By Mackie M. Jalloh
In a recent interview, United States Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Bryan Hunt, urged the All People’s Congress (APC) to actively support crucial reforms linked to the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact. His remarks highlighted the need for the opposition to play a central role in facilitating legislative and institutional reforms, which are essential for Sierra Leone’s economic and democratic progress.
Ambassador Hunt pointed out that the APC’s involvement is critical in ratifying the MCC Compact in Parliament and pushing forward key legislation that will facilitate power sector reforms—an area tied to the compact’s success. The ambassador noted that the opposition party has the potential to shape the process, both in parliament and by ensuring that the broader public supports the measures needed to move forward with the compact.
Shifting the conversation from mere ratification to practical cooperation, Ambassador Hunt emphasized the importance of the APC’s collaboration with the national unity government to ensure the success of reform initiatives outlined by the tripartite committee. He encouraged the APC to exercise leadership and oversight that would ensure the government remains transparent and committed to inclusivity in implementing these reforms.
Ambassador Hunt stressed that bipartisan cooperation is key, cautioning that failure to fully support the reforms could negatively impact not only the MCC Compact but also Sierra Leone’s overall trajectory of development. He expressed confidence, however, that both the ruling party and the opposition share a common goal of advancing democratic reforms, hinting at a possible avenue for collaborative governance moving forward.
As Sierra Leone prepares to benefit from the MCC Compact, Ambassador Hunt’s comments signal a call for unity, particularly from the opposition, to strengthen the country’s commitment to democratic and economic growth through the necessary reforms.
