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To Ensure Peace And Cohesion… There Should Be A Credible Platform For APC/SLPP Dialogue

By Amin Kef Sesay

Based on the spirit of the Bintumani III, National peace and cohesion conference that was called for by His Excellency President Bio in May 2019, political dialogue, which refers to a wide range of activities, from high-level negotiations to mediation to community attempts at reconciliation, has to take place between the country’s two main political protagonists – APC and SLPP – on a regular, consistent basis in order for the peace and development of the country not to continue to stand on shaky grounds.

The parameters are that the dialogue must be political in nature and aimed at addressing threats in a society which can cause a lapse or relapse into violent conflict as has been seen frequently in some parts of the country where political tensions run high since the end of the March 2018 elections.

In the APC/SLPP context, the objective of political dialogue is to achieve practical and peaceful solutions to problems.

At a deeper level, the aim is to address conflict drivers and foster reconciliation, build a greater national consensus and social cohesion, and define a shared vision of the future.

What makes genuinely political dialogue difficult in this country is mainly because regular State institutions are not functioning properly because they have been compromised by political bias, corruption, and inefficiency.

The role of political dialogue in such contexts is to strengthen the legitimacy of institutions by building consensus on and trust in their proper functioning.

As a result, political dialogue in all its forms plays an indispensable role in efforts by national actors and the international community to respond to violent conflicts and to build national vision in fragile contexts.

It must take place among national actors at all levels of society; among international actors; and between the international community and national actors. Four main types of dialogue have been identified:

  • High-level or summit dialogues involving the top leadership of contending sections of the population. These dialogues are often initiated or mediated by the international community. These are high-risk events, with much at stake.
  • (ii) Track Two interventions by civil society organizations that provide discreet and relatively low-risk opportunities to explore options, build trust and skill in the process of dialogue.
  • (iii) Political dialogue that takes place as an indispensable aspect of planning for peacebuilding, State-building and development. It is increasingly, but not yet sufficiently, understood that such planning has to be driven by political dialogue.
  • (iv) Multi-level dialogue, where dialogue takes place at various levels of society in an effort to engage citizens in building sufficient national consensus on critical challenges.

These four approaches are not mutually exclusive, rather complementary. Each type has its advantages and limitations. It is often advisable to pursue different types of dialogue in parallel, on the condition that they pursue the same overall objectives and are not contradictory.

The preconditions for successful dialogue are:

  • Adequate preparation:

− Conducting an objective, reliable analysis of the conflict and parties’ interests and fears.

− Learning lessons from past experiences, particularly the reasons for past failures.

− Designing an appropriate process; clarifying and allocating roles of different support actors.

− Setting up a support structure to deal with funding, logistical arrangements and financial management.

− Pre-mediation consultation to ensure sufficient buy-in of all parties into the process.

− Planning an appropriate communication strategy with the Press.

  • Credible facilitation. It is crucial to have a skilled facilitator that all parties accept and feel comfortable with in order to make the process as fair and even-handed as possible.
  • Sufficient political commitment. Political will is important for the dialogue to reach inclusive agreements; and for effective implementation. Political commitment is influenced by internal and external political pressure; but is strongest when participating parties enjoy a sense of ownership of the dialogue process.
  • Collective leadership capability. A critical factor determining the success of dialogue is the capability of leaders to form coalitions across political and social divides in order to implement decisions that have been made through the dialogue process. Where the capability to form such coalitions does not exist, little can be expected from dialogue in terms of lasting results.
  • Adequate inclusion. The aspect of inclusion is of critical importance because exclusion is often a major cause of conflict. It is in most cases a contentious issue; and in reality difficult to satisfy all. It is, however, necessary to be “inclusive enough” to safeguard the legitimacy of decisions. The inclusion of women is crucial as the political dialogue process can be a window of opportunity for addressing structural inequalities.

High Court to Open on May 18

Hon. Chief Justice of the Republic of Sierra Leone Hon. Justice Desmond Babartunde Edwards

By Theresa Kef Sesay

In order to adjudicate cases that emerged during the recently spate of violence incidents across the country the Chief Justice of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Justice Babatunde Edwards, has stated that the High Court will open on Monday, May 18.

The latest move came after President Julius Maada Bio said in his broadcast address on the 8th May 2020 that, “there had been unrelenting barrage of attacks against the State, State officials, public, private persons and properties.”

