As another mark of infrastructural development in the country to ease traffic jams and travelling constraints it was welcome news to understand that within a short period of time the Atlantic-Juba bridge by-pass project will be completed and commissioned. A reputable local road construction company, Secon, won the bid, when it was advertised, to undertake the construction work of the by-pass bridge to link the Lumley community and Juba residents. The result-oriented Chief Executive Officer of Secon, Papah Chendeka, intimated this medium that the company is really on-top of situation to complete the construction work within record time furthering how they have modern and state of the art machinery or equipment in their possession which has made it possible for them to do qualitative work not only on the construction of the bridge but on other past and future projects.
It was understood that at the project site, drainages and culverts have been constructed from the Lumley Atlantic Road onto the point where the bridge stands, over a stretch of water.
One of the engineers disclosed to this medium that all major work on the bridge, standing on four solid heavy concrete foundation and a heavy steel carriageway with aluminium rails, to act as guard bars in order to ensure safety of users. He again revealed how Secon will complete and hand over the 1km stretch of road and bridge to Government on 30th April 2019.
According to him when the Secon bridge is finally completed there will be two bridges to link citizens from the city centre to the western area peninsula.
Most of the residents in that part of the country where the construction is ongoing expressed delight over the progress of the work informing that within a shortest period of time they will get relief as travelling will become very comfortable.

On the 18 January 2019, the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) issued out a Press Release in which it was categorically stated that the Association is very concerned about the spate of violent attacks and deadly threats on journalists, mainly carried out by supporters of the All Peoples Congress (APC) party.

It furthered that on Wednesday, 16th January, 2019 journalists from the Africa Young Voices (AYV) Media Empire who were covering the interrogation by the CID of former President Ernest Bai Koroma, in his home town of Makeni, physically were assaulted and their equipment seized allegedly by APC supporters.

The release added that additionally, BBC reporter Umaru Fofanah, received anonymous death threats via Whatsapp audio allegedly from an APC supporter.

SLAJ recalled that in March last year, during the national run-off elections, several journalists were also physically assaulted by thugs believed to be acting on the orders of APC officials. One of the journalists, Ibrahim Samura of the New Age newspaper, eventually died; a death we strongly believe is related to the said assault.

It went on to underscore that the Association is gravely concerned about the ugly trend and the impunity that seems to be going with it. “We are further worried when we learnt about similar circumstances leading to the recent murder of Ghanaian investigative journalist, Ahmed Huscien Suale, whose death is being associated with a politician. May he R.I.P,” it pointed out.

SLAJ maintained that they therefore put the leadership of the APC party on notice, that they will hold them responsible for any harm done to ANY journalist and more importantly Umaru Fofanah whose life is being threatened.

“The leadership of the APC must now rein in its members and supporters and stop them from venting out their frustrations on harmless journalists who are busy doing their work,” it stated..

The Press Release also highlighted that all Politicians from the SLPP, and more so the APC, must work together towards de-escalating the political tension presently in the country forthwith saying politicians cannot continue to hold the people of this country to ransom because of their selfish political interests.

“This nonsense must stop. The APC cannot continue to treat journalists as enemies and physically attack them whenever they have an issue. The Police should not wait for another journalist to die before they take the necessary action. This impunity must end,” said SLAJ President Kelvin Lewis.

SLAJ is therefore calling on the Inspector General of Police, Richard Moigbe, to bring to book the APC officials and supporters who allegedly assaulted Ibrahim Samura, leading to his unfortunate death, and to speedily investigate the assault on AYV reporters and the source of Whatsapp voice note death threats against Umaru Fofanah.

The Association is also equally calling on the Government to continue to honour its promise, and stop arresting and detaining journalists at the CID, but rather it was recommended that it should send them to the Independent Media Commission for action.

