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Sierra Leone News: Orange Doles Iftar to Masjid Attawabeen

Presenting the items Ndiach Aram Ndaw, Commercial Director Orange SL

As the month of Ramadan is considered to be a month of blessing it is also believed to be a period when rewards are given to those who offer to others.

One of the mobile operators in Sierra Leone, Orange Sierra Leone, on Wednesday 22nd May 2019 put smiles on the faces of Muslims by dishing out ten bags of rice, onions, two bags of milk, sugar, two cartons of tin tomatoes and three containers of cooking oil as Iftar to the Masjid Attawabeen at Brima Lane Kissy, in the east end of Freetown.

The donation of food items to Muslims across the country by Orange-SL is estimated to be worth over hundreds of million Leones. It is an annual gesture by Orange.

The Corporate Affairs Manager, Desmond Spaine said one cannot go to Heaven without passing through the house of God and fasting being one of the five pillars of Islam, it is obligatory for every Muslim, but that most of them find it hard to fulfil this sacred obligation of fasting during the month of Ramadan; the reason why Orange SL thought it wise to distribute assorted food items needed during this holy month of Ramadan to every Muslim across the country.

“Some of you are Orange subscribers while others are not but some will join us today after this donation. We have the onus to reach out to everyone which is why we are not only limiting our donation to mosques, but also to the less privileged such as the handicapped and the blind as they are also important in society,’ Spaine said.

He stated that this is one way the company honours its Corporate Social Responsibility, adding that Orange is considered to be a Sierra Leone company because 98% of its staff are Sierra Leoneans.

Presenting the items Ndiach Aram Ndaw, Commercial Director Orange SL said the holy month of Ramadan is one of giving and receiving underscoring that the company saw the need to give out as a tradition and culture to give back to Sierra Leoneans at a time when most of the Muslims cannot afford to break their fast with the required food.

“It might be small but we are doing it from the bottom of our hearts and as a company. Our doors are always open and we will continue to give back to society,” he noted.

Sheik Alieu Kamara, Deputy Imam of Masjid Attawabeen said they were surprised to over the gesture from Orange saying since the establishment of the mosque this is the first time they are receiving such gifts from Orange.

“It is a memorable day for us as worshipers of the Attawabeen Masjid and Brima Lane community as a whole. We want Orange SL to adopt this masjid,” he appealed.

The event was climaxed with songs of praise and prayers for Orange SL.

 

 

Sierra Leone News: As Bintumani III Kicks-Off… More Hope for Sierra Leone

HE Julius Maada Bio

The long contentious Bintumani 3 Conference geared towards consolidating national cohesion and enhancing peace commenced on May 23rd 2019. It was well-attended and took place at the Bintumani Conference Centre.

In attendance was His Excellency, President Bio, the Vice President, Dr. Mohammed Juldeh Jalloh, First Lady, Madam Fatima Bio, ministers of government, Members of Parliament, local, traditional and religious leaders, representatives of local councils and municipalities, representatives of political parties, members of the diplomatic and consular corps, development partners, representatives of civil society organisations and members of the Fourth Estate.
During the opening ceremony President Bio stated that Bintumani 3 is a major step in strengthening democracy through consultation which will lead to the establishment of an Independent Peace and National Cohesion Commission.
He noted that between the 15th and 17th of August 1995, the National Provisional Ruling Council (NPRC), supported a national consultative conference of Sierra Leoneans.

“They came from a broad range of backgrounds and interests to discuss the timetable and process leading to the restoration of democratic civilian rule,” President Bio informed his audience.
The President went on to state that on 12th February, 1996 when he was the military Head of State he enjoined Sierra Leoneans to promote peace, development, and stability and that he had asked every Sierra Leonean to be mindful that “we all are our brothers’ keepers with one destiny and a common future.”

He recalled that he had exhorted every Sierra Leonean to work together to “achieve peace and to develop an environment in which democracy could thrive” knowing that “the welfare of our citizens is always the supreme law of the land.”
He reminded his audience that following peace initiatives with the RUF leader, Corporal Foday Sankoh, it led to the signing of the Abidjan Peace Accord in 1996.

He further reminded his audience that both Bintumani 1 and Bintumani II conferences were consultative conferences that brought together a broad range of stakeholders to present their views and expectations, and to make informed decisions about the shared direction and destiny of our nation.

