Freetown, 19th August 2026- The United States Senate Foreign Relations Committee has accused Sierra Leone of violating certain provisions of its agreement to host and resettle third‑country nationals deported from the U.S., despite having received a $1.5 million grant to implement the programme.
The allegation was raised during a Committee hearing in Washington, where Ranking Member Senator Jeanne Shaheen questioned Ambassador‑designate Daniel Travis, nominee for U.S. Ambassador to Sierra Leone.
“There is now credible evidence that Sierra Leone is violating this commitment,” Senator Shaheen declared.
She referred to media reports which indicate that Sierra Leone has sent some of the deportees to their countries where they risk facing persecution.
In response, Travis pledged to ensure compliance if confirmed:
“I can assure you that if approved, I will advocate that the government of Sierra Leone comply with all of their agreements, including the third‑country national arrangement, to the letter.”
Under the U.S.–Sierra Leone arrangement, Kenvah Solutions (SL) Limited was contracted by the Government of Sierra Leone to provide key services for deportees, including reception support, temporary accommodation, and humanitarian assistance. The programme was designed to ensure humane treatment and safe resettlement of individuals deported under U.S. immigration enforcement.
The accusation of non‑compliance comes at a sensitive time in U.S.–Sierra Leone relations, with Washington emphasizing accountability in bilateral agreements. The issue is expected to feature prominently in Travis’s tenure should his nomination be confirmed.
