Foreign Minister Timothy Musa Kabba Reassures Sierra Leoneans Amid U.S. Visa Suspension, Calls for Patience and National Responsibility
Solid Media News Desk
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Timothy Musa Kabba, has expressed deep empathy and concern over the ongoing suspension of certain categories of United States visas for Sierra Leonean applicants, describing the situation as “grueling” and “heart-breaking” for many citizens whose dreams have been put on hold.
For the past six months, the suspension has affected hundreds of Sierra Leoneans — including students who secured international university admissions, families selected under the U.S. Diversity Visa (DV) Program, and professionals seeking legitimate travel opportunities.
Minister Kabba revealed that hardly a day passes without receiving emotional messages and phone calls from affected citizens. “Students who worked hard to earn admissions abroad, and families scheduled for DV interviews have suddenly had their dreams shattered,” he lamented.
According to the Minister, the suspension follows concerns raised by U.S. authorities regarding instances of Sierra Leonean nationals overstaying their visas. He noted that while the vast majority of Sierra Leoneans respect immigration laws, a few violations have had serious consequences for the broader population.
He cited a notable recent case involving a senior government official, Abubakarr Sillah, Assistant Director of Labour and Employment in the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security. Sillah was granted a U.S. visa to attend the 2025 Diaspora Investment Conference in Maryland but has since failed to return, further complicating the already delicate situation.
Despite these challenges, Minister Kabba assured the public that the Government of Sierra Leone is working tirelessly and discreetly with the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Freetown to address the concerns and restore normal visa operations.
He emphasized that the temporary visa restrictions do not reflect the overall strength of Sierra Leone–U.S. relations. “Our bilateral ties remain strong. The U.S. private sector continues to play an active and growing role in Sierra Leone, and our partnerships remain robust,” he affirmed.
Minister Kabba appealed for calm and patience, urging citizens to help safeguard Sierra Leone’s image abroad by respecting the immigration laws of partner nations. “Every sovereign nation acts in its national interest,” he noted, calling on all Sierra Leoneans to uphold the integrity of international travel privileges.
He concluded with a message of hope and solidarity: “We are committed to resolving this matter. I ask all affected citizens to remain patient. Have a blessed weekend.”
Tim Kabba
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