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Orange Sierra Leone Plants New Site at Imperi Chiedom

By Alim Jalloh

In the manner of a plant bearing flowers that bloom, Orange Sierra Leone has extended its services to the far southern district of Bonthe, Yagoi to be particular.

Orange Sierra Leone has on Monday 30th September commissioned their 27th commercial site at Yagoi, Imperi Chiefdom in the Bonthe District, Southern Sierra Leone.

The launch attracted traditional and religious leaders, youth groups, women leaders and representatives of the Paramount Chief and Speaker of Imperi Chiefdom.

Public Relations Officer, Orange Sierra Leone ,Mabel Mason, who chaired the ceremony started by noting that, Orange Sierra Leone in cognizance of the fact that Freetown is not Sierra Leone is increasingly exploring remote communities in the country to provide them with mobile and financial services.

Acting Chiefdom Speaker of Yagoi, Mohamed Lahai thanked Orange Sierra Leone not only for the establishment of the site furthering how it will improve the standaed of living of residents in that part of the country.

Earlier in the ceremony, David Samba Mansaray, CEO Orange Money, thanked the people of Yagoi for hosting them in the chiefdom and presented Phones, Caps, T-shirts and Hand Bands as a goodwill gesture on behalf of the Management of Orange Sierra Leone.

He stated that  their coming to Yagoi is not influenced by the huge mining activities ongoing in the chiefdom but  as a result that people in the Chiefdom and Yagoi in general want to talk to each other and also transact financial services promptly and efficiently.

Mr. Mansaray also disclosed that the launch of the new site would benefit the people of Yagoi with Orange Money services.

The CEO expressed the commitment of the company to pump in more resources and manpower to be able to efficiently serve the people of Yagoi with the much needed services.

He appealed to the people of Yagoi to protect the newly launched commercial site which he described as the property of the people of Yagoi and expressed his deepest appreciation that the people had already started protecting the facility during the construction phase of the project.

Mr. Mansaray assured all and sundry that the establishment of the new site is just the start of the journey between the people of Yagoi and Orange Sierra Leone and that they will look into the possibility of having more sites in the area.

He called on teachers, pupils and others to use the services provided by the new facility such as data for browsing. The facility, according to Mr. Mansaray, will also provide easy access for the people of Yagoi to access financial services through the use of Orange Money.

He concluded by assuring the traditional leaders, youths and other stakeholders of Yagoi that they have taken into consideration of all the requests made by the people of Yagoi for the attention of Management.

Jonathan Margai who represented the Paramount Chief of Imperi Chiefdom, Madam Hawa Gbanabom applauded Orange Sierra Leone for building a new site at Yagoi.

He stated that this was a long term dream for the people of Imperi Chiefdom and used the opportunity to call on the Management team of Orange Sierra Leone to fix the huge network challenges in Gbangbanma, the chiefdom headquarter town of Imperi Chiefdom.

Counsellor Bashiru of Ward 325, Bonthe District Council thanked Orange Sierra Leone and expressed his appreciation on behalf of the Council.

He appealed to the Management of Orange Sierra Leone for support to the Yagoi community in building an extension for the only Roman Catholic Primary School at Yagoi which is overwhelmed in numbers as a result of the Free, Quality Education.

Other speakers also appealed to Orange Sierra Leone to support their efforts towards having the first Junior Primary School in the town. He said most of their children are going outside Yagoi to access schooling.

The colorful ceremony was interspersed by traditional dancing and singing from the youths and women of Yagoi in appreciation of the gesture by Orange Sierra Leone.

Staff of the marketing team of the company also conducted raffle draws wherein most residents won beautiful prizes.

A representative of the Chairman Bonthe District Council gave the vote of thanks on behalf of the Chairman and members of the District Council.

The climax of the ceremony was the cutting of the tape by the Orange CEO and the official launch of the new site at Yagoi. Libations were poured for goodwill and prosperity of the company in Sierra Leone.

