Sierra Leone News | The Calabash Newspaper

President Bio Praises First Lady’s Fight Against Child Marriage, Unveils Three New Commitments

September 25, 2026

Professional man in a dark suit and striped tie speaks at a podium with a microphone, wearing glasses and a lapel flag pin, against a black backdrop. — President Julius Maada Bio

President Julius Maada Bio has commended First Lady Fatima Bio for her sustained advocacy against child, early and forced marriage, while announcing three new commitments to strengthen Sierra Leone’s efforts to protect girls.

He made the announcement at a high-level event in New York on Wednesday, 23 September 2026, on the margins of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The event followed the adoption by consensus on 4 September 2026 of a Sierra Leone-led resolution establishing 27 November as the International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early and Forced Marriage.

The gathering brought together President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal, Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority and First Lady Marie Khone Faye, alongside other First Ladies, Government representatives, United Nations officials and Civil Society Organisations.

Sierra Leone served as the principal sponsor of the resolution, supported by 84 co-sponsoring countries. President Bio described its adoption as a major achievement for girls worldwide and an important milestone in Sierra Leone’s campaign against child marriage.

“At a time of deep global division, every Member State agreed that no girl should lose her childhood, education or future through marriage,” he said.

The President particularly praised First Lady Fatima Bio for her determination and advocacy, saying her efforts had helped draw greater attention to the need for stronger protection of girls.

He also acknowledged Zambia and Canada for their earlier contributions to the initiative and recognized President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia, the African Union Champion on Ending Child Marriage, as well as United Nations agencies, Civil Society Organisations, survivors and advocates.

According to the President, the International Day will provide a permanent global platform to mobilize action and assess progress towards eliminating child, early and forced marriage.

He noted that more than 640 million girls and women alive today were married during childhood, while millions of girls continue to be married before adulthood each year.

“These numbers represent a girl whose education may have ended, whose health may have been placed at risk and whose choices were taken away before she was old enough to make them,” he stated.

Highlighting Sierra Leone’s domestic efforts, the President pointed to the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, signed into law in July 2024, which sets 18 as the minimum age for marriage without exception and provides penalties for those who facilitate child marriage.

He also cited the Free Quality School Education programme, the Radical Inclusion Policy and the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act 2022 as measures supporting the education, protection and empowerment of girls and women.

Despite those interventions, he acknowledged that more work is required to improve enforcement, birth and marriage registration, public awareness and community engagement, particularly in vulnerable and hard-to-reach communities.

The President subsequently announced three additional commitments. Sierra Leone will develop a comprehensive National Action Plan to eliminate child, early and forced marriage; strengthen implementation of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act through improved enforcement, registration, education and community engagement; and begin reporting on progress from the first observance of the International Day on 27 November 2026.

He also appealed to Governments and development partners for sustained financing to support girls’ education, protection and effective enforcement of national laws.

“If we are serious about achieving Sustainable Development Goal Target 5.3, our resources must match our declarations,” he said.

The President maintained that the success of the initiative should ultimately be measured by tangible improvements in the lives of girls.

“It will be measured by the number of children protected from early marriage, kept in school and given the freedom to determine their own futures,” he stated.

He called on Governments, families, traditional and religious leaders, communities and development partners to make 27 November a day of accountability and renewed action towards eliminating child, early and forced marriage.

First Lady Fatima Bio delivered the vote of thanks at the close of the event, expressing appreciation to the dignitaries, partner organisations and advocates whose efforts contributed to advancing the global campaign.

Woman in a green sequined dress speaks into a microphone on a dark stage, wearing pearl earrings and a necklace.

AWOL Relaunches National Achievement Awards, Unveils 2026 Committee

September 25, 2026

Group of fourteen people posing for a photo around a wooden conference table, with a banner reading National Achievement Awards 2026 in the background.

All Works of Life (AWOL) has relaunched its National Achievement Awards and unveiled the committee that will oversee the 2026 edition, ending a hiatus since the last ceremony in 2019. The launch took place on Thursday, 24 September 2026, at Roof Garden on Aberdeen in Freetown. The awards will recognize individuals and institutions whose work has made a meaningful contribution to Sierra Leone. The National Achievement Awards Committee (NAAC) is chaired by Dr. Fatu Taqi and includes Professor Joe A.D. Alie and representatives from the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists, 50/50 Group, Budget Advocacy Network, Sierra Leone Bar Association, National Youth Commission and Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion.

Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, Chairman, All Works of Life (AWOL) said “After a period away, the National Achievement Awards are back.” Present were AWOL members, committee representatives and journalists. He said the relaunch formed part of the organisation’s efforts to rebuild, reconnect and increase its impact.

The Chairman underscored that achievement should be recognized across all walks of life. He cited the contributions of petty traders, teachers, nurses, farmers, journalists, security personnel, civil servants, business leaders and public officials, alongside organisations working for national development.

“The National Achievement Awards have always been about one fundamental idea: recognizing people and institutions or organisations that are making a difference,” he said.

