The German Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Jens Kraus-Massé, has concluded his two-year diplomatic mission and formally bid farewell to President Julius Maada Bio at State House in Freetown. The meeting marked the end of Kraus-Massé’s tenure as Germany’s official representative in Sierra Leone.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Musa Timothy Kabba thanked President Bio for granting the audience and described Ambassador Kraus-Massé as a strong supporter of Sierra Leone. Kabba highlighted that during his time in office, the ambassador worked on several initiatives aimed at strengthening ties between Germany and Sierra Leone.
During his farewell address, Ambassador Kraus-Massé expressed gratitude for the hospitality shown to him, his wife, and the Deputy Head of Mission throughout their stay. He spoke positively about his experiences in Sierra Leone and praised the country’s progress under President Bio’s leadership.
“Your Excellency, we are proud of the strides Sierra Leone is making under your leadership and your unwavering commitment to transforming this nation,” said Ambassador Kraus-Massé. “I want to congratulate you on your recent election as Chairman of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government.”
He noted that President Bio’s appointment as ECOWAS Chair came at a difficult time but considered it an important achievement for both the president and Sierra Leone. The ambassador also recognized President Bio’s efforts regarding Sierra Leone’s role at the United Nations Security Council.
Ambassador Kraus-Massé commended President Bio’s dedication to gender equality and women’s empowerment: “The composition of your cabinet stands as one of the strongest indicators of your dedication to promoting women. Thank you, Your Excellency.”
He shared observations from a provincial visit where he noticed more girls than boys studying science subjects, attributing this trend to investments in human capital development made by President Bio. “This is incredible,” he said. “Investing in the future of your country through education is truly commendable.”
President Julius Maada Bio thanked Ambassador Kraus-Massé for his contributions over two years towards advancing Sierra Leone’s development goals and enhancing diplomatic engagement with Germany. He acknowledged the ambassador’s work in deepening cooperation between both countries as well as with the European Union.
President Bio wished Ambassador Kraus-Massé success in future assignments and extended an invitation for him to return to Sierra Leone whenever possible.