The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, His Excellency Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba, has clarified the Government of Sierra Leone’s position on the United States visa restrictions, describing the issue as a serious concern to both President Julius Maada Bio and the government, while assuring that sustained diplomatic engagements are ongoing.
Speaking on Truth Media, Minister Kabba noted that although the visa decision rests with the United States as a sovereign nation, Sierra Leone continues to engage US authorities through diplomatic channels in a bid to resolve the matter.
The Foreign Affairs Minister disclosed that about 52 Sierra Leoneans are currently in detention under the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) system and are awaiting deportation. He assured the public that the government is working closely with relevant authorities to facilitate their safe and orderly return to Sierra Leone.
Minister Kabba further confirmed that the United States has requested Sierra Leone to accept third-party nationals as part of ongoing negotiations to lift the full visa restrictions imposed on the country. He emphasized that the government is carefully considering the request and made it clear that any such arrangement would strictly apply only to nationals of West African countries and would be implemented within agreed legal and regional frameworks.
He explained that under the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement, citizens of member states are legally permitted to stay in Sierra Leone for up to 90 days, after which they must either renew their stay in accordance with immigration regulations or return to their home countries.
According to Minister Kabba, this practice is not unique to Sierra Leone, citing Ghana as an example of a country that accepts third-party nationals from within the West African sub-region. He stressed that Sierra Leone would assume full responsibility for any individuals admitted under its documentation.
Referring to the civil war period, the Minister noted that some non-nationals acquired Sierra Leonean passports and later travelled overseas as refugees. He said such individuals would be allowed to return to Sierra Leone based on the documentation they hold, after which they would be expected to make arrangements to return to their countries of origin, a process he said mirrors Ghana’s established practice.
Minister Kabba also used the platform to dismiss speculation surrounding political ambitions, emphasizing that his public engagements are strictly focused on communicating government policies and actions, not on any SLPP flagbearer aspirations. He described himself as a mentee of President Bio and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve.
He added that President Bio remains focused on delivering his national development agenda and is not involved in endorsing any flagbearer. According to him, the President has set a high standard of leadership anchored in integrity, service, and the fear of God—values he said continue to guide his own public service.
The Foreign Affairs Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continued engagement with US authorities, while ensuring that Sierra Leone’s national laws, regional obligations, and sovereignty are fully respected.