During one of the weekly seminars held at the Hotel Cabenda on Saturday 19th January 2019, the Country Representative for the Organisation of African Youth (OAYOUTH), Ambassador Abdul Kalokoh disclosed that his organisation has organised a national competition for high school kids through the Diamond Challenge initiative. The finale of the competition which is schedule to take place on the 9th of February 2019 will eventually see the winning team having the opportunity to travel to the USA to attend a global seminar.
In an exclusive interview with this medium, Amb. Kalokoh, who also doubles as the National Coordinator for Diamond Challenge, stated that in order to realise their entrepreneuring vision for Sierra Leone they have targeted secondary school kids in a bid to get them to bring out their hidden talents and transform them into business ventures for the benefit of the country. In this regard, some 24 teams of 3-4 pupils per school were selected to develop ideas through networking with others that will eventually be realized as a business entity. “DC-2019 Competition is designed to give high-school students an opportunity to engage in entrepreneurial planning,” he said.
Giving a brief background to the project, Amb. Kalokoh said that since its conception in 2012, some 4,000 students from over 35 countries and 25 States have been engaged in the program. This, he maintained, is to provide an opportunity for them to create, capture and deliver value from new ideas regardless of their future career path. With the ‘Horn Entrepreneurship’s Diamond Challenge’, the various teams will develop plans for their own viable businesses, which each team will then pitch before a panel of judges. After proper scrutiny of their business plans, the judges will then choose 3 teams from the 24 teams in the competition and the winner who tops the group will then get the opportunity to represent the country in a global seminar to be held in the USA. The national contest will take place on the 9th February 2019.
He further explained that the goal of the program is to identify potential young entrepreneurs, equip them with the relevant skills to shape their ideas into sustainable businesses and innovation and expose them to opportunities that will scale up their ventures to solve pressing problems in the country. They are targeting some 50 students that will be mentored to develop business ideas and build their capacity in identifying, harness, developing and empowering potential entrepreneurs in their various schools.
After the interview the seminar then continued at the Cabenda hotel with a number of students.

The notorious Sierra Leone Peoples’ Party (SLPP) politician, S.B Marah, who happens to be the Leader of the House of Parliament and Head of Government Business, is once more in the news for what many has described as using political influence to bulldoze the human rights of the downtrodden.
Marah, who hails from Kabala district, Northern Sierra Leone, is not in the least loved by his tribesmen simply because of his high handedness and his lust for cheap popularity tainted with his insatiable quest for financial exploitation.
His latest move was his attempt in engaging in illicit mining of gold within Mousara Village in Kabala, which in no way will benefit the residents in that part of the country but only himself. As a result of that, Paramount Chief Jawara resisted and he was supported by the majority. They insisted that they will not accept Marah’s move to do mining in what they consider to be their territory vowing how they will stoutly stand their ground.
To the utter surprise to most of the residents of Mousara, Marah hired thugs to invade the territory to tell the people that he is a powerful politician. Very quickly the whole situation degenerated into full-fledged chaos and anarchy during which some people were killed. What Marah subsequently embarked on was to eliminate the Paramount Chief, his brother and other members of his family to which he somehow succeeded.
It could be recalled that it was this same S.B Marah who at one point in time slapped a traffic Police Officer in Freetown simple because his car was stopped in traffic. In a crude manner he was trying to relay the message that he is above the law. His action drew widespread condemnation and flared up indignation from the public as well as denting the image of the SLPP Government, headed by President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah.
Matters became worse for others of the Jawara family who could not escape more so when Kaifala Marah, who also comes from Kabala, was appointed as a Minister. He too replicated what S.B Marah wanted to engage in, that is mining of gold, early in 2015. The people again resisted with the full support of the then Paramount Chief. Since the chieftaincy family is headed by the Jawara family they were therefore targeted and secretly eliminated. They died under mysterious circumstances instilling fear in the minds of those who survived the purge including a young boy by the name of Abdulai Jawara whose uncle helped him to seek refuge in neighboring Guinea.
Investigation mounted by this medium has revealed that the lives of prominent members of the Jawara family are under serious threat and jeopardy within the country more so in Kabala.
The two scenario narrated above are clear indications of how certain politicians do use their influences to lord it,with reckless abandon, over ordinary folks thereby violating their fundamental human rights. They care less about furthering the interests of their people but only interested in personal aggrandizement.

