Sierra Leone's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, has called on Sierra Leoneans in the United States to strengthen their collaboration with the government to address national challenges. He made this appeal at a Town Hall meeting held on October 1, 2026, at the White Oak Community Center in Maryland. The meeting was organised by the Embassy of Sierra Leone in Washington, D.C., and Berny's Hope Foundation-USA. Swaray emphasised that the nation's challenges are multifaceted and require a collective effort to resolve.
During the meeting, Swaray outlined plans to enhance consular services, boost diplomatic representation, and utilise diaspora expertise for national development. He expressed gratitude for the support from Sierra Leoneans living abroad and highlighted that the nation's challenges cut across political, regional, and ethnic lines. The Minister stressed that cooperation between the government and the diaspora could lead to practical solutions. He also encouraged the diaspora to look beyond the political aspects of US visa restrictions affecting Sierra Leoneans.
Swaray noted that the US visa restrictions hinder Sierra Leoneans from pursuing educational opportunities, attending conferences, and visiting family. He reassured attendees that the Embassy continues to work with US authorities to resolve immigration and diplomatic issues. The Ministry is also collaborating with the US Embassy in Freetown to address these issues. Swaray encouraged the community to engage with their Congressional representatives to lobby on matters impacting Sierra Leone.
The Minister reaffirmed President Julius Maada Bio's commitment to national unity, referencing the recent return of former President Ernest Bai Koroma. He emphasised that fostering national cohesion requires contributions from Sierra Leoneans both domestically and abroad. Swaray's engagement with the Sierra Leonean community in the US focuses on diaspora expertise and investment opportunities. He highlighted the importance of cooperation between the government and the diaspora.
Swaray detailed his 100-day agenda, which includes plans for improvements in services to Sierra Leoneans overseas. A pilot programme aims to streamline visa applications and passport renewals. He described the digitisation of consular services as key to reducing the burden on citizens living far from diplomatic missions. The Minister encouraged registration with embassies for emergency support and reiterated the necessity for professionalism and accountability within the Ministry.
Swaray advocated for Sierra Leone's diplomatic missions to actively attract foreign investment by connecting potential investors with relevant ministries in Sierra Leone. He also called for greater diaspora involvement in improving conditions at overseas missions. The Minister announced plans to create a framework for skilled Sierra Leoneans abroad to volunteer their expertise for national development. Attorney General Alpha Sesay and Ambassador Amara Sowa were present at the meeting.
The meeting addressed questions about dual citizenship, EU support, land reforms, and other legal matters raised by the diaspora community. In closing, Swaray thanked embassy staff and the diaspora for their participation, promising to collaborate to enhance Sierra Leone's diplomatic presence and engagement with citizens in the United States. Key officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were also present at the meeting.
Key points
- Sierra Leone's Foreign Minister Mohamed Rahman Swaray urges diaspora to collaborate with government to tackle national challenges
- Swaray outlines plans to enhance consular services, boost diplomatic representation, and utilise diaspora expertise
- The Minister details his 100-day agenda, including improvements in services to Sierra Leoneans overseas
