UK in Sierra Leone

UK in Sierra Leone The official page of the British High Commission Sierra Leone.
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We congratulate Sir Idris Elba on being awarded a knighthood by His Majesty King Charles III for his services to young p...
03/06/2026

We congratulate Sir Idris Elba on being awarded a knighthood by His Majesty King Charles III for his services to young people.

As the son of a Sierra Leonean father, Sir Idris Elba’s achievement is a source of pride across the United Kingdom, Sierra Leone and the wider African diaspora.

Through his work particularly with the Elba Hope Foundation, he has championed education, entrepreneurship and opportunity for young people, helping to unlock potential and support future generations.

His story also reflects the enduring relationship between the UK and Sierra Leone, built on shared history, talent and a joint commitment to empowering youth.

The British High Commission in Freetown celebrates this well-deserved recognition and the positive example it sets for young people everywhere.

Congratulations, Sir Idris Elba.

25/05/2026

From mum’s food at home to tasty street food and school-day snacks, we all have a meal that .

This , we’re celebrating Africa’s incredible diversity starting in the kitchen.

Momo Francis Turay from Sierra Leone joined Chevening Awards (FCDO) scholars from across Africa in sharing what dish to them.

What’s your favourite meal from home, from the streets, or from your school days?

Please Share that meal with us!!!

21/05/2026

The UK is helping to contain the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We’re working with partners to support health workers, strengthen surveillance and improve access to care.

Global health threats require a global response.

Field Marshal Lord David Richards met with distinguished commonwealth military veterans at the British High Commissioner...
15/05/2026

Field Marshal Lord David Richards met with distinguished commonwealth military veterans at the British High Commissioner’s Residence in a deeply moving gathering.

In attendance were remarkable veterans aged 92,104 and106 alongside the families of both retired and fallen service personnel.

These men have served with dedication to both the United Kingdom and Sierra Leone, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire.

The visit offered a meaningful opportunity to recognise the courage, sacrifice, and commitment of those who contributed to Sierra Leone’s journey, while also reflecting on the shared history and enduring partnership between our two nations.

Moments like these remind us of the importance of honouring those who served, celebrating resilience across generations, and acknowledging the progress achieved through unity and sacrifice.

The United Kingdom remains proud to stand alongside Sierra Leone, united by a shared history and a lasting commitment to mutual respect. As we reflect on the sacrifices of those who served, we reaffirm our dedication to honouring their legacy and strengthening this enduring partnership.

Yesterday, Field Marshal Lord David Richards paid a courtesy call on the Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone....
12/05/2026

Yesterday, Field Marshal Lord David Richards paid a courtesy call on the Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone.

The meeting offered a timely opportunity to reflect on the country’s remarkable progress since 2000 a defining moment in Sierra Leone’s history and to reaffirm the deep and enduring partnership between the United Kingdom and Sierra Leone.

Discussions centred on Lord Richards’ pivotal role in leading the British military intervention during Sierra Leone’s civil war, an intervention that helped stabilise the country and lay the groundwork for lasting peace.

In a moving recognition of this contribution, the Vice President, on behalf of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, conferred upon Field Marshal Lord Richards the Grand Commander of the Order of the Rokel, Sierra Leone’s highest national honour.

This distinguished award reflects the profound and lasting gratitude of the people of Sierra Leone for Lord Richards’ leadership at a critical juncture in the nation’s journey towards peace, recovery, and democratic governance. It also stands as a symbol of the strong ties between both nations, forged in times of adversity and strengthened through partnership.
The UK remains a steadfast partner to Sierra Leone, committed to supporting its continued progress and celebrating the resilience and achievements of its people.


This morning, Field Marshal Lord David Richards met with the Chief of Defence Staff of the Republic of Sierra Leone Arme...
11/05/2026

This morning, Field Marshal Lord David Richards met with the Chief of Defence Staff of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces at Cockerill Barracks, Wilkinson Road, Freetown.

The meeting offered a valuable opportunity to exchange perspectives on leadership, security cooperation, and emerging defence technologies, alongside reaffirming the enduring partnership between the United Kingdom and Sierra Leone.

Lord Richards’ return to Sierra Leone holds particular significance, reflecting on his role during a pivotal moment in 2000, while also looking ahead to continued collaboration in support of peace, stability and professional armed forces.

The UK remains committed to working closely with Sierra Leone to support security sector development and strengthen our long-standing defence relationship.

📢 Stay tuned for highlights from his engagements this week.


STATEMENT FROM THE BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION - FREETOWN.
11/05/2026

STATEMENT FROM THE BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION - FREETOWN.

As Sierra Leone welcomes Field Marshal Lord David Richards, we reflect on the enduring UK–Sierra Leone partnership and t...
09/05/2026

As Sierra Leone welcomes Field Marshal Lord David Richards, we reflect on the enduring UK–Sierra Leone partnership and the leadership that helped shape a critical moment in this country’s history.

In 2000, as a Brigadier, he commanded Operation Palliser initially deployed to protect British and other foreign nationals. Faced with rapidly deteriorating conditions, he took decisive action to support President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah and lead the defence of Freetown against the Revolutionary United Front. That leadership helped stabilise the capital and created the conditions for peace.

Lord Richards served across the Far East, Germany and Northern Ireland with the Royal Artillery, before commanding multinational forces in East Timor and, most notably, Sierra Leone during the civil war.

His subsequent service included senior NATO roles, command of the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, and appointment as UK Chief of the Defence Staff in 2009. In 2014, he became a life peer as Baron Richards of Herstmonceux, now sitting as a crossbencher in the House of Lords. He was honoured to carry the Sword of Spiritual Justice at the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, and in June 2025 was promoted to the honorary rank of Field Marshal.

Lord Richards’ decorations include the Distinguished Service Order for Sierra Leone and the Order of Rokel, reflecting the mutual respect between our two nations.

This visit is an opportunity to acknowledge the past, recognise Sierra Leone’s progress, and reaffirm the UK’s long standing commitment to peace, partnership and stability.


Happy 100th Birthday Sir David Attenborough, a true pioneer in inspiring generations to cherish and protect our natural ...
08/05/2026

Happy 100th Birthday Sir David Attenborough, a true pioneer in inspiring generations to cherish and protect our natural world.

His remarkable journey includes Zoo Quest to West Africa (1954–55), when he travelled to Sierra Leone, exploring its rich forests and documenting wildlife from the rare Picathartes bird to bush babies, emerald starlings, chameleons and parrots.

From those early expeditions to becoming a global voice for environmental action, Sir David’s legacy continues to drive international efforts on climate change and reducing ocean plastic pollution. As COP26 People’s Ambassador, he has encouraged world leaders, policymakers and campaigners alike.

His connection to Sierra Leone highlights the country’s extraordinary biodiversity and our shared responsibility to protect it for the future generations.

A story written in rainforest and river 🌿 from beneath the ancient canopy of Gola Rainforest National Park, life has thr...
05/05/2026

A story written in rainforest and river 🌿 from beneath the ancient canopy of Gola Rainforest National Park, life has thrived for thousands of years. Along the waters of the Moa River, Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary shelters rare wildlife found in few other places on Earth.

These landscapes are not only home to remarkable biodiversity, but they sustain communities, protect vital ecosystems and help strengthen resilience to climate change.

Today, on African World Heritage Day, we celebrate Sierra Leone’s natural heritage and the people and partners working every day to protect these extraordinary places for generations to come.

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Freetown

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