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Prominent Humanitarian Arrested Amid Political Intimidation

Humanitarian, Ishmeal Alfred Charles, arrested
Humanitarian, Ishmeal Alfred Charles, arrested

By Francess Wright

A well-known humanitarian, Ishmeal Alfred Charles, was arrested and detained on the evening of Friday, 22nd August 2025, at his residence in what many are describing as a politically motivated act of intimidation.

According to eyewitnesses, two police officers arrived at Charles’ home with an arrest warrant. For several months, he has reportedly faced increasing political pressure due to his outspoken advocacy. Upon their arrival, the officers knocked on his door and asked for him. As soon as he approached the gate to inquire about their visit, they allegedly manhandled him, placed him in handcuffs, and forcibly removed him from his home.

Witnesses say he was pushed toward a vehicle that had been left halfway down the road.

Charles is widely respected for his peaceful nature and tireless humanitarian efforts. He is credited with saving the lives of nearly 400 children and supporting many others in dire circumstances. He is best known for his “One Sober Hospital” campaign, which calls on the President of Sierra Leone and his family to use local hospitals — a powerful plea intended to draw attention to the country’s deteriorating healthcare system.

Accusations of “incitement” have circulated in recent months, placing immense mental and emotional strain on Charles and his family. His arrest, particularly in front of his wife, has deepened concern about the state of freedom of expression and human rights in Sierra Leone.

 

 

Government May be Dragged to Court Over Kasafoni Land Dispute

By Ibrahim Sesay

Diang Chiefdom in Koinadugu District was thrown into fresh controversy on Thursday, August 21, 2025, when a high-powered Government delegation, including Finance Minister Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, Minister of Lands Dr. Turad Senessie and Minister of Local Government Tamba Lamina, visited the area to sign a concession agreement for the Kasafoni Iron Ore deposit.

Their visit was met with angry demonstrations from residents, many of them youths, who carried placards accusing the Government of sidelining the rightful landowners. Protesters openly rejected any new deal being promoted by the delegation, describing it as an attempt to undermine their rights.

What has now escalated the situation is the fact that over 100 landowners in Diang have already signed a binding lease agreement with the Gento Group of Companies. That agreement, they argue, is not only valid under Sierra Leone’s Mines and Minerals Development Act but has also been activated because Gento has fulfilled its obligations, including the payment of surface rent, a legal prerequisite before any mining activity can proceed.

By contrast, the Government’s move has been widely criticized because it signed a separate arrangement with only the Paramount Chief, Sheku Magbo III and his council, excluding the majority of landowning families. Analysts stress that such a step creates a clear legal contradiction.

“Two agreements for a single piece of land can only produce conflict,” one legal analyst remarked. “Since Gento has already secured a lease with the consent of over 100 landowners and has paid surface rent, the company now has every right to take the matter to court.”

Adding to the tension, the Government delegation, instead of engaging openly with landowners, held a closed-door session with the Paramount Chief.

Faced with the strong resistance, the delegation abandoned its initial plan of signing a lease agreement and instead spoke of entering into a “concession.” But that semantic shift has not convinced the landowners, who remain adamant that their existing deal with Gento is the only one with both legal and moral standing.

The dispute has since gained political attention in Freetown. A petition has been presented in Parliament and the Chief Minister has reportedly advised that the process be suspended until clarity is established.

For the people of Diang, however, the issue is far deeper than paperwork. It touches on ownership, dignity and trust. They see Gento as a partner already delivering development projects, including roads, a water dam and a hospital, while viewing the Government’s intervention as disruptive, divisive and potentially unlawful.

With two competing agreements now hanging over the same land, analysts believe the conflict is bound to escalate into a legal showdown. If that happens, the Government could find itself in a difficult position, while Gento Group is expected to stand on solid legal ground to defend its rights.

The Government delegation will subsequently visit Dansogoia and Sambaia chiefdoms to sign concessions for the Kasafoni land as it did in Diang Chiefdom.

