JNJF Hosts 2025 Widows’ Fundraising Luncheon, Calls for More Support

November 26, 2025

Co-founder of the Jamil and Nyanga Jaward Foundation, Nyanga Jaward

By Ibrahim Sesay

The Jamil and Nyanga Jaward Foundation (JNJF) on Sunday hosted its 2025 Widows’ Fundraising Luncheon at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown, bringing together widows, community leaders, partners and supporters in a united effort to strengthen empowerment programmes for vulnerable women, youth and children.

Welcoming guests, the Program Manager of the Jamil and Nyanga Jaward Foundation, John Kingsley Yambasu, described the event as “a celebration of purpose, compassion and collective responsibility.” He noted that since its establishment in 2017, the Foundation has consistently worked to restore dignity and hope to widows, vulnerable women and young people in underserved communities.
“These are not just statistics, these are names, faces, real stories and they matter,” John Kingsley Yambasu said. He emphasized that many widows continue to shoulder overwhelming responsibilities alone, young people are trapped in hopelessness and children still struggle for necessities that should be guaranteed.

He explained that proceeds from this year’s luncheon will support the strengthening of a women’s health centre, expand mental health awareness and help fund interventions aimed at reducing drug abuse, discouraging unsafe migration, preventing teenage pregnancies and promoting entrepreneurship and skills training.

Delivering her remarks, the Marketing Manager of Rokel Commercial Bank, Michaela Macauley, who also identified herself as a widow, shared her personal experience and encouraged widows to remain resilient despite the stigma they often face from in-laws and society.
“Being a widow is not a sickness but an unfortunate situation that can happen to anybody,” Michaela Macauley said. She recounted instances where widows were unfairly blamed for their husbands’ deaths and stressed that widowhood must never push anyone into depression or despair.

She commended the Jamil and Nyanga Jaward Foundation for creating a safe space for widows, describing it as an important but often challenging undertaking. Michaela Macauley also urged widows to stay focused on raising and supporting their children, no matter the obstacles. She further encouraged partners to support the Foundation’s vision and highlighted special financial services Rokel Commercial Bank offers to widows, including the “Kombra Account” and loan facilities for small businesses.

Co-founder of the Foundation, Nyanga Jaward, outlined the organization’s broader vision, stressing the need to tackle rising social challenges such as drug abuse and teenage pregnancy from the roots. She explained that many vulnerable homes fall into those difficulties due to circumstances beyond their control.
“A woman who is well-to-do would not have her children fall into such situations,” Nyanga Jaward said, underscoring the importance of empowering widows with skills, knowledge, mental support and psychological care to help them shift from a mindset of poverty to one of progress. She added that the Foundation aims to ensure widows feel valued, respected and supported by their communities. “The moment a mother knows somebody cares, you can see the change in them,” she stated.

One of the beneficiaries, Agnes Waggay, Chairlady of the Congo Town community, shared how the Foundation has transformed her life. She said she received social income support and rebuilding assistance for her home, while her daughter benefited from vocational training and now works as a trained makeup artist and hairdresser.

“We’ve also acquired basic financial literacy through the Village Savings and Loan Association, which has helped us immensely,” Agnes Waggay said as she encouraged philanthropists to support the Foundation’s work in uplifting vulnerable women.

The luncheon concluded with pledges from partners and renewed optimism for widows seeking stability, dignity and empowerment, affirming the Jamil and Nyanga Jaward Foundation’s ongoing role as a pillar of hope in communities across Sierra Leone.

Program Manager of the Jamil and Nyanga Jaward Foundation, John Kingsley Yambasu

Royal Fitness Introduces World-Class Training Experience to Sierra Leone

November 26, 2025

Royal Fitness has firmly established itself as one of Sierra Leone’s premier health and wellness centres, redefining fitness culture through world-class equipment, expert guidance and a commitment to helping individuals live healthier, stronger lives. Situated in the heart of Freetown, the facility continues to elevate national standards by blending international innovation with community-focused wellness programmes.

