It doesn’t actually matter who wins the 2024 US election between Harris and Trump, Sierra Leone will still maintain diplomatic ties with the US based on our long-standing bilateral relations.
However, a win by either candidate could bring about some positive or negative changes:
A KAMALA HARRIS WIN
If Kamala Harris wins the U.S. presidency, it’s likely that we will see both continuity and some shifts in US-Sierra Leone relations. A Harris administration would likely continue the US commitment to key programs such as the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) compact and other aid initiatives that support governance, economic development, health, and education in Sierra Leone.
However, a new administration could also bring nuanced policy adjustments or an increased focus on certain areas, especially as Harris has shown interest in Africa’s economic empowerment, women’s rights, and climate resilience.
The MCC compact, awarded to Sierra Leone for projects in areas like electricity and water, has a well-defined trajectory with bipartisan U.S. support, making it likely to proceed as planned. However, a Harris administration might emphasize additional priorities, such as greater inclusion of women in economic programs, or even expand the scope of support to include climate resilience—an area Harris has been vocal about.
On a broader scale, a Harris presidency could potentially elevate Africa’s standing in US foreign policy. She might prioritize enhancing US-Africa trade relations, particularly through initiatives aimed at empowering African economies to be more self-sustaining, which could benefit Sierra Leone’s economic landscape. Sierra Leone might also see more US engagement in addressing governance and democratic institutions, as Harris has consistently advocated for such values domestically and abroad.
In essence, while the MCC compact and ongoing projects would likely continue, a Harris administration might infuse new areas of focus, possibly broadening the impact on Sierra Leone’s development landscape.
A DONALD TRUMP WIN
If Donald Trump were to win the US presidency again, the impact on Sierra Leone would likely be shaped by his administration’s broader policy priorities and approaches, which tend to focus on America-first interests, reduced foreign aid spending, and stricter immigration controls.
Historically, the MCC has enjoyed bipartisan support, and MCC programs are often structured with commitments that span US presidential terms, making them somewhat insulated from shifts in administration. Thus, it’s likely that the MCC compact for Sierra Leone would proceed under a second Trump administration, especially given the MCC’s mandate to support poverty reduction and economic development through country-led projects.
However, if Trump’s administration decided to limit or redirect foreign aid, there could be a delay in future funding or added restrictions. The focus may shift to promoting projects that align more closely with US economic or strategic interests.
Trump’s administration, if re-elected, might be less likely to expand funding for new initiatives focused on democratic governance or climate resilience, areas that other administrations have highlighted. Trump’s foreign policy approach has traditionally favored countries that align with US strategic interests, so Sierra Leone could see less direct engagement unless specific US interests are involved, like countering Chinese influence in the region or addressing security issues. Health programs like PEPFAR (U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) or those addressing regional health concerns might still continue given their track records and cross-party support.
Trump’s administration would likely continue its stance on tightening immigration laws. Sierra Leonean immigrants in the US could face stricter visa requirements, heightened scrutiny, or fewer options for family reunification and other immigrant visas. Trump’s policies on Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or deportation for those without legal residency could directly impact Sierra Leoneans, especially those whose immigration status may be uncertain.
So a Trump win could mean continuity in the MCC compact but possibly less focus on broader development priorities in Sierra Leone. For Sierra Leoneans in the US, immigration policies would likely remain stringent, potentially affecting visa accessibility and increasing deportation risks for those without legal residency.
