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FBC-SU Concludes Three Days Retreat

Cross Section of participants of the Student Union Government Executive

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In the bid to examine their work, challenges, future plans and achievements towards the development of students of Fourah Bay College, the Student Union Government Executive has on Sunday 19th July,2020 concluded  three day retreat at York Village in the Western Rural District.

The three days retreat attracted former Student Union Presidents, members of the Cabinet and a cross section of students of Fourah Bay College in order to discuss issues relating to the welfare of students, the college and the Student Union Government.

In his address, former President of Fourah Bay College, Ibrahim Sorie Kamara, described the gathering as not only important towards the development of the college but one that was timely at a moment like this when the welfare of students is their priority, adding that as  former President of the Union he is very pleased with the tremendous work of the current President of the Union, Augustine Bona, and his Executive in lifting the name of Fourah Bay College high.

He assured the Student Union Body of his unwavering support towards the development of the college.

FBC SU President , Augustine Bona, said that since a decade of break in Student Union politics students have not been able to get access to better welfare and services stating that therefore his Government has recommitted itself to ensure that students receive the best of services at all times.

He said the resolutions adopted are central to bring the best for FBC stating how they are groundbreaking but very realistic and achievable too, adding that they are a recollection of the Rebuilding dream, with a renewed spirit of acceleration and achievability, as put forward by their Government.

He further disclosed that he is currently organizing an online Writing Competition as a great step to be taken by his Government to keep students mentally active during this period of the COVID-19 pandemic maintaining how he believes that he has a moral duty to serve the interests of students at all times further noting that the competition is also geared towards achieving their dream of rebuilding Fourah Bay College.

Giving the vote of thanks, Vice President of the Union, Claudia J.D Redwood-Sawyer extended appreciation to the entire cabinet members of the Union for their tireless efforts in trying to achieve their goals as a Government.

She urged them to continue the good work in working for the interest of the students of Fourah Bay College, adding that with determination and collectiveness they can achieve their mandate as a Union.

As Four killed & Ten Seriously Wounded during Makeni Fracas…   Dr. Samura Kamara Cries Down Use of Live Rounds by Security Forces

2018 Presidential Flagbearer of the All People's Congress (APC) party, Dr. Samura Kamara

By Foday Moriba Conteh

At least four people, including a teenager, were killed and 10 wounded when police and soldiers opened fire on protesters in Makeni, a health official and witnesses stated.

Hundreds gathered on that rainy day to try to block the movement of a power generator to another town, fearing it would jeopardize the area’s electricity supply, five witnesses said.

When protesters began throwing rocks, the authorities opened fire, said Matthew Kanu, a department head at the University of Makeni. “They began by firing into the sky and people started running away … but after that, when people kept throwing stones, they started shooting into the people,” he said.

A police spokesman did not immediately comment. An army spokesman did not respond to a request for comment. In a statement late on Saturday, the Government said it was aware of a “potential loss of life”, without providing details.

It said that any attempt to undermine public peace would be met with “the fullest force of the law.” The youngest among the dead was a 15-year-old schoolboy who died shortly after arriving at Makeni’s main hospital, said the city’s Medical Superintendent, Mohamed Sheku.

Ten others were admitted to hospital with bullet wounds, four of whom were in critical condition as of Saturday night, he said.

“It was complete chaos all day. We were afraid that if we left we’d get caught in the crossfire,” Sheku further informed.

“Many hospital staff haven’t come into work because they’re afraid of things flaring up again outside.”

Reacting to the incident, the 2018 Presidential Flagbearer of the All People’s Congress (APC) party, Dr. Samura Kamara in a press statement condemned the use of live rounds by security forces when dealing with community protests.

He maintained in no uncertain terms that he condemns violence in all its forms promising to call on the youths and security forces for calm to return. Dr. Samura extended condolences to the families that have lost loved ones and prayed that the Lord/Allah will give them comfort and their lost ones a perfect and peaceful rest.