The President later made an appeal to the Chief Justice to consider appropriate measures to adjudicate the cases that emerged from the “widespread insecurity.”

In response, the Chief Justice said with effect from Monday 18th, May 2020, “the May criminal sessions of High Court will commence in Freetown, Makeni, Bo, Kenema and Kono.”

He added that “To contain the spread of COVID-19, only a limited number of persons will be allowed to attend Court sittings at any specific time.

Justice Edwards says “all other protocols which had been put in place in the High Court, in terms of Social Distancing, Wearing of Face Marks, Number of persons permitted into Court rooms etc, remain in place.”

He had earlier on said that “Magistrate Courts No.1 and 2 on Pademba Road and Ross Road and other big Magistrates Court nationwide should hold not more than 20 persons, inclusive of lawyers and litigants.

Justice Edwards said “Smaller Magistrate Courts nationwide should hold no more than 10 persons at any given time.” He furthered that “in all Civil and Criminal proceedings, High Court which has a capacity of hosting 200 persons each, should not accommodate more than 40 persons, including judges, lawyers and litigants.”

He emphasized that High Courts No. 3, 4, 5 & 6 (Anti-Corruption Courts) must not hold more than 15 persons during proceedings and also its High Courts (No. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13) should only take in 10 persons.

As the Competition Gains Momentum… CAER-SL Unveils their Chief Judges

Dr. Gbanabom Hallowell Chief Judge for the Poetry category & Professor Joe. A. D. Alie Chief Judge for the Essay Category

By Foday Moriba Conteh

As the National Essay & Poetry Competition continues to trigger the mind-sets of pupils and students, the Centre for Academic Excellence and Research, (CAER-SL) has officially unveiled Professor Joe. A. D Alie as their Chief Judge for the Essay Competition and Dr. Gbanabom Hallowell as the Chief Judge for the Poetry Competition respectively.

The unveiling process was done online in order to adhere to the preventive measures that the Government and its partners have put in place in order to curtail the spread of the corona virus in the country.

It could be recalled that the Centre for Academic Excellence and Research, (CAER-SL) is now poised to host its National Essay & Poetry Competition 2020 on the theme: “My Role in the Fight Against Covid-19” and they have initially open entries for Essays by secondary school pupils on the topic “The Role of Parents and Pupils in the Fight Against COVID 19”, and for university/college students; “Impact of COVID 19 on the International Political Economy”. Both could be sent via info.caesl@gmail.com

According to the Executive Director for the Centre for Academic Excellence and Research, Issa Icon-K Kabba their organization has concluded the unveiling of their judges for the competition, stating that they have a total of six judges for the competition.

He disclosed that for the Essay competition the Chief Judge is Professor Joe. A. D. Alie, giving a synopsis of his biography. He noted that Professor Alie was born in Moyamba town in the Southern region of Sierra Leone. He attended Moyamba Boys Secondary School and furthered his studies at the Milton Margai Teachers College at Goderich, in the early 1970s and thereafter, taught for a number of years before enrolling at Fourah Bay College (University of Sierra Leone) in 1980, to read English, History and Law. He graduated in 1984 with a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in History. Four years later he was awarded with a Masters of Art degree in Modern History.

He has a PhD in African History and a Certificate in African Studies from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA.

He is a Professor of History and African Studies in the University of Sierra Leone and has held other important positions in the University of Sierra Leone system including: Head of History Department – Dean of History of African Studies , Faculty of Arts, and University Public Orator.

Professor Alie is currently the Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies, University of Sierra Leone.

He has a wealth of teaching experience at home and abroad. He is also an award-winning writer and educationist who was honoured by Government of Sierra Leone Government as Commander of the Order of the Rokel (COR) in 2006, for his contributions to education in the country.

He is also a leading textbook writer with his works used in Secondary schools and universities across Sierra Leone and beyond.

He further disclosed that the Chief Judge of the Poetry category is Dr. Gbanabom Hallowell.

