US Ambassador Calls on APC to Support MCC Compact for Power Sector Reforms
By Benjamin S Conteh
United States Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Bryan Hunt, has urged the All People’s Congress (APC) party to play a crucial role in supporting the ratification and implementation of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact.
In an interview with Radio Democracy, Ambassador Hunt highlighted the opposition party’s significant role in legislative action and public support for the compact, which seeks to address Sierra Leone’s chronic electricity shortages. He emphasized that the APC’s support in parliament is vital for advancing necessary power sector reforms.
“The opposition is going to need to decide whether or not they are going to support the compact in parliament. They have a very significant role here in ratifying the compact as well as passing legislative judgement necessary to push the compact forward,” Hunt stated.
The $480 million MCC Compact, signed in September, aims to provide reliable and affordable electricity to millions of Sierra Leoneans, with a focus on power sector reforms. Ambassador Hunt stressed that Sierra Leone must meet all key conditions, including legal reforms and improved power infrastructure, to ensure the full deployment of the funds.
While acknowledging the complexity of the prerequisites, Hunt expressed confidence in the strong partnership between the U.S. and Sierra Leone, praising the government’s progress thus far. He urged the APC to continue its leadership in ensuring transparent, inclusive reforms, cautioning that failure to support the process could jeopardize the country’s progress.
The successful implementation of the MCC Compact is expected to bring significant benefits to Sierra Leone, including fostering economic growth and improving the quality of life for millions of its citizens.
