Kristina Somolyar

Sierra Leonean-American Chidi Blyden Joins National Board of World Affairs Councils of America

Chidi Blyden, a respected figure in international policy and development, has been appointed to the National Board of Directors of the World Affairs Councils of America (WACA). The announcement was made as WACA welcomed four new board members to begin its new fiscal year.

Blyden joins Col. Susan Seaman Boré (USMC, ret.), Ambassador (ret.) Alina Romanowski, and Angela Weck as part of the board’s latest additions. The organization says the new members will bring fresh insight and leadership as it continues to support and connect over 90 local World Affairs Councils across the United States.

Reacting to the news, Chidi Blyden expressed her appreciation for the appointment and spoke about the importance of the organization’s work.

“I am honored to be a part of the World Affairs Councils of America, an organization dedicated to international policy, education, engagement, and domestic affairs,” she said. “Their commitment to making complex global issues accessible to all is truly commendable.”

Blyden also noted her interest in working with local WACA chapters across the country to help raise awareness on the importance of U.S. state and local governance, Africa’s global relevance, and the role of the Western Hemisphere in shaping international affairs.

The World Affairs Councils of America also used the occasion to thank outgoing board members Mimi Gregory, Mimi Burke, and Maryanne Maldonado for their service and leadership over the years.

WACA is one of the oldest and largest non-partisan, non-profit international affairs organizations in the United States. Through events, discussions, and educational programs, it aims to promote a better understanding of global issues among the American public.

Chidi Blyden is widely known for her work in U.S.-Africa relations and international peacebuilding. Her addition to the board is expected to strengthen WACA’s focus on bridging global conversations with local communities across the U.S.

Three Things You Should Try When You Visit Kenema

A day ago, I had the opportunity to travel to Kenema with the team at Spark Media, a video production company, and Salone Messenger, a news outlet I work for to cover the Presidential Town Hall organized by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education. My role was to support the Spark Media team with content and media coverage while also writing articles and updates about the event for Salone Messenger.

While our main focus was reporting on the Town Hall. The first of its kind to be held outside the capital city, Freetown, I also took time to explore Kenema. During my two-day stay, I made it a point to interact with locals and try new food.
Kenema is a beautiful town, rich in culture, friendliness, and more. Of all the experiences I had, here are three things I think every visitor must try when they visit Kenema:

1. The Goat Meat at Goat Kingdom

This was one of the best highlights of my trip. If you’re in Kenema and you love good food, Goat Kingdom is where you need to go. The goat meat cooked with soap, potato leaf or any sauce gives a different taste. It’s not just about the taste. The Goat Kingdom is know for cooking any sauce with goat. Do not come to the goat Kingdom if you don’t like goat meat. The rice served with goat potato leaves

2. The Jelly – Sweet, Cold, and Refreshing

There’s something about jelly in Kenema that just hits differently. Maybe it’s the hot weather but having jelly here is almost a tradition. Sold by local vendors on the street, this treat is perfect after a long walk or a busy day of filming and reporting like mine. If you’re visiting, don’t skip it. It’s cheap, and refreshing.

3. The People 

One of the most unforgettable parts of my trip was the people of Kenema. From the students participating in the Civic Education Quiz and Debate, to the community leaders and everyday folks I met along the way. Everyone I spoke to was kind, open, and full of pride. Whether you’re asking for directions or just striking up a conversation, Kenema people will welcome you like family.

From Freetown to Delhi: I’m Heading to India for the 2025 Familiarization Tour Sponsored by the Indian Government

I’m incredibly excited and honoured to share some big news with you — I’ve been officially invited by the India High Commission in Sierra Leone to participate in the India Familiarization Tour 2025!

As the Founder and CEO of Salone Messenger, this invitation means a great deal to me personally and professionally. Alongside two amazing fellow content creators — Sarah Kallay, CEO of Sarah Kallay Blog, and Aaron Parker, Editor and Team Lead at Sierra Loaded — I will be representing Sierra Leone on a journey that brings together some of Africa’s most influential digital storytellers.

This all-expenses-paid trip is fully funded by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, through its External Publicity and Public Diplomacy Division and the External Language Media Section. From May 21 to May 29, we’ll be traveling across India, visiting historical landmarks, cultural monuments, and sites of innovation — all while telling stories and building digital bridges between our continents.

We’ll also be joined by creators from Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, DR Congo, Ghana, Liberia, Namibia, Nigeria, São Tomé, South Africa, and Togo — making this a true Pan-African–Indian exchange.

In a conversation I had with Mr. Neeraj K. Saini, Head of Chancery at the Indian High Commission, he expressed deep appreciation for Sierra Leone’s digital creators, saying:

> “The popularity and professionalism of Sierra Leonean social media content creators is commendable. They are doing great work in raising awareness on various important issues.”

He added:

“Our bonding with social media content creators and their familiarization visit to India would strengthen our relations. They may contribute a lot in making local people aware about India and what India is doing for the people of Sierra Leone.”

This trip is not just a visit — it’s a milestone. It’s a chance to explore one of the world’s richest cultures, engage in meaningful exchange, and use our platforms to tell stories that matter. As someone who has always believed in the power of media and storytelling to drive change, this opportunity is both humbling and empowering.

Stay tuned on Salone Messenger and my social media channels as I take you along this unforgettable journey — from the heart of Freetown to the soul of India.