Dr. Hallowell was born in 1965 at Bunumbu, Gbeje West, Kailahun District and was educated in Sierra Leone and in the United States. He holds a PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies from Union Institute & University, Ohio and a Masters of Fine Arts (MFA) in Writing from Vermont College, Vermont.​ He attended Birch Memorial Secondary School, Makeni and Milton Margai Teachers College.​

He is a poet, playwright and novelist. He has published a  collection of poems, including the poetry collection; Landscape of the Sierra, a novel, The Road to Kaibara, a play, A Case of Four Pillows and a War Memoir, Tears of the Sweet Peninsula: May 25, 1997 and the Sierra Leone Civil Conflict.​

Dr. Hallowell served as the Director-General of the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) and was Country Director of Journalists for Human Rights (JHR).​ He has taught in Universities in the United States and in Sierra Leone, including Fourah Bay College and Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM), University of Sierra Leone.

He is​ currently an Assistant​ Professor​ of​ Language​ &​ Literature​ at​ the​ College​ of Arts and Sciences in William V.S Tubman University in Liberia.

He maintains that as an institution they strongly believe that the integrity of their judges demonstrates the credibility of the competition, thus, they have secured the services of individuals with the required academic expertise and moral standing to determine the best essay and poem.

He added that entries should be sent online and a panel of judicious judges will independently surf through all of them, and will send their judgments to a Chief Judge who will determine winners on a consensus basis, for both respective categories; essay and poetry.

Results will be announced via both the mainstream media; TV and radio, as well as the social media, noting that winners will be called upon and attractive prizes will be given to them either live on TV or in the presence of media personnel as to enhance transparency as well as to serve as a motivating factor

He called on interested persons to send in their entries via info.caesl@gmail.com as entries are still open till 27th May, 2020 when all entries will be closed for the competition of both categories.

 

First Lady Feeds 10,000 Households Nationwide

First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Fatima Maada Bio

By Amin Kef Sesay 

As part of her annual Ramadan Feeding Program, a gesture geared towards dishing out food items to Muslims across the country by way of supporting less privileged Sierra Leoneans across the country, the First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Fatima Maada Bio, in partnership with the Sierra Leone People’s Party Julius Maada Bio Women’s Wing and their associates has on Tuesday 12th May, 2020 launched the National Food Basket Feeding Program which is geared towards providing 10,000 households with food condiments including bags of rice, onions, palm oil, sugar etc. throughout the country. The launching ceremony took place at Jerusalem Avenue, Metchem at Goderich in Freetown.

In her address, the First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Fatima Maada Bio, disclosed that they started the feeding program for over six years now, an initiative which it was said commenced even before taking the mantle of political leadership.

She added that they thought it fit to continue the initiative saying that this time around they are doing it in a grand style, noting that due to the outbreak of the coronavirus in the country they will not be only feeding Muslims but also Christians and the less privileged Sierra Leoneans across the country.

The First Lady stated that this year’s National Food Basket program will target 10, 000 households nationwide for a start further pointing out that they are not only limiting themselves to this number but  have plans to target more households and so in that regard called on other institutions or individuals to support the program.

She further disclosed that His Excellency President Maada Bio celebrated his birthday on the 12th May, 2020 which happens to be the same day of the launch of the National Food Basket, disclosing how the Sierra Leone People’s Party Julius Maada Bio Women’s Wing normally celebrates the birthday of the President but due to the COVID-19 outbreak in the country His Excellency has told them that whatever they want to do for him should be given to the poor which is why they decided to launch the program.

She further disclosed that all monies expended have nothing to do with the Government of Sierra Leone but rather came from the Sierra Leone People’s Party Julius Maada Bio Women’s Wing in Sierra Leone and in the Diaspora and its associate members who together put the food items together in order to celebrates the President’s birthday and also as a way of giving back to society.

She revealed that the food condiments include bags of rice, onions, palm oil, sugar, etc. and they will be distributed nationwide to households and that the distribution exercise will target the right beneficiaries regardless of political parties, region, tribe etc.

Fatima Bio also noted that in order to curtail the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic in the country, they will also be distributing 70, 000 Face Masks to Bike Riders, Persons with Disability, Market Women, Taxi Drivers etc. She also encouraged all to use face masks and to adhere to all the preventive measures instituted by the Government of Sierra Leone and the health practitioners.

She commended the inmates who produced over 55,000 of the face masks which will be distributed nationwide.

She assured Sierra Leoneans that the distribution will target all the 14 Districts in the country.