U.S. Ambassador Hosts Vice President & MCA-SL Board as MCC Compact Implementation Resumes

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The United States Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Bryan David Hunt, hosted Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh and members of the Millennium Challenge Authority Sierra Leone (MCA-SL) Board of Directors for a working lunch at his residence on Wednesday, August 20. The meeting marked the resumption of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact implementation and set the stage for next steps in the initiative.

The MCA-SL Board is currently recruiting its executive team and filling remaining positions, including two Civil Society Organization (CSO) representatives and one private sector Board member, to complete its membership.

Ambassador Bryan David Hunt and MCC Country Director, Steven Grudda previously met with the Vice President on October 10, 2024, to discuss the Compact’s progress and preconditions for implementation, including the 84 recommendations of the Tripartite Committee. Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, serving as the Government’s official point of contact on the Compact, was presented with a pen used to sign the historic agreement.

Earlier this year, the United States Government approved a $480 million MCC Compact for Sierra Leone, with the Government contributing an additional $14.2 million. The Compact, signed in September 2024, aims to address Sierra Leone’s energy challenges by improving access to reliable and affordable electricity, expanding the national grid and strengthening key energy institutions.

President Julius Maada Bio welcomed the approval, describing it as a “vote of confidence in our Government’s commitment to transforming the energy sector,” and highlighted its potential to attract investment, create jobs and support economic growth.

According to the MCC, only 30 percent of Sierra Leone’s population has access to electricity with rural access below five percent. The Compact focuses on three main projects:

  • Distribution and Access Project – to expand electricity access and improve service delivery.
  • Transmission Backbone Project – to reinforce and expand the national grid.
  • Power Sector Reform Project – to strengthen institutions and attract private sector participation.

In a related development, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Amara Sheikh Mohammed Sowa, presented his credentials to President Donald J. Trump in Washington, D.C., on July 24, 2025. Ambassador Amara Sheikh Mohammed Sowa emphasized the strong bilateral ties between the two countries and described the MCC Compact as “a partnership for progress.”

With implementation underway, Sierra Leone is poised to make significant strides in energy access, economic growth and improved living standards, while strengthening its longstanding partnership with the United States.

EU Health Task Force Deploys Experts to Help Contain Mpox Outbreak in Sierra Leone

The European Union Health Task Force (EUHTF) has deployed two experts from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) to Sierra Leone to support the country’s response to the ongoing mpox clade IIb outbreak.

The experts, an epidemiologist and a risk communicator, arrived in Freetown through the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) managed by DG ECHO. Their two-week mission comes at a critical time as the Ministry of Health and the National Public Health Agency (NPHA) review their three-month action plan aimed at containing and ending the outbreak.

The epidemiologist is providing technical assistance on outbreak investigations, detailed data analysis and situation assessments to generate evidence-based strategies for the national response. The risk communicator, meanwhile, is supporting the development of culturally tailored public health messages, strengthening communication capacity at both national and district levels and contributing to knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) studies.

Working closely with the Ministry of Health, Africa CDC and with the support of the EU Delegation in Freetown, the experts are also engaging with paramount chiefs, district councils, local health professionals and development partners to ensure a coordinated response.

According to health officials, that collaborative effort underscores the importance of international partnerships in tackling public health threats and protecting communities across Sierra Leone.

When Progress Leaves People Behind

Yusuf Bangura

Pa Baimba Sesay

Development is not just an economic issue; “it is also about how power and social differences are organized and managed for the benefit of all. To talk meaningfully about development is to talk about democracy and social cohesion,” writes Yusuf Bangura in his collection of critical essays, ‘Development, Democracy and Cohesion’, which offers deep insights on Sierra Leone and the wider African context.

Yusuf Bangura reminds us that true development depends on how societies are governed and how differences are managed. It goes far beyond “money and projects”; it is equally about justice, inclusion and equity. To speak seriously about development is to speak about governance, inclusion, democracy, justice and unity. Economic growth without democracy and cohesion is like a house built on weak foundations.

