Former Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Rt. Hon. Sidie Mohamed Tunis, has called on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to investigate what he describes as a troubling visa-related incident involving an individual who allegedly misrepresented himself as a member of his official staff.
In a letter dated September 3, 2026, addressed to the Ministry, Mr. Tunis disclosed that during a recent visa interview at the United States Embassy in Freetown, he was informed by a consular officer that a man identified as Chapator Bah had been issued a U.S. visa in 2023 under the designation of “Executive Assistant to the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament.”
According to Mr. Tunis, the consular officer further indicated that the individual reportedly travelled to the United States and failed to return, a circumstance that allegedly had implications for the consideration of his own visa application.
Describing the allegation as both shocking and damaging, the former ECOWAS Parliament Speaker said the matter represents a serious embarrassment not only to him personally but also to Sierra Leone and the wider West African sub-region.
Mr. Tunis categorically denied any association with the individual in question, stating that he has never employed, worked with or known anyone by the name of Chapator Bah. He further maintained that no such person served as his Executive Assistant during his tenure as Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament.
The former Speaker has therefore urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to undertake an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the issuance of the note verbale reportedly used to support Bah’s visa application. He said the inquiry should establish how the document was issued and whether official procedures were circumvented.
Expressing concern over the potential misuse of government channels and diplomatic documentation, Mr. Tunis warned that the matter could have serious implications for the credibility of Sierra Leone’s foreign service and international reputation if left unresolved.
He further stated that should the issue not be adequately addressed within seven working days, he would be compelled to initiate legal action to protect his reputation and distance himself from the allegations.
Copies of the letter were forwarded to several senior government and parliamentary officials, including the Speaker of Parliament, the Secretary to the President, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, the Leader of Government Business, the Leader of the Opposition, and Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the United States.
The development has sparked concerns over the possible abuse of official diplomatic correspondence and raises broader questions about accountability and oversight within processes linked to international travel documentation.
As of the time of publication, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation had not publicly responded to the allegations or indicated whether a formal investigation had commenced.