India–Africa Cooperation Key to Harnessing Critical Minerals for a Sustainable Future

September 8, 2025

By Kanchi Batra – 29 August, 2025

At the 20th CII India–Africa Business Conclave, Shri Sevala Naik Mude, Additional Secretary (C&WA), Ministry of External Affairs, underscored the pivotal role of India–Africa collaboration in shaping a sustainable future through the harnessing of critical minerals. Speaking at a session on Harnessing Critical Minerals for a Sustainable Future, he highlighted how the partnership between the two regions has matured over the past two decades, creating opportunities that go far beyond trade.

“Over the years, India–Africa relations have achieved several milestones,” Shri Sevala Naik Mude observed. “Our trade, which stood at about 30–35 billion dollars in 2010–11, has now crossed the 100-billion-dollar mark; a remarkable achievement that reflects the efforts and enterprise of business communities on both sides.”

He further pointed out that India is today the fifth-largest investor in Africa, with investments exceeding $ 80 billion. These, he said, are not limited to mining alone but extend into manufacturing, value addition and services. “Indian businesses have gone beyond exploration to establish industries that generate local employment and contribute to sustainable growth,” he noted, citing Nigeria, Mozambique, Morocco, Tunisia and South Africa as key investment destinations.

Recognizing Africa’s rich reserves of critical minerals essential for the global clean energy transition, Shri Sevala Naik Mude emphasized that these resources “belong first and foremost to Africa.” India’s approach, he stressed, is collaborative rather than extractive. “Harnessing Africa’s critical minerals must directly benefit Africa by creating value locally, building industries, generating employment and strengthening socioeconomic development across the continent.”

Shri Sevala Naik Mude outlined that the real opportunity lies in joint exploration, joint production and value addition within Africa itself. “Simply extracting and exporting minerals is not enough; it does not guarantee long-term growth or sustainable development. What we must pursue together is a model of partnership where Africa’s mineral wealth is transformed into industrial strength, ensuring inclusive prosperity,” he said.

India has already taken concrete steps to support this vision, extending preferential access for African exports, processed and unprocessed, through the Duty-Free Tariff Preference Scheme. But beyond trade, Shri Sevala Naik Mude called for a greater focus on joint ventures, local processing facilities and manufacturing partnerships that can generate greater long-term value.

A crucial pillar of this partnership, he underlined, is human capital development. “Investment alone is not sufficient; we must also invest in human capital,” he stated. India, he said, has consistently shared expertise with Africa through training, capacity building and technical cooperation. “Mining is one of the sectors where skill development is essential. India is committed to expanding its training modules, enhancing knowledge transfer and sharing technology to ensure that Africa’s youth are equipped to lead this transformation.”

Concluding his remarks, Shri Sevala Naik Mude called for India and Africa to move forward together with a shared vision. “By sharing best practices, aligning policies, building industries and developing skills, we can harness Africa’s critical minerals not just for economic gains but for building a sustainable and inclusive future.”

Coming into Effect on September 16, 2025… Attorney General Unveils New Criminal Procedure Act, Ending Six Decades of Legal Delays

September 5, 2025

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay Esq., has announced that the new Criminal Procedure Act (CPA) 2024 will officially come into effect on September 16, 2025. The Act, which repeals and replaces the Criminal Procedure Act of 1965 represents one of the most sweeping reforms to Sierra Leone’s justice system in over half a century.

Alpha Sesay Esq. made the announcement on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, noting that comprehensive training programs are already underway across the justice sector to prepare stakeholders for its implementation. Police investigators, often the first point of contact in criminal cases, have been prioritized in the initial phase of capacity-building workshops.

“With this new Act, we are making our justice system more efficient, transparent and accountable; one that does not criminalize poverty and status,” the Attorney General declared. He stressed that the reforms are designed to modernize criminal procedure in ways that better protect the rights of both victims and the accused.

At the heart of the reforms is a transition from the outdated two-stage process of Preliminary Investigations (PI) to a streamlined system of committal proceedings. Under the new model, Magistrates will have 28 days to determine whether or not to commit a case for trial. This is expected to drastically reduce delays that have long clogged Sierra Leone’s courts.

The Act also gives courts the discretion to consider alternative sentences over custodial ones for certain categories of offences. By doing so, it addresses chronic overcrowding in the country’s correctional facilities while aligning sentencing practices with modern approaches to rehabilitation.

Perhaps most significantly, the CPA 2024 introduces statutory limits on the duration of investigations, prosecutions and trials. These limits seek to end the culture of indefinite pre-trial detention, a problem that has undermined public trust in the justice system for decades.

