The United States of America has given a visa travel ban to individuals who caused violence in Abuja ahead of the country’s presidential elections.
The names of those individuals are not identified but they could well be politicians and supporters of political parties.
The travel ban could be applied in Sierra Leone as the country goes to the polls June 24 this year.
Nigeria is holding its general elections on February 24 next week.
About three armed soldiers were killed in Abuja as African largest economy conducts it primary elections.
Lately, there have been reported complaints of thuggery, intimidation and killings in mostly South-East Nigeria. Unlike other elections in the past, Nigeria is under close watch by the world’s overseer of democracy, the United States.
The US government has placed a ban on individuals in Nigeria who are violators of democratic principles not to enter USA.
In a recent statement by the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, a warning was given to any individual who undermines democracy in Nigeria elections. “These individuals will be found ineligible for Visas to the United States under a policy to restrict Visas of those believed to be responsible for or complicit in, undermining democracy in Nigeria. Certain family members of such persons may also be subjected to these restrictions,” the statement reads in part.
Voting, bullying, thuggery, attacks on the media and judiciary are condemned by supporters and politicians in Nigeria in this year’s elections.
As a bastion of democracy in the world, the United States is imposing sanctions and similar restrictions on African leaders and citizens for failing to upholding democratic values during elections.
“The decision to impose visa restrictions reflects the commitment of the United States to support Nigeria aspirations to combat corruption and strengthen democracy and the rule of law,” said Mr. Blinken.
To reinforce its message to Africa Leaders, the United States President Joe Biden promised stiffer measures to be taken against any dictator in Africa.
The United States, through a meeting with six African nations, committed US$165M to support elections and good governance in 2023. At White House, President Biden called on Africa leaders to work towards achieving peace, democracy and good governance.
Sierra Leone is among the countries whose democratic values have been shaken to the core. There have been several human rights violations and abused on the rule of law in recent past. The sitting government has committed atrocities in just concluded local council and by-elections. SLPP thugs killed innocent people in Tonko-Limba and were alleged to have manipulated Koinadugu district councillorship elections.
Other human rights abuses have occurred under the leadership of President Maada Bio.
Over 17 civilians were killed by the police in a recent protest on August 10 last year. The peaceful protest by civilians over hike in fuel price turned to a battle zone as police and army personnel embarked on shooting spree.
Such are typical examples of a crackdown on democracy.
Sierra Leone is now in the bad books of Western democracies, United Kingdom, France and United States. It is hoped that the glaring call by the world’s democracies would restore Sierra Leone’s lost glory as a country speedily walks on the path of democracy.
Sierra Leone was ranked as the best countries in Africa that respect democratic values under the leadership of former President Ernest Bai Koroma. The ex-President recognition the world as a “true democrat” is as a result of his good work to upholding democratic principles..
The country’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed 18 candidates to run for Presidential title bid. About 1,101 candidates will go for the 109 Senatorial seats while 3,122 candidates will race in the House of Representatives, according to popular media site INFOCUS.
A similar travel ban on politicians or citizens in Sierra Leone could affect the country’s credibility outside.
It could also mean Sierra Leonean politicians are not peaceful citizens of the world.
The whole world frowns at violators, terrorists and dictators and tyrants.
If politicians in Sierra Leone aid and abet vote rigging, and intimidation tactics, they will be seen as non-promoters of democracy and the rule of law.
So the US government will have no choice but to stop those politicians from entering into United States of America.
And such individuals will deprive their families of most privileges if visas travelling ban are imposed on them.