PR System Promotes Inclusive Representation, Says VP Juldeh Jalloh

August 5, 2026

Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, has described the Proportional Representation (PR) system as one of the world’s most widely used electoral models, saying it promotes inclusive representation and ensures that all segments of society have a voice in governance, saying it promotes inclusive representation and ensures that all segments of society have a voice in governance.

This assertion, made at the National Council of Paramount Chiefs Conference on Security and Governance in Bo City on Friday, 31 July 2026, which also discussed electoral reforms, has reawakened the debate about what electoral system might work for Sierra Leone.

The occasion also examined Sierra Leone’s electoral future by exploring options including Proportional Representation and the First-Past-The-Post system, with participation from the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL), National Civil Registration Authority, international partners, civil society organisations and government institutions.

In February this year, the country’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay Esq., stated that the adoption of the PR electoral system has saved the country an estimated NLe20 million ($841,042) by eliminating the need for parliamentary by-elections.

Meanwhile, current data from the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the world’s oldest and largest international organization of national parliaments, shows that 76 countries use proportional representation for their lower house of parliament, compared with 62 using plurality or majority systems and 35 using mixed systems, making PR the single most common electoral system category globally.

Some observers have also maintained a cautious stance on the matter. While acknowledging the financial savings and reduction in by-election-related tensions and violence cited by the government, some opposition politicians have expressed reservations about the broader political implications of the PR system.

Addressing the question around the broader implications of the PR system, Dr. Juldeh Jalloh, with experience in researching electoral systems and election management in over 14 countries across the world, argued that the PR system was particularly effective in advancing women’s political participation by creating greater opportunities for them to secure elective positions.

“The proportional representation system is the best-suited electoral system for guaranteeing women’s representation and ensuring inclusive representation,” he said, stressing the importance of an electoral framework that promoted fairness, equality, and wider citizen participation.

The political scientist and governance expert also noted that countries adopted electoral systems that best suited their democratic needs, adding that proportional representation remained a preferred model for Sierra Leone because it broadened political participation and reflected the diversity of the electorate.

Back in the conference hall in Bo, which represented a significant opportunity for traditional leaders from across the country to interact, share experiences, and strengthen national cohesion, the Vice President commended ECSL and other stakeholders for their commitment to strengthening the country’s democratic processes, reaffirming the government’s commitment under President Dr Julius Maada Bio to promoting democratic governance, inclusion, and equal participation.

Pew Survey Highlights China’s Growing Diplomatic Influence Across Africa, Asia and Latin America

August 5, 2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald J. Trump

China is now viewed more favourably than the United States in most countries surveyed by the Pew Research Center, marking a significant shift in global public opinion as Beijing’s international image improves and confidence in Washington continues to decline.

Two reports released by the Pew Research Center on July 15, 2026, showed that public attitudes towards China have recovered considerably from the historic lows recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic. The improvement has been particularly strong in middle-income countries across Africa, Latin America, South Asia and Southeast Asia.

The first report, titled “People in Many Countries Now View China More Positively Than the U.S.,” compared international perceptions of the two global powers, their leaders, respect for personal freedoms and foreign-policy roles.

The study surveyed 42,151 adults in 36 countries between February 8 and May 13, 2026. It found that China was viewed more favourably than the United States in 25 countries, while the US received stronger ratings in only six. Public opinion of the two countries was statistically similar in the remaining nations.

A second report, “Views of China and Xi Are Improving Globally,” examined China’s international image and public confidence in President Xi Jinping. That survey covered 45,658 respondents in 37 countries, including the United States, during the same period.

The findings point to a major reversal in international opinion between 2023 and 2026. Across 20 countries surveyed annually during that period, the median favourable rating of the United States fell from 58 per cent in 2023 to 36 per cent in 2026. China’s rating, by contrast, increased from 32 per cent to 46 per cent.

Pew Research Center said the shift reflected both improving views of China and increasingly negative perceptions of the United States. The decline in America’s international standing became particularly noticeable during the first two years of President Donald Trump’s second term.

The changing attitudes were evident even among America’s closest neighbours. In Canada, 57 per cent of respondents viewed the United States favourably in 2023, compared with only 14 per cent who held a positive opinion of China. By 2025, ratings of the two countries were similar. In 2026, China moved ahead, with 44 per cent of Canadians expressing a favourable view of Beijing, compared with 33 per cent for Washington.

China recorded some of its strongest ratings in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. In Pakistan, 90 per cent of respondents expressed a favourable opinion of China, while only 15 per cent viewed the United States positively.

