SHADY MFA DIRECTOR GENERAL ON INDEFINITE LEAVE OF

C O N F I D E N T I A L FREETOWN 000548 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR AF/W (JHUNTER) E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/24/2018 TAGS: PGOV PREL PINR SL SUBJECT: SHADY MFA DIRECTOR GENERAL ON INDEFINITE LEAVE OF ABSENCE Classified By: Ambassador June Carter Perry for reasons 1.4 (b/d) ¶1. (C) Ambassador Umaru Wurie, a career member of Sierra Leone's foreign service, requested a leave of absence for personal reasons from his post as Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) on November 9, effective November 30. No date was given for resumption of duties, and he has already been replaced by the President's Chief of Protocol, Souley Daramy, a high-ranking SLPP member who previously served in the Chief of Protocol position for former President Kabbah. ¶2. (C) Details surrounding Ambassador Wurie's departure are unclear, but sources within the MFA frequently reported animosity between Foreign Minister Zainab Bangura and Wurie. He was known to ignore her directives, including those designed to rein-in abuse of diplomatic privileges, such as inappropriate requests for official visas (Note: Wurie repeatedly called the Embassy's Consular section when visa applications he supported were denied. End Note.). Wurie is also known for his wealth, though the source of that wealth is not apparent. ¶3. (C) Comment: So far, MFA sources have been circumspect regarding whether or not this was a "request" or a dressed-up directive to allow him to save face and encourage a quiet departure. Post will provide further information septel, as it becomes available, and also provide further information on Daramy's surprise appointment. End Comment. PERRY