The African Young Voices (AYV) on Thursday 17th January 2019 hosted a Press conference at its Tower Hill headquarters in Freetown. It was organized by its Current Affairs Unit, where it vehemently condemned the attacks on its Northern Bureau staff by a group of persons clad in APC gears and believed to be supporters of the main opposition party, during a visit by the CID on the residence of former President, Ernest Bai Koroma, in a bid to take a statement from him in relation to a Press Release issued in December by the party, which the Police viewed as inciting.
Speaking during the briefing, the Northern Bureau Chief of AYV, Amadu Kamara, explained their ordeal with some alleged supporters of the APC on 16th January in Makeni.
He disclosed that prior to their arrival at the residence of the former President; they engaged the Deputy Organizing Secretary of the APC, Alpha Apazo Kamara, on their desire to cover the said visit. They were told by Alpha Kamara that they will not be allowed into the compound, but can hang around the vicinity of the gate and do their coverage. This, Amadu Kamara said they did. Whilst carrying out an interview with supporters of the APC on their reaction to the visit of the CID to their Chairman’s residence in his strong hold, they were approached by the Deputy Organizing Secretary, who then asked them what they were doing in the area and ordered them to leave.
Amadu said that Apazo then stated to the hearing of those supporters around that the journalists were SLPP and were forcing themselves on APC activities. Upon hearing the utterance of the Deputy Organizing Secretary, the crowd of supporters then pounced on them beating and physically manhandling them and their equipment. He stated that several of their equipment was damaged and phones missing, whilst 2 female reporters and a male camera man were beaten.
Amadu further disclosed how the former Ambassador to Iran in the last administration, Alimamy Kamara, prevailed on their assailants leading to their rescue from the mob. Amb. Kamara then escorted them to their offices in Makeni. Whilst at their offices, they were again attacked by some 50 Okada riders who threw stones at the office in the presence of the ambassador. At this juncture, the Northern Bureau Chief said that he advised his staff to go home for their own security as it was apparent that they were no longer safe there.
Amadu further explained that an official statement was made to the Makeni police and medical forms given to the victims for medical attention.
In his own contribution, the Head of Current Affairs Unit at AYV, Samuel Wise Bangura said that this attack on AYV staff has become the order of the day and must stop. He recalled during the elections when Mariama, another AYV reporter was attacked along Wilkinson Road whilst covering the elections, by people believed to be APC sympathizers and another incident at the APC headquarters in Freetown, where some members of their Press in AYV flash jackets clearly identifying their institution, were again attacked by APC supporters. This trend, he stressed, must stop. He underscored that today it is the AYV; tomorrow it could be another press house. Whilst today it is the APC, tomorrow it could be the SLPP or any other political party. The AYV, Samuel Wise pointed out is non-political and has no affiliation with any party. They are simply disseminating the news as it is happening across the country, he added.
Speaking on behalf of the President and CEO of AYV, Abdul Fonti said that the institution is pursuing 3 approaches namely; engaging the leadership of the APC on the incident, engaging the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) and if possible taking legal action against the party. He stated that they have in their possession video evidence of the whole attack. Finally, they are going to give the APC an ultimatum which may include a news blackout on their activities until a favorable outcome is arrived at.
Victims present at the Press Conference were shown to the public and a question and answer session climaxed the event.

In the aftermath of the withdrawal of the Sierra Leone Police security personnel that were detailed and securing the , sources close to the former VP have intimated this medium that he may take legal action against the Government of the New Direction for violating his right as a retired VP to be entitled to security as laid down in the constitution of the country.
In a letter written to President Julius Maada Bio by the lawyer of the former VP, Alhaji Chief Samuel Sam Sumana, Koighor Aloysious Foh Esq. of 4a Lightfoot Boston Street, captioned; REMOVAL OF STATE SECURITY GUARDS, His Excellency was informed that a letter dated 9th January 2019 was received by the former VP signed by the Inspector General of the Sierra Leone Police stating withdrawal of his security detail on grounds that he is not a retired VP and is not entitled to such privilege. The letter further reminded President Bio that on 27th November 2017, the ECOWAS Court sitting in Abuja ruled that the removal of the VP by the former President and the Supreme Court of Sierra Leone was unconstitutional and void. It also reminded the President that Sierra Leone is a signatory to all the ECOWAS protocols, including the establishment of the said court of justice. It further demanded that in the light of that ruling, all the privileges of a retired VP, including his security be accorded him continuously according to constitutional provisions. It also stated that if no compliance is observed in that regard, legal action will be taken to seek redress.
Meanwhile as political tension continues to rise in the country, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Jean Claude Bru and the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for West Africa, Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambers and the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Gen. Francis Behazin are due in the country to hold talks with President Bio and the Chairs of the Political Parties and Diplomats. They are expected to meet with key Civil Society Organisations and the Inter-Religious Council between the 17th and 18th January 2019.

