that will benefit the people of both countries,” the Foreign Affairs Minister stated.
Among the senior Government officials present to receive the Gabonese President was the Resident Minister for the North-West Region, Dr. Umaru Bond Wurie, alongside other ministers, senior public officials and members of the diplomatic community.
Several Government representatives commended President Julius Maada Bio and Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh for the warm reception accorded to the visiting Head of State, describing the gesture as a reflection of Sierra Leone’s renowned hospitality and commitment to strengthening ties with fellow African nations.
They also expressed appreciation to President Oligui Nguema for honouring President Bio’s invitation and undertaking the State Visit, describing it as a significant step towards enhancing cooperation between the two countries.
Members of the Fourth Estate, civil society representatives, community stakeholders and invited guests were also present to witness the arrival ceremony, underscoring the national significance attached to the visit.
The State Visit comes against the backdrop of growing diplomatic engagement between Sierra Leone and Gabon. President Bio attended President Oligui Nguema’s inauguration in Libreville in May 2025, reaffirming Sierra Leone’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and African cooperation.
Over the next two days, President Oligui Nguema is expected to undertake a series of official engagements, including bilateral discussions with President Bio, visits to key tourism sites and meetings with Government officials and private sector leaders to explore new opportunities for investment, trade and economic partnership.
The Ministry of Information and Civic Education will continue to provide comprehensive coverage of the State Visit as Sierra Leone and Gabon seek to deepen their friendship and advance a shared vision of sustainable development, regional integration and prosperity for their peoples.