The U.S. government, through its Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, has announced the imposition of visa sanctions on individuals who were believed to have undermined democracy during the June 2023 general election in Sierra Leone. 

“Today, I am announcing a new visa restriction policy under section 212(a)(3)C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act for undermining the democratic process in the June 2023 Sierra Leone election,” Mr Blinken said in a statement on Thursday.

According to Mr Blinken, individuals the United States believes might have manipulated or rigged the June 24 poll, in which Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP)‘s Julius Bio emerged as the winner, would be ineligible to secure a U.S. visa.

Also, those involved in the intimidation of voters, electoral observers and abuse of human rights through threats or violence may find themselves unqualified for U.S. visas, likewise their family members under the visa restriction policy.

“Under this policy, the United States will pursue visa restrictions for those believed to be responsible for, or complicit in undermining democracy in Sierra Leone, including through the manipulation or rigging of the electoral process.

“Family members of such persons may also be subject to these restrictions. Persons who undermine the democratic process in Sierra Leone—including in the lead-up to, during, and following Sierra Leone’s 2023 elections—may be found ineligible for U.S. visas under this policy.

“The visa restriction policy announced today will apply to specific individuals and is not directed at the Sierra Leonean people. This decision reflects the commitment of the United States to support Sierra Leoneans’ aspirations to have free and fair elections that demonstrate the will of the people and strengthen democracy and the rule of law, ” he said.