Freetown, 4th September 2026- SLPP Member of Parliament for Pujehun District and former Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Hon. Sidie Mohamed Tunis, has strongly denied any involvement in what he describes as “visa fraud” after reports surfaced that his name was used to facilitate travel documents for an individual he claims never to have met.

According to a report published by the Global Times newspaper, the U.S. Embassy in Freetown recently informed Hon. Tunis that he does not qualify for a visa to travel to the United States, despite being a high-profile figure and regular visitor to the country.

The paper stated that in 2023, a Note Verbale from Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation was sent to the Embassy requesting visas for Tunis and one “Executive Assistant” named Chabatan Bah.

Hon. Tunis, however, categorically rejected any association with Bah. Speaking to Global Times, he said: “I have never employed anyone for that role… In fact, this name is strange to me. I am hearing this name for the first time. I am even wondering whether this so-called Executive Assistant is a male or a female. I don’t know this person.”

The ruling party lawmaker, who is also a flag bearer aspirant for the SLPP, has since called on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to urgently investigate the matter. “This is a serious issue that tarnishes my reputation. I want the Ministry to determine who facilitated this visa fraud using my name,” Tunis emphasized.

Sources cited by Global Times confirmed that the said Chabatan Bah was issued a U.S. visa and travelled to the United States but has not returned to Sierra Leone.

When contacted by Global Times, a spokesman for the U.S. Embassy in Freetown declined to comment, stating: “We do not comment on individual visa applications.”

TruthMedia.sl also reached out to the U.S. Embassy for clarification. In response, Jackie Moore, Public Affairs Officer, said: “The U.S. Embassy does not comment on individual visa cases due to privacy concerns.”

Hon. Tunis was listed on the official Government of Sierra Leone delegation scheduled to attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York this month. As of press time, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had not issued any public statement on the matter.

Investigations are ongoing. CREDIT: Global Times Newspaper