Ambassador-designate Philip Bob Jusu, Saturday, 14th June, was welcomed by a diverse group of Sierra Leoneans and community leaders at his residence in Tervueren, Brussels.
Attendees congratulated him on his appointment and pledged their support for his upcoming tenure.
The event, backed by the Embassy of Sierra Leone, brought together representatives from various community organisations, as each organisation’s head affirmed their commitment to working together.
A key theme of the discussions was the importance of overcoming past divisions and promoting unity for the development of Sierra Leone.
Speakers urged attendees to set aside past failures and focus on collective growth. Many described the day as “magical,” noting it was the first time in years an Ambassador had welcomed them into their home.
Mustapha Kuteh, outgoing chairman of SLCU, emphasised the significance of collaboration with the Ambassador. “If you work with the Ambassador, you are working for Sierra Leone. And if we put Sierra Leone first, we all win,” he stated.
Inclusivity and reconciliation were also central to the discussions, with calls to re-engage those who may have become disaffected from community life. “Unity means nothing if it only includes those who already feel part of the group. We must also reach out to those who feel left behind,” Musa Kamara of Jamatu Noor noted.
Other contributions came from James Allieu from (SOIL-Limburg), Asmieu Elba (Arie Belgiu), Hassan Tarawally (United Sierra Leone), Abdul Kamara, (Sierra Leone Welfare Association), Musa Kamara (Jamatu Noor), and Mohamed Leget Kamara (Sierra Leone Progressive Union).
Ambassador Jusu thanked the attendees for their presence and urged them to embrace a nationalistic spirit. He underscored that Sierra Leonean identity transcends political or organisational affiliations, noting that a common question upon arriving in a new country is often, “Where are you from?”
The Ambassador shared his vision for a more accessible Embassy, aiming to involve the diaspora regardless of age, political beliefs, or religion. He highlighted key projects, including establishing internships for Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora and creating a database to track citizens and connect them with opportunities.
To further strengthen ties between the Embassy, organisations, and the wider diaspora community, a “Diaspora Advisory Committee” will be established, composed of members from accredited countries.
The meeting concluded with various organisations presenting gifts to the Ambassador as a token of appreciation and welcome.
Credit: Betty Milton
