His Excellency Ambassador Amara Sheikh Mohammed Sowa has presented his Letters of credence to the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, officially accrediting him as Sierra Leoneโs Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United States.
In presenting his credentials and the Letter of Recall of his predecessor, Ambassador Sowa conveyed warm greetings and best wishes from His Excellency Rtd. Brigadier General Dr. Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone. President Bio extended his wishes for President Trumpโs continued good health and success in advancing the welfare of the American people.
Ambassador Sowa highlighted the longstanding and historic ties between Sierra Leone and the United States, spanning more than a century. He noted that the connection between the two nations extends beyond the transatlantic slave trade. While many African slaves were taken to the Caribbean and South America, a significant number of those from Bunce Island in Sierra Leone were transported to Georgia and South Carolina, prized for their rice cultivation expertise. He emphasized that the cultural heritage brought by those enslaved individuals still survives among their descendantsโsome of whom have since traced their ancestry back to Sierra Leone.
Ambassador Sowa underscored Sierra Leoneโs enduring historical connections with the United States, referencing the Gullah peopleโdescendants of Sierra Leoneansโas a symbol of shared heritage. He also recalled the story of the Amistad revolt, led by Sengbeh Pieh (Joseph Cinquรฉ), as a powerful symbol of early ties between the two nations. โThe Amistad revolt, led by Sengbeh Pieh, was the first human rights case before the U.S. courts and represented a united front against slavery. President John Quincy Adams, who defended the Africansโ freedom, is fondly remembered in my country,โ he remarked.
As a proud member of the United Nations, Ambassador Sowa reaffirmed Sierra Leoneโs shared commitment with the United States to advancing global peace, human rights, and development. He expressed Sierra Leoneโs gratitude for U.S. support during its recent successful bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. โOur country continues to enjoy excellent collaboration with the United States in the Security Council,โ he said.
Ambassador Sowa also updated President Trump on key policy priorities under President Bioโs administration following his re-election in June 2023. These include ambitious reforms aimed at boosting agricultural productivity to ensure food security, fostering inclusive economic growth, developing 21st-century human capital, implementing youth employment initiatives, reforming public service delivery, and investing in infrastructure, technology, and digitization.
He reaffirmed President Bioโs unwavering commitment to good governance, the fight against corruption, and creating a conducive business environment. He acknowledged the presence and success of American investors in Sierra Leone and expressed appreciation for U.S. contributions to the countryโs development-particularly in the health and democracy sectorsโand for the support of U.S. institutions such as the Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).
Ambassador Sowa stressed Sierra Leoneโs commitment to regional stability and welcomed continued U.S. partnership in combating terrorism, Transnational Organized Crime (TOC), and enhancing public safety.
โAs I begin my diplomatic mission to your great country,โ Ambassador Sowa concluded, โI am confident that I can rely on your continued support and partnership to ensure the success of our shared goals.โ
Ambassador Sowa was accompanied to the White House by his wife, Ms. Sowa, in accordance with United States diplomatic protocol.
Long live the strong and enduring relationship between the United States and the Republic of Sierra Leone.
PEL Koroma / Embassy Of Sierra Leone
Washington, D.C.
