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Amidst the 37th African Union summit in Addis Ababa, Algeria undertook diplomatic efforts to influence Sierra Leone's position on Western Sahara.
On February 19th, the foreign ministers of Algeria, Mozambique, and Sierra Leone - all non-permanent Security Council members - met to discuss strategies for «preserving the momentum of common African action for just causes», specifically including «decolonization of Western Sahara», according to Algerian diplomatic sources.
Later that day, Algerian Foreign Minister met Sierra Leone's Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh. The meeting was said to address strengthening bilateral relations, following Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio's visit to Algeria in January. Bio's visit was preceded by a trip by Sierra Leone's Chief of Defense Staff, General Peter Kakowou.
It is noteworthy that Sierra Leone recognizes Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara and established a consulate general in Dakhla in August 2021. Furthermore, Foreign Minister Timothy Musa Kabba affirmed his country's \relentless support» for Morocco's territorial integrity in September 2023.
During the October 30th Security Council vote extending MINURSO's mandate, Sierra Leone voted in favor, while Mozambique, which recognizes the so-called «SADR», abstained alongside Russia.
Against the backdrop of setbacks in the Sahel region, Algeria appears to be seeking diplomatic victories, and Sierra Leone's position presents a potential target.
