The United States Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield has announced today in Freetown that the U.S. government through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) will provide US$1.5 million to support electoral reforms in Sierra Leone.
Dr. Samura Kamara, leader of the main opposition APC and the 2023 election Presidential candidate, the Deputy Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay, and the Co-Chairs of the Tripartite Committee for Electoral Reforms, Dr. Emmanuel Gaima, Dr. Kaifala Marah, and the UN Resident Representative, Seraphine Wakana were at at the U.S Ambassador’s residence where the announcement was made this evening.
The support will be focused on three key priority areas which are technical assistance, funding for an international and a Sierra Leonean legal analyst, and helping to engage citizens through civil society.
Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield who arrived today in Freetown met with President Julius Maada Bio at State House this evening, and is scheduled to engage in a wide range of bilateral and multilateral issues. She will meet with Government officials, opposition leaders, and the international community to assess the ongoing implementation of the Agreement for National Unity.
She will also visit the Sierra Leone Peace Museum, fostering discussions on shared priorities between Sierra Leone and the United States, including women and youth empowerment, climate change, and health.
Prior to her coming to Sierra Leone, the American Ambassador’s diplomatic journey included Guinea Bissau and Liberia according to a Press Release issued on January 20, 2024 and commenced on January 21 to end on the 26, 2024.
The highlight of her visit includes leading the U.S. Presidential Delegation to the Inauguration of President-elect His Excellency, Joseph Boakai in Liberia. The trip aims to underscore the United States’ commitment to collaborating with the newly elected Liberian Government. It also recognizes the Liberian people for their role in facilitating free, fair, and peaceful elections, marking the country’s second democratic transfer of power since the conclusion of the civil war in 2003.
Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield’s diplomatic tour aligns with the Biden Administration’s objectives for Africa, emphasizing commitments to democracy, the empowerment of women and youth, promotion of regional peace and security, and the advancement of inclusive and sustainable development.
The visit underscores the United States’ dedication to fostering strong diplomatic ties and partnerships with nations across the African continent.