Orange Sierra Leone has vowed at the start of 2019 that the company will build more 55 commercial sites to add to the already existing ones across the country. The launching of the Yagoi site is just one of the many the company has done in Bombali, Moyamba and other Districts in the country.

The establishment of the new sites across the country would not only provide voice and data services for residents but will also create huge opportunities for financial services for the unbanked population of Sierra Leoneans.

It cannot be overemphasized  that increased access to financial services is also a huge boost for the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

 

 

 

Sierra Leone Brewery Continues  to Empower Wholesalers & Retailers

By Amin Kef Sesay

In diverse ways, the Sierra Leone Brewery Limited (SLBL), according to what this medium learnt, is empowering local business entities  that are transacting its alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

From what was gathered during a sustained fact finding mission, business entities doing wholesale and retail transactions of the company’s products had immensely benefitted and still continue to benefit from offers by SLBL.

Successfully fulfilling certain benchmarks, these local business entities benefit from being supplied freezers, bar tables, chairs, painting of their outlets, calendars, offers of key holders, ash trays and the sundry.

Equipped with such, most of these social points have been transformed to become so attractive and endearing to such an extent that customers keep streaming in.

“This has helped us tremendously as monies that could have been spent to purchase those items were diverted to the expansion of our business and for that we profoundly express our thanks and appreciation to Brewery,” a bar tender at the Lumley Beach profusely expressed gratitude to SLBL furthering that the company is truly a “Kombra”, that is a Kind Mother.

Taking it to another trajectory, SLBL is one outlet that has provided job opportunities for many and here we are talking of formal direct employment as well as informal indirect employment as seen in the work of distributors, hired vehicle drivers, laborers etc. At this very point in time when the country’s economy is going through enormous challenges indeed making it possible for individuals to have food on their tables is a commendable offshoot intervention cum accomplishment for a company that has stand the test of time since its establishment in 1961.

Many hold the company in high respect in that regard. There again comes in the very symbiotic relationship between SLBL and sorghum farmers in this country. In its production chain, SLBL is making use of sorghum which is grown locally. The number of sorghum farmers is increasing exponentially and presently stands at over 25,000. The bond between Brewery and the farmers is watertight with the latter benefitting financially thereby putting them at vantage positions to take care of major responsibilities.

Making proper use of the Local Content Policy has placed the company in a good stead as one that is empowering Sierra Leonean farmers. As a matter of fact the company has been undertaking intermittent tours in the provinces on missions geared towards encouraging people to cultivate sorghum. Through radio talks and face to face engagements the awareness has been spread that sorghum is an important product required by the company.

The company’s rolling out of water and sanitation (WASH) projects in various communities, with particular reference to its area of operation, the Wellington Industrial Estate, has been highly appreciated by the beneficiaries. It is on record to have facilitated the construction of state-of-the –art water wells in communities where residents had hitherto been acutely affected by pure water supply.

Considering the fact that water is life there could be no other better gift to give people other than what saves life. Brewery stands tall in this regard. Such falls under the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility amidst others it had done over the years including giving support to schools, providing support to health facilities within the Wellington Industrial Estate and in some other parts.

For the mere and simple fact that the Sierra Leone Brewery Limited is helping young local businesses to grow then it is quite justifiable to posit that the company is really in diverse ways empowering local business entrepreneurs and as we are few months away from the festive season we are yet again going to witness more empowerment by the country’s leading brewer. SLBL’s presence will as usual become poignantly conspicuous all over the country as it usually happens to be during such periods.

TAIAMA GETS FIRST THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE IN SIERRA LEONE

By Ronald J Morovia

In a bid to enhance biblical Knowledge and propagate the gospel at rural communities, the Church of God World Wide Mission has over the weekend commissioned a theological college at Taiama named “The Taiama Learning Institute and College of Management”. The college is the first ever tertiary learning institution in the town.

Speaking on what prompted the initiative of establishing a theological institution at a rural community, Missionary Martha Fofonah noted that the establishment of the institution came about through the vision she had from God, noting that her people needed God.

