The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation suspended Alieu Badara Mansaray, Thomas Alfred Sengeh, Isatu Joelyn Jalloh, and Shamit Aminata Tarawallie on 12 October 2026. Officials confirmed the disciplinary action follows an investigation into the misuse of a Note Verbale. Authorities stated the document was used in September 2023 to facilitate a United States visa for an individual falsely presented as the Executive Assistant to Hon. Sidie Mohamed Tunis. The department initiated the suspensions to address the reported diplomatic irregularities.
Internal Investigation and Findings
The Ministry established an internal Investigative Committee on 5 September 2026 to examine the allegations regarding the improper use of diplomatic documents. This administrative body launched its inquiry to determine how the Note Verbale was issued to an unauthorized person.
Separately, Hon. Sidie Mohamed Tunis reported that he was questioned by a US consular officer about the individual on 3 September 2026. The inquiry centered on the identity of the person claiming to be his Executive Assistant. These findings provided the basis for the subsequent disciplinary actions taken against the suspended officials. The committee continues to review departmental protocols to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Disciplinary Actions Against Staff
Alieu Badara Mansaray and Shamit Aminata Tarawallie have been recalled from their respective diplomatic postings in Algeria and Ireland. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation initiated these recalls as part of the broader disciplinary measures following the investigation into the misuse of the Note Verbale. Both officials are required to return to Freetown to address their involvement in the matter.
Evidence and findings collected by the internal Investigative Committee have been referred to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) for further review. This referral marks the formal transfer of the case to the national body responsible for investigating allegations of corruption and abuse of office. The Anti-Corruption Commission will now conduct its own independent assessment to determine whether any criminal charges are warranted against the suspended individuals or any other parties involved in the improper issuance of the diplomatic document.
Administrative measures also include a formal apology directed toward Hon. Sidie Mohamed Tunis. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation will issue a formal written apology to Hon. Sidie Mohamed Tunis to address the unauthorized use of his name and office during the visa facilitation process. This communication serves to acknowledge the diplomatic irregularity and the impact the incident had on his professional standing. Ministry leadership confirmed that these actions reflect the government's commitment to maintaining the integrity of official diplomatic correspondence and the proper conduct of its staff members abroad.
