2009 Press Releases

John Benjamin Issue (03 June 09)

US Embassy Freetown
Contact Public Affairs Officer
Tel: 076-515-350

The United States Embassy wishes to comment on inaccurate statements involving the travel of John O. Benjamin to the United States.  Prior to Mr. Benjamin’s departure, the Embassy received information from Washington that Mr. Benjamin would face difficulty if he tried to enter the United States at this time.  Given Mr. Benjamin’s role as Opposition Leader, and aware of inconvenience to other Sierra Leoneans who faced similar situations, the Chargé d’Affaires informed Mr. Benjamin of the reasons for the expected difficulty, and suggested that it might be beneficial to postpone his travel until his entry status was further evaluated. 

Mr. Benjamin subsequently departed Sierra Leone for the United States, faced a difficult entry, and a final decision on his status is pending.  It is regrettable that Mr. Benjamin used this attempt by the Embassy to extend him a courtesy as a means to accuse the United States Government of unscrupulous acts.  Assertions that the Embassy provided this information to Mr. Benjamin for motivations other than concern for his convenience are patently false. 

Admissibility or inadmissibility to the United States is determined exclusively in accordance with United States law.  Membership in or leadership of a Sierra Leonean political party is not a ground for inadmissibility.  The Embassy reaffirms its commitment to supporting Sierra Leone in its efforts to maintain political stability, unity, and progress.