Sierra Leone Chief Minister Leads Critical Effort to Secure U.S. Congressional Approval for MCC Compact Program

Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister, Moinina David Sengeh, alongside senior government officials, is set to meet with key Congressional staff in Washington, D.C., in a vital lobbying effort aimed at securing the U.S. Congress’s approval for the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact Program. The program, which represents a significant US$480 million grant primarily focused on strengthening Sierra Leone’s energy sector, has encountered delays since July due to a Congressional hold on approval.


The Sierra Leone government is committed to finalizing the Compact by September, demonstrating its dedication to implementing the recommendations outlined in the Tripartite Committee Report. This report, backed by the U.S. government and international partners, aims to address critical electoral reforms ahead of the 2028 elections. However, the approval process for the MCC program has been scrutinized, particularly following the contentious outcomes of the June 2023 multi-tier elections in Sierra Leone.

The U.S. Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Bryan Hunt, recently expressed concerns about Sierra Leone's electoral framework, citing "deeply entrenched challenges" during a speech on World Democracy Day. He pointed to issues of malfeasance that have raised doubts about the credibility of the election process, which has impacted the MCC approval process.

To address these challenges and enhance its global reputation, the Sierra Leone government has enlisted the services of U.S.-based public relations firm Weintraub Communications. According to the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, this engagement will not impose any financial burden on the Sierra Leonean government.

The meetings in Washington are seen as a pivotal moment for Sierra Leone to secure the much-needed funding, which is expected to drive significant improvements in the country’s energy infrastructure and bolster its economic growth trajectory. The government’s focus on addressing both electoral and governance reforms is seen as a key factor in gaining Congressional support for the program. 


Observers are closely watching the outcome of these high-stakes discussions, which will significantly impact Sierra Leone’s future development prospects.

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