He described the awards as one part of AWOL’s wider commitment to putting Sierra Leone first and giving back to society. Recalling the organisation’s support for Connaught Hospital, he said AWOL had donated an X-ray machine and a generator for the hospital’s X-ray department during a period of electricity challenges. Members had also volunteered to clean and paint the department.

“That is the AWOL spirit,” Ahmed Sahid Nasralla said. “It is not about waiting for somebody else to solve every problem. It is about asking what we can contribute and then doing it.”

He said the newly unveiled National Achievement Awards Committee (NAAC) would be central to protecting the credibility of the selection process. Its members, drawn from a range of professions and institutions, would help ensure that achievements are assessed fairly and that recipients and the public can have confidence in the results.

Ahmed Sahid Nasralla said the 2026 programme would reflect the importance of peace, national cohesion and a shared sense of purpose. Although details of the awards programme have yet to be formally announced, he urged Sierra Leoneans to look beyond political and other differences.

“We have had our differences as a nation,” he said. “But there must always be something very important and dearer than our differences. That is our Sierra Leone.”

The 2026 awards will also commemorate the 10th anniversary of the late Ambassador Moseray Fadika, a former AWOL Chairman whom Ahmed Sahid Nasralla described as an important figure in the organisation’s history.

He said AWOL intends to make this year’s ceremony shorter and better organized than previous editions, some of which continued late into the night. The organisation would work with the committee to deliver an event that is relevant and meaningful to the public.

The relaunch follows AWOL’s second Annual General Meeting in December 2025, held under the theme: “Reigniting the AWOL Spirit: Rebuilding, Reconnecting and Repositioning for Impact.” According to Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, Chapters at that meeting adopted a new AWOL Global Constitution and reforms aimed at improving governance, transparency, accountability and unity.

He also pointed to AWOL’s work in education and charity, including its annual School Feeding and Awards Programme, which he said is expected to resume in 2027. Ahmed Sahid Nasralla thanked AWOL members, the media and former leaders for sustaining the organisation’s vision, acknowledging the contribution of former Chairman Ambassador Anthony Navo Jnr. and his team.

Dr. Fatu Taqi, Chairperson, National Achievement Awards Committee (NAAC), pledged to oversee the awards with independence, integrity and fairness. She said Committee members had volunteered their time and expertise for a demanding process that would involve nominations, voting and final decisions.

She also cautioned that members could face pressure from nominees, supporters and others with preferences about the outcome. The Chairperson urged them to judge candidates on their contributions and to protect the credibility of both the Committee and the institutions they represent.

“You should stand with the conscience and serve with the integrity that is expected of you,” she told Committee members.

Dr. Fatu Taqi said the awards should also bring attention to people whose work often goes unnoticed. Public nominations, she explained, would give Sierra Leoneans an opportunity to identify individuals and institutions deserving recognition before the Committee assesses their contributions.

She stressed that social class, region, religion, education, gender, skin colour and other aspects of a nominee’s background should not determine the outcome. “It’s about the work that you have done,” she said.

While acknowledging the growing number of awards programmes, Dr. Fatu Taqi said the National Achievement Awards could distinguish themselves through credible decisions and a consistent focus on service. She pledged that the Committee would approach its work with professionalism and creativity.

The Committee includes representatives from the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists, 50/50 Group Sierra Leone, Anti-Corruption Commission, Sierra Leone Medical and Dental Association, Potent Network Advocacy, Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion, National Youth Commission, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities and Sierra Leone Bar Association. Cultural figure Professor Joey D. Ali also serves on the Committee.

Yvonne Heroe, Director of Monitoring and Evaluation at the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion, said the celebration of achievement should reinforce peace and reconciliation. Progress in education, community service and other fields, she said, depends on a stable environment in which people can work and contribute. “National achievement can only be realized in the soil of peace,” Yvonne Heroe said.

She urged those involved in the 2026 awards to use the occasion to encourage unity, respect and national responsibility. Recognizing outstanding work, she said, should inspire more Sierra Leoneans to serve their communities while strengthening the cohesion needed for lasting development.

As Membership Dispute Deepens… Sorie Fofana Urges Reconciliation, Warns Against Deepening Divisions in SLPP

September 25, 2026

Portrait of Mr. Sorie Fofana, CEO and founder of Global Times Newspaper, seated at a desk with Global Times branding in the background.

Tensions surrounding the membership status of Hon. Alhaji Musa Tarawally have prompted veteran journalist and Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) figure, Sorie Fofana, to appeal for restraint, dialogue and unity within the ruling party.

The controversy intensified after SLPP National Chairman Jimmy Batilo Songa directed Hon. Alhaji Musa Tarawally to stop presenting himself as a member of the party or an aspirant for its flagbearership. The directive followed correspondence from the Citizens Democratic Party (CDP), whose National Secretary General stated that Hon. Alhaji Musa Tarawally remained a member of the CDP.

Hon. Alhaji Musa Tarawally has rejected that position. He maintains that he formally resigned from the CDP in 2018 and subsequently returned to the SLPP, where he says he is a registered and fully paid-up Grand Chief Patron and National Delegate. His lawyers have since demanded the withdrawal of the SLPP Chairman’s letter and challenged the manner in which the membership dispute has been handled.