During a ceremony held at its head quarter situated at Wilberforce on Wednesday 16th January 2019, Sierra Leone’s leading mobile operator, Africell, officially signed a Memorandum Of Understanding with Frederick Peters aka ‘Famous’ officially effectively making him the first Brand Ambassador of the institution for this year. The meeting was graced by staff of the company and members of the Press. On the high table were Africell’s Corporate Affairs Manager, Fatmata Sesay, Chief Corporate Affairs Manager, Joe Abass Bangura, John Konte the Station Manager of AI Radio and ‘Salone’s Baby Face’, Frederick Peters aka ‘Famous.’ The meeting was chaired by Abdul Aziz Kamara.
Giving a brief background to the act of signing the country’s artists as its Brand Ambassadors, John Konte, Station Manager of AI Radio, explained that Africell is passionate about promoting Sierra Leonean talents and by signing them as ambassadors, they are empowering and helping the entertainment industry to grow in the country. He further maintained that a decision was reached last year to be playing Sierra Leonean music on a 24 hour basis on AI Radio. Such, he continued, they have been doing to get citizens to identify with their own musical stars. This venture, he furthered, has paid off as many people have now developed interest in and listening to Sierra Leonean music.
Introducing the country’s music icon, Joe Abass Bangura, Chief Corporate Affairs Manager of Africell, said that this signing is a resigning of the artist as he has been long time with the company. Abass Bangura explained that music plays an important role in the lives of many people, as it reduces the stress of the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It is therefore necessary to embrace it, he added.
Frederick Peter aka ‘Famous’ in his statement highlighted that he has been with Africell for over 5 years expressing appreciation to the company for being there for him. He stressed that Africell is the only place that he could come for any kind of help to promote his show and get fast response. On his association with music, famous disclosed that he was born in a family of musicians, with uncles and others knee deep in music.
The musician disclosed that living at Berwick Street, where the popular entertainment band, Afro Combo was practicing, he was able to have access to the musical instruments of the band, which he made attempts several times to play. He went on to explain that during those early years, he would carry speaker boxes and instruments of the band from the house to vehicles and off load them at any arena that the band was scheduled to play and during those period, he had the opportunity to play with the instruments. In short, he met music at home.
Responding to a question as to where he got the name ‘Famous’ from, the music maestro said his grandfather was a popular and famous man around town for many reasons and he died when he was born. Thus his family members decided to call him the name his grandfather was popularly known of, which is ‘Famous’.
Famous expressed appreciation for the interventions of Africell in the entertainment industry, which he believes, makes it easier than before to stage concerts. He dismissed all suggestions that he is in fierce competition with any musician, but maintained that as musicians, they should all try to do their thing in their own little way, as competition will not make the industry grow.
The Brand Ambassador asserted that as a Brand Ambassador of Africell, he will woo more subscribers to the company, as his fans will enthusiastically follow him wherever he goes. He went further to disclose that his plans for this year are to hold a concert titled ‘Brighter future’ and feature several video shows. He is hopeful of forming a Foundation that will help (in his own little way) the less privileged in the country.
The meeting was climaxed by the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Africell and the Super Star, ‘Famous’ amidst cheers from the audience. Joe Abass Bangura officially declared him as Africell’s new signing as Brand Ambassador.

One of Sierra Leone’s important projects in the country, Bumbuna II hydropower has taken another dimension as Electrification Financing Initiative, ElectricFi, commits US$3.5 million of development capital to finance 50% of the external development expenses needed to reach financial close of the 143MW project.

Joule Africa, the project sponsor, signed a 25-year PPA with the Government of Sierra Leone in August 2017 and selected a preferred EPC contractor to construct the project in. Mandated Lead Arrangers for the debt finance will be selected by Joule Africa shortly and construction is scheduled to begin by the end of 2019.

“We are delighted to have secured the support of ElectriFI at this critical stage of development as we ramp up to finalise the financing and start construction. Our team is now focused on completing the remaining activities so that the construction of this important project can begin,” said Andrew Cavaghan, Founder and Executive Chairman of Joule Africa Limited. “When complete, Bumbuna II will provide much-needed, affordable, reliable and clean power for the masses where access to electricity is currently under 20%.”

