ECOWAS Court to Hold High-Level Engagement in Sierra Leone on Enforcement of Judgments

February 9, 2026

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is set to hold a bilateral meeting with the Competent National Authority and key stakeholders in Sierra Leone to review the status of enforcement of its judgments in the country.

The engagement, scheduled to take place from 9 to 13 February 2026, forms part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS and is aimed at strengthening cooperation between the regional court and national authorities on the effective implementation of its decisions.

According to the Court, the meeting seeks to establish a structured framework for collaboration, promote the exchange of best practices and address challenges affecting the enforcement of ECOWAS Court judgments at the national level. The initiative is expected to enhance compliance, improve coordination and foster sustainable cooperation between the Court and relevant institutions in Sierra Leone.

The programme will provide a platform for in-depth dialogue between the ECOWAS Court and the Competent National Authority, focusing on improving enforcement procedures, ensuring greater uniformity across jurisdictions and building institutional capacity for effective implementation of judgments. Discussions will also centre on identifying existing constraints to enforcement and developing practical strategies to address them.

A special forum will be held on the current status of enforcement of ECOWAS Court judgments in Sierra Leone, alongside presentations on the Court’s enforcement mechanisms and perspectives from Government authorities. The programme will also include a bilateral engagement with Civil Society Organisations, as well as deliberations on next steps and future cooperation.

Stakeholder engagement sessions, presentations and discussions throughout the week-long programme are designed to promote inclusive participation, constructive dialogue and shared ownership of solutions aimed at strengthening the enforcement process.

As part of the visit, the ECOWAS Court delegation will pay courtesy calls on senior Government officials, including the Minister of Planning and Development, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, the Chief Justice of Sierra Leone and the Speaker of Parliament. Meetings are also scheduled with the Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone and the President of the Sierra Leone Bar Association.

The delegation will be led by the President of the ECOWAS Court, Justice Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves, and includes the Vice President, Justice Sengu Mohamed Koroma, as well as directors and other staff of the Court.

The Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS, was established under Articles 6 and 15 of the Revised ECOWAS Treaty. Although the Protocol relating to the Court was adopted in 1991, the pioneer judges were appointed in 2001. The Court has four core mandates: interpretation and application of ECOWAS legal instruments, adjudication of administrative disputes involving ECOWAS institutions, arbitration and the protection of human rights within the Community.

Foreign Affairs Minister Participates in U.S. Critical Minerals Ministerial in Washington

February 6, 2026

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Sierra Leone has taken a decisive step in strengthening its global economic diplomacy, joining world leaders at the high-level United States Critical Minerals Ministerial held on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at the Loy Henderson Conference Room of the United States Department of State in Washington, D.C. The invitation-only ministerial brought together foreign Ministers and senior Government officials from across the globe to deliberate on the strategic importance of critical minerals in global supply chains, economic security and technological advancement.

Sierra Leone’s delegation led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Alhaji Musa Timothy Kabba, underscores Freetown’s determination to position the country as a responsible, credible and forward-looking partner in the evolving global minerals economy. The summit was hosted by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, reflecting Washington’s renewed push to convene like-minded nations around a shared framework for diversifying mineral supply chains and reducing global vulnerabilities.

For Sierra Leone, participation in the ministerial comes at a pivotal moment. The country is endowed with significant mineral resources, including rutile, bauxite, iron ore and gold, alongside emerging prospects in lithium and rare earth elements; materials increasingly essential for clean energy technologies, electric vehicles, digital infrastructure and advanced manufacturing. Minister Alhaji Musa Timothy Kabba’s presence at the summit reinforced Sierra Leone’s commitment to translating its natural resource wealth into long-term, inclusive and sustainable national development.

Explaining the purpose of his visit, the Minister said his Washington engagement combined participation in the Strategic and Critical Minerals Conference with broader bilateral discussions. “At the invite of the U.S. Secretary of State, I arrived in Washington, D.C. to participate in a Strategic Minerals Conference and to engage on broader bilateral issues,” he noted.

The Foreign Minister was accompanied by Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Mines and senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, reflecting the technical depth and policy focus of the delegation. The inclusion of mining and diplomatic experts signaled Sierra Leone’s intention to position itself as an informed and credible partner in global resource governance and supply-chain discussions.