He stated further that there was failure on the part of the authorities to properly engage the community, particularly the youths on the proposed removal of the generator from their community. The politician said the removal and relocation of public utility from one locality to another has always proved very controversial and fraught with problems, maintaining how that is not unique to Makeni.

He made reference to communities in Kono and Kissy Teng in the past two years when they tried to prevent the relocation of power generators from their communities and in both instances the authorities stepped back and reengaged those communities to resolve the disagreement peacefully. Dr. Samura then asked rhetorically: Why was the same approach not employed in Makeni?

“From all indications, the use of live rounds by security forces that led to the killing of a number of our young people in Makeni was unreasonable, unjustified and highly regrettable ‘The
shoot to kill’ policy which the security forces have adopted lately to deal with community protests particularly in the North and Western area is disturbing and should be of grave concern to the political leadership of the country. From Tonko Limba to Mile 91, Port Loko, Lunsar, Tombo, Pademba Road Prison, Grafton and now Makeni City, we have seen the unnecessary and unreasonable use of lethal force that has led to the loss of scores of lives mostly youths who are the future of our country,” he lambasted.

Dr. Samura Kamara called for an immediate independent and impartial public inquiry into the protests that led to the killing by security forces of youthful lives in Makeni and elsewhere. According to him such will enable us as a country to learn from past mistakes and ensure never again the wanton killing of citizens by those whose duty is to protect them.

Sierra Leone’s power generation capacity falls far short of the needs of its 7 million citizens. Prolonged blackouts are common even in the capital and urban areas, and area a source of frustration for the population.

Sierra Leone Outlines 2020 Achievements in Combating Human Trafficking

By Mohamed Sheriff

At the recently concluded 44th Regular Session of the Human Rights Council at the United  Nations in Geneva, Switzerland (30th June – 17th July 2020), Sierra Leone informed the Council of achievements made in 2020 in the fight against human trafficking.

During the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Trafficking of Women and Children, Sierra Leone’s Deputy Ambassador to the UN in Geneva, Switzerland, H. E. Samuel U.B. Saffa Esq, informed the Council about the government’s efforts in  addressing  child protection issues such as child trafficking, sexual-based violence, teenage pregnancy, child labour, female genital mutilation, rule of law, promoting justice, and human rights.

In his statement, H. E. Saffa explained the efforts made by the SLPP Government in promoting and protecting human rights. For the first time in 15 years, H. E. Saffa added, Sierra Leone has secured convictions for human traffickers and significantly increased trafficking investigations and prosecutions; provided more training on trafficking to government officials; contributed to establishing shelter for victims of trafficking and more. For these reasons, the Government of Sierra Leone was considered deserving to progress to Tier 2 status in the 2020 Trafficking in Persons Report.

This report is produced by the United States Government and has become the global benchmark for monitoring implementation of the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons especially Women and Children, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, 2000.

During his statement at the UN Human Rights Council, Deputy Ambassador Saffa said Sierra Leone moved up to Tier 2 for efforts in arresting, increasing prosecution rates and successes in convicting human traffickers, as well as improving safety rates for trafficked victims, reducing delays in the judicial process of trafficking cases, addressing corruption, and providing a government compensation scheme for victims and survivors.

He also reported to the UN human rights body that this recent achievement of the Sierra Leone Government came as a result of the astute and dynamic leadership of His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s commitment to fighting trafficking as a human rights violation and ensuring that every child in Sierra Leone enjoys childhood as a one-time opportunity for physical, mental, emotional and social development.

The Sierra Leone civil war, the Ebola epidemic and other recent disasters have adversely impacted on the lives of many Sierra Leoneans especially children. Children have suffered immense violence, endured the consequences of family separation and internal displacement. For these reasons, investing in children is therefore an urgent priority and necessity and not a choice for the Government of President Bio, Deputy Ambassador Saffa informed the Human Rights Council.

The Human Rights Council is a subsidiary body of the UN General Assembly and is based in Geneva.

The Ambassador and Permanent Representative, Dr Lansana Gberie heads the work of the Sierra Leone Mission at the UN in Geneva and  H.E Samuel U. B. Saffa Esq the Deputy Permanent Representative, leads on Human Rights.

