In a recent interview withAYV Television U.S. Ambassador Bryan Hunt highlighted the U.S. Congress’s stipulation that Sierra Leone must implement the Tripartite Recommendations before the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) funds can be released.

Ambassador Hunt clarified that the MCC does not simply hand over a cheque to the Sierra Leone government. Instead, a joint implementation unit will be established to make contract decisions, award contracts, and oversee that payments are made directly to contractors executing the projects under the compact.

Ambassador Hunt explained that while the MCC board has approved the compact, the next step involves informing Congress of their intent to sign. Congress then has a designated period to either approve or raise questions regarding the compact. Although this process generally moves swiftly, Hunt noted that Congress can sometimes request further information.

Importantly, Congress has indicated that it wants to see the final report from Sierra Leone’s election commission, along with the implementation of its recommendations, before approving the compact’s signature. Ambassador Hunt expressed hope for a quick resolution, acknowledging Sierra Leone’s urgent need for the resources but emphasizing the necessity of actionable implementation of the report’s recommendations.

“The report should not merely sit on a shelf; its implementation is crucial,” Hunt stressed. He reiterated that Congress’s approval hinges on seeing the concrete steps taken to enact the recommendations, underscoring the importance of accountability and follow-through in the process.

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