China was also viewed favourably by 75 per cent of respondents in Malaysia, 73 per cent in Singapore, 72 per cent in Indonesia and Sri Lanka, 69 per cent in Thailand and 56 per cent in Bangladesh.

The findings showed similarly strong support for China in the four African countries included in the surveys. In Nigeria, 78 per cent held a favourable view of China, compared with 63 per cent who viewed the United States positively.

China also led in Kenya, receiving a 76 per cent favourable rating against 63 per cent for the United States. In South Africa, China recorded 52 per cent, compared with 35 per cent for the US.

Ghana was the exception among the African countries surveyed. Sixty-eight per cent of Ghanaians viewed the United States favourably, while 64 per cent expressed a positive opinion of China.

China’s image was generally stronger in middle-income countries than in wealthier nations. Across all 37 countries covered by the second report, a median of 51 per cent held a favourable opinion of China, while 39 per cent viewed the country negatively.

Negative perceptions of China, however, remained high in several developed countries and nations with longstanding security or territorial concerns involving Beijing. Only 11 per cent of Japanese respondents viewed China favourably, compared with 27 per cent in the United States and Sweden, 28 per cent in South Korea and 31 per cent in Australia.

The surveys found a similar divide in confidence in President Xi. Confidence in his ability to do the right thing in world affairs was highest in Pakistan at 83 per cent, followed by Kenya at 73 per cent, Singapore at 67 per cent and Malaysia at 66 per cent.

Xi also received confidence ratings of 62 per cent in Nigeria and Indonesia, and 61 per cent in Bangladesh.

Across the 36 countries where the two leaders were compared, respondents in 22 expressed greater confidence in Xi than in Trump. Although confidence in both leaders remained generally low in Europe, Xi received better ratings in Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

In South Africa, 46 per cent expressed confidence in Xi, compared with 26 per cent for Trump. Xi also led Trump by 10 percentage points in Kenya and two points in Ghana. Trump received a slightly higher rating in Nigeria.

The US President performed better in countries with longstanding security concerns about China, including India, Japan, the Philippines and Israel. In Israel, 66 per cent expressed confidence in Trump, while only 10 per cent said the same about Xi.

The reports also examined how China and the United States are perceived as international partners. Across 17 middle-income countries, a median of 69 per cent described China as a reliable partner, compared with 49 per cent who said the same about the United States.

Fifty-eight per cent believed China contributes to peace and stability around the world, while 40 per cent held that view of the US. Another 57 per cent said China considers the interests of countries like theirs when making international policy decisions, compared with 42 per cent for the United States.

The difference was particularly strong in sub-Saharan Africa. Eighty-eight per cent of Kenyans described China as a reliable partner, followed by 76 per cent in Nigeria, 72 per cent in South Africa and 69 per cent in Ghana.

Majorities in the four African countries also believed China contributes to global peace and stability. The figure stood at 68 per cent in Ghana, 67 per cent in Kenya, 65 per cent in Nigeria and 64 per cent in South Africa.

Respondents nevertheless expressed concerns about foreign interference. Across the 17 middle-income countries, 75 per cent said the United States interferes in the domestic affairs of other nations, while 45 per cent expressed the same opinion about China.

Despite Beijing’s improving standing, concerns remain over personal freedoms. Across the 37 countries, only 26 per cent believed the Chinese Government respects the freedoms of its people, while 59 per cent said it does not.

The United States continued to receive better ratings on personal freedoms, with 39 per cent saying the American Government respects its citizens’ rights. However, that figure has fallen sharply in several countries since 2021, narrowing the longstanding gap between Washington and Beijing.

The findings also exposed major divisions within the Asia-Pacific region. China was widely regarded as a partner in Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia and Sri Lanka, but was frequently identified as a threat in Japan, the Philippines, Australia, South Korea and India. Concerns about territorial disputes involving China were particularly high in Japan, South Korea and the Philippines.

Pew Research Center concluded that China’s improving image does not mean international concerns about its domestic and foreign policies have disappeared. Instead, the findings reveal a changing global balance in which many middle-income countries increasingly regard China as a dependable economic and diplomatic partner, while confidence in the United States and its leadership has weakened.

Sierra Leone was not among the countries covered by either survey.

Sierra Leonean Elected VP of ECOWAS Risk Communication Network

August 5, 2026

Smiling man wearing headphones and a green lanyard speaks at a conference, holding a phone, with attendees seated at tables behind him.

Sierra Leonean risk communication professional Patrick Lansana has been elected Vice President of the ECOWAS Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) Network. He was elected at the just-concluded three-day regional capacity-building workshop on Risk Communication and Community Engagement, organised by the ECOWAS Regional Centre for Surveillance and Disease Control (RCSDC) in Abuja, Nigeria.

