Sierra Leone’s government rejected claims linking delayed EU budget support to judicial cooperation talks with the Netherlands. Freetown attributes the postponement to administrative timing after its request to amend the financing agreement. The Dutch justice minister had said support was suspended because convicted drug trafficker Jos Leijdekkers was not handed over. The competing explanations remain unresolved, while Freetown says cooperation with the EU continues.
Sierra Leone’s government rejected reports linking delayed European Union budget support to judicial cooperation talks with the Netherlands.[1], [2]
In its 1 October statement, Freetown said the postponement arose from administrative timing associated with its request to amend the financing agreement. The government disputes the portrayal of the delay as pressure over a legal case.[1]
According to the government, the European Commission communicated its decision on the 2026 payment in July. The government said the requested amendment made it difficult to finish the required procedures within the reporting cycle. It said the Commission proposed moving the 2026 and 2027 payments to 2027 and 2028 respectively, with targets for the 2027 disbursement already agreed.[1]
The government also said EU representatives had subsequently clarified that the decision was not influenced by any particular individual or legal case. That account remains Freetown’s explanation of its discussions with the Commission.[1]
Freetown reaffirmed its commitment to fighting transnational organised crime and cooperating with international partners under national law and established procedures. It opposed using development cooperation as public pressure. The government said relations with the EU remained strong and that preparations for 2027 budget support were continuing. It called for sensitive judicial and diplomatic matters to be handled by competent authorities through lawful channels and continuing dialogue.[1]
