Mohamed Kamarainba Mansaray, one of the opposition leaders and activist, has ignited a new round of public discussion after warning Sierra Leoneans who have visas to the United States to visit the country before the end of the year.
In a post on his Facebook page, Kamarainba warned that as from January 1st, 2026, Sierra Leoneans and people of other countries that may be affected will not be eligible to travel to the United States using visas they already possess. The warning by Kamarainba was quite blunt and conveyed feelings that people may be experiencing due to the US travel ban slammed on Sierra Leone.
Kamarainba couraged by his strong protest against Sierra Leone government policies and other international decisions that affect the ordinary Sierra Leonean has used his platform to bring to the attention of the public some areas he feels are not being clearly explained by officials. His latest entry is in connection with an increasing concern in the case of students, entrepreneurs, families, and migrants who depend on traveling to America.
The warning is in the context of U.S. visa restrictions and increased reviews against several countries, including Sierra Leone. This is often in respect of issues relating to immigration compliance, standards of documentation, overstaying, deportation of aliens, and related issues of security and governance.
In the recent past, Sierra Leone has on occasion found itself on the US review list. This has been due to the verification of identitylink, passport integrity, and repatriation of nationals who in turn must exit the US. The lack of clear communication on this matter has left many in the dark on exactly what this sanctions mean.
Kamarainba’s post was so appealing because it voiced a concern many people have been secretly harboring. Indeed, for families who have squirrelled away savings in an effort to obtain a visa, or students about to return to higher education abroad, the prospect of a valid visa becoming null and void could be the disruption of an already shaky foundation.
Until now, there has been little official public information about the specifics of the visa situation, in what ways all or most of the visas might be affected, and what the options might be for people who want to still be able to enter the country. In the vacuum, rumour and fear can spread, and unofficial warnings, such as Kamarainba, are all the more potent as a result.
Mohamed Kamarainba Mansaray as a political figure in one of the opposition parties and also one of the most controversial political voices in the history of Sierra Leone. His political career as a fierce critic of governance issues meant that he often took up the role of voices for the voiceless. His political life has involved legal issues, imprisonment, travel for medical attention abroad, and engagement with politics and power.
For all his polarizing image, Kamarainba has a devoted support base, especially among young people and those who feel they do not have a say in government decision-making.
