Freetown, 1st October 2026– The Government of Sierra Leone has rejected reports linking the postponement of the European Union’s 2026 budget-support disbursement to ongoing discussions with the Kingdom of the Netherlands on judicial cooperation, insisting that the delay is administrative rather than political.
In a press release issued on October 1, the Government stated that the European Commission formally communicated its decision on the 2026 disbursement in July, citing procedural and timing issues related to Sierra Leone’s request to amend the Financing Agreement.
According to the statement, the requested amendment made it difficult to complete the necessary processes within the 2026 reporting cycle. As a result, the European Commission proposed that the 2026 and 2027 disbursements be rescheduled to 2027 and 2028 respectively, with targets for the 2027 disbursement already agreed upon.
The Government acknowledged that the postponement represents a setback but stressed that it does not signal a suspension of the broader partnership between Sierra Leone and the European Union.
“The postponement of this year’s disbursement is a setback. It does not, however, amount to a suspension of the broader partnership between Sierra Leone and the European Union,” the statement noted.
Authorities further disclosed that EU representatives had clarified in subsequent engagements that the decision regarding the 2026 disbursement was not influenced by discussions concerning any particular individual or legal case.
The Government said reports portraying the July decision as a punitive measure tied to a specific person or judicial matter do not reflect the reasons officially communicated by the European Commission.
Reaffirming its commitment to international cooperation, the Government stated that Sierra Leone remains dedicated to combating transnational organised crime and pursuing judicial collaboration with international partners in accordance with national laws and established legal procedures.
The statement also cautioned against attempts to use development cooperation as a tool for public pressure, arguing that sensitive judicial and diplomatic matters should be handled through lawful channels, mutual respect and sustained engagement between competent authorities.
Government officials expressed confidence in the strength of Sierra Leone’s relationship with the European Union and said they look forward to continued cooperation, including preparations for the 2027 budget-support disbursement.
The clarification comes amid growing public discussion over the reasons behind the delayed EU funding, with the Government seeking to reassure citizens and development partners that relations between Sierra Leone and the EU remain strong and constructive.
