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New Executive Director for SLRSA Emerges

By Lamrana Jalloh Media Guru

Ibrahim Sannoh has been appointed by President Julius Maada Bio as the substantive Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA), the institution charged with the responsibility to regulate and co-ordinate development in the road transport industry plus anything connected to that.

Sannoh is a seasoned administrator who until his appointment was the Deputy Executive Director of the Authority in charge of operations. He is on record to be the youngest person to serve in the position since the establishment of the Authority by an Act of Parliament in 1996.

The achievements of the current dispensation at the SLRSA cannot be mentioned without stating the role Sannoh played. He was very instrumental in the implementation of a Robust ICT Platform that enhanced the interconnectivity of SLRSA offices across the country. He is part of those who facilitated the establishment of more branch offices in all district headquarter towns and border crossing points in Sierra Leone.

Sannoh was part of those who contributed extensively during the recruitment, training and deployment of more Road Safety Corps to ensure robust Enforcement of Traffic Laws and Regulations and thus change the many negative stories on our roads.

Born in Bo town to Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Sannoh, the new Executive Director attended the Saint Francis Primary School in Bo and later proceeded to the Bo Government Secondary School, The Bo School. His excellent academic performance catapulted him to the enviable position of Senior Prefect of the school in the 2005/2006 academic year, when he successfully sat his West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination.

Popularly known as S.P. Sannoh among his peers, he later gained admission at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, where he graduated with a very sound Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics and Political Science. His rise to political prominence started during his days at Fourah Bay College where he was a Student Activist who believes in advocating for the maximization of students’ welfare on campus.

Sannoh’s untiring desire for higher education further inspired him to study at the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM) where he acquired his postgraduate Masters in Public Administration.

As a loyal and registered member of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), he was Personal Assistant to Dr. Kadie Sesay, the 2012 Presidential running mate to Retired Brigadier Julius Maada Bio. As an astute Public Administrator, in 2013, he was the Business Developer of Trans Sahara and also worked with Peninsular Innovative Group. With Wealth of knowledge in the private sector, he later became Chief Executive Officer of Favour Investment.

Ibrahim Sannoh was Outreach and Planning Coordinator for Julius Maada Bio Campaign across the country in the period leading to the election of the latter in April 2018.

As the Executive Director of the SLRSA, Sannoh’s responsibility is to provide the required leadership to design, develop and administer rules and regulations regarding road safety and transportation.

Many Political Commentators describe him as a “Worthy Example, Filled With So Much Humility and Compassion”

He is married to Theresa with three lovely children.

Former SLMA Head of Procurement Indicted by ACC

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Sahr Kemokai, former Head of Procurement at the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA) and of Juba Hill, Off Pipe Line, back of Kabasa Lodge, Freetown was on 13th May, 2020, indicted by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on Nine (9) Counts of corruption offences; three (3) Counts on Abuse of Office, Contrary to Section 42(1), three (3) Counts on Abuse of Position, Contrary to Section 43, and three (3) Counts on Failure to Comply with Applicable Procedures and Guidelines relating to Procurement, Contrary to Section 48(2)(b) of the Anti-Corruption Act No.12 of 2008, respectively.

According to the particulars of offence, between July and October, 2015,  Sahr Kemokai, in his then capacity as Head of Procurement at the SLMA, abused his office by improperly conferring an advantage on Ishmael Kamara, the Manager of Sheruk Enterprises; Alusine Kamara, co-partner of Hogo Cajeh Investment, and David Beahboye of TTN Global Limited to wit: awarded the said Sheruk Enterprises a contract for the supply of office equipment, the said Hogo Cajeh Investment a contract for the supply of furniture and fittings, and the said TTN Global Limited a contract for the supply of 2 HF Base Radio without advertising in an open bidding process for the supply of goods.

