Sierra Leonean embassy officials: (L-R) Head of Chancery Unisay S. Kamara, Charge d'affaires Kumba Alice Momoh, First Secretary Robert Koroma, and Defence Attaché Colonel Daramy

The Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone in Beijing, People’s Republic of China, has presented its compliments to its compatriots in China, the Chinese government and people, and other partners for the recovery and humanitarian efforts in the aftermath of the August 14th mudslide and flood disaster in Freetown.

Sierra Leone’s Charge d'affaires to the People’s Republic of China commended the government and people of China for their unflinching supports during the country’s disaster. Madam Kumba Alice Momoh said China is a true friend and partner to Sierra Leone especially in time of need, pointing out that the Chinese are the first to come to the aid of Sierra Leone during the Ebola outbreak and the recent flood and mudslide disaster.

Addressing Sierra Leoneans at a briefing session on its accomplishments and further plans for collective intervention, Madam Momoh recalled a fruitful meeting held with China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Officials who conveyed condolence messages on behalf of the government and people of the People’s Republic of China. Ministry Officials appreciated the fact that Sierra Leone’s President, Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma is always consoling China in time of sorrow and distress caused by natural disasters.

The charge d'affaires thanked the Chinese government for the US$1 million donation and also the Chinese Red Cross which provided US$ 100, 000 to the Red Cross in Sierra Leone for rescue efforts.

“We appreciate the good effort of China railway 7th Group, China Friendship Hospital and other Chinese enterprises in Sierra Leone for their supports,” she said, and added that Sierra Leone has learnt a great lesson. “We must prevent a recurrence of such disaster by obeying the land laws of Sierra Leone.”

Madam Momoh admonished young people who study in China to treat their education with all seriousness, because, as she puts it “the younger generation have a great role to play in developing Sierra Leone for a brighter future.”

Unisa Sahid Kamara, Minister Counsellor and Head of Chancery assured all of the Embassy’s cooperation for the good of Sierra Leone.

The August 14th disaster caused the loss of more than 400 lives with an estimated 600 and more missing, the destruction of property and the displacement of thousands of people, a great number of them being children.

Over forty embassies and missions in China signed a book of condolence opened at the Sierra Leone embassy in Beijing.

The charge d'affaires’ briefing was climaxed with prayers being offered for the country and also Sierra Leoneans based in Beijing signing the book of condolence.

Abu Bakarr Kargbo is a Senior Staff Writer of Standard Times Newspaper in Sierra Leone and an Intern at People’s Daily Online.