The network brings together risk communication professionals from ECOWAS member states who work within the RCSDC framework. Its role is to coordinate regional public health communication, build trust and resilience in local communities, and manage health misinformation during disease outbreaks and emergencies.

Patrick works for Sierra Leone’s National Public Health Agency (NPHA) as Programme Manager for the Risk Communication and Community Engagement Pillar. He was unanimously elected by his professional colleagues.

Bissau-Guinean Da Silva Estevão was elected President at the same event, while Paul Alle Kouadio of Côte d’Ivoire was elected General Secretary. Kpogbeme Pricile of Benin and Hannatu Bello of Nigeria were elected First and Second Assistant Secretaries, respectively.

The NPHA-SL hailed Patrick’s election as recognition of his leadership and commitment to strengthening risk communication in Sierra Leone and across the region.

“This well-deserved achievement is a significant recognition of your exceptional leadership, professional excellence, unwavering commitment, and outstanding contributions to strengthening Risk Communication and Community Engagement, behavioural intelligence, and infodemic management in Sierra Leone and across the West African region,” the agency said in a statement.

Patrick has played an instrumental role in the development and advancement of Sierra Leone’s Behavioural Intelligence and Infodemic Management (BIIM) System. He is also recognised for his tireless efforts in promoting community-centred, evidence-informed and people-focused public health interventions.

The NPHA described his election as “a proud moment for Sierra Leone,” noting that it reflected the growing recognition of the country’s leadership and expertise in RCCE, public health preparedness, epidemic intelligence and emergency response.

The Abuja workshop was designed to enable participants to exchange ideas and expertise on current public health issues, particularly the ongoing Ebola outbreak in East Africa. Organisers said it also provided an opportunity to strengthen the capacity of RCSDC members and build on existing operational mechanisms.

Miss Freetown Unveils Finalists August 7 After Record-Breaking Auditions

August 5, 2026

Group of women in black dresses posing with beverage cans at an outdoor event, front row seated on wicker chairs with a branded backdrop behind them.

Miss Freetown has recorded the highest audition turnout in its 20-year history, with 48 young women applying to participate in the 2026 edition of the popular beauty and leadership pageant.

Organisers described the figure as the largest documented number of applications received for a pageant audition in Sierra Leone, marking a significant milestone for the competition as it enters its 14th edition.

The announcement followed the successful conclusion of the official launch and auditions organised by Miss Freetown SL Limited, a subsidiary of the LAKE Group of Companies, at Kabanna Beach Bar and Restaurant, Lumley Beach, in Freetown.

Following a pre-orientation screening exercise, 20 contestants advanced to the audition stage. Eighteen appeared before a live audience, accredited media representatives and a five-member panel of independent judges on Saturday, while the remaining two were granted formal deferrals because they were sitting scheduled academic examinations.

The two contestants completed their auditions on Sunday under the same conditions and before the same panel of judges.

Chief Executive Officer of the LAKE Group of Companies, Dr. Alhaji K. Tarawally, said the decision to accommodate them reflected the organisation’s commitment to ensuring that education remains a priority for young women participating in the competition.

“We made a deliberate decision that no young woman should be forced to choose between her education and her ambition,” Dr. Tarawally said.

“Two of our contestants were sitting examinations on Saturday, so we accommodated them on Sunday under identical conditions and before the same judging panel. Education first is not just a slogan—it is policy,” he added.

Organisers said all 20 contestants were assessed by the same panel using identical criteria to preserve fairness, transparency and credibility throughout the selection process.

Only 15 contestants will secure places in the Miss Freetown 2026 competition. The identities of the finalists will be officially unveiled on Friday, 7 August 2026, at 8:00 p.m. GMT across the pageant’s Facebook, Instagram and TikTok platforms.

The successful contestants will proceed through a series of activities designed to test their confidence, intelligence, leadership ability, public speaking skills and commitment to community development.

The Grand Pageant Night is scheduled for Saturday, 28 November 2026, at Chapter One in Freetown, where one contestant will be crowned Miss Freetown 2026.

The event is expected to attract government officials, corporate partners, members of the diplomatic community, entertainment personalities and pageant enthusiasts from across Sierra Leone.

Miss Freetown has developed into one of Sierra Leone’s most recognised beauty, empowerment and leadership platforms. During the past two decades, several former titleholders have progressed to represent the country in the Miss Sierra Leone competition and on international stages, including Miss World.

Beyond celebrating beauty and talent, the organisation has used its #GirlPowerInitiative to promote the leadership, education and personal development of young women. The initiative has reportedly supported hundreds of beneficiaries through mentorship, professional training, financial assistance and a residential leadership camp.