Drawing on his background as a former Minister of Mines and a petroleum engineer, Alhaji Musa Timothy Kabba emphasized the growing importance of resource diplomacy in modern international relations. He noted that natural resources now sit at the intersection of economic growth, national security and environmental sustainability. “Resource diplomacy requires understanding your country’s competitiveness in order to create partnerships defined by collective security, mutual benefit and environmental sustainability,” he said.

He further highlighted that the extractive-sector policies pursued under President Julius Maada Bio have laid a solid foundation for such engagements, describing them as compelling and progressive in their emphasis on transparency, value addition and safeguarding the long-term national interest.

The ministerial opened against a backdrop of heightened global concern over the fragility and concentration of critical mineral supply chains. Senior United States officials and international partners stressed the urgency of securing resilient and diversified sources for minerals vital to modern economies.

Opening the meeting, U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, described access to critical minerals as a top priority for the U.S. administration, emphasizing their central role in economic security, national defense and technological innovation. He warned that the heavy concentration of global mineral supply chains poses risks not only to individual nations but also to the stability of the global economy.

Keynote remarks were delivered by U.S. Vice President, JD Vance, who underscored that despite the digital and high-tech character of today’s economy, it remains fundamentally dependent on physical resources. “There is no realer thing than critical minerals,” he said, stressing that energy systems, advanced manufacturing, defense technologies and emerging industries all depend on secure and predictable supply chains.

Vice President, J.D Vance, noted that erratic pricing, market distortions and sudden supply surges have discouraged long-term investment in mining and processing projects worldwide. According to him, that volatility has left resource-rich developing countries unable to fully translate mineral wealth into sustained development, while industrialized economies remain exposed to supply disruptions.

To address those challenges, J.D Vance announced a sweeping U.S.-led initiative aimed at restoring predictability and fairness to global mineral markets. Central to the proposal is the creation of a preferential trade zone for critical minerals, featuring enforceable price floors and coordinated trade policies among participating nations. The framework is intended to stabilize prices, protect strategic investments and encourage the development of end-to-end supply chains across allied and partner countries.

The Vice President also outlined measures already undertaken by the U.S. administration, including unprecedented public financing for mining and processing projects, direct equity investments, the establishment of domestic smelters for the first time in decades and the launch of Project Vault; America’s first civilian-focused strategic stockpile of critical minerals. Those initiatives, he said, are designed to support reindustrialization, create skilled jobs and reduce long-term dependence on unstable or non-market-based supply arrangements.

Japan’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Horii Iwao, welcomed the U.S. initiative and expressed strong support for collective action. He highlighted Japan’s own efforts to diversify mineral supply sources through policy reforms and significant public-private investments, stressing that no single country can overcome supply-chain fragility alone.

As the ministerial progressed into closed-door sessions, participants broadly agreed that diversified, transparent and rules-based supply chains are essential for global growth and security. Organizers said discussions are expected to culminate in new bilateral and multilateral agreements, positioning the Critical Minerals Ministerial as a foundational step toward a more stable and cooperative global minerals market.

The Washington engagement forms part of a broader diplomatic strategy aimed at strengthening Sierra Leone’s role in international economic governance. Over the past year, the country has deepened its global engagement through active participation in multilateral forums, including its recent responsibilities at the United Nations Security Council. Against that backdrop, the Critical Minerals Ministerial provided an opportunity for Sierra Leone to consolidate its standing as a constructive voice in global discussions on resource governance and economic security.

The Sierra Leonean delegation used the platform to emphasize the country’s intention to move beyond raw material exports toward value addition, job creation and stronger linkages between mining and the wider economy. Officials highlighted ongoing policy reforms, sustainable mining practices and efforts to integrate renewable energy, such as solar and hydropower, into mining operations to reduce costs and environmental impact.

As global competition for critical minerals intensifies, Sierra Leone’s participation at the highest diplomatic level signals a clear statement of intent. It reflects a growing recognition that foreign policy, economic strategy and sustainable development are increasingly interconnected.

Through its engagement at the U.S. Critical Minerals Ministerial, Sierra Leone reaffirmed its place in the emerging global conversation on economic security and sustainable development; an engagement that could help shape the country’s development trajectory for decades to come, ensuring that its mineral wealth becomes a catalyst for shared prosperity rather than a source of volatility.

