By: Emmanuel Mbowa
Freetown, 27th July 2026– France and Sierra Leone have reaffirmed their commitment to deepen bilateral ties in investment, security, trade, and education as both countries marked the French National Day at Country Lodge in Freetown.
The event brought together government officials, members of the diplomatic community, civil society, and the French community in Sierra Leone to celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Ambassador of France to Guinea and Sierra Leone, H.E. Luc Briard, described France as “a strong, reliable, and consistent partner in Africa,” and said the partnership with Sierra Leone has grown significantly over the past year.
“Our two countries are deeply committed to multilateralism. We share a large number of values with Sierra Leone regarding fundamental rights, whether they are political, cultural, economic, or social.”
He linked the celebration to the just-concluded ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit and Sierra Leone’s regional leadership, noting that the Bastille Day Celebration in Freetown came at the same moment President Bio was preparing to host the ECOWAS summit in Lungi.
He added that the summit followed the Africa-France summit in Nairobi, which he said demonstrated that France is a strong, reliable, and consistent partner in Africa.
Ambassador Briard outlined France’s development support through the French Development Agency, AFD, in areas such as rural development, micro-finance, health, and gender. He announced the launch of the new “Energy4Business” project in May, which “will improve access to energy in rural areas to support economic activities by local entrepreneurs.”
On trade and investment, the Ambassador commended French companies operating in Sierra Leone, including Orange, Innovent, CMA-CGM, AGL-Freetown Terminal, CFAO, and AGS. He said their presence “reflects the strong economic partnership we have with Sierra Leone.”
He also announced the launch of the European Chamber of Commerce, EUROCHAM, in June with support from the European Union Delegation, stating “This will allow more French companies to learn about this market.”
In the area of culture and education, Ambassador Briard announced the reopening of a French school in Freetown and the revival of the Alliance Française. He celebrated the achievements of Sierra Leonean students learning French, and presented a DELF diploma to law student Mariam Abibatu Kamara, saying “she decided to learn the language at the Freetown school and achieved an exceptional score of 99%,”
He concluded by comparing the national mottos of both countries. “The French motto is ‘liberty, equality, fraternity’ while the motto of Sierra Leone is comparable, ‘Unity, Freedom, Justice.’ As I mentioned, we share the same principles and values,” he maintained.
Responding on behalf of the Sierra Leone Government, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Francess Piagie Alghali, the newly appointed Political Affairs, Peace, and Security Commissioner at the ECOWAS Commission, conveyed congratulatory messages from President Dr. Julius Maada Bio and the people of Sierra Leone. She said “Sierra Leone and France have enjoyed more than six decades of cordial diplomatic relations since Sierra Leone attained independence in 1961,” and that the partnership is “founded on mutual respect, shared values, and an unwavering commitment to multilateralism.”
Deputy Minister Alghali commended France for its development support, stating “France remains an important development and economic partner, with cooperation expanding in recent years to include infrastructure, education, digital transformation and investment.”
She recognized the work of AFD and French companies such as Matière Group, Orange Sierra Leone, and Proparco in infrastructure, digital connectivity, renewable energy, and agribusiness.
On security, she said both countries will continue to work closely on global challenges, noting “France remains a steadfast partner in international efforts to restore peace and stability in Haiti, while Sierra Leone is taking steps towards contributing personnel to the United Nations’ Gang Suppression Force for Haiti.”
She thanked Jean Lamy for his service and welcomed Olivier Huot “Ambassador, allow me to express our sincere appreciation for this opportunity to acknowledge the forthcoming departure of Mr. Jean Lamy and to welcome the arrival of his successor, Mr. Olivier Huot. Sierra Leone has been privileged to benefit from Mr. Lamy’s distinguished service as France’s representative in Freetown.”
She concluded by reaffirming Sierra Leone’s commitment to a lasting partnership with France.