Cross Section of the Food Items that will be distributed Nationwide

Africell Champions COVID-19 Fight

By Amin Kef Sesay

At this material time when the main focus of the Government is seriously dedicated towards the dogged fight against the spread of the corona virus nothing could be so welcoming than to know that a trusted partner in development, Africell, is supporting and complementing those efforts.

In the wake of  the outbreak of the corona virus, Africell stands tall as a telecommunications company that went into action by being at the forefront to sensitize the populace about the virus and the preventive measures that should be strictly adhered to in order to avoid coming in contact with it.

Taking into cognisance the fact that it is highly significant to be constantly educating people about how the virus is having a heavy toll on human life as well as national economies, sensitizing people about the “dos” and “don’ts” could not come at any other appropriate time than now. In that direction the company has been doing extremely well.

Demonstrating its willingness to throw its weight to the fight against one of the deadly viruses that has plagued mankind, Africell Mobile Company on the 30th March 2020 signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Sierra Leone which encompassed the provision of mobile connectivity to staff and students of the learning institution in order to enable them gain access and use the University of Sierra Leone web portal in a reliable and cost-effective way. Through such a means students and other users could use the web portal to make payments to the University of Sierra Leone administrative accounts using Afrimoney.

Not stopping there the company went the extra-mile to offer free SMS services to mobile devices through which all SIM cards were installed with a Toll Free Short Code 5505 for the University.

With those laudable gestures, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Sierra Leone, Foday Sahr, expressed appreciation stating that the move was not only timely but will serve as an accelerator for plans that the entity has to move smoothly into the digital age.

On the 3rd April 2020, the Africell-Family, led by the company’s Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Joe Abass Bangura and supported by the telecommunications entity’s Media Manager, John Konteh, donated to the Government of Sierra Leone through the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) 350 KaiOs smartphones with Close User Group (CUG) SIM Cards.

Present during the presentation were the Interim Coordinator of the COVID- 19 Response Team, Retired Brigadier Kellie Hassan Conteh and the Deputy Minister of Information and Communications, Mamadi Gobeh Kamara both of whom expressed gratitude for the speedy and timely response to their request for assistance in attempts made to combat the spread of the corona virus.

During the occasion, Africell’s Joe Abass Bangura reiterated that Africell is committed to the people of Sierra Leone in joining the fight against COVID-19 and also implored everyone to adhere to all the safety practices.

The Africell team also made a stop at Constituency 128 and donated Veronica Buckets and cartons of hand-washing soaps to the Member of Parliament meant for use by the constituents in the community.

The company made it possible also for subscribers to transfer money for FREE To & From their  Sierra Leone Commercial Bank accounts and AfriMoney Wallet.

Still within the context of trying to combat the spread of COVID-19 in the country, the Africell-Family presented 20 KaiOs phones to the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) and the Independent Radio Network as a boost to support the two entities in their strides to disseminate messages relating to the corona virus fight. The presentation was done by the company’s Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Joe Abass Bangura and was assisted by the Media Relations Manager, John Konteh.

Expressing gratitude were the President of SLAJ, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla and the Station Manager of Radio Democracy, Asmaa James both describing Africell as a dependable partner that is always ready to step in with much needed support at the right time. It is worthy to note that the phones came in with complimentary voice and data packages which helped greatly to augment and ramp up coordination and responses during the SLAJ/IRN Corona updates broadcast.

The donations were greatly applauded by the Government of Sierra Leone especially at a time when it was greatly needed in the fight against the corona virus.

Management of Africell also made series of donations to the health sector especially in improving service delivery and the wellbeing of all Sierra Leoneans.

Despite the current economic situation in the country, Africell Mobile Company has been supporting the less privileged in society with food items.

During this holy month of Ramadan, Africell Mobile Company has been showing magnanimity to its lucky subscribers in the ‘Ramadan na you ose Promotion’ wherein many subscribers have won attractive prizes. Judging from all these kind gestures that the Management of Africell has offered and is still offering, in some cases, it could be concluded that the Africell Mobile Company is one that cares and is always ready to stand by the side of Sierra Leoneans during good and bad times.

NP-SL Ltd is an Appendage to National Development

By Amin Kef Sesay

The National Petroleum –Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) is a very progressive company that has been in the petroleum business for quite a considerable period of time now and has etched its name as one that is satisfying the various petroleum needs of many. Many have commended the indigenous company, which was established years ago by 35 selfless Sierra Leoneans who decided to establish the entity that has over the years grown into becoming a dominant and towering business entity.