More than a traditional gym, Royal Fitness has developed a holistic approach to wellbeing, offering training options that meet the needs of beginners, fitness enthusiasts and professional athletes alike. Its state-of-the-art facility features modern cardio machines, precision weightlifting stations and fully equipped studios for aerobics, yoga and group fitness classes.

Under the supervision of certified trainers, members benefit from customized workout programmes tailored to individual goals such as weight management, muscle development, endurance training and overall health improvement. The centre’s integrated wellness services include Zumba, spinning, aerobics, personalized training and nutritional counselling, ensuring every member experiences transformation guided by expertise and motivation.

A representative of Royal Fitness emphasized the centre’s mission, stating: “Fitness is not a luxury; it is a necessity for a healthier, longer and more fulfilling life.” This philosophy underscores the gym’s dedication to combining modern technology with personal support, creating an environment where members thrive.

Royal Fitness stands out as the only fitness centre in Sierra Leone equipped with three globally acclaimed fitness brands; Technogym, Panatta and Arsenal Strength. Each brand brings a distinctive blend of engineering, innovation and performance excellence.

Technogym, Italy’s world-renowned “Wellness Company,” is celebrated for its smart-connected equipment and elegant design. As a trusted supplier for multiple Olympic Games and top luxury hotels worldwide, the brand delivers seamless digital integration and performance tracking through its Artis, Selection Pro and Skill Line series.

Panatta, another Italian icon, brings six decades of craftsmanship and biomechanical precision to the facility. Known for its ergonomic engineering and stylish finish, Panatta’s Fenix, Monolith and FreeWeight HP lines are crafted to enhance natural body movement and optimize safety.

Arsenal Strength, engineered in Tennessee, USA, is a favourite among elite athletes, military fitness programmes and professional sports facilities. Its heavy-duty Reloaded and Alpha series machines are designed to deliver maximum strength performance and durability.

By combining Italian innovation and American strength engineering, Royal Fitness gives its members access to equipment normally reserved for Olympic training centres, elite gyms and five-star resorts; setting a new standard for premium fitness in West Africa.

Members enjoy a wide range of advantages, including:

A safe, clean and professionally maintained environment
Modern equipment built to global standards
Flexible membership packages for individuals, families and corporate groups
A welcoming community that inspires discipline, commitment and success

Strategically located along the Peninsular Highway in Juba, Freetown, Royal Fitness continues to expand its reputation as the nation’s most trusted destination for fitness and lifestyle transformation.

For membership and enquiries, contact: (090) 001000.

Whether embarking on a new fitness journey or elevating athletic performance, Royal Fitness remains the ultimate space “where health meets excellence and every member is treated like royalty.”

PPRC Slams SLPP with NLe150,000 Fine for Inciting Statements on Liberty Online TV

November 26, 2025

By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

The Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) has fined the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) the sum of One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Leones (NLe150, 000) for what it described as a contravention of Section 39(1)(d) of the Political Parties Act (No. 25) of 2022.

In a Press Release issued on Tuesday, 25th November 2025, the Commission stated that the violation arose from statements made by Wusu Dadiddah Jalloh, an SLPP member, during a broadcast on Liberty Online Television on Monday, 24th November 2025. According to the PPRC, the remarks were considered incendiary and inciting, breaching provisions governing the conduct of political actors.

The Commission revealed that it had earlier cautioned the SLPP in a letter dated 11th November 2025, warning the party against actions that violate Section 39(1)(d) of the Act. Despite the warning, the PPRC noted with concern that the behavior persisted.

As a result, the ruling party has been given fourteen (14) days to pay the imposed fine.

The Commission encouraged members of the public and political stakeholders to remain compliant with the Political Parties Act and maintain responsible conduct in political communication.

Chinese Ambassador Wang Qing Bids Farewell After Strengthening China–Sierra Leone Relations

November 26, 2025

Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, H.E. Wang Qing shaking hands with President Julius Maada Bio

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, H.E. Wang Qing, has delivered a reflective and heartfelt farewell message as he concludes his three-year diplomatic mission in the country, highlighting what he described as a period of deepened cooperation, stronger political trust and expanding people-to-people exchanges between the two nations.

