By Ollus Ndomu
May 9, 2024 – Sierra Leone and Russia have initiated discussions aimed at enhancing cooperation in the field of peaceful nuclear energy, with plans including the potential construction of a nuclear power plant in the West African nation, according to official reports.
The announcement of the collaborative initiative came on Tuesday during a news conference held in Moscow, following a meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Sierra Leonean counterpart, Timothy Musa Kabba.
Lavrov confirmed the discussions, highlighting the mutual interest of both countries in exploring opportunities for partnership in the nuclear energy sector.
During the press briefing, Lavrov emphasized Russia’s commitment to bolstering bilateral ties with Sierra Leone, underlining the importance of expanding cooperation in various areas, including energy development.
The prospect of constructing a nuclear power plant in Sierra Leone represents a significant step towards diversifying the country’s energy sources and advancing its socio-economic development goals.
In addition to the discussions on nuclear energy cooperation, Lavrov announced plans to re-open Russia’s embassy in Sierra Leone by the end of the year.
Experts say the move is expected to further strengthen diplomatic relations between the two nations and facilitate enhanced collaboration across various fields of mutual interest.
The potential collaboration between Sierra Leone and Russia in the field of nuclear energy speak to the growing interest among African countries in exploring alternative energy sources to meet their growing electricity demands and drive sustainable development initiatives.