Tourism Ministry & Tourist Board Strategize to Map out Recovery Plan

Amin Kef Sesay

The Minister of Tourism and the National Tourist Board are shifting to develop robust recovery measures. “We are ready to revamp the industry again,” says the Minister confidently.

Being the fastest growing public sector industry in the country, the Ministry of Tourism, which was on an impressive upward performance and revenue raising trajectory before the COVID-19 shock hit the country in March, an undaunted Minister, Dr. Memunatu Pratt, Ministry staff and the National Tourist Board are busy at work, charting out a Post-COVID 19 tourism revival plan.

Tourism is a significant part of the economy, with the immediate and immense shock to the tourism sector resulting from the corona-virus pandemic affecting the wider economy.

Significantly, tourism generates foreign exchange, drives regional development, directly supports numerous types of jobs and businesses and underpins many local communities.

Whilst the return of overseas tourists to the country will be slow, immediate recovery lies in local tourism, which would go a long way in reviving the hospitality, food and entertainment sectors of the economy.

Domestic tourism, which accounts for a significant share of the tourism economy, is expected to recover more quickly, driving recovery, as it supports many jobs and businesses. Lifting travel restrictions is going to aid the recovery.

In this direction, the Minister and team and sector players and stakeholders are preparing a comprehensive tourism recovery plan that includes rethinking the tourism sector for the future in order to make the sector stronger, sustainable and resilient.

Africell Commended as Biggest Promoter of Entertainment in Sierra Leone

John Konteh, Head of Media Africell-Sierra Leone

By Amin Kef Sesay

Africell, Sierra Leone’s leading telecommunication company, has been described by the John Konteh who is the Head of the company’s media during a virtual interview with US based Disc Jockey, Egerton Shabba, as the biggest promoter of Art and Entertainment. John Konteh furthered that:

“Whether it is music, film, pageantry, talent exhibition etc., Africell has been in the lead in terms of supporting the entertainment industry.”

John Konteh, during the interview,  maintained that the company is the giant not only in providing affordable and reliable mobile and internet network connectivity across the nation, but also in promoting the entertainment industry in the country. He stressed that many people and businesses are not seriously supporting the industry, disclosing that Africell has sponsored shows to help promote young talents and the ‘Be A Star’ platform is one of such programs that has seen the winner, Mohamed “Larkson” Sesay, taking home a whopping Le50 million cash prize, a recording album and a concert.

John Konteh further explained that to empower more young people in the entertainment business, the company has signed a lot of artists as its Brand Ambassadors, offering them cash remuneration and free airtime on its radio, AfriRadio, thereby promoting their jingles and music. He further disclosed that it is a policy of the company that its radio station plays Sierra Leonean music for some 12hours. This is a means of helping them promote their music. In the event of launching any album, Africell provides support to the artists, who are being branded as Brand Ambassadors.

“Africell also makes its radio station, AfriRadio, a platform to support the industry in diverse ways such as using it to support emerging entrepreneurs with free airtime to play their jingles and free talk-shows in order to market their businesses,” John stressed.

On the participation of other corporate bodies in the promotion of the industry, Konteh maintained that they are not serious to come on board and promote the creative industry and maintained that if other institutions come on board it will help develop the industry.

“Whether it has to do with music, film, pageantry, talent or expedition, Africell remains in the lead in terms of supporting the industry,” he reiterated.

In other fields, Africell is said to be a major partner in the pageantry sector as it has been supporting the ‘Miss Sierra Leone’ beauty pageant over the past years. It has also contributed to the development of the media, as it supports Radio Democracy and AYV, with further support to over 20 radio stations across the country.

Africell, John Konteh maintained, is also involved in support to Sports in the country and in this sector, the company provided 2 sets of football jersey and cash to the Sierra Leone Premier League 2019 and supports the Volleyball tournament whenever it is held in the country.

“In football, the 2019 Salone Premier League was supported with each team receiving two sets of a football jersey with cash emoluments,” he said.

