The United States Deputy Assistant Secretary for West Africa in the Bureau of African Affairs, Michael Heath, has debunked President Bio’s claims that the U.S. government asked him to interfere with the announcement of the June 24 election results. In a roundtable discussion with journalists in Freetown, Heath clarified that they did not request any actions that would impact the outcome of the elections. He however acknowledged that there were concerns about the electoral process, and as observers, they advised the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) to engage with election observers to address these concerns.
“The president is entitled to his views, but we did not ask him to take action that will affect the outcome of the elections,” Secretary Heath said.
Regarding President Bio’s allegations of the U.S. government calling for a coup in the country, Secretary Heath disagreed with the president’s folly interpretation of their concerns about the election. He clarified that the U.S. government is supporting a mediated dialogue between the government and the opposition, which will culminate in crucial electoral reforms.
The new U.S. Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Bryan Hunt, also highlighted the progress made in rebuilding the strained relationship between Sierra Leone and the United States since the elections.
While the specifics of the visa restrictions imposed by the U.S. government remain confidential, Secretary Heath noted that they are indefinite. Moving forward, the U.S. government emphasizes the need for progress in Sierra Leone’s democratic front and the government’s credibility, both locally and internationally.
