By Hassan Osman Kargbo
In a generous display of friendship and solidarity, the Chinese Embassy in Freetown donated vital food supplies to support vulnerable communities. The donation, which included 300 bags of rice, 20 barrels of cooking oil, and 20 bags of sugar, aims to ease the challenges faced by those in need during the sacred period. The ceremony, held at the embassy’s premises in Spur Loop, was a testament to the growing and enduring relationship between Sierra Leone and the People’s Republic of China.
The ceremony was attended by key figures from the Sierra Leonean government, including Alhaji Mohamed Haji Kella, Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, alongside representatives from the Muslim community and Chinese diplomats.
The Deputy Minister, in his remarks, expressed immense gratitude for the generous donation and highlighted the longstanding relationship between Sierra Leone and the People’s Republic of China.
He underscored that this year marked the 54th or 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, a bond built on shared goals of mutual growth and development.
Mr. Kella pointed to the growing strength of this partnership, noting that over the years, China has been a steadfast ally in various sectors including social welfare, education, and infrastructure development. “This relationship has witnessed tremendous growth,” Mr. Kella remarked. “China’s consistent support through donations such as these helps reinforce the government’s commitment to the welfare of vulnerable communities in Sierra Leone.”
The Deputy Minister also emphasized China’s alignment with Sierra Leone’s “Five Big Game Changers” initiative, particularly the “Feed Salone” program, which aims to ensure food security for the country’s most vulnerable populations. “The food donations made by China during major religious events such as Christmas, Easter, and now Eid, speak volumes about the deep bonds between our nations,” Kella said.
In addition to food aid, Kella noted China’s pivotal role in Sierra Leone’s infrastructure and human capital development, pointing key projects such as the renovation of the National Stadium and the China Rail project, which are expected to significantly contribute to the country’s economic progress. He also highlighted that over 200 Sierra Leonean students study in China each year, contributing to a highly skilled workforce. Chinese-trained professionals in sectors like healthcare, engineering, and administration are also playing a critical role in Sierra Leone’s ongoing development. “Such partnerships are a model for other countries to follow,” Kella said, before extending his and President Julius Maada Bio’s gratitude to the People’s Republic of China for their unwavering support.
Deputy Ambassador Zhang Dianbin of the People’s Republic of China in Sierra Leone also addressed the gathering, emphasizing that the donation was not just a material gesture but a demonstration of friendship and solidarity. “This donation reflects the deep ties between our two nations,” Zhang said. “We are proud to be able to support the people of Sierra Leone during such an important time as Ramadan, a time of reflection and community.”
The Deputy Ambassador reiterated the strength of diplomatic relations, noting that the ongoing cooperation between Sierra Leone and China extends far beyond government-level initiatives to people-to-people connections, emphasizing that the food aid provided would help ease the burden on vulnerable Muslim communities, ensuring that they could observe the holy month of Ramadan with dignity.
A key figure in the ceremony, Sheikh Ibrahim Barri, National Secretary of the Supreme Islamic Council of Sierra Leone and an executive member of the Inter-Religious Council of Sierra Leone, offered heartfelt thanks on behalf of the Muslim community. He noted that the timing of the donation was especially significant, coinciding with the post-Ramadan fasting period. “This gesture is incredibly timely, and we are deeply appreciative of China’s consistency in supporting Sierra Leone’s religious and cultural celebrations,” Sheikh Barri said.
He further acknowledged that the support from the Chinese government would go a long way in alleviating the hardships faced by Muslim communities during Ramadan, a time when charitable actions and community support are paramount.
The donation ceremony at the Chinese Embassy in Freetown not only marked an important moment for those receiving aid but also served as a reminder of the strong and multifaceted relationship between Sierra Leone and China. The ongoing support in areas such as infrastructure, education, and health security has been instrumental in Sierra Leone’s development, and the people of Sierra Leone continue to look to China as a close and reliable partner.
As Sierra Leone celebrates its partnership with China, this donation highlights the enduring friendship and shared commitment to improving the lives of the country’s most vulnerable populations, reaffirming the importance of global solidarity in times of need.
