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Sulaiman Tejan Sesay Narrowly Escapes Death in the Hands of Desperate Police Officers

Sulaiman Tejan Sesay
Sulaiman Tejan Sesay

By Fatmata Jengbe

Sulaiman Tejan Sesay, a former pupil of the St Francis Secondary School, is now missing after he narrowly escaped death at the hands of desperate Police Officers in Makeni, Northern Sierra Leone.

He was among the protesters in Makeni, sometime in 2020, who revolted against the forceful removal of a standby generator from Makeni to the Freetown International Airport by Government officials with the aid of Police Officers.

According to Abdul (an eyewitness), on the 27th of October 2020, he saw three trucks loaded with armed Police Officers moving towards Azzolini Highway in Makeni. He decided to follow them and hid somewhere that he could not be easily seen.

He continued that as the trucks slowed down, in doom and gloom, he heard the first boom! Some Police Officers surrounded a particular house as others were firing guns rapidly while trying to gain entrance into the house.

“The belligerence caused me to take further cover in a nearby bush to a position where I could glimpse everything that was going on,” he continued adding that from where he was hiding, he saw a young man that looked like someone in his late twenties jumping the fence of the house that was under attack.

Abdul furthered that he beckoned to the young man to join him where he was hiding as he thought the place was safe and they could not be easily detected.

He said it was at that point that he heard the sound of a megaphone and upon listening carefully, the Police Officer echoed, “Sulaiman Tejan Sesay, Come out and surrender yourself or you will regret it”. The Police emphasized, “Sulaiman, as you have injured some of our colleagues, you will never molest a Police Officer again in your life, come out of your hiding you coward”.

Abdul revealed that at that very moment he noticed that the young man who had joined him in his hiding was trembling like an Ebola patient. He said when he asked why he was shivering as such; panic-stricken, the young man confessed that he is the Sulaiman that the Police Officers desperately wanted.

He continued that when the situation came to a halt; after realizing Sulaiman was not showing up and no trace of him was found; the Police Officers decided to call off the raid to search the next houses and apartments. Sulaiman seized the opportunity and escaped, he affirmed. “Out of curiosity and pity, I escorted him to Yoni (a nearby village),” he stated.

He said Sulaiman informed him that he was among those who believed to stage a stout protest against the Police when it became noticeable that the standby generator sometimes used to generate electricity for Makeni city was about to be forcefully removed and transferred to the Freetown International Airport in Lungi; an act which they deemed as depriving Makeni of its bona fide generator, underscoring that they understood at that particular moment that it was a decision that was politically motivated and orchestrated.

The eyewitness said Sulaiman speculated that politics was at play and because Makeni city is considered to be the stronghold of the main opposition APC party – a party that he is loyal to, that was why the ruling SLPP Government wants to deprive residents of a standby generator solely meant for the city.

He stated how Sulaiman and others vowed that such will never happen and therefore resisted the removal of the generator during a protest mounted in which one of his brothers by the name of  Mohamed was shot at close range by the Police and died a few minutes later.

“Sulaiman explained to me that after four other young protesters were shot and killed, they (protesters) decided to retreat and hide,” the eye witness intimated furthering that the Police, therefore, decided to round up all the suspects of the protest but could not confirm whether they were wanted for prosecution or to fire and kill them on the spot.

However, he confirmed that with the heavy guns firing he saw on that fateful day he is of the firm conviction that if the Police had set eyes on any of the alleged perpetrators, including Sulaiman, they should have shot them on sight.

“I advised Sulaiman not to venture upon returning to Makeni stressing that if he has any safe place to hide for the moment, even out of the country, that will be fine and better for his life,” he recounted informing that he also admonished him to briefly stay at the village and he will visit him in two days to help him out with some clothes and food items.

“Upon my return to the village on the 29th of October 2020 I was told that Sulaiman Tejan Sesay has sneaked out of the village and before he left he told his host, Amidu, that he had signed a deal with an agent, Abu Dubai (as he is fondly called and known for modern-day slavery) to help him escape from the country,” the eyewitness concluded adding that since that day he never set eyes on Sulaiman Tejan Sesay.

This medium contacted the Head of Communication of the Sierra Leone Police, Superintendent Brima Kamara, who confirmed that Sulaiman Tejan Sesay, Idriss Kamara, Alie Conteh and others are wanted for riotous conduct.

Statistician-General Undresses NEW & Enjoins to Work Together  

By Amin Kef Sesay

The Statistician-General, Professor Osman Sankoh alias Mallam O has stated that his attention has been drawn to a Press Release that issued relating to the Mid-Term Census issued by the National Election Watch (NEW) which, he said, is headed by the outspoken and admirable Marcella Samba-Sesay.

He furthered that he decided to react and not ask his Communications Director to do so.

Mallam O underscored that Marcella would confirm that he did invite them to a meeting at Stats SL when he first heard one of NEW’s officials talking about the Mid-Term Census on 98.1 with little knowledge relating to the purpose and strategy.

He revealed how the invitation was for them to meet so that his team could provide details of the census and seek NEW’s collaboration.

The Statistician General stated that they were thrilled when a large high-powered NEW delegation came to Stats SL.