“Bumbuna II is crucial for the Government of Sierra Leone to stimulate its energy sector and support its economic growth strategy,” added Dominiek Deconinck, ElectriFI Fund Manager. “Bumbuna II will double the national generation capacity; indirectly encourage investments in transmission and distribution network; and allow the Government to show it is capable of managing large international infrastructure investments such as this.

“Joule Africa has demonstrated its capabilities as a professional, dedicated project developer, taking its role seriously, in particular by urging the adequacy of capacity in the Government and by pursuing net gains for the communities and the environment affected by the Project.”

Ombudsman, Leon Jenkins-Johnson, on Tuesday 15th January 2019, released statistics for the year 2018 at their office on Howe Street in Freetown. Doing so he revealed the theme for the statistics which is, “Improving the Delivery of Service, to Enhance Administrative Justice and Safeguard Human Rights.”
It was reported that the Office of the Ombudsman received 519 complaints from across the country furthering how the Freetown office received 264 complaints of which 143 were mediated, investigated and resolved. Fifty complaints were transferred to the appropriate institution, and 71 cases are still under investigation. In Kenema, there were 47 complaints and nine of those complaints were mediated, investigated and resolved.
19 complaints were transferred to the appropriate institution and 19 complaints are still under investigation. In Bo, there were 111 complaints of which 53 were mediated, investigated and resolved. 37 complaints were referred to the appropriate institution and 21 complaints were still being investigated.
In Makeni-Northern Region, there were 52 complaints of which 23 were mediated, investigated and resolved, and 20 complaints were referred to the appropriate institution. In Port Loko, North West Region, a total of 45 complaints were received with 25 mediated, investigated and resolved. 20 of those complaints are still under investigation.
The complaints ranged from non-payment of salaries or benefits, late payment of gratuities and pensions from NASSIT, wrongful dismissal, bias and unfair treatment, harassment, and other issues relating to “maladministration.” The Ombudsman said for 2019 he plans effective prison and correctional center monitoring. The Ombudsman said prisoners across the country are being mistreated. Unlawful arrest and detention of persons across the country, he said, has become the norm. He said the Police have to realize that Section 23(1) of the 1991 Constitution is very clear on the freedom of citizens that should be guaranteed. He also mentioned the poor attitude by MDAs in not responding to letters written on behalf of complainants. He also said he wants to monitor “some of the ugly things that are happening at the higher institutions of learning”.

The National Assets and Government Property Commission was at State House the 16 January 2019 to present its Status Report for 2018 to His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio in accordance with Section 6 of the Commission’s Act of 1990.

Chairman of the Commission, Abu Hindolo Moseray, said the 2018 report covered major activities the Commission had undertaken since his appointment six months ago. He said the Commission had tried to improve on the corporate image of the Commission through public sensitisation and collaboration with other Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAS).

He said the first phase of the report would provide an overview of the existing situation of the management of assets by MDAs for the period under review, with the implementation of a proposed project. He added that they had been working with MDAs to develop a National Assets Policy and compile a comprehensive National Assets Register with an integrated software.

“The Commission is collaborating with line Ministries to develop a national data-base of Government Vehicles and Real Estate. This is to establish mechanisms for the responsible use of government vehicles and transparent leasing of state lands, allocation and acquisition of real estate. The report also details the prospects and challenges facing the need to collaborate with these MDAs.

“The Commission believes that with this proposed project and the strengthened collaboration with MDAs, transparency and accountability in the handling of government’s assets and properties will considerably improve in the years ahead. The misuse, abuse and the seeming impunity with which government’s properties and assets are being abused will be a thing of the past,” he assured.

In his brief response, President Bio thanked the leadership of the Commission for their hard work and for putting the report together, saying that there had been challenges in accounting for what belonged to the State. He stated that with the confidence reposed in him, the leadership of the Commission was expected to provide a comprehensive national asset register so that government could properly account for state properties.

“I want to encourage you together with all the other MDAs to cooperate so that we can have the National Assets Register as soon as possible. As a Government that is particularly interested in probity, accountability and transparency, we want to be able, at the end of the day, to account for what belongs to the State, manage and account for everything that belongs to the state,” he said.