Ambassador Wang Qing, who assumed office in January 2023, said he departs Sierra Leone with admiration for its resilience, progress and growing international stature. He noted that the past three years have positioned China–Sierra Leone relations as a “model of China–Africa friendship and solidarity,” reinforced by consistent high-level engagements and practical cooperation in development, trade and human resource growth.

One of the most significant highlights of his tenure was President Julius Maada Bio’s two official visits to China in 2024, an unprecedented milestone in Sierra Leone’s diplomatic history. Ambassador Wang Qing said the engagements between President Bio and Chinese President Xi Jinping led to “broad and important consensus” on further strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership between the two nations.

He stressed that China firmly supports Sierra Leone’s sovereignty, security and development interests, while expressing appreciation for Sierra Leone’s consistent and unequivocal adherence to the One-China principle. “Political mutual trust between both countries continues to deepen,” he stated.

Ambassador Wang Qing’s farewell message outlines notable progress in China-supported infrastructure and capacity-building projects. Shortly after his arrival, he attended the handover of the China-Aided Sierra Leone Foreign Service Academy. Before his departure, he witnessed the groundbreaking of the new China-Aided Industrial Fishing Port, officially named the Julius Maada Bio Industrial Fishing Port.

He emphasized that China has remained Sierra Leone’s largest trading partner and biggest source of foreign investment for many years, reflecting the “rich substance and efficiency” of ongoing cooperation.

The outgoing Ambassador praised Sierra Leone’s leadership within the United Nations Security Council, ECOWAS and the African Union’s C-10, noting that China has strongly supported Sierra Leone’s advocacy for Africa’s representation in the permanent and non-permanent categories of the UN Security Council.

“We stand together in promoting genuine multilateralism, safeguarding the interests of developing nations and defending international fairness and justice,” he said.

Ambassador Wang Qing highlighted a remarkable surge in exchanges between the two peoples. Over the past three years, nearly 20,000 Sierra Leoneans travelled to China for tourism, business and study; a historic high. More than 500 students benefited from Chinese Government scholarships, while over 2,500 professionals received training in various fields.

His deep interactions with communities across all five provinces earned him the traditional honor of Honorary Paramount Chief by the Bambara Chiefdom, an experience he said he will “forever cherish.”

Reflecting on Sierra Leone’s transformation, from post-war recovery to becoming one of Africa’s most peaceful nations, Ambassador Wang expressed confidence in the country’s future trajectory.

Quoting an ancient Chinese proverb, he said: “True friendship knows no distance; even across ten thousand miles, we remain neighbors.” He thanked the Government and people of Sierra Leone for their partnership and hospitality, wishing that China–Sierra Leone friendship “lasts forever and continues to shine even brighter.”

Finance Minister Set to Table One of Sierra Leone’s Most Pro-People Budgets for 2026

November 26, 2025

The Government of Sierra Leone is set to present what senior officials describe as “one of the most pro-people budgets in recent years,” as the Minister of Finance prepares to lay the 2026 National Budget and Finance Bill before Parliament.

According to documents from the Ministry of Finance, the upcoming Budget prioritizes strengthening basic service delivery, boosting job creation and maintaining macroeconomic stability at a time when global uncertainty and regional shocks continue to affect economies across West Africa.

Despite ongoing global challenges, recent economic assessments show that Sierra Leone is experiencing modest growth, a more stable currency and improving fiscal stability. Officials say these gains now place the country “at par, and sometimes ahead” of several ECOWAS nations facing similar economic pressures.

The Finance Bill 2026 outlines several bold measures intended to ease the cost of living for ordinary citizens. Among the most impactful provisions is the zero-rating of LPG gas, cooking stoves, solar panels and home energy systems; steps that will make clean cooking and renewable energy more affordable and accessible nationwide.

“This is a direct relief for households,” a senior Ministry of Finance official noted. “It is pro-poor, pro-women and pro-health.”

In addition, the Bill proposes higher customs duties on imported tomato paste, water, ketchup and maggi cubes. Those measures are designed to protect local manufacturers from unfairly cheap imports and stimulate job creation across the manufacturing sector.

