Sierra Leone Foreign Minister Calls for Stronger Diaspora Partnership in US

Sierra Leone’s Foreign Minister Mohamed Rahman Swaray has called for closer cooperation between the Government and Sierra Leoneans in the United States, saying diaspora expertise and advocacy could support national development.

Swaray made the appeal during a Town Hall meeting held on Thursday, 1 October 2026, at the White Oak Community Center in Maryland. The event was jointly organized by the Embassy of Sierra Leone in Washington, D.C., and Berny’s Hope Foundation-USA as part of the minister’s engagements with Sierra Leoneans in the United States.

Consular reforms and visa concerns

The discussions covered visa restrictions, consular services, diplomatic representation and investment promotion. Swaray said US visa restrictions had affected Sierra Leoneans seeking educational opportunities, attending international conferences and visiting relatives.

He said the Sierra Leonean embassy in Washington was engaging relevant US authorities, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation was working with the United States Embassy in Freetown on outstanding immigration and diplomatic matters.

The minister also referred to a planned pilot programme intended to address difficulties involving visa services, passport renewals and Emergency Travel Certificates. Digitization is expected to form part of the consular reforms, with the aim of reducing the need for applicants to travel long distances to diplomatic missions. The meeting did not provide details on the programme’s implementation date, scope or operating arrangements.

Swaray encouraged Sierra Leoneans in the United States to engage their representatives in the US Congress, saying constructive diaspora advocacy could complement the Government’s diplomatic efforts.

Diaspora expertise and investment

The minister said the Government was working toward a framework that could allow skilled Sierra Leoneans overseas to volunteer their expertise for national development. Details of the proposed framework were not provided.

He also said Sierra Leone’s diplomatic missions should take a stronger role in attracting credible foreign investment. Under the approach outlined, embassies would profile prospective investors and connect viable proposals with relevant ministries and institutions.

On national cohesion, Swaray said President Julius Maada Bio remained committed to promoting national unity. He added that many challenges facing Sierra Leone cut across political, regional and ethnic differences, and that cooperation with the diaspora could help produce practical solutions.

Officials at the engagement

Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the United States, Amara Sowa, introduced the Foreign Minister. Dr. Bernadette Sanko, Chief Executive Officer of Berny’s Hope Foundation, moderated the engagement.

Attorney General and Minister of Justice Alpha Sesay responded to questions on dual citizenship, European Union support, land reforms and other legal matters. Also present were Alan Logan, Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; Momodu Wurie, Deputy Director General for Policy; Mariama Jalloh, Director of Consular Services; and staff of the Sierra Leone Embassy in Washington.

During a separate engagement with embassy staff, Swaray said diplomatic missions should maintain high standards in their work. “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,” he said.

He pledged to work with embassy staff and diaspora members to strengthen Sierra Leone’s diplomatic presence, international partnerships and engagement with citizens across the United States.