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Deputy Environment Minister Advocates Ambitious Global Plastic Treaty at UNEP Summit

Madam Mima Yeama Sobba-Stephens

By Mohamed Sheriff, Information Attaché | Geneva, Switzerland

Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Madam Mima Yeama Sobba-Stephens, has urged urgent national and global action to tackle plastic pollution. She made the appeal during the Informal Ministerial Roundtable: Challenges at National Level to Address Plastic Pollution, held on August 13, 2025 in Geneva as part of the second segment of the fifth session of the UN Environment Programme’s Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2), chaired by UNEP Executive Director, Inger Andersen.

The INC-5.2 meeting, which ran from August 5–14, advanced negotiations toward a legally binding international treaty on plastic pollution, with a particular focus on protecting marine ecosystems. The roundtable provided a platform for high-level representatives to share national experiences, discuss policy and technical barriers and explore partnership opportunities.

In her address, Madam Mima Yeama Sobba-Stephens emphasized that the treaty should be globally binding and fully integrated into national legal frameworks to ensure lasting results.

“Sierra Leone remains committed to achieving an outcome that reflects our shared aspirations and delivers tangible benefits for the global community,” she stated, highlighting the country’s active engagement in negotiations despite limited resources.

She also outlined key national actions, including:

  • Completing a baseline assessment of marine litter, conducting material flow analysis and carrying out a plastic policy gap analysis which culminated in a strategic roadmap supporting the treaty.
  • Introducing a Green Labelling scheme in the hospitality sector to recognize tourism operators who reduce single-use plastics (SUP).

The Deputy Minister called for a treaty that addresses both upstream plastic production and chemical use as well as downstream waste management while considering the unequal capacities of countries.

“Let us work together to deliver an ambitious, inclusive and implementable instrument; one that marks this moment as a historic turning point in the fight against plastic pollution,” she concluded.

In a related engagement, Madam Mima Yeama Sobba-Stephens also took part in the Informal Ministerial Dialogue on Investment Opportunities for a Circular Economy in the Context of the Global Plastic Treaty.

Chinese Embassy Donates Surveillance Equipment to SLP to Boost “Safe City” Initiative

A landmark gesture of bilateral cooperation saw the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone donate surveillance equipment to the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, to bolster the nation’s “Safe City” Project. The donation comprises 45 CCTV cameras, three Huawei monitors and three Lenovo laptops, all manufactured in China.

The handover ceremony was attended by senior officials and law enforcement representatives. Speaking at the event, Chinese Embassy representative Hon. Zhang Diabin emphasized China’s commitment to Sierra Leone’s public safety efforts.

“These items will assist the SLP in implementing its ‘Safe City’ Project by equipping CCTV systems across the country,” Hon. Zhang Diabin said. “They symbolize our shared commitment to peace, security and the well-being of every citizen in Sierra Leone. We believe they will empower the SLP to prevent and combat crime more effectively, protect communities and build public trust; fundamentals for national progress.”

Inspector General of Police, William Fayia Sellu, expressed gratitude on behalf of the SLP, acknowledging China’s longstanding support. “China and Sierra Leone have been friends even during our civil war, when China stood by us. It was on that foundation of friendship that our cooperation expanded,” he said.

IG William Fayia Sellu highlighted the strategic importance of the “Safe City” project, first conceived in 2014 and revitalized under President Julius Maada Bio. He noted that over 36 surveillance cameras have already been installed in Freetown, including at the Princess Christian Maternity Hospital at Cottage, following a rise in child theft incidents. He also praised China’s support to Sierra Leone’s media sector and the progress of the “Smart City” initiative, which has expanded to Bo City South and plans to include Kenema, Makeni and Port Loko.

“The 45 CCTV cameras, three laptops, and three 65-inch plasma screens significantly enhance the police’s capacity to cover all six police regions nationwide,” IG William Fayia Sellu said. “We are grateful for the Chinese Embassy’s consistent support and the advanced training opportunities provided to our officers through Chinese-sponsored programs.”

He concluded with optimism about the impact of the donation: “Today, I am proud to receive this substantial intervention from China, which will help strengthen our efforts to ensure the safety of our people. With these donations, we anticipate a reduction in crime rates in the coming months.”

The event concluded with the official signing and handover of the donated items, marking a milestone in Sierra Leone-China bilateral relations.

PPRC Gazettes APC Internal Elections Rules, Opens 30-Day Public Objection Period

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) has formally gazetted the All People’s Congress (APC) Internal Elections Rules and Regulations, setting the stage for the party’s lower-level elections and the 2026 National Delegates Conference.