Organisers said the record number of applications demonstrates growing public confidence in the pageant and increasing interest among young women seeking opportunities for personal and professional development.

With unprecedented attention generated even before the announcement of the 15 finalists, organisers believe Miss Freetown 2026 is on course to become one of the most competitive and widely followed editions in the history of Sierra Leonean pageantry.

Celebrating Excellence: Braima Koroma and Co-Authors Win 2026 Best Paper Award

August 5, 2026

Portrait of a smiling Black man in a navy blazer and light blue shirt against a white background — Braima Koroma, Director of Research and Training at the Sierra Leone Urban Research Centre (SLURC)

The Regional Studies Association (RSA) has honoured Braima Koroma, Director of Research and Training at the Sierra Leone Urban Research Centre (SLURC), and five other researchers with the 2026 Best Paper Award for the journal Area Development and Policy.

The award-winning paper, titled “Accessibility, (Dis)advantage and Everyday Mobility Practices and Experiences: The Cases of Maputo and Freetown,” was recognised as the journal’s most impactful contribution published in 2025.

Koroma co-authored the paper with Daniel Oviedo, Clémence Cavoli, Alexandria Z. W. Chong, Joaquín Romero de Tejada and Yasmina Yusuf. Their research examines how residents of Freetown, Sierra Leone, and Maputo, Mozambique, experience everyday transportation and access to essential services.

Published in Area Development and Policy, Volume 10, Number 2, the study explores how social and transport disadvantages influence people’s ability to reach workplaces, schools, healthcare facilities, markets and other important destinations.

The researchers argue that accessibility involves much more than roads, transport routes and available services. It also reflects people’s lived experiences, aspirations, financial circumstances and dependence on informal transport systems.

The paper identifies income, gender, age, disability, residential location, road conditions and personal safety as major factors affecting mobility and access to opportunities in the two cities.

As part of the research, focus-group discussions were conducted with 12 to 13 participants from each of eight selected communities. In Freetown, the study covered Cline Town, Moyiba, Southridge and Brookfields, while the Maputo research involved Chamanculo, Maxaquene, Muhalaze and participants from several middle-class communities.

The discussions were conducted in Krio in Freetown and Portuguese in Maputo, enabling participants to explain their daily transport experiences in languages with which they were familiar.

The findings show that rapid urban growth has forced many residents to settle in communities far from city centres, where land may be more affordable but access to roads, transport and essential services remains limited.

Some residents prioritise acquiring land and constructing homes, even when this means living in areas with inadequate infrastructure and increased exposure to flooding and other natural hazards.

Walking was identified as the most common means of transportation in both cities. However, pedestrians face several challenges, including poor roads, potholes, inadequate drainage, limited street lighting, lack of pavements, traffic congestion, extreme weather, road dust and the risk of crime and harassment.

The research also highlights the important role played by informal transport services. In Freetown, commuters depend heavily on commercial motorbikes commonly known as okadas, kekehs, taxis and poda-podas. In Maputo, residents frequently use chapas and open-box trucks known as “My Love.”

Although these transport services are essential to daily life, passengers regularly experience overcrowding, unsafe driving, unreliable operations, high fares and poor treatment.

Weather conditions also have a significant impact on mobility. Freetown’s long rainy season makes roads muddy, slippery and dangerous, particularly in hillside communities. Transport operators sometimes increase fares during heavy rainfall, leaving commuters with limited alternatives.

Night travel is also considered unsafe because of poor street lighting, robbery, harassment and mistrust of some transport operators.

According to the study, women, children, older people and persons with disabilities face greater transport disadvantages. Some operators reportedly refuse to transport passengers with reduced mobility, while women often adjust their travel times and routes to reduce their exposure to harassment and gender-based violence.

Many participants expressed a desire to own private vehicles because they associate car ownership with safety, independence, reliability and freedom from the difficulties of public transportation. However, the researchers warned that increased private vehicle ownership could worsen traffic congestion, pollution and inequality.

The paper concludes that transport systems in Freetown and Maputo are neither sufficiently accessible nor sustainable. It recommends improvements in roads, drainage, pedestrian facilities, street lighting and affordable public transportation.

It also calls for better integration of formal and informal transport services, stronger consideration of gender and disability, improved land-use planning and greater community participation in transport-related decisions.

Commenting on the award, SLURC Executive Director Dr. Joseph Macarthy said the recognition underscored the value of research focused on mobility and inequality.

“This recognition from the Regional Studies Association celebrates excellence in regional research, and we are delighted to see this important work on urban mobility and inequality take centre stage,” he said.

Koroma expressed appreciation to the RSA for recognising the collaborative research and its contribution to discussions on sustainable urban development.