He said no one will misjudge the positive outcome of their meeting, an assurance of NEW’s participation in the census and a decision to have an MOU between them.

“NEW informed us of their enhanced capabilities in the districts and that their human network could be made available to Stats SL for effective education on the census and monitoring of the process,” he continued.

He added that the Census Secretariat at Stats SL therefore felt that NEW would play a key role in the sensitization and educational activities, hence NEW was invited to serve on that Committee which will met for the first time on the 28th October, 2020 at Stats SL.

Mallam O said an invitation letter was sent to NEW.

He recalled that they just published a press release on the new date and until they could confirm the new date, activities are low key going further that the just had the second Technical Committee Meeting, to be followed by the Publicity Committee and the Advisory Committee respectively.

The Statistician General said indisputably NEW was not left out saying that such will not be.

“I think that Marcella and NEW have earned credibility over the years and NEW people enjoy my admiration and respect. It’s unfortunate that they came up with a Press Release about our activity that has the potential to attract frown even against them,” he lamented.

He said with him as head at Stats SL, a strong and capable Management co-led by his Deputy, Andrew Johnny and a dynamic, competent Stats Council headed by Moses Williams, he can assure of transparent and accountable practices in all what they do.

“This census will be!” he said with determination.

He said he does not intend to respond to the NEW Press Release because as partners they can talk with them directly and get the correct information, starting even at a time when they will hopefully attend the Publicity Committee Meeting

“I will only state that the genesis of what is becoming a household term in Sierra Leone, the Mid-Term Census, can be traced to this writer Mallam O., who became the new SG of Stats SL in April 2018,” he said with pride.

He said they want to share data from the 2015 census widely but couldn’t because of his and their inability to specify 59% of population data on localities, scattered across the country stating that analysis was possible only at the level of Enumeration Areas, one-level above which, he said, was good if some do not want to know about the population of individual settlements.

“So with my team we convinced the World Bank to contribute to fund the project. We started with $2m, it went to $4m and eventually to $6m,” he disclosed.

He said the struggle started in early 2018 well before COVID-19 and  so no one can say they should have asked for the funds to be spent on COVID-19 stating how it was not alive then.

Mallam O said, besides, there are MDAs that asked to be supported for hospitals, roads, schools, water wells, power stations, etc.

“We are Stats SL, we ask to be supported to collect data on our people,” he maintained.

The Statistician General said it is a total of $30m they have received to strengthen the National Statistical System, as described in the Medium Term National Development Plan which the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MOPED) has rolled out to the people of Sierra Leone.

He asked the question : “Is it not laudable that we now have a Stats SL that is capable of developing a proposal with the World Bank that has earned us $30m?”

The census funds are part of that amount, he said

Mallam O stated that Government pledged Le14bn to the project and until now contributions are from the Chinese Embassy (two Motorcycles), MRU (large printer), UNFPA ($100,000) and UNICEF ($150,000).

He disclosed that their invitation to NEW continues to hold and they still look forward to working with its dynamic leadership.

“This is The People’s Census. No individual or institution will allow us not to include them.

Let’s work together!” he enjoined.

SES & We Yone Child Foundation Commence Trauma Therapy Training for Community Stakeholders 

By Foday Moriba Conteh

As part of their efforts to educate people on trauma related issues in the country,  the Senior Expert Service Bonn Germany in partnership with We Yone Child Foundation has on Monday 26th October, 2020 commenced a 10 day Training of Trainers workshop for community stakeholders on “Sustainable Education on Trauma Therapy” approaches. The event took place at the Dwarzark Community Centre in Freetown.

Speaking to this Press, Founder/Director of the Trauma Therapy Institute Berlin, who is based in Germany and also doubles as an Expert of Senior Expert Service Bonn Germany, Dr. Dietrich Sternberg stated that for the next 10 days they will be providing information, ideas, skills, training on Sustainable Education on Trauma Therapy for participants which, he said, is very key towards their development.

He added that trauma is a situation when someone is faced with a problem that they have never experienced before, adding that trauma is inevitable to human-beings and it is experienced out of mainly negative situations faced by individuals.

Dr. Dietrich Sternberg noted that experts have agreed that it is especially important to be availing information on dealing with trauma for a friend or loved one during periods where their trauma may resurface.

It was against that backdrop, he said, the importance of the training cannot be overemphasized as it will provide information and skills on how to deal with trauma and which participants can use to handle trauma issues in their different communities.

He pointed out that some triggers of trauma could include the anniversary of an incident, such as the 11 Years Civil War, Ebola, Mudslide etc. which Sierra Leone has experienced in the past and which left some people really traumatized.

He said as an expert in trauma they thought it fit to organize the training for community stakeholders revealing how they are doing so with the strong conviction that such a training could be helpful especially at this decisive moment when a lot of people are experiencing trauma on a daily basis.

Dr. Dietrich Sternberg further revealed that this training will empower the participants to be resilient giving them the capacity to handle trauma and maintain self-regulation when faced with such cases, adding that any form of trauma affecting any aspect of someone’s life is something to be concerned about.