Published in Sierra Leone Gazette No. 67, Vol. CLXVI and in line with Section 25 of the Political Parties Act 2022 (Act No. 25 of 2022), the announcement triggers a 30-day public review period from Wednesday, August 13 to Thursday, September 11, 2025.

During that period, the PPRC will accept objections from APC members and the general public on any aspect of the rules. Submissions can be delivered to the PPRC Head Office at OAU Drive, Tower Hill, Freetown, regional offices in Bo, Kenema, Makeni and Port Loko, or via email at info@pprc.gov.sl or pprcsierraleone@yahoo.com. All objections must reach the Commission before the close of business on September 11, 2025.

The gazetted framework, originally submitted to the PPRC in April 2025, details the structure and procedures for internal elections across various party levels, aiming to ensure transparency, inclusivity and alignment with the APC Constitution. Notable provisions include:

  • Ward-Level Elections: Conducted in wards demarcated by the National Electoral Commission under the Public Elections Act No. 4 of 2012. Candidates must be fully paid-up members for at least one year. Positions up for election include Ward Chairman, Deputy Chairman, Secretary, Organizing Secretary, Women’s Leader, among others.
  • Constituency and District Conventions: Over 15 positions will be contested at the constituency level. District conventions will recognize the party’s diaspora membership as a formal “sixth region,” as outlined in Article 31(e) of the APC Constitution adopted on March 7, 2022.
  • Special Congresses: The National Women’s Congress will elect 15 officers. Separate conventions will be held for the National Veterans Congress and National Young Congress, with youth eligibility set between 18 and 35 years.
  • National Delegates Conference (NDC): Scheduled within 28 days of lower-level elections, the NDC will elect 12 non-executive National Advisory Committee (NAC) members, key executives such as National Chairman, Deputy Chairman, National Secretary-General and National Organizing Secretary, as well as the party’s 2028 presidential candidate. Voting delegates will include representatives from special wings such as the National Young Congress, National Union of APC Students, Women’s Conference, diaspora chapters, former MPs, former councillors and persons with disabilities.

The APC’s election roadmap includes:

  • Submission of rules to PPRC: April 28, 2025
  • Publication of voter/membership register for ward elections: July 19, 2025
  • Ward elections: August 10, 2025
  • Constituency conventions (including diaspora): September 4, 2025
  • District conventions (including diaspora): September 30, 2025
  • Regional conventions (including diaspora “sixth region”): October 24, 2025
  • Elections for special wings/groups: October 15, 2025
  • Special organs conventions: November 17, 2025
  • National Delegates Conference: February 17–19, 2026

According to the APC, the process underscores its commitment to internal democracy, grassroots participation and the inclusion of diaspora members in shaping the party’s future direction ahead of the 2028 national polls.

Copies of the gazetted rules are available at the Government Bookshop on Wallace Johnson Street, Freetown and on the PPRC website (www.pprc.gov.sl).

The PPRC has urged stakeholders to actively engage during the consultation period to strengthen the party’s internal processes and reinforce democratic governance in Sierra Leone’s political landscape.

NCRA DG Endorses Plan to Bring Mobile ID Card Services to Kenema Chiefdoms

A united delegation of Paramount Chiefs from Kenema District has on Tuesday, August 12, 2025 called on the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) to introduce mobile ID card services for rural communities in a bid to ensure equal access to vital national services.

Led by Senior District Officer (SDO), Haroun Kan Turay, the traditional leaders paid an unannounced but purposeful visit to the NCRA district office in Kenema where they met with the District Registration Officer (DRO) and the Regional Registration Officer (RRO) East. Their key demand was the establishment of a community-based service delivery model that would take National ID Card issuance directly into chiefdoms.

The Chiefs expressed concern over the difficulties faced by rural residents, particularly the elderly and physically challenged, in traveling to the district headquarters to secure their ID cards.

“The National ID Card is the gateway to essential services,” one Paramount Chief emphasized. “We want to ensure our people, no matter where they live, are not left behind.”

The delegation included Paramount Chief Sandi Fowai of Dama Chiefdom, Paramount Chief Madam Mariama Sandy of Nyawa Chiefdom, Regent Chief of Nomo Chiefdom, Chief Ishmael Koroma (Chiefdom Speaker, Small Bo) and Hon. Ibrahim Koroma of Gorama Mende Chiefdom.

