Sidie Mohamed Tunis demands probe into alleged U.S. visa fraud

Sidie Mohamed Tunis, a Sierra Leonean Member of Parliament and former Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, has formally requested an investigation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation into alleged visa irregularities. The request follows the denial of his U.S. visa application at the United States Embassy in Freetown.

Tunis claims that during his interview, consular officers linked his visa denial to a 2023 visa issued to an individual named Chabatan Bah, who was described in a note verbale as Tunis’s “Executive Assistant to the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament.” Tunis has strongly denied ever employing, appointing, or knowing an individual by that name.

He expressed concern that the use of a note verbale similar to his own to facilitate Bah’s travel suggests potential fraud or the unauthorized use of official documents. Tunis stated that the situation could cause reputational damage to himself, Sierra Leone, and the ECOWAS Parliament. He has demanded a resolution within seven working days, threatening legal action if the matter is not addressed.