Director of the Trauma Therapy Institute Berlin Germany & Expert Senior Expert Service Bonn Germany, who happens to be a facilitator, Pia Baerwald, expressed appreciation to Senior Expert Service Bonn Germany for supporting them to come to Sierra Leone to undertake such a training for community stakeholders, adding that the negative effects of trauma in someone’s life cannot be over emphasized and if not addressed could lead to severe mental disorder.

She also stated that Sierra Leone has gone through a Civil War, Ebola and Mudslide crises ,among others, underscoring that those are  some triggers of trauma furthering that those incidents left some people traumatized and now need counselling in order to over the trauma those incidents have caused to their levies.

Pia Baerwald said with this training such will avail them skills, information and knowledge in dealing with traumatic disorders.

Pia Baerwald revealed that traumatic events occur when individuals are in situations where there are risks of harm or danger to themselves or other people. She said situations like those are usually frightening or may cause a lot of stress.

“In such situations people feel helpless and they need people to counsel them and these participants will serve as counselors in their different communities to counsel people with trauma,” she expressed optimism.

On his part, Founder/ Executive Director, We Yone Child Foundation, Santigie Bayo Dumbuya, expressed gratitude to the facilitators of the training Dr. Dietrich Sternberg and Pia Baerwald for coming all the way from Germany to conduct and facilitate such a training programme. He further thanked Senior Expert Service Bonn Germany from supporting the entire training process.

He said that the training is important adding that as an organization working in the interest of children across the country they do face a lot of trauma incidents relating to children who have lost their parents during the Mudslide and Ebola disasters, adding that this skills will help address trauma and mental health issues faced by children, parents, staff and women and girls in their communities.

He revealed that with this training it will equip them to handle such cases whenever they are faced with them, stating that the training brought together social workers, teachers, religious leaders, security personnel etc. as they play critical roles in society and in most cases come across different people in their workplaces.

Edward M. Jabaty, Chairman of the School Management Committee, We Yone Child Foundation and who happens to be a participants showered praises on Senior Expert Service Bonn Germany & We Yone Child Foundation for organizing such a training programme which he described as not only important but very timely.

He said since the commencement of the training exercise he has been able to imbibe ideas on how to deal with trauma expressing hope that by the end of the 10 days training he will be equipped with more knowledgeable about Sustainable Education on Trauma Therapy approaches and promised to cascade what has been learnt to help people deal with trauma in his community.

NP’s Timely Availing of Petroleum Products Prevents Socio-Economic Dislocations

By Amin Kef Sesay

The National Petroleum (NP) Sierra Leone-Limited, which has been widely acclaimed as the country’s leading oil marketing company has over the years been very committed in ensuring that there is timely availability of petroleum products in order to prevent situations where there could be shortages which could lead to serious socio-economic dislocations.

Also, it must be underscored that there is no gainsaying that NP-SL Ltd.’s imprint on the petroleum business landscape within the West African Sub-Region is indeed awesome. Indeed, if we are identifying business entities that have made indelible impacts within the West African sub-region, then the National Petroleum-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) stands tall. This could not in any way be an overstatement or exaggeration as the facts speak out clearly of a company that originated from a humble origin, established by thirty-five (35) Sierra Leoneans, former employees of British Petroleum (BP) Company , who bought shares after BP decided to fold up its operations in this country.

As a result of selflessness, the sheer determination to succeed in their investment venture and the steady injection of sound managerial initiatives, this small entity grew over the years to become a towering petroleum business company that now has vibrant branches within the West African sub-region in Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia.

Today you can find the presence of the company in those countries, easily spotted by its green and yellow colours as well as its attractive well-constructed Filling Stations, which are very spacious to accommodate many vehicles, some having shopping marts, tire repairing/mending sections.

Because of its proactive stance with regards quality service delivery, with the avowed objective of always maximizing the interests of its numerous customers, within the petroleum business context, the company has earned the reputation of being 1st for Customer Care. This could not be dismissed as any theoretical attribution because the Shareholders and various Management team, over the years, have rolled out concreate steps and initiatives that still continue to give utmost satisfaction to all its customers everywhere the company is operating.

A realistic demonstration of doing so was borne out of the pragmatic step taken in the direction of securing and installing at its Filling Stations calibrated pumping machines, highly capable of pumping the correct amount of fuel, petrol or diesel, that a particular customer demand, displaying quantity in litre and the price. With such machines in place, obviously, customers always have the conviction that transactions are transparent which gives them the confidence to remain glued to a company that they trust. This is the situation in all the aforementioned countries where the company is steadily operating.

To enhance public safety and by extension that of its customers, the company made it paramount to clearly display precautionary measures at all its Filling Stations out of which these include but not limited to avoid smoking when within the precincts, not to light any naked flame, switch off mobile phones, engines of vehicles when fuel is being pumped. It is always ensured that there are fire extinguishers handy to be used in the event of any fire incidence.

Taking into cognizance that the company is dealing in highly inflammable products, the stance on the part of the Shareholders and Management to uphold best practice within the context of enhancing safety definitely falls within the purview of promoting customer care.

It has been established by development experts that there is a symbiotic relationship between strict implementation of a country’s Local Content Policy (LCP) and economic development. This had been justified on the basis of avoiding the over dependence on importation of what we use to produce and consume. Besides, sound implementation of this policy provides room for the utilization of local skills and materials in the production chain.

