AYV News, October 6, 2026
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, has called on Sierra Leoneans in the United States to strengthen their partnership with the Government in addressing national challenges, while announcing planned reforms to improve consular services and increase diaspora participation in national development.
The Minister made the call during a Town Hall meeting held at the White Oak Community Center in Maryland. The engagement was jointly organized by the Embassy of Sierra Leone in Washington, D.C., and Berny’s Hope Foundation-USA.
The meeting formed part of Minister Swaray’sengagements with Sierra Leoneans in the United States, with discussions focusing on diaspora expertise, investment, professional networks, consular services and diplomatic representation.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Swaray thanked Sierra Leoneans abroad for their continued support to the country and said many of the challenges confronting Sierra Leone transcend political, regional and ethnic differences.
He maintained that stronger collaboration between the Government and the diaspora could help generate practical solutions to national challenges.
The Foreign Minister also addressed concerns over US visa restrictions affecting Sierra Leonean nationals, describing the matter as a national concern.
He said the restrictions have affected Sierra Leoneans seeking educational opportunities, attending international conferences and travelling to visit relatives in the United States.
Minister Swaray assured the gathering that the Sierra Leone Embassy in Washington, D.C., continues to engage relevant US authorities, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation is working with the US Embassy in Freetown on outstanding immigration and diplomatic matters.
He encouraged Sierra Leoneans in the US to engage their representatives in Congress on issues affecting Sierra Leone, saying constructive diaspora advocacy could complement the Government’s diplomatic efforts.
The Minister outlined elements of his 100-day agenda at the Ministry, with particular emphasis on improving services for Sierra Leoneans living abroad.
He disclosed plans for a pilot programme aimed at addressing challenges associated with visa services, passport renewals and the issuance of Emergency Travel Certificates.
According to Minister Swaray, digitization will be central to the reforms and could reduce the need for Sierra Leoneans living far from diplomatic missions to travel long distances to access basic consular services.
He also encouraged Sierra Leoneans abroad to register with their nearest embassy or diplomatic mission to facilitate assistance during emergencies.
“Professionalism, accountability and effective service to our citizens must remain at the heart of that work, alongside advancing Sierra Leone’s economic and diplomatic interests,” the Minister said during a separate engagement with staff of the Sierra Leone Embassy in Washington, D.C.
Minister Swaray also called for greater use of the skills and expertise of Sierra Leoneans living abroad.
He said the Government is working towards a framework that could enable skilled Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora to volunteer their professional expertise in support of national development.
He further urged Sierra Leone’s diplomatic missions to play a stronger role in attracting credible foreign investment by profiling prospective investors and connecting viable business proposals with relevant ministries and institutions in Sierra Leone.
The Minister also appealed for diaspora support in addressing challenges affecting Sierra Leone’s overseas missions, including the condition of government-owned properties abroad.
On national cohesion, Minister Swaray said President Julius Maada Bio remains committed to promoting national unity.
He referenced the recent return of former President Ernest Bai Koroma to Sierra Leone, saying national cohesion requires contributions from citizens both at home and abroad.
Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay, who also attended the Town Hall, responded to questions from members of the diaspora on dual citizenship, European Union support, land reforms and other legal matters.
The meeting was attended by Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the United States, H.E. Amara Sowa, who introduced the Foreign Minister. The Chief Executive Officer of Berny’s Hope Foundation, Dr. Bernadette Sanko, moderated the engagement.
Also present were Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Alan Logan; Deputy Director General for Policy, MomoduWurie; and Director of Consular Services, Mariama Jalloh.
Concluding his engagements, Minister Swaray thanked Embassy staff and members of the Sierra Leonean diaspora for their participation and pledged to work with them to strengthen Sierra Leone’s diplomatic presence, international partnerships and engagement with citizens across the United States.
