Aruna Turay, AYV News, June 9, 2026
Prominent businessman and philanthropist MohinderBir Singh Sachdeva, popularly known as “Pa Jetty,” has officially assumed office as Honorary Consul of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire in Sierra Leone following the inauguration of the Ivorian Honorary Consulate in Freetown.
The official handover and inauguration ceremony took place on Friday, June 5, at the newly established consulate office in Aberdeen, marking a significant milestone in efforts to strengthen diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties between Sierra Leone and Côte d’Ivoire.
The event was presided over by Côte d’Ivoire’s Ambassador to Sierra Leone and Liberia, M’Brah AyaGeorgette, and attracted senior government officials, diplomats, business leaders, representatives of international organizations, and members of the media.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Georgette disclosed that Sachdeva’s appointment followed a rigorous selection process approved by Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara. She conveyed congratulations from Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and expressed confidence that the new Honorary Consul would help deepen cooperation between the two countries.
The ambassador commended Sachdeva’s contributions to business and philanthropy in Sierra Leone, describing him as a respected figure whose experience, integrity, and commitment to public service make him well-suited for the role.
She noted that Sierra Leone and Côte d’Ivoire share longstanding ties rooted in friendship, cooperation, and mutual respect, and emphasized the importance of expanding collaboration in trade, investment, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.
In his acceptance speech, Sachdeva described his appointment as both a great honor and a profound responsibility. He said the establishment of the Honorary Consulate represents a new chapter in the enduring relationship between the two West African nations.
“I am deeply grateful for the confidence placed in me by the Government of Côte d’Ivoire,” he said, pledging to serve with dedication, integrity, and commitment to advancing bilateral relations.
The new Honorary Consul outlined key priorities for the consulate, including promoting trade and investment opportunities, strengthening cultural and educational partnerships, and enhancing connections between the peoples of both countries.
He also paid tribute to the Ivorian community living in Sierra Leone, describing them as an important bridge between the two nations and assuring them of the consulate’s support and accessibility.
Representing Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Siku Jalloh, Director of the Africa Division, welcomed the opening of the Honorary Consulate and congratulated Sachdeva on his appointment.
Jalloh said the establishment of the consulate reflects the strong relationship between Sierra Leone and Côte d’Ivoire, strengthened through cooperation within the Mano River Union and the Economic Community of West African States.
He noted that the consulate would provide a valuable platform for enhancing diplomatic engagement, promoting business opportunities, and expanding cooperation between the two countries.
A cocktail reception later held at Aberdeen brought together government officials, business executives, diplomats, and members of the Ivorian community to celebrate the occasion.
Addressing guests, Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister, David Moinina Sengeh, described Sierra Leone and Côte d’Ivoire as strategic partners within the Mano River Union and ECOWAS frameworks.
He highlighted ongoing cooperation in regional infrastructure projects, including the Côte d’Ivoire-Liberia-Sierra Leone-Guinea electricity interconnection initiative, and stressed the importance of restoring direct air links between the two countries to boost trade, tourism, and investment.
The inauguration of the Honorary Consulate and the appointment of Mohinder Bir Singh Sachdeva are expected to further strengthen bilateral relations and create new opportunities for economic cooperation, regional integration, and diplomatic engagement between Sierra Leone and Côte d’Ivoire.
