By Amadu Lamrana Bah – AVY News, September 1, 2023

The United States of America Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) has officially confirmed that the progress of its compact development program with Sierra Leone is experiencing delays.

These delays stem from the MCC’s apprehensions regarding the credibility of Sierra Leone’s electoral process held on June 24, 2023.

Responding to an inquiry about the status of the program, the MCC conveyed via email,

“MCC is concerned about the credibility of the electoral process in Sierra Leone, and these concerns have slowed compact development.”

Sierra Leone’s journey with the MCC began with the successful implementation of the US$44.4 million threshold program, leading the MCC Board of Directors to designate the nation eligible for a compact program in 2021. This compact program, amounting to a US$450 million grant spread over five years, was intended to provide substantial support to the country.

In January 2023, Alice Albright, the Chief Executive Officer of MCC, conveyed her message to President Bio through a letter. The contents of this letter informed the President that the Board’s endorsement of any proposed compact would be subject to tangible evidence showcasing the nation’s ongoing commitment to the fundamental principles of democratic governance.

These principles, which constitute the cornerstone of MCC’s eligibility criteria and scorecard, encompass vital aspects such as the fight against corruption and the assurance of free and equitable elections.

Throughout his campaign leading up to the multi-tier elections on June 24th, President Bio consistently emphasized the significance of the MCC Compact. He highlighted his government’s active pursuit of securing the grant, showcasing the administration’s dedication to instituting reforms that tackle corruption, bolster gender empowerment, and foster open expression.

These efforts resonated with international partners, including the United States government, reflecting their confidence and appreciation for Sierra Leone’s strides toward positive change.

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During a State House meeting in February 2023 with Alice Albright, the CEO of MCC, President Bio expressed his gratitude for the strides made toward obtaining MCC approval. He also emphasized the importance of harmonizing priorities for the compact.

Acknowledging the pressing need for energy and the financial challenges confronting the government, President Bio conveyed his appreciation for prioritizing his administration’s proposal. He took the opportunity to underscore the significance of aligning strategic priorities for the compact.

“Given the depth of the need for energy and the budgetary constraints we currently face; I appreciate it if we can prioritize my government’s proposal. So, I want to take this opportunity to ensure that you and I, at the strategic level, have some alignment on the priorities for the compact,” President Bio said.

Nonetheless, recent events following the declaration of his re-election after the June 24 multi-tier elections have cast a shadow over the nation’s aspirations to secure the crucial MCC grant. This grant holds the promise of bolstering the energy and water sectors, which citizens had eagerly anticipated, spurred by assurances from the President during his campaign.

Regrettably, the MCC has communicated that their preliminary intentions to engage in discussions over the proposed compact in Washington, DC, during August, and subsequently present it for Board endorsement in September, have encountered delays.

“In the meantime, MCC is continuing to engage the Government of Sierra Leone in the spirit of partnership that it has built over successive administrations in both the United States and Sierra Leone, to discuss the election-related concerns that have been raised,” the MCC said.

In a correspondence dated July 21, 2023, addressed to Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, Alicia Philip Mandaville, Vice President of the Department of Policy and Evaluation at the MCC, emphasized that the MCC’s Board of Directors and stakeholders within the United States Congress anticipate partner countries to exhibit unwavering dedication to safeguarding democratic rights and conducting multi-party elections that are free, equitable, transparent, and credible.

Mandaville underscored that recent concerns surrounding the integrity of the elections have prompted doubts regarding Sierra Leone’s commitment to these critical criteria. Specifically, the transparency of the tabulation process, anomalies in the election results as declared by the Election Commission of Sierra Leone, and apprehensions about safeguarding fundamental freedoms and civil liberties, including those of election observers, have all come under scrutiny.

“As discussed in our call, concerns about the integrity of the recent elections have called into question Sierra Leone’s commitment to these criteria. Namely, the transparency of the tabulation process, irregularities in the election results announced by the Election Commission of Sierra Leone, and concerns about the protection of fundamental freedoms and civil liberties including those of election observers,” she stated.

While acknowledging the government’s initiatives aimed at addressing these concerns through investigations into the electoral proceedings and fostering public discourse regarding electoral reform and constitutional adherence, Mandaville informed the Vice President that the MCC is compelled to extend the original timeline for initiating compact negotiations in August 2023 and presenting the proposed compact for Board approval in September. This decision stems from the need to attain clarity on the raised concerns.

President Bio in an engagement with civil society leaders after the elections in June while challenging the position of some Election Observer Mission called on citizens to guard against what he referred to as their validation of the country’s elections.

“No international body has any rights. [to interfere with our national politics] We have never done that to the European Union, we have not done that to the United States when they had problems to the point of attacking the Capitol, that’s their democracy, their democracy is with guns. This is our own country, let’s take care of ourselves but it is also not fair and it is unfortunate that some of you out there as civil society keep quiet on certain misrepresentations. We have to take stands for them to respect us, I know them” Bio said.

Regarding matters concerning the elections and tabulation process, the President emphasized that the constitution prescribes the methodology for tabulation. He clarified that neither he nor the Chairman of the Electoral Commission possesses the authority to alter this process. He concluded by stating, “My adherence to the constitution is paramount. I cannot compromise its principles merely because an election observer holds differing opinions.”

Concurrently, Chernor Bah, the Minister of Information and Civic Education, underscored the government’s appreciation for the country’s partnership with the United States and other international allies. As a testament to President Bio’s commitment, he disclosed the initiation of an electoral systems review committee aimed at addressing the raised concerns.

“Sierra Leone and the U.S. enjoy a strong, deep relationship based on values as partners,” he noted.

The MCC also confirmed that they have had ongoing discussions and correspondence with Vice President Jalloh and continue to engage the Government of Sierra Leone to discuss the election-related concerns that have been raised.

In another development, Sarah Van Horne, the Public Affairs Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Freetown clarified that the remarks on the outcome of the elections by David Reimer, the outgoing Ambassador represents the position of the U.S. government and not the reflections of any one individual.

“As stated by the Ambassador in his most recent interview and our previous statement after the election, the United States continues to be concerned about irregularities in the election results announced by the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL).

As a result, we are examining all our government-to-government programs. These conversations are ongoing, and we have nothing new to announce currently,” she said.

Meanwhile, Anthony J. Blinken, Secretary of State of the United States of America has announced a new visa restriction policy for those who he said undermined the democratic process in the June 2023 Sierra Leone election.

He said that under the policy, the United States will pursue visa restrictions for those believed to be responsible for or complicit in undermining democracy in Sierra Leone including through the manipulation or rigging of the electoral process and the intimidation of voters and elections observers.

There has been no official response from the government of Sierra Leone on the visa ban at the time going to press.