Freetown, 5th December 2025– Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Timothy Musa Kabba, has acknowledged the growing frustration among citizens following the suspension of certain categories of United States visas for Sierra Leonean applicants.
Speaking publicly on the matter, Kabba said the suspension has left many students and families stranded, with their plans abruptly halted.
“Not a day passes by that I don’t receive private text messages and calls from students who had obtained admissions but got caught up in the suspension,” he noted. “I also get late-night calls from families who had been chosen by the U.S. Diversity Visa program and scheduled for interviews that have been aborted. It’s gruelling, and genuine dreams are being shattered.”
The Minister explained that the restrictions stem from concerns over Sierra Leonean nationals overstaying their visas in the United States. “The breaches cannot be argued,” Kabba said. “Even after the suspension, some citizens who obtained visas under other categories have disappointed our nation by not coming back.”
He cited one high-profile case involving Abubakarr Sillah, Assistant Director of Labour and Employment at the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security. Sillah was granted a U.S. visa to attend the 2025 Diaspora Investment Conference in Maryland, organized by Vickie Remoe, but has since failed to return.
Despite these challenges, Kabba emphasized that Sierra Leone’s broader relationship with the United States remains strong.
We are relentlessly working behind the scenes to resolve this matter with the U.S. Department of State through its Embassy in Freetown,” he assured. “The depth and strength of our bilateral relations with the U.S. are not a reflection of this situation. The U.S. private sector is very active in Sierra Leone today, with our multinational and bilateral partnerships stronger than ever – but every sovereign nation acts on its national interests.”
In closing, the Minister urged affected citizens to remain patient and to respect the visa systems of partner nations. “I am pleading with all affected citizens to be patient and uphold the integrity of visa privileges of every other nation,” Kabba said.
