Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Timothy Musa Kabba, has confirmed that Abubakarr Sillah, an Assistant Director of Labour and Employment at the Ministry of Labour, has disappeared in the United States after travelling for an official assignment—an incident that government sources say reinforces the concerns that prompted recent U.S. visa restrictions against Sierra Leonean nationals.

Sillah departed Sierra Leone on 8th August 2025 after being issued a U.S. visa to participate in the Diaspora Investment Conference held in Maryland. However, months after the event concluded, he has reportedly failed to return and has not communicated formally with the Ministry.

According to officials, his unexplained disappearance mirrors the very breaches of travel and immigration compliance that the United States cited when it suspended certain visa categories for Sierra Leonean applicants. The U.S. decision followed concerns about individuals overstaying visas or abandoning official missions.

Foreign Minister Kabba acknowledged the situation, describing it as “deeply concerning” and confirming ongoing diplomatic engagements with American authorities.

“We are relentlessly working behind the scenes with the U.S. Embassy in Freetown to resolve this matter,” he stated, noting that the government is committed to upholding international travel protocols and restoring confidence with partners.

The incident has sparked renewed scrutiny of government delegations travelling abroad and is expected to intensify internal calls for stricter vetting and accountability mechanisms within ministries and departments.