To fulfil Sierra Leone’s commitments under the IMF-supported programme, the 2026 Budget targets an additional NLe 2.85 billion in revenue. Authorities emphasize that this will be generated primarily through improved tax compliance, reduced leakages and fairer tax adjustments; not through imposing burdens on low-income households.

A nationwide public engagement plan led by the Ministry of Information is expected to follow the Budget’s presentation. The campaign will prioritize clarity, transparency and real-time fact-checking, ensuring that citizens clearly understand the policies, benefits and changes outlined in the Budget and Finance Bill.

As anticipation builds, officials say the 2026 Budget reflects the Government’s commitment to inclusive growth, social protection and economic resilience.

TEC Workers Protest Against Management Intimidation and Chairman Alghali’s Reinstatement, Call for Independent Investigation

November 26, 2025

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The pronouncement made by the newly transferred Head of Administration at the Tertiary Education Commission, Idrissa Sannoh, that all members of staff who are aggrieved over conditions of service must be sacked served as the trigger that led to workers staging a peaceful protest, displaying placards, on 25th November 2025. The statement, which staff described as provocative and dismissive of their long-standing grievances, immediately sparked outrage and deepened concerns over what employees say is a culture of intimidation and poor leadership within the Commission.

The workers, who gathered within the precincts of the Commission in Freetown, chanted slogans and called for urgent reforms, directing much of their frustration at the Chairman of the institution, Professor Aliyageen M. Alghali. They accused the Chairman of abuse of office, lack of transparency, poor leadership practices and persistent neglect of staff welfare. Their protest followed months of mounting tension, which had earlier culminated in a formal petition submitted on 22nd September 2025 to the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education. The petition highlighted what the staff described as a deep crisis of confidence in the Commission under the leadership of Professor Aliyageen M. Alghali.

Initially, the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education responded by asking the aggrieved staff to provide evidence supporting their claims. But before the evidence could be formally presented during a scheduled meeting on 11th November 2025, the Ministry unexpectedly reinstated Professor Aliyageen M. Alghali on 5th November 2025. The Ministry later announced that, after reviewing the available information, it had exonerated the Chairman of wrongdoing and determined that the evidence submitted did not justify any adverse action against him.

Tensions escalated further when the Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Ramatulai Wurie, addressed staff in the presence of representatives from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the Ministry of Labour. She informed them that the evidence presented lacked substance and went on to state that Professor Aliyageen M. Alghali “is a friend of my father,” a remark that immediately stirred concerns among employees about the neutrality and fairness of the Ministry’s assessment. Workers also expressed dissatisfaction over what they described as an intimidating approach from the Labour Ministry representative during the engagement.

Frustrated and unconvinced by the Ministry’s handling of their petition, members of staff reported the matter to the Parliament of Sierra Leone. They complained bitterly about the deteriorating working environment at TEC, citing a lack of internet connectivity, insufficient laptops, inadequate logistics and an overall absence of essential tools required for effective performance of their duties. The Parliamentary Committee on Technical and Higher Education subsequently summoned all relevant parties and ordered an immediate halt to all meetings or actions relating to the matter until Parliament completes its inquiry.

In a formal communication dated 21st November 2025, issued by the Clerk, Parliament directed the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education, the TEC leadership and all associated bodies to suspend every activity connected to the dispute. Parliament further demanded that the Ministry submit its investigative report on the staff petition, invoking its oversight authority under Section 93 of the 1991 Constitution and Standing Orders 73(3).

It is worth noting that Professor Aliyageen M. Alghali had previously been suspended following allegations that attracted the interest of the Anti-Corruption Commission. Although the Ministry later cleared him of wrongdoing, the persistence and intensity of staff dissatisfaction point to deeper structural issues within the Commission’s governance and operational framework.

The situation, now firmly in the hands of Parliament, raises broader concerns about transparency, accountability, workplace conditions and leadership within the Tertiary Education Commission; an institution central to maintaining the quality and credibility of higher education in Sierra Leone. Many observers and sector stakeholders hope that Parliament’s intervention will pave the way for meaningful reforms and help restore trust and stability within the Commission.

