IMC Pays Courtesy Visit to Newly Appointed Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone
IMC Pays Courtesy Visit to Newly Appointed Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone
The Independent Media Commission, led by its Chairman, Joseph Egbenda Kapuwa, on Friday 8th May 2026, paid a courtesy visit to the newly appointed Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Zhao Yong, at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Freetown.
During the visit, Chairman Kapuwa said the purpose of the meeting was threefold: to officially welcome Ambassador Zhao Yong to Sierra Leone, congratulate him on his appointment, and wish him a successful and enjoyable stay in the country.
The Chairman highlighted the strong relationship between the IMC and the Chinese Embassy and thanked the Embassy for its continued support to the Commission over the years. He praised the Embassy for facilitating the training of senior IMC staff in Beijing on Constructive Journalism, also known as Solution Journalism, noting that the knowledge gained from the programme has greatly benefited the Commission.
Chairman Kapuwa informed the Ambassador that the IMC is expected to play an important role during the political and electioneering period leading to the 2028 presidential and parliamentary elections. He explained that media monitoring will be very important during this period. He also informed the Ambassador that the Government of Sierra Leone has approved the recruitment of 16 media monitors across the country.
He appealed for the Embassy’s continued support in areas such as media monitoring equipment, computers for district media monitors, vehicles and motorbikes for regional monitoring operations, and more training opportunities for staff in media regulation and professional development.
In his response, Ambassador Zhao Yong welcomed the IMC delegation to the Chinese Embassy and expressed appreciation for the visit. He said he had previously been in Sierra Leone about 20 years ago and was pleased to return to witness the progress made in the country.
The Ambassador noted that the relationship between Sierra Leone and China has remained strong and productive over the years. He pledged to continue strengthening cooperation between the Chinese Embassy and the IMC, especially in the areas of training and professional exchanges.
Ambassador Zhao Yong also highlighted some of the development projects supported by the Chinese Government in Sierra Leone, including the construction of the fish harbour, solar energy projects, and support to the China-Sierra Leone Friendship Hospital.
He further noted that Sierra Leone and China have enjoyed 55 years of diplomatic relations and cooperation since the establishment of ties on 29 July 1971.