“I sincerely thank the Regional Studies Association for this recognition. It is an honour to see our collaborative work acknowledged, and I hope it continues to inspire inclusive and sustainable approaches to urban mobility across Africa and beyond,” he stated.

The RSA praised the paper for its originality, methodological rigour and policy relevance, noting that it supports South–South knowledge exchange and promotes inclusive planning for urban transport systems.

The award represents a major achievement for Koroma and his co-authors and further strengthens the international visibility of SLURC-led research. It also elevates discussions around accessibility, inequality and sustainable mobility in cities across Africa and the wider Global South.

The full paper is available through SLURC’s website at www.slurc.org under the publications section.

SLRSA Tightens Traffic Regulations at Queen Elizabeth II Quay

August 5, 2026

The Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) has announced a series of new measures aimed at reducing traffic congestion and improving road safety at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay in Freetown.

In a public notice issued on 31 July 2026, the Authority said the measures form part of the Government of Sierra Leone’s broader efforts to improve the efficient movement of people and goods through the country’s main seaport while ensuring safer and more orderly road use.

According to the SLRSA, all unroadworthy vehicles will be prohibited from entering the Queen Elizabeth II Quay. The Authority further stated that such vehicles will also not be permitted to use public roads until they have been repaired and officially certified as roadworthy.

The Authority also announced that vehicles without valid registration number plates will not be allowed to enter the port, describing the measure as essential to enhancing compliance with road traffic regulations and strengthening security around the quay.

As part of the initiative, the SLRSA has called on members of the public, vehicle owners, drivers, importers, clearing agents and other road users to support efforts to keep the roads free from unnecessary congestion.

The Authority encouraged the public to report abandoned or traffic-obstructing vehicles by calling the SLRSA toll-free number 844. It noted that public cooperation would play a vital role in ensuring smooth traffic flow around the port and improving road safety.

The SLRSA expressed appreciation to all stakeholders for their anticipated cooperation, emphasizing that the new measures are intended to create a safer, more efficient and congestion-free environment at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay.

The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to promoting road safety across Sierra Leone and urged all road users to comply with the new directives, stressing that collective responsibility is essential to maintaining safe and orderly roads for everyone.

Weak GST Enforcement Costing Sierra Leone Billions—Majority Leader

August 5, 2026

A man in a light blue suit and striped tie speaking, gesturing with his right hand in a meeting room.

Parliament is preparing to intensify scrutiny of the National Revenue Authority (NRA) following concerns that weaknesses in tax enforcement and administration are preventing Sierra Leone from realising its full domestic revenue potential.

The Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Hon. Matthew Sahr Nyuma, raised the concerns while contributing to the parliamentary debate on the 2026 Supplementary Budget. He demanded greater accountability from the NRA, particularly in the collection and remittance of the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Hon. Nyuma said significant investments had been made to improve the country’s tax administration system, but the results had not met expectations.

“We are tired. The NRA must improve its performance. It must be corrected,” he told lawmakers.

He disclosed that the Commissioner-General of the NRA is expected to sign a performance contract containing specific revenue targets and other institutional responsibilities. According to him, Parliament will closely examine the Authority’s progress and demand accountability if the agreed targets are not achieved.

“We are going to monitor that performance contract. If the targets are not achieved, we will ask questions because someone must be responsible,” he warned.

The Majority Leader identified GST as a major source of revenue that could significantly strengthen the Government’s financial position if properly enforced. He said consumers pay GST daily when purchasing goods and services, but weaknesses in collection and remittance continue to deprive the State of much-needed revenue.

“GST has saved us. Every day, every minute, people pay GST when they buy goods and services. The challenge is ensuring that this revenue is fully and efficiently remitted to the Government,” he stated.

Hon. Nyuma noted that the NRA had distributed approximately 10,000 electronic fiscal cash register machines to businesses as part of efforts to improve tax compliance. However, he expressed concern that the devices were not being effectively used across the business community.

He called on the NRA to conduct stronger monitoring, enforce the relevant tax laws and ensure that registered businesses issue fiscal receipts for taxable transactions.

“If we are serious about enforcing GST, we can raise billions,” he maintained.

The Majority Leader also renewed his call for the full automation of Sierra Leone’s tax administration system, describing digitalization as essential to reducing human interference, preventing revenue leakages and improving transparency.

“I have been saying this for over three years let us automate,” he said.

According to him, many developed countries use automated systems that immediately record VAT or GST at the point of sale. He argued that introducing a similar system across Sierra Leone would enable the Government to accurately track transactions and determine how much tax businesses collect from consumers.