NP (SL) Sets New Standards in Fuel Management, Customer Care and Environmental Safety

November 26, 2025

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

NP (SL) Limited, Sierra Leone’s premier indigenous petroleum marketing company, continues to strengthen its position as the industry’s most dependable and forward-looking entity, delivering essential energy solutions while championing national development, job creation and digital transformation in the sector.

For decades, NP (SL) Ltd has built a reputation anchored on reliability, exceptional customer service and an unwavering commitment to local content. As the only fully Sierra Leonean-owned petroleum company operating at scale, NP (SL) has consistently demonstrated that indigenous businesses can thrive, innovate and lead in critical sectors of the economy.

In recent years, the company has rolled out transformative initiatives that continue to redefine fuel retailing and service delivery across the country. Chief among those innovations is the NP Energy Pass Card; a cashless, secure and convenient electronic payment system that allows customers to purchase fuel and other services without handling physical cash. The Energy Pass has proven popular among corporate bodies, transport unions, Government institutions and private motorists, offering transparency, easy tracking of fuel usage and enhanced security against fraud or misuse.

According to company officials, the Energy Pass Card forms part of NP’s broader digital agenda aimed at ensuring efficiency, reducing waiting time at stations and aligning Sierra Leone with global trends in energy management systems. The platform also supports financial inclusion and promotes accountability in fuel consumption across the transport and commercial sectors.

In addition to digital transformation, NP (SL) continues to expand its nationwide footprint. The company operates an extensive network of service stations designed to meet the needs of urban and rural communities. These modern stations provide high-quality petroleum products, lubricants and ancillary services delivered under strict health, safety and environmental standards.

NP’s environmental consciousness is further demonstrated through its emphasis on cleaner energy options. The company has continued to promote the use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) for domestic cooking through its NP Gas brand. Thousands of households now rely on NP Gas as a cleaner, safer and more affordable alternative to charcoal and firewood; a shift that contributes significantly to environmental protection and the reduction of deforestation.

Beyond commercial operations, NP (SL) remains a major contributor to national development through employment, tax payments and corporate social responsibility interventions. The company provides direct and indirect jobs to hundreds of Sierra Leoneans and invests heavily in training and human capital development to ensure that staff remain up to date with modern industry standards.

Community investment remains a cornerstone of NP’s corporate philosophy. Over the years, the company has supported education, health and social welfare initiatives, reinforcing its role as a responsible corporate citizen dedicated to uplifting communities.

As Sierra Leone continues to pursue energy security and economic resilience, NP (SL) Ltd stands out as a pillar of stability and innovation. With its blend of modern technology, customer-centered services, strong local ownership and national commitment, the company remains well-positioned to drive the petroleum sector into a future defined by reliability, transparency and sustainable growth.

Human Cost of Terrorism

November 26, 2025

By the Baisnab Charan Pradhan, High Commissioner of India to Sierra Leone

Terrorism remains one of the gravest threats of our time; an affliction that transcends borders, nationalities and cultures. It is not merely a security challenge; it is a direct assault on humanity, on our shared values and on the universal aspiration for peace and development. Its impact is felt in the lives lost, futures destroyed and nations pushed away from their development trajectories. As the world reflects on the decades past, it is crucial for all of us, Governments, policy thinkers, civil society and citizens, to renew our collective resolve to combat this menace.

Terrorism inflicts immense suffering on innocent populations. Beyond the tragic loss of lives, terror disrupts livelihoods, displaces communities and pushes nations into cycles of poverty and insecurity. Infrastructure meant for progress, schools, hospitals, power grids, markets, often becomes collateral damage. Investment and tourism decline, widening inequality and halting economic growth. For developing nations, the consequences are especially devastating, as scarce resources are diverted from essential services toward security and emergency responses. In essence, terrorism is an enemy of development, an enemy of peace and an enemy of the future.