He went on to say that he believed then and still believes now that providing a space for discussions enables government to hear out the various voices and sentiments of ordinary citizens across the nation.
Bintumani III conference is about soliciting the views of Sierra Leoneans on the remit, the shape, and the mechanics of the proposed Independent Peace and National Cohesion Commission.

President Bio reminded his audience that Bintumani III comes 28 years after the adoption of our national constitution; 18 years after the end of civil conflict; 15 years after the conclusion of the Truth and Reconciliation hearings, followed by five democratic election cycles and three peaceful transfers of power.

‘I want to encourage all of us to continue our efforts to build solid institutions that will enable us to consolidate democratic practices and enhance national cohesion. We have made huge gains. We are a stable democracy. We have a free press. Civil society organisations operate and speak up freely. Our communities are integrated at all levels. We are a nation at peace. We need to consolidate and institutionalise those gains. We therefore need a viable infrastructure to help us build on past efforts; hence the holding of Bintumani III to be followed by the establishment of the Independent Peace and National Cohesion Commission,’ Presient Bio stated.
He further recalled that being mindful of the lessons contained in the Truth and Reconciliation Report and looking back on our past with total candour, he announced during the State Opening of Parliament in 2018 the launch of a National Consultative Conference with a focus on “peace building, diversity management, and the rebuilding of national cohesion.

He added that his government is eager for the final communique from Bintumani III to expedite its consideration by cabinet and the Sierra Leone Parliament. He added that Bintumani III is about the voices of women, men, the old, the aged pensioners, youth, children, persons living with disabilities, chiefs, community leaders, Imams, Pastors, Journalists, civil society, members of the security forces, nurses, doctors, civil servants, private business men and women, members of the Diaspora, and ordinary citizens.

President Bio added that Sierra Leoneans have proven once that they are capable of getting together and talking to one another about the future of their nation.
He noted that Bintumani III is not about politics or politicians and that Bintumani III is about the people and the future of our democracy and our beloved country.
He used the opportunity to warn those who claim to promote national cohesion and yet refused to participate in such an important gathering to ask themselves “where will your attitude take Sierra Leone”? He added that one cannot refuse to participate in an event that draws its force from all corners of the country and from all walks of life. ‘You cannot claim to love Sierra Leone more when all your actions and statements are contrary to the spirit of promoting diversity in democracy.’ The president said, noting that Bintumani III, is about those real, ordinary Sierra Leonean voices from all four corners of the nation and the Diaspora, thinking, talking about, and planning the direction in which we must take our vibrant democracy.’

He informed his audience further that Sierra Leone is not divided by religion or ethnicity as Sierra Leoneans live together, worship together, celebrate together, watch football games together, use the same markets, and live in the same communities very peacefully.
He warned however that the problem is that bad politicians are at the heart of the acrimony that continues to mar the social peace in this country. He said that they make everything political – the ethnicity of people, the region they come from, what they believe in, what they say, even people’s last names and the colour of clothes people wear.
President Bio maintained that while some of our elections are still characterised by low levels of violence and intimidation, the growing politicisation of ethnicity and ethno-regionalism have become recurrent albeit objectionable patterns of our politics.
He said politicians have tampered with critical national data either for political gerrymandering or to justify the uneven allocation of State resources and that in the recent past, the country witnessed heightened sycophancy.

‘We saw leaders being turned into demagogues. People overlooked rampant corruption because the looters were politically loyal to them. Governance processes have been characterised by discriminatory and divisive practices that have unfairly and unjustly excluded sections of our population. Impunity is rife in our country. “Buff case” and “no case” do not make for justice in our nation. Law enforcement should do its work fairly, without favour, and without fear of recrimination or reproach,’ the president said, adding that the media and civil society must not foster disinformation and hate.

‘Let us hold ourselves accountable as a nation for how we protect and provide access to services for the vulnerable. Let us protect women from sexual violence, gender violence, and gender discriminatory practices and attitudes.
Let us protect persons with disability, children, youth, and the aged and the poor. We must promote opportunity for every Sierra Leonean irrespective of ability, gender, or circumstance.
Let us hold ourselves accountable for moving this country in the right direction, ensuring public confidence in state institutions,’ President Bio admonished his attentive audience.

He used the opportunity to call on Sierra Leoneans in the Diaspora to play a role in mobilising expertise, ideas, and investments to Sierra Leone as they too have a stake in the strengthening of our democracy.

