Daklala M. Antar Appointed Honorary Consul of Mexico in Sierra Leone
By Kelvin Jay
Daklala M. Antar has been appointed Honorary Consul of Mexico in Sierra Leone, marking a significant milestone in strengthening diplomatic and bilateral ties between the two countries. A member of a family that has lived in Sierra Leone for over a century with a strong reputation for integrity and service, his appointment reflects both personal merit and a longstanding legacy of community contribution.
Presenting the credentials, Mexican Ambassador Norma Ang Sánchez reaffirmed Mexico’s commitment to deepening South-South cooperation and enhancing relations with Sierra Leone. Daklala M. Antar was among five envoys who presented their letters of credence on April 14, 2026.
In his response, President Julius Maada Bio warmly welcomed the envoys and formally accepted their credentials. He reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s cordial and enduring relationships with partner nations, emphasizing that strengthened international partnerships remain essential for advancing national development priorities and promoting shared prosperity.
The ceremony underscores Sierra Leone’s continued commitment to international cooperation, mutual respect, and sustainable development.
The honorary appointment of Daklala M. Antar is widely seen as recognition of the Antar family’s enduring legacy in Sierra Leone. Speaking during the family’s centennial celebrations, Honourable Alhaji Dr. Alpha Kanu reflected on their remarkable history, noting that the family first settled in Port Loko in December 1925 and has since become deeply embedded in the district’s social, cultural, and economic fabric.
He paid tribute to the late family patriarch, Dakhlallah Antar, describing him as a generous humanitarian whose quiet philanthropy impacted countless lives. Recalling stories from his childhood, Dr. Kanu highlighted the patriarch’s consistent support for vulnerable families and communities.
He further noted that at the time of Dakhlallah Antar’s passing in 1966, the entire Port Loko District came to a standstill—including the closure of schools—as a mark of respect and collective mourning, demonstrating the profound connection between the family and the people.
Dr. Kanu also emphasized the family’s deep-rooted ties with various local families through social, ancestral, and marital connections, illustrating how the Antars have become an integral part of Sierra Leonean identity beyond their Lebanese heritage. He added that the family continues to contribute meaningfully through traditional leadership roles, community development, and support during major events.
Welcoming family members who traveled from abroad for the centennial celebration, he encouraged younger generations to uphold the values of unity, generosity, and service that define the Antar legacy. He described the occasion as not just a celebration, but a reflection on a century of belonging and contribution.
He concluded by thanking the President, the First Lady, and dignitaries for honoring the family, noting that the recognition symbolizes the mutual respect between the Antar family and the nation.
Over the years, the Antar family has played a significant role in national development. Their contributions include the completion of the Presidential Pavilion at the Benguema Military Training Camp, the donation of an X-ray machine to the 34 Military Hospital, and the construction of schools at Mile 13. Ongoing projects include a school and mosque at York Village, alongside the provision of mortuary equipment to districts nationwide.
Mexican nationals residing in Sierra Leone are encouraged to contact the Honorary Consulate for registration and inclusion in an official database. Further information on registration will be provided in due course.
