Turkish Embassy, Aberdeen, Freetown, Thursday, May 21 2026 – The Director General of the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), John Vandy Rogers, together with a cross-section of senior staff of the agency, paid a courtesy visit to the Turkish Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Yusuf Burak Rende, at the Turkish Embassy office located at Dream Atlantic Garden Villas, 54 Lumley Beach Road, Aberdeen, Freetown.
The NDMA delegation included Deputy Director General, Sulaiman B. Sowa; Director of Communication, Mohamed L. Bah; Director of Human Resources and Administration, Paul Thomas; and Senior Disaster Officer, Nyandavo Samuka.
The purpose of the visit was to engage the ambassador and solicit urgent support following the devastating windstorm in Gandorhun Town and surrounding communities in Mongor Section, Gbane Chiefdom, Kono District, which destroyed approximately 149 dwelling houses, displaced over 900 people, injured several residents, and severely affected educational facilities, public infrastructure, and livelihoods.
Introducing the delegation, Director of Communication Mohamed L. Bah highlighted the agency’s continued commitment to responding swiftly to disasters affecting vulnerable communities across the country.
Director General John Vandy Rogers briefed Ambassador Rende and embassy officials on the extent of the destruction caused by the windstorm and the urgent humanitarian needs of the affected population.
“We are here today to strengthen collaboration and appeal for support for our brothers and sisters in Kono who have been severely affected by this unfortunate disaster. More than 900 people have been displaced, families have lost their homes, and there is an urgent need for shelter, food supplies, and other relief assistance. We appreciate the longstanding friendship between Sierra Leone and Türkiye and believe this partnership can greatly help alleviate the suffering of the victims.” DG Rogers said.
DG Rogers also commended the Turkish Government and humanitarian partners for their continued support to Sierra Leone in times of need.
In his remarks, NDMA’s Deputy Director General, Sulaiman B. Sowa emphasized the importance of international cooperation in disaster response efforts.
“Partnerships like these are critical in ensuring timely humanitarian assistance reaches affected communities,” DDG Sowa stated.
Responding, Ambassador Yusuf Burak Rende warmly welcomed the NDMA team and reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s development and humanitarian efforts.
“Türkiye will continue to stand with Sierra Leone, especially during challenging moments such as this. We appreciate the tremendous work being done by the NDMA under the leadership of Director General John Vandy Rogers in responding to disasters and protecting vulnerable communities.” ” Ambassador Rende said.
The ambassador further disclosed that the Turkish Embassy, together with the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), would meet to explore possible interventions with a view to supporting the affected victims in Kono.
“We will engage TİKA and examine ways in which we can contribute meaningfully to support the victims of the windstorm disaster,” he added.
Deputy Director General Sulaiman B. Sowa concluded the engagement by assuring the ambassador of the NDMA’s commitment to working closely with the Turkish Embassy on the necessary modalities to ensure a prompt humanitarian response to the windstorm victims in Kono.
For More Enquiries:
Directorate of Communications
Toll-free line: 1199 (all networks)
Email: mohamedIbah@ndma.gov.sl
