Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
Foreign Minister Alfred Nzo today met with his counterpart form Sierra Leone, Dr Shama Banya, in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso and committed South Africa to establishing diplomatic relations with that country, following the re-installation of the democratically elected government of President Ahmed Tejan Kabbah.
Minister Nzo, who met his counterpart during the OAU Ministerial meeting in Ouagadougou, assured the Government of Sierra Leone that South Africa, as one of the first countries to have condemned the take-over by the illegal military junta in May last year, would steadfastly support the government of President Kabbah. "Let it be a signal to others that Africa will continue to reject the illegal seizure of power from governments who have been democratically elected", Minister Nzo said.
Minister Nzo confirmed that South Africa would establish diplomatic relations with Sierra Leone as soon as the necessary formalities had been completed.
In addition, Minister Nzo committed South Africa to providing some form of humanitarian assistance to the people of Sierra Leone once the government had provided him with an assessment of its immediate needs. "It is important that we, as a fellow African country, demonstrate our solidarity with the people of Sierra Leone in a tangible and meaningful way."
Minister Nzo also extended an invitation to Minister Banya to visit South Africa at a mutually convenient date.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PRETORIA 4 JUNE 1998