By Jariatu S Bangura
The Parliament of Sierra Leone has approved Philip Bob Jusu as Ambassador to Brussels, Belgium; Kalilu Totangai as Deputy Ambassador (Political) to the United Nations; and Joseph Munda Bindi as Chairman of the National Council for Civic Education and Development (NACCED).
Their nominations were put forward by President Julius Maada Bio.
Philip Bob Jusu brings over 15 years of experience in diplomacy, international development, geopolitics, and public policy. Before his appointment, he was Manager of Africa Strategic Partnerships at Google, advancing Google’s objectives in Sub-Saharan Africa through strengthened partnerships.
Earlier in his career, Jusu spent 11 years at the African Union, serving as Principal Adviser to the Permanent Representative and Group of African Ambassadors in Brussels. He provided strategic guidance on socioeconomic issues within the AU-EU Partnership framework.
He also managed the migration portfolio at the AU’s headquarters in Addis Ababa. His international journey began with RMS Refugee Resettlement in New Zealand, focusing on refugee integration, followed by human rights work with the United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK).
During the parliamentary approval session, Hon. Quinton Sallia-Konneh reminded the appointees of the responsibilities awaiting them. He urged them to deliver results as expected in their new roles.
Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara from Kambia emphasized that failure would reflect on the appointees themselves, not on the President, as they could easily be replaced. He encouraged the ambassadors to represent Sierra Leone with dignity and integrity.
Hon. Dickson Rogers from Pujehun commended Kalilu Totangai’s contributions throughout his journalistic and political career. Hon. Bernadette Wuyata Songa from Kailahun praised the inclusion of women in leadership roles while urging continued progress toward gender parity.
“Capability and less corruption count on women,” she said, celebrating recent strides toward achieving a 30% gender quota in governance.
Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, advised the appointees to serve all Sierra Leoneans equally, regardless of political affiliation. He urged them to be effective representatives and to bring back valuable experience from the United Nations.
The Presiding Speaker reminded the nominees to collaborate closely with career staff and resist negative cycles. “Do good that will change the country’s name,” he concluded, underscoring the importance of making a lasting positive impact through their respective roles.