The new Act also prioritizes the protection of victims and vulnerable witnesses. Section 10 places strong emphasis on medical examinations in cases involving assault, robbery, grievous bodily harm, wounding and sexual offences such as rape and child penetration.

All victims of assault cases must now be examined by a qualified medical practitioner, with such examinations authorized by senior police officers not below the rank of Assistant Superintendent. This provision ensures that investigations are backed by scientific evidence, strengthening the credibility of prosecutions.

Medical evidence will be used to establish the “but-for” principle of causation; meaning that the prosecution must prove an injury would not have occurred but for the defendant’s actions. This principle will be supported through detailed medical reports, X-rays, DNA profiles, photographic evidence and forensic samples such as blood, hair and nails.

By making medical examinations mandatory in serious assault cases, the Act provides prosecutors with a firmer basis to rebut defense claims and ensures victims’ experiences are properly documented. The law also stresses the importance of chain-of-custody protocols to guarantee the admissibility of forensic evidence in court.

The reforms come in response to the widely acknowledged deficiencies of the 1965 Criminal Procedure Act. That law granted courts excessive discretion over bail, allowing Judges and Magistrates to deny release even in minor cases. Section 79(3) of the old Act stated that bail could be refused if the court saw “good reason to the contrary,” which often resulted in arbitrary detention.

The new law changes this by expanding bail eligibility and treating it as a right in most cases. This reform is particularly important in addressing prison overcrowding, where remand detainees often make up the majority of inmates.

Another outdated provision was Section 108, which required witnesses and evidence to be presented twice in Preliminary Investigations. This duplication caused unnecessary delays and prolonged the time cases took to reach trial. By abolishing PIs, the new law clears a major bottleneck in the justice system.

The CPA 2024 also removes the requirement for jury trials in capital cases such as murder and treason, previously mandated under Section 143 of the old Act. With the death penalty abolished in 2022, the provision had become increasingly irrelevant to Sierra Leone’s justice realities.

The Act introduces stronger protections for suspects and accused persons, including the right of indigent defendants to state-funded legal representation under the Legal Aid Act of 2012. This provision ensures that constitutional guarantees of fair trial rights are not limited to those who can afford private lawyers.

In addition, the Act explicitly prohibits arbitrary arrest and detention, echoing both the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone and international treaties such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Adopted by the United Nations in 1966, the ICCPR remains one of the most important human rights instruments worldwide.

The reforms also embrace modern technology, providing a framework for the admission of electronic evidence, remote hearings and digital case management. These innovations are expected to increase transparency, cut down on unnecessary delays and allow Sierra Leone’s courts to keep pace with global standards.

One of the most immediate benefits of the new Act will be seen in Sierra Leone’s overburdened correctional facilities. With clearer bail guidelines and faster trial timelines, pre-trial detention rates are expected to drop significantly. This will reduce the cost burden on the state while improving conditions in prisons.

For victims of crime, the law guarantees rights to information, participation, and protection from intimidation; particularly vital in cases of sexual and gender-based violence. Such protections are essential for encouraging victims to report offences and follow through with legal proceedings.

Legal analysts argue that these reforms will also enhance public trust in the justice system. When citizens believe courts operate fairly and transparently, they are more likely to seek redress through legal channels rather than informal or extra-legal means.

Beyond its domestic impact, the CPA 2024 carries significant international implications. Investors and international partners often view a functional justice system as a critical indicator of rule of law and good governance.

During Sierra Leone’s engagement at the United Nations in 2023 on the establishment of a Multilateral Investment Court, legal experts highlighted that justice reforms are key to attracting foreign direct investment. The new Act therefore signals to the international community that Sierra Leone is committed to modernizing its institutions and protecting human rights.

By aligning its criminal procedures with international human rights instruments, the country also strengthens its standing within the African Union, ECOWAS, and the United Nations Human Rights Council.

Chief Justice Komba Kamanda, a consistent advocate for judicial reforms, has emphasized the importance of speeding up justice delivery in Sierra Leone. The CPA 2024, with its emphasis on efficiency, fairness and victim protection, represents a concrete step in realizing that vision.

Observers note that while the Act alone will not solve all the challenges facing the justice sector, it provides a strong legislative foundation for change. Effective training, enforcement and public awareness will be essential to realizing its full potential.

Attorney General, Alpha Sesay acknowledged this reality, noting: “This is a work in progress.” Nonetheless, his office is confident that the Act’s implementation will mark a turning point in the evolution of Sierra Leone’s criminal justice system.

