US responds to controversial Sierra Leone election with visa restrictions

Visa limitations apply to individuals who, in the United States government's opinion, are responsible for undermining democracy in Sierra Leone.The reaction to the divisive general election of June 2023, which Western observers feel lacked openness, is this action. US officials who are suspected of interfering with or rigging elections, as well as those who are accused of intimidating voters, election observers, and members of the civil society, will be subject to visa restrictions, according to an announcement made by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday. "Under this policy, the United States would pursue visa limitations for persons deemed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining democracy in Sierra Leone, including by the manipulation or rigging of the electoral process; intimidation of voters, election observers, or other means of political opposition, including civil society organizations through threats or acts of physical violence; or the abuse or violation of related human rights in Sierra Leone,” Mr. Blinken said in a statement.