—U.S. Ambassador Debunks Rumors
By John Kelly Marah
The United States Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Bryan Hunt, has clarified that the $480 million MCC Compact between the U.S. and Sierra Leone remains fully active and in force, contrary to recent reports suggesting it has been suspended.
Speaking in an exclusive interview on Epic Radio, Ambassador Hunt stated, “What I can say is that at this moment, the MCC Compact is signed and remains in force. We on the United States side, have not issued any notification to Sierra Leone indicating an intention to withdraw from the Compact. I just had extensive meetings in Washington discussing the Compact and the way forward. Unfortunately, some of the reporting that followed gave an inaccurate impression of where things stand in the process.”
The Ambassador reaffirmed the United States’ continued commitment to Sierra Leone’s development goals, particularly in addressing persistent energy challenges:
“It is certainly our intention to continue supporting Sierra Leone in addressing its energy challenges—whether through the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), or other U.S. government programs.”
Background on the Alleged Suspension
Speculation around a possible suspension or ban of the MCC Compact funds emerged following reports in local media and social commentary, which cited concerns over governance, procurement procedures, or lack of transparency in the implementation of the Compact. No official source from the MCC or the U.S. government confirmed these claims.
What Is the MCC Compact?
The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) is a U.S. foreign assistance agency created by Congress in 2004 to reduce global poverty through economic growth. It provides time-bound grants to countries that demonstrate commitment to good governance, economic freedom, and investing in people.
Sierra Leone was selected for a full MCC Compact in 2020 and signed a $480 million agreement in 2023, aimed primarily at transforming the country’s electricity sector—expanding access, improving reliability, and reducing the cost of electricity.
Next Steps
Ambassador Hunt’s remarks suggest that the Compact implementation continues as planned, and the U.S. remains open to engagement with the Government of Sierra Leone to ensure its success. Any significant changes to the Compact’s status, including suspension or termination, would legally require formal notification, which has not occurred.
