Alpha Kanu Unable to Travel to UN Headquarters Due to Visa Restrictions

Presidential Spokesman Alhaji Alpha Kanu has revealed that he was unable to attend a scheduled presentation at the United Nations office in Geneva, Switzerland, citing visa complications and application timing.

Kanu made the disclosure during an interview with Radio Democracy, where he was discussing the President Julius Maada Bio administration’s progress in human capital development.

According to Kanu, he was invited to Geneva in November to present on Sierra Leone’s education policies, specifically the government’s initiative to expand free education to include early learning centers for children aged three and above. The United Nations has reportedly shown interest in adopting similar models as policy.

“I had to give my own presentation online,” Kanu stated. “I couldn’t go because of visa restriction and things like that. I didn’t apply on time.”

Kanu emphasized that despite his physical absence, the invitation itself validated the administration’s success. “It shows that Sierra Leone is making an impact on human capital development. That is why the President was recognized by the UN Secretary-General,” he added.

Kanu’s reference to a “visa restriction” regarding a trip to Switzerland has raised questions. Currently, there are no publicly announced diplomatic visa bans preventing Sierra Leonean officials from traveling to Switzerland.

However, the comment comes amidst a tightening international travel climate for Sierra Leonean nationals. Effective January 1, 2026, the United States White House implemented Presidential Proclamation 10998, suspending entry for Sierra Leonean nationals.

The Trump administration cited “persistent and severe deficiencies” in Sierra Leone’s identity-management protocols and a lack of cooperation regarding the deportation of its citizens as the primary reasons for the U.S. ban.

While the U.S. restrictions are specific to American entry and do not legally bind Swiss authorities, Kanu’s remarks suggest logistical or diplomatic hurdles may be affecting travel to other international diplomatic hubs.