Similarly, Sahr Kemokai, between the same period , knowingly abused his position as Head of Procurement at the SLMA, in the award of a contract for the supply of office equipment to Sheruk Enterprises, a contract for the supply of furniture and fittings to Hogo Cajeh Investment and a contract for the supply of 2 HF Base Radio to TTN Global Limited to wit: he failed to issue out Quotation Forms to prospective bidders in contravention of Section 37(1) and Section 44 of the Public Procurement Act No. 1 of 2006; and Part VII of the Public Procurement Regulations 2006.

Additionally, Sahr Kemokai, as then Head of Procurement at the SLMA failed to comply with applicable procedures and guidelines relating to procurement to wit: failed to issue out Quotation Forms to prospective bidders in contravention of Section 37(1) and Section 44 of the Public Procurement Act No. 1 of 2006; and Part VII of the Public Procurement Regulations 2006.

Meanwhile, the indictee is expected to appear in the High Court Holden at Freetown on Thursday 21st May, 2020.

The Commission reassured the general public of its determination to curb graft at all levels in Sierra Leone, particularly in the area of procurement, which, it said, accounts for over sixty (60) percent of Government expenditure.

Challenges Confront Peace Building In Sierra Leone

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Peace building is an activity that aims to resolve injustice in nonviolent ways and to transform the cultural and structural conditions that generate deadly or destructive conflict. In his message for the World Day of Peace in 2012 Pope Benedict stressed the importance of ‘Educating Young People in Justice and Peace’, encouraging their zeal for the building of a more just and peaceful society.

Peace in a fragile society like ours must be based on a balance of powers and involves a corresponding structure of expectations and patterns of cooperation.

Peace may become unstable when an increasing gap develops between expectations and power, as here defined, and may collapse into conflict, violence, or war. It revolves around developing constructive personal, group, and political relationships across ethnic, religious, class, national, and racial boundaries.

Strategic peace building activities address the root causes or potential causes of violence, create a societal expectation for peaceful conflict resolution, and stabilize society politically and socioeconomically.

The peace building process includes violence prevention; conflict management, resolution, or transformation; and post-conflict reconciliation or trauma healing, i.e., before, during, and after any given case of violence.

Peace-building vary depending on the situation and the agent of peace-building. Successful peace-building activities create an environment supportive of self-sustaining, durable peace; reconcile opponents; prevent conflict from restarting; integrate civil society; create rule of law mechanisms; and address underlying structural and societal issues.

Researchers and practitioners also increasingly find that peace-building is most effective and durable when it relies upon local conceptions of peace and the underlying dynamics which foster or enable conflict.

Countries that are emerging from conflict need peace-building, argues Michael von der Schulenburg, the erstwhile Executive Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Sierra Leone and head of the country’s post-war peace-building program. “Peace-building is access to water, to education, to basic health care — access to opportunities,” Mr. von der Schulenburg explained in an interview with Africa Renewal.

Thus, components of peace building include:

Rebuilding basic facilities, transportation and communication networks, utilities, developing rule of law systems and public administration, building educational and health infrastructure, providing technical and capacity-building assistance for institutions, Governance, social development, conflict and humanitarian knowledge services.

Salone Malema Demands Solidarity in the COVID-19 Fight

Kandeh Sesay

By Amin Kef Sesay

With a high sense of patriotism and deep concern for his fellow Sierra Leoneans, the result-oriented, pragmatic, eloquent ,smart, philanthropic  and charismatic Publisher and Managing Editor of the “Watch” Newspaper, Kandeh Sesay, who is widely known as Salone Malema has called on Sierra Leoneans both home and abroad to join the fight against the COVID -19 in the country.

He made this disclosure when contacted by young people to sound his views on the state of the COVID-19 in the country and on other issues. Kandeh thanked the Government of Sierra Leone for the steps taken so far to fight the deadly corona virus in the country and also applauded the efforts of medical workers in combating the corona virus in the country.

He added that the corona virus has ravaged the world’s economy and mighty nations are battling to curb the virus in the world.