Over the last four decades, the world has witnessed several catastrophic terrorist attacks that reshaped global security thinking:

The bombing of Air India Flight 182 in 1985 claimed 329 innocent lives.
The 1998 bombings of the U.S. Embassies in Kenya and Tanzania killed over 200 people and injured thousands.
The 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon in the United States resulted in nearly 3,000 deaths, altering the global security landscape.
The 2004 Madrid train bombings and the 2005 London bombings shook Europe with mass casualties.
The 2015 Paris attacks and the recurrent waves of terror across the Middle East, North Africa and Asia continue to serve as grim reminders that terrorism respects no boundaries.

Each of those events underscores the heavy human cost of ideological extremism.

India has been a persistent victim of cross-border terrorism for decades. From the attack on Mumbai in 1993 to the horrific 26/11 attacks in 2008 and Pahalgam attacks in 2025, terrorism has targeted civilians, security personnel, democratic institutions and places of worship. Hundreds of lives have been lost in terror incidents in Jammu & Kashmir, in insurgency-affected regions and in metropolitan centres.

Yet India’s response has been equally resolute. Our nation has strengthened its legal systems, enhanced intelligence coordination, fortified borders and deepened international cooperation. Most importantly, India’s response has been rooted in democratic values, pluralism and the principle that terrorism can never be justified.

The African continent has not been immune to the scourge of terrorism. Groups such as Boko Haram, Al-Shabaab, ISIS affiliates and other extremist networks have caused immense suffering. West Africa and the Sahel in particular have experienced displacement of millions, destruction of villages, abductions and economic disruption. The destabilization caused by terrorism hampers state capacity, undermines democracy and threatens regional integration.

Sierra Leone, while largely peaceful, exists within a region facing significant security challenges, making the strengthening of regional and international cooperation essential.

The United Nations has undertaken important initiatives; including the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, Security Council resolutions on terrorist financing and the establishment of the UN Counter-Terrorism Centre. Regional bodies such as the African Union, ECOWAS, the European Union and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) have also advanced frameworks for counter-terror coordination.

However, the effectiveness of those mechanisms depends on collective political will. Terrorism cannot be fought in silos; it demands unity, information-sharing, capacity-building and strong messaging against extremism.

India has consistently taken a leadership role in shaping the global counter-terror agenda. India has championed the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) at the UN to bring clarity and consensus to the global definition of terrorism. India is one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping missions, many of which operate in terror-affected regions.

India’s intelligence-sharing partnerships, capacity-building programmes, defence cooperation initiatives and counter-radicalization efforts are recognized worldwide. India strongly believes that terrorism in one part of the world is a threat to peace everywhere.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly emphasized the moral and strategic imperative of united global action against terrorism. His remarks have resonated globally:

“Terrorism has no borders, no values and no humanity.”

“The world must de-link religion from terrorism. Any act of terror is against humanity itself.”

“There cannot be good terrorism or bad terrorism; there is only terrorism.”

These words remind us that selective approaches weaken the global response; only collective and universal opposition can prevail.

The tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam, located in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India, on 22 April 2025 claimed the lives of 26 innocent tourists, marking one of the deadliest attacks in the region since 2000. In response, the Government of India has launched a diplomatic initiative titled “Operation Sindoor“, aimed at reinforcing its commitment to combating terrorism and promoting regional stability through proactive engagement with the international community.

Under Operation Sindoor, India has strengthened its internal security architecture, enhanced technological capabilities and supported global frameworks against terrorism. The initiative emphasizes coordination between defence forces, intelligence agencies and law enforcement systems to pre-empt and neutralize threats. India remains committed to sharing best practices and supporting partners in enhancing their counter-terror capacities.

During the visit of the All Party Parliamentary Delegation of India to Sierra Leone in May 2025, the Parliament of Sierra Leone made a deeply meaningful gesture by condemning terrorism in all its forms and expressing solidarity with India’s longstanding fight against this global menace. This thoughtful act symbolized the strong bonds of friendship and shared commitment of our two nations to peace, stability and democratic values.

I take this opportunity to express my profound gratitude to the Government of Sierra Leone for their strong support and show of solidarity during the visit of the All Party Parliamentary Delegation of India. I also extend heartfelt appreciation to the vibrant media fraternity of Sierra Leone for consistently amplifying the voices of peace, stability and development.