Walking In Solidarity On The Great Path For A Bright Future—Marking The 36th Consecutive New Year Visit Of China’s Foreign Minister’s To Africa

February 6, 2026

By Ambassador Zhao Yong, Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone

From January 8 to 12, H.E. Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs, successfully visited the African Union, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Lesotho. This visit coincided with the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Africa, and marked the 36th consecutive year that China’s Foreign Minister has made Africa his first destination in the New Year. It holds profound significance and far-reaching implications.

China-Africa friendship is originated from our shoulder-to-shoulder struggle for national independence and liberation, and has matured through our shared commitment to social and economic development. The past year brought much turmoil to the world. At the beginning of the new year, China’s Foreign Minister once again visited this continent with hope, making Africa the starting point of China’s diplomacy each year. As Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated, this visit embodies the deep affection of the Chinese people for the African people, and shows the commitment and spirit that China will always be the first friend standing by Africa’s side when African brothers and sisters need us.

At the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, President Xi Jinping solemnly proposed that China and Africa join hands to achieve the “six modernizations,” charting the future of China-Africa relations. Through joint efforts, over 90% of the FOCAC Beijing Summit’s objectives have been implemented or made significant progress. More than 300 “smart and beautiful” projects are advancing smoothly, with China-Africa passenger flights increasing by 23%. Nearly 1,000 medical volunteers have provided free clinics in Africa, and over 200 agricultural experts have taken up posts. In the first 11 months of 2025, China-Africa trade volume surpassed the historic threshold of $300 billion. During this visit, Foreign Minister Wang Yi also formally launched the “China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges” with African counterparts. This initiative serves as both a shared celebration for the peoples of China and Africa and a comprehensive showcase of the achievements of China-Africa cooperation. Through nearly 600 exchange activities, the two sides will bring together peoples from various sectors, including youth, culture, and media, covering all areas of China-Africa engagement. This will enable the African people to gain a greater sense of fulfillment and deeper recognition of China-Africa friendship.

China is the largest developing country, while Africa is the continent with the most of developing nations. China and Africa share similar historical experiences and bear common historical responsibilities. The two sides coordinate closely on international and regional affairs, offering firm mutual support on issues involving each other’s core interests and major concerns. Looking ahead, no matter how the international landscape may shift, we are confident that China and Africa will forever stand together in solidarity, resolutely uphold the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, and firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of African peoples.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit not only continues the fine tradition of Chinese foreign ministers making Africa their first destination at the beginning of the year for 36 consecutive years, but also reaffirms that no matter what changes occur in the international and regional landscape, China remains the most trustworthy friend of Africa’s brothers and sisters, the most reliable partner for African countries pursuing development and revitalization, and the strongest backing for Africa on the international stage.

China will continue to uphold the spirit of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith. Together with Sierra Leone and other African nations, we will strengthen the alignment of our development strategies, jointly tackle global challenges, and continuously consolidate the foundation of our cooperation through mutual respect and shared prosperity. Let’s work together to make more contributions to building the all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.

AYV Expands Global Footprint as Anthony Navo Jr. Leads Housemates Salone Delegation to Dubai

February 6, 2026

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Chief Executive Officer of Africa Young Voices (AYV), Anthony Navo Jr., is leading a high-level delegation from Freetown through London to Dubai as part of a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening international partnerships and expanding AYV’s global footprint.

The delegation includes the winner of Housemates Salone Season 4, alongside selected finalists and housemates from the season. The trip marks a milestone for the reality television platform, offering participants rare international exposure, cultural exchange and opportunities for personal and professional development.

According to AYV, the Dubai leg of the visit will focus on high-level engagements with creative industry stakeholders, exploration of content development opportunities and the positioning of Sierra Leone’s entertainment and creative economy on the global stage. The engagements are expected to open doors for collaboration in media production, talent development and lifestyle programming, while elevating the visibility of Sierra Leonean youth talent abroad.

The journey forms part of AYV’s innovative reality television concept, The Trip, under the Housemates Salone franchise. The initiative blends reality television with travel and mentorship, designed to showcase local talent, promote youth empowerment and expose participants to global standards and opportunities. By integrating cultural immersion with professional learning, AYV continues to pioneer bold entertainment formats that project Sierra Leonean stories beyond national borders.