As the country prepares for the Act’s enforcement on September 16, 2025, citizens, legal practitioners and international partners alike will be watching closely to see whether these reforms translate into a justice system that is modern, equitable and firmly anchored in human rights.

Back at the Top Table: President Bio’s Leadership in Global Spotlight as He Restores Trust in ECOWAS

September 5, 2025

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Sierra Leone’s President, Dr. Julius Maada Bio, has once again found himself at the center of regional and international politics. On June 22, 2025, he was unanimously elected as Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a position that comes at a critical time for the region. His appointment underscores both his stature as a leader and the trust regional peers place in his ability to balance diplomacy with decisiveness.

According to The Africa Report Series, Patrick Smith, Editor of Africa Confidential, makes a compelling case on the progress achieved under the leadership of President Dr. Julius Maada Bio.

Patrick Smith, outlining the significance of his leadership. Smith noted that President Bio embodies “a rare blend of soldier and statesman,” recalling his role in ushering Sierra Leone into multiparty democracy in 1996. He emphasized that Bio’s current mandate as ECOWAS Chair places him at the center of regional decision-making at a time when West Africa is confronting some of its most difficult political, security, and economic challenges in recent history.

There is a striking symmetry in Bio’s political journey. Nearly 30 years ago, as a young military leader, he seized power in Sierra Leone but soon after supervised the country’s transition to civilian rule by handing over to President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah in 1996. That act of relinquishing power, almost unique in West Africa at the time, earned him credibility as a reform-minded soldier who put country before personal ambition.

Today, that legacy lends weight to his new role. ECOWAS is grappling with existential challenges: Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—all under military rule—have quit the bloc’s political structures and suspended security cooperation. At the same time, violent extremist groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State continue to destabilize the Sahel, posing threats to neighboring states.

“Bio’s dual identity as a former soldier and a democratic reformer may prove vital,” Smith explains. “He has the military background to engage frankly with junta leaders, and the democratic credentials to reassure civilian governments.”

Bio inherits a fractured regional organization. ECOWAS, long regarded as a stabilizing force, has been weakened by successive coups and waning public confidence. Yet analysts believe Bio’s chairmanship could help bridge the widening divide.

“The credibility of ECOWAS depends on its ability to maintain dialogue while upholding democratic values,” Smith notes. “If Bio can encourage cooperation between civilian leaders and military juntas, the bloc’s authority in regional security will be restored.”

His task will not be easy. As Ghana’s former President John Dramani Mahama recently argued, any attempt to pressure juntas too aggressively could backfire, pushing them further into isolation. Bio’s challenge will be to foster coordination among West African militaries while convincing regimes to return to democratic pathways.

At home, President Bio’s focus is firmly on strengthening Sierra Leone’s economy. Agriculture lies at the heart of his development strategy. With more than 60 percent of Sierra Leoneans relying on farming, the government is investing in mechanization, irrigation, and value chains to boost productivity.

“The Bio government is targeting farming as a means to drive growth and jobs,” Patrick Smith explains. “The success of these initiatives will be measured not just in output, but in their ability to lift households out of poverty.”

Mining, traditionally the backbone of Sierra Leone’s economy, remains critical. The country’s rich deposits of diamonds, rutile, iron ore, and bauxite attract investors, yet Bio is pushing for a shift away from raw exports toward local processing and value addition. This approach, while ambitious, is seen as essential for broad-based development.

Sierra Leone’s economic reforms are being shaped by a $250 million three-year program with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), designed to support the government’s 2024–2030 National Development Plan. The program emphasizes fiscal discipline, deficit reduction, and subsidy cuts.

While these measures have stabilized public finances, they have also imposed hardship. The leone has depreciated sharply, from Le14,048 per US dollar in 2022 to a projected Le25,989 in 2025. Inflation remains stubbornly high—nearly 13 percent—driven by dependency on food and fuel imports. Foreign reserves cover less than two months of imports, leaving the economy vulnerable to external shocks.

“The IMF program is designed to restore macroeconomic stability,” Smith observes. “But it constrains the government’s ability to respond to public demands for relief, especially as citizens face rising prices and falling real incomes.”

Despite fiscal pressures, Bio has kept education at the center of his domestic agenda. His flagship Free Quality School Education programme, launched in 2018, has become a cornerstone of national policy. Today, over 3.5 million children—more than 75 percent of school-age population—are enrolled, up by one million since the program began. More than 12,000 teachers have been recruited, and education’s share of the national budget doubled to 21 percent in 2019.