Hon. Nyuma further connected stronger revenue generation to improvements in the salaries and working conditions of public-sector employees. He said Parliament had exercised restraint in considering its own financial requirements because of the country’s economic challenges but insisted that discussions about workers’ welfare must continue.

“Our welfare must be discussed. We understand the financial constraints, but that does not mean we should stop talking about improving the welfare of public servants,” he told the House.

He also urged the Government to review and harmonise the national wage structure, citing disparities in the salaries paid to employees performing comparable duties in different public institutions.

“There are considerable disparities in wages. People doing similar work are paid differently. This is an issue the Government must address,” he said.

Despite his demand for stricter tax enforcement, Hon. Nyuma supported the Government’s decision to provide carefully targeted tax incentives to investors. He explained that such concessions could encourage private-sector expansion, attract investment, generate employment and contribute to national economic development.

“This is an incentive for investment. It is intended to encourage private-sector participation and support economic development,” he explained.

The Majority Leader also defended targeted Government subsidies, arguing that they remained necessary to protect citizens from the effects of rising prices and other economic pressures linked to global developments.

Concluding his contribution, Hon. Nyuma commended Finance Minister Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura for presenting what he considered a practical economic policy framework through the 2026 Supplementary Budget.

He nevertheless stressed that Sierra Leone’s long-term fiscal stability would depend on the Government’s ability to modernise tax administration, enforce GST compliance, eliminate revenue leakages and hold revenue-generating institutions accountable for their performance.

NPRA, UNEP and ECOWAS Advance Cleaner Fuel and Vehicle Standards in Sierra Leone

August 5, 2026

Panel of four people seated at a table with name placards (UNEP/ECOWAS Representative, Director General) at a formal meeting; water bottles and documents on the table.

The National Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NPRA), in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the ECOWAS Commission and the Government of Sierra Leone, has concluded a two-day national workshop aimed at advancing the implementation of cleaner fuel and vehicle standards in the country.

The workshop, held from 3rd to 4th August 2026 at the Atlantic Lumley Hotel in Freetown, brought together representatives from government ministries, departments and agencies, international organisations, the petroleum industry, civil society and the media.

Organised under the theme, “National Workshop on Cleaner Fuels and Vehicles,” the engagement focused on aligning Sierra Leone with ECOWAS directives C/DIR.1/9/2020 and C/DIR.2/9/2020 on cleaner fuels and vehicles.

The initiative is expected to support the use of higher-quality petroleum products and cleaner vehicles while reducing harmful emissions, protecting public health and strengthening environmental safeguards.

Participants also discussed the role of cleaner fuel standards in promoting regional energy security and expanding cross-border trade through a more integrated and sustainable West African hydrocarbon market.

Addressing the workshop, the Director-General of NPRA, Brima Baluwa Koroma, described pollution from vehicle emissions and the high sulphur content of fuel as major environmental and public-health challenges confronting the world, particularly the ECOWAS region.

He said Sierra Leone must continue working with regional and international partners to address the harmful effects of vehicle emissions and poor-quality petroleum products.

Koroma expressed appreciation for the broad participation in the workshop, noting that the presence of delegates from UNEP, ECOWAS, government institutions, industry, civil society and the media demonstrated the importance of collective action.

“We are particularly excited to receive delegates from UNEP, ECOWAS, ministries, departments and agencies, industry actors, the media and civil society organisations,” he stated.

According to him, the diversity of participants provided an opportunity for meaningful multisectoral engagement capable of producing lasting reforms and supporting the implementation of the landmark ECOWAS directives.

The NPRA Director-General said the Authority had taken proactive measures since 2020 to prepare Sierra Leone’s petroleum sector for cleaner fuel standards, including the adoption of a 10-parts-per-million sulphur specification for petroleum products.

He maintained that this level of policy preparedness would help make Sierra Leone’s transition towards cleaner fuel standards smoother as implementation progresses across the ECOWAS region.

Koroma also stressed that climate change and environmental pollution transcend national boundaries and therefore require coordinated international and regional responses.

“Climate issues have no sovereignty; they are universal. The implementation of ECOWAS cleaner fuel and vehicle standards will inevitably promote cleaner transportation, environmental protection and regional energy security,” he said.

The workshop concluded with renewed commitments from stakeholders to support the transition towards cleaner fuels and vehicles and strengthen cooperation in implementing the ECOWAS directives.

The engagement formed part of NPRA’s broader efforts to modernise Sierra Leone’s downstream petroleum sector while ensuring that fuel-quality regulations contribute to a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable future.

APC Rejects PR System, 50%-Plus-One Threshold as Constitutional Amendment Debate Intensifies

August 5, 2026

Man in white traditional attire and red fez speaks into a red microphone at a formal meeting, with two suited men beside him.

