Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. Opposition politician Mohamed Kamarainba Mansaray has questioned President Julius Maada Bio’s travel pattern, noting that the head of state has undertaken 25 foreign trips in 2025, the latest being a flight to the United Kingdom on Wednesday aboard a chartered private jet reportedly paid for by the state.
In a post shared online, Kamarainba stressed that these journeys all funded with public resources involve the continued use of private jets, raising concerns about cost and timing at a period of rising food prices, low wages, and limited access to basic services for many Sierra Leoneans.
The First Lady confirmed the UK trip as an official visit for diplomatic engagements. However, Kamarainba’s focus was not on the destination but on what he described as the frequency and cost of the president’s travels.
Chartered private jet flights typically incur expenses such as fuel, crew salaries, landing fees, and maintenance, though no official figures have been released regarding the total spent so far this year.
Some of the president’s trips have reportedly been tied to international summits and forums on issues including sustainable energy, security, and youth empowerment.
But the frequency of foreign engagements and the reliance on private jets have drawn wide debate on social media, with many citizens expressing frustration over government spending priorities amid ongoing economic hardship.
Despite the growing public interest, State House has yet to release a detailed breakdown of costs or respond directly to the concerns.
The latest UK trip adds to President Bio’s record of frequent international engagements in 2025, underscoring a pattern that continues to spark public debate.
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