By Foday Moriba Conteh

Recent claims published in several local newspapers and widely circulated on social media suggesting that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has suspended Sierra Leone from its Extended Credit Facility (ECF) due to a $67 million payment to local contractor Pavi Fort have been officially debunked.

In an exclusive report by renowned journalist and political commentator Dr. Sylvia Olayinka Blyden OOR, published in the Awareness Times Newspaper, the IMF has confirmed that Sierra Leone’s ECF program remains “current” and has not been suspended.

Dr. Sylvia Blyden, following a series of email and telephone engagements with the IMF Spokesman’s Office in Washington, DC, clarified that there is no suspension of Sierra Leone from IMF programs, contrary to claims initiated by a local tabloid on May 27, 2025.

The initial report alleged that the IMF had suspended Sierra Leone due to the disbursement of $67 million to contractor Alimu Barrie for “invisible roads” purportedly authorized by State House in November 2024. The story further claimed that this “suspension” had also impacted World Bank operations in the country.

However, Dr. Sylvia Blyden’s investigation reveals a different narrative. After reaching out to the IMF’s Africa Division Press Office and speaking with Senior Communications Officer, Wafa Amr, she received formal confirmation that the IMF is still actively engaging with Sierra Leone under the ECF.

In her article, Dr. Blyden quotes the IMF Spokesman’s Office as saying:

“IMF staff continues to engage with the Sierra Leone authorities on the current Extended Credit Facility program. The ECF aims to support Sierra Leone’s efforts to restore stability by bolstering debt sustainability, addressing fiscal dominance, bringing down inflation and rebuilding reserves; support inclusive growth through reforms and targeted social spending; confront corruption and strengthen governance, institutions and the rule of law.”

This statement directly contradicts the false claims circulating in some local media entities.

In a related development, the Minister of Information and Civic Education (MICE), Hon. Chernor Bah, has boldly refuted the social media rumor that Sierra Leone has been suspended from receiving IMF assistance.

Speaking at the MICE weekly press briefing held on June 3, 2025, the Minister reaffirmed that Sierra Leone remains in good standing with the IMF and explained that a routine review process is scheduled for the end of June to assess eligibility for future grants or loans.

He emphasized that such reviews are standard procedures within international financial cooperation and do not amount to suspension.

“I want to assure Sierra Leoneans that there is no suspension. The IMF has not cut ties with our country. A program review will be conducted later this month as part of normal procedures,”  Chernor Bah said.

He called on citizens to rely on official Government channels for credible updates, warning against misinformation and politically motivated propaganda.

“Please count on us for official and accurate information on Government activities. Let’s not allow unverified stories to mislead the public,” he added.

Both the IMF’s direct clarification and the Government’s official position stress the importance of fact-based reporting. Dr. Sylvia  Blyden further highlighted that while allegations of corruption or financial mismanagement should never be ignored, it is critical that journalists and citizens alike verify information before jumping to conclusions.

Thanks to her investigative work, Sierra Leoneans can now be assured that the country’s partnership with the IMF remains intact and that rumors of suspension are entirely false.

As Dr. Sylvia Blyden aptly puts it:

“The importance of responsible journalism cannot be overstated especially when national credibility and international financial relations are at stake.”