Leaders must embrace development as a holistic project, one that combines prosperity with fairness and togetherness. A cohesive society is one that reduces conflict, strengthens resilience and inspires citizens to work collectively for the common good. Without cohesion, development remains fragile.

Democracy, in this sense, extends beyond the ballot box. It requires citizens’ participation, demands accountability and ensures equal voice in decision-making. Without democratic practices, development risks becoming an elite-driven pursuit, benefitting only a few while excluding the majority. Democracy ensures that resources, opportunities and policies reflect the needs and aspirations of the wider population.

The above directly speaks to Sierra Leone’s experience, where periods of economic growth have often been undermined by weak governance, exclusion and social divisions. Today, the challenge remains to build inclusive institutions, foster national unity and ensure that the benefits of growth reach all citizens. Only by combining prosperity with fairness and social solidarity can we truly achieve the stable and holistic development Yusuf Bangura envisions.

Amb. Dr. Neneh Yang AKA Queennak: Sierra Leone’s Music Icon Breaking International Boundaries

Dr. Neneh Ada Yang

Her Excellency Ambassador Dr. Neneh Ada Yang, famously known as Queennak, has etched her name in history as a cultural pioneer, humanitarian leader, and global music ambassador. With a career marked by firsts and groundbreaking achievements, Queennak has redefined what it means to represent Sierra Leone on the world stage, inspiring generations of artists, dreamers, and leaders across Africa and beyond.

Queennak made history as the first Sierra Leone female musician to be submitted to the GRAMMY Awards and receive official consideration—an unprecedented milestone for the West African nation. Adding to this legacy, she became the first Sierra Leonean ever to join the Recording Academy, the world’s most prestigious music institution. Her membership opens the door for Sierra Leone’s talent to gain recognition on one of the world’s biggest musical platforms.

Breaking barriers in the entertainment industry, Queennak became the first Sierra Leone female musician to have her music videos broadcast on MTV, BET, Trace Naija, Sound City, and other major international networks. She is also the first Sierra Leone female musician to attend the BET Awards and made history again as the first Sierra Leonean to join the 2025 BET Way Maker Men’s Summit Production Team—a powerful role shaping narratives of empowerment, culture, and innovation.

Her musical excellence earned her the title of Best African AfroPop Artist at the African Achievement Awards, making her the first Sierra Leone female artist to hold this honor. Furthermore, her contributions to arts, dance, and music were recognized when she became the first Sierra Leone female musician to receive a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Arts, Dance, and Music a testament to her academic and creative excellence.

From the Dolby Theatre home of the Oscars to cultural and diplomatic events across the globe, Queennak proudly waves the Sierra Leonean flag. She has become the first Sierra Leone female musician to grace the Oscars venue, a powerful representation of her country on Hollywood’s grandest platform.

Beyond music, Queennak embodies compassion and leadership. She has raised funds for health crises, championed women’s empowerment, promoted cultural diplomacy, and served as a Global Peace Ambassador. Her work bridges nations, using art, music, and philanthropy to create impact across continents.

Her Excellency Ambassador Dr. Neneh Ada Yang (Queennak) is more than a musician she is a visionary leader, a global cultural ambassador, and an unstoppable force for change. By breaking barriers and achieving historic firsts, she has placed Sierra Leone on the global entertainment and cultural map, inspiring a new generation to dream without limits.

NCRA Engages Paramount Chiefs to Strengthen Civil Registration Nationwide

By Alvin Lansana Kargbo 

The National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) has reaffirmed its commitment to extending identity and vital registration services across Sierra Leone, following a strategic engagement with Paramount Chiefs held on Wednesday 20th August, 2025 at its headquarters on Kingharman Road in Freetown.

