Letter from U.S. Ambassador Thomas Hull

Freetown, Sierra Leone

September 20, 2005
Dear Ms. Murrah,

I am pleased that the Friends of Sierra Leone are advocating for the return of the Peace Corps to Sierra Leone.

Before civil conflict forced the Peace Corps to withdraw, thousands of Peace Corps Volunteers made enduring contributions to the development of Sierra Leone and to relations between our countries. The Friends of Sierra Leone is a manifestation of the good will established during the Peace Corps era.

Since the departure of the Peace Corps, there has been a void in the bilateral relationship. The current generation of young Sierra Leoneans has not had the benefit of personal contact with Americans like the older generation had. Volunteers brought an egalitarian attitude that has influenced Sierra Leone's democratization, but without Peace Corps on the ground, American influence for constructive change is diminished.

Although conflict ended in Sierra Leone four years ago, recovery from the devastation continues. The country urgently needs skilled teachers and trainers in education, health, agriculture, micro-enterprise, environment, and other sectors. Sierra Leone is rising from the bottom of the UN's Human Development Index, but a Peace Corps presence would undoubtedly accelerate development.

The absence of the Peace Corps also deprives Americans of the opportunity to experience Sierra Leone. Our country has been greatly enriched by Volunteers who, by immersing themselves in other countries, have brought to the United States a deeper understanding of the world and a richer appreciation of foreign cultures. I personally know many returned Volunteers who have used their cross-cultural experiences in their workplaces and communities. My own Peace Corps experience in Sierra Leone has definitely contributed to my effectiveness as Ambassador of the United States to Sierra Leone.

Sierra Leone would welcome the return of the Peace Corps. President Kabbah has said so himself many times. He went on the record publicly last year to tell me, "Mr. Ambassador, we look forward to the day when the Peace Corps program will return to Sierra Leone to further contribute to the noble task of cooperation and excellent human relations which you and many other Americans started in the 1960's." He continues to urge me privately to bring back the Peace Corps, and if it were my decision alone, it would be done.

I have had meetings at Peace Corps headquarters to discuss possible resumption of the Sierra Leone program. At the invitation of the Government of Sierra Leone, the Peace Corps did an assessment that recommended Sierra Leone as an auspicious location for a new program. Senior Peace Corps officials have told me that Sierra Leone is a high priority, but budget stringencies have prevented the return of Volunteers thus far.

I agree with FoSL that Sierra Leone needs the Peace Corps more than ever. I am optimistic that the Peace Corps will eventually return, but the need is now. I therefore wish the Friends of Sierra Leone success in your efforts to make that possible.

Sincerely,

Thomas N. Hull

Ambassador