Ambassador Mohamed Yongawo Represents Sierra Leone at International Security Forum in Moscow

By Festus J. Lahai, Information Attaché, Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Moscow, Russian Federation

His Excellency Ambassador Mohamed Yongawo represented Sierra Leone at the First International Security Forum of High-Ranking Security Officials from around the world, held in Moscow, Russian Federation, from 26–29 May 2026.

Addressing delegates under the theme, “Challenges and Threats to International Security in the Context of the Emergence of the Multipolar World,” Ambassador Yongawo highlighted the limitations and growing competition associated with the evolving multipolar world order. He stressed that the changing global landscape requires a renewed commitment to dialogue and multilateral cooperation.

“We are entering a multipolar era characterized by dispersed influence and fluid alliances,” the Ambassador stated. “Africa is no longer on the periphery but is central to these changes.”

He cautioned that the absence of a clear global leader complicates efforts to coordinate responses to common threats, noting that the heightened risk of miscommunication and miscalculation among major powers remains a significant challenge. He further observed that competition for resources, technological supremacy, and strategic positioning could intensify tensions, particularly in Europe, the South China Sea, the Middle East, and Africa.

Ambassador Yongawo also warned that non-state actors including terrorist groups, cybercriminals, and transnational criminal organizations are taking advantage of the fluid international environment to advance their agendas. He emphasized that climate-induced instability and the proliferation of advanced weaponry require coordinated and collective responses.

“No one country can make the world a safer place,” the Ambassador declared. “It has to be a collective responsibility, and even the smallest nations are equally important to global peace and security.”

He underscored that security extends beyond conflict prevention and includes justice, opportunity, and hope. Global cooperation, he argued, is not merely an ideal but a necessity for survival, noting that “a stable nation surrounded by instability cannot remain unaffected indefinitely.”

Conveying greetings from Sierra Leone’s President, His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio, Ambassador Yongawo expressed gratitude to President Vladimir Putin and the people of the Russian Federation for their warm hospitality. He also expressed hope that the forum’s deliberations would yield meaningful benefits for countries of the Global South and East.

The Ambassador informed participants that, as Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), President Bio is working tirelessly alongside fellow Heads of State and other stakeholders to promote peace, security, and development throughout the region.

In conclusion, Ambassador Yongawo encouraged delegates “to take this opportunity to deepen connections, share knowledge, and reaffirm their commitment to creating a secure and prosperous future for coming generations.”

Ambassador Yongawo was accompanied by Mr. Ibrahim Saspo Sankoh, Head of Chancery, and Ms. Rosetta M. Conteh, Esq., First Secretary at the Embassy of Sierra Leone in Moscow, Russian Federation.