Amb. Alie Kabba Is SLPP’s Best Bet For 2028 Victory
By Mohamed Bailay
The SLPP’s 2028 leadership decision should be judged by demonstrated capacity to lead Sierra Leone in a complex national and international environment. That is why Amb. Alie Kabba’s record provides qualities for the leadership of the great SLPP. His career reflects a progression from community organizing and coalition-building in the African diaspora, to national responsibility as Sierra Leone’s Foreign Minister and senior representation at the United Nations as Ambassador and Permanent Representative. This is more than a list of titles. It is evidence of experience in building partnerships, representing national interests and strengthening institutions.
AFRICAN DIASPORA LEADERSHIP
Long before entering government, Alie Kabba was deeply engaged in African immigrant and refugee affairs in the United States. As Executive Director of Chicago-based United African Organization (UAO), he worked with African community organizations on social and economic justice, civic participation, public-policy advocacy, and immigrant empowerment. He also served as President of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, and Chairman of the Golden Door Coalition, which supported refugee resettlement with dignity.
These experiences provided a foundation in advocacy, community organization, public policy, and coalition-building. They also demonstrated an ability to work with diverse groups, identify shared interests, and organize collective action, qualities relevant to leadership in a politically divided nation like ours
SIERRA LEONE’S FOREIGN MINISTER
In 2018, Alie Kabba was appointed Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. As Foreign Minister, he represented Sierra Leone in bilateral and multilateral engagements, strengthened relationships with foreign governments and development partners, and advanced the country’s interests within the international community. His responsibilities included diplomatic consultations involving development, peace and security, regional cooperation, governance, trade, investment, and international partnerships.
An important aspect of his tenure was the establishment of the Foreign Service Academy, which was a reflection of his emphasis on strengthening Sierra Leone’s diplomatic capacity through the training and professional development of career diplomats. Effective foreign policy depends not only on political leadership, but also on a knowledgeable and professional diplomatic corps capable of representing the country consistently over time.
He also helped enhance Sierra Leone’s diplomatic visibility and international engagement at a time when the country was seeking stronger partnerships to advance its development priorities.
The Foreign Affairs portfolio placed him at the intersection of national interests and international relations, requiring negotiation, strategic communication, institutional coordination, and relationship building.
AMBASSADOR & PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE AT THE UNITED NATIONS
Alie Kabba subsequently served as Sierra Leone’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York. In that capacity, he represented Sierra Leone in the UN General Assembly, its committees, and other multilateral forums, contributing to discussions on sustainable development, peace and security, governance, gender equality, human rights, decolonization, and international cooperation.
His service gave him direct exposure to the complex process of negotiating among states with different interests and priorities. It also strengthened his experience in engaging UN agencies, development partners, and member states on issues relevant to Sierra Leone and the wider developing world.
One of the most notable milestones came in 2021, when he was elected President of the Executive Board of UN Women.
He presided over Executive Board sessions addressing critical issues, including the COVID-19 response, gender equality, institutional priorities, and the organization’s 2022–2025 Strategic Plan.
He also served as Vice Chair of the UN Special Committee on Decolonization in 2021, which deals with issues of self-determination for Non-Self-Governing Territories like Western Sahara.
These responsibilities demonstrate experience beyond diplomatic representation. They involved institutional leadership, consensus building, agenda setting, and managing competing interests within complex international organizations.
WHY IT MATTERS FOR SIERRA LEONE
Sierra Leone’s future is increasingly connected to the global economy and international institutions. Investment, trade, technology, development financing, migration, and security all require effective international engagement.
National leadership therefore demands more than domestic political experience. It requires the ability to negotiate, build partnerships, understand international institutions, protect national interests, and convert international relationships into tangible opportunities for citizens.
On that basis, Alie Kabba’s record merits serious consideration as SLPP weighs its leadership choice for 2028.