 

 

Sierra Leone News: First Lady & JMB-WW Dish out Gifts To 9 Mosques In East Freetown

First lady, Madam Fatima Maada Bio and JMB Women’s Wing,

First lady, Madam Fatima Maada Bio and JMB Women’s Wing, on Tuesday 21st May 2019, join worshippers at the Ghaddafi mosque in Rokupa and 8 other different mosques around the east end of Freetown, as they observe the Ramadan prayers. As a devout Muslim, she is known to be proud of her religion and has not wasted any opportunity to associate with her brothers and sisters of like faith in prayers. After making short statements in the various mosques admonishing worshippers to be steadfast and to show love to each other and the country, she offered gifts to them as a token for the Ramadan period.

In her brief statement at the Ghaddafi Mosque, Madam Fatima Bio encouraged the Muslim “umah” to be steadfast in praying for the country and the leaders to rule in the favor of the masses and Allah. She noted that this is her first time to join worshippers at that mosque in prayer.

“The Ghaddafi mosque is one of the mosques I’ve never prayed before, practically because the name brings me memory I don’t want get often, as Ghaddafi was a great warrior in Africa,” Mrs. Fatima Maada  Bio confirmed. She disclosed that she has known the late leader whose name the mosque carries and does not want to bring back those memories, especially the way he died. She further disclosed that over six years she and the JMB WW have been offering gifts to various mosques across the country and that it is not because she is now the First Lady, as others will want them to believe.

She asked the Muslim women to be respectful and supportive to their husbands irrespective of their situation. The First Lady further called on all Sierra Leoneans, especially the Muslim community to pray during this Ramadan, for the country and Allah’s guidance. She stressed that if Sierra Leone falls, everyone falls with it and if the country rises, everybody will rise with it. She admonished everyone to be proud of their religion and country and follow the instructions of the Imams. She later offered various food items to the head of the mosque for all the members and admonished them to cook the food for everyone to enjoy during the ‘lailatu gadri’.

Sheik Osman, head Imam of Ghaddafi mosque, expressed appreciation to the First Lady for her contribution towards the Muslim community in the entire country and thanked her for the gifts, affirming that the items will serve a good purpose during the last 10 days of the Ramadan.

“As transparent as the Muslim communities are, the First Lady brought food items and a handsome amount of money that we will all benefit from in this mosque and even in the neighbourhood,” Imam Osman confirmed.

Thanking the First Lady, the JMBWW and her entire entourage for the kind gesture to the Ghaddafi mosque, Sheik Osman openly invited the President, Rtd. Brig. Julius Maada Bio to worship with them as he recalled telling him that whatever Allah has destined will happen and today as President, Allah has decided. He also, on behalf of the Ghaddafi mosque extended his regards to the President H.E Julius Maada Bio and his Government, stakeholders and prayed they rule the country well.

The various food items and money was handed over to the Imam by the First Lady after the prayers.

Sierra Leone News: “My Statements are based on Facts…” -Gento told Atuguba Commission

Mohamed Gento Kamara, the Chief Executive Officer of Benton Villa Gento Group of companies

After a recess, the three Commissions of Inquiry resumed sitting on Monday 20th May 2019 at the former Special Court premise in Brookfields.

Mohamed Gento Kamara, the Chief Executive Officer of Benton Villa Gento Group of companies, testified before the Justice William Atuguba Commission informing that both the original contract for the Waterloo township road and its addendum were awarded to his company.

Mohamed Gento Kamara told the COI, “Before I was awarded the contract SLRA requested for quotations from different road construction companies in Sierra Leone of which I was privileged to submit my quotation and the contract was awarded to me.”

He went on to state he never deceived the Commission that he was the only bidder for the contract after Counsel M.Y. Kanu put it to him that his statements are inconsistent.

Kamara said his statement was based on facts hence he cannot prove that quotations were submitted by other contractors for the same contract stressing that he was not substantially aware of any other contractors who bid. He said despite knowing that the normal routine called for submission of quotations by bidders, there is no proof of evidence for him to say other bidders submitted their bids at the time.

The initial Waterloo road project went through a competitive bidding process for the construction of 12.1 kilometres of road valued at $16.9 million USD. While the road project was on-going, the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA) gave directives for an addendum of 20 kilometres, bringing the contract to $42.7 million USD.