Responding to questions posed to him relating to the recent Presidential Speech, Kandeh said it was very timely for the President to speak to the nation on the state of lawlessness, incitements and indiscipline in the country; he called on young people not to be used to cause mayhem in the country but rather be of good use to the country. He further said that in a democracy “freedom of speech is guaranteed, but it must be within the confines of the constitution of the nation”.

He admonished Sierra Leoneans not to use hate messages to fuel violence in the country but rather to put the interest of the country above all else, as it is stated in the country’s national pledge.

He called on the President to urge the justice sector to start its operations saying justice delayed is justice denied and also called on other political parties to join the fight against the Covid-19.

He made reference to the Economic Freedom Fighter’s party in South Africa who donated six million Rand (R6,000,000) to the solidarity fund in South Africa to help the fight against the COVID-19 and enjoined other political parties to replicate such a donation.

 

Bank Governor Institutes Additional Measures to Combat Illegal Foreign Currency Trade

The Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone, Kelfala M. Kallon

By Amin Kef Sesay

The Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone, Kelfala M. Kallon, has stated that pursuant to the powers granted on the Bank of Sierra Leone under Section 48 (3) of the Bank’s Act of 2019, he is announcing the following additional measures to strengthen the 2nd March 2020 Public Notice titled “Prohibition of Foreign Currency Transactions by Unlicensed Operators”:

Anyone caught engaging, or attempting to engage, in buying or selling foreign currency without being licensed by the Bank of Sierra Leone to operate as foreign exchange dealers shall forfeit all foreign currencies found in their possession or under their control.

That persons who engage, or attempt to engage, in foreign currency transactions with persons not licensed by the Bank of Sierra Leone to operate as foreign exchange dealers shall forfeit to the Bank of Sierra Leone all foreign currencies found in their possession or under their control.

That foreign currencies found in the possession or under the control of anyone who engages or attempts to engage in foreign currency transactions at any place other than the registered business address of a licensed foreign exchange dealer shall be forfeited to the Bank of Sierra Leone.

That violators of the above directives shall be referred to the Financial Intelligence Unit for investigation into whether they violated Section 23 and 24 of the Anti-Money Laundering and Combatting of Financing of Terrorism Act, 2012.

It iterated that the public is advised that contravening the above directives shall constitute a violation of Section 26(5) of the Bank of Sierra Leone Act 2019 and such is punishable upon conviction by a fine of Le100 Million or an imprisonment for a term not less than 3 years or both.

Youth & Child Organizations Raise Concerns Over Detention of Muckson Sesay

Ambassador Hussain Muckson Sesay

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Various child and youth organizations have on the 13 May 2020 stated how they have received very worrying reports about the arbitrary arrest and detention by the Sierra Leone Police of a prominent child rights activist ,Ambassador Hussain Muckson Sesay, a current student of FBC and former Secretary-General of the Children’s Forum Network (CFN) – a child led organisation.

They highlighted that the report is that Muckson was arrested and detained on the 3rd May 2020 because he allegedly shared a message with a picture on social media, taken during police investigation of an unrelated case at the CID.

Members of the Child and Youth Organizations said according to Mr Melron Nicol-Wilson, the Lawyer representing Muckson the detained person vehemently denied the allegation adding that he presumption of innocence is the legal principle that Muckson is considered innocent until proven guilty by a competent court of law.

According to them, the Sierra Leone Police have not provided any credible information for Muckson’s arrest and detention to his family, friends or the general public. “We note that Muckson has been held in very difficult conditions with little or no food and no medication. Muckson is currently unwell and we are worried about his wellbeing. The continued detention of Muckson without bail is a violation of his human rights and abuse of power by the Sierra Leone Police,” they expressed concern.