It is an indisputable fact that life will never be complete in the absence of petroleum products as its availability makes it possible for vehicles to be on the move, for individuals to go about their activities with some amount of ease and to transport materials of varied sorts from one place to another. The ways in which petroleum products are essential to mankind cannot be overemphasized especially when consideration is given to the fact that it can make and unmake any sitting Government.

This could be interpreted within the context of how citizens can angrily react whenever there is fuel scarcity in the country. We have witnessed instances in the past when citizens have gone berserk simply because of increases in transportation fares caused by an increase in the pump price of petroleum products to such an extent that the boiling anger could not be any longer restrained and individuals decided to register grievances by staging demonstrations.

To be frank enough, those were days that have gone by and it has been quite a while now since such ugly incidences surfaced.

The good thing is that NP-SL Ltd has been on top of situation as far as when we talk of the importation and marketing of petroleum products. As a matter of fact the Shareholders and Management of the sterling company place high premium on maximizing customer care which is why it has earned the accolade of 1st for Customer Care. As an independent business entity, devoid of any political affiliation, the primary focus of the company is to avail timely service delivery to its customers in a very efficient and transparent manner.

It was against such a backdrop that it was decided, on the part of the company to secure and install calibrated pumping machines that are very capable of pumping out the exact quantity of fuel a particular customer purchases at any of the company’s Filling Stations. The calibrated machines display the quantity requested for and the price(s). Operating in this kind of way, it has been proven through investigation, that the company always gives customers the utmost satisfaction that they are doing business with a trusted company. There has never been an instance when customers have cried foul that what they requested for was not exactly what was given to them.

Another good thing which the company has preserved over the years is enhancing the country’s Local Content Policy. This is a policy that is geared towards making maximum use of local talents and resources as long as they are relevant. The company has made it a laid down policy to give priority, in terms of offering job opportunities, to Sierra Leoneans instead of giving preference to foreigners. This policy has helped and is helping greatly towards reduction of unemployment and is contributing greatly towards improving standards of living.  The company has never renege in this direction of giving unto Ceasar what is due to Ceasar as well as to all Dick, Jack, Harry and Mary.

As a company that cares for the felt needs of its customers and wanting them to get the best out of the rest, the shareholders and Management again thought it but very prudent to make available NP Gas which can only be compared to a microwave when it comes to its quickness in terms of performance.  Manufactured in different cylinders, these cooking gadgets could be secured at affordable prices, the gas to refill them could be purchased at NP Filling Stations and as a result of good recommendations they are going like hot cakes. “Since I first started using NP Gas I have never regretted it because its performance is not only good but is in no way hazardous to human health when compared to using charcoal or wood. I will not at any time hesitate to recommend it to anyone,” Princess Cummings, a primary school head teacher intimated this medium.

NP Smart Card is one that has become very trending and has bagged the slogan of “Your fuel on your smart card.” When credited, in other words, loaded with money a particular customer could purchase fuel, be it petrol or diesel of any amount required, with NP Smart Card without bordering to use physical cash . Considering the fact that it is not at any given time that an individual has to run to the bank to make withdrawals, the NP Smart Card comes handy because with it there is the possibility to secure fuel. It is transparent, now in vogue and working very efficiently. To secure one is no big deal as a customer only needs to request it and fulfill the necessary procedures.

The vibrancy of NP-SL Ltd could be measured by the scope of its operations. One can say with all amount of certainty that NP-SL Ltd is a business entity that is worth its salt. Successfully, the company succeeded in establishing branches in neighboring Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia where its state or the art filling stations are operating vibrantly, having in their employ indigenes of those countries and paying taxes to the Governments, which are used to fund certain development programmes.

With some amount of justification, it can be said with all amount of certainty that NP-SL Ltd is a big blessing to this country. The company is an inevitable appendage to the country’s development component and its activities are contributing immensely towards progress in different forms.

 

In The Aftermath of Tombo Riot… Conteh Family Faces Threats of Death

Bashiru George Conteh

By Alim Jalloh

Bashiru George Conteh and Wife, Mariama Conteh of Tombo Town, Western Rural District, are currently on the run for fear of being lynched by angry supporters of the ruling Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) and also possible faces charges from the Sierra Leone Police, according to residents.