“The success of the education programme will be judged by its practical relevance,” Smith notes. “If the system produces skilled graduates who find jobs in agriculture, mining, or new industries, then Bio’s reforms will be truly transformative.”

Healthcare is another priority. The government is commissioning hospitals in Jembe, Port Loko, and Kono, as well as a new pediatric center in Freetown. Electricity access has improved, rising from 16 percent in 2018 to 31 percent today, though frequent outages and financial losses at the state utility remain obstacles.

“These are the building blocks of inclusive development,” Smith stresses. “Improving health, power, and education may not grab international headlines, but they are essential for long-term prosperity.”

Beyond domestic reforms, Sierra Leone has steadily raised its international profile. The country currently holds a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, where it advocates for Africa’s voice in global governance. Diplomats such as Lansana Gberie have championed reforms of the IMF and World Bank to reflect the interests of developing nations.

“On the global stage, Sierra Leone now punches above its weight,” Smith observes. “Its principled positions on democracy and economic reform have won it respect far beyond its size.”

President Bio’s dual role—as Sierra Leone’s head of state and ECOWAS chair—will define the next phase of his presidency. At home, he must deliver jobs, food security, and educational opportunities. Abroad, he must repair ECOWAS’s fractured credibility while defending democracy in a region buffeted by coups and extremism.

Smith concludes: “In 1996, Bio facilitated Sierra Leone’s transition to democracy. In 2025, as ECOWAS chair, he is once again called upon to defend democracy—this time across an entire region.”

The symmetry of Bio’s career is striking: from soldier to reformer, from coup-maker to elected president, and now from national leader to regional statesman. His trajectory mirrors both Sierra Leone’s turbulent past and its aspirations for stability.

“The next three years will be decisive,” Smith warns. “President Bio’s legacy will be judged not only on whether he can deliver prosperity at home, but also on whether he can restore ECOWAS’s role as a credible force for peace and democracy in West Africa.”

Acting Director Emmanuel Turay Calls for Regional Action on Information Integrity

September 5, 2025

The Regional Conference on Information Integrity in West Africa and the Sahel has officially opened in Praia, Cabo Verde, bringing together over 150 delegates, including Government representatives, civil society actors, policymakers and international partners. The three-day event, running from September 3 to 5, 2025, seeks to address the growing threats posed by disinformation, hate speech and information manipulation across the region.

The opening ceremony, held at the National Assembly Hall, featured high-level keynote addresses. Among the dignitaries were Dr. Lourenço Lopes, Assistant Secretary of State to the Prime Minister of Cabo Verde; Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services of The Gambia; Sylvie Coudray, Director of UNESCO’s Division for Freedom of Expression, Media Development and Media and Information Literacy; Hon. Daniel O. Sando, Deputy Minister for Press and Public Affairs of Liberia; Patricia Portela de Souza, Resident Coordinator of the United Nations System in Cabo Verde; and Hon. Ourveena Geereesha Topsy-Sonoo, Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa.

Representing Sierra Leone, Emmanuel Abubakar Benoni Turay, Acting Director of Government Information Services at the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, delivered a keynote contribution under the theme: “Nurturing Societal Trust and Safeguarding Information Integrity During Conflict, Crisis and Elections – Challenges and Strategic Responses in West Africa and the Sahel.”

Speaking ahead of his address, Emmanuel Turay emphasized Sierra Leone’s commitment to regional cooperation. “This conference is not only a platform for dialogue it is a call to action. Sierra Leone stands ready to work with regional partners to safeguard the integrity of our information ecosystems and uphold the democratic values that bind our nations together,” he stated.

Also forming part of Sierra Leone’s delegation is Dr. Ibrahim Sega Shaw, Chairman of the Right to Access Information Commission, reflecting the country’s dedication to transparency and democratic governance.

The first day of the conference featured expert panel discussions examining emerging technologies and their role in disinformation, structural threats to information integrity and the importance of media literacy in building democratic resilience. Breakout sessions explored practical approaches, including proactive data disclosure, regulatory innovations and strategies to mitigate the social impacts of false narratives.

Central to the deliberations is the development of a harmonized regional framework on information integrity, one that promotes human rights, transparency and equal access to information of public interest.

The Ministry of Information and Civic Education has commended the Government of Cabo Verde, UNESCO, ECOWAS and other partners for convening what it described as a landmark gathering. Sierra Leone has pledged to contribute meaningfully to the validation of the Praia Action Plan and the adoption of the Model Policy for Information Integrity in West Africa and the Sahel.

