Freetown, the capital of present-day Sierra Leone, was founded in 1792 by a contingent of over one thousand settlers, including some from Halifax and other areas of Nova Scotia.

These were mostly former slaves from the United States who had sought freedom in the remaining British territories in North America following the American war of independence.

Even today, one can see the influence of the Canadian Maritime provinces in Freetown in the style of construction and the names of streets and businesses.

This affinity is reflected today in the good working relationship, which allows Canada and Sierra Leone to cooperate on a broad spectrum of issues in various forums, including the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission.

DiamondWorks Ltd. partnered with Executive Outcomes to take possession of the Koidu mines from the Revolutionary United Front.