Investigation conducted by this medium revealed that Bashiru, a Local fishing boat owner and also shop owner, run by his wife, Mariama, at the centre of Tombo town, were accused of being perpetrators of the recent Tombo community riot that left 3 people dead and several houses burnt down.

The riot started after the authorities instructed that only 12 boats, out of over 400, are permitted to go out to sea and fish, because of the COVID19 restrictions. Boat owners and the youths which Bashiru, was part of the group that tried to negotiate with the authorities to allow at least 20 Fishing Boats to go to sea, but the authorities turned down their plea.

This, according to our sources, prompted the angry youths living in the village, whose livelihood depended on what they make out of their fishing catch, to go on the rampage, using abusive languages and throwing stones at government properties, as well as embarking on a running battle with the police, where bullets and tear gas canisters were fired by the police, resulting in the deaths of three youths. As this situation unfold, the desperate youths also destroyed the Family Support Unit of the police station at Tombo, the Community Health Center and the Chief’s house, a man believed to be a strong supporter of the ruling SLPP Party.

The riot quickly turned into a political battle, where the ruling Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) accused supporters of the main opposition All People’s Congress party (APC) of being behind the riot, this they say is a bid by those party loyalists to distract the government from its development agenda. Bashiru, being a strong supporter of the main opposition, APC party, was targeted and seriously beaten by supporters of the ruling party, and his shop in the center of the village, burnt and down his shop.

It was also disclosed that Bashiru was rescued from his assailants by some youths, who say that he is a peaceful businessman and boat owner. Our source explained that when Police reinforcement came, they were told that Bashiru was the instigator of the riot and are now looking for him. One resident, Ibrahim Saccoh, told this writer that the police threatened to arrest Bashiru and family, if seen.

According to our investigations, it was revealed that prior to the riot, Bashiru was arrested for listening to Adebayor, a popular political social commentator residing in Holland, who always releases audios on social media that goes against the ruling government; he sometimes calls on young people to resist the government on cretin issues, he was consider by the ruling SLPP as an agent of the opposition APC and accused of inciting the public against the current government according to the Sierra Leone Police.

It is now a common practice that local authorities in Tombo and other remote Villages expercially in the strong hold of the ruling party arrested people openly for listening to such audios, as they are branded as opposition sympathizers. According to our information, Tribal Authorities in the Tombo community and some other Local communities had earlier imposed a ban on the listening and sharing of these audios, but according to our source, Bashrieu and his wife, Mariama, were caught listening to the audio on a Bluetooth speaker, and was detained at the Tombo Community police post and later released on bail.

Sources say the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) is looking for the couple to press charges against them, while supporters of the ruling party, on the other hand, have also threatened to kill Bashiru, if they see him. The case of this couple is just one, among many of those suffering from a series of political intimidation in the country. This action by state actors, has in the past years seen a series of criticism from the Human Rights Commission in the country, as well as Civil Society Organizations, most of whom have been accused by the public as being muzzled by the government of the day.

Mariama Conteh

Over Tombo Riot… Sierra Leone Police Declared Amnata Sesay Wanted

Amnata Sesay.jpg
Amnata Sesay

By Foday Moriba Conteh

News intimated this medium has revealed that the Sierra Leone Police has mounted a man-hunt for active members of the opposition, including one Amnata Sesay a staunch member of the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) who are believed to be behind the riot that took place in the Western Rural fishing village of Tombo, a known stronghold of the opposition party, on Wednesday 6th May 2020, in which some 7 people were shot dead by a combined team of military and police officers.

According to the police, these youths are said to be members of the main opposition’s (APC) Zone 5 area, and are believed to have masterminded the riot that took place in Tombo. They are all youths living on fishing in the village.

Our investigations revealed that the riot was as a result of directives given by the government that out of a total of over 100 fishing boats in the village, only 15 boats should go out to fish, as part of the COVID-19 containment measures.

This action, it was revealed, infuriated the fishermen, and after efforts in engaging the district authorities to increase the number of boats proved futile, they then embarked on a peaceful protest in the village. During the said protest, the aggrieved fishermen matched up to the residence of the district officials and the Police station, in a bid to register their discontent.

