Sierra Leone’s Ambassador Amara Sheikh Mohammed Sowa has yesterday 24th, July 2025 presented to President Donald J. Trump, President of United Staes of America his Letter of Accreditation as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Sierra Leone to the United States.
Presenting his Letters of Credence and that of the Recall of his Predecessor, Ambassador Amara Sowa conveyed to President Trump on behalf of His Excellency Rtd. Brigadier President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s best wishes for President Trump’s continued good health and success in improving the lives of the people of America.
In his presentation, Ambassador Sowa recalled the long-standing relationship between Sierra Leone and United States, spanning over a century.
He informed President Trump that Sierra Leone’s connection to United States go beyond the Atlantic Slave Trade, and that many African slaves shipped to the Americas went to the Caribbeans and South America, but most of those from Bunce Island in Sierra Leone were taken to Georgia and South Carolina due to their rice cultivation skills.
His Excellency Ambassador Amara Sowa went on to say that the cultures and traditions brought along by the slaves from Sierra Leone to the United States survived among their descendants, some of whom have traced their roots to Sierra Leone.
His Excellency Ambassador Sowa admonished his audience at the White House that his country’s historical connections to United States have led to the establishment of the excellent relations between the two countries, particularly the Gullah people who are descendants from Sierra Leone, and the story of the Amistad, which Ambassador Sowa said adequately demonstrate the early connections between the peoples of Sierra Leone and United States.
“The Amistad revolt, led by Sengbeh Pieh, was the first human rights case before the U.S. Court, and marked a united front against slavery. President John Quincy Adams, who argued for the slaves’ freedom, is fondly remembered in my country”, Ambassador Sowa noted.
As a member of the United Nations, Sierra Leone and the United States share common goals in promoting international peace, human rights, and development. Ambassador Sowa reiterated that the government of Sierra Leone appreciates the support that was given by the United States during Sierra Leone’s bid for the United Nations Security Council.
“Our Country continue to enjoy excellent collaboration in the Security Council”.
Moreover, Ambassador Sowa mentioned that upon President Bio’s assumption of his second term in office in June 2023, he introduced ambitious policy guidelines to transform Sierra Leone’s economy, which largely borders on boosting agricultural productivity for food security and inclusive economic growth, developing human capital for the 21st century industries, implementing youth employment schemes, revamping public service architecture for efficiency and professionalism, and investing in infrastructure, technology, and digitization.
Ambassador Sowa asserted President Bio’s commitment to fighting corruption and creating a conducive business climate in the country. H. E. Sowa said that on economic diplomacy, Sierra Leone is blessed to have American investors in the country that are thriving, and that the people of Sierra Leone are very grateful to United States for significantly contributing to Sierra Leone’s socio-economic development programs, especially in health and democracy, as well as U.S. financial institutions like DFC and the MCC.
Ambassador Sowa admonished that the administration of President Bio will continue to closely collaborate with the United States for the mutual benefit of both nations.
According to Ambassador Sowa, the government of Sierra Leone is determined to maintain internal and regional security, and welcomes U.S, efforts in combating terrorism, Transnational Organized Crime (TOC), and promoting public safety.
“As I prepare to embark on my diplomatic tour as Ambassador of your beautiful country, I am confident that I will always rely on your support and guidance to make my mission successful”, H.E. Sowa concluded.
The Ambassador of Sierra Leone to the United States was accompanied to the White House by his Wife, Ms. Sowa, keeping with the United States Practice.
