VZCZCXRO9310
RR RUEHMA RUEHPA
DE RUEHFN #0154 0911704
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 311704Z MAR 08
FM AMEMBASSY FREETOWN
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 1822
INFO RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE

UNCLAS FREETOWN 000154 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPARTMENT FOR AF/W 
 
E.O. 12958 N/A 
TAGS: PGOV PREL PHUM SL
SUBJECT:  AMBASSADOR MEETS WITH DIASPORA PARLIAMENTARIANS 
 
 
¶1.  SUMMARY: On March 26, Ambassador Perry, the public affairs 
officer, and poloff met with 13 Members of Parliament (MPs) who have 
returned from the diaspora, as well as representatives of the 
National Democratic Institute (NDI). Many in the group spent at 
least a decade in either the United States or the United Kingdom, 
and returned to Sierra Leone due to their sense of responsibility to 
their homeland to make a lasting, positive difference through 
fighting corruption and for human rights. The parliamentarians 
thanked the Ambassador for her support of democracy in Sierra Leone, 
and look forward to further support from the U.S. Government as the 
Sierra Leone continues to rebuild and develop. END SUMMARY. 
 
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The Parliamentarians: A Distinguished Group 
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¶2.  The 13 Parliamentarians, of whom 3 are women, are all new to 
their political roles. While some are carrying on a family tradition 
of serving in a political office, many indicated that they chose to 
stand after receiving encouragement from their local communities and 
Paramount Chiefs. Despite their lack of experience in public life, 
their international experience and education made them likely 
candidates in the eyes of their electorate to represent their 
communities. Many received Bachelor's and advanced degrees from 
American and British universities, and have years of experience 
working for overseas companies and governments. 
 
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Partners in Promoting Western Ideals 
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¶3.  The remarks from the visitors demonstrated that they hold the 
countries in which they lived, including the U.S., in very high 
esteem and now seek to bring what they learned abroad to Sierra 
Leone. Facilitating improvements in such areas as good governance, 
rule of law, gender equality and support for human rights, and the 
provision of basic services like education and health care, are of 
paramount importance to the group. Living in countries where these 
issues are regularly reviewed and addressed by well-functioning 
governments and civil society demonstrate the possibilities that can 
be achieved in Sierra Leone through proactive, responsible 
leadership and strengthened infrastructure. The examples set by 
countries such as the U.S., they said, will guide their work as 
public representatives, regardless of their party affiliation. 
 
¶4. Given this commitment to support Western ideals and model of 
governance, the MPs voiced their hope that the U.S. Government will 
provide them with financial and technical assistance to carry out 
their mandates. They noted that they have no budgets with which to 
conduct programming in their own constituencies. While their ability 
to effect change at the policy level is obviously an important 
element of their job, they expressed concern that the public may not 
feel the positive effects quickly, nor associate such effects with 
their parliamentary representatives. U.S. programming support will 
assist them to demonstrate their work has a concrete impact at the 
local, as well as national, level. 
 
¶5. The Ambassador stated that the diaspora plays a critical role in 
the country, particularly in the area of governance. Beyond 
addressing the large U.S.-funded initiatives, such as monetized food 
aid, trafficking in persons, programs to eliminate child labor, and 
support for civic participation in the local elections, she 
identified various assistance opportunities, including the Special 
Self-Help and Democracy and Human Rights Funds, and the Ambassador's 
Girls' Scholarship Fund. She explained that these funds can be 
accessed by the communities the parliamentarians represent. She also 
mentioned the International Visitors' Program as a positive way to 
increase awareness and professionalism among communities. The 
Ambassador challenged the Parliamentarians to transform their ideals 
into reality in Sierra Leone, implement change, and influence 
programs. She observed that African countries moving forward require 
strong anti-corruption action and gender equity. 
 
¶5. COMMENT: Members of the diaspora are often well-respected in 
their communities because of their international experience and they 
can wield considerable influence. The parliamentarians represent the 
largest number from the diaspora who have ever returned to serve in 
Sierra Leone's parliament.  Their leadership and support for 
improving areas of mutual concern, such as good governance and rule 
of law, could have a sizeable impact on the shape of the 
government's agenda. Continued communication and assistance with 
this group will be an important investment in advancing elements of 
the mission's strategic plan. END COMMENT. 
PERRY