Against the backdrop of the escalating disagreement, Sorie Fofana, Managing Editor of the Global Times Newspaper, has called for a less confrontational approach to resolving internal party differences.

Speaking during an interview on Ecko Media, Sorie Fofana described the situation as troubling, arguing that the SLPP should concentrate on strengthening internal cohesion rather than allowing disagreements to develop into prolonged public confrontations.

He disclosed that he had communicated some of his concerns to SLPP Leader and President Dr. Julius Maada Bio and had also met with National Chairman Jimmy Batilo Songa to discuss ways of addressing misunderstandings within the party peacefully.

Sorie Fofana urged SLPP members and supporters to exercise caution when discussing the dispute surrounding Hon. Alhaji Musa Tarawally’s membership, stressing the importance of dialogue and established party processes in addressing disagreements.

He also referred to the longstanding relationship between President Julius Maada Bio and Hon. Alhaji Musa Tarawally, saying their political and personal association should encourage efforts to resolve the matter without further escalation.

While calling for restraint from the party leadership, Fofana was also critical of Hon. Alhaji Musa Tarawally’s response to the controversy. He argued that alternative channels were available through which the former Minister could have challenged the party leadership’s position instead of allowing the disagreement to develop into an open confrontation.

Hon. Alhaji Musa Tarawally has publicly disputed the SLPP leadership’s position and maintains that he has not belonged to the CDP since 2018. His lawyers have also threatened legal and regulatory action unless the disputed statements concerning his membership are withdrawn.

Sorie Fofana described some of Hon. Alhaji Musa Tarawally’s remarks concerning President Julius Maada Bio as “indecorous and unacceptable” and called on him to apologize to the President. He further urged Hon. Alhaji Musa Tarawally to take whatever administrative steps may be necessary to clarify and regularize his membership status.

The veteran journalist said his principal concern was preserving the peace and cohesion of the SLPP, adding that he would support initiatives aimed at strengthening unity while opposing actions capable of deepening divisions.

Drawing lessons from the party’s political history, Sorie Fofana urged the leadership and membership to reflect on the circumstances surrounding the SLPP’s loss of power in the 2007 elections and avoid internal divisions that could undermine the party.

He described President Julius Maada Bio as magnanimous and urged all sides to pursue reconciliation and constructive engagement rather than prolonged public exchanges.

With political attention increasingly turning towards the 2028 elections, Fofana maintained that the SLPP should focus on strengthening its internal structures, resolving disputes through appropriate channels and preserving unity among its membership.

UN Secretary-General Commends Bio’s Leadership, Discusses Africa’s Representation, Regional Stability & Investment

September 25, 2026

Two men in dark suits shake hands in front of Nigerian and UN flags at a formal meeting setting.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has commended the leadership of Sierra Leone’s President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, highlighting his role in promoting national unity, regional cooperation and multilateral engagement.

The commendation came during a bilateral meeting between the two leaders at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on the margins of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

During the engagement, António Guterres praised Sierra Leone’s contribution during its 2024–2025 tenure as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, particularly its efforts to promote consensus and contribute to international peace and security.

The UN Secretary-General also reiterated his support for greater African representation within the Security Council and other major global institutions, including international financial bodies.

The issue of Security Council reform remains an important foreign-policy priority for Sierra Leone. President Julius Maada Bio used his address to the 81st UN General Assembly on September 22, 2026, to again call for reform of the global body and greater representation for Africa. (Office of the President of Sierra Leone)

Responding during the bilateral engagement, President Bio expressed appreciation to António Guterres for his leadership of the United Nations and his continued engagement with Sierra Leone and the African continent.

The President also acknowledged the support Sierra Leone received from the UN Secretariat during its two-year tenure on the Security Council, noting that the cooperation helped the country participate effectively in the Council’s work.

President Bio further welcomed the Secretary-General’s advocacy for a more representative Security Council and a multilateral system that gives Africa a stronger voice in international decision-making.

Discussions also touched on regional cooperation through the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). President Bio expressed appreciation for the partnership between the United Nations and ECOWAS during his chairmanship of the Authority of Heads of State and Government.

“I thank you for the strong partnership between the United Nations and ECOWAS during my chairmanship, as well as for Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed’s participation in our summit in Lungi,” President Bio said.

Sierra Leone has continued to promote Lungi as a centre for regional engagement, with the Government placing emphasis on economic cooperation, investment and integration alongside peace and security. The President commissioned the ECOWAS Logistics Depot and Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre in Lungi in July 2026 as part of efforts to strengthen regional cooperation. (ECOWAS)

President Bio also informed António Guterres about Sierra Leone’s plans to host the West Africa Integration and Investment Summit in Lungi, aimed at strengthening the economic foundations of regional stability and encouraging greater investment and integration across West Africa.

Reflecting on António Guterres’s service at the United Nations, President Bio said Sierra Leone appreciated his commitment to Africa, multilateralism and vulnerable populations.

“As you approach the conclusion of your tenure, Sierra Leone will remember your commitment to multilateralism, to Africa and to the most vulnerable,” President Bio stated.