She noted that as a way to actualize the vision she and her husband first established the Church of God World Wide Mission through the help of Bishop Joel Thomas the General Overseer of the Church of God World Wide Mission.

Missionary Martha Fofonah furthered that the main aim of the institution is to provide residents in that locality and it surrounding the opportunity to Know God and learn more about him.

She added that the Institution will also guide those who want to follow God and become pastors, adding they would be trained on the word of God and how to become ministers of God. Such institution she affirms will aid in the propagation of the gospel.

According to Elder Anus Fofanah the primary aim of the institution is to train and develop church leaders by teaching them the gospel. He however mentioned that the institution will also be providing other management courses such as information and communication technology in the near future.

He therefore appealed to residents of Taiama and its environs to make good use of the opportunity at their door step.

Commending the Church of God and the pioneers for the initiative and vision, the Honourable Member of Constituency 098 Dominic Lavalie-Tshombe noted that such development is welcoming in his constituency.

He commended them for not only limiting it to theological studies but also extending it to management courses, noting such will foster human capacity development and development on a whole in the community.

The honourable member further charged staff to maintain the integrity of the institution as a religious body, adding they should not encourage corruption of any form at the institution.

He encouragd them to set good standard to ensure the institution becomes enviable in the region. He also called on his constituents to make good use of the opportunity.

Prior to the commissioning, the institution has completed an access course and it is now set to commence full operations.

 

SiLCHA Celebrates China At 70 With Massive Donations in Sierra Leone

By Joenal Sesay

Sierra-Leone China Friendship Association (SiLCHA) and Atlantic Lumley Hotel joined the People’s Republic of China in their 70th anniversary celebration by donating to the less privileged children’s in Freetown.

The donation took place on the 1st October 2019 at different places including the Maria’s Primary School Grafton where the main event took place. The donated items include bags, pencils, books and cake, food and drink.

On October 1, 1949, after a long and arduous struggle, the Chinese people, under the staunch leadership of the Communist Party of China, founded the People’s Republic of China.

SiLCHA Chairperson, Mrs. Onike King said among other things that SiLCHA endeavors to foster unity and exchange of values between Sierra-Leone and China, aiming at bridging the gap and standing together.

She described the day as one of their aim of coming together to strengthen the ties between Sierra Leone and China as the two countries are friends and together they could be able to do a lot of things.

Atlantic Lumley Hotel Human Resource Manager, Lonnel Saied Kargbo pointed out that the Hotel was there to celebrate with the kids as the occasion is very special.

He went on to say that their presence was to compliment the effort of SiLCHA and they are giving back as part of their Cooperate Social Responsibility.

He continued to say on behalf of the hotel, they want the audience to enjoy the taste of the hotel as some will not have the privilege to go to Atlantic Hotel but the hotel has met them  to have the taste of what they are doing.

Lgo Lau of Global Groups of Company expressed joy to be with the kids to celebrate such wonderful occasion.

He explained that October 1st in China they share cake to celebrate with the entire world.

He pointed out that Global Group of Company has been in existence in Sierra Leone for 10 years as the relationship they have with Sierra Leone is very good. He also said the Company has good times with Maria the Founder of SiLCHA. He expressed hope that all the children’s will be successful in their studies to bring transformation in Sierra Leone.

The Head Teacher of Maria Primary School expressed joy and happiness for such day. She said since she started managing the school years back Maria has been assisting them.

She encouraged her guests to keep on visiting the school as that will help ease their depression.

SiLCHA Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Bangura said since 1949 to date marks China 70 years and they are celebrating with them as the day mean transformation and development.

He continued to say what China has gone through from where they were to where they are in terms of economic development, education, technology and innovation among others is very great.

“We are here to support the school as part of the celebration as the organization representing the two countries and the world.”

He appealed for more support to the school and prayed that Sierra Leone can celebrate such with a good history of where she came from.