As for the National Petroleum-Sierra Leone Limited strict implementation of the country’s LCP is a top priority which must not be taken lightly.

It is against such a backdrop that the company gives preference to indigenes when it comes to employment. Except on exceptional and rare occasions when it comes to employment. For example, in The Gambia, the Management does not say because the parent company is from Sierra Leone therefore Sierra Leoneans should be given priority. No! If there are Gambians who are qualified they get the jobs.

With the introduction of NP Smart Card, which has gone viral, the Card can be credited with money and the amount of money utilized to buy fuel is debited after every transaction. With the use of NP Smart Card, customers are saved the hassle of having to always move with physical cash in their possession in order to purchase fuel and indeed there are times when one may not have time to rush to the bank to make withdrawals. Customers, who are holders and users of NP Smart Card, are at the vantage position to properly budget, through the amount that is contained in the card to buy fuel, during a considerable period of time, say a week or a month. Indeed, NP Smart Card has become trending.

The company also markets NP Gas which is a cooking device that is manufactured in different cylinder sizes and sold at the company’s Filling Stations across the country. It can be easily refilled with gas, is said to be non-hazardous to the health of individuals and easy to operate. Its performance has been rated high and many are indeed going for it.

Within the realm of churning out its Corporate Social Responsibility, the company has done a lot but because of space we will dwell on them at a later date.

Indisputably, from the foregoing ,it can be firmly asserted that when we count companies that have made solid marks within the business landscape of the West African sub-region there is no way that the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited could not be mentioned as the company is greatly contributing to socio-economic growth wherever it has a presence. And the good news is that the company is doggedly poised to expand its operations.

Housemates Salone Puts Sierra Leone in the International Entertainment Spotlight

By Amin Kef Sesay

The entertainment show that many have been yearning for is now on in full gear. It is Housemates Salone Season 2 and its coming big on your screen via Africa Young Voices (AYV) Television Channel 34 on a twenty-four hours basis.

This Reality TV Show is currently giving viewers a lot of fun, laughter and interestingly evoking heated discussions in various public places as the episodes continue to roll out. Besides, it has once more put Sierra Leone in the spotlight within the international entertainment landscape.

For now as news of its fun packed  and educative episodes are spreading like wild fire in the harmattan season so there is a corresponding mad rush by interested persons to continue to stay glued to their TV sets .

The Housemates that are now in the House were drawn from various parts of the country and different backgrounds now competing to the best of their abilities to scoop the votes from members of the public until such a time when the show will reach its climax albeit evictions along the process ultimately leading to the clash of the Titans to determine to final winner.

However, it is important to note that to keep the Housemates in the House, viewers must vote for them. In other words their survival to be in the House largely depends on the voting public. Make use of this opportunity now by sending SMS messages or vote via the number of any of the Housemates to: 5500 or Dial *5500#. For International voting, call: +23299005500.

The ultimate winner will heartily and elatedly bag the whooping sum of Two Hundred and Fifty Million Leones (Le250M) and will be availed the opportunity to go on a round trip to Dubai.

However, Housemates Salone is designed in such a way that for every day any of the Housemates stays in the House, he or she becomes automatically eligible to earn one hundred thousand Leones (Le100, 000).

According to the organizers, this exciting Reality TV Show was put together against the backdrop of promoting Youth Empowerment. Better put into perspective, Housemates Salone encompasses providing mentorship for young aspiring Sierra Leoneans who believe that they have talents that they could showcase that will not only be sources of entertainment for viewers but provide valuable insights as to the everyday behavioural patterns of young people living together.

However, the most important aspect of the Reality TV Show is that it is serving as a conduit through which the Housemates are taken through  mental and physical exercises that will end up to mould and shape their characters.

They are now benefitting from being guided to be motivational speakers, to think critically as well as rationally, how to healthily interact, how to solve problems, to cook, to sing, dance, control emotions and stress. The Housemates now have the opportunity to learn from what visiting guests, including the First Lady, Madam Fatima Bio, as well as officials of corporate institutions will teach them, learn how to play games and a host of other things that are aligned to coping mechanisms in life.

If it could be succinctly put in other words, Housemates Salone could be liken to a refinery where the current competitors are going through life overhauling experiences to such an extent that life after Housemates Salone will be  positively different for them.

Another good thing about the show is that it has now put all the Housemates in the spotlight as the Reality TV Show is been watched by many in and out of the country. People are now coming to know them, the talents they possess and what they are capable of doing.

The show is a window of opportunity for the Housemates as some people out there could be interested in tapping the talents that they have seen displayed which could end up in changing their fortunes for life. Indeed something has to start somewhere!

This is a rare opportunity for young people who have the conviction that they have all what it takes to grab the mouth-watering winning prize of Two Hundred and Fifty Million Leones and a round trip to Dubai.

Housemates Salone Season 2 will definitely leave an indelible imprint on the entertainment landscape of this country.

CSOs Call on ACC Czar to Protect Persons Supporting Fight against Graft

Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Francis Ben Kaifala

By Amin Kef Sesay

In a letter dated 28th October 2020 signed by over fifty Civil Society Organizations and addressed to the Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Francis Ben Kaifala, copying the Secretary to the President, with a caption, “CSOs CALL ON THE ANTI-CORRUPTION COMMISSION TO PROTECT PERSONS WHO SUPPORT THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION” certain issues were highlighted.

