The Sierra Leone government yesterday confirmed that it has recalled its Ambassador to Guinea as well as the Head of Chancery to Freetown in response to Guinean authority’s allegations that it has apprehended 2 local staff of the embassy with seven portfolios of drug suspected to be cocaine, phones and $2000 in cash hidden in a utility vehicle moving from Sierra Leone to Guinea.

Reading a press statement at an emergency press conference yesterday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Timothy Kabba said the government is aware of the diplomatic issue and that the incident happened on 31st December 2024 but they were only informed by Guinean authority on 13th January this year.

However, the minister denied the Ambassador being held under house arrest as widely circulated on social media. He said that even though he has been recalled but he is still working as ambassador until his return which he did not give specific date.

“Ambassador Bangura is not directly accused of the incident, we have only recalled him because he is the head of the embassy to come and shed more light on the matter,” the minister reiterated. He said he the government is working in collaboration with the Guinean counterparts to amicably address the situation. He admitted that the situation is grave because drug trafficking is under international laws and therefore the government is going to deal with it with all the seriousness it deserves. He assured that anyone found culpable will face the full force of the law.

The Inspector General of Police, William Fayia Sellu also assured the public of strict and proper investigation when the Ambassador would have returned to the country, and that if any of his personnel is involved will also squarely face the music without fear or favour.