The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has suspended four officials and ordered the withdrawal of two diplomats from their overseas postings following an investigation into alleged misuse of official ministry documents for visa purposes.
In a press release dated 12 October 2026, the Ministry said the Investigative Committee had submitted its report on the September 2023 visa-processing exercise, previously raised by Hon. Mohamed Sidie Tunis, and related matters.
The report identified deficiencies in administrative and consular procedures, document verification and authorisation, supervisory oversight and institutional controls.
The officials suspended with immediate effect are Alieu Badara Mansaray, Head of Chancery at the Sierra Leone Embassy in Algeria and former head of the Consular Unit at the time of the reported incident; Thomas Alfred Sengeh, Acting Deputy Secretary; Isatu Joelyn Jalloh, Senior Assistant Secretary; and Shamit Aminata Tarawallie, Second Secretary at the Sierra Leone Embassy in Ireland.
The Ministry also approved the immediate withdrawal of Mansaray and Tarawallie from their overseas postings.
According to the statement, Management has referred the investigative report and supporting evidence to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) for investigation within its statutory mandate.
The Ministry further disclosed that it would issue a formal written apology to Hon. Mohamed Sidie Tunis over procedural failures within its systems and any resulting prejudice.
However, the Ministry stressed that the administrative measures do not constitute findings of criminal wrongdoing or final determinations of individual responsibility.
It said further action would depend on the findings of the ACC, applicable law and decisions by the competent authorities.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to accountability, due process and the integrity of Sierra Leone’s diplomatic and consular services, adding that it would strengthen administrative safeguards and cooperate fully with the ACC.