The conference is widely regarded as a turning point in strengthening regional cooperation on countering disinformation and ensuring that information ecosystems in West Africa and the Sahel remain resilient, credible, and supportive of democratic governance.

Patriotic Advocacy Network Kicks Off 2025 Leadership & Public Speaking Masterclass

September 5, 2025

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The Patriotic Advocacy Network (PAN) has commenced its 2025 edition of the Leadership and Public Speaking Masterclass (LPMC) on September 1, 2025 at the Residual Special Court in Freetown, bringing together young leaders, professionals and advocates for a week of intensive training.

In his opening remarks, Convener and Chief Patriot, Ansumana Keita Esq., welcomed participants and facilitators, highlighting PAN’s 12-year track record of advocacy and impact both in Sierra Leone and abroad. He emphasized that the country continues to grapple with challenges of leadership and communication, making the program a timely intervention.

The sessions opened with Alpha Amadu Bah Esq., who addressed the “Foundation of Effective Leadership.” He reminded participants that leadership is not about position but about “influence for the common good,” stressing the pillars of integrity, vision, communication and awareness.

Pharm. Buya Nabie Bangura followed with a lecture on “Strategic Thinking and Visionary Leadership,” underscoring the importance of planning, inspiration and adaptability in the face of change. He classified leadership into task-smart, mission-oriented and people-smart, encouraging participants to treat challenges as opportunities.

On “The Fundamentals of Public Speaking,” Abubakarr Fomba Swaray Esq. drew lessons from the iconic speeches of Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela, coining the “Lutherdela Effect.” He stressed clarity, audience awareness, rhetorical principles and body language as vital tools for powerful communication.

Lecturer, Sheku Putka Kamara , addressed decision-making and problem-solving, urging participants to embrace digital tools and reject one-size-fits-all approaches. “Problems will always exist, but they are solvable,” he assured.

Delivering the keynote, Hamid Marrah spoke on the theme “The Power of Purpose: Authentic Leadership and Financial Education for Youth.” He encouraged participants to replace FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) with JOMO (Joy of Missing Out) while outlining John C. Maxwell’s leadership principles: purpose, focus, knowledge, networking, responsibility and action.

The final session, led by Edward “Dictionary” Caulker, focused on interactive speaking techniques. He emphasized that audience engagement goes beyond entertainment to foster involvement, curiosity and connection. Using games and teasers, he highlighted attention, interaction, emotion, relevance and connection as the five pillars of effective engagement.

The opening day concluded with enthusiastic feedback from participants, who praised the blend of theory, practice and inspiration. PAN’s Leadership and Public Speaking Masterclass is expected to continue throughout the week, equipping participants with skills essential for transformational leadership in Sierra Leone and beyond.

ACC Deputy Commissioner Showcases Sierra Leone’s Progress on Asset Recovery in Vienna

September 5, 2025

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Sierra Leone has restated its strong commitment to international anti-corruption efforts during the Second Resumed Sixteenth Session of the Implementation Review Group Meeting on the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), held in Vienna, Austria, from September 1–5, 2025.

Delivering Sierra Leone’s statement, Deputy Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Augustine Foday Ngobie, updated delegates on the country’s progress in implementing Chapters IV and V of the Convention, which focus on international cooperation and asset recovery.

Augustine Foday Ngobie underscored Sierra Leone’s determination to fully implement the UNCAC, noting that the provisions have been domesticated into national law. The Anti-Corruption Act of 2008, amended in 2019, integrates the requirements of international cooperation and asset recovery into Sections 103 to 118 and Section 89.

“These amendments reflect our firm commitment to ensuring that the true spirit of the Convention is comprehensively operationalized,” he told the gathering.

He further highlighted the 2019 amendment that allows for trials in absentia of corruption suspects who flee abroad. While this provision does not fully eliminate the challenges of extradition, it helps mitigate them. Augustine Foday Ngobie urged the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to work with countries whose laws hinder extradition to enable repatriation of fugitives.

Sierra Leone’s role in global anti-corruption cooperation was a central theme in the Deputy Commissioner’s address. He noted the country’s active participation in peer review processes under the UNCAC, where Sierra Leone has both been reviewed and served as a reviewer for other states.

In April 2025, Sierra Leone joined other African countries in signing the African Asset Recovery Practitioners (AARP) Forum Charter in Nairobi. The Charter, aligned with the Common African Position on Asset Recovery (CAPAR), provides a framework to strengthen asset recovery and management across the continent.