SiLCHA founded in 2017 has it motto “Uniting Lions and Dragons” and the Association is a dream derived by Mariatu Kargbo, (Maria), a philanthropist, artist and Sierra Leone Cultural Ambassador to China.

Statements were also made by Daniel Moore of Ben TV UK and Africa Calabash Magazine and Abibatu Kamara CEO of Abitus Orphanage.

NP-Sierra Leone: Delivering Quality Service

By Amin Kef Sesay

Sierra Leone’s leading petroleum importer and marketer, the National Petroleum Limited, NP (SL-Ltd) is robustly moving to roll out cogent initiatives that will give the general public the most qualitative petroleum products as well as services they do desire.

The company’s competent and razor-shape managerial think tank, currently headed by its indefatigable General Manager, Kobi Walker, in tandem with the result-oriented Board of Directors, have always endeavored to be at the pinnacle of affairs within the petroleum landscape, looking at best options, in order for effective service delivery to be executed timely, excellently all geared towards the public good. If there is any outstanding feature for which the company is identified with then it is customer satisfaction which is why it has earned the reputation as ‘1st for Customer Care’.

Prioritizing customer care is considered very paramount out of the strong conviction that the company will be nowhere without its cherished customers.

It is against this backdrop that, just recently, one of its refurbished filing stations at Blackhall Road in the East End of Freetown was commissioned on 25th September 2019.

During a snap but very soul-touching event, it was succinctly made clear by Kobi Walker that the company is here to serve humanity furthering how within their reach they will do all that is possible to ensure that their customers are given the best of services that they have to offer.

Judging from the statements of representatives of the Bike Riders and Motor Drivers’ Unions during the commissioning ceremony, what came out vividly was that they are very appreciative of what the company had been doing making it possible for them to access high grade petroleum products such as diesel, petrol, kerosene, gas as well as lubricants like Castrol, all very good for vehicles, bikes, Kekehs and machines.

In its drive to optimize customer satisfaction the company went the extra mile to install calibrated pumping machines which are not only modern but trustworthy, as opposed to old pumping machines which certain unscrupulous individuals used to cheat unassuming customers. This is helping to repose confidence in customers that they are dealing with a very transparent entity. The friendliness of their pump attendants is very impressive and they are always there to timely respond to various concerns.

Still within the domain of 1st for Customer Care, the company is always in position to enter into payment plans with its reliable and dependable customers including Ministries, Departments and Agencies for supplied fuel and lubricants as long as all the necessary modalities have been put in place. When cognizance is taken of the fact that some of these institutions receive intermittent budgetary allocations then such an arrangement is very significant. Its significance in real terms borders on functional continuity of those institutions as they will be assured of supplies of petroleum products in as much as they keep honoring their obligations.

In this country today, for one to see a successful business entity that is owned mainly by Sierra Leoneans and having a maximum number of indigenes as members of staff is like trying to find a lost needle on the beach, although there are some that could be identified..

For NP-SL Ltd this has been a big achievement as the company is strongly adhering to the country’s Local Content Policy. Making use of local brains has been identified as one of the conduits through which developing countries like Sierra Leone could attain economic empowerment. Correspondingly, if there is a continuation of the colonial mentality that it is only by importing foreign ideas and skills that we will get there then such could be a very sad mistake.

By providing job opportunities for hitherto jobless Sierra Leoneans, NP-SL Ltd continues to help in alleviating poverty by putting monies into pockets which could be utilized to take care of responsibilities.

For those who have not tried NP Gas for the first time it is now time to give it a try. Designed in sizable varying cylinders and sold at various NP Filling Stations, this cooking device has been rated as one of the best that is on offer for sale. NP Gas is safe, user friendly and portable. Trying it will spur you to recommend it to others.

NP Smart Card is now in vogue and is one of the latest technological devices used to purchase petroleum products. Using it has attendant advantages as evident in procuring fuel at any time of the day even during times when monies could not be accessed from banks. It is secured, easy to use and very quick. It is now trending.