Investigations Commences into Makeni Killings

By Amin Kef Sesay

The Independent Police Complaints Board (IPCB), in a Press Release, mentioned that it has commenced investigations into the killings of five civilians and injuries to others during a fracas that occurred on Saturday 18th July, 2020 at Makeni between the security forces, including the Sierra Leone Police (SLP). This move, the IPCB says, is in line with its mandate to investigate a shooting incident where a Police Officer has discharged a firearm or killed a person, according to Regulation 3(1) (c) of the IPCB Regulation of 2013. The release states:

 “As provided for under Regulation 3 (1) (c) of the IPCB Regulations, 2013, the IPCB is mandated to investigate, among others, “a shooting incident where a Police Officer has discharged a firearm or killed a person.”

The release further explained that their information is that some residents took to the streets in Makeni in protest against moves by the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) to temporarily relocate a 1.65 Mega Watts Thermal generator to Lungi Town in Port Loko District. The protest then degenerated in some confrontation between the security forces, including the Sierra Leone Police and the discharge of firearms, in which 5 people were reported dead and several others injured. As it is their mandate to investigate such cases, the release informed the public that they have commenced preliminary investigations into the incident to assess the role of the SLP in all this, whilst promising to keep citizens informed of their findings after the investigation.

“Accordingly, the IPCB has commenced preliminary investigations on its own initiative pursuant to Regulation 9 of the said Regulations with a view to determining the conduct of the SLP personnel involved,” the release states. 

Kambia DICOVERC Hailed for Effective Service Delivery

By Alhassan Spear Kamara

Paramount chiefs, politicians, the youths and other stakeholders of Kambia district have hailed the efforts of the Kambia  District COVID-19 team headed by Mohammed Mustapha Dumbuya for demonstrating exemplary leadership in the fight against the virus.

It could be recalled that since the inception of the District COVID-19 office, the team has been working relentless to minimize the continued spread of the corona virus within the district. It was gathered that the Kambia DICOVERC recently embarked on series of sensitization tours across the ten chiefdoms in the district. The move  was primarily aimed at educating the Paramount Chiefs, chiefdom stakeholders, traditional healers, ‘soweis’ on the need to refrain from their normal traditional practices  and report any case of illness to the nearest health facility within their communities.

The District Coordinator Mr. Dumbuya, in his efforts to further demonstrate  his commitment to  the fight against COVID-19, convened a grand meeting recently at the Kambia District Council Hall that attracted  traditional healers, ‘soweis’ from some chiefdoms where discussions were held on the need to work collaboratively to combat the virus in the best interest of the district.

In a similar move residents of Madina town in the Tonko Limba chiefdom as well as traditional healers and ‘soweis’ from other chiefdoms including Brimaya were invited by  the hardworking  Coordinator to chart the way forward.

When contacted for his reaction, the National Coordinator of the COVID-19 Response Team, the retired Brigadier Kellie Conteh said he is impressed by the level of hard work and commitment demonstrated by the Kambia DICOVERC team.

In a brief discussions  with the Sierra Leone Ambassador to Guinea (also an indigene of Kambia district), Alimamy Kamara, he commended the Kambia DICOVERC team noting that the Government, headed by President Julius Maada Bio is indeed committed in the fight against COVID-19.

Second ECOWAS Extraordinary Virtual Parliamentary Session Begins

By Abdul Malik Bangura

The ECOWAS Parliament has joined the league of Community institutions to deploy the use of technology in conducting its sessions and meetings, as the Second Extraordinary Session commenced on Monday, 20th July, 2020, using the Zoom virtual platform.

Following guidelines on the COVID-19 protocols for ECOWAS institutions, issued by the President of the Commission, Jean-Claude Kassi Brou, the Bureau of Parliament is scheduled to hold a five-day virtual Extra-Ordinary session to consider some referrals from Community institutions on germane issues that border on the wellbeing of the people of the sub-region, in line with the provisions of the Supplementary Act relating to the Enhancement of the Powers of the Parliament.

