Sierra Leone Country Report

Sierra Leone is a mineral-rich but impoverished country in West Africa. The country has taken positive steps in post-conflict reconstruction since the end of a civil war in 2002. However, Sierra Leone remains among the poorest countries in the world, with notably high maternal and infant mortality rates. Limited infrastructure, chronic corruption, and health risks are seen as some of the other main factors inhibiting foreign investment and development.

Much of the country's infrastructure was destroyed during the civil war, and despite ongoing rebuilding efforts, improving the road network along with telecommunications, water, and electricity service access has proven challenging. The already limited healthcare facilities were further strained by the 2014-2015 Ebola outbreak.

The primary threats to foreign travelers are petty theft, assorted crimes of opportunity, and road traffic accidents. The country is also susceptible to recurring floods and landslides, with climate change and a lack of preparedness compounding the impact of such natural disasters.

Sierra Leone has made significant stability gains since the end of a devastating civil war in 2002, and there are no indications that the country could slip back into armed conflict. There are no known terrorist groups operating in Sierra Leone or which are assessed as posing a threat to foreign interests in the country. Criminal activity is widespread across Sierra Leone, with the main threat to foreign travelers and expatriates being primarily non-violent, opportunistic crime. Civil unrest is frequent, with the propensity of security forces to respond in a heavy-handed manner often escalating the situation.

There are serious safety concerns over air travel by Sierra Leone-based airlines.

Overland travel in the country is hazardous due to poor road conditions, inadequate lighting and frequent traffic accidents.

The Port of Freetown is considered relatively efficient.

The provision of utilities and service delivery is susceptible to regular disruptions.

There are increasing concerns over the threat from cyber-attacks, which can cause damage to the country's economy.

Flooding and landslides are common during the wet season between May and October, and can cause widespread devastation and disruptions. Remnant landmines from the civil war era pose a limited risk in some parts of the country’s northern and eastern regions.

Sierra Leone has been officially free of the Ebola Virus Disease since 2016, although a number of insect and water-borne diseases remain prevalent and continue to pose a risk to travelers. Standard of medical care and facilities are limited in the country. Medications may be in short supply, and counterfeit drugs remain a problem.

There are no immediate threats to the stability of the current regime, although entrenched widespread poverty and high unemployment remain flashpoints for social unrest. Corruption is pervasive across all levels of government and remains a significant obstacle to foreign investment. State institutions remain weak and are undermined by a lack of resources, training as well as corruption.