The CSOs asked permission from the ACC Commissioner to share the private letter to him with the wider Sierra Leone public and international partners, whom they say, are equally concerned about the issue of accountability and protection of whistleblowers in the country.

They continued that the undersigned group of 54 organizations sincerely applaud his efforts in fighting corruption and would like to draw his attention to the plight of two Members of Parliament – Hon. Hindolo Gevao and Hon. Ibrahim T. Conteh, who have remained suspended from all Parliamentary Committee proceedings despite demonstrating a great deal of commitment to the fight against corruption by acting as whistleblowers in respect of alleged acts of corruption and abuse of power in Parliament.

The CSOs say they believe it is useful to draw his attention to the fact that President Bio came to power on the laudable promise to fight graft in Sierra Leone.

“The President made good on his promise by setting up three Commissions of Inquiry to investigate officials who served in the previous administration. Those actions resonated with a majority of the citizens who gave a nod of approval as expressed in almost all local and international corruption studies,” they maintained and added that in a recent (2020) Afrobarometer survey for instance, an astonishing 66% of Sierra Leoneans in 2018 said the Bio administration was doing well in fighting corruption, as compared to only 18% in 2015.

Additionally, in 2019, they furthered, Sierra Leone passed the Control of Corruption indicator on the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) scorecard for the first time in the nation’s history and made significant inroads in the Global Corruption Barometer.

They lamented that it is extremely sad to say that the nation risk reversing all of those gains because of the draconian actions of the Honorable Speaker and the Parliamentary Leadership in suppressing whistleblowing and dissent.

For the avoidance of any misgivings or doubts, it was stated, they shall endeavor to outline below the specific events that have prompted this le

“In April 2020, a DFID-funded CSO Consortium on Public Financial Management released a Corruption Perceptions Survey report that named the Parliament of Sierra Leone as the fourth most corrupt institution in the country and Parliamentarians as the second most corrupt set of individuals in public service,” the content of the letter pointed out.

The CSOs said following the publication, the Sierra Leone Parliament on 7th September 2020 released a public statement essentially berating members of the institutions that released the report and wholly dismissing their observations and demand for ethical leadership.

According to them, the act of dismissing the genuine concerns of citizens who interact with MPs on a regular basis and have a good knowledge of the activities of Parliamentary institutions was an unfortunate move that could only serve to stop citizens from questioning leadership behaviors.

“In September 2020, Hon. Hindolo Gevao, MP of Constituency 003, in an interview on the BBC’s Focus on Africa programme, confirmed that the perception of corruption within Parliament had merit and should not be ignored,” they highlighted continuing that it was followed by a publication of the Afrobarometer on 15 September 2020, in which 81% of the respondents said “All” or “Most” Parliamentarians were corrupt.

Based on what they communicated, the release was again dismissed in a Press Conference in Parliament on 30th September 2020, where the Hon. Speaker, Dr. Abass Bundu, made strong statements aimed at intimidating both the authors of the reports.

They said it is with deep regret that they noted that the Parliamentary leadership has decided to dismiss and suppress all legitimate calls for accountability and instead, have moved swiftly to suspend Hon. Conteh and Hon. Ngevao, who have separately spoken out about alleged corruption and arm-twisting in Parliament.

“Civil Society and human rights defenders are deeply concerned that the high-handed actions against the whistleblower-MPs would have a chilling effect that could negatively impact on the country’s fight against corruption, especially as 61% of citizens already fear the risk of retaliation for reporting corruption (Afrobarometer 2020),” they underscored adding how they also note with concern that both parties are complicit in this act of suppressing whistleblowing on corruption and stifling citizens’ feedback to elected officials.

They said it is clear that the motion to suspend the two MPs was moved by the Leader of the governing party in Parliament and seconded by the Leader of the main Opposition.

According to them such raises serious questions about Parliament’s ability to hold itself accountable, or to Police itself.

The CSOs expressed the belief that both Hon. Gevao and Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh were assisting the Commission in the fight against corruption by sharing information that could provide leads to the Commission.

In this regard, they said they deserve the protection envisaged under Section 86 of the Anti-Corruption Act 2008 as amended, which states the following: “No action or proceeding, including disciplinary action, may be instituted or maintained against a person in respect of assistance given by the person to the Commission or an investigating officer”.

They expressed hope that the Commission will be guided by the provision above and intervene in the matter saying that they are worried that unless something is done urgently to remind the leadership of Parliament about the need to protect those who assist the Commission in its work, they will soon start going after ordinary citizens, including the leadership of local civil society organizations, especially those that hold institutions to account.

The CSOs ended up calling on his good office to take immediate steps to ensure that all whistleblowers on corruption within and outside Parliament are protected in accordance with the laws of Sierra Leone.

“We stand ready to support the fight against corruption and protection of human rights.”

