Swaray Calls for Stronger Diaspora Partnership at Maryland Town Hall

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, has called for closer cooperation between the Government and Sierra Leoneans living in the United States.

He made the appeal during a Town Hall meeting held on Thursday, 1 October 2026, at the White Oak Community Center in Maryland. The meeting 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.

Swaray said many of the challenges facing Sierra Leone extend beyond political, regional and ethnic divisions. In his view, collaboration between the Government and the diaspora could help develop practical responses to those challenges.

Visa concerns and consular reforms

The Minister described United States visa restrictions as a national concern, saying they have affected Sierra Leoneans seeking educational opportunities, attending international conferences and visiting relatives.

He told participants that the Sierra Leone Embassy in Washington continues to engage relevant United States authorities on the restrictions. He also said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation is working with the US Embassy in Freetown on outstanding immigration and diplomatic matters.

Swaray announced a pilot programme intended to address difficulties related to visa services, passport renewals and Emergency Travel Certificates. He identified digitization as an important part of planned reforms to consular services, although details on the programme’s design and implementation timeline were not provided.

The Minister also pledged to work with Embassy staff and members of the diaspora to strengthen Sierra Leone’s diplomatic presence, international partnerships and engagement with citizens across the United States.

Investment and overseas expertise

Swaray said Sierra Leone’s diplomatic missions should take a stronger role in attracting credible foreign investment. He said embassies should help profile prospective investors and connect viable business proposals with the relevant ministries and institutions in Sierra Leone.

He further disclosed that the Government is working toward a framework that could allow skilled Sierra Leoneans overseas to volunteer their expertise in support of national development.

While discussing national cohesion, Swaray said President Julius Maada Bio remains committed to promoting unity. The Minister also referred to the recent return of former President Ernest Bai Koroma to Sierra Leone in that context.

Attorney General and Minister of Justice Alpha Sesay attended the meeting and responded to questions concerning dual citizenship, European Union support, land reforms and other legal matters. Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the United States, Amara Sowa, introduced the Foreign Minister, while Dr. Bernadette Sanko moderated the engagement.

Engagement with Embassy staff

Swaray separately met staff of the Sierra Leone Embassy in Washington, D.C., where he emphasized the importance of effective representation and public service.

“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.