Freetown: The High Commissioner of Canada to the Republic of Sierra Leone, Her Excellency Myriam Montrat, and Franklyn Brima Fawundu, the Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, co-hosted the inaugural Canada Day celebration in Freetown on July 10, 2026. The event took place at Freetown International Bintumai Hall 1, where both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a partnership based on mutual respect, shared values, and the promotion of economic cooperation.
According to Sierra Leone News Agency, the event drew senior government officials, diplomats, and development partners, marking the first full-scale Canada Day commemoration in Sierra Leone under the current High Commissioner's tenure. Addressing an audience that included ministers, deputy ministers, and Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, the High Commissioner described the bilateral relationship as "historic and built on mutual respect," adding that "the strongest partnerships are built on trust, respect, and shared ambition."
She highlighted concrete outcomes, noting Canada's official development assistance to Sierra Leone totaled $18.5 million in 2024-2025, supporting women's and girls' health, education, and rights. Bilateral trade reached $22.6 million in 2025, an 11 percent increase over the previous year, though Montrat expressed ambition for deeper commercial engagement.
On defence cooperation, the High Commissioner noted a 50 percent increase in training opportunities for the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces since 2024, alongside expanded access to leadership programs for both officers and non-commissioned members. She also acknowledged the role of Canada's team in Freetown and the Honorary Consulate, whose "dedication, professionalism, and commitment make our work possible every single day."
Responding on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba, Deputy Director General Fawundu conveyed warm congratulations to the Canadian people and praised Canada's "steadfast support" across education, healthcare, women's empowerment, food security, and democratic governance. He traced the deep historical connection between the two nations, from the ties between Nova Scotia and the founding of Freetown to contemporary collaboration in peacebuilding and multilateral diplomacy.
"Canada has remained a valued friend and trusted partner of Sierra Leone," Fawundu said, adding that the Sierra Leonean diaspora in Canada continues to serve as a "vital bridge" between the two countries. He welcomed Canada's growing engagement across Africa and expressed Sierra Leone's readiness to expand cooperation in trade, energy infrastructure, innovation, and capacity building.
As the celebration drew to a close, Fawundu offered a final toast: "May the friendship between Sierra Leone and Canada continue to grow from strength to strength."