July 30, 2018
By Jariatu S. Bangura
Dr. Gberie during his interview
Members of the Appointment and Public Service Committee last Thursday scrutinised Sierra Leone’s newly appointed Ambassador to Geneva, Switzerland, Dr. Lansana Gberie, and several other presidential nominees.
Member of the committee and Leader of the National Grand Coalition, Hon. Dr. Kandeh K. Yumkella quizzed Dr. Gberie how prepared he was to serve as his country’s top envoy to Switzerland, which is centre of global trade.
Responding, Dr. Gberie said: “I have been reflecting on the world trade from the US point of view and the impacts are already there in terms of commodity pricing. Iron ore for example, once sanctioned from China to the US in terms of production, it will affect the country greatly. We are hoping that it will not take long because the impact will be devastating for the economy and the commodity production. I think since the headquarters is in Geneva, as an Ambassador, I will strongly look into it as I have been there all this while. I have had discussions with outgoing Ambassadors and one of the areas identified is the trade of synthesis as it is very important.”
Dr. Gberie, an academic and writer who is no stranger to global diplomacy, continued that the issue could be approached in many ways, including but not limited to unilateral means, which Sierra Leone could utilise with some kind of influence.
“The resources have to be trade naturally and already there are precautions about the potential impacts. There will be a need to add our voices very strongly to this modest discussion,” he said.
Dr. Gberie told the committee that since there are over two hundred non-governmental oganisations based in Geneva, he would establish contact, make many friends and work with them assiduously.
Deputy Opposition Leader, Hon. Ibrahim Ben Kargbo, reminded the nominee that Geneva is the hub of multinational organisations and once there, he should ensure that Sierra Leone joins those organisations such as the Universal Postal Union (UPU).
Hon. Kargbo underscored that the new envoy would be challenged by the fact that he alone cannot attend all the meetings at the same time, adding he should create ways of having other Sierra Leoneans on ground attend when necessary.
He also admonished the nominee to notify the Finance Minister that Sierra Leone is in default of payment of her contribution to a number of organizations, in order to avoid future embarrassment.
“For instance, we in Sierra Leone know that the internet system is faster than that of the postal services and the Universal Postal Union does not know such information. They are still thinking that the postal office is still relevant to the development of the country. We are very poor as a nation in terms of contribution, so perhaps the public relations aspect will be good for you to interface with the Finance Minister to update you on our contribution,” he urged.
The other nominees include Haja Ashata Thomas, proposed Ambassador to Kuwait City; Peter Joseph Francis, proposed High Commissioner to Kenya; Solomon M. C. Gembeh, proposed High Commissioner to Nigeria; and Charlie Haffner, proposed Chairman of Monument and Relics Commission.
Also, Morie Fofana is the proposed Ambassador to the Republic of Egypt; Joseph Mustapha Hazeley, proposed Deputy Ambassador to Monrovia; Harold Bundu Saffa, proposed Deputy Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium; Samuel Housman Buggie Saffa, proposed Deputy Ambassador to Switzerland; Mohamed Hassan Koroma, proposed Deputy Ambassador to Saudi Arabia; and Victoria Mangay Sulimani, proposed Deputy Permanent Representative to New York.