U.S. Ambassador to Sierra Leone Bryan D. Hunt has resigned, citing family medical reasons, the U.S. Embassy in Freetown said on Thursday.
Hunt submitted his resignation to the White House effective Sept. 17 and will not return to Freetown, the embassy said in a statement. Chargé d’Affaires Jared Yancey will lead the mission until a successor is named.
“Ambassador Hunt completed two years of service in Sierra Leone,” the statement said, noting he had worked to strengthen ties between the two countries in areas including health, security and economic growth.
In a farewell message to staff, Hunt wrote: “I have loved every moment of my time in Sierra Leone and deeply admire the work you all do to advance the U.S.-Sierra Leone relationship.”
The embassy said the United States remained committed to supporting Sierra Leone and building on progress made during Hunt’s tenure.
Hunt, a career diplomat, was appointed ambassador in 2023 after previously serving in senior roles in Sudan, South Sudan, Mozambique, Pakistan and Guyana.
By Joe Turay