United Team Sierra Leone – U Team SL’s mission featured strategic stakeholder engagement, partnership building, and regional development collaboration across the Mano River Union and ECOWAS sub-region

From February 11–14, 2026, the United Team Sierra Leone (U Team SL) eight-member delegation undertook a four-day diplomatic mission to Monrovia, Liberia. The visit featured engagements with government officials, regional institutions, and diplomatic missions, underscoring U Team SL’s mandate of strategic stakeholder engagement, partnership building, and regional development collaboration across the Mano River Union and ECOWAS sub-region.

Led by Founding Member Madam Watta Koroma, the delegation explained that the purpose of the visit was to advance U Team SL’s institutional mandate and strengthen ties with Liberia’s institutions.

The mission began with a courtesy visit to the Embassy of Sierra Leone in Monrovia, where the delegation was warmly received by Ambassador Eddy S. Massally and Deputy Ambassador Lusanie Kallon. U Team SL outlined its Six-Year Strategic Development Plan (2024–2030), aligning with Sierra Leone’s Mid-Term National Development Plan. During the engagement, the Head of the U Team SL Secretariat, Mr. Mohamed Kallon, expressed gratitude to Ambassador Massally for hosting the delegation. He outlined the organisation’s Six-Year Strategic Development Plan and the U Team SL Development Trust Fund valued at $2.7 million, emphasizing sustainable growth, regional cooperation, and empowerment initiatives.

Ambassador Massally commended U Team SL for its proactive initiatives aimed at empowering Sierra Leoneans, particularly youth and women, both at home and across the region. He praised the organisation’s commitment to fostering peace, unity, development, and sustainability, noting that such grassroots efforts complement national priorities. He further reaffirmed the Embassy’s willingness to support and contribute to the developmental growth of youth-led organizations through diplomacy and regional cooperation. Deputy Ambassador Lusanie Kallon also lauded U Team SL’s dedication to advancing Sierra Leone’s development agenda, highlighting the importance of collaboration between youth-led initiatives and diplomatic missions. Both Ambassador Massally and Deputy Ambassador Kallon were honoured with Awards of Recognition and membership incorporation for their outstanding diplomatic service and contributions to Sierra Leone–Liberia relations.

At the Mano River Union (MRU) Sub-Office in Monrovia, the delegation engaged with Resident Representative and Coordinator Mr. Christian W. Jallah Sr. Discussions focused on youth development, civic participation, and inclusive growth. Mr. Kallon outlined U Team SL’s Strategic Development Plan, aligning with MRU priorities. Mr. Jallah commended U Team SL’s proactive initiatives and pledged MRU’s support, emphasizing that partnerships with volunteer organizations are vital for strengthening regional integration. The meeting concluded with mutual appreciation and a shared commitment to deepen collaboration. An Award of Recognition was presented to Mr. Jallah in appreciation of his contributions to regional cooperation, peace, and development.

The delegation also held a productive meeting with Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe, Jr., Head of the Liberia Delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament. Senator Snowe praised U Team SL’s vision and pledged his support, committing to resource mobilization and strategic guidance. On behalf of U Team SL, Madam Watta Koroma presented him with an Award of Recognition for his leadership and dedication to regional integration. A Birthday Award of Recognition was also presented to him in appreciation of his hard work and parliamentary diplomacy.

At the Liberian Senate, introduced by Senator Snowe, U Team SL met with Senator Nyonblee Karnga Lawrence, President Pro Tempore of the Senate. She commended U Team SL for entrusting female leadership and pledged her highest commitment to supporting their mission. Madam Watta Koroma symbolically dressed Senator Karnga Lawrence in U Team SL attire, honouring her service and her role as founder of Nyonblee Cares. Key senators also provided a collective audience, reinforcing institutional support for U Team SL’s initiatives.

At the Roberts Flight Information Region (RFIR) headquarters in Monrovia, the delegation met with Secretary General Mr. Emil Rogers and senior management. Discussions focused on strengthening regional cooperation and collaboration between U Team SL and RFIR. Mr. Rogers acknowledged U Team SL’s efforts and pledged RFIR’s support, encouraging expansion into Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. The meeting climaxed with U Team SL presenting an Award of Recognition to Mr. Rogers for his outstanding service and dedication to aviation safety and regional cooperation.

The delegation further engaged with Madam Cornelia Wonkerleh Kruah, Minister of Youth and Sports Designate of Liberia. She acknowledged U Team SL’s contributions and assured her full commitment to youth and sports development after her parliamentary approval. Her technical team emphasized coordinated efforts in youth empowerment. U Team SL presented Madam Kruah with an Award of Recognition in appreciation of her appointment and dedication to youth empowerment and sports development. Both parties committed to collaborate and coordinate activities between Sierra Leone and Liberia, with U Team SL pledging to convey her message to Sierra Leone’s Ministers of Youth Affairs and Sports.

In a separate engagement, U Team SL visited Her Excellency Josephine Nkrumah, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Monrovia. The Head of Delegation, Madam Watta Koroma stated that their visit to ECOWAS aimed to initiate partnerships, explore opportunities, and seek guidance on registration under the ECOWAS Youth, Sport & Development Centre, to be hosted in Monrovia, Liberia, and the ECOWAS Centre for Gender Development in Dakar, Senegal.

She commended U Team SL as one of the most organized youth groups in the sub-region and encouraged them to promote governance, democracy, and technical skills development. She assured them of ECOWAS’ readiness to collaborate. An Award of Recognition was presented to her for her contributions to regional integration, peace, and prosperity.

The mission also included a condolence visit to former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor, where the delegation extended sympathies on the passing of her son, Charles Philip Taylor, Jr. She commended U Team SL for entrusting female leadership and expressed appreciation for their solidarity during this difficult time.

The diplomatic mission concluded with a dinner engagement hosted by Senator Edwin Snowe, providing an opportunity to reflect on discussions and reaffirm commitments to regional cooperation. U Team SL expressed gratitude for the hospitality and pledged continued partnership.

Upon returning to Sierra Leone, the delegation expressed appreciation to the people and government of Liberia for their warm welcome and support.

The mission underscored U Team SL’s commitment to fostering regional integration and cooperation under its motto, “We Are Stronger Together.” The successful and productive diplomatic mission has paved the way for future collaborations, with both countries looking forward to implementing agreed-upon strategies.

The United Team Sierra Leone (U Team SL) eight-member delegation included: Madam Watta Koroma (Head of Delegation), Mohamed Kallon (Head of Secretariat), Abdulai Jabaty Kanneh (Head of Legal Affairs/Committee Member: Gender, Children, Advocacy and Legal Affairs), David Momoh Koroma (Head of Committee: Education, Communication, Innovation and Technology), Habib Alpha Kamara (Committee Member: Research, Peace and Development), Zainab Massaquoi (Committee Member: Health, Water and Sanitation), Karim Momoh Lamina (Committee Member: Administrative and Finance), and Michaella Hawa Sandy (Speaker, Girls’ Parliament).

WE ARE STRONGER TOGETHER