Earlier this week, members of the Sierra Leonean community in Dubai turned out in large numbers to welcome the delegation on arrival. From airport reception to spontaneous displays of solidarity, the atmosphere reflected strong diaspora pride and unity. Organisers described the welcome as “loud, proud and unforgettable,” noting that Dubai briefly felt like Freetown as supporters rallied around the Housemates Salone delegation.

AYV expressed appreciation to Sierra Leoneans in Dubai for their show of support, saying the warm reception set the tone for the delegation’s activities and underscored the unifying power of culture and entertainment. “No matter the distance, home remains united,” a statement from the organisers noted, adding that the reception marked “just the beginning” of a broader international engagement.

As part of the Dubai programme, AYV has announced a major public engagement event scheduled for Friday, 6 February, at Spectra Night Club, located at the Marco Polo Hotel. The live Meet-and-Greet is expected to bring together fans, creatives and members of the diaspora for an immersive Housemates Salone experience featuring music, photo moments and interactions with the housemates.

Organisers say the event will celebrate Sierra Leonean culture abroad while reinforcing AYV’s mission to amplify local talent on global platforms. With momentum building in Dubai, AYV’s leadership believes the initiative will further cement the network’s role as a trailblazer in African youth media and entertainment, showcasing how Sierra Leoneans connect, create and celebrate wherever they are in the world.

Historic Regional Milestone: Sierra Leonean Officer Named Chief of Staff of ECOWAS Standby Force

February 6, 2026

Brigadier General Sheik Sulaiman Massaquoi

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Sierra Leone has recorded another historic milestone on the regional and international stage following the appointment of Brigadier General Sheik Sulaiman Massaquoi as Chief of Staff of the ECOWAS Standby Force, becoming the first Sierra Leonean officer to ever occupy the prestigious position.

The landmark appointment, which follows a rigorous competitive selection process, was supported by the nomination of President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, alongside the Chief of Defence Staff, Idara Bangura. It marks a proud moment for Sierra Leone and underscores the country’s growing influence within the regional security architecture of the Economic Community of West African States.

As Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Sheik Sulaiman Massaquoi will be responsible for operational planning, logistics coordination and strategic oversight of the ECOWAS Standby Force ; a multinational, brigade-sized rapid deployment force established in 2004 under the ECOWAS Protocol on Conflict Prevention, Management, Resolution, Peacekeeping and Security. The force is mandated to respond swiftly to crises across the sub-region, including unconstitutional changes of Government, insurgencies, terrorism and humanitarian emergencies.

Over the years, the ECOWAS Standby Force has played key roles in stabilization efforts in countries such as Mali and Guinea-Bissau, drawing troops and resources from member states to promote peace and stability in a region frequently challenged by political instability and violent extremism. Brigadier General Sheik Sulaiman Massaquoi’s leadership is expected to further strengthen the force’s operational effectiveness at a critical time for the bloc.

Brigadier General Sheik Sulaiman Massaquoi’s journey to this historic role began in 1994 when he enlisted in the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, earning his first commission on June 16, 1995. An alumnus of the prestigious Bo School, he has steadily risen through the ranks, earning a reputation for discipline, professionalism and strategic acumen.

Throughout his three decades of service, he has held numerous command and staff positions, including Platoon Commander, Adjutant, Company Commander, Commanding Officer of Intelligence and Commanding Officer of the 4th Infantry Battalion. He has also served as Chief of Operations, Chief Planning Officer, Chief of Staff, Director of Military Intelligence, Staff Officer at the National Joint Operations Centre, Commandant of the Joint Logistics Unit and Acting Director General of the Sierra Leone Correctional Services.

Currently, prior to his ECOWAS appointment, Brigadier General Sheik Sulaiman Massaquoi served as Assistant Chief of Defence Staff for Logistics and Equipment Support at Defence Headquarters in Freetown, where his expertise in logistics, supply chain management and resource optimization contributed significantly to ongoing reforms and modernization within the RSLAF.

Complementing his operational experience is an impressive academic and professional training portfolio acquired across Africa, Asia and the United States. He completed the Junior Staff Course at the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College and the Combat Team Commanders Course at the Ghana Armed Forces Military Training Academy in Accra.

In the United States, he undertook the Basic Military Intelligence Officer Course and the Captain’s Career Military Intelligence Course at the U.S. Army Intelligence Center in Fort Huachuca, Arizona, and earned a Diploma in Equal Opportunity Advisory from the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute in Florida. He also specialized in Civil-Military Responses to Terrorism at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California.