Notable among the referrals are: Request by the President of the ECOWAS Commission seeking assistance from the Parliament in implementing the ECOWAS protocol on the community levy.
That Parliament takes decision relating to the contribution of ECOWAS Member States to the African Union Solidarity Fund in the fight against COVID-19 and referral from the ECOWAS Commission on the fight against COVID-19, the stabilization and recovery of the economies of ECOWAS Member States.

This virtual Extra-Ordinary session heralds an era of a new normal, occasioned by the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic. Consequently, Parliament’s administration has concluded all technical and manpower arrangements to ensure a seamless session.

The virtual session is an innovation that is yet to be ventured into by many national and supra- national Parliaments around the world, an indication of the level of importance the ECOWAS Parliament arrogates to its duties and responsibilities towards the Community’s Citizens, preferring that its work is not stalled regardless of the ravaging pandemic.

Preceding the opening of the Extra-Ordinary session was the Conference of Committees Bureaux, statutorily composed of the Bureau, Chairman and 1st Rapporteurs of the 14 Standing Committees as well as Chairmen of Parliamentary Groups, with the mandate of considering and adopting the Draft Agenda and Work Program of the session, legitimizing those documents to be considered and adopted by the Plenary. The meeting is usually convened and chaired by the Speaker of Parliament.

The virtual Extra-Ordinary Session is scheduled to end on Friday, 25 July, 2020.

The 21– 25 July 2020 PRELIMINARY DRAFT WORK PROGRAMME is as follows:

Day 1: Tuesday 21 July 2020 Morning 10: 00 am -10: 05 am:

Minute of silence for prayer or meditation 10: 05 am – 10: 15 am:

Roll call of Honourable Members 10: 15 am – 10: 30 am:

Swearing-in of new Members 10: 30 am – 11: 00 am:

Address by the Honourable Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament 11: 00 am -11: 30 am:

Goodwill message by the President of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice 11:30 – 12:00:

Briefing on the status of the Community Levy, by the Commissioner of Finance Briefing on the evolution of the COVID 19 pandemic in the ECOWAS Community by the Director General of WAHO12: 00 am -12: 10 pm:

Consideration and adoption of the draft agenda and draft Work Programme of the first 2020 Extraordinary Session; 12: 10 pm -12: 30 pm:

Consideration and adoption of the draft report of the inaugural session of the Fifth Legislature of Parliament; 12: 30 am -12: 45 am:

Consideration and adoption of the draft Work Programme of Standing, Joint and Ad Hoc Committees; 12: 45 pm -1: 00 pm:

Consideration and adoption of the draft Plan of Activities of Parliament for the second half of 2020 1: 00 pm -2: 00 pm: Break 2: 00 pm – 4: 00 pm:

Committee sittings Afternoon 4: 00 pm – 5: 30 pm: Committee sittings (Cont) 5: 30 pm: Adjournment Day 2: Wednesday 22 July 2020 Morning 9: 30 am – 1: 00 pm

Committee sittings 1 pm – 2:30 pm Lunch break Afternoon 2: 30 pm – 5: 30 pm Committee sittings (Cont) 5: 30 pm

Adjournment Free slot Day 3: Thursday 23 July 2020 Morning 9: 30 am – 1: 00 pm Committee sittings 1 pm – 2:30 pm

Lunch break Afternoon 2: 30 pm – 5: 30 pm

Committee sittings (Cont) 5: 30 pm Adjournment

Day 4: Friday 24 July 2020 Morning 9: 30 am – 1: 00 pm

Committee sittings 1 pm – 2:30 pm Lunch break Afternoon 2: 30 pm – 5: 30 pm Committee sittings (Cont) 5: 30 pm

Adjournment Day 5: Saturday 25 July 2020 Morning 9: 30 am – 1: 00 pm

In terms of presentation and adoption in Plenary of the report of the sittings of Standing, Joint and Ad Hoc Committees it was stated that consideration of the request must be done by the President of the ECOWAS Commission, seeking assistance from the Parliament in implementing the ECOWAS Protocol on the Community Levy. It must be done at 1: 00 pm – 1:30 pm before any other business is discussed.