The meeting brought together traditional leaders to discuss ways of strengthening collaboration in the registration of births, deaths, marriages, divorces and the issuance of National Identity Cards. The session aimed to ensure that essential civil registration services are accessible, especially in remote parts of the country, thereby improving the accuracy of national data and enhancing service delivery.

Speaking during the engagement, the Director General of NCRA, Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi, expressed appreciation to Paramount Chiefs for their unwavering support in the registration process since the inception of NCRA in 2016. He underscored the vital role of traditional authorities in validating and confirming community records, describing them as “indispensable partners in national registration.”

“The registration of vital events is crucial for accurate population data and for ensuring citizens’ access to essential services,” Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi noted. “From education and banking to marriage and telecommunications, the National ID has become a legal requirement and without the support of Paramount Chiefs our collective effort to build a unified identification system will not succeed.”

He further emphasized that the National ID Act provides the legal framework for securing citizens’ identities, curbing fraud and promoting accountability in public and private institutions. According to him, having a harmonized identification system is not only critical to governance but also to building trust in service delivery across Sierra Leone.

On behalf of the traditional authorities, Hon. Paramount Chief Sheku Amadu Tejan Fasuluku Sonsiama III, National Chairman of the Council of Paramount Chiefs, highlighted the council’s commitment to working closely with NCRA. Representing Paramount Chiefs from 14 districts across Sierra Leone’s four regions, PC Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi,  Fasuluku said consultative meetings would soon be held at chiefdom levels to educate communities on the importance of the registration process.

He stressed that the modern ID is indispensable for citizens’ daily lives. “An Identity Card is not a privilege but a right,” he remarked. “It provides access to financial services, telecommunications and even international transactions such as Western Union. Our people must take responsibility to come forward, pay the fee, capture their photographs and collect their cards.”

PC Fasuluku also reaffirmed that the hierarchical structure of chiefs, from national to village level, would serve as a powerful channel for sensitization, ensuring that no community is left behind in the registration process.

The engagement marks another step in NCRA’s broader strategy to decentralize civil registration services and foster community ownership of the process. With Paramount Chiefs pledging their support, the Authority hopes to significantly expand the reach of its services and strengthen the country’s civil registration and vital statistics system, which underpins governance, planning and development.

CHRDI Raises Concern Over Delayed Judgment in University Court Case

By Amin Kef-Ranger

The Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) has on Monday 20 August 2025 raised concern about the delay in judgment over a case it filed against the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education concerning the dissolution of the University of Sierra Leone’s court.

The case, initiated in April 2024, questions whether the Ministry’s decision contravened provisions of the Universities Act. Arguments from both sides were reportedly heard by the presiding judge in November 2024, but no ruling has yet been delivered.

According to CHRDI, the organization’s lead counsel, lawyer Leon Blyden Jenkins-Johnston, has made several inquiries but has not received updates regarding the status of the matter. CHRDI noted that the case has now been awaiting judgment for 275 days.

In a statement, the organization described the experience of pursuing public interest litigation in Sierra Leone as “challenging and painful,” while emphasizing that justice plays a vital role in strengthening democracy and the rule of law.

CHRDI also drew attention to remarks recently attributed to a Supreme Court judge, who expressed concern about the importance of upholding the law within the judiciary. The organization questioned how citizens can maintain confidence in the justice system if judgments are unduly delayed.

Legal analysts say delayed judgments have long been a concern for the justice sector, with calls for reforms to ensure timely delivery of decisions in cases that touch on constitutional and governance matters.

CHRDI concluded by stressing the need for stronger respect for both local and international laws that safeguard citizens’ rights, adding that delays risk undermining public trust in democratic institutions.

Half-Yearly Justice Report: Attorney General Outlines Vision for Equality and Reform

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Justice Sector Coordination Office (JSCO) has officially released its Half-Yearly Report for January to June 2025, offering a comprehensive assessment of achievements, ongoing reforms and challenges facing Sierra Leone’s justice institutions. The report, produced with technical and financial support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), evaluates the performance of ten core institutions under the Justice Sector Reform Strategy (JSRS) 2024–2030.