Brigadier General Sheik Sulaiman Massaquoi further attended the Senior Staff Course at the Defence Services Command and Staff College in Mirpur, Bangladesh, graduating with a Master of Science in Military Studies from the Bangladesh University of Professionals. He also holds a Master of Arts in Strategic Security Studies from the National Defense University in Washington, D.C., and completed the Regional Senior Mission Leaders’ Course at the International Peace Support Training Centre in Nairobi, Kenya.

In addition to his military education, he holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Political Science and a Master of Science in Diplomacy and International Relations from Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone ; an academic foundation that has shaped his strong belief in diplomacy as a primary tool for conflict prevention.

On the international front, Brigadier General Sheik Sulaiman Massaquoi served with the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), contributing to multinational efforts to combat jihadist threats and protect civilians in one of Africa’s most volatile theatres. His experience in Mali prepared him for the complexities of coordinating multinational forces drawn from ECOWAS’s 15 member states, in line with the African Union’s broader peace and security framework.

Brigadier General Sheik Sulaiman Massaquoi’s appointment comes at a delicate moment for ECOWAS, following the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger in 2024 after a series of military coups. As Chief of Staff, he is expected to play a central role in revitalizing the Standby Force, strengthening training and readiness, supporting exercises such as the annual “Durbar” simulations and advocating for sustainable funding through the ECOWAS Peace Fund.

His elevation not only honours his distinguished service but also reflects Sierra Leone’s renewed regional standing under President Bio’s leadership. It reinforces the country’s commitment to collective security and serves as an inspiration to a new generation of military and civilian leaders across the Mano River Union and the wider West African sub-region.

12 Suspects Committed to High Court in Kenema Over Drug Possession Charges

February 6, 2026

Twelve (12) defendants have been committed to stand trial at the High Court in Kenema for offences relating to the possession and use of prohibited drugs, following a ruling by the Kenema Magistrate Court.

The decision was delivered on Saturday, January 31, 2026, by Hadiru Daboh, in compliance with the National Drugs Control Act No. 10 of 2008 and the Practice Direction issued by Chief Justice, Komba Kamanda, which mandates the speedy trial of drug-related cases nationwide.

All twelve accused persons were arraigned on charges of prohibition of possession and use of drugs, contrary to Section 8(a) of the Act. After examining the evidence presented by the prosecution, the court ordered that the defendants be committed within twenty-eight (28) days to the High Court of Sierra Leone for trial.

According to court records, the defendants were arrested on different dates between November 2025 and January 2026 at various locations across Kenema City and surrounding areas, including Dama Road, Fishery Market, Kaisamba Terrace, Gombu Section, IDA Axis, Ahmadiyya Junction and police checkpoints within the district.

Among those charged, Amara Ansu, of 58 Dama Road, Kenema, was allegedly found in possession of 17 wraps of kush on December 22, 2025. Ibrahim Aruna Sannoh, of Gombu Layout, was reportedly arrested with 17 wraps of dried leaves suspected to be kush at the Fishery Market on December 9, 2025.

Osman Koroma, a resident of Tiama Village, was apprehended with a quantity of Cannabis sativa at the Wanjama Police Checkpoint in the Small-Bo Chiefdom on December 18, 2025. Sayoh Musa, of Akash Drive, was allegedly found with 24 wraps of kush at Kaisamba Terrace on November 10, 2025.

Court documents further indicate that Lansana Conteh, of W-Line, Nyandeyama Section, was arrested with 45 wraps of kush at the Fishery Market on January 13, 2026, while Sarah Kamara, of Fabba Street, Kenema, was found with 22 wraps of kush at Ahmadiyya Junction on November 3, 2025. Other accused persons were charged with possession of quantities ranging from seven (7) to twenty-two (22) wraps of kush, as well as suspected cannabis substances.

No plea was taken at the magistrate level and no bail was granted to any of the accused persons. The twelve defendants have all been remanded at the Sierra Leone Correctional Centre (SLCC) in Kenema pending their appearance before the High Court.

One of the accused, Wilson Koroma, was represented by defence counsel Joseph Bandabla Dauda Jnr. Esq. (JBD) and Patrick Kamara of the Legal Aid Board, Kenema.

In his ruling, Magistrate Daboh stated that after carefully reviewing the evidence, the court was satisfied that the prosecution had fully discharged its burden, leaving no option but to commit the matters to the High Court for trial.