Sierra Leone’s constitutional reform process has entered another critical stage after Parliament agreed to remove a provision that would have allowed independent candidates to contest presidential elections, while major disagreements persist over proportional representation and the threshold required to win the presidency.

Members of Parliament from the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party and the main opposition All People’s Congress reached the decision during the Committee Stage of the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill, 2025, on Monday, 3 August 2026.

The original proposal sought to amend Sections 41 and 42 of the 1991 Constitution to permit a person who is not a member of a political party to contest a presidential election. Such a candidate would have been required to demonstrate sufficient financial capacity and community support under conditions prescribed by law. The provision was contained in the original Constitutional Amendment Bill.

Its deletion at the Committee Stage means the existing party-based arrangement is expected to remain in place if the decision is retained in the final version of the Bill. Under the current framework, presidential candidates must be nominated by registered political parties.

The independent-candidate proposal attracted opposition from lawmakers on both sides of the political divide and raised concerns among sections of civil society. Critics argued that its undefined financial requirements could give wealthy individuals an unfair advantage and potentially weaken the role of political parties in Sierra Leone’s democratic system.

Despite the cross-party agreement on that provision, Parliament remains divided over the proposed reduction of the presidential election threshold from 55 per cent to a simple majority, commonly described as 50 per cent plus one vote.

The draft Bill provides that a presidential candidate may be declared elected after securing a simple majority of all valid votes cast nationwide and at least 20 per cent of the valid votes in two-thirds of Sierra Leone’s districts. If no candidate meets both conditions, a run-off election would be conducted.

Supporters of the amendment contend that a candidate who receives more than half of the valid national vote has obtained a sufficient democratic mandate. They argue that the proposed system could reduce the financial cost, political tension and security risks associated with conducting a second round of voting.

The APC, however, has demanded the retention of the existing 55 per cent threshold, arguing that it encourages presidential candidates to secure broader national support and promotes greater legitimacy for the eventual winner.

Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Alpha Sesay, who is piloting the Bill through Parliament, has accused the APC leadership of abandoning an earlier understanding reached during consultations.

Sesay said APC representatives had previously accepted the simple-majority proposal as part of a negotiated compromise, adding that some elements of the reported agreement were recorded in writing. He described the opposition’s subsequent position as disappointing and maintained that his office had engaged the party in good faith throughout the reform process. The APC’s alleged earlier agreement was reported following the resumption of parliamentary debate on 3 August.

The APC has maintained its opposition, insisting that significant changes to Sierra Leone’s electoral framework should not be enacted without extensive public consultation and broad national consensus.

Another major area of disagreement is the proposed permanent adoption of proportional representation, commonly known as the District Block system, for parliamentary elections.

Under the draft Bill, districts would serve as electoral units and return Members of Parliament from lists of candidates submitted by political parties. It would also delete the existing Section 38A and amend Section 74 to make proportional representation the system through which ordinary Members of Parliament are elected.

APC National Chairman Alhaji Osman Foday Yansaneh said the party strongly opposes making proportional representation Sierra Leone’s permanent electoral system.

Yansaneh argued that constituency-based elections under Section 38 and district-block representation under Section 38A are both recognised by the 1991 Constitution but were designed to respond to different national circumstances.

Section 38 provides for constituency-based parliamentary representation, while Section 38A allows the President, after consulting the Electoral Commission, to direct that an election be conducted through the District Block system when constituencies have not been established for the election.

“As far as the APC is concerned, both the PR system and the first-past-the-post system are embedded in Section 38 of the Constitution,” Yansaneh said, arguing that the appropriate system should be determined by prevailing circumstances.

“If nothing is broken, leave it intact,” he added.

APC Deputy Leader 1 in Parliament, Hon. Daniel Brima Koroma, expressed a similar position, arguing that Section 38A was intended to address exceptional situations and should not be transformed into a permanent electoral arrangement without comprehensive national dialogue.

The APC maintains that permanently adopting the District Block system would weaken direct accountability between lawmakers and their constituents. It also fears that the system could give political party leaders greater control over candidate selection and make parliamentary participation more difficult for grassroots, youth and financially disadvantaged aspirants.

Under a party-list PR system, voters primarily cast their ballots for political parties, which receive parliamentary seats in proportion to their share of the vote. Candidates are subsequently selected from lists submitted by the parties.

Supporters of proportional representation argue that it could promote national cohesion, reduce constituency-based political violence, lower election costs and improve the representation of women, young people and minority groups. The Government has also cited inclusion and the elimination of costly parliamentary by-elections among its reasons for supporting PR. The Government publicly outlined its support for the system during the electoral reform dialogue.