Responding to their concerns, DRO Kenema welcomed the proposal and reaffirmed NCRA’s commitment to exploring innovative outreach programmes to deliver registration and identification services directly to remote areas. Both parties agreed to maintain close engagement to bring the mobile service plan to fruition.

The Paramount Chiefs’ advocacy underscores the critical role the National ID Card plays in everyday life, as it is required for:

  • Financial transactions and opening bank accounts
  • Vehicle purchase and registration
  • Job applications and professional registration
  • NASSIT enrollment
  • Property transactions and documentation
  • School admissions and national examinations
  • SIM card registration
  • Birth, marriage and death registration
  • Immigration services and passport applications
  • Business registration and startup processes

In his response, NCRA Director General, Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi, assured the Chiefs and the SDO that His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio has directed the Authority to expand Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) and ID services to communities nationwide. He stressed that the National Identification Number (NIN), by law, is central to accessing services and opportunities across the country.

Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi noted that the Chiefs’ position aligns with the recommendations of the Tripartite Committee on ensuring universal ID card coverage and registration, pledging that “no one will be left behind.”

Youths Taking Action to Localize the SDGs at Hard-to-Reach Community Level on International Youth Day

 By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The 2025 International Youth Day (IYD) was marked in Sierra Leone with an inspiring grassroots celebration in the Susan’s Bay community, spearheaded by Mariama Sahid, Founder and Executive Director of Secure Her Empowerment for Peace (SHE4Peace) and G17 Country Representative.

Under the theme: “Youths for the SDGs: Localizing the SDGs for National Development,” more than 22 youth-led groups came together to engage residents directly on sustainable development. The event was fully funded by the participating youths, showcasing their commitment to driving change without reliance on external aid.

The celebration began on Saturday, 9 August 2025, with a Training of Trainers (TOT) session on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), facilitated by Francis Turay. The training aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of the SDGs and empower them to take meaningful local action.

On International Youth Day itself, activities started with a dialogue session at the Susan’s Bay Community Center, where representatives from the various youth groups outlined their missions and strategies. The focus was placed on four key SDGs deemed most relevant to the community: Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), Goal 5 (Gender Equality), Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and Goal 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

The day also featured a female football match between IYD Volunteers and teams from Susan’s Bay and Mabella, followed by a communal lunch for 250 young people. Music, dancing and games brought the event to a lively close.

“This is not a conference; it is grassroots engagement in the slums,” said Mariama Sahid. “We are speaking directly to peers about our responsibilities as young people and the harmful habits that fuel instability. The SDGs will not be achieved by policies and promises alone, we need action.”

The initiative also received support from the Africa Disability Network, with its community chair helping mobilize local participation. Future plans include returning to the community for targeted training sessions that will equip young people with practical skills for economic empowerment and sustainable development.

Initially intended for 10 SHE4Peace members, the program drew 130 volunteer applications, reflecting growing youth enthusiasm for direct community action. Volunteers walked through the settlement’s narrow streets, met residents in areas affected by drug abuse and interacted with underage mothers, offering encouragement and support.

Africell Sierra Leone, through AfriMoney, sponsored the event’s banner printing. Mariama Sahid expressed gratitude to all youth groups and personal supporters who contributed financially, urging development partners to back such initiatives.

“The youths have decided they want action,” she said. “Imagine how much more we could achieve with your support.”

The event proved that when young people in Sierra Leone unite with purpose, they can transform their communities and take the lead in achieving the SDGs.

NP (SL): Consistent Fuel Supply and Exceptional Customer Service Drive National Progress

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

NP Sierra Leone Limited (NP SL) has long been recognized as the country’s most trusted petroleum marketing company, renowned for its unwavering fuel availability, exceptional customer service and forward-thinking innovation. Decades of reliability have cemented its position as a pillar of Sierra Leone’s energy sector, ensuring that communities, businesses and institutions consistently have access to quality petroleum products.

Founded to transform petroleum marketing in Sierra Leone, NP SL has grown into a household name, supplying premium petrol, diesel, lubricants and NP Gas nationwide. Its operations now extend beyond national borders to Liberia, Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia, highlighting the company’s ambition to lead regionally while maintaining a strong commitment to local development. Fully Sierra Leonean-owned, NP SL adheres to the Local Content Policy through its all-local workforce, robust professional training programs and investments in youth empowerment.

