Sierra Leone's Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay, delivered the keynote address at the 2026 Annual Music Concert Dinner and Dance organised by the North America Mandingo Women Association (NAMWA) in Maryland, United States. The event brought together members and friends of NAMWA to celebrate Mandingo culture and strengthen ties among Mandingo communities in North America and their connections with Africa. Sesay's address focused on promoting unity among Mandingos and the larger African diaspora.
In his keynote address, Sesay stressed the importance of strengthening relationships between the African diaspora and the continent. He highlighted the role such connections can play in promoting unity, development, and shared values among communities. Sesay reflected on the celebration, noting the power of seeing heritage celebrated and brought to life. The annual NAMWA celebration provides an opportunity for Mandingo communities in North America to come together and celebrate their cultural heritage.
The Mandingo, also known as Mandinka or Maninka, are part of the wider Mande cultural group of West Africa. Their history is closely linked to the ancient Mali Empire, and Mandingo communities have long been present across countries including Mali, Guinea, Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Sierra Leone, and Liberia. This cultural heritage was on display at the NAMWA celebration, which aims to promote Mandingo culture and strengthen ties among Mandingo communities.
Sierra Leone's First Lady, Fatima Bio, also attended the celebration, where she promoted Mandingo culture and highlighted the importance of education and empowerment for girls in Sierra Leone and among Sierra Leoneans living in the diaspora. The First Lady has previously spoken about her pride in her Mandingo heritage and the values associated with the culture, including family, community, dignity, resilience, and leadership.
The NAMWA celebration is an important event for Mandingo communities in North America, providing a platform for them to come together and connect with their cultural heritage. The event also highlights the contributions of Mandingo communities to the broader African diaspora. Sesay's address emphasized the need for unity and cooperation among African diaspora communities.
The Attorney General's call for unity among Mandingos and the African diaspora resonated with attendees at the celebration. The event provided a unique opportunity for Mandingo communities to connect with their heritage and with one another. The celebration also underscored the importance of preserving cultural heritage and promoting unity among African diaspora communities.
The NAMWA 2026 Celebration is part of a broader effort to promote African diaspora unity and cooperation. The event highlighted the importance of cultural heritage and the need for African diaspora communities to work together to promote development and shared values. Key stakeholders, including government officials and community leaders, are expected to build on the momentum generated by the celebration.
Key points
- Attorney General Alpha Sesay calls for unity among Mandingos and African diaspora at NAMWA 2026 Celebration.
- The celebration highlights the importance of preserving cultural heritage and promoting unity among African diaspora communities.
- Sierra Leone's First Lady, Fatima Bio, promotes Mandingo culture and girls' education at the celebration.