Sierra Leone has strengthened its contribution to global counter-terrorism through significant legal and institutional reforms and active regional and international engagement. The National Counter-Terrorism Act (2024) and the establishment of the National Counter-Terrorism Coordination Committee provide a solid domestic framework, while the Financial Intelligence Agency enhances capabilities to detect and prevent terrorist financing. Sierra Leone also supports the ECOWAS Counter-Terrorism Plan of Action and cooperates with initiatives such as the Multinational Joint Task Force and the Accra Initiative. Globally, it is party to key UN counter-terrorism conventions and advocates for the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism to promote a unified global response.

The fight against terrorism is not the responsibility of Governments alone. It requires the involvement of policy makers, academic institutions, security agencies, religious and traditional leaders, civil societies and the youth. Together, we must promote peace narratives, counter radicalization, build trust, reject hatred and strengthen institutions.

Terrorism thrives in division; it is defeated by unity. Let us join hands, India and Sierra Leone, Africa and Asia, the entire global community,to protect humanity from the scourge of terror and to ensure a safer, more prosperous world for generations to come.

Carrying forward traditional friendship for a shared future——Farewell Message by H.E. Wang Qing，Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone

November 25, 2025

Ambassador Wang Qing presented his credentials to H.E. President Julius Maada Bio

In January 2023, I arrived in beautiful Sierra Leone to assume my duties as Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone. Time flies and now I am about to bid farewell to my Sierra Leonean friends.

H.E. President Xi Jinping and his wife Dr. Peng Liyuan held a welcoming ceremony for H.E. President Julius Maada Bio and his wife Fatima Maada Bio in the Great Hall of the People during President Bio’s state visit to China.

Over the past three years, I have had the privilege of witnessing Sierra Leone’s steady progress along the path of peace and development, and of seeing that China-Sierra Leone relations maintain excellent performance and become a good example of China-Africa solidarity and cooperation.

Over the past three years, the two countries have close high-level interaction. In 2024, H.E. President Julius Maada Bio paid a state visit to China and attended the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, becoming the first head of state in Sierra Leone’s history to visit China twice in a single year. The two leaders reached broad and important consensus on deepening the China-Sierra Leone Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership, providing strategic guidance for the development of bilateral relations.

H.E. President Xi Jinping and H.E. President Julius Maada Bio jointly inspected the guard of honor of the PLA at the welcoming ceremony.

H.E. President Julius Maada Bio reiterated Sierra Leone’s support for the One-China principle during an interview with China Media Group.

Political mutual trust between the two sides continues to deepen. China firmly supports Sierra Leone in safeguarding its national independence, sovereignty, security, and development interests, and resolutely opposes external interference in Sierra Leone’s internal affairs. Sierra Leone has repeatedly reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the One-China principle and its strong support for all efforts made by the Chinese government to achieve national reunification.

Ambassador Wang Qing and Hon. Foreign Minister Timothy Musa Kabba and Former Foreign Minister Prof. David J. Francis at the launching ceremony of a China-Sierra Leone Friendship book.

The practical cooperation has yielded fruitful results. Just the third day after my arrival in Sierra Leone, I attended the handover ceremony for the China-Aided Sierra Leone Foreign Service Academy. Before my departure, I attended another groundbreaking ceremony for the China-Aided fishing port, where I was delighted to see it named the Julius Maada Bio Industrial Fishing Port. China has been Sierra Leone’s largest trading partner and largest source of foreign investment for many years. These vividly demonstrate the rich substance and efficient progress of our practical cooperation.

Ambassador Wang Qing accompanied H.E. President Julius Maada Bio as they cut the ribbon for the China-Aided Sierra Leone Foreign Service Academy.

Ambassador Wang Qing accompanied Hon. Vice President Juldeh Jalloh as they jointly inspected China-Aided Sierra Leone National Stadium Rehabilitation Project.

Ambassador Wang Qing accompanied H.E. President Julius Maada Bio to meet with the 25th Chinese Medical Team to Sierra Leone.