Payment for the addendum was made by the Road Maintenance Fund Administration (RMFA) without the knowledge of SLRA.

The COI is inquiring into alleged misappropriation, abuse of office, misuse of public funds, etc. on certain road projects between the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA) and the Road Maintenance Fund Administration (RMFA). The persons of interest include, Yayah Tobias Sesay, former Board Chair RMFA, Abdul Kalokoh, CEO RMFA, Abdul Aziz Kamara, former Director General of SLRA, and Momodu Kargbo, former Minister of Finance and Economic Development.

 

 

Sierra Leone News: International Day to End Obstetric Fistula 2019 

MEDIA ADVISORY

 

Background

Every day, more than 800 women die from pregnancy-related complications. For every woman who dies, 20 or more are injured or disabled. One of the most serious injuries of childbearing is obstetric fistula, a tear in the birth canal caused by prolonged, obstructed labour in the absence of timely and adequate medical care. Fistula has been virtually eliminated in developed nations, but in the developing world, it is estimated that hundreds of thousands of women and girls live with the condition. Many women and girls who suffer from fistula are ostracized from daily community life and abandoned by their husbands and families, isolating them socially and emotionally, making it also difficult to maintain sources of income or support, thus deepening their poverty and magnifying their suffering. However, obstetric fistula is preventable and, in most cases, can be repaired surgically.

The persistence of fistula reflects broader health inequities and health-care system constraints, as well as wider challenges facing women and girls, such as poverty, gender and socioeconomic inequality, lack of schooling, child marriage and early childbearing, all of which impede the well-being of and opportunities for women and girls. While significant progress has been made, far more needs to be done. Most women and girls living with fistula will never receive treatment due to lack of services or because the procedure is unaffordable to them.

May 23 is observed as International Day to End Obstetric Fistula. The day is commemorated to raise awareness of the detrimental effects of fistula on women’s lives and advocate for more investment in women’s health and rights. UNFPA has been working to end fistula in Sierra Leone through our implementing partners Aberdeen Women’s Centre and Haikal, who provide treatment, rehabilitation and reintegration services to women affected by the injury. Sierra Leone will join countries around the world to commemorate the day by implementing community engagement activities and celebrating fistula survivors. The theme for this year’s commemoration is “Fistula is a human rights violation – end it now!”

Objectives

The objectives of the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula commemoration are to:

  • Celebrate fistula survivors and recognize their resilience and dignity.
  • Engage the public to increase awareness of obstetric fistula and promote shared ownership for its eradication.
  • Highlight UNFPA’s work to combat fistula.
  • Advocate for increased political will and resources from stakeholders to end fistula.

Methodology

The day’s commemoration will consist of:

 

  1. Gladi-Gladi Ceremony

There will be a “gladi-gladi” ceremony at the Aberdeen Women’s Centre on the morning of May 23rd. The gladi-gladi ceremony is a joyous celebration accompanying the discharge of recovered fistula patients from the health facility. The ceremony will include:

  • Statements from donors, partners and service providers highlighting their work to end fistula and making further commitments.
  • A play performed by patients and survivors to convey messages on prevention and treatment of fistula.
  • Interactive sessions between partners and fistula patients and survivors.
  • A celebration of fistula survivors which will include song and dance, and a performance by a dance troupe.
  • Media coverage including interviews, photography and filming.

 

Expected Outcomes

Key outcomes expected from the day’s activities are:

  • Community participation in celebrating the restoration of dignity to fistula survivors.
  • Increased public awareness of obstetric fistula and UNFPA’s work to end it.
  • Increased community engagement with fistula programmes and initiatives.

Agenda

International Day to End Obstetric Fistula
Thursday 23rd May 2019
Agenda
No. Item Responsible Person Time
1 Opening Prayers Ms. Mariama Samco-Deen 9:00
2 Introduction of Partners Mr. Alie Kamara 9:05 – 9:15
3 Opening Statement Ms. Ivy Kalama 9:15-9:25
4 Statement by Partners    
  UNFPA Dr. Kim Eva Dickson 9:25 – 9:35
Ministry of Health and Sanitation District Medical Officer, Western Area Urban 9:35 – 9:45
Haikal Haja Hawa Turay 9:45 – 9:55
5 Skit Hagar and patients 9:55 – 10:25
6 Vote of Thanks Vesico-Vaginal Fistula Nurse 10:25 – 10:30
7 Gladi-Gladi Ceremony Patients and Dance Troop 10:30 -11:00
Refreshments

 

 

 

 

 

Sierra Leone News: America Stress: A Hero to Recognize!

