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Claim: A Facebook user, Mohamed K. Mansaray, claimed that Sierra Leone has been included in the U.S. list of countries facing a travel ban. He alleged that this was due to President Julius Maada Bio and his government using the country as a hub for cocaine trafficking, violating fundamental human rights, suppressing freedom of speech, and arresting, and imprisoning opposition leaders and members.
Verdict: False! The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Timothy Kabba, dismissed the claim as inaccurate.
Full Text
A Facebook post by Mohamed K. Mansaray alleged that Sierra Leone is on a US draft list of travel-ban countries. He attributed this to President Julius Maada Bio’s government allegedly turning the country into a hub for drug trafficking, violating human rights, suppressing freedom of speech, and arresting opposition figures.
This claim quickly spread on social media, sparking widespread concern among Sierra Leoneans at home and abroad. Many people shared the post, believing it to be true. Some citizens expressed fear that a travel ban could make it harder for Sierra Leoneans to visit or relocate to the United States for education, work, or family reunions. Others questioned whether the government was aware of the issue.
Verification
DUBAWA contacted the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Timothy Kabba. He said he didn’t deserve his reply. He referred to him as a barking toothless puppy. However, due to potential misinformation of the claim, DUBAWA visited the Facebook page of Africa Young Voices news where the Minister had responded to that allegation. He described the Facebook post as misleading and inaccurate.
According to Kabba, the government of Sierra Leone has not received any official notification from the U.S. government about a travel ban or draft list. He clarified that the only source of this claim was a report in The New York Times, which was later widely circulated on social media.
Another Newspaper called New Age also reported the response of the foreign minister.
Kabba also stated that he discussed with the United States Ambassador to Sierra Leone, His Excellency Bryan David Hunt. During their meeting, Ambassador Hunt assured him that the reported list was not an official document from the U.S. State Department. This means no formal decision from the U.S. government regarding a travel ban on Sierra Leone.
Additionally, the minister emphasized that the U.S. Embassy in Freetown is still issuing visas as usual. There has been no change in visa processing for Sierra Leonean applicants. This serves as further proof that the claim of a travel ban is untrue.
He also reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s strong diplomatic ties with the United States, stating that both governments continue to engage in productive discussions on matters of mutual interest. DUBAWA also verified the claim on Radio Democracy Gud Morning Show, where the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Timothy Kabba, responded to the allegation on March 19, 2025.
Conclusion:
The claim by Mohamed K. Mansaray that Sierra Leone is included in a U.S. travel ban draft list due to drug trafficking, human rights violations, and suppression of opposition is inaccurate.
