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A video circulating on social media has brought attention to what appears to be a quietly launched Citizenship-by-Investment (CBI) scheme by the Sierra Leone government.
The program, which reportedly grants citizenship and passports to foreigners in exchange for investment, has drawn criticism for its lack of transparency.
According to a social media post by Lawyer Basita Michael, there has been no official government announcement, no parliamentary debate, and no public policy documents regarding the scheme. The post claims that American nationals have been the first beneficiaries of the program.
The post raises a number of questions about the initiative, including: Whether public or parliamentary consultation occurred before its launch, the legal framework under which the program was authorized, the identities of the new citizens and the due diligence process used to vet them, the destination of the funds generated by the program—whether they are going to the consolidated revenue fund or to private accounts and the nature of the investments being made and their benefit to the public.
Michael’s post points out a perceived double standard, contrasting the ease with which wealthy foreigners may obtain passports with the difficulties Sierra Leoneans face in securing visas to other countries, particularly the United States.
The concerns are heightened by Sierra Leone’s current scrutiny for financial crimes and a weak regulatory system. Critics argue that without proper oversight and a clear legal basis, such a scheme could turn the country into a haven for money laundering and other illicit activities.
Michael’s post urges the government to be transparent by disclosing the legal basis of the program, the identities of beneficiaries, and how the funds are being used. It also calls for parliamentary oversight and independent audits to ensure the program is a genuine development strategy and not a “cash grab.”