Late Kelvin Kamara, popularly known by his friends as American Stress,

=OPINION=

Late Kelvin Kamara, popularly known by his friends as American Stress, while others called him the great “promoter”, “celebrity”, “philanthropist” and many more is one man who the public admires. From my end, I had always called him the man that saved the lives of 40 people in his community.

On August 14th 2017, our small congested city of Freetown saw a heavy downpour; it rained for about three (3) consecutive days. On that same day, houses collapsed around the Mountain Cut community where this young man resided; many people could have drowned, but this heroic young man:  America Stress who had a daughter and wife, risked his life for his small community in the rain; with no clothes, no protective gears, and went out to rescue his neighbours and people that lived around his community.

In a live video feed on Facebook, everything he did was broadcast, and many Sierra Leoneans from across the world watched the video on Facebook. He saved over 40 people from that devastating situation that day.

What a HERO!!!

After that heart-aching and gut-wrenching incident, this young man had attracted the hearts of many activists, humanitarians, journalists, philanthropists across the world; this includes popular BBC’s Umaru Fofana who posted on his Facebook account about his heroism. He was all over the news, from been a promoter, he became a philanthropist. This young man gained the trust of many Sierra Leoneans across the world some sent him money to buy donations for the victims. This young man served his conscience diligently.

Little did this young man thought of his health, he became sick, diagnosed and admitted at the hospital. As days went by, the sick became worsen. The hospital provided little or no solution he was afterwards taken to the provinces. After a day, I tried calling my brother, it was no longer the voice of American stress; now his wife, she was crying on the phone.

I could no longer ask!

I checked my Facebook. He had passed away of a curable sickness.

This young man whose dream was to visit or live in America someday was never a reality. This young man passed away. He left a beautiful daughter and wife. Whenever I talk to his daughter, she reminds me of a hero that once lived among us. If you remember him in any point in time for the good things he did in the past that effectuate positives in the present; for himself and his community people, keep him in your prayers, and reach out to his wife and beautiful daughter.

 

 

 

Sierra Leone News: UN Women Decorates & commends Pres. Bio Stance on Sexual Violence

UN Women has called at State House, Freetown, Tuesday 21 May 2019 to decorate His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio as a ‘HeForShe’ Ambassador and to commend his stance on rape and all forms of violence against women in Sierra Leone.

The ‘HeForShe’ campaign is an invitation for men and people of all genders to stand in solidarity with women to create a bold, visible and united force for gender equality. The initiative works with men and women and with each other to build businesses, raise families and give back to their communities.

UN Resident Coordinator, Sunil Saigal, said he was thankful to the President for receiving the delegation. He said they were there to present him with the pin for the ‘HeForShe’ campaign, noting that the President had already set the notion in the country for men to speak out for gender equality and for the empowerment of women. He said they were aware of the President’s initiative to end gender-based violence, adding that that was an extremely important component in the campaign.

Country Representative for UN Women, Dr. Mary Okumu, said it was an honour to meet the President and endorsed his good work on the promotion and protection of the rights of women and girls in the country. She pointed out that the National Declaration of a State of Emergency on Rape and Sexual Violence against Women was a welcoming move by the government and assured that that was top on the UN Agenda in Sierra Leone.

She disclosed that they were looking at bringing to the country a forensic laboratory that would make it possible for evidence to be brought in court on cases of rape and related violations, adding that they were also working with the judiciary to train Judges and Magistrates dealing with cases of sexual offence. She said ten Heads of State had already signed up to the campaign and that President Bio would become the eleventh to sign up for the protection of women and girls.

In his response, President Bio said he was happy to sign up as one of the Heads of State that were concerned about the protection of women’s rights. He said he was genuinely concerned about everyone in the country, noting that women constitute the greater number of the country’s population and therefore it was right to bring women as part of the development process.

He recalled that for a very long time a lot of cultural and societal strictures had limited the potentials of women in the country, adding that there was the need to unleash the potential of everyone and not only men, because women could also provide some of the strongest pillars in society.