From what these young people stated, Ambassador Hussain Muckson Sesay is 19 years of age, studying Engineering at Fourah Bay College. He was a dedicated member of the Children’s Forum Network and contributed greatly towards the cause of promoting children’s rights in Sierra Leone. In September 2016, Muckson represented the children of Sierra Leone at the 73rd Session of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child, in Geneva, Switzerland. Muckson is an emerging young leader with huge potential to contribute to the development of Sierra Leone.

They concluded by highlighting how it is very unfortunate for the young man to be treated in such an unfair manner furthering that children and young people from across the country and from different Children and Youths Organisations including associate members of the Children’s Forum Network-CFN have expressed serious concerns about Muckson’s safety and well-being amidst this COVID 19 pandemic.

They are therefore calling on national and international organisations, including civil society and human rights organisations, to quickly investigate the matter and help secure the immediate release of Amb. Hussain Muckson Sesay.

“We urge the Sierra Leone Government to take action and provide support to Muckson. We want Muckson to be admitted to bail, pending further investigation,” they demanded.

 

Amnesty International Requests for Whereabouts of Palo Conteh & Two Others 

By Amin Kef Sesay                   

Amnesty International has in a public statement dated 12 May 2020 called on Authorities in Sierra Leone to reveal the whereabouts of a former Defense Minister and two others arrested since 19 March 2020, as well as allow them access to their lawyers, families and guarantee a fair trial.

The rights-based organization highlighted that former Minister Alfred Paolo Conteh was arrested on 19 March 2020 for stepping in the State House with a gun ahead of a meeting on COVID-19 responses. It also mentioned how Retired Colonel Anthony Sinnah, Deputy Commissioner of the National Commission on Small Arms and Prince George Jusu were also arrested in relation to the same incident.

According to Amnesty International they were charged with treason and other related crimes and their trial is ongoing with hearings scheduled to resume next week.

“On 29 April, five inmates and two prison guards died following a riot amid COVID-19 case at Freetown’s prison where the three accused were held.  They were then transferred in an unknown location following that incident,” the organization also revealed.

Amnesty International said it is calling for information on the whereabouts of the detainees and the application of standard minimum rules for their treatment: standard accommodation, personal hygiene, food, medical services and other health care.

They pointed out that according to their lawyers there are concerns about the safety of their clients adding that the prison authorities have not yet responded to their letter requesting access to their clients.

Amnesty International stated that even if lawyers cannot see the detainees in prison due to the measures put in place to fight COVID-19, authorities must ensure that lawyers are able to communicate with them, to assess their health and to coordinate their defense strategy.

It continued by maintaining that fair trial principles should be applied including the detainees having adequate opportunity to prepare a case, participate in future hearings, present arguments and evidence and challenge or respond to opposing arguments or evidence.

The organization furthered that they should be entitled to consult and be represented by a legal representative or other qualified persons chosen by them at all stages of the proceedings.

Over Detention of Dr. Sylvia Blyden and Others… CSO Writes IGP

Thomas Moore Conteh Citizens' Advocacy Network (CAN)

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In a letter written by the Citizens Advocacy Network (CAN) dated 13th May, 2020 and addressed to the Inspector General of Police, Ambrose Sovula, the Civil Society Organization called on him to ensure that Dr. Sylvia Blyden and all other citizens who were arrested by the Sierra Leone Police and have extended the stipulated period of detention to be charged to court or granted bail pursuant to provisions of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone.

According to the Executive Director of Citizens Advocacy Network, Thomas Moore Conteh, while they condemn violence and the disorderly conducts in the strongest terms, the flagrant abrogation of basic human rights of citizens and the slumber gear mode of processes and procedures of Law do not in any way present the State as one that abides by, or is guided by its law and order adding that Extant Provisions of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone safeguard the fundamental  human rights of citizens even when they are alleged to have committed a crime and that the Constitution grants the Police only three days (72 hours) to investigate allegations or offences of misdemeanors and charge to court; and ten (10) days in investigating capital offences, economic and environmental offences.

