President Trump’s Directive Banning Sierra Leoneans from Traveling to U.S. “Wake-up call”: Catholic Priests’ Official

“This unfortunate categorization not only embarrasses us but also underscores a deeper issue about how we represent ourselves both domestically and internationally,” the Sierra Leonean Catholic Priest who is the Executive Director of Caritas Freetown says.

He goes on to urge the Sierra Leonean government to reach out to the U.S. in view of realizing dialogue. “Our government has a responsibility to engage constructively with the U.S. government regarding these travel restrictions,” the Clergy of Sierra Leone’s Freetown Catholic Archdiocese says.

“It is crucial to advocate for our nation’s interests and work towards correcting any misconceptions that may have contributed to this classification,” he says, adding, “Open dialogue will be vital in restoring our standing and demonstrating that Sierra Leone is committed to following international norms and regulations.”

He goes on to highlight the growing menace of drug abuse in Sierra Leone as one of the possible factors that may have influenced the U.S. government’s decision to include the country’s nationals among those banned from traveling to the U.S.

“It cannot be denied that Sierra Leone has gained notoriety for drug-related issues. This growing concern has added to our challenges and is perhaps one of the reasons we find ourselves in this unfortunate category,” he says.

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In his reflection, the award-winning Catholic Priest emphasizes, “It is imperative that we collectively address the root causes of these issues and promote a safer, healthier environment for all citizens.”

Fr. Konteh says that he finds it unfortunate that the U.S., which he says “has faced its own challenges with democracy and governance, feels positioned to judge Sierra Leone’s democratic processes.”

“This discrepancy highlights the complexity of international relations and the need for a nuanced understanding of the situations faced by different countries,” he adds.

According to him, rather than impose “blanket restrictions,” the U.S. government should come up with measures that “target individuals or entities who violate visa regulations or engage in unlawful activities.”

This approach, Fr. Konteh says, “would allow for a more fair and just assessment of the situation while allowing genuine travellers and investors to continue to engage with Sierra Leone.”

The Sierra Leonean Catholic Priest goes on to challenge his compatriots to see beyond the ban and take the opportunity to invest in their own country. “It is vital that we redirect our resources toward local development rather than solely seeking opportunities abroad,” he says.

Fr. Konteh explains, “By improving our infrastructure, promoting tourism, and nurturing local industries, we can reshape the narrative surrounding our nation. A vibrant, attractive Sierra Leone will not only draw in tourists but will empower us to control our borders and welcome visitors who contribute positively to our society.”

“This is a moment for collective introspection and action,” he says in his reflection that he shared with ACI Africa on June 5 and appeals to his compatriots, “Let us work together to uplift Sierra Leone’s image and ensure a prosperous future for generations to come.”

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.