The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr. Musa Timothy Kabba, has 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.

Speaking to Truth Media, Minister Kabba said the Government of Sierra Leone is considering the request, emphasizing that any such arrangement would apply only to nationals of West African countries and would be implemented strictly under the country’s refugee laws.

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. At the end of that period, individuals may either renew their stay in line with immigration regulations or return to their home countries.

Minister Kabba noted that this approach is not unique to Sierra Leone, citing Ghana as an example of a country that accepts third-party nationals from within West Africa. He emphasized that Sierra Leone would take full responsibility for any individuals admitted under its documentation.

Referring to the civil war period, the Minister said that some non-nationals acquired Sierra Leonean passports and later traveled overseas as refugees. He stated that such individuals would be allowed to return to Sierra Leone based on the documentation they hold and would subsequently be expected to make arrangements to return to their original countries—a process he said mirrors Ghana’s practice.

In addition, Minister Kabba 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 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.