In a recent interview on AYV TV’s “Wake Up Sierra Leone” program, U.S. Ambassador Bryan David Hunt clarified the limitations of U.S. financial support to Sierra Leone, particularly regarding the country’s accumulated debt to private sector entities, such as Karpowership.

Ambassador Hunt emphasized that, according to U.S. law, the government is unable to pay off Sierra Leone’s debts to private companies. “The U.S. government, under our law, cannot pay off your country’s accumulated debt to a private sector entity like Karpowership.

That’s not something that our domestic legislation allows us to do,” he stated.

Hunt’s comments shed light on the operational framework of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), a U.S. foreign aid agency focused on promoting economic growth and reducing poverty in developing countries.

He explained that while MCC funds are available, they are designated for long-term infrastructure development, governance reforms, and the enhancement of public services, rather than for settling private sector debts.

The Ambassador’s statements come amid ongoing discussions in Sierra Leone regarding the country’s financial obligations and the need for international support to address economic challenges.

His remarks aim to clarify the scope of U.S. assistance and underscore the importance of sustainable development initiatives over short-term financial relief.