AYV News, January 19, 2026
In what can be described as an inspiring and intellectually charged session at the great Fourah Bay College, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba, held a meaningful engagement with final-year students from the Faculty of Communication. This interactive event, which was organized by Dr. Isaac Massaquoi, Head of Department and Director at the faculty, who also serves as lecturer for the module on National Affairs Reporting, provided a rare platform for emerging journalists and communicators to have the chance to connect directly with one of the nation’s finest diplomatic leaders.
Minister Kabba, who himself is a Fourah Bay College alumnus, with a background that spans Petroleum Engineering, Diplomacy, and High-Level Public Service, drew from his extensive experience to offer the students a clear-eyed view of Sierra Leone’s place in the globe. He delved deep into the country’s Foreign Policy priorities, highlighting how Sierra Leone navigates complex global dynamics while advancing its national interests. Topics discussed ranged from strengthening bilateral ties with key partners, which included deepening Relations with nations like China, United States, the EU, UK among others, and also how regional stability within West Africa and the African Union are addressed, to broader issues such as advocating for multilateral reforms, including Sierra Leone’s vocal push for UN Security Council restructuring to correct historical imbalances and give Africa a stronger, permanent voice.
Alhaji Tim Kabba emphasized Sierra Leone’s commitment to regional and global peacebuilding, climate resilience, economic diplomacy, and active participation in continental and international forums. He highlighted the nation’s role as a constructive player on the global stage that is contributing to discussions on security, sustainable development, and equitable global governance, even as the country works to overcome domestic challenges and position itself for greater influence.
The enthusiastic students seized the opportunity, to pose thoughtful and incisive questions that reflects their coursework in national affairs reporting. These inquiries touched on the practical realities of diplomatic engagements, the role of media in shaping international perceptions of Sierra Leone, the impact of global events on national policy, and how young communicators can contribute to informed public discourse on foreign relations. The exchabge was lively and substantive, and bridged the gap between academic theory and real-world statecraft.
Making significant contributions to the occasion were the presence of dedicated faculty members Mabinty Kuti-George and Sheku Putka Kamara, both lecturing in the Communication Faculty, whose oversight helped in ensuring a focused and enriching dialogue.
Events like this not only equip the next generation of Sierra Leonean journalists and communicators with deeper insights but they also reinforce the value of open, constructive engagement between government leaders and youth. By sharing firsthand perspectives on Sierra Leone’s foreign policy vision and global positioning, Alhaji Kabbaleft a lasting impression on these aspiring professionals – inspiring them to report on national and international issues with greater context, accuracy, and purpose.
