Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Amara Sheikh Mohammed Sowa, officially presented his Letters of Credence to U.S. President Donald J. Trump at the White House on Wednesday, marking the formal beginning of his diplomatic mission in Washington.
During the ceremony, Ambassador Sowa conveyed warm greetings and best wishes from President Julius Maada Bio to President Trump, expressing hope for continued health, success, and strong cooperation between the American and Sierra Leonean people.
Ambassador Sowa used the occasion to highlight the longstanding historical and cultural ties between Sierra Leone and the United States, particularly referencing the transatlantic connection dating back to the era of the slave trade. He emphasized the role of Bunce Island in Sierra Leone, from which many enslaved Africans were taken to Georgia and South Carolina because of their rice farming expertise—heritage still visible today in the traditions of the Gullah people.
“The Amistad revolt, led by Sengbeh Pieh, and defended by President John Quincy Adams, remains a landmark symbol of shared human rights values between our nations,” Sowa told President Trump. “It is part of the deep-rooted connection our countries have upheld over centuries.”
The Ambassador also acknowledged the United States’ strong support for Sierra Leone’s bid for a seat on the UN Security Council, and reaffirmed the country’s continued commitment to international peace, development, and human rights.
Touching on President Bio’s domestic agenda, Sowa outlined Sierra Leone’s ongoing efforts to boost agricultural productivity, enhance youth employment, strengthen public service delivery, and promote digital transformation and infrastructure investment. He highlighted the President’s fight against corruption and drive to create a transparent, business-friendly environment.
“American investors are already thriving in Sierra Leone,” he noted, pointing to the vital contributions of U.S. institutions such as the Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) in Sierra Leone’s development.
Ambassador Sowa also praised U.S. efforts in combating terrorism and transnational crime, stating that Sierra Leone is committed to upholding internal and regional security through collaboration with international partners.
“As I begin this important diplomatic assignment, I look forward to your support and guidance in deepening the bonds between our two countries,” he concluded.
Ambassador Sowa was accompanied by his wife, Ms. Sowa, in accordance with U.S. diplomatic protocol.
The ceremony underscores a renewed commitment to Sierra Leone–U.S. relations, rooted in mutual respect, shared history, and a joint vision for progress and prosperity.