Innovation drives NP SL’s operations. Calibrated fuel pumps ensure accuracy for every customer, while GPS and Video Tracking Systems provide real-time operational oversight. The NP Energy Pass Card, a secure cashless payment system, has revolutionized fuel transactions, offering online and offline top-ups and SMS alerts, while Mobile Fuel Tanks ensure uninterrupted supply to key public institutions like Parliament and the Sierra Leone Police Force during emergencies and peak demand periods.

“1st for Customer Care” is more than a slogan; it is NP SL’s philosophy. Investments in infrastructure, customer feedback systems and employee development guarantee reliability and responsiveness, fostering strong customer loyalty. The company also demonstrates social responsibility, contributing to community initiatives such as water facilities for the National Fire Force, a Burns Unit at Connaught Hospital and emergency aid during public health crises and disasters.

Fiscal responsibility complements NP SL’s operational excellence. As one of Sierra Leone’s top taxpayers, the company strengthens Government revenues and fuels socio-economic growth. Its adherence to safety and environmental standards, regular emergency drills and infrastructure upgrades reflect its commitment to sustainable and responsible operations. Partnerships with Government agencies through flexible fuel credit systems further reinforce NP SL’s indispensability to national governance.

Guided by CEO Dr. Mohamed S. Kanu, NP SL continues to expand its digital capabilities, operational efficiency and regional relevance. From its origins as a British Petroleum branch in the 1950s to full local ownership in 1996 and rebranding in 2011, NP SL has remained a pioneer in Sierra Leone’s energy landscape, now offering NP Gas cookers for households alongside its fuel products.

Today, NP SL is more than a petroleum provider. It is a catalyst for economic progress, a champion of local talent, a driver of innovation and a steadfast partner in Sierra Leone’s path to sustainable development. Through its blend of professionalism, technology and patriotism, NP Sierra Leone Limited continues to set the standard for excellence in energy supply and service.

MoPED Minister Demands Swift Action on Civil Service Cooperative Credit Union

The Minister of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED), Madam Kenyeh Barlay, has called on stakeholders to expedite the operationalization of the Civil Service Cooperative Credit Union (CivSCCU), warning that bureaucratic delays will no longer be tolerated. She stressed that any further hold-ups would deprive civil servants of the opportunity to access much-needed loans for medical bills, school and college fees and other emergencies.

Madam Kenyeh Barlay made the appeal on Wednesday, 13th August 2025, at the Ministry of Finance Conference Hall on George Street, Freetown, during a high-level stakeholder meeting aimed at reviewing the one-year progress report on the CivSCCU initiative. The meeting also examined key recommendations, financial projections and strategies to establish a sustainable financial institution for civil servants nationwide.

Emphasizing the need for urgency, the Minister declared, “Now is the time for action, not words,” highlighting the scheme’s potential to uplift the lives of over 24,000 civil servants. She expressed satisfaction with the commitment shown by stakeholders and pledged to present the report to Cabinet without delay to seek ratification.

Madam Kenyeh Barlay further underscored that the CivSCCU will be guided by the principles of the cooperative movement, stressing trust and integrity as the foundations for its success. She also appealed for swift facilitation of the registration process by the Cooperative Department at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, as well as the opening of bank accounts and authorization for payroll deductions by the Ministry of Finance, the Accountant General’s Department and the Human Resource Management Office (HRMO).

Chairing the meeting, MoPED Development Secretary, Ambrose James, reaffirmed the Ministry’s readiness to advance the process and commended the dedication of David Abu and his team at the CivSCCU Secretariat.

Presenting the progress report, David Abu revealed that the initiative began in 2024 as a means to close the financial gap faced by civil servants. He noted that the scheme aligns with Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (2024–2030) and will be open to all permanent and pensionable civil servants. According to him, savings are expected to commence by the end of September 2025, with plans for low-cost housing and agricultural investments starting next year. Seventy percent of savings will be used for loans and 30% for investments, he explained, adding that the scheme is not profit-driven but designed to ease financial pressures on civil servants.

Highlighting the scheme’s customer-focused features,  David Abu expressed hope that it would serve as a model for similar initiatives.

The Deputy Accountant General pledged his office’s support, noting that salary deductions are already being done for teachers, insurance companies and other institutions. “What about us civil servants?” he asked, emphasizing the scheme’s relevance.

HRMO Director-General, Ansu Tucker, said the scheme was conceived to address the high-interest loans, often exceeding 20% that civil servants currently face from commercial banks. He stressed that the CivSCCU, which would charge about 9% interest, could provide members with a more dignified retirement. However, he reiterated that Cabinet approval remains crucial.

