Freetown, Sierra Leone — The United States Embassy in Freetown has confirmed that Deputy Chief of Mission Jared Yancey will serve as Chargé d’Affaires, taking over leadership of the mission after Ambassador David Bryan Hunt stepped down this week.
According to an embassy statement, Ambassador Hunt’s resignation became effective on September 17, 2025, citing personal and family medical reasons.
Hunt, who arrived in Sierra Leone in September 2023, was praised for his efforts to strengthen diplomatic, economic, and security ties between Washington and Freetown during his two-year tenure.
Yancey, a seasoned career diplomat from Portsmouth, Virginia, brings extensive international and domestic experience to the interim role.
His previous postings include service as a Consular Officer in El Salvador and as Public Affairs Officer at the U.S. Consulate General in Lahore, Pakistan. In Washington, he has worked as Desk Officer for Zambia and Eswatini, Career Development Officer, Speechwriter, and Special Assistant in the Office of the Director of the Foreign Service.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in international studies from Bethune-Cookman University and a master’s in public and international affairs from the University of Pittsburgh.
The U.S. government has not yet announced when a new ambassador will be nominated to replace Hunt.