153 Prison Inmates Released on Presidential Pardon

By Amin Kef Sesay

Statistics released on the 21st July 2020 by the Sierra Leone Correctional Services of  a holistic Presidential Pardon, in other words the release of prison inmates, who were to be released on the 29th April 2020, as tradition demands whenever the country observes its Independence Day anniversary, were recently pardoned right across the country by President Julius Maada Bio based on the constitutional mandate vested in him.

The 153 Prisoners were as follows: Freetown Pademba Road Male Correctional Centre— 14, the Freetown Male Reintegration Centre— 05, Freetown Female Correctional Centre— 02, Pre- trial Detention and Simulation Centre (Waterloo)— 08,Bo Female Correctional Centre— 01,Bonthe Correctional Centre— 05, Moyamba Correctional Centre— 03,Pujehun Correctional Centre— 11,Mattru Jong Correctional Centre— 05, Kenema Correctional Centre— 12, Kailahun Correctional Centre— 13,Sefadu Correctional Centre— 10, Makeni Correctional Centre— 11,Magburaka Correctional Centre— 04,Mafanta Correctional Centre— 3,
Kabala Correctional Centre— 04,Kambia Correctional Centre— 08 and the Port Loko Correctional Centre— 06.
The total Male pardoned was 150 and the total Female was 03 giving a Grand Total of 153 inmates.

Bumbuna Hydro II Gets US$6 Million Funding

By Theresa Kef Sesay

It was reliably disclosed to this medium that a funding of US$6 million has been approved to help with the development of the 143MW Bumbuna Hydro II initiative in Sierra Leone.

InfraCo Africa, part of the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), has signed an agreement with lead developer Joule Africa to provide the funding, which forms part of a package involving the private sector and development finance institutions designed to ensure that Bumbuna Hydro II can reach construction and operation goals.

“As part of the PIDG, InfraCo Africa is uniquely positioned to be nimble and flexible, providing timely development capital and expertise at any point in the lifecycle of a project,” commented InfraCo Africa’s CEO, Gilles Vaes. “Often we are needed in the early stages to develop a concept or prove a pioneering model but, as in the case of Bumbuna Hydro II, we can also come in at a later stage to help with the critical and final push across the finishing line and participating in the project’s steering committee, particularly  in  these challenging  times. Bumbuna Hydro II is expected to have a tremendously positive impact, powering sustainable economic development in Sierra Leone,” he continued.

The project is being delivered by renewables developer, Joule Africa, through a local project company, Seli Hydropower. Located on the Upper Seli River, 230km north east of Sierra Leone’s capital, Freetown, the Bumbuna Hydro II project will enable distribution of significant additional power to the national grid.

“InfraCo Africa’s commitment to Bumbuna Hydro II and Joule Africa comes at a crucial stage for us as we enter the last lap in the development of the Project,” explained Paul Kunert, CEO of Joule Africa. “With InfraCo Africa’s commitment and a respected equity partner shortly to come in, we now have the funding in place to reach financial close next year. We’ve been working with PIDG over a number of years and we’re delighted to be able to expand that relationship with InfraCo Africa today.”

InfraCo Africa is committed to supporting the Government of Sierra Leone’s National Renewable Energy Action Plan. This new investment into the country’s renewable energy sector complements InfraCo Africa’s work elsewhere in the country to develop the pioneering Sierra Leone mini-grid project. Delivered across 41 sites, Sierra Leone mini-grid will roll out off-grid solar technology at scale, delivering clean, first time power for remote homes and businesses.

Bumbuna Hydro II also exemplifies the capacity of the wider PIDG to engage with and support projects from concept to  commercial  reality. PIDG’s Technical Assistance (PIDG TA) supported the project’s early development via returnable and technical assistance grants to fund an embedded advisor to the GoSL. The involvement of PIDG company, the Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund (EAIF), has also been central in enabling the project to progress to this stage.

Bumbuna Hydro II is expected to begin construction in 2021.

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