During an interactive session, stakeholders expressed strong support for the initiative but raised concerns about civil servant attrition rates, the need for deeper technical analysis and the importance of robust nationwide sensitization. They also discussed sustainability, annual interest rates and maintaining the cooperative movement’s core principles.

While acknowledging that extensive consultations have already taken place, participants agreed that success will depend on the collective will of all stakeholders to accelerate the process and ensure the scheme becomes a reality.

WFP, Government and EU Launch €9.5M Project to Restore Forests and Boost Sustainable Livelihoods

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), in partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and the Ministry of Finance, has launched the Nature Nourishes – Territorial Approach to Local Development Project, a €9.5 million initiative funded by the European Union to combat deforestation, restore ecosystems and promote sustainable livelihoods across Sierra Leone’s protected areas.

The project will focus on restoring forests and water catchments, promoting alternative sources of income, improving land use planning and training community guards to protect biodiversity. Efforts will target major protected areas, including the Western Area Peninsula National Park, Outamba Kilimi National Park, Gola Rainforest National Park and the Loma Mountains National Park.

At the launch event, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Jiwoh Abdulai revealed troubling new deforestation figures for the period May 2024 to April 2025: 713 hectares lost in the Western Area Peninsula National Park, 2,152 hectares each in Outamba Kilimi and Gola Rainforest National Parks and 840 hectares in Loma Mountains National Park. He identified logging, construction encroachment, mining and charcoal burning as the main culprits, warning that those activities threaten Sierra Leone’s water security and heighten the risk of disasters.

The Minister urged residents, especially those in the Western Area, to protect water catchment areas and refrain from building in ecologically sensitive zones such as near the Tacugama Sanctuary.

Marking the 10th anniversary of the August 14, 2017, Freetown landslide, WFP Country Director, Yvonne Forsen, warned that deforestation has accelerated since that tragedy. She stressed the urgent need for coordinated action to prevent future landslides, floods and long-term environmental crises such as water shortages and rising temperatures. Yvonne Forsen explained that the Nature Nourishes Project will directly link environmental protection with tangible community benefits through reforestation, sustainable agriculture, eco-tourism and stronger local governance.

The launch also showcased local success stories. Paramount Chief and Member of Parliament Hon. Mima Kajue shared how her chiefdom replaced charcoal burning with swamp rice cultivation and established 100 hectares of cashew plantations, creating green jobs for young people while protecting local forests.

From the donor perspective, Holger Rommen, Team Lead for Infrastructure and Rural Development at the European Union, said the EU is proud to support the initiative as part of its broader climate action strategy. He stressed that the EU’s €9.5 million investment is aimed at helping communities living near forests and wetlands protect those critical ecosystems while improving their livelihoods.

Holger Rommen described the deforestation rates as alarming, noting that forest loss undermines biodiversity, food production, water availability and community resilience. He emphasized that EU support is designed to empower local people to lead conservation efforts, adopt sustainable land management practices and build viable green economic opportunities, ensuring environmental protection yields benefits for both current and future generations.

The Nature Nourishes Project is expected to run in key biodiversity hotspots, aiming not only to restore degraded landscapes but also to create a model for community-driven conservation and development in Sierra Leone.

ACC Indicts Former NRA Finance Manager Abu Kamara on Nine Counts of Unexplained Wealth

By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has on August 14, 2025 announced the indictment of Abu Kamara, a former Finance Manager at the Customs Department of the National Revenue Authority (NRA), on nine counts of Possession of Unexplained Wealth in violation of Section 27(1)(b) of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 12 of 2008, as amended in 2019.

According to the ACC, Abu Kamara of No. 30 Peninsula Road, Ogoo Farm, Western Area, earned an annual net salary of Le 152,790 (new Leone) but allegedly accumulated assets far exceeding his lawful income between March 1, 2019 and June 31, 2025.

Investigations revealed that Abu Kamara acquired:

  • A registered company, UK Trading Mini Mart SL Ltd, with outlets in Ogoo Farm, Kobba Farm and along the Bo-Kenema Highway in Bo.
  • Five town lots at Gloucester Village purchased for Le 180,000.
  • Another five town lots at Gloucester Village purchased for Le 325,000.
  • A one-storey building and land at Black Johnson, Western Area.
  • A four-storey building and land at No. 8 Cemetery Road, Ogoo Farm.
  • A three-storey building under construction at Cemetery Road, Ogoo Farm.
  • A four-storey building at Babadorie Hills, Western Area.
  • A Nissan vehicle (Reg. No. APW 606) purchased for Le 60,000.
  • A white Hyundai Jeep (Reg. No. UMU 023) purchased for Le 300,000.

