By PEL Koroma, Embassy of Sierra Leone, Washington, D.C.

Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Amara Sheikh Mohammed Sowa, has officially presented his Letters of Credence to U.S. President Donald J. Trump, formally assuming his role as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Sierra Leone to Washington.

During the ceremony at the White House on July 24, 2025, Ambassador Amara Sheikh Mohammed Sowa conveyed President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s warm greetings and best wishes to President Donald J. Trump, expressing hopes for his continued good health and success in advancing the welfare of the American people. He also delivered the recall letter of his predecessor.

Ambassador Amara Sheikh Mohammed Sowa highlighted the historic relationship between Sierra Leone and the United States, tracing it back over a century. He noted the deep cultural ties forged during the transatlantic slave trade, pointing out that many of the enslaved Africans taken from Bunce Island in Sierra Leone were transported to Georgia and South Carolina due to their expertise in rice cultivation.

“The Gullah community in the United States and the legacy of the Amistad revolt led by Sengbeh Pieh are lasting reminders of the strong historical bonds between our nations,” Ambassador Amara Sheikh Mohammed Sowa said. He emphasized that those connections have laid the foundation for the excellent relations Sierra Leone and the United States enjoy today.

Ambassador Amara Sheikh Mohammed Sowa reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to shared values with the U.S., including promoting international peace, human rights and development. He expressed gratitude for U.S. support during Sierra Leone’s successful bid for a seat on the United Nations Security Council and praised ongoing collaboration between the two nations in global peace initiatives.

He also briefed President Donald J. Trump on President Bio’s second-term priorities, which include boosting agricultural productivity for food security, advancing human capital development, implementing youth employment programs and investing in infrastructure and technology. Ambassador Amara Sheikh Mohammed Sowa reiterated President Bio’s strong stance on fighting corruption and fostering a business-friendly environment to attract foreign investment.

Highlighting economic diplomacy, Ambassador Amara Sheikh Mohammed Sowa acknowledged the role of American investors in Sierra Leone’s development and commended U.S. institutions such as the Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) for their contributions to the country’s health, education and democratic governance sectors.

On security, he assured the United States of Sierra Leone’s commitment to maintaining internal and regional stability and welcomed U.S. cooperation in combating terrorism and transnational organized crime.

“As I embark on my diplomatic mission, I look forward to your continued guidance and support to strengthen the bonds between our two nations,” Ambassador Amara Sheikh Mohammed Sowa told President Donald Trump.

Ambassador Amara Sheikh Mohammed Sowa was accompanied to the White House by his wife, Ms. Sowa, in keeping with U.S. protocol.

The presentation of credentials marks a renewed chapter in Sierra Leone-U.S. relations, underscoring both nations’ commitment to deeper cooperation in diplomacy, trade and security. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/ambassador-amara-sowa-presents-credentials-to-president-trump-strengthening-bilateral-ties/