Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Guinea, Alimamy Hassan Bangura, has been released from house arrest in Conakry following a nearly three-week detention linked to a high-profile cocaine trafficking investigation involving the Sierra Leonean Embassy.

The diplomatic scandal erupted after Guinean authorities intercepted an official embassy vehicle transporting a significant cache of cocaine, sparking an immediate probe.

The discovery led to Bangura’s confinement as investigators expanded their scrutiny, uncovering $100,000 in cash allegedly tied to the ambassador. The findings intensified suspicions of embassy staff involvement in illicit activities.

Sierra Leone’s Foreign Ministry initially announced Bangura’s recall to Freetown for “consultations,” but the envoy remained detained in Guinea until a high-level delegation, spearheaded by a former Foreign Minister, secured his release through diplomatic negotiations. Bangura’s return to Sierra Leone this week is anticipated to reignite domestic investigations, with lawmakers and civil society groups demanding accountability.

The incident has strained relations between Freetown and Conakry, prompting calls for transparency regarding the embassy’s operations. While Sierra Leonean authorities have remained largely silent, sources indicate internal audits and disciplinary actions may follow.

Pressure mounts on Sierra Leone’s government to address alleged misconduct within its diplomatic corps, with critics accusing officials of downplaying the severity of the incident. As Bangura faces expected questioning, the fallout underscores a deepening crisis that may reshape oversight of embassies in the region.