The cases were prosecuted by Police Sergeant 10734 David Idriss, attached to the Legal and Justice Support Department at the Kenema Police Station.

The development underscores ongoing national efforts to combat the illegal production, distribution and use of drugs, particularly kush, which authorities say continues to pose a serious threat to public safety and public health.

New UN Tourism Secretary-General Meets President Bio, Commits Support to Sierra Leone’s Tourism Sector

February 6, 2026

President Dr. Julius Maada Bio meets newly elected Secretary-General of UN Tourism, Shaikha Alnuwais at the World Governments Summit in Dubai

The newly elected Secretary-General of UN Tourism, Shaikha Alnuwais, has pledged strong institutional support for the development of Sierra Leone’s tourism sector following a high-level meeting with President Dr. Julius Maada Bio on the sidelines of the World Governments Summit on Tuesday, 3 February 2026, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The meeting marked one of Shaikha Alnuwais’ first official engagements since assuming office as UN Tourism Secretary-General and making history as the first woman to hold the position. Discussions centered on unlocking Sierra Leone’s tourism potential through strategic partnerships, policy alignment and targeted investment support.

During the engagement, the Secretary-General outlined five key strategic priorities that will guide her tenure at UN Tourism: sustainable and responsible growth; digital transformation and data-driven tourism; economic inclusion and local empowerment; infrastructure, connectivity and tourism enablers; and governance, transparency and global trust. She noted that those pillars closely align with Sierra Leone’s development aspirations and provide a practical framework for accelerating tourism-led growth.

Shaikha Alnuwais emphasized that Sierra Leone possesses immense and largely untapped tourism assets, including pristine beaches, rich biodiversity, cultural heritage and historical landmarks. She expressed UN Tourism’s readiness to work closely with the Government of Sierra Leone to design programmes that promote sustainability, empower local communities and strengthen the country’s visibility on the global tourism map.

The Secretary-General also briefed President Bio on her recent engagement with Nabeela F. Tunis, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, commending her for what she described as a visionary and forward-looking approach to sector development. She praised ongoing reforms and initiatives aimed at improving destination branding, tourism governance and private sector participation.

President Bio congratulated Shaikha Alnuwais on her election and welcomed her commitment to supporting Sierra Leone. He highlighted the longstanding and cordial bilateral relations between Sierra Leone and the United Arab Emirates, noting that those ties played a significant role in rallying support for her successful candidacy.

The President underscored tourism as a critical pillar of Sierra Leone’s economic diversification agenda, capable of generating employment, attracting foreign investment and fostering inclusive growth. While acknowledging existing challenges, including infrastructure gaps and capacity constraints, he stressed that enhanced collaboration with UN Tourism would significantly accelerate progress in the sector.

President Bio further praised Minister Nabeela F. Tunis for the notable strides achieved under her leadership, particularly in repositioning tourism as a strategic national priority. He reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s full support for the new Secretary-General and pledged his personal commitment to advancing tourism development during her tenure.

Concluding the meeting, Shaikha Alnuwais expressed her intention to visit Sierra Leone in the near future, a move expected to further strengthen cooperation and translate commitments into concrete action on the ground.

APC Secretary General Lansana Dumbuya Released from Police Custody

February 6, 2026

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The National Secretary General of the All People’s Congress, Lansana Dumbuya, issued a formal statement to the Criminal Investigations Department of the Sierra Leone Police, clarifying remarks he made in connection with the country’s 2023 general elections and firmly rejecting any suggestion of criminal intent.

In the statement dated 4 February 2026, Lansana Dumbuya explained that comments attributed to him on or about 31 January 2026 were political opinions expressed in good faith and grounded in publicly available reports by both domestic and international election observation bodies. He stated that the remarks were made within the context of ongoing national discourse concerning the conduct, transparency and outcome of the 2023 elections.

According to Lansana Dumbuya, the position he articulated was neither personal nor novel, but rather a long-standing and consistently maintained stance of the All People’s Congress. He noted that since the conclusion of the 2023 elections, the party has repeatedly raised concerns through lawful political channels regarding aspects of the electoral process, including allegations that the results did not fully reflect the will of the people.

He further emphasized that his comments were made strictly within the framework of constitutional democratic engagement and political discourse, stressing that the All People’s Congress has communicated its concerns through public statements and engagements with both national and international stakeholders.