The meeting formed part of President Bio’s high-level engagements in New York, where he has been participating in bilateral discussions and international events aimed at advancing Sierra Leone’s diplomatic, economic and development priorities. (Office of the President of Sierra Leone)

Two men in suits stand beside a signing table during a formal ceremony; UN flag and another flag behind them.

At UNGA: Marco Rubio Defends Trump’s Foreign Policy as US Confronts Multiple Global Crises

September 24, 2026

By Amin Kef Sesay

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio has declared that Washington will continue to place its national interest above the international order under President Donald J. Trump, while acknowledging that the current international system is struggling to address major conflicts and security challenges around the world.

Speaking to journalists at the Palace Hotel in New York City on September 23, 2026, on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly, Secretary Marco Rubio addressed a wide range of international issues, including Iran, Sudan, Russia and Ukraine, Cuba, Venezuela, China, Taiwan, Gaza and the wider Middle East.

Secretary Marco Rubio said the Trump Administration sees value in international institutions, including the United Nations, but believes the global system has expanded beyond its intended mandate while failing to resolve many of the world’s major conflicts.

According to Secretary Marco Rubio, the primary responsibility of every government is to protect the national interest of its own country. He maintained that the United States would therefore not subordinate its national priorities to the international order.

“We will never put the international order above the interest of the United States,” Secretary Marco Rubio said, while arguing that international institutions still have an important role to play.

He pointed to conflicts and tensions involving Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, Iran, and other parts of the world as examples of challenges he said the international system has struggled to resolve.

Iran featured prominently in the press engagement.

Secretary Marco Rubio said the Trump Administration’s central position remains that Iran must not acquire a nuclear weapon. He said Washington continues to communicate that position through direct and indirect diplomatic engagements involving mediators.

He added that President Donald J. Trump remained open to reaching an agreement with Iran, but warned that Washington would continue applying economic pressure if Tehran persisted with policies the United States considers threatening.

Secretary Marco Rubio also said the United States would continue protecting commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, accusing Iran of attacks on vessels in the area. He said US forces had been involved in defending shipping and removing mines as part of efforts to maintain maritime access.

Turning to Sudan, Secretary Marco Rubio described the humanitarian situation as catastrophic and expressed frustration over repeated failures to implement agreements intended to reduce the conflict.

He said the United States has personnel working continuously on Sudan and has engaged alongside the United Kingdom and other international partners in efforts to facilitate progress.

Secretary Marco Rubio argued that external actors supporting opposing sides were contributing significantly to the continuation of the war. He did not identify those countries or actors, saying he did not want to create additional diplomatic friction.

According to him, even when progress appears possible, one side or the other often withdraws from commitments because it believes it can gain a military advantage.

He said Washington would like to see a permanent peace settlement but stressed that an immediate priority is securing humanitarian access and creating safer areas where aid organisations can reach civilians affected by the conflict.

Secretary Marco Rubio also addressed the Russia-Ukraine war, saying Washington remains interested in exploring a limited ceasefire covering energy infrastructure and grain-related issues.

He said both Russia and Ukraine had expressed some interest in arrangements involving energy, although reaching such an agreement would be complicated because both sides consider energy infrastructure strategically important to their war efforts.

Secretary Marco Rubio argued that the broader Russia-Ukraine war would ultimately require a negotiated settlement rather than a purely military conclusion. He said the United States was prepared to play a constructive role in efforts that could establish the foundation for a wider agreement.

On Cuba, Secretary Marco Rubio strongly criticised the Cuban Government and said Washington wanted to see political and economic changes on the island.

He said the United States preferred progress through political and negotiated means rather than military force, while declining to speculate about possible future actions.

Secretary Marco Rubio also discussed the prospects for greater private-sector involvement in Cuba, explaining that existing US law, particularly the Helms-Burton Act, places substantial restrictions on American commercial activity there.

Venezuela was another major subject during the engagement.

Secretary Marco Rubio said the Trump Administration was supporting efforts aimed at economic stabilisation and a political transition that would eventually lead to elections in Venezuela.

He stressed the importance of rebuilding institutions, strengthening political parties, expanding space for independent media and creating an electoral process in which Venezuelans have confidence.

According to Secretary Marco Rubio, economic recovery and political reform must advance together if Venezuela is to establish sustainable democratic institutions and create conditions for millions of Venezuelans living abroad to return.

Relations between the United States and China also featured prominently.

Secretary Marco Rubio described engagement between Washington and Beijing as necessary because of the economic and military importance of both countries.

He acknowledged serious disagreements between the two powers, particularly over trade, supply chains, critical minerals and security, but maintained that communication at the highest political level remains important.

“The relationship between the United States and China will define the 21st century,” Secretary Marco Rubio said, arguing that refusing high-level engagement between the two countries would be irresponsible.

He also addressed Taiwan and US arms sales, explaining that decisions on military equipment must be balanced against America’s own defence requirements and commitments in other parts of the world.

Secretary Marco Rubio said Washington is simultaneously managing military responsibilities in the Indo-Pacific, Europe and other strategic regions, meaning decisions on foreign military sales must consider existing US stockpiles and the ability of American industries to replenish equipment.