The CSOs include: ActionAid Sierra Leone, Advocacy Movement Network (AmNET), African Women Leaders Network – Sierra Leone, Amnesty International – Sierra Leone, Budget Advocacy Network (BAN), Campaign for Good Governance (CGG),Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI),Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law (CARL),Center for Democracy and Human Rights (CDHR), Centre for the Coordination of Youth Activities (CCYA), Chair CS BO, Chair CS Bonthe, Chair CS Kailahun (CCWA),Chair CS Kenema (MORRD),Chair CS Kono (KOCEPO),Chair CS Moyamba, Chair CS Port Loko (CGG),Chair CS Pujehun, Chair CSO Karene (Children’s Foundation),Child Rights Coalition, Children’s Forum Network, Citizens Advocacy Network (CAN),Civil Society Movement, Council of Churches in Sierra Leone

And CSO Chair Tonkolili (Women’s Initiative for Democratic Development ), DADA-SL Kambia, Defense for Children International, DEMOCRACY SIERRA LEONE, Fambul Tok International, FORWARD SL, Foundation for Rural and Urban Transformation (FoRUT),Health for all Coalition, Human Rights Defenders Network, Human Rights Defenders Network –SL (HRDN), Institute for Governance Reform (IGR),Market Women Association, Movement for Restoration of Democracy, National Advocacy Coalition on Extractives (NACE), National Elections Watch (NEW),Native Consortium Research Center, Network Movement for Justice and Development (NMJD),Network Movement for Democracy and Human Rights (NMDHR),Network Movement for youth and Children’s Welfare (NMYCW),Sierra Association of Journalists (SLAJ),Sierra Leone Labour Congress, Sierra Leone Market Women Association SLMWA, Sierra Leone Union of Disability (SLUDI), The 50/50 Group Sierra Leone, WASHNET, West African Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) Sierra Leone, Western Area Development Organization, Women’s Forum Sierra  Leone, Young Men’s Christian Association, Youth and Child Advocacy Network (YACAN).

Taking Decisive Actions to Combat Political Violence Is Crucial For National Cohesion

By Brima Sannoh

Violence in any shape or form is destructive, always leaving in its trail sorrow, misery and bitterness. It is not only anti-developmental but has the tendency of fanning the flames of reprisal which indeed will not be good for the image of any country. Political violence fuelled by any group should not be tolerated to rear its ugly head within the political landscape of this country simply because we have not only tasted but rather swallowed the bitter pills of violence in all its ramifications.

I am gratified by the stringent actions that the law enforcement entities are taking to combat violent actions perpetuated by certain unscrupulous individuals. Though some may frown at the actions executed by the Police from time to time, however, we are totally in support of their pro-active stance and want to encourage them to continue to enhance good policing.

We are appalled to hear about frequent outbursts of violence perpetrated by young people who are expected to be the engine for overall national development. Indeed, we are aware of militating factors that do impinge on enhancing good prospects for young people, an outstanding one which is lack of jobs.

That notwithstanding, negative peer group influences and poor parental mentoring are also key factors that lead to recalcitrance and waywardness.

Combating the growing tide of youth violence in our midst should not only be the priority of the Government but all relevant stakeholders that have the moral responsibility to do so. Some have argued that acute poverty is one of the underlying reasons why parents most times fail to groom their children to become morally upright and turn out to be responsible citizens. I, however, beg to differ from that viewpoint simply because it has been proven beyond all reasonable doubts that good parenting rather than poverty goes a long way in shaping the characters of children.

As very soon we will be having bye-elections, Chieftaincy elections, election re-runs etc precautionary measures must be heightened in order to stem political violence. Civic education, using the media, must be rigorously disseminated by the National Council for Civic Education and Development headed by Kalilu Tutangi, Civil Society organizations and religious leaders to help enlighten the wider citizenry to be aware of the importance of political tolerance and national cohesion.

Besides, it is very much important for the heavy of politicians on polling days as their presence, it has been noted, whip up emotions that could culminate into tensions. They must totally refrain from making inciting statements and trying to clandestinely manipulate the outcomes of the forthcoming elections.

It goes without saying that the future of any democratic country lies in the hands of young people, in whom it is hoped, brilliant ideas and contributions will come from to take the nation to higher heights. Make no mistake about it that young people are resourceful, are endowed with physical dexterity and could be very innovative in championing transformative programs that can impact positively on overall national development.

Lamentably, though, over a considerable period of time our young people were side-lined by aging politicians and other public officials who deliberately deprived them from contributing meaningfully to nation building. Most were denied opportunities for capacity building purely out of greed and institutionalized corruption that permeated various facets of the country.

Whilst those public figures selectively offered greener pasture to their children, relatives and close affiliates, the bulk of our youth were left out in the cold to end up as drop outs and social misfits. The future for many of them obviously became very bleak always yearning for handouts which made them malleable in the hands of ill-motivated politicians who manipulate them during electioneering periods to cause chaos, intimidate potential rivals only at the end of the day to dump them after achieving their aspirations.

It cannot be overemphasized that Government should place premium in creating avenues through which young people could be capacitated to become very productive in society instead of engaging in anti-social activities.

 

President Bio Nails Coffin of Part V of the Public Order Act

By Amin Kef Sesay

The death of Part V of the obnoxious 1965 Public Act took place in Parliament on the 23rd July 2020 to the delight of media practitioners right across the country especially those who fell victim to the evil manipulations of unscrupulous politicians who used the Act to have journalists incarcerated under unsatisfactory conditions.