He said Section 17 Subsection 3 of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone which is the supreme law of the land states that any person who is arrested or detained… and who is not released shall be brought before a court of law within ten days from the date of arrest in cases of capital offences carrying life imprisonment and economic and environmental offences and within 72 hours of his arrest in case of other offences.

“CAN urge you to adhere to the supreme laws of the land and charge or grant bail to the many citizens in your custody whose investigation and detention have tipped the required duration stipulated by law.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Report seriously scolded such oversight actions of the Police as reasons for fomenting discontent and eroding confidence in such an important institution of State,” he highlighted.

He noted that the independence of State institutions helps the deepening of our democracy and boosts citizens trust and confidence in relying on them for dispensing justice, equity and the rule of law. In that regard, he urged that persons in custody undergoing investigation must be treated in a humane manner and that the Network has learnt that some detainees at the Criminal Investigation Department have been exposed to degrading human treatment and on some occasions even torture.

“This is contrary to Section 20 of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone. We call for better actions,” he enjoined.

He ended by reminding the Inspector General of Police of his roles at such a time in the country’s history in bandaging the fragility of the country’s democracy by acting independently and respecting laid down constitutional provisions underscoring that this country needs his show of impartiality now more than ever.

As Impasse Rocks Maritime Administration… Transport Minister Suspends Presidential Appointee

Minister of Transport and Aviation, Kabineh Kallon

By Amin Kef Sesay

From a thorough and in-depth investigation conducted by this medium what came out glaringly from facts so far gathered was that there is currently a disturbing impasse at the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA), a parastatal which is under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Transport and Aviation. From what this medium learnt the tense impasse emanated from the unilateral decision by the Minister of the Ministry of Transport and Aviation, Kabineh Kallon, to indefinitely suspend the Executive Director of the institution, Ken Philip Sondai, who was duly appointed by President Julius Maada Bio and approved by Parliament.

In terms of good practice, individuals are appointed to occupy certain key positions based on their qualifications, experience and competencies to perform and execute assigned tasks.

It can be justifiably argued that President Julius Maada Bio may have considered the suitability of Ken Philip Sondai to effectively serve as Executive Director which was why he appointed him in the first place and his appointment was endorsed by Parliamentarians.

Since appointed as Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA) , Philip Sondai , from what most of his colleagues divulged ,has admirably proven his mettle to the  consternation and commendation of many. It was further understood that he has so far excellently injected certain sound initiatives into that institution to such an extent that SLMA has been vibrantly functioning in standardized ways.

Surprisingly, it came as a big surprise to learn that the current Minister of Transport and Aviation, Kabineh Kallon, allegedly single-handedly took upon himself to indefinitely suspend Philip Sondai for no justifiable reason save only the purported allegation of him committing insubordination and displaying poor management style.

As this intriguing drama keeps unfolding, another interesting episode emerged in which the Board Chairman of the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration, Alhaji Umaru Dumbuya, wrote a letter addressed to all the Directors and Staff of that institution informing them that by the powers vested in him, Mr. Ken Philip Sondai is still the substantive Executive Director of SLMA furthering that if there will be future changes then he, as Board Chairman, will duly inform them.

From what was also understood the stance of the SLMA Board Chairman is dictated by the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration Act of 2000 Part 11 Section 4. The Act (Section 4:1) clearly states, “The Governing Body of the Administration shall be a Board which shall, subject to this Act, have the control and supervision of the Administration.”

Engaging a senior Civil Servant, who has been in public service for over twenty years, he succinctly stated that even though the Ministry of Transport and Aviation is the supervisory institution under which the SLMA falls, the fact still remains that the constituted Board has its own mandate, powers and the Minister cannot just ride roughshod by taking unilateral decisions that could likely be influenced by personal vendetta.