Lansana Dumbuya also drew attention to what he described as the continued absence of comprehensive, transparent and disaggregated official election results. He stated that, to the best of his knowledge, such results were not conclusively published following the elections, an issue he said remains a central subject of public debate both within Sierra Leone and among international partners.

“In light of these unresolved issues, the position of the All People’s Congress remains unchanged,” the statement said, adding that the concerns expressed reflect widely held views among citizens, civil society actors and political stakeholders, and continue to feature prominently in discussions on electoral integrity and democratic accountability.

The National Secretary General categorically rejected any suggestion that his statements were made with malice or criminal intent. He maintained that political parties and citizens have constitutional rights to express opinions on governance and elections, provided such expressions do not promote violence or hatred.

In a further clarification, Lansana Dumbuya reaffirmed that while he stands by his position as a political opinion based on public reports and unresolved electoral concerns, he does not endorse any interpretation that suggests violence, hatred or criminal conduct.

“I remain fully committed to peace, the rule of law and the use of lawful and democratic means to address political disagreements,” he stated.

Despite this stated commitment, Lansana Dumbuya disclosed that he had been detained by the Inspector General of Police in connection with what he described as engagement in normal democratic discourse. He was, however, released from police custody on 5 February 2026 and was received by a group of jubilant All People’s Congress supporters outside the precinct of the Criminal Investigations Department Headquarters on Pademba Road.

The statement was copied to international moral guarantors, development partners, the Peace Commission, the Economic Community of West African States, the African Union and the Commonwealth.

The development has intensified national and international attention on post-election governance, political freedoms and democratic accountability in Sierra Leone.

Netpage E-Passport Contract Faces Fresh Scrutiny Over Revenue Leakages

February 6, 2026

By Foday Moriba Conteh

A new governance report has reignited debate over Sierra Leone’s national e-passport programme, raising serious concerns about revenue losses, high passport fees and weak oversight in the long-standing contractual arrangement between the state and a private passport supplier.

The report, released by the Institute for Governance Reform (IGR), questions whether the Government is deriving fair value from the e-passport contract awarded to Netpage, the firm responsible for the production and sale of Sierra Leonean passports. It argues that the arrangement reflects deeper structural problems in how lucrative public contracts are negotiated, renewed and monitored.

Titled :“‘Di hade’ pa di case’: Politics and Revenue Failures in Sierra Leone”, a Krio phrase translated as “the heart of the matter”, the report examines revenue-generating state concessions and how they often benefit private interests more than the public purse. The e-passport deal is cited as a prominent example of how weak contract governance can undermine national revenue mobilization.

According to IGR, between 60,000 and 70,000 passports are issued annually in Sierra Leone. Based on current fees, this volume is estimated to generate between USD 7 million and USD 9 million each year. Despite this significant earning potential, the report states that it found no clear evidence of royalty payments or similar revenues from the e-passport operation being paid into the Government’s Consolidated Revenue Fund. IGR describes this absence of traceable income as a major fiscal gap in a country facing persistent budgetary pressures.

The report also highlights the high cost of acquiring a Sierra Leonean passport. With fees ranging from USD 100 to USD 180, the document is among the most expensive in the West African region. IGR argues that such pricing places an undue burden on citizens, particularly low-income earners and is difficult to justify without transparent disclosure of how revenues are shared or reinvested into public services.

Beyond pricing and revenue flows, IGR raises concerns about the procurement and renewal process underpinning the e-passport contract. The report notes that the agreement has reportedly been renewed multiple times without open competitive bidding or a comprehensive value-for-money assessment. That, it argues, undermines established public procurement principles and limits the state’s ability to renegotiate improved terms that could increase Government revenue or reduce costs to citizens.

The findings are situated within a broader analysis of Sierra Leone’s economic governance challenges. While corruption, political instability and ethnic politics are often blamed for weak public finances, IGR contends that inadequate scrutiny of high-value contracts plays an equally damaging role. When critical revenue streams are structured in ways that limit state benefits, the report warns, the long-term impact is reduced fiscal space for essential services such as health, education and infrastructure.

Drawing on data from approximately 3,400 state contracts, as well as interviews with current and former officials from successive administrations, the report concludes that the issues highlighted by the e-passport deal cut across political cycles. The contract, it notes, has spanned multiple Governments, suggesting that the problem lies not with any single administration but with entrenched institutional practices.

