FOREIGN
RELATIONS
Sierra Leone has maintained cordial relations with the West, in particular with the United Kingdom. It also maintains diplomatic relations with China, Libya, Cuba, and Iran.
Sierra
Leone is a member of the UN and its specialized agencies, the
Commonwealth, the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of
West African States (ECOWAS), the African Development Bank (AFDB),
the Mano River Union (MRU), the Organization of the Islamic Conference
(OIC), and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
U.S.-SIERRA
LEONE RELATIONS
U.S. relations with Sierra Leone began with missionary activities in the 19th century. In 1959, the U.S. opened a consulate in Freetown and elevated it to embassy status when Sierra Leone became independent in 1961. U.S.-Sierra Leone relations today are cordial, with ethnic ties between groups in the two countries receiving increasing historical interest. Many thousands of Sierra Leoneans reside in the United States. In fiscal year 2009, total U.S. bilateral aid to Sierra Leone in all categories was $32.885 million. U.S. assistance focused on the consolidation of peace, democracy and human rights, health education, particularly combating HIV/AIDS, and human resources development.
Principal U.S. Officials
Ambassador--June Carter Perry
Deputy Chief of Mission--Glenn Fedzer
The U.S. Embassy is located at the corner of Walpole and Siaka Stevens Streets, Freetown, tel: 232 22 226 481; fax: 232 22 225 471.