To crystallize proposed projects into tangible realities on the ground, Government needs the required financial resources to effectively do so and one sure way is from collection of taxes which is the mandate of the National Revenue Authority (NRA).  The Sierra Leone Brewery Limited is one of the big time tax payers in the country and it is very compliant in that direction.

From all indications, it is crystal clear that NP-SL Ltd is here to stay in order to give the best and contribute tremendously to the socio-economic development of the country. Indeed the company is passionate and committed towards attaining those objectives.

CARL Sierra Leone Wants Separate Budget for FSU 

Ibrahim Tommy Esq – Executive Director, CARL

By Samuel Serry Jr.

The Center for Accountability and Rule of Law (CARL) has urged the Executive Management Board (EMB) of the Sierra Leone Police to present a detailed and practical budget for the Family Support Unit (FSU) at their budget hearing scheduled for October 7, 2019. CARL, with support from TROCAIRE, has worked with various stakeholders, including the Family Support Unit, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Social Welfare and Civil Society Organisations to draft a realistic budget for the Family Support Unit.

CARL and its partners strongly believe that ensuring accountability for sexual and gender-based crimes would require genuine investment in the FSU through increased funding, training and effective supervision.  In particular, CARL has asked for the leadership of the Sierra Leone People’s Party and the Ministry of Finance’s Budget Directorate to separate the FSU budget from the general police budget to help ensure effective planning and civil society oversight of the activities of the unit.

“Our data shows that only a paltry amount of resources has been dedicated to the FSU over the last five years. Unless radical reforms were made both to the funding levels and funding mechanism of the FSU, the collective story of our women and girls who are always at risk of being assaulted won’t change. There is need for action that makes sense; one that responds to the emergency that we live in”, said Ibrahim Tommy, Executive Director, Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law.

Our position seeks to support the policy of the Government of Sierra Leone, and in particular, the President’s publicly stated commitment to address impunity for sexual and gender-based violence. Significant efforts are still required to bolster the fight against sexual and gender-based violence, but increasing and separating the budget of the FSU from the general police budget would have positive, far-reaching implications for the operational performance of the FSU.

Data collected by Rainbow Initiative for the first six months of this year shows that the number of sexual assault cases at this time of the year is significantly higher than what it was in 2018, suggesting that the FSU should have huge resources and financial independence to effectively deliver on its mandate.

“After years of neglect and under-funding, the leadership of the Sierra Leone Police has a brilliant opportunity to make a departure with the past by supporting genuine investment in the FSU, the unit mandated to investigate and assist with the prosecution of sexual and gender-based crimes. I am quite hopeful that they will do the right thing”, said Isata Sowa, CARL’s Gender and Juvenile Justice Officer.

With less than a week to the Sierra Leone Police’s annual budget presentation at the national budget hearing session hosted by the Ministry of Finance, it is hoped that the leadership of the Police and Ministry of Finance will do the right thing by the people of Sierra Leone, namely, adopt a realistic and detailed FSU budget and separate it from the general police budget.

 

 

 

Ahead of China’s 70th anniversary… Ambassador Hu Says Hard Work, Peace Brings Prosperity

Ambassador Hu Zhangliang

By Amin Kef Sesay

Ambassador Hu Zhangliang said China will celebrate its 70th National Day and believes they have achieved a lot due to hard work, peace and security.

He said china is coming from a long road that was very challenging, but easy to overcome as they worked hard, with commitment and passion to build the China that is now the second largest economy in the world.

“China undertook a difficult transition in order to reach the heights of economic development. The transition involves coming to terms with the loss of the economic advantages. Macro-economically the economy encouraged to a more services orientation serving the needs of the domestic population. Expensive labor, real estate and capital were redirected from mass production industries to the financial, health, retail, education, hospitality and recreational services industries.”

Ambassador Hu averred that technological advancement was obtained through encouraging experimentation and initiative. China was pretty poor when it started to reform its economy under Deng Xiao Peng.

