Sierra Leone–United States relations

Sierra Leone – United States relations are bilateral relations between Sierra Leone and the United States.

History[edit]

U.S. relations with Sierra Leone began with missionary activities in the 19th century. In 1959, the U.S. opened a consulate in Freetown and elevated it to embassy status when Sierra Leone became independent in 1961. U.S.-Sierra Leone relations today are cordial, with ethnic ties between groups in the two countries receiving increasing historical interest. Many thousands of Sierra Leoneans reside in the United States. The United States recognized Sierra Leone's independence from the United Kingdom on April 27, 1961.^[1] Diplomatic relations were initiated on the same day, with the elevation of the existing American Consulate General in Freetown to Embassy status. Herbert Reiner Jr. served as the Chargé d'Affaires ad interim.^[1]

The U.S. engagement in Sierra Leone has been intertwined with efforts to foster peace, particularly during the Sierra Leone Civil War from 1991 to 2002. The United States has been actively involved in international endeavors to halt the civil war and prevent the illicit trade of diamonds originating from Sierra Leone.^[1]

The outbreak of the Ebola epidemic in May 2014 overwhelmed the country's medical infrastructure until containment was declared in November 2015. The Sierra Leonean government initiated a comprehensive recovery plan, with considerable international support, including from the United States.^[2]^[3] In 2023, the U.S. announced a $450,000 grant to preserve an old Fourah Bay College building.^[4]

In fiscal year 2006, total U.S. bilateral aid to Sierra Leone in all categories was $29.538 million. U.S. assistance focused on the consolidation of peace, democracy and human rights, health education, particularly combating HIV/AIDS, and human resources development.

As of September 2023, the United States Ambassador to Sierra Leone is Bryan David Hunt. Sierra Leone's Ambassador to the United States is H. E. Bockari Kortu Stevens and the Sierra Leone embassy is located in Washington.^[5]