“I am not insinuating that the Minister may have any ulterior motive but the crux of the matter is that laid down procedures were not followed in ordering the indefinite suspension of the Executive Director,” he dilated further adding that since Philip Sondai was appointed by President Bio, it should be the sole prerogative of the First Gentleman to either suspend or relieve him from that position and not the Minister.

He continued to argue that even if Philip Sondai may have acted untowardly there should have been other disciplinary measures that could have been instituted against him rather than suspending him indefinitely.

When this medium tried on several instances to get the reaction or side of Minister Kabineh Kallon into the said issue, for proper clarification, he refused to respond to our calls and text messages. An excerpt of one of the text messages sent to the Minister reads:

“Good afternoon Sir. I am the Publisher of The Calabash Newspaper. We are investigating the indefinite suspension of the Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration, Ken Philip Sondai. From what I learnt his suspension is illegal in the sense that it runs contrary to SLMA Act 2000 (Part 11 Section 4) which gives the Board of that institution the mandate to hire and fire personnel. I thought it fit to contact you in order to get your view or reaction to the aforementioned subject matter. I shall be grateful if you could assist in that direction. Thanks.”

As the situation now stands it is not really certain what the future holds. However, what is clear is that it is presently a precarious situation which needs free and fair mediation.

It must be noted that the object for which the Administration was established is to regulate and develop improved standards of performance, practice and safety in the shipping industry in Sierra Leone, including the coastal and inland water transport system, and in the maritime environment.

The other functions of SLMA include but not limited to ensure the safety of navigation in the territorial sea;
to fulfil flag state and port state responsibilities in an effective manner having regard to the relevant international maritime conventions, codes and other instruments.
It also has the power to deal with maritime search and rescue matters including the coordination of the search and rescue operations of the Armed Forces of Sierra Leone, the Ports Authority, and the Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources.

Also, to regulate shipping in inland waterways, including the safety of Navigation therein as well as to investigate any incidents of maritime casualty and taking such action thereon as may be appropriate.

Book of Condolence for Magistrate Cowan to be Closed Today

By Edward Vamboi

On the 14th May 2020 the Chief Justice, Desmond Babatunde Edwards and Judges of the Superior Court of Judicature signed a book of condolence for one of their fallen colleagues, His Worship Magistrate Edmond Kahoni Ngeinda Cowan at High Court No. 1 in Freetown.

In his statement, the Chief Justice revealed to the family, Judges, Magistrates, members of the Sierra Leone Bar Association etc, that Magistrate Cowan was one of the finest Magistrates that will be profoundly missed by the staff of the Judiciary. Describing the type of person he was, Hon. Chief Justice said, Magistrate Cowan had been a very kind and humble person who dispensed justice without fear or favour and above all treated all manner of people with dignity and respect. He said Magistrate Cowan had played his own part and he will be bountifully rewarded by his Maker.

Justice Komba Kamanda and other Magistrates described Magistrate Cowan as a fine character, a good listener, adviser saying he made a lot of sacrifices to his job. They said he will be sorely missed by all that had come in contact with him.

Giving the biography of Magistrate Cowan, the Master and Registrar of the High Court of Sierra Leone, Elaine Thomas- Archibald, said Magistrate Edmond Kahoni Ngeinda Cowan which sad event took place on Sunday 10th May 2020, aged 53, was the first of two children of Marian and Edmond Cowan of blessed memory and was born in London on the 12th December 1966. He attended the Prince of Wales Secondary School following his primary education at the Leone Preparatory School.

On completion of his secondary school, he proceeded to the United Kingdom for further studies. After several years of work and study in London, he returned to Sierra Leone with a Bachelor of Law Degree and entered the Sierra Leone Law School. He was called to the Bar in 2009 and joined the Judiciary of Sierra Leone as Deputy Master and Registrar. He was later appointed a Magistrate, a position he served till his death.

The book of condolence for the late Magistrate Edmond Cowan will be closed today Friday 15th May 2020 at 2.00pm.

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