The New United States Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Bryan David Hunt has made commitment to closely working with the Government of Sierra Leone towards achieving a more democratic and inclusive society.
His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio received His Excellency Hunt at his State House Office.
President Bio said: “Today, I received the credential of the Ambassador-designate of the United States of America, Bryan David Hunt.
“Sierra Leone and the US enjoy a long-standing friendship of over 60 years, built on mutual respect, trust and benefits.
“Ambassador Hunt and I discussed strategies for deepening cooperation, including health service delivery, democracy and governance, and economic growth.
“Ambassador Hunt’s extensive experience as a policymaker and his familiarity with African issues make him well-qualified to serve as Ambassador to the Republic of Sierra Leone. We look forward to strengthening our strategic partnership and mutually beneficial cooperation”.
Ambassador Hunt will continue the long-standing mutually beneficial relationship of 60 years between Sierra Leone and the USA. President Bio has released an official document solidifying this new appointment.
Bryan David Hunt was publicly sworn-in as the Ambassador of the United States of America to the Republic of Sierra Leone on August 23, 2023. Prior to his current appointment, Ambassador Hunt served as Senior Foreign Policy Advisor to the U.S. Transportation Command from July 2022 to July 2023.
He served as Office Director for South Sudan and Sudan in the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs from August 2019 to July 2022 and concurrently as the Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Africa and the Sudans from January 2021 to October 2021.
Ambassador Hunt previously served as Deputy Chief of Mission at the American Embassy in Maputo, Mozambique from August 2016 to July 2019; Deputy Chief of Mission at the American Embassy in Georgetown, Guyana from August 2013 to July 2016, where in addition to bilateral responsibilities he was accredited to the Caribbean Community; and as Deputy Chief of Mission at the American Embassy in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea from July 2011 to July 2013, handling bilateral relations with the countries of Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. He also served as Principal Officer at the American Consulate in Lahore, Pakistan from July 2006 to July 2009.
A career member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister Counselor, Ambassador Hunt’s previous overseas assignments include Counselor for Political Affairs at the American Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan (July 2009 – October 2010); Political Officer at the American Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan (August 2004 – July 2006); Political Officer at the American Embassy in Maputo, Mozambique (August 2000 – August 2002); Consular and Commercial Officer at the American Embassy in Gaborone, Botswana (September 1998 – August 2000); and Political, Economic, and Consular Officer at the American Embassy in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau (September 1996 – June 1998).
Ambassador Hunt’s additional domestic assignments include as Deputy Director for Regional and Security Affairs in the Department of State’s Africa Bureau (October 2010 to July 2011) and as Desk Officer for Angola in the Department of State’s Africa Bureau (September 2002 – August 2004).
A native of Newport News, Virginia, Mr. Hunt holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies from the American University School of International Service. He was doing graduate work in international development at the Elliot School of Foreign Affairs at George Washington University at the time when he joined the Foreign Service.
Mr. Hunt speaks Portuguese, as well as limited German and Urdu. He has received the State Department’s Distinguished Honor Award, Superior Honor Award, Meritorious Honor Award, and Franklin Award; the U.S. Coast Guard’s Meritorious Public Service Award; and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff’s Distinguished Civilian Service Award.
