The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Alhaji Musa Timothy Kabba, has cautioned young people against allowing themselves to be manipulated or “weaponized” by unscrupulous politicians for selfish political interests.
Delivering a public lecture to students of the Department of International Relations, University of Sierra Leone, Fourah Bay College, at the Ministry’s Conference Room, Tower Hill, Freetown, on Thursday, 15th January 2026, Minister Kabba emphasized the dangers of political exploitation of youth.
“Never allow yourself to be weaponized by the political games of people,” the Minister warned.
He cited examples from Madagascar and Kenya, where youth-led protests were allegedly instigated by dishonest politicians.
Recalling events in Kenya last year, Minister Kabba said young people were mobilized to protest a bill meant to be debated in Parliament, noting that illegal funds were used to incite unrest.
“During the process, young people were killed, while the politicians responsible were celebrating themselves,” he stated.
He advised students to always engage government constructively rather than allowing themselves to be used as tools of destruction, stressing that when governments change, the same challenges often persist if institutions are not strengthened.
Minister Kabba encouraged young people to recognize their potential, noting that today’s youth are far more confident and empowered than his generation was at their age.
Reflecting on his personal experience, the Minister revealed that he was captured by rebels at the age of 14 and forced to serve as a child soldier for three years during Sierra Leone’s civil war.
“Those were formative years when children should be playing with toys and developing their skills, not carrying guns,” he said.
He narrated how the trauma followed him even after traveling abroad to study, recalling how the sound of a train near his hostel once triggered panic and fear, reminding him of rebel attacks.
“That is why I am proud that today we are enjoying peace in our country,” he added.
Minister Kabba urged young people to focus on education, innovation, and opportunities rather than destructive politics, reiterating that politicians should not be stereotyped as corrupt or lacking values.
“I am an engineer. I never dreamed of becoming a politician because politics was almost synonymous with corruption and lack of empathy. But that is not always the case. There are people in politics whose lives are defined by strong principles,” he explained.
He disclosed that although he hails from the Eastern Province, he was raised in the Northern Province, stressing the importance of national unity.
“We cannot have a divided country. Strive to make Sierra Leone a better place, and do not allow yourselves to be used,” he urged.
Touching on international affairs, Minister Kabba noted that Ethiopia and Liberia were the only African countries that participated in the first United Nations General Assembly, lamenting Africa’s historical exclusion and calling for stronger continental representation in global decision-making.
The lecture concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, during which students engaged the Minister on diplomacy, governance, and youth participation in national development.