Why the MCC Compact for Sierra Leone Contradicts the U.S. Government’s Own Democratic Standards

The United States has long prided itself on promoting democracy and transparency in its international development efforts. The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), established in 2004, is one such institution that embodies these values.

The MCC’s mission is simple but powerful: to partner with countries that meet rigorous standards of good governance, accountability, and commitment to democracy.

However, the recent decision to award a $480 million compact to Sierra Leone—despite widespread allegations of electoral fraud in the country’s 2023 presidential elections—raises serious concerns about whether the MCC is standing by its own principles.

The U.S. government’s hesitation to congratulate President Julius Maada Bio after his contested election victory was a clear indicator that not all was well with the democratic process in Sierra Leone.

Yet, despite this clear signal, the MCC has gone ahead with the compact. This decision appears to contradict the MCC’s own guidelines, which emphasize that good governance, free and fair elections, and transparency are foundational prerequisites for any country receiving an MCC compact. How can the MCC justify this decision in a situation where the democratic process—the very bedrock of its development partnerships—has been called into question?

The 2023 Elections: A Case of Electoral Fraud?

Sierra Leone’s 2023 presidential elections were marred by allegations of electoral irregularities and manipulation, with reports of ballot tampering, voter suppression, and a lack of transparency in vote counting. Opposition parties raised significant concerns about the legitimacy of the election results, and the international community, including the U.S., expressed reservations.

Despite these concerns, the MCC seems poised to disburse funds without requiring a thorough review of the election results or insisting on reforms that could ensure future elections are free and fair. This move is troubling because it signals a willingness to overlook serious democratic failings in exchange for the expediency of getting development dollars flowing.

MCC’s Principles: Democracy and Governance

The MCC has always prided itself on its rigorous selection criteria, which prioritize democratic governance and anti-corruption measures. These indicators are designed to ensure that recipient governments have the integrity and capability to responsibly manage the large sums of money that come with a compact. Among the most critical indicators in the MCC’s Ruling Justly category is the control of corruption, an area where Sierra Leone has struggled historically and continues to face challenges.

Moreover, the MCC emphasizes that free and fair elections are fundamental to democratic governance. How, then, can it move forward with a compact when the legitimacy of the government itself is under question? The MCC’s own guidelines should require a careful review of the electoral process before any funds are released, ensuring that the compact is supporting not only development but the strengthening of democratic institutions.

Why This Matters: Accountability to the People

It is essential to ask: Who will benefit from this compact if democratic accountability is not enforced? The people of Sierra Leone, long suffering under the weight of poverty and inadequate public services, deserve a government that is both accountable and transparent. By proceeding with the compact without addressing the allegations of electoral fraud, the MCC risks legitimizing a government that may not have come to power through a free and fair process.

Furthermore, the compact risks entrenching a system of governance that lacks transparency and may misuse development funds. Corruption remains a significant issue in Sierra Leone, and without addressing governance concerns, there is a real danger that the funds meant to uplift the people will be misappropriated or squandered.

A Call for Reform, Not Rejection

To be clear, this is not an argument against development aid or the MCC compact. Sierra Leone desperately needs the infrastructure improvements and investments in public services that the compact promises. However, these funds must be tied to meaningful democratic reforms and electoral accountability.

The MCC compact should be seen as an opportunity not just to improve Sierra Leone’s economy, but to strengthen its democratic institutions. The U.S. government has already signaled its concerns about the 2023 elections by withholding congratulations for the president. The MCC must follow suit by insisting on clear benchmarks for governance reforms before proceeding with the compact.

If the MCC’s mission is to foster sustainable economic growth through democratic governance, it cannot afford to overlook these fundamental issues. The people of Sierra Leone deserve a government that is held accountable to them, and the MCC has a responsibility to ensure that its investments are used for the benefit of the people, not to prop up a government with questionable legitimacy.

The MCC’s Responsibility

The U.S. government, through the MCC, has a unique opportunity to promote not only development but also democracy and transparency in Sierra Leone. Moving forward with the compact without addressing electoral irregularities undermines the MCC’s core mission and sends a dangerous message that democratic governance is negotiable. Sierra Leone deserves better, and so does the MCC. The U.S. must stand firm on its principles and ensure that this compact strengthens, rather than weakens, democracy in Sierra Leone.

The MCC compact should be delayed until there is a clear and transparent investigation into the 2023 elections, and the government shows a genuine commitment to the democratic principles that the MCC represents. Only then can the compact truly serve the people of Sierra Leone, as it was intended to do.

Amadu Massally is currently chief financial officer for a technology consultancy organization. A U.S.-based Sierra Leonean, Massally played an instrumental role in establishing the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Coordinating Unit in Sierra Leone, as part of the MCC's launch in the West African country. The MCC is a foreign aid agency established by the U.S. Congress in 2004.