In a landmark moment, signaling another major triumph for diversity and quality representation, Councillor Eddie Hindolo Hanson, a dual Sierra Leonean–British citizen, has been elected as the first African-born Black Mayor of the London Borough of Camden.

The momentous and memorable ceremony, held yesterday, was attended by several dignitaries, including Sierra Leone’s Deputy High Commissioner to the UK, Mrs. Yvonne King Odigboh.

Mayor Hanson’s election represents a powerful intergenerational legacy of leadership. Remarkably, both his father and grandfather previously served as Mayors of Bo, a major city in southern Sierra Leone—making his rise not only historic for Camden but deeply evocative of a personal continuation of civic service that spans continents.

Addressing the chamber, the newly elected Mayor expressed heartfelt gratitude to the people of Camden “not just for electing me as your Mayor, but for opening your doors and giving me a home so many years ago.”

Hanson, who arrived in Camden, (one of the most diverse, dynamic and progressive boroughs in the UK), as a teenager fleeing the then brutal Sierra Leonean civil war, he spoke candidly of his surviving near-death experiences during the RUF conflict before settling in the Borough where he now leads.

“I have lived in Camden longer than anywhere else on earth,” he said with his voice filled with emotion.

“This is where I built my life, where I live with my wife and our three children. Camden is not just where I live—it is a place I deeply love”.

In a stirring tribute, Mayor Hanson appreciated his wife and credited his parents for instilling in him the values that continue to shape his life.

“They taught me integrity, kindness, and love. I carry those lessons with me every day.”

Dressed in full mayoral regalia and seated at the head of the council table, His Worshipful the Mayor of Camden smiled warmly at an audience filled with family members, friends, and well-wishers.

Council members, including the outgoing Mayor, Councillor Samata Khatoon, delivered heartfelt tributes, extolling Mayor Hanson’s resilience, hard work, and unwavering commitment to public service.

Mr. Sorieba Sillah, Secretary General of the formidable United Kingdom Mandingo Union and cousin to Mrs. Bintu Hanson (née Sidibay)- the mother of the newly elected Mayor—remarked:

“Mayor Hanson is a son of many places—Kono, Bo, Camden, and now, the world.”

“As Sierra Leoneans, we cannot express enough how hugely proud we are of his remarkable achievements.”

Looking on with a smile of quiet satisfaction, Deputy High Commissioner Yvonne King Odigboh hailed the ceremony as “a real moment of pride and inspiration for Sierra Leoneans both at home and abroad,” she said. The event as a testament to Camden’s inclusive and progressive spirit.

Indeed, the election of Mayor Eddie Hindolo Hanson stands as a powerful reminder that shared histories and global journeys continue to shape local leadership in transformative and meaningful ways—fostering community cohesion and spreading hope across the world.

Abdulai Braima

Information Attaché

SLHC- UK

https://www.slhc-uk.org/