The ACC alleges that Abu Kamara could not provide lawful justification for those acquisitions which are “grossly disproportionate” to his legitimate earnings.

The Commission further disclosed that Abu Kamara is currently at large. In accordance with Section 89(7)(a) of the Anti-Corruption (Amendment) Act No. 9 of 2019, the ACC intends to apply for his trial in absentia.

In its statement, the Commission reaffirmed its determination to combat corruption and safeguard public resources, urging members of the public to support efforts in promoting transparency and accountability.

Resolution 4 in Action… Government Clears 37 APC Members, Frees APC Sheriff & Co Under Presidential Pardon

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Government of Sierra Leone has formally cleared 37 members of the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) of any criminal investigations, in line with Resolution 4 of the Agreement for National Unity (ANU) signed between the Government and the APC on October 18, 2023. The move, facilitated by the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC), is part of the ongoing implementation of Resolution 4 of the Agreement for National Unity (ANU), signed on 18 October 2023 between the Government and the APC.

The announcement was made by the Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, following a decision taken on August 12, 2025, based on recommendations from the Resolution 4 Oversight Committee. According to the Committee’s findings, the listed individuals are not under any criminal probe and are free to resume their normal business and political activities without hindrance.

In a related development, President Julius Maada Bio granted a pardon to the last two APC members in custody, Alpha Sheriff popularly known as “APC Sheriff,” and Amadu Saidu Fofanah. Their release marks a significant milestone in the ongoing implementation of the ANU which aims to foster political reconciliation and national cohesion.

The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay, Esq., confirmed that the cleared individuals include:

  1. Idrissa Hamid Kamara
  2. Insp Sullay Deen Sesay
  3. Victor Vandy Kamara
  4. Sgt Kanneh Thoronka
  5. Sgt Hassan Bruz Kamara
  6. Sgt Abubakarr Conteh
  7. Sheik Ibrahim Koroma (SIK)
  8. Rtd Captain Desmond Gebara
  9. Abdulai Mansaray (Rambo)
  10. Hassan N’Bompa Turay
  11. Sorie Conteh
  12. Alimamy Conteh
  13. Sheku Jalloh
  14. Ibrahim Jawara
  15. Foday Jalloh
  16. Ms Dankay Koroma
  17. Sorie Ibrahim Koroma (Street Ambassador)
  18. Sahr Kemokai
  19. Umaru Rahman (Gallon Pan)
  20. Mr Kumalo
  21. Ben Kamara
  22. Mohamed Bangura
  23. Idrissa Sesay
  24. Ibrahim Sulaiman Kabia
  25. Brima Kabia (BKT)
  26. Abdul Karim Kabia
  27. Muctarr Dawoh
  28. Salieu Mansaray
  29. Abdul Conteh
  30. Osman Kamara
  31. Lamin Sesay
  32. Noah Kabia
  33. Hon David Johnson
  34. Ibrahim Tarebo
  35. Cecelia Ngobeh
  36. Victor Luseni
  37. Sharka Gassimu

The pardon of APC Sheriff and Amadu Saidu Fofanah brings an end to their legal ordeal that began in 2023. Both men were convicted by High Court Judge, Adrian Fisher, under the National Security and Central Intelligence Act of 2023 and sentenced to five years in prison, with 22 months already served in pre-trial detention. They were the first to be convicted under the new legislation.

APC Sheriff was arrested in Bo on June 7, 2023, while campaigning alongside APC running mate Hon. Chernor Ramadan Maju Bah and charged with operating an unlicensed security company, possessing illegal firearms and concealing weapons. Prosecutors sought a 20-year sentence, citing national security risks, but his defense, led by lawyer Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara, argued for leniency.

The case was further complicated by allegations of the pair’s involvement in the November 26, 2023, alleged attempted coup and prison break, during which APC Sheriff briefly escaped from Pademba Road Prison before being recaptured in Gloucester.

Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr described the day as one of “mixed blessings,” celebrating the dropping of charges against the 37 APC members, many of whom had been living in exile, while also marking the third anniversary of the death of Evangelist Samson, to whom she paid tribute.

The Government has reiterated its commitment to fully implementing the Agreement for National Unity, with further actions expected as part of the ongoing reconciliation process.

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