By Ellen Samura
The United States government announced today that it plans to invest $1.5 million to support ongoing electoral reforms in Sierra Leone. A press release from the U.S. Embassy in Freetown states that the funding will be channelled through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and will specifically support the implementation of the Agreement for National Unity and to foster citizens participation in the process.
Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. representative to the United Nations, made the announcement during her visit to Sierra Leone. While acknowledging the efforts of government and opposition leaders in implementing the Agreement for National Unity, Amb. Thomas-Greenfield however stressed that “more progress is necessary”.
She highlighted the significance of democracy as a “cornerstone of a free, fair and prosperous society,” underscoring the substantial resources the U.S. government is committing to sustainable electoral reforms in Sierra Leone.
During her visit, Amb. Thomas-Greenfield met with President Julius Maada Bio to discuss Sierra Leone’s ascension to the United Nations Security Council and the government’s commitment to national unity. She also engaged with opposition leaders and stakeholders on promoting peace and national cohesion.
Before departing the shores of Sierra Leone, she visited the Peace Museum, a site preserving the country’s history and memories of the 11-year civil war.