Some villagers spoken to, say that the arrival of the security forces aggravated the whole situation, as they descended menacingly, and things took a different turn when they began to storm residence, beating up opposition party youths and young men in front of their families, shooting down doors of houses, and injuring inmates.

Sources further revealed that the protest turned violent when some irate youths joined in the procession, and these then threw stones at the police station, leading to a request by the Local Unit Commander in the area for support from Waterloo, its divisional headquarter. It was revealed that a team of military and police officers descended on the village, joined by youths believed to be supporters of the ruling party, and an all-out running battle between the youths and the security forces ensued, in which road blocks were set up by the angry youths of the village.

Speaking to a family member of Amnata Sesay, they informed this medium that they were attacked by armed police and Mohamed managed to escape at the back of the house, adding that on 7th May 2020 a day after the riot Amnata Sesay was able escape from the country to Guinea.

Eyewitnesses have also corroborated the story of this family and many others. They further explained that the Sherbro Tribal Chief, Michael K. Benka, is a known ruling party member, and that he gave a list of youths known to be opposition party activists in the village, whom he described as the ring leaders of the riot, to the police of which Amnata Sesay happens to be among the list.

Police sources say that they have mounted a man-hunt for Amnata Sesay and others and have declared them wanted and a bounty put on their heads for any information that would lead to their arrest.

As we go to press, family members of Amnata have confirmed to us that they are constantly under police harassment and threat, and since she escape to Guinea they have not heard from her.

IOM Gives Supports to Govt. To Combat COVID-19

By Foday Moriba Conteh

With more than 14,000 Ebola cases and nearly 4,000 deaths, Sierra Leone was one of the hardest hit countries by the 2014 – 2016 outbreak. Ebola overwhelmed the country’s fragile public health system, which was still rebuilding after a brutal civil war, and struggling to meet demands for additional healthcare practitioners.

Now Sierra Leone faces COVID-19. As of  9 May, there were 291 confirmed cases and 18 deaths related to COVID-19 in the country.

These numbers, actually, are low compared to other countries in the region. That is in part because of what Sierra Leone learned from the Ebola outbreak.

Sierra Leone developed a COVID-19 preparedness plan three weeks before its first case was confirmed. This enabled the Ministry of Health to quickly identify, test and quarantine most of the primary contacts of the index case, thereby limiting spread of the disease.

In a region known for its porous land borders and high degree of cross-border trade, disease surveillance and health screening are key to detection and referring potentially ill travelers to adequate healthcare structures to limit the spread of any disease. Engaging with communities in high risk border areas, crowded urban slums and informal settlements also play significant roles in further preventing the spread of a disease.

“During the Ebola, The International Organization for Migration (IOM) conducted a nationwide programme on Infection Prevention and Control training for frontline workers, officials at border points, established water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) surveillance systems at key points of entry (POE) and community engagement on hygiene practices to break the chain of transmission,” says Dr James Bagonza who leads IOM operations in Sierra Leone.

In 2016, after the Sierra Leone became Ebola-free, the country counted 156 doctors and 5,668 nurses for a population of just over 7 million people, according to the World Health Organization. Although the human resources are still limited, since then, the Sierra Leone Government has made substantial improvements to its public health system, especially in response to COVID-19. As of 9 April, there were 130 hospital beds available for COVID-19, 200 oxygen concentrators and 15 beds for patients needing intensive care.

Sierra Leone, with other countries hard hit by Ebola, received other support from the International Community allowing for the deployment of treatment centres and the training of frontline workers in infection prevention and control. The revitalization of the country’s disease surveillance system, the establishment of emergency operation centers (at both at national and district levels), and the development of strong networks to support community outreach and mobilization also played crucial roles in putting the country in better stead to withstand the contagion.

When COVID-19 broke out, these measures were immediately upgraded and applied to stem the propagation of disease in the country. Even before the first case of COVID-19 was signaled in the country on 31 March 2020 IOM worked closely with Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health (MOH) through emergency operation center set-up during the Ebola crisis, to support the country’s preparedness and response to COVID-19.

“We are now revamping our infection prevention training, social mobilization and health screening in local communities especially in border areas with our network of volunteers to ensure that everyone, regardless of social class, is informed and empowered to protect themselves and their loved ones against the disease,” Dr Bagonza said.