The Deputy Commissioner also emphasized Sierra Leone’s participation in the West Africa Police Information System (WAPIS), an INTERPOL initiative to enhance information sharing and coordination among security and justice institutions.

Through its Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA), Sierra Leone has developed strong partnerships with the US and UK Treasuries, the World Bank, GIABA, OCWAR-M and SecFIN Africa.

Highlighting milestones, Augustine Foday Ngobie pointed to Sierra Leone’s successful hosting of the GIABA Plenary in November 2024, a recognition of the country’s leadership in fighting money laundering and terrorist financing. He also announced Sierra Leone’s admission in July 2025 as a full member of the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units, granting access to secure information exchange with over 170 countries.

Additionally, Sierra Leone has engaged in peer learning and technical support to other countries. It has provided guidance to The Gambia on grievance redress mechanisms, Uganda on asset declaration regimes and Cameroon on non-conviction asset recovery. Sierra Leone also collaborated with Gambian authorities and INTERPOL to arrest and repatriate corruption fugitive, Elizabeth King.

On asset recovery, the Deputy Commissioner detailed Sierra Leone’s significant progress. Since 2018, the ACC has recovered stolen assets including houses, vehicles, electronics and over 75 million old Leones (about $3.2 million). Some of these recoveries were returned to affected institutions such as the Freetown City Council, the University of Sierra Leone and the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority.

Between 2024 and 2025 alone, Sierra Leone recovered over NLe 40.1 million (approximately $1.7 million). Notably, in November 2024, the ACC entered into a settlement agreement that yielded NLe 34.8 million ($1.5 million) in a single instance.

Augustine Foday Ngobie stressed that Sierra Leone balances prosecution and recovery in its anti-corruption fight. With support from the UK Pro Bono Network, the ACC developed a Non-Prosecution Policy to guide decisions on whether to pursue recovery or prosecution in specific cases.

Despite Sierra Leone’s advances, the Deputy Commissioner cautioned that international cooperation remains limited in productivity. He called for stronger collaboration among states to ensure that corruption offenders cannot use foreign jurisdictions as safe havens.

“Concrete efforts must be made by state parties not only to help uncover but also to return stolen assets hidden offshore,” he urged.

Closing his statement, Augustine Foday Ngobie emphasized the need for a united global front against corruption.

“Corruption remains the tall order in our societies, irrespective of the forms it takes,” he said. “We must be deliberate to unite against it, collaborate and cooperate to ensure that our countries no longer serve as safe havens for looted wealth but rather hold the corrupt accountable.”

The Deputy Commissioner’s remarks reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s growing role as a leader in the regional and global fight against corruption, positioning the country as a strong advocate for transparency, accountability and justice.

IGP Fayia Sellu Positions Sierra Leone at Forefront of INTERPOL Security Dialogue in Cape Town

September 5, 2025

The 27th African Regional Conference of the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) has on August 30, 2025 officially concluded in Cape Town after three days of intense deliberations centered on advancing cooperation in the fight against transnational organized crime.

The Sierra Leone delegation was led by Inspector General of Police (IGP), William Fayia Sellu, who also chairs the West Africa Police Chiefs Committee (WAPCCO).

Held under the theme “Leveraging Cooperation, Innovation and Partnerships to Fight Transnational Organized Crime,” the conference brought together police chiefs and senior representatives from 40 African nations and 16 partner countries, alongside INTERPOL’s global leadership. The gathering was formally opened by South Africa’s Acting Minister of Police, Professor Firoz Cachalia and attended by INTERPOL President, Major General Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi of the United Arab Emirates and Secretary General, Valdecy Urquiza, of Brazil.

Delegates engaged in wide-ranging discussions addressing pressing security threats, including money laundering, drug trafficking, human trafficking, terrorism, environmental crimes and cybercrime. The forum provided a platform for member states to explore new strategies, strengthen operational frameworks and reinforce collective resilience against criminal networks that transcend borders.

In his remarks, IGP William Fayia Sellu emphasized Sierra Leone and West Africa’s pivotal role within INTERPOL’s global security framework. He outlined five strategic goals guiding the region’s fight against organized crime and highlighted progress made through the enactment of national cybercrime legislation in Sierra Leone, Ghana and Nigeria under the ECOWAS framework.

However, William Fayia Sellu cautioned that laws alone are insufficient. “Continuous capacity building, resource sharing and joint enforcement remain essential in safeguarding our region from evolving digital threats,” he stated.