“When a large part of the population enters the middle class, our consumption boom, and that in turn has a domino effect for more downstream activities. A strong middle class is what makes the country successful because the population at large can afford to keep the wheels of industry going.”

He said the same can’t be said of countries which depresses the middle class in favor of the rich. It boils down to Math. Market demand is decided by how many people can afford to pay and consume a product.

“When you transform your economy to allow hundreds of millions to have a better life, your economy will be exponentially bigger. This is what China has done to make the country peaceful and secured.”

Ambassador Hu Zhangliang stressed that the Chinese government has remained committed to focusing on economic growth, and has quickly and effectively implemented good policy decisions. The country concentrates the salary paid to workers in four big state banks. This money is used by the leadership to focus on key projects.

China has hosted conferences and exhibitions, all to tell foreign investors that China is the place they must invest in because the country is stable. Creation of Zones and Infrastructure for Businesses has been an important reason for China being a successful economy.

“China has a Strong Manufacturing Base. There’s a reason why everything is “Made in China.” The country has positioned itself as a manufacturing hub, in turn providing employment to its people. The country has made good advancement in technology which promises good product quality.”

He said that the relationship between China and Africa has grown so much that many African countries have developed because of China’s support.

He called on all to work with China to build a harmonious world that is peaceful and secured.

Officials Laud China-Africa Partnership despite Challenges

China-Africa partnership and cooperation

By Amin Kef Sesay

Speakers at a half-day seminar on Monday in Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa lauded the China-Africa partnership and cooperation in various areas, whereby China has proven to be a real strategic partner with Africa.

The seminar was jointly organized by the Chinese Mission to the African Union (AU), and the Center for Dialogue, Research, and Cooperation (CDRC), under the theme, “Sustaining Traditional Friendship,” to dwell upon the achievements and prospects of China-Africa cooperation.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chairperson of the AU Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC), Osman Abdel Khalek, noted that African countries, and the continent as a whole enjoys its partnership with China, as the Asian country has set out cooperation areas, depending on the priorities of Africa, and also specificity of individual countries.

Reiterating that his country has also enjoyed partnership with China, Khalek, who is also Egyptian Permanent Representative to AU, has hailed the eight initiatives set out during the latest FOCAC summit, including among others, infrastructure, trade facilitation, and industrial development, which he said complement priorities of the AU development blue print, dubbed “Agenda 2063.”

Stating that China has forged partnership and cooperation with Africa without any condition and string attached to it, he said the sky is the limit as far as the China-Africa cooperation and partnership is concerned.

“The importance and the vitality of, viability of the cooperation and partnership Africa has had with China, which China has proven to be a real partner and a true friend, a strategic partner and a true friend to whole African countries. It is fully committed to this strategic partnership, and we will continue to do so after of course concluding the Chairmanship of the Union,” he said, adding that “the sky is the limit for deeper and wider cooperation with China and Africa, the sky is the limit we are very much happy to see China …we look for a very influential role played by China and to develop the AU Agenda 2063.”

Reiterating that the contemporary world is going through tremendous unseen in the past century, the Chinese Ambassador to AU Liu Yuxi said China and Africa would continue to embrace the future with joint hands.

“Despite complicated and profound changes in international situation, China-Africa cooperation for common win is pressing head vigorously. China will preserve in the global aspiration of China-Africa cooperation and work with the African side to implement the outcomes of the FOCAC summit to build a closer community of shared future,” said the ambassador.

“We will strengthen copulations and cooperation in international and regional affairs, and step up efforts to align development strategies so that the practical achievements will benefit more people for a bright future of China-Africa cooperation.” He added.

Speaking on his part, Seyoum Mesfin, President of CDRC Board of Trustees, dwelt upon the China-Africa relations that have passed different phases.

He has urged due efforts to sustain the commendable relations between the two sides through critical appraisal for practical applications.