Though the death occurred, however, the funeral did not take place immediately as legal procedures have to be followed before the burial takes place for onward journey into the lake of fire. In other words, although Members of Parliament voted overwhelmingly to ensure that the Libel Law was expunged from our law books it is only when His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio appends his signature to the Bill that the process would finally be completed. In other words, the President has to give his Assent for the criminal libel law to be expunged and replaced by the new IMC Act of 2020.

This was exactly what transpired at State House on Wednesday 28 October 2020 where the President slammed the ‘steel nail’ with a sledge hammer on the coffin of Part V of the 1965 Public Order Act which criminalizes libel.

His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio publicly signed the amended law, effectively repealing the 55-year-old seditious libel section of the Public Order Act 1965 that criminalized free speech and stifled journalism.

“I have always argued that the repeal will unshackle free speech, expand democratic spaces and consolidate our democracy. It will open up the space for the growth of the media industry in the country. Professionalism will be enhanced and the best and brightest and more women, especially, will be encouraged to work their trade,” he said.

The President mentioned recently meeting the leadership of the Independent Media Commission, which regulates the media and the Ministry of Information and Communications to discuss possible support to 130 registered newspapers, 165 registered radio stations, and 42 registered television stations to thrive and evolve in a country with an enviable history of pioneering journalism in West Africa.

“In its Global Expression Report 2019-2020 -The state of freedom of expression around the world, Sierra Leone has been ranked by the global organization, Article 19, among the top five countries in Africa for facilitating and supporting freedom of expression. It is acclamation well-deserved and a moment of inspiration to aspire to do more. And that is why we are here,” he noted.

President Bio said for more than half a century, the country had a legislative and governance regime that criminalized journalism, adding that successive Governments had failed to abolish the law that threatened civil liberties and had abused it over the course of half a century.

“But the criminal and seditious libel law was simply a bad law. The law presumed that persons arrested were guilty even before they were tried. Truth could not be a strong defense or any defense at all. With the application of the law, everybody involved in the production and dissemination of the alleged libelous publication or broadcast could be liable for summary prosecution and imprisonment.

“Enforcing criminal libel laws contravenes international democratic governance practices. It contravenes international human rights treaties, to which Sierra Leone is a signatory, including Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and Article 19(3) of the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights. All of those international commitments condemn limitations to the right to free expression,” he said.

Mohamed Rahman Swaray, Minister of Information and Communication, said history was made on Tuesday 23rd July when the distinguished Members of Parliament, in an exemplary demonstration of patriotism repealed Part V of the Public Order Act that once criminalized libel and sedition, noting that the Criminal Libel Law being expunged will continue to expand Sierra Leone and the media landscape.

“Decades-long thirst for good governance and accountability and freedom by the media and by extension the citizens were accomplished by a quest for action by the President. I salute the Parliamentarians on both sides of the aisle who jumped on the movement of the president for taking the bold step to repeal this old and obnoxious law. I, therefore, implore media owners, publishers, and practitioners to guard against the unfortunate invasion of their profession by imposters,” he noted.

A representative from Civil Society, Lawyer Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai, expressed excitement at the feat and hope for the future of journalism adding that the day should be set aside and commemorated every year as a national day of Press Freedom.

Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, President of Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), thanked the President for mustering the courage of a soldier to expunge the law that hindered the growth of journalism in the country. He added that the occasion was the end of a long journey in terms of legislative reforms but the beginning of a long journey for professional journalism and democratic good governance.

The British High Commissioner, Simon Mustard, said Sierra Leone had taken a significant step forward in enhancing Human Rights with the repeal of the law and the enactment of the Independent Media Commission Act 2020. He emphasized that the day should be celebrated for media freedom and by all Sierra Leoneans.

“His Excellency, President Bio made a manifesto pledge to repeal the criminal libel law in 2018, as he set out his vision to promote Sierra Leone on the global stage, as a country open for business and investment. Experience from around the world shows that an independent media encourages greater investment, from home and overseas, as it gives investors access to accurate data and information. It also allows greater participation by the people in political and economic debate, which can inform and influence policymaking,” he said.

He further stated that they had continued to support media freedom around the world, including in Sierra Leone and in recent years worked in close partnership with Government, Parliament and the Media. He assured that they would continue their partnership to help promote a liberal, forward-looking media system that was underpinned and safeguarded by effective regulation.

After the official programme, journalists from both the Print and Electronic media as well as some Civil Society Activists, interviewed, expressed profound satisfaction that the Criminal Libel Law which used to hang like the Sword of Damocles over the head of journalists was going to be sent into the lake of fire for eternity.

All unanimously agreed that it is a victory for Press Freedom, Freedom of Expression and Democracy but were cautious in admonishing media practitioners to practice the journalism trade with professionalism and refrain from gutter journalism.

Symbolic Signing of the Repealed Part V of the Public Order Act of 1965

British High Commissioner Simon Mustard

OP-ED on Media Freedom from the British High Commissioner Simon Mustard

On 28th October Sierra Leone took a significant step forward in enhancing Human Rights with the repeal of Part V of the Public Order Act of 1965 and enacting the Independent Media Commission Act 2020. It is a day that should be celebrated for media freedom and by all Sierra Leoneans. Congratulations to everyone involved in this great achievement.

