Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08FREETOWN548
2008-11-24 10:43:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Freetown
Cable title:
SHADY MFA DIRECTOR GENERAL ON INDEFINITE LEAVE OF
how-toVZCZCXRO7796 RR RUEHPA DE RUEHFN #0548 3291043 ZNY CCCCC ZZH R 241043Z NOV 08 FM AMEMBASSY FREETOWN TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 2310 INFO RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE
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)
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he has already been replaced by the President's Chief of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
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