Pleased to welcome US Deputy Assistant Secretary for West Africa (DAS) Michael Heath on his first visit to Sierra Leone. DAS Heath underscored the importance of inclusive national dialogue to rebuild confidence in Sierra Leone’s democracy in a meeting with @VPJalloh. MCC Compact can only move forward if there are meaningful democratic and electoral reforms. DAS Heath assured @VPJalloh of U.S. support for ECOWAS leadership in preserving constitutional order in Niger.  Stability in the Sahel depends on the restoration of credible, democratic governance across the region. (Photo: Michael Heath).

Good meeting with Salone’s press corps to stress the importance of free and professional media in a democracy.  Free speech, freedom of the press, and the right to peaceful assembly are key to democracy in Salone. DAS Heath highlighted U.S. commitment to private-sector-led, broad-based economic growth in a meeting with Finance Minister Sheku Bangura. Sustained economic reforms will help attract increased foreign direct investment to improve the lives of all in Salone.

DAS Heath welcomed a close partnership with Salone on the UN Security Council in his meeting with the Acting Foreign Minister.  Upholding international law, and defending sovereignty and territorial integrity means working together to end Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. DAS Heath pressed the importance of constructive opposition participation in national dialogue and national institutions in his meeting with APC Leader  @samurakamara201. Democratic revitalization in Salone should be placed ahead of partisan concerns. ©U.S. Embassy Freetown. (Photo: US Envoy David Hunt meets SLPP Finance Minister Sheku Bangura).

We Want Free, Fair Elections in Sierra Leone – US Govt Reminds Bio Prior to Departing UN

Before Leaving, US Reminds Bio About Free, Fair Elections in Sierra Leone, Africa, World.  U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Engages President Bio on Free and Fair Elections. The US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Mary Catherine “Molly” Phee has disclosed the details of her meeting with Sierra Leone’s President, Julius Maada Bio at the 78^th Session of the UN General Assembly. In a Twitter post, Phee said their Discussion bordered on the promotion of democracy and free and fair elections in Africa. “At UNGA78, I met with President Bio and discussed the need to promote democracy and free and fair elections in West Africa and around the world,” the US Assistant State Secretary for African Affairs said. The United States has been critical of Sierra Leone’s 2023 general elections, expressing concerns regarding the transparency of the election procedures, particularly during the tallying phase.

On August 31, the U.S. State Department imposed visa restrictions on individuals “suspected of undermining Sierra Leone’s democracy,” encompassing activities like vote manipulation or intimidating election monitors. Former U.S. Ambassador to Sierra Leone, David Reimer, in a recent interview also voiced skepticism regarding the election’s authenticity, hinting at potential reevaluations of the United States’ collaborations with Sierra Leone. “The US …would review its government-to-government programs, including a Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) compact grant worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

“In the year or two preceding the compact, we were very clear with the government of Sierra Leone that to get a compact they needed to have a fair, free, open, and transparent election. Sierra Leone had done everything else up to that point to get a compact, given that there are all sorts of questions about the results, we’re taking a look at everything, including the MCC compact.” Reimer said. President Bio in a recent interview alleged that the United States pressured him to intervene during the tallying of votes for the June 24 election in his country.

“At the peak moment of announcing the election results, that’s when issues arose,” commented Bio while addressing an audience at American University in Washington. AFP reports that President Bio emphasized that the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) had diligently carried out all necessary calculations and procedures. “I was now requested to stop them from calling the result by the United States. So, I don’t know who is accusing who of interference.”