By Osman Benk Sankoh
Freetown, 25th June 2026- Diplomatic drivers serving embassies, United Nations agencies, and international organisations in Sierra Leone have taken a significant step towards advancing road safety and professionalism with the formal launch of the Diplomatic Drivers Association of Sierra Leone (DDA-SL).
The launch ceremony, held at the New Brookfields Hotel on Saturday, 20 June, brought together representatives from the diplomatic corps, the United Nations system, government institutions, and professional drivers’ associations. The event was graced by the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kenyeh Barlay, and the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Seraphine Wakana.
The newly established association, which has evolved after twenty-five years of informal existence, aims to provide a platform for drivers supporting the diplomatic and development community to strengthen professional standards, improve coordination, and contribute to national road safety efforts.
In her welcome remarks, President of the Diplomatic Drivers Association of Sierra Leone, Mariama Jalloh, said they established the Association to strengthen professional standards through discipline, road safety, and continuous training, and to provide a clear platform for coordination and constructive engagement with diplomatic missions, Government institutions, and relevant authorities.
In his overview, the President of the Association, Sulaiman Kamara, said, “The formation of this association is a commitment to excellence,” adding, “We aim to build a strong network of professional drivers who uphold safety, discipline, and respect for the institutions we serve, while continuously improving our skills.”
A representative of the Sierra Leone Motor Drivers Association commended the initiative and highlighted the importance of collaboration in improving road safety across the country. “Road safety is a shared responsibility, and initiatives like this are critical in improving compliance and awareness,” the representative noted. “We look forward to working with the association to strengthen road safety culture across the country.”
Delivering remarks on behalf of the United Nations, Resident Coordinator Seraphine Wakana welcomed the establishment of the association, underscoring its importance in supporting both operational effectiveness and public safety.
“Diplomatic drivers are essential to the day-to-day work of the United Nations and our partners. Their professionalism and commitment directly support safe and effective service delivery,” she said.
In her keynote address, Minister Kenyeh Barlay congratulated the association on its formal launch and described the initiative as an important contribution to national development and service excellence.
“This association represents a forward-looking effort to strengthen professionalism and accountability within a critical service group that supports Sierra Leone’s engagement with the international community,” the Minister said.
She further stressed the importance of continuous skills development and collective responsibility in improving service delivery standards across all sectors.
During the ceremony, members of the association pledged to actively support road safety efforts by promoting defensive and responsible driving practices, ensuring strict compliance with traffic regulations, raising awareness of road safety measures, and collaborating with relevant national stakeholders.
The association also announced plans to organise regular training workshops, peer-learning sessions, and other capacity-building initiatives focusing on driving safety, customer service, and diplomatic protocols.
The event attracted a wide range of distinguished guests, including the High Commissioner of The Gambia, the Deputy Ambassador of Germany, representatives of the British High Commission and the Embassy of the Russian Federation, as well as heads of agencies and deputy representatives from UNDP, UNICEF, IMF, UN Women, WFP and the World Bank.