The strategy, launched last year, aims to consolidate past reforms, expand access to justice and strengthen institutional capacity across the country. According to the report, while significant progress has been made, systemic constraints, particularly underfunding, delayed disbursement of resources and logistical shortfalls, remain major stumbling blocks.

The Ministry of Justice spearheaded important reforms during the reporting period. A total of eight Cabinet Papers were prepared and submitted, including proposals for the Law Officers’ Bill, the Contempt of Court Bill, the Referendum Bill, the Copyright (Amendment) Bill, the Legal Practitioners Bill, the Correctional Service (Amendment) Bill, the Law Reform Commission Bill and amendments to the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone Act.

In addition, draft bills on Occupational Safety and Health, Maritime Administration, Merchant Shipping and Railway Development were developed. These reforms, the report notes, are central to modernizing Sierra Leone’s legal framework and ensuring alignment with national development goals.

Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Hon. Alpha Sesay, reaffirmed Government’s commitment to equality, human rights and non-discrimination. He emphasized that reforms are being designed not only to update laws but also to promote inclusivity, tackle stigma and ensure that justice remains accessible to all citizens.

The Judiciary of Sierra Leone recorded several landmark achievements. The most notable was the inauguration of a Sexual Offences Model Court in Bo, the first of its kind in the Southern Region and the third nationwide. The court is designed to fast-track the adjudication of sexual offence cases, provide trauma-sensitive support for victims and restore public trust in the justice system.

Chief Justice, Komba Kamanda, in his remarks, described the court as a “critical milestone” in protecting vulnerable groups and ensuring survivors receive timely justice. The initiative aligns with President Julius Maada Bio and First Lady Fatima Bio’s “Hands Off Our Girls” campaign, which continues to advocate for stronger action against gender-based violence.

Other achievements included the commissioning of the Judiciary’s first ultramodern library at the Main Law Courts Building in Freetown. Equipped with an e-library, internet access and photocopying services, the library is expected to enhance legal research and judicial performance. The Chief Justice also held familiarization sessions with newly appointed Magistrates, reinforcing the values of impartiality, integrity and accountability in judicial conduct.

Despite those successes, the Judiciary continues to grapple with inadequate funding, poor infrastructure in provincial courts and the lack of integrated case management systems; factors that slow down adjudication and affect public confidence.

A key highlight of the report is the Justice Sector Coordination Office’s effort to initiate Sierra Leone’s first e-Justice system. In collaboration with the Canadian Academic and Industrial Network (CAAIN), consultations began to design a digital case management framework aimed at reducing backlogs, improving transparency and expanding access through online and mobile platforms.

JSCO Coordinator Shahid M. Korjie stressed that the e-Justice system is more than a technological upgrade; it represents a transformational shift in how justice will be delivered across Sierra Leone. The project is designed to curb corruption, improve record-keeping, and build public trust in judicial processes.

The JSCO also convened a Justice Sector Technical Working Group to review implementation progress of the JSRS. The meeting brought together representatives from the Judiciary, Anti-Corruption Commission, Human Rights Commission and Law Reform Commission. Emphasis was placed on collaborative reform implementation and mobilizing resources from both Government and development partners.

The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) continued its mandate of protecting and promoting rights. With support from the Danish Institute for Human Rights, the Commission conducted community engagements in Lunar, Taiama and Tongo, focusing on the intersection of climate change and human rights. Residents voiced concerns over deforestation, flooding and environmental degradation, linking those challenges to declining livelihoods and human rights violations.

The HRCSL also partnered with UNDP and Irish Aid to host a two-day stakeholder consultation in Makeni on developing a National Action Plan for Business and Human Rights. The initiative aims to hold corporations accountable while aligning business practices with international human rights standards. Chairperson, Patricia Narsu Ndanema, reiterated the Commission’s commitment to strengthening corporate accountability and promoting sustainable investment in Sierra Leone.