On Gaza, Secretary Marco Rubio said reconstruction and long-term political stability remain important priorities. He said donor countries were expected to make financial commitments toward reconstruction initiatives and stressed that rebuilding Gaza would be a long-term undertaking.

He also addressed tensions in the West Bank, saying the Trump Administration does not want additional flashpoints that could generate another crisis in the region.

On Yemen and wider Middle East security, Secretary Marco Rubio reiterated US security commitments to Saudi Arabia and accused Iranian-backed groups of threatening civilian and energy infrastructure across the region.

The Secretary of State also discussed Washington’s emerging “Shield of the Americas” initiative, which he described as a framework for cooperation among countries in the Western Hemisphere on transnational organised crime, security, economic cooperation and supply chains.

According to Secretary Marco Rubio, participating countries have different domestic procedures for designating criminal organisations as terrorist groups, but Washington is encouraging governments to strengthen collective action against transnational organisations that threaten national sovereignty.

Throughout the extensive press engagement, Secretary Marco Rubio repeatedly returned to one central theme: the Trump Administration views national interest as the foundation of US foreign policy.

While acknowledging the usefulness of diplomacy, alliances and international institutions, he maintained that Washington would judge international engagement principally by whether it advances American security and strategic interests.

His remarks reflected the Trump Administration’s broader approach to international affairs as world leaders gathered in New York amid continuing conflicts in Sudan, Ukraine and the Middle East and growing tensions involving Iran and other global security challenges.

At UN General Assembly: President Trump Defends US Global Strategy and Pushes ‘America First’

September 24, 2026

By Amin Kef Sesay

United States President Donald J. Trump has used his address to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly to defend his administration’s foreign policy record and reaffirm an “America First” approach centred on national sovereignty, security, military strength and US economic interests.

President Donald J. Trump addressed the General Assembly on September 22, 2026, telling world leaders that the United States had become stronger under his leadership and arguing that Washington was taking decisive action on international security challenges. The White House followed the speech with a September 23 release highlighting what it described as major achievements of the administration.

During his address, President Donald J. Trump said his administration would continue confronting threats to the United States while resisting international arrangements that, in his view, undermine American sovereignty.

The President devoted significant attention to Iran, defending US military action and maintaining that his administration would not allow Tehran to acquire a nuclear weapon. His position on Iran and the wider conflict has remained controversial, with critics questioning the consequences of the military campaign while the administration argues that its actions were necessary to confront the Iranian nuclear threat.

The White House also used its September 23 statement to highlight changes in Washington’s relationship with the United Nations. It said the administration had reduced US expenditure connected to the UN system by more than $1 billion and ended what it characterised as open-ended commitments to some international programmes and peacekeeping activities.

The administration further highlighted President Donald J. Trump’s decision to withdraw the United States from dozens of international organisations and arrangements it said no longer served American interests.

Among them were the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Global Forum on Migration and Development, according to the White House statement. The administration has presented such withdrawals as part of its broader effort to place US sovereignty and domestic economic interests ahead of multilateral commitments.

The White House also defended its withdrawal from and withholding of funding for the United Nations Human Rights Council and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees. The administration has criticised both organisations, while supporters of continued US engagement with multilateral institutions have argued that withdrawal can reduce Washington’s ability to influence them.

President Donald J. Trump also used his UN appearance to emphasise security developments in the Arctic. His administration announced a strategic agreement involving the United States, Denmark and Greenland that would expand American security interests and military access in Greenland. Danish officials have stressed that the agreement remains subject to parliamentary approval and does not transfer Danish sovereignty over Greenland.

Another major element of the administration’s foreign policy message concerned the Western Hemisphere.

The White House said President Donald J. Trump’s policies had strengthened US influence across the region and intensified pressure on drug-trafficking organisations. It highlighted the designation of cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organisations and military operations against vessels suspected of trafficking fentanyl and other narcotics.

The administration also pointed to the establishment of what it calls the “Shield of the Americas,” describing the initiative as a major economic and national security alliance aimed at combating organised crime and strengthening cooperation among participating countries.

Venezuela featured prominently in the White House account of the President’s foreign policy record. The administration said the United States had strengthened its relationship with Venezuela’s current leadership following the capture of Nicolás Maduro and had secured substantial US interests in the country’s vast oil reserves.

President Donald J. Trump also highlighted his administration’s approach toward Cuba, Mexico and Panama. The White House said Washington was targeting what it described as Cuban government-linked networks operating in the United States and increasing pressure on Mexican cartels.

It also credited President Donald J. Trump with pressuring Panama to withdraw from China’s Belt and Road Initiative, presenting the development as part of Washington’s wider effort to limit Beijing’s strategic influence in the Western Hemisphere.

The President further promoted his administration’s Middle East record, with the White House saying he had helped end several conflicts and secured the release of remaining hostages in Gaza.

The United Nations Security Council has also backed elements of the Trump administration’s Gaza peace initiative, according to the White House, which said the initiative included a 20-point peace plan and the creation of a Board of Peace involving dozens of countries.