IOM conducted a rapid vulnerability assessment of the 16 districts of Sierra Leone in collaboration with the MOH. At the Ministry’s request, IOM trained and deployed 60 community health workers equipped with infection prevention and control (IPC) materials to conduct health screening and communication activities at prioritized locations such as ports and ground crossing points in five of the country’s districts.

Back in 2014, the first case of Ebola was recorded in Kailahun, a town located about 320 kilometers from Freetown but less than 10 kilometers from the border with Guinea. “IOM’s priority is to reinforce and reactivate health screening at high volume informal crossing points in coastal areas as well as wharfs in border areas with high economic activity were people from neighboring Guinea and Liberia continue to enter Sierra Leone despite border closures,” Dr Bagonza explained.

Hard-to-reach border communities and coastal areas are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 because of limited access to information and the lack proper healthcare infrastructures and personnel to adequately screen and quarantine suspected cases. To ensure that everyone has access to lifesaving information on IOM works with youth, community leaders and returning migrants to raise awareness on COVID-19 preventive measures in these areas.

In total, more than 200,000 people have been reached in crowded Freetown, in informal settlements, coastal communities and border areas. Returning migrants also joined the fight against COVID-19 and recorded a song to encourage communities to adopt and respect preventive measures.

IOM’s response to COVID-19 in Sierra Leone is supported by the Governments of Japan, Netherlands and the United States.

 

Community Church Ministry Sierra Leone Joins the Fight against Covid-19

Director of Community Church Ministry Sierra Leone, Albert Allen Kargbo with Cross Section of the Ministry Pastors

By Foday Moriba Conteh

As the fight against the Covid-19 intensifies, the Community Church Ministry Sierra Leone with its Headquarters at Kakamba Sella Limba Chiefdom, Karene District, has embarked on Coronavirus sensitization and the distribution of Veronica buckets to various communities within the Sella Limba Chiefdom Karene District as their support towards curtailing the spread of the virus in the country.

Speaking to this Press, Director of Community Church Ministry Sierra Leone, Albert Allen Kargbo disclosed that as a ministry that has been creating impacts in the lives of people through the word of God they thought it fit to embark on a Coronavirus sensitization and make donation of veronica buckets on behalf of their partners and Management, adding that they are doing so with the strong belief that such could be helpful especially at a decisive moment like this when the coronavirus has eaten in the fabric of all sectors of society.

He stated that the intervention of the ministry in the fight is a clear manifestation that they care for the nation and its citizens indicating that they are committed to contribute to the socio-economic development of the nation.

He added that the ministry was founded in 2010 with its headquarters in Kakamba Sella Limba Chiefdom Karene District, adding that currently the ministry has established 13 Churches and 7 schools which include three junior secondary schools, one senior secondary school and three primary schools within the Sella Limba and Sanda Loko Chiefdom in Karene District.

He expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Education as the ministry has approved some schools although others are yet to be approved. He also noted that the Church has been helping less privileged children and has also constructed schools in hard to reach areas like Kabba Ferry and Kakuru which hitherto had no secondary schools doing so in order to ensure that every child have access to education.

He stated that the ministry has also supported their Teachers to go through Teachers Certificate and Higher Teachers Certificate courses in order to capacitate themselves in the teaching field.

He expressed appreciation to the West Africa Education Medical Mission Organization based in the United State of America, most especially Dr. Karen Asher and Dr. Tom Asher and the Fredericksburg Presbyterian Church USA, Pastor Jack Mcclelland.

He also admonished residents to strictly practice what the Government, through the Ministry of Health and Sanitation and other stakeholders have put together in terms of the protective measures that have been outlined stressing how we must treat with all amount of seriousness the advices that the experts are churning out.

Mariama Conteh a beneficiary expressed appreciation to the Community Church Ministry Sierra Leone for the gesture which she considers as a timely intervention in the fight against the coronavirus in the country.

She assured them that they will make good use of the veronica buckets and the also adhere to the preventives messages outlined by the ministry in order to curtail the spread of the virus.

Director of Community Church Ministry Sierra Leone, Albert Allen Kargbo with cross section of the male pupils
Cross section of Female pupils
The Community Church Ministry Sierra Leone, Kakamba Building
Director of Community Church Ministry Sierra Leone, Albert Allen Kargbo with cross section of the Teachers
Cross section of the Veronica Buckets for Distributions
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