In an exclusive report by AYV journalist Amadu Lamrana Bah, it has been revealed that the Sierra Leone government is engaged in negotiations with Jerry Torres, a U.S. Army Special Forces veteran, to potentially serve as the National Security Advisor to President Julius Maada Bio.
Jerry Torres, as per his declaration on the U.S. Department of Justice’s Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) website, is listed as a Foreign Agent for Sierra Leone.
His primary responsibility is to ensure clear communication with the U.S. Congress, including both the Senate and the House, to elucidate the facts surrounding the recent presidential elections. These elections, held on June 24th, have faced scrutiny from the U.S. government due to alleged irregularities.
In a notable move, Torres made a visit to Sierra Leone in June 2022, during which he initiated the establishment of the Sierra Leone Police Cyber Security Directorate. His involvement extended to donating equipment and providing training to officers within the department.
Local media sources have also reported his contribution to an ongoing hospital construction project at the 34 Military Hospital, through First Lady Fatima Bio’s “Hands off our Girls” initiative.
While Information Minister Chernor Bah acknowledged the government’s discussions with Mercury Public Affairs, a U.S. PR Firm, he refrained from confirming direct negotiations with Jerry Torres.
However, Bah did acknowledge the potential for ongoing negotiations, citing a focus on enhancing Sierra Leone’s standing at the United Nations Security Council, as well as exploring various business prospects within the United States of America.
