By Kabs Kanu,Retired Brigadier
Copyright cocorioko
The United States Ambassador Plenipotentiary to Sierra Leone, His Excellency David Bryan Hunt , stunned the nation yesterday when he announced that he has resigned from his position.
He said that he submitted his resignation to President Donald Trump and will not be returning to Freetown. As soon as the news hit social media, tongues began wagging in Sierra Leone and on social media about what could have been the actual reasons for the sudden resignation of an American ambassador who has been courting criticisms from Sierra Leoneans lately for his apparent acquiescence to the ruling SLPP Government headed by Retired Brigadier, Julius Maada Bio, which is not in the good books of the generality of Sierra Leoneans for its oppressive, tribalistic,undemocratic and unconstitutional style of governance.
Many Sierra Leoneans seem to be elated about the departure of Ambassador Hunt and some described it as good riddance. The U.S. Embassy in Sierra Leone later in the day released the following statement :
Ambassador Hunt is the first ever foreign ambassador to have announced his resignation on post.
CITIZEN JOURNALIST MICHAEL SESAY takes a deep look at complex issues that could have precipitated the Ambassador’s resignation.
🚨 US Ambassador to Sierra Leone Resigns Abruptly – What’s Really Going On? My little Contribution!
The US Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Bryan D. Hunt, has officially resigned, citing personal reasons—most notably his father’s health. On the surface, this appears straightforward, but the circumstances raise deeper questions.
Critical Observations:
1. No Return to Freetown?
The Ambassador makes it clear that he will not be returning to Sierra Leone—not even to pack his belongings, bid farewell in person, or officially close out his diplomatic posting. This in itself is unusual. Diplomats typically return, at least briefly, to hand over responsibilities formally and maintain diplomatic protocol. Why not him?
2. The “Personal Reasons” Narrative
While his father’s surgery is indeed serious, the complete severing of ties without so much as a formal farewell leaves room for speculation. Could this be a diplomatic way of avoiding a deeper political or bilateral fallout?
3. US–Sierra Leone Relations
Over the past months, the relationship between Washington and Freetown has faced quiet tensions—ranging from governance and corruption concerns to questions about Sierra Leone’s growing ties with other international players. Is it possible that disagreements behind closed doors pushed this resignation?
4. Timing Matters
The resignation comes at a politically sensitive time in Sierra Leone, as questions over governance, economic stability, and international partnerships intensify. Could this move signal Washington’s dissatisfaction with Freetown’s trajectory, or even quiet diplomatic pressure?
5. Suddenness & Secrecy
Notice how the Ambassador’s resignation wasn’t announced with the usual ceremony or advanced notice. It seems abrupt, unexpected, and with no clear plan of transition except handing over to the Chargé d’Affaires. Was this really just about family?
While personal reasons may play a role, the lack of closure and the abrupt nature of this exit suggest that there may be more to the story. Whether it’s diplomatic disagreements, hidden pressure points, or quiet fallout between the US and Sierra Leonean government, this resignation deserves closer scrutiny.
#MichaelSesay #MichaelSesayNews #MichaelSesayTalkshow
