2006 Press Releases

US Government Signs $16 Million Democratic Grant With Government Of Sierra Leone

Freetown, August 24, 2006

Contact: USAID/Christine Sheckler

Tel: 226481

On August 24, 2006, the United States government acting through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) signed a Special Objective Agreement Grant with the Government of Sierra Leone.  The $4,062, 509 grant is part of a new three year strategy plan for a total estimated contribution of $16,702,509, which will be used to enhance democratic governance in Sierra Leone.

The grant will continue to support decentralization and local governance, agriculture and youth employment, polio vaccination and Vitamin A distribution initiatives, as well as provide technical assistance and support for the Presidential, Parliamentary and Local government elections.  The grant will also help support the diamond sector reform project, which includes the Diamond Area Community Development Fund (DACDF) and the Peace Diamond Alliance.

The Honorable Minister Alhaji M.B. Daramy, of the Ministry of Development and Economic Planning, signed the grant agreement on behalf of the Sierra Leone Government.  At the signing ceremony, USAID Program Coordinator Christine Sheckler said “The signing of this Grant Agreement today is another proud symbol and manifestation of the Unites States Government’s and the American Peoples’ continued commitment to the development and prospering of Sierra Leone and its people.  We are proud to be a partner with the people and Government of Sierra Leone at this important period in their history.”

USAID also supports the Food For Peace (FFP) program, a three year $25 million initiative that provides food monetization, food distribution, including for school feeding programs, and the rehabilitation of schools and health units.  In addition, USAID provided $5,940,000 for the Special Court for the 2006 Fiscal Year.

The United States Government has supported Sierra Leone through USAID for the past sixty years.  Today, USAID’s total contribution for Fiscal Years 2006-2008 is estimated at over $46 million dollars.