”I have decided to declare a National Emergency on Rape because I was moved by the figures which were becoming alarming. The degree of inhumanity was becoming unbearable, so we had to step in. We are now working to cascade the message down to the rural areas and make the necessary awareness. We now need the technical support and we will put mechanisms that will serve as a deterrent to people engaging in those wicked practices,” he assured.

 

 

 

Sierra Leone News: Fanday Turay Appointed NCP Chairman

Alhaji Fanday Turay

President Julius Maada Bio has appointed Alhaji Fanday Turay, a onetime ADC to the late former President, Alhaji Ahmad Tejan Kabbah as Chairman, National Commission of Privatization. Turay currently serves with the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force in the Golan Heights.

His letter of offer dated May 15, 2019 confirming the lawyer who also served the Republic of Sierra Leone Army from 1990 until 2011 when he retired states, “In accordance with Section 5(3) of the National Commission for Privatization Act, No12 of 2002, it has pleased His Excellency the President Rtd Brig Julius Maada Bio to appoint you as Chairman, National Commission for Privatization”.

Responding to the President’s call, the result- oriented Colonel said, “The fact that the President is giving me this opportunity shows the confidence and trust he has in me.”

Fanday comes with over a decade of international experience working across various roles with the United Nations including as Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff at the Office of Military Adviser, United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations, New York. He was also part of the country’s contingent to ECOMOG in Liberia in the early 90s where he served both in command and staff roles.

Back at home, Turay also served as Brigade and Battalion Commander respectively. He was also Chief Personnel and Manning, Joint Forces Headquarters, Sierra Leone.  Turay also was ADC to Kabbah from 1997 to1999.

He says he hopes to bring his international experience, including best practices from the UN to the new position for which he will have to go through Parliament for approval.

The recently appointed NCP Chairman is a graduate of the University of West London, and London Metropolitan University where he attained his LLB and LLM in International Transport and Maritime Law respectively and alumnus of the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College with MA Degree in International Affairs from the University of Legon Ghana. The UN Diplomat is inspired to serve his nation once again in the ‘New Direction’ Government of H.E Julius Maada Bio to transform and deliver the NCP Mandate. The NCP Chair who awaits Parliamentary approval is happily married with three children.

 

 

Sierra Leone News: Armed Robbers Terrorize Moyamba Town

As Catholic Diocese Bitterly Complain…

Moyamba town woke up one morning with a rare case of armed robbery in the township. About 11 armed robbers terrorised 5 houses at the Reservation Area, some of which had staff from the CSE construction company and the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone, Southern Region.

The Human Rights Commission staffs from Bo were in Moyamba with their Commissioners to undertake outreach activities when they were attacked by the armed robbers. Their phones, iPads and bags containing cash were carted away and their volunteer was damaged with a machete on his head and foot. The attackers were said to be dressed in black overall.

During their operations at one house where they seriously wounded the inhabitants, one of them could not escape after an alarm was raised by the Moyamba District Council Chairman. The robber was caught after missing his way. The Chairman brought him to the Police immediately.

The armed robbers also invaded the Convent were Catholic nuns are resident and also carted away properties worth millions.

The Moyamba District Council Chairman, Joseph Benedict Bogba however mobilised some men and they went on the rampage to apprehend the armed robbers who were said to have come from Bo City to cause havoc in Moyamba.

9 out of the 11 armed robbers were caught in the last village out of Moyamba. They were brought to the Police station amidst thunderous applause from hundreds of people who had gathered at the station. Some phones and properties were also retrieved. Three accomplices were also arrested.

As all of this was going on, the Catholic Diocese of Makeni was also attacked. In the press release below issued by the Catholic Diocese in Makeni, the victims state that inasmuch as they are ordinarily serving the community in which they live by providing religious direction and humanitarian services, they feel threatened and are considering pulling out of Makeni if their concerns are not immediately addressed by the local and national security agencies.

Below is the press release issued by the Catholic Diocese of Makeni:

 

CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF MAKENI

Vicar General’s Office

Diocesan Curia

Makeni City

                                                                                 18th May, 2019

 

IN TWO WEEKS, TWO ARMED ROBBERIES OF OUR FEMALE RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS

A MESSAGE OF CONDEMNATION

It is with acute pain and sadness that we inform our parishioners and all people of goodwill about the tragic and heinous incidents which occurred in the convent of the School Sisters of Notre Dame in Bumbuna on the 2nd May, 2019 and in the Convent of the Clarissan Sisters of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mile 91 on the 16th May, 2019.

