By Musa Paul Feika
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Timothy Musa Kabba, has come under intense public scrutiny following allegations that he facilitated a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) visa for a woman alleged to be his “secret girlfriend,” sparking widespread debate and criticism across social and political circles.
Recently, Minister Timothy Kabba has responded to the allegations circulating on social media that he allegedly facilitated a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) visa for a woman described as his “secret girlfriend.”
Speaking on Truth Radio FM 103.9 in Freetown, in an interview moderated by a journalist, Amadu Lamrana Bah, Minister Kabba denied the claims and clarified that the woman in question was not taken to the UN General Assembly, but rather to the UN Security Council Presidency program.
According to him, the purpose of her trip was to showcase Sierra Leonean cuisine at a food exhibition event for UN Security Council members and guests.
“We were looking for someone who truly knows how to prepare authentic Sierra Leonean dishes. The idea was to present our country’s rich food culture in the best form to the international community,” Minister Kabba Kabba explained.
On the selection process, the Minister Timothy stated that the woman was recommended based on several criteria, revealing that his association with a group called “Goat Kingdom” influenced his recommendation.
When he was confronted by journalist Bah on whether action constituted a conflict of interest, being that he was a member of the aforesaid group in Kenema, Minister Kabba argued that the decision was personal and not an official government directive.
“The government of Sierra Leone did not directly sponsor or facilitate woman’s trip. I personally covered the cost of her travel and bought all the food ingredients by myself in the United States, and ensured that she only went there to cook Sierra Leonean food.” he stressed.
Minister Kabba further emphasized that the woman’s visa was for two weeks, after which she has returned to Sierra Leone and resumed her normal life.
However, journalist Amadu Lamrana Bah questioned the transparency of the process, arguing that the opportunity was not made open to all Sierra Leoneans asking Kabba “If other ministers or heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) will not use their positions to grant visas to their personal acquaintances, emphasizing that it could raise serious accountability issues,” Bah observed.
Responding, Kabba maintained that there was no misuse of taxpayers’ money in the arrangement, reiterating that all expenses came from his personal pocket. He also dismissed claims of favoritism, saying his only intent was to ensure Sierra Leone’s cuisine was well represented at the international stage.
The controversy has sparked public debate on social media and beyond, with many questioning whether government officials should be allowed to use their offices to recommend individuals for international programs without an open competitive process.