By Sallieu S. Kanu
United States will pursue visa restrictions for persons believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining democracy in Sierra Leone, including through the manipulation or rigging of the electoral process; intimidation of voters, election observers, or civil society organizations through threats or acts of physical violence; or the abuse or violation of related human rights in Sierra Leone, US Secretary of State said in a statement on Thursday.
Antony J. Blinken said, “The visa restriction policy announced today will apply to specific individuals and is not directed at the Sierra Leonean people.”
Following the visa restriction policy, the Press Secretary, Office of the President, said that the government of Sierra Leone will continue to engage the US authorities to see how this decision could be revised.
Solomon Jamiru said, “We have comprehensively engaged. We will use this situation to engage and ensure that this decision is revised. It will not stop us from engaging even further.”
The press secretary told Radio Democracy on Friday that, the travel restriction does not reflect the admissible account on ground. He pointed out that the June 24 election was the most peaceful in post war Sierra Leone and was validated by many regional and international bodies whiles emphasizing that the outcome was legitimate.
The press secretary said that Sierra Leone has electoral laws, competent and trustworthy individuals and competent institutions including the election management body to deliver credible elections.
He said If there are issues around the elections, the president has set up election review committee to look into the issues.
Blinken said the visa restriction policy reflects the commitment of the United States to support Sierra Leoneans’ aspirations to have free and fair elections that demonstrate the will of the people and strengthen democracy and the rule of law.
Sarah Van Horne, the head of Public Affairs, US Embassy in Freetown, said the United States is considering further actions beyond just visa restrictions against people deemed responsible for elections related malpractices in Sierra Leone.
She told a news conference in Freetown on Friday that the United States is still concerned about the election process and vote tabulation.
The main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) party rejected the results of the national election won by President Julius Maada Bio, citing “glaring irregularities”, and called for a rerun of the June 24 poll.
Bio was re-elected for a second term with 56% of the vote, narrowly avoiding a run-off against main rival Samura Kamara.
Kamara has questioned the official tally, while European election observers noted statistical inconsistencies.
In its first official statement on the full results, the APC said it rejected the outcome “given the glaring irregularities and violations of established electoral procedures.”
The APC also demanded the resignation of election commission officials, a rerun of presidential and parliamentary elections within six months.
The Party vowed not to part in the governance of the country/