Samura Kamara

Samura Kamara
Born	(1951-04-30) April 30, 1951 Kamalo, Karene District, Sierra Leone
Occupation(s)	Economist, Politician
Years active	1994–present
Known for	Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (2012–2017); Minister of Finance and Economic Development (2009–2013); Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone (2007–2009); APC presidential candidate in 2018 and 2023 elections

Dr. Samura Mathew Wilson Kamara (born 30 April 1951) is a prominent economist and political figure from Sierra Leone. He represented the All Peoples Congress (APC) as their presidential candidate in both the 2018 and 2023 elections. Kamara's governmental experience includes serving as Sierra Leone's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation between 2012 and 2017, as well as holding the office of Minister of Finance and Economic Development from 2009 until 2013. Prior to these roles, he was Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone from 2007 to 2009. During President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah’s tenure, Kamara also fulfilled duties as Financial Secretary within the Ministry of Finance.

Early life and education

Born in Kamalo, located in Karene District of Sierra Leone’s North-Western Province during British colonial rule, Samura Mathew Wilson Kamara belongs to the Themne ethnic group. His father, Pa Gibril Kamara, originated from Maworrko village near Rothuk and Magbanktha in Port Loko District, while his mother, Ya Bomporro Kamara (née Kanu), comes from Kamalo in Sanda Loko Chiefdom, Karene District.

Kamara’s foundational education was completed at UCC in Bo, followed by attendance at Saint Edwards Secondary School in Freetown, where he was known for playing as a football goalkeeper. He earned a bachelor's degree in Economics from Fourah Bay College in 1972 and later obtained a PhD in Development Economics from Bangor University in Wales, UK, awarded in 1986.

Career

In 1994, Kamara took on the role of Programme Manager for the World Bank’s Structural Support Programme in Sierra Leone. He also served as Financial Secretary, overseeing international donor funds that accounted for more than seventy-five percent of the government’s non-military income. After Julius Maada Bio’s coup in January 1996, Kamara was appointed Secretary of State for Finance.

During Ernest Bai Koroma’s APC government, Kamara occupied several significant positions including Financial Secretary, Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone, Minister of Finance, and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. He consistently chaired meetings for the African Caucus constituency and led ministerial sessions for the African Union’s C10 committee focused on United Nations reform. Moreover, he presided over the AU Candidatures Committee and served multiple terms as Chair of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union.

At present, Kamara heads Africa’s ministerial team negotiating reforms within the United Nations framework.

SLPP’s commission of inquiry

Shortly after assuming office in 2018, President Julius Maada Bio’s administration initiated Commissions of Inquiry (COI) aimed at scrutinizing the conduct of former All People’s Congress (APC) officials from November 2007 through April 2018. More than 300 senior members linked to the Koroma administration, including Kamara, faced allegations. Nevertheless, Honourable Justice John Rosolu Bankole Thompson, who led Commission Number 2, condemned the Bio government for extending the COI's scope beyond its authorized legal limits.

APC party leadership contest

In 2020, the All People's Congress (APC) declared plans for a convention aimed at selecting a new leader to oppose President Julius Maada Bio in the upcoming 2023 elections. Kamara, who had previously run against Bio in 2018, entered the race as one of seven candidates vying for the APC leadership. He was appointed as the APC Flag Bearer in 2018 by then-outgoing president and party chairman Ernest Koroma—a choice that sparked dissatisfaction among numerous APC supporters. The APC was ultimately defeated by the SLPP in that election cycle. In December 2023, an arrest warrant was issued by Sierra Leone’s Court of Appeal for Kamara, pertaining to accusations connected to the sale of shares in a mining company during his period as finance minister.

Personal life

Kamara is married to Mrs. Elizabeth Massah Kamara (née Rogers), who hails from Pujehun District in the Southern Province. Her maternal lineage traces back to Masam Kpaka, while her paternal roots are from Blama Massaquoi.

See also

• List of foreign ministers in 2017
• List of current foreign ministers