AYV News, September 7, 2023
Press Secretary, Solomon Jamiru has said the Government of Sierra Leone is committed to engage in dialogue with the United States Government on the issue of the slamming of visa restrictions on persons that the US believes undermined the democratic process in Sierra Leone.
Mr. Jamiru conveyed their concern and disagreement with what they deemed an unfair characterization, while emphasising that significant efforts have been made to enhance governance and ensure the protection of civil and political liberties, as well as the delivery of essential services to the people.
He said the recently held multi-tier elections on June 24 were widely acclaimed as the most peaceful in the post-conflict history of the country, further asserting that the polls were free, fair, and transparent.
He said the information was not specific enough, making it challenging to properly evaluate the allegations expressing a desire for clarification on areas that need further understanding, such as instances of electoral fraud, subversion of the democratic process, and threats to Sierra Leone’s peace and democracy.
The Press Secretary pointed out that the election outcome, in which President Julius Maada Bio won with 56% of the total valid votes cast, was deemed legitimate according to the constitution and relevant electoral regulations.
He reiterated that the Government remains committed to engaging in dialogue with the United States Government to address concerns, seek clarification, and resolve any misunderstandings.
State Department spokeswoman, Sarah Van Horne, Head of Public Affairs at the US Embassy in Freetown, commented on 1st September, 2023 that the United States is contemplating additional actions beyond visa restrictions in response to allegations of electoral malpractice in Sierra Leone. She further emphasised the US commitment to upholding democracy in Sierra Leone.
Both developments came on the heels of a recent policy announcement by US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, targeting officials suspected of manipulating the results of the June 2023 elections and engaging in voter intimidation and threats against Election Observers and Civil Society activists.
Van Horne clarified that the US Government’s position remains consistent, expressing concerns about the electoral process and vote tabulation. She stated that the new actions are in line with their commitment to ensuring transparency in the electoral process.
However, the spokesperson did not disclose the names of individuals targeted by the sanctions, citing the US Government’s policy of not revealing the visa status of individuals.
Van Horne stressed that these measures were not aimed at the Sierra Leonean people themselves, highlighting the US’s continued commitment to supporting democracy in the country.
