The Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone in Seoul on Thursday, 19th February 2026, formally welcomed its new Head of Chancery, Ms. Rachel Musu Kanu, during a ceremony held at the Mission in Seoul, Republic of Korea.

Speaking at the event, Acting Outgoing Head of Chancery, Mrs. Agnes Mbayo officially called the meeting to order and described the occasion as both an honor and a privilege. On behalf of His Excellency, the ambassador and staff of the Mission, she extended warm congratulations to Ms. Kanu was on her appointment and wished her success in her new role.

Mrs. Mbayo highlighted Ms. Kanu’s extensive diplomatic background, noting that she joined Sierra Leone’s Civil Service in 2011 and has since served with distinction at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Over the years, she gained experience across key directorates, including Protocol, Administration and Finance, Asia and the Middle East, and the Americas and South Pacific.

In 2018, Ms. Kanu was posted as First Secretary at the Embassy of Sierra Leone in Beijing, where she served for four years, contributing to the strengthening of bilateral ties between Sierra Leone and China. Upon completion of her tour in 2023, she returned to Headquarters and served as Acting Director of the Americas and South Pacific Directorate before her latest posting to Seoul.

Mrs. Mbayo noted that Ms. Kanu’s appointment comes at a significant time as Sierra Leone continues to consolidate diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations with the Republic of Korea.

In her acceptance remarks, Ms. Kanu expressed appreciation to her diplomatic colleagues and support staff for their commitment to the smooth running of the mission.

“I sincerely appreciate the diverse ways in which you have contributed to the effective operation of this Mission,” she stated, adding that she looks forward to working collaboratively to build on the successes already established.

She pledged to uphold professionalism, transparency, and integrity while prioritising the interests of Sierra Leoneans in the Republic of Korea. She further assured staff that her office would remain open for constructive dialogue and innovation.

“As we have been guided, 2026 has been described as a Year of Delivery. Therefore, we must place strong emphasis on results, accountability, and measurable impact,” she said.

Delivering his keynote address, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, Paul Sobba Massaquoi, described the Head of Chancery as the “heartbeat of any diplomatic mission,” responsible for coordinating departments, safeguarding resources, and aligning daily operations with strategic diplomatic objectives.

He emphasised that the mission is focused on strengthening institutional systems and building a lasting diplomatic legacy.

“A true diplomatic legacy is not measured simply by the events we host, but by the systems we establish and the institutions we strengthen,” the ambassador stated, urging Ms. Kanu to uphold neutrality, integrity, and the enduring principles of the Foreign Service.

He called on all staff to give their full and unreserved support to the new Head of Chancery, stressing that success in diplomacy is a collective endeavor.

The ceremony concluded with renewed commitment from both leadership and staff to advance Sierra Leone’s diplomatic engagement in South Korea.

Michaella Bonnie 

Information Attaché Embassy of Sierra Leone 

Seoul 

Info@sierra-leone.or.kr