Addressing the vulnerabilities posed by borderless cybercrime, IGP William Fayia Sellu pointed to persistent challenges such as limited infrastructure, insufficient skilled personnel and weak enforcement mechanisms. “Cyber threats do not recognize borders. Our response must therefore be strategic, inclusive and collaborative. With sustained political will, regional solidarity and global cooperation, we can build a resilient and secure digital future for all,” he underscored.

The Cape Town conference also served as a platform for African nations to present candidatures for key leadership roles within INTERPOL, including the position of INTERPOL Delegate for Africa and seats on the INTERPOL African Committee. These will be decided at the upcoming INTERPOL General Assembly in Morocco.

The conference concluded with the adoption of a set of recommendations aimed at bolstering international collaboration, enhancing capacity-building programmes and advancing joint enforcement efforts. The outcomes underscored the determination of African police chiefs and their global partners to work together in dismantling organized criminal networks and securing the continent against future threats.

The 27th INTERPOL African Regional Conference reaffirmed that collective action, backed by innovation and partnerships, remains the strongest weapon in the continent’s fight against transnational crime.

SLURC Leads Community-Driven Efforts to Build Climate Resilience in Freetown

September 5, 2025

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

As climate change intensifies across West Africa, Sierra Leone’s capital, Freetown, remains one of the most vulnerable cities, with mudslides, flooding and coastal erosion posing increasing threats. A recent vulnerability mapping exercise led by the Sierra Leone Urban Research Centre (SLURC) in Moyiba has underscored the dangers, with residents citing deforestation and stone mining as major drivers of deadly mudslides.

“In my earliest days in the community you hardly heard of mudslides. Deforestation is our biggest threat,” a Moyiba co-researcher explained. Another noted, “There is no coping mechanism in our community. Some residents have moved because their lands are gone.”

These voices reflect a wider problem: informal settlements, often hit hardest by climate disasters, are too frequently left out of planning and policy conversations.

SLURC is responding through the Urban TRACS (Transformative Research for Adaptation to Climate Change in Informal Settlements) project, which puts community participation at the heart of climate action. The initiative employs Participatory Action Research (PAR), ensuring lived experiences directly inform solutions; co-creation, where residents help shape context-specific adaptation strategies and inclusive governance, which empowers vulnerable communities to influence decision-making.

Urban TRACS is supported under the CLARE Programme, a flagship initiative largely funded by UK Aid and co-financed by Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC). CLARE promotes Southern-led climate adaptation research, bridging the gap between science and local action.

Reflecting on Sierra Leone’s climate vulnerability eight years after the devastating August 14, 2017 mudslide, SLURC Executive Director, Dr. Joseph Macarthy, called for a multi-sectoral approach to urban planning. He stressed that collective action is needed to reduce risks in Freetown’s informal settlements, where rapid urbanization continues to worsen flooding, landslides and heatwaves.

“Stakeholders must understand climate change as a shared challenge requiring collaborative solutions,” Dr. Joseph Macarthy urged.

Communities such as Moyiba, Cockle Bay and Colbot remain on the frontlines of climate risks with climate change already affecting their health, livelihoods and safety.

SLURC is using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to strengthen resilience in informal settlements like Pamoronko and Thompson Bay. By mapping community boundaries, hazards such as flood-prone areas and unsafe boulders and existing adaptation measures, SLURC is generating vital data for disaster prevention.

Community members are trained as GIS data collectors, ensuring the maps reflect lived experiences and equipping residents with new skills. “By blending technology with local knowledge, GIS becomes a bridge between research and community action,” a SLURC research officer explained.

In coastal areas, unregulated sand mining is accelerating erosion and destroying ecosystems. Communities in Lakka, Hamilton, John Obey and Bureh are losing their coastlines, threatening fishing, tourism and local livelihoods.

SLURC and partners recommend stricter enforcement of environmental laws, promotion of alternative income sources such as fishing and small-scale tourism, greater investment in local businesses and stronger community leadership in decision-making.

From Moyiba’s hills to Sierra Leone’s vanishing coastlines, SLURC’s work demonstrates that resilience must be built from the ground up. By amplifying local voices, documenting adaptation strategies, and linking science with community realities, the organization is helping build a safer, healthier and more resilient Freetown.

Climate change is not a distant threat; it is already shaping daily life in Sierra Leone’s informal settlements. The solutions, experts say, must begin with the people most affected.

Africell Sponsors Sierra Leone’s U16 Basketball Team for FIBA AfroBasket 2025

September 5, 2025

Africell Sierra Leone has reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment and national development by sponsoring the country’s U16 basketball team ahead of their participation in the prestigious FIBA U16 AfroBasket 2025 Tournament in Kigali, Rwanda.