“Africa-China relations have evolved through various phases, lending these relations an inherent characteristic that is well-integrated in the overall makeup of the partnership. The relationship has acquired new vigor and meaning along the way, and it has adapted to emerging challenges and realities. Sustaining these commendable relations through critical appraisal of a long-standing tradition of respectful coexistence with due consideration for practical applications, remains essential,” Seyoum has said.

 

 

 

China is moving towards larger international role as we celebrate 70 years  – Amb. Hu Zhangliang

Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone Hu Zhangliang

By Amin Kef Sesay

Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone Hu Zhangliang has said that his country’s miraculous development has it playing a greater role in international affairs nd shaping the world’s economy by maintaining peace and tranquility.

With the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China fast approaching, Ambassador Hu highlighted the great strides that China has made under the leadership of the Communist Party of China in building socialism with Chinese characteristics.

“China has experienced 40 years of reform and opening-up, yielding rapid economic growth that has made it the world’s second biggest economy. After 40 years of reform and opening-up policy, it has become a successful experiment and it is useful not only for China, but for humanity as a whole.”

China he said has gained a greater role in the international community and its foreign policy has fostered a new type of international relations featuring peaceful development and building a community with a shared future for humanity, he said.

The Ambassador said China’s development has been instrumental in bolstering the development of other countries given China’s policy of cooperation based on common interests.

Through the establishment of the Exim Bank, the New Development Bank and other institutions, China has furthermore provided funding alternatives for developing countries.

China advocates a more open globalization, one that is more inclusive and balanced so that its benefits are shared by all, he said, adding that China’s proposal to build a community with a shared future for humanity ensures the co-existence of countries under the banners of lasting peace and common prosperity.

Ambassador Hu Zhangliang averred that consistently they strive for peace and prosperity and always calls for solving conflicts via dialogue and cooperation instead of resorting to threats and violence, he said.

 

 

VP Juldeh Jalloh Lauds Sierra Leone for Democratic Tenets

By Amin Kef Sesay

Under the auspices of the Ministry of Political and Public Affairs, Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh on 26th September, 2019 delivered the keynote address in celebration of this year’s International Day of Democracy on the theme: ‘Participation and Commitment for Democracy and Peace’.

VP Jalloh who said was honored to grace the celebration highlighted that Sierra Leone has made huge democratic gains that it continues to consolidate as it continues moving on a democratic path.

He stated that we are celebrating the day because as a nation we believe that democracy is the best form of governance, noting that the occasion gives the opportunity to take stock of how far our democracy has come.

As an emerging democracy, he stated that we have made huge gains. These include successive, successful, peaceful, transparent elections that ushered in successive governments with peaceful transfers of power from one political party to the other.

Work continues in building of democratic institutions, a free press and a flourishing civil society space in enhancing a vibrant democracy.

New institutions, which VP Juldeh Jalloh said are unique to our democracy, include the Human Rights Commission, National Commission for Democracy, Political Parties Registration Commission, National Elections Watch, etc, are all hallmarks of vital complementary institutions that define our democracy, noting that more needs to be done.

He mentioned the need to look beyond electoral democracy to other crucial elements of the concept, institutionalization and scrutiny of democratic practices and wider participation in entrenching a functional democracy as ways of consolidating peace.

Challenges he said include the struggle to ensure intra political party democracy; enhanced representation; electoral violence; inclusive state institutions; inclusion of proportional representation to increase female participation, funding for CSOs which he said is critical to democracy.

Democracy VP Jalloh maintained is not only about holding of elections but also participation, functional state institutions, access to justice, security and social welfare for the people.

Underpinning of these pillars of democracy he said is effective, functional state governance that responds to the needs of the people, without which he said democracy cannot stand.

He disclosed how this government is investing in the public sector in ensuring that state institutions work well as its contribution to democratic growth in the country.

Observing that democracy is a difficult choice, VP Jalloh stated that to have a durable democratic culture, there should be respect for the norms of democracy.

He ended by expressing government’s commitment to strengthening democracy in the country.

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