By Mohamed M. Sesay
On Saturday, the 20th of January 2024, the United States Embassy in Freetown informed that Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. Representative to the United Nations, would travel to Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, and Sierra Leone between January 21-26. The Ambassador will officially welcome Sierra Leone for the country’s successful election in the United Nations Security Council.
In Sierra Leone, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield is expected to meet with President Julius Maada Bio and other senior government officials to welcome Sierra Leone back to the UN Security Council and engage on a series of bilateral and multilateral issues. While in Freetown, the Ambassador will engage with government, opposition leaders, and the international community on the continued implementation of the Agreement for National Unity, visit the Sierra Leone Peace Museum, and engage on shared priorities of Sierra Leone and the United States, including women and youth empowerment, climate change, and health.
Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield's trip will advance the Biden Administration's goals for Africa by reinforcing commitments to democracy, empowering women and youth, promoting regional peace and security, and promoting inclusive and sustainable development.
The Press Statement issued by the U.S. Embassy indicates that in Liberia, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield would lead the U.S. Presidential Delegation to the Inauguration of President-elect His Excellency Joseph Boakai. It continues that the visit affirms the U.S. government’s commitment to partnering with the newly elected government and celebrates the Liberian people for executing free and fair, peaceful elections to bring about the country's second democratic transfer of power since the end of the civil war 2003.
While in Monrovia, the release furthers that Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield would attend the inauguration ceremony, meet with Liberian Government Officials across Multiple Administrations, and engage with emerging leaders, the business community, and Liberian peacekeepers.
The Ambassador is expected to deliver a keynote speech in Liberia on democracy at the Liberia Chamber of Commerce. In this speech, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield will discuss threats to African democracy and outline how civilian-led democracies deliver for their people.
Also, in Guinea-Bissau, the Press Statement mentions that Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield will meet with President Umaro Sissoco Embaló to discuss regional security and to reaffirm their commitment to expanding bilateral relations.
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