The draft legislation further proposes that at least 30 per cent of political parties’ nominees for national and local government elections should be women.

The constitutional debate follows the disputed 2023 elections and the subsequent Agreement for National Unity, which led to the creation of the Tripartite Committee on Electoral Systems and Management Bodies Review. The committee produced 80 recommendations intended to strengthen Sierra Leone’s electoral system and prevent future political disputes.

Tensions intensified earlier in 2026 when the APC launched a parliamentary boycott over the appointment of a new Chief Electoral Commissioner. The party returned to Parliament following mediated discussions and a Government commitment to restructure the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone by 31 December 2026.

Public institutions and civil society organisations have also taken positions on the proposed electoral system. The Sierra Leone Labour Congress, Council of Churches in Sierra Leone and Inter-Religious Council have expressed support for constituency-based elections. The Inter-Religious Council argued that FPTP provides clearer accountability between voters and their representatives.

A March 2026 opinion poll conducted by the Campaign for Human Rights and Development International reported that 68 per cent of respondents preferred constituency-based representation. However, the same poll found that 60 per cent believed they lacked sufficient civic education to make informed decisions about the proposed constitutional reforms. CHRDI’s reported poll findings have intensified calls for wider public education and consultation.

The proposed process for selecting members of the Electoral Commission also remains under consideration. The draft Bill provides for a Search and Nomination Committee consisting of representatives from the inter-religious community, the legal profession, civil society, the private sector, the media, youth groups and women’s organisations.

Parliament is expected to continue consideration of the Bill as political leaders seek compromises on the remaining disputed provisions.

Although removing the independent presidential candidate clause represents a significant area of agreement between the SLPP and APC, disagreements over proportional representation and the presidential threshold remain major obstacles to the constitutional reform process ahead of the 2028 elections.

Transport Minister Urges SLCAA, Aviation Operators to Intensify Preparations for 2027 ICAO Safety Audit

August 5, 2026

Minister of Transport and Aviation, Ambassador Colonel (Rtd.) Alhaji Fanday Turay

The Minister of Transport and Aviation, Ambassador Colonel (Rtd.) Alhaji Fanday Turay, has called on the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) and aviation operators to intensify preparations for the 2027 International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme.

Speaking during a high-level stakeholder engagement held on August 3, 2026, at the Ministry’s office on the seventh floor of Youyi Building in Freetown, the Minister stressed that Sierra Leone must improve on its previous performance and demonstrate significant progress in aviation safety and security.

The meeting brought together the Director-General of the SLCAA and key operators within Sierra Leone’s transport and aviation sector to discuss the country’s readiness for the forthcoming international audit.

Minister Turay described the audit as a critical national assignment requiring the full commitment, cooperation and active participation of every institution operating within the aviation sector.

“We have a huge task ahead of us. We must improve on our previous figures. During the last ICAO audit, Sierra Leone scored 71 per cent on safety and 72 per cent on security,” he said.

The Minister noted that the country now has new aviation operators, modern equipment and stronger institutional capacity, which should contribute to improved performance during the 2027 assessment.

“We now have new operators, modern equipment and stronger institutional capacity, so we must do better. We are moving from where we are to the top, and that will only happen through hard work, coordination and commitment,” Minister Turay stated.

He urged the SLCAA, airport authorities, airline companies, ground-handling firms, security agencies and other stakeholders to take the preparatory process seriously and ensure full compliance with international safety, security and operational standards.

According to the Minister, success in the ICAO audit will depend on effective coordination among regulatory institutions, service providers and security agencies. He called on stakeholders to identify existing gaps, strengthen internal systems and address outstanding compliance issues before the audit.

Minister Turay reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening Sierra Leone’s aviation sector through continuous investment, regulatory reforms, institutional development and closer collaboration with industry partners.

He said the Government’s broader objective is to position Sierra Leone as a safe, reliable and competitive aviation hub within the West African region.

Director-General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority, Musayeroh Barrie, also underscored the national importance of the forthcoming audit, noting that its outcome would extend beyond the aviation industry and reflect the country’s commitment to international standards and best practices.

“This is a very important event for the State, so we need to take it very seriously,” Barrie said.

She encouraged aviation operators, regulatory institutions and other agencies to work collectively to ensure Sierra Leone records a stronger performance during the 2027 audit.

The engagement reaffirmed the Ministry of Transport and Aviation’s determination to work closely with the SLCAA and other stakeholders to strengthen regulatory oversight, enhance aviation safety and security, and secure a higher ICAO compliance score that reflects the country’s ongoing reforms.

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