European security and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation were another focus of the administration’s account.

The White House said President Donald J. Trump had pushed NATO members toward significantly higher defence expenditure and secured major investments by allied countries in the US defence industry.

The administration argues that increased allied defence spending will strengthen NATO while reducing the disproportionate financial burden it says the United States has historically carried.

President Donald J. Trump also pointed to measures against the Houthis and branches of the Muslim Brotherhood, which his administration has designated as Foreign Terrorist Organisations in specified cases. The administration maintains that the measures give US authorities stronger tools to address threats to American citizens and national security.

Beyond military and diplomatic issues, the President presented industrial capacity as an important component of national security.

The White House said the administration was rebuilding the US defence industrial base, expanding domestic shipbuilding and encouraging critical manufacturing industries to relocate production to the United States. It attributed trillions of dollars in announced investments to its broader economic and industrial policies.

President Donald J. Trump’s address ultimately presented a vision of international relations based heavily on national sovereignty, military deterrence, economic leverage and selective engagement with international institutions.

The White House described the approach as evidence that the United States was again asserting its interests internationally and argued that the administration’s policies were protecting American jobs, strengthening national security and increasing US influence.

The speech, however, came against a backdrop of continuing debate in the United States and internationally over the consequences of President Donald J. Trump’s foreign policy, particularly the war with Iran, relations with traditional allies and Washington’s reduced participation in some multilateral institutions.

For President Donald J. Trump and his administration, the central message delivered at the United Nations was that US engagement abroad would continue to be judged primarily by whether it advances American security, sovereignty and economic interests.

SLYDCL Policy Brief Highlights Gaps in Sierra Leone’s 2008 Drug Legislation

September 23, 2026

Two men in business attire shake hands in an office as one passes a white document over the desk cluttered with a laptop and bags behind them.

Social Linkages for Youth Development and Child Link (SLYDCL) has renewed its call for a review of Sierra Leone’s drug laws through an appeal to the newly appointed Executive Director of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Prince Bull-Luceni.

The call was contained in a policy brief presented to Prince Bull-Luceni during a courtesy visit by the organisation to his office.

Prince Bull-Luceni was appointed on August 11, 2026, as part of the latest high-profile changes in Government announced in a press release issued by State House. Before his appointment, he served as Deputy Executive Director of the NDLEA.

The SLYDCL delegation, headed by its Executive Director, Habib T. Kamara, congratulated Prince Bull-Luceni on his appointment and expressed the organization’s commitment to continued collaboration with the Agency in addressing drug-related challenges across the country.

SLYDCL is a Civil Society Organisation focused on combating drug and substance abuse. It provides medical care, rehabilitation support and education to at-risk young people and children affected by drugs.

The organisation is also a major stakeholder in Sierra Leone’s fight against drug abuse, promoting evidence-based, human rights-centred and public-health approaches to drug prevention and control.

Prince Bull-Luceni assumes leadership of the country’s anti-drug Agency at a time when Sierra Leone is battling a serious drug and substance abuse crisis, which campaigners say requires significant reforms in the national response.

SLYDCL said its 15-page policy brief on the review of the National Drugs Control Act of 2008 highlights key areas requiring reform to ensure that Sierra Leone’s legal and policy framework responds effectively to the country’s changing drug situation.

The document focuses on the need to strengthen prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, harm reduction, recovery and the social reintegration of people affected by drug use. Reform of the law has remained a major demand of SLYDCL and other Civil Society Organisations working in the anti-drug sector.

Campaigners argue that the existing legislation has outlived its relevance and does not adequately distinguish between people who use drugs and those involved in the manufacture or trafficking of illegal substances.

A major concern is that the legislation places possession and personal use within the same criminal framework as broader drug offences. It provides for a prison sentence of not less than five years for the unlawful buying, selling, possession, control or use of drugs.

However, another provision of the same Act provides a basis for a more health-oriented response. Part IV calls for the treatment and rehabilitation of offenders through mechanisms such as treatment assessment panels, treatment orders and the suspension of penalties.

Campaigners say the apparent contradiction between the punitive and treatment-oriented provisions has hindered efforts to establish an effective and balanced drug-control system in Sierra Leone.

SLYDCL stressed that although the law remains an important foundation for controlling illicit drug trafficking and organized drug-related crimes, the changing nature of the crisis requires a review of the approaches contained in the current legislative framework.

“Sierra Leone’s drug situation has changed substantially since 2008. The country is now confronting increasingly diverse and unpredictable substances, including the synthetic-drug crisis associated with Kush, while also expanding efforts around treatment, rehabilitation, harm reduction, HIV prevention, overdose prevention and community-based services,” the executive summary of the policy brief stated.

ECONEC Engages ECSL on Electoral Reforms, Institutional Capacity Ahead of 2028

September 23, 2026

Chief Electoral Commissioner and Chairman of ECSL, Edmond Sylvester Alpha

The Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) has commenced engagements with a delegation from the ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC) as part of a five-day post-election follow-up and needs assessment mission in Freetown.