His Excellency, President Bio made a manifesto pledge to repeal the criminal libel law in 2018, as he set out his vision to promote Sierra Leone on the global stage, as a country open for business and investment. Experience from around the world shows that an independent media encourages greater investment, from home and overseas, as it gives investors access to accurate data and information. It also allows greater participation by the people in political and economic debate, which can inform and influence policy making.

Democracies which are more open to media and in which government, parliament, the Courts and businesses are subject to public scrutiny, will also have more responsible government spending, and a better-informed public on economic and fiscal decision making.

In simple terms, a free press boosts economic growth and prosperity. This is critical during a time when the Governments around the world grapple with the economic and social challenges posed by COVID 19, as well as with other critical issues such as climate change and sustainable growth. A more informed public and policy makers are crucial to overcome these challenges.  Informed and rigorous journalism challenges us all to think about these issues – an important part of this process.

The UK has a long history of a vibrant and independent media, underpinning the values of our democracy. It is not always comfortable, of course! Democracy is not easy, nor is free speech. But we believe that people must be able to discuss and debate issues freely, to challenge their governments and institutions peacefully and within the law, and have access to information provided by a strong, robust and independent media.

We have continued to support media freedom around the world, including here in Sierra Leone, working closely in partnership with Government, Parliament and the media in recent years. We have helped train journalists, including more female journalists. We have provided technical assistance to the Ministry of Information, SLAJ and the IMC. We will continue our partnership with all these organisations to help promote a liberal, forward looking media system, underpinned and safeguarded by effective regulation. This important legal milestone is simply one more step in that collective journey.

We congratulate his Excellency for achieving his manifesto commitment and the dedication of Minister Swaray to reach this milestone. The UK and our partners stand together with Sierra Leone as we continue to build a new media regulatory system which gives protection to the public, as well as those in positions of responsibility, while also defending media freedom.

ENDS

 

Has Anybody Got A Cure For EDSA’s Frequent Attacks Of Fits?

By Amin Kef Sesay

The other day, some little boys were watching a movie that they liked very much when suddenly the light started going on and off annoyingly. One of the boys said something that was extremely funny: “O my God, who has a cure for the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority EDSA’s fits?”

The image of EDSA suffering from convulsion of the type that a person who has fits exhibits made everyone around to laugh.

The fun beside, EDSA has definitely much lately become a pain in the …for hundreds of thousands of electricity consumers across the entire length and breadth of the ever sprawling western area whose appetite for electricity consumption becomes bigger every day.

No doubt, very few people are convinced by EDSA’s latest explanation that the disruptive electricity supply in the western area for the past two weeks which many women especially grumble has cost them the loss of lots of perishable foods in the fridges and freezers and loss of incomes is due to lighting and thunder striking the transmission line from Bumbuna dam to Freetown.

What about all the other times before the past two weeks that EDSA had woefully failed to supply uninterrupted electricity to its customers who grumble bitterly that they buy top up but do not get current.

Fact of the matter is EDSA needs more and more generating capacity that as now does not seem to exist.

Even at that, we can safely say that more than half of western area houses are still not connected to the electricity grid.

And many areas that can boast electricity access and grid connectivity still face shortages and rolling blackouts due to lack of capacity, hampering growth and economic development.

The issues surrounding EDSA’s electricity shortages are multifaceted and include decades of neglect in building up country-wide infrastructure, a lack of international investment, poor regulatory frameworks and the difficulty surrounding bankability of power projects.

This ,however, is not to acknowledge that the Ministry of Energy, EDSA and EGTC are not working round the clock to get round the problem but do not seem to have adequate capacity to transform the country’s electricity framework in terms of regulatory policy and investment and strategically building up both generation capacity and transmission infrastructure.

In this light, how soon can we look forward to not only uninterrupted electricity supply but more than 70 percent of Freetown and the rest of the country connected to grids?

Truth of the matter is that, the sector for long has been plagued by neglect, an unwieldy bureaucracy, mismanagement, lack of appropriate technical and mechanical capacity to keep machines running well, leading to lack of international investment in a sector that holds huge domestic economic growth potential.

The primary risk for lack of private sector investment in the country’s energy sector is not technology or market risk but the infamous regulatory and political risk. The private sector steers clear of investment because of the political and regulatory risk associated with power projects. In this situation, the only investors tend to be development institutions lending directly to Government.

An even more complex issue to tackle and part of the overall issue of indebtedness is actual bankability of individual projects due to servicing a poor population. Quite simply, many consumers cannot afford to pay full-price for electricity, which means the price of electricity is heavily subsidized.

As such, the World Economic Forum stated in a report that, “Without heat, light and power you cannot build or run the factories and cities that provide goods, jobs and homes, nor enjoy the amenities that make life more comfortable and enjoyable. Energy is the ‘oxygen’ of the economy and the life-blood of growth, particularly in the mass industrialization phase…”

In terms of economic development, electricity outages (not including lack of access) has a huge downward pull on GDP growth, as well as losses in productivity, competitiveness and employment which are difficult to measure numerically.

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