The continental competition, scheduled from September 2nd to 14th, 2025, will feature twelve teams battling for supremacy, with the two finalists securing qualification to the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup 2026 in Türkiye.

President of the Sierra Leone Basketball Federation, Ali Hijazi, hailed Africell’s intervention, noting that the company matched funds raised during a nationwide campaign to guarantee the team’s participation.
“From the very beginning, Africell has been a reliable partner, providing equipment, financial resources, and now ensuring these young athletes have the chance to showcase their talent on the continental stage. Their support is inspiring not just for the players but for Sierra Leone as a whole,” Ali Hijazi emphasized.

Africell’s Media Relations Manager, Abdul Karim Sesay, underscored the company’s broader vision for sports development under its corporate social responsibility initiatives.

“Supporting sports is not only about competition. It is about motivation, patriotism, and hope. For these boys, basketball represents an opportunity to dream bigger and build a future,” Abdul Karim Sesay said.

The U16 team enters the tournament with confidence, having recently clinched gold at the qualifiers in Guinea. Their success has fueled national pride, with fans eager to see the green, white and blue fly high once again on the continental stage.

Africell’s partnership with the Sierra Leone Basketball Federation demonstrates how strategic corporate investment can nurture young talent, strengthen communities and lay the foundation for sustainable sports growth in the country.

NP (SL) Strengthens Petroleum Leadership with Regional Expansion and CSR Initiatives

September 5, 2025

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In Sierra Leone’s corporate landscape, few names inspire as much confidence as the NP Sierra Leone Limited, NP (SL). Emerging from modest beginnings decades ago, the company has transformed into a regional powerhouse that blends modern innovation with deep local roots. More than a petroleum marketing company, NP (SL) has become a symbol of how indigenous enterprises can lead national development while competing on the wider West African stage.

At the heart of NP (SL)’s success is its ability to adapt to shifting market realities while never losing sight of its mission. The company maintains dominance in Sierra Leone’s petroleum market, but its ambitions stretch far beyond national borders. Today, NP (SL) operates across Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia, exporting not just fuel but also a reputation for safety, reliability and homegrown excellence.

Unlike foreign-owned oil marketers, NP (SL) has invested heavily in innovations tailored to local realities. Its Energy Pass Card, which allows motorists to purchase fuel cashlessly with instant transaction records has redefined customer convenience while promoting financial discipline.

Similarly, NP Gas has gained popularity in homes as a cleaner and safer cooking option compared to traditional charcoal or firewood. These innovations demonstrate NP (SL)’s forward-looking approach to energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.

Operating in an industry prone to risks, NP (SL) has consistently placed safety at the center of its operations. Its facilities meet and often surpass national safety standards and the company has equipped the National Fire Force with boreholes and standby generators; evidence that its concern for safety extends beyond its business to the wider society.

The company’s growth has never come at the expense of local empowerment. NP (SL) employs Sierra Leoneans at all levels of management and operations, ensuring skills development and career opportunities for citizens. Its procurement policy favors domestic suppliers and its Filling Station attendants are trained to provide service with professionalism and courtesy, reinforcing a culture where the customer always comes first.

Equally notable is NP (SL)’s sense of social responsibility. Its investments in education, health and sports show that corporate success must be shared with the communities that make it possible. From supporting squash competitions in schools to contributing to the establishment of a burns unit at Connaught Hospital, NP (SL) has repeatedly demonstrated that its role extends well beyond fuel pumps and Filling Stations.

One of its most recent community projects, the refurbishment of the Kingtom Police Primary School in Freetown, has won widespread praise. The initiative delivered a modern five-classroom block, new toilet facilities, a water tower, renovated buildings and new desks and chairs. Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Mohamed Kanu, described education as central to Sierra Leone’s progress, while Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyer commended NP (SL) for investing in the nation’s children. Teachers and pupils hailed the project as life-changing, a testament to the company’s impact at the grassroots level.

NP (SL)’s story is not only about fuel or infrastructure. It is about resilience in a competitive industry, about creating jobs, modernizing energy consumption and building a corporate culture that puts people first. Its steady expansion into the sub-region proves that indigenous companies, when managed with vision and discipline, can compete at international standards.

With the country pushing towards sustainable development, NP (SL) remains more than just a market leader. It stands as a trusted brand, a pillar of national pride and a reminder that the country’s future can be powered by its own ingenuity and commitment to excellence.