VISA SCANDAL ROCKS FOREIGN MINISTRY …FOUR SUSPENDED, TWO DIPLOMATS RECALLED, ACC CALLED IN

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has been shaken by an alleged visa documentation scandal. Four officials have been suspended with immediate effect, and two diplomats serving abroad have been ordered home.
The action follows an investigation into the alleged misuse of official ministry documents for visa purposes. The case is linked to a September 2023 visa-processing exercise reported by Hon. Mohamed Sidie Tunis.
Mr. Alieu Badara Mansaray: Head of Chancery at the Sierra Leone Embassy in Algeria. He was Head of the Consular Unit at the time of the reported incident.
Mr. Thomas Alfred Sengeh: Acting Deputy Secretary at the Ministry, Ms. Isatu Joelyn Jalloh: Senior Assistant Secretary at the Ministry, Ms. Shamit Aminata Tarawallie: Second Secretary at the Sierra Leone Embassy in Ireland.
Management has also approved the immediate withdrawal of Mansaray and Tarawallie from their overseas postings in Algeria and Ireland.
An Investigative Committee set up to examine the matter has submitted its report. It found “significant deficiencies” in administrative and consular procedures how documents are checked and authorised supervisory oversight institutional controls
After reviewing the report, the management of the Ministry approved interim measures. It also ordered that the report and all supporting evidence be sent to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), which will investigate under its legal mandate.
The Ministry has directed that a formal written apology be issued to Hon. Mohamed Sidie Tunis. The apology covers the procedural failures in its administrative systems and any harm they caused him.
The Ministry stressed that the suspensions are not findings of criminal wrongdoing. They are also not final decisions on anyone’s individual responsibility. Any further action will depend on what the ACC finds, the relevant laws, and decisions by the competent authorities.
The Ministry says it will tighten its internal controls and strengthen safeguards over its administrative and consular work. It promised to cooperate fully with the ACC.
It also said it would give the public further updates as appropriate. The Ministry restated its commitment to accountability, due process, and the integrity of Sierra Leone’s diplomatic and consular functions.