The two sides coordinated closely on such issues as world peace and development. China firmly supports Sierra Leone in fulfilling its responsibilities within international and regional organizations such as the United Nations Security Council, C-10, and ECOWAS. We support Sierra Leone’s efforts to redress historical injustices against Africa, and stand together with Sierra Leone in upholding genuine multilateralism. We will jointly promote solidarity and cooperation among Global South, safeguard the interests of developing countries, and uphold international fairness and justice.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended the high-level dialogue meeting between the African Union’s Committee of Ten (C10) and the Permanent Five (P5) foreign ministers of the UN Security Council hosted by Sierra Leone at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

People-to-people exchanges between our two countries have become increasingly vibrant. Over the past three years, nearly 20,000 Sierra Leonean citizens have obtained visas to travel to China for tourism, business, and visits—a historic high. The Chinese government has consistently supported Sierra Leone’s human resource development, with over 500 Sierra Leoneans receiving Chinese government scholarships to pursue academic studies in China. More than 2,500 Sierra Leoneans from various sectors have benefited from participating in diverse China-Aided training programs. I have traveled across all five provinces of Sierra Leone and was honored with the title of Honorary Paramount Chief by the Bambara Chiefdom, forging deep friendships with the people of Sierra Leone.

Ambassador Wang Qing and the Sierra Leonean awardees of 2024 Chinese Ambassador Scholarship and Grant.

Ambassador Wang Qing visited Bo School and gave a lecture to the students.

Over the past three years, I have fully experienced Sierra Leone’s tropical charm and picturesque landscapes, its diverse and inclusive culture, and the warmth and friendliness of its people. I am particularly impressed by the resilience and vitality Sierra Leone has demonstrated on its development journey. A nation once scarred by years of civil war now ranks second in West Africa, fifth in Africa, and 57th globally in peace indices. It has also assumed the role of a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, playing a vital part in safeguarding global peace. A nation once devastated by the Ebola outbreak has now rebuilt its health security infrastructure. Now it not only can swiftly respond to epidemics like M-pox, but also actively dispatched personnels to assist other countries in combating infectious diseases, demonstrating its leadership in Africa’s health sector. I am confident that through the joint efforts of the Government and people of Sierra Leone, the country will surely embrace an more prosperous and promising tomorrow.

There is an ancient Chinese poem that says, “True friendship knows no distance; even across ten thousand miles, we remain neighbors.” I will forever cherish the white sand beach of Freetown, the coconut palms of Banana Island, the vast rice fields of Bo, the majestic mountains of Tonkolili, and all the friends I made in Sierra Leone alongside its gracious people. I sincerely wish that China-Sierra Leone friendship can last forever and both nations have a brighter future!

Years On… Hunt for Osman Kanu Continues

November 24, 2025

By Alusine Bangura

Osman Kanu who narrowly escaped death after Poro members abducted him to stand in for his sick father, Pa Osman Kanu, continues in the village of Yoni. It is five years since Osman escaped the village and from the hands of his abductees, yet the search for the young man continues.

It could be recalled Osman was abducted and taken to the shrine at night for Poro initiation. The young man, according to the report , broke free through an unfinished house, misdirected machete-wielding pursuers, and escaped with some serious injuries.

Under Poro rules, a chief elder’s heir must be initiated; refusal, the family learned, carries some serious penalty. After Osman ran, members returned to threaten his household and warn neighbors against sheltering him.
Villagers say new recruits are forced to drink human blood during initiation and that those judged unfit “disappear.” Police rarely intervene, they add, because many officers belong to the societies themselves.
Rights activists including John Koroma have urged the Human Rights Commission to step in, noting that young and productive Sierra Leoneans are fleeing the country to avoid forced initiation.

It is now five years since that faithful day, Osman, his wife, and their children remain missing. In Yoni, society members still speak of the case as if it were yesterday—convinced Osman is alive somewhere, and vowing to “deal with him” if he is found.

In 2020, Osman Kanu fled a Poro initiation in the village of Yoni in Northern Sierra Leone after he was forced to undergo the rituals for his sick father.

As of today members of the secret society continue to hunt for this young man.