The mission, which runs from September 21 to 25, 2026, provides an opportunity for ECSL, ECOWAS and ECONEC to review Sierra Leone’s 2023 General Elections, assess progress made in strengthening electoral administration and identify institutional and technical priorities ahead of the 2028 Multi-tier Elections.

ECONEC brings together Election Management Bodies within the Economic Community of West African States and serves as a platform for regional cooperation, peer learning, professional development and the exchange of experiences and good practices in electoral administration.

Welcoming the ECOWAS and ECONEC delegation on Monday, September 21, 2026, the Chief Electoral Commissioner and Chairman of ECSL, Edmond Sylvester Alpha, said the engagement comes at an important stage in Sierra Leone’s electoral development.

Edmond Sylvester Alpha said the mission provides the Commission with an opportunity to reflect on its recent electoral experience, take stock of measures undertaken to strengthen electoral administration and examine the priorities and challenges that must be addressed ahead of the next electoral cycle.

He stated that ECSL attaches great importance to its relationship with ECOWAS and ECONEC, noting that regional cooperation, peer learning and the sharing of good practices among Election Management Bodies are essential to strengthening democratic governance and professional electoral administration across West Africa.

Reflecting on the 2023 General Elections, Edmond Sylvester Alpha described the polls as an important milestone in Sierra Leone’s democratic journey, marking the country’s fifth consecutive nationwide elections since the end of the civil war in 2002.

He recalled that the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission recognizes that the electoral process, in many respects, provides citizens with opportunities to exercise their democratic rights. However, the mission also identified challenges, particularly the highly polarized political environment and mistrust among several critical stakeholders.

According to Edmond Sylvester Alpha, the observations and recommendations of the ECOWAS mission remain important reference points for institutional learning and continuous improvement within ECSL.

He highlighted recommendations relating to stakeholder engagement, transparency in results management, the identification and training of polling personnel and improvements to the voting environment.

The Chief Electoral Commissioner stressed that public confidence in elections is not built only on Election Day, but progressively throughout the electoral cycle through transparent procedures, effective communication, stakeholder engagement, professional administration, credible information and accountability.

Edmond Sylvester Alpha also highlighted the Commission’s efforts to implement recommendations arising from the July 2024 Cross-Party Committee Agreement, particularly those intended to rebuild stakeholder trust, strengthen engagement and promote informed participation in the electoral process.

He said ECSL has continued to strengthen stakeholder engagement and electoral education to ensure that political parties, candidates, Civil Society Organisations, the media, traditional and religious leaders, security institutions and citizens are adequately informed about electoral laws, procedures and institutional responsibilities.

On institutional capacity, Edmond Sylvester Alpha said the Commission continues to invest in the professional development of its staff. He cited ECSL’s participation in an ECONEC-sponsored BRIDGE Train-the-Facilitator session held in Lagos, Nigeria, in 2024.

The Commission also benefited from a European Union-sponsored BRIDGE Modular Session on “Introduction to Electoral Administration,” implemented by International IDEA between March and April 2025. More than 45 ECSL staff members recruited since 2016 acquired structured technical knowledge of electoral administration through the programme.

Edmond Sylvester Alpha further disclosed that the Public Sector Reform Unit is conducting a functional review of ECSL’s management systems and processes. The review covers the Commission’s organizational structure, management systems, functional arrangements, institutional roles and responsibilities.

He expressed hope that the outcome of the review would help improve ECSL’s effectiveness and strengthen its capacity to discharge its constitutional and statutory responsibilities.

Turning to the 2028 Multi-tier Elections, Edmond Sylvester Alpha said the Commission recognizes the complexity involved in conducting multi-tier elections and the importance of beginning preparations early and implementing them in a carefully coordinated manner.

He explained that preparations would cover electoral boundary delimitation, voter registration and centre verification, candidate nominations, voter and civic education, campaign-period activities, recruitment and training of temporary personnel, polling and counting, results management, logistics, technology, electoral security, stakeholder engagement and post-election evaluation.

The Chief Electoral Commissioner also drew attention to the ongoing constitutional review process, saying ECSL is awaiting the completion of the parliamentary stage and the determination of any constitutional and electoral reforms that may emerge.

He noted that, depending on the outcome, the reforms could have implications for the Commission’s mandate, institutional arrangements, procedures and operations.

Edmond Sylvester Alpha further stated that modern electoral administration increasingly requires electoral institutions to understand and respond effectively to emerging technologies, digital information environments and new forms of operational risk.

He described ECOWAS and ECONEC as important platforms through which Election Management Bodies can learn from electoral experiences, innovations and challenges across the region.

Looking towards 2028, Edmond Sylvester Alpha said ECSL remains committed to learning from experience, strengthening its institutional systems and preparing systematically for the future.

He said the road to 2028 should not be regarded merely as preparation for another election, but as an opportunity to further strengthen professional electoral administration, stakeholder confidence, informed participation, institutional resilience, technological readiness and democratic governance.

Edmond Sylvester Alpha expressed appreciation to ECOWAS, ECONEC, the European Union, International IDEA and other regional and international partners for their continued technical cooperation and institutional support.