The Sierra Leone Correctional Service (SLCS), led by Director General Joseph John Senessie, reported ongoing construction of a modern three-story headquarters, expected to centralize operations and improve efficiency. The Service also advanced its 2025 recruitment process, with hundreds of applicants sitting entrance examinations.

Efforts were made to decongest correctional centers and expand rehabilitation programs, including carpentry workshops, literacy classes and vocational training. However, challenges persist. As of the first quarter of 2025, Sierra Leone’s inmate population stood at 6,074, with over 1,900 held on remand. Overcrowding, poor living conditions and inadequate resources for correctional officers continue to strain the system.

The Office of the Ombudsman received 30 complaints in the first quarter of 2025, dealing mainly with unlawful dismissals, non-payment of salaries and poor service delivery within Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). Limited cooperation from public institutions and lack of enforcement powers remain barriers to effective resolution.

The Independent Police Complaints Board (IPCB) processed 64 complaints nationwide, with 40 cases referred to investigations. The Board is currently working with partners to digitize its Case Management System and strengthen oversight of the Sierra Leone Police.

The Law Reform Commission launched reviews of outdated statutes, including the Offences Against the Person Act of 1861 and the Matrimonial Causes Act of 1960, while finalizing a new Partnership Bill 2025 to support small and medium-scale enterprises.

Across all institutions, the most recurring obstacle remains budgetary constraints. The report cites delayed disbursement of approved funds, outdated infrastructure and limited human resources as factors undermining service delivery. Many institutions still rely heavily on donor support, raising concerns about long-term sustainability.

In concluding, the report emphasizes the importance of greater Government investment and enhanced coordination with development partners to ensure the effective implementation of the Justice Sector Reform Strategy.

Attorney General, Alpha Sesay, noted that “justice sector reforms must be people-centered, inclusive and technologically responsive,” while Chief Justice, Komba Kamanda, stressed that “judicial accountability and transparency are key to restoring public confidence.”

The Half-Yearly Report affirms that while Sierra Leone’s justice sector has made notable strides, addressing structural weaknesses will be crucial to achieving the overarching goal of equitable, efficient and accessible justice for all citizens by 2030.

Njala Partners with Afrimoney for Seamless Payments

Njala University has entered into a landmark partnership with Afrimoney, the mobile money subsidiary of Africell, as part of its bold digital transformation drive aimed at modernizing financial and administrative operations.

Speaking at the official launch on Wednesday 20th August 2025, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Alhaji Professor Bashiru Mohamed Koroma, described the initiative as a major step toward strengthening transparency, accountability and efficiency within the institution. He disclosed that the new system had been thoroughly tested to ensure cybersecurity compliance and operational reliability.

According to Professor Bashiru Mohamed Koroma, the University’s online application platform already accepts Afrimoney payments in addition to traditional bank transfers. He noted that expanding the system will significantly ease access for students, particularly those in remote areas where banking facilities are limited.

Afrimoney’s Chief Executive Officer, Martison Obeng-Agyei, commended Njala University for taking the lead in embracing digitalization. He said the collaboration makes Njala the first higher education institution in Sierra Leone to fully integrate Afrimoney services into its operations.

Martison Obeng-Agyei further assured the University community that Afrimoney’s digital payment system is fast, secure and fraud-proof. He explained that each transaction carries a unique digital code, guaranteeing real-time confirmation and accuracy.

Adding to the discussion, the University’s Director of ICT, Dr. Thomas Philip Songu, highlighted the cost-saving and efficiency benefits of the initiative. He stressed that digitization would reduce dependency on paper-based processes and free up resources for other priority areas.

During an interactive question-and-answer session, staff and students raised issues relating to accessibility and data security. University officials and Afrimoney experts responded by offering clarifications and reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing staff training and public sensitization.

Both Njala University and Afrimoney expressed optimism that the partnership will set a new standard for digital transformation in higher education across Sierra Leone.

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