On these two occasions, our sisters were viciously assaulted by armed robbers at their convents in the early hours in the morning – around 1:30am. Besides the physical injuries sustained by some of the sisters who were ruthlessly beaten with machetes, all of them who experienced these ugly incidents are now going through painful mental and traumatic crisis. It is shocking, brutal and disgustful for the sisters, their young novices and aspirants. The convents were looted, community and workers’ monies stolen and other valuables like computers carted way. This is not only a violation of the nuns’ privacy but of their human dignity. It’s abhorrent!

These are the words of one of the victims of the second attack: ‘We are no longer safe, our security is not guaranteed;’ we might not return to that community.”

We, as a diocese, out-rightly condemn such brutal and dastardly acts perpetrated against our innocent sisters who came to serve our people in the areas of education, health and human development especially for our women, and to bring the message of love and peace to all.

As a country renowned for its peace, security and stability, this is intolerable and we wish to implore all our major local and government stakeholders – the security forces, police personnel, chiefdom and local authorities to ensure the safety of our dear Rev. Sisters. Why attack the innocent who came to give us life? We are also equally aware that this does not reflect the character of the vast majority of Sierra Leoneans but it is the outrageous handiwork of a few criminals who must be stopped and taken off our communities and streets.

At the moment we, as a diocese, have no option but to stop the Sisters from resuming their activities in the parishes since they cannot carry out such services in an unsafe and insecure environment. Besides, we are also considering to withhold our services or close down our diocesan institutions – university, primary and secondary schools, hospitals and clinics etc until the safety and security of all our agents of evangelization, especially our religious sisters are assured.

Meanwhile, we humbly ask our Catholic faithful and all people of goodwill to join us in praying for our sisters that they may fully recover from this tragedy eventually, and that peace, security and justice may prevail in our nation and in our communities.

 

 

 

Sierra Leone News: World Bank Approves $18M for SSL

As Statistics S/Leone Gains UN Recognition:

In a new development under the leadership of Professor Malam O. SanKoh, Statistics Sierra Leone (SSL) is growing from strength to strength, with the institution recently receiving a World Bank $18,000,000 grant approval, coupled with the SSL’s election to the United Nations Statistics Commission.

In a letter to Statistician General Professor Osman Sankoh, dated 14th May, 2019, Director of United Nations Statistics Division, Stefen Schweinfest wrote: “I would like to bring to your attention the election of Statistics Sierra Leone as a new member of the United Nations Statistics Commission. As you may know the Economic Council held its Coordination and Management meeting on 7 May 2019 and filled the vacancies on the Statistics Commission. Sierra Leone was one of the newly-elected countries. Your membership is for four year term beginning 1 January 2020.We are certainly looking forward to working with you and your office on our common challenge to further develop the global statistics.”

Acknowledging the letter from the United Nations Statistics Commission, Professor Malam O.Sankoh stated that “This calls for a national celebration. I will do my best as my country’s Chief Statistician to make Sierra Leone proud.”

On the World Bank grant, he said it would be used to fund a host of statistical activities over the next 5 years, “transform our building into a multi-floor modern office complex, make data collection more efficient, and strengthen analysis and visualisation.”

He said “We plan to establish research field sites in the country for a comprehensive health and epidemiological surveillance system to be used to assess human capital development.”

He said they would further use the funds to strengthen the national statistical system to involve universities, schools, Ministries, Departments and Agencies, civil society organisations and Non-Governmental Organisations in their drive for credible data for national development.

The United Nations Statistical Commission, established in 1947, is the highest body of the global statistical system. It brings together the Chief Statisticians from member states from around the world. It is the highest decision making body for international statistical activities especially the setting of statistical standards, the development of concepts and methods and their implementation at the national and international level.

The Statistical Commission oversees the work of the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD), and is a Functional Commission of the UN Economic and Social Council.

 

 

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The Calabash Newspaper, Sierra Leone’s top media platform since 2017, offers trusted Sierra Leone news and insights on politics, culture, health, and more. With global reach, it provides comprehensive coverage of Sierra Leone and African affairs, making it a reliable source for readers seeking in-depth reporting.

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