He concluded by expressing hope that the mission would produce frank, constructive and forward-looking discussions and further strengthen cooperation among ECSL, ECOWAS and ECONEC in support of credible, peaceful, inclusive and professionally administered elections in Sierra Leone and across West Africa.

At UNSTOPPABLE AFRICA 2026: President Bio Urges Africa to End Raw Mineral Exports and Expand Local Processing

September 23, 2026

Two panelists on stage in conversation at a conference, with a large UNSTOPPABLE AFRICA banner behind them and an audience in the foreground.

President Dr Julius Maada Bio has called for a fundamental shift in Africa’s management of its mineral resources, urging countries to process and transform their minerals on the continent instead of continuing to export them in raw form.

President Julius Maada Bio made the call during a fireside chat at UNSTOPPABLE AFRICA 2026 in New York, United States, on Sunday, September 20, 2026. He became the first African Head of State to participate in this year’s programme.

President Julius Maada Bio said Africa’s vast mineral wealth should serve as a foundation for industrialization, economic transformation and inclusive development. He stressed that expanding mineral processing and manufacturing within Africa would promote value addition, strengthen national economies and create meaningful employment opportunities, particularly for the continent’s growing youth population.

The President also called for increased investment in infrastructure across key sectors, noting that modern and reliable infrastructure is essential to unlocking Africa’s productive potential and supporting sustainable economic growth.

“Africa must move beyond the extraction and export of raw materials. We must process and transform our minerals on the continent while investing in the infrastructure needed to drive value addition, strengthen our economies and create meaningful jobs and opportunities for our young people,” President Julius Maada Bio stated.

Following the fireside chat, President Julius Maada Bio attended the high-level opening ceremony of UNSTOPPABLE AFRICA 2026, which brought together United Nations leaders, former African Presidents, prominent African business executives and representatives of leading financial institutions.

United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres and Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, addressed the opening ceremony, highlighting the importance of strong African leadership, effective global partnerships and bold investments in advancing the continent’s development.

UNSTOPPABLE AFRICA 2026 is being held under the theme: “Powering Business, Scaling Economies, Shaping the Future.” The event is organized by the United Nations Global Compact and jointly convened by the United Nations and the African Union.

SLCAA Holds Two-Day Safety Management and Occurrence Reporting Workshop

September 23, 2026

Group of adults seated in a tiered classroom, facing forward, with blue blinds and wooden desks.

The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) has held a two-day Safety Management and Occurrence Reporting Workshop aimed at strengthening aviation safety, improving risk management and promoting the timely reporting of safety-related occurrences.

The workshop brought together representatives from the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority, Sierra Leone Airports Authority, Sierra Leone Handling Partners, Freetown International Airport and Roberts Flight Information Region. Their participation reflects the importance of cooperation among regulators, airport operators, ground-handling companies and air-navigation service providers in maintaining a safe aviation system.

Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority, Musayeroh Barrie, said the engagement forms part of the institution’s commitment to strengthening proactive safety management, effective risk control and timely occurrence reporting across the aviation sector.

Musayeroh Barrie explained that the workshop provides an opportunity for participating institutions to deepen their understanding of aviation hazards, assess operational risks and strengthen the procedures used to report and address safety concerns.

According to Musayeroh Barrie, collaboration among the participating institutions is essential to building a stronger safety culture and ensuring safer skies in Sierra Leone.

Discussions during the workshop focused on hazard identification, risk assessment, incident prevention, safety-data collection and the proper documentation and analysis of operational occurrences. Participants also examined how improved information-sharing can help aviation institutions identify potential dangers and introduce corrective measures before they develop into serious incidents or accidents.

Occurrence reporting is an important component of aviation safety management because it enables regulators and service providers to collect information about incidents, operational irregularities and potentially unsafe conditions. The information gathered can be analyzed to identify recurring problems, emerging risks and areas requiring corrective action.

The workshop also promoted the principle of a “just culture,” which encourages aviation personnel to report genuine safety concerns without fear of unfair punishment, while maintaining accountability for deliberate misconduct or serious violations of established procedures.

An effective Safety Management System requires aviation institutions to establish clear responsibilities, develop safety policies, introduce risk-control measures and continuously monitor their safety performance. It also encourages organisations to move beyond reacting to accidents by identifying and managing risks before they cause harm.

The engagement supports Sierra Leone’s State Safety Programme, which provides a framework for regulating and managing aviation safety in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organization standards. Under the framework, the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority exercises regulatory oversight, while aviation service providers are expected to establish and maintain effective Safety Management Systems.

The participation of Roberts Flight Information Region was particularly important because aviation safety requires coordination beyond individual airports and national institutions. Effective cooperation in airspace management, occurrence reporting and the exchange of safety information can help reduce risks across interconnected aviation operations.

By bringing the institutions together, the two-day workshop strengthened shared responsibility, institutional coordination and risk-based decision-making within Sierra Leone’s aviation industry.

The initiative demonstrates the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority’s continued commitment to protecting passengers, aviation personnel and the wider public while promoting safer airport operations and more secure skies across the country.

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