IGR further alleges that powerful business actors often employ strategies to maintain control over lucrative concessions. These include cultivating relationships across political parties, structuring agreements around institutions rather than individuals to ensure continuity and exploiting moments of political transition when oversight may be weaker. The report also suggests that influence over sections of the media can sometimes be used to reduce sustained public scrutiny of controversial contracts.

While acknowledging that ethical public servants and reform-oriented business leaders exist, IGR warns that a system has emerged in which large public revenue losses are effectively normalized. Weak accountability mechanisms and the absence of strong political platforms focused on economic governance reform, it argues, further entrench the problem.

Ultimately, the report presents the e-passport contract as more than an administrative concern. It frames it as a clear illustration of how flawed contractual arrangements can quietly drain national resources over time. Without greater transparency, competitive procurement processes and firm political will to protect public revenue, IGR cautions that Sierra Leone risks continuing a cycle in which private interests benefit disproportionately while citizens bear the cost.

Foreign Minister Holds High-Level Talks with U.S. Deputy Secretary on Prosperity & Illegal Immigration

February 6, 2026

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Timothy Musa Kabba, on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, held high-level bilateral discussions with Christopher Landau, Deputy Secretary of State of the United States, as part of ongoing diplomatic engagements aimed at deepening cooperation between the two countries.

The meeting, which took place at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., focused on advancing joint economic interests, promoting shared prosperity and strengthening collaboration to deter illegal immigration. It also formed part of a broader diplomatic calendar surrounding the inaugural U.S.-hosted Critical Minerals Ministerial scheduled for February 4.

Speaking after the engagement, Deputy Secretary, Christopher Landau, described the meeting as productive and forward-looking. “I greatly enjoyed reconnecting today with Sierra Leonean Foreign Minister Timothy Musa Kabba to discuss how the United States and Sierra Leone can better promote prosperity for our peoples and work together to deter illegal immigration,” he said, underscoring Washington’s interest in expanding practical cooperation with Freetown.

Minister Timothy Kabba, who arrived in Washington at the invitation of Marco Rubio, explained that his visit combines participation in the Strategic and Critical Minerals Conference with broader bilateral discussions. “At the invite of the U.S. Secretary of State, I arrived in Washington, D.C. this morning to participate in a Strategic Minerals Conference and to engage on broader bilateral issues,” the Foreign Minister noted.

He is accompanied by Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Mines and senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, reflecting the technical and policy depth of the delegation. The presence of mining and diplomatic experts signals Sierra Leone’s intention to position itself as a credible and informed partner in global resource governance and supply chain discussions.

Drawing on his background as a former Minister of Mines and a petroleum engineer, Timothy Kabba emphasized the growing importance of resource diplomacy in modern international relations. He noted that natural resources now sit at the intersection of economic growth, national security and environmental sustainability. “Resource diplomacy requires understanding your country’s competitiveness in order to create partnerships defined by collective security, mutual benefit and environmental sustainability,” he said.

The Foreign Minister further highlighted that President Julius Maada Bio’s policies in the extractive sector have laid a strong foundation for such engagements, describing them as “compelling and progressive” in their focus on transparency, value addition and long-term national interest.

The Kabba–Landau meeting also aligns with the United States’ renewed engagement with African nations on issues of migration, security and strategic minerals. U.S. officials have increasingly stressed the need for collaborative approaches to managing migration flows while expanding lawful economic opportunities that address root causes.

Beyond migration, economic cooperation featured prominently in the talks, particularly in the context of global efforts to diversify and secure critical minerals supply chains. Sierra Leone, endowed with significant mineral resources, has been positioning itself as a potential partner in responsible mining and supply chain resilience, areas of growing interest to the United States.

The engagement with Sierra Leone comes as Washington hosts delegations from more than 50 countries for the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial, a landmark gathering aimed at strengthening international collaboration on minerals essential for technological innovation, economic strength and national security.

Overall, the meeting between the Minister and Deputy Secretary, Christopher Landau, reflects the steady strengthening of U.S.–Sierra Leone relations, anchored on mutual respect, shared economic interests and cooperation on global challenges. The Washington talks underscore ongoing efforts by both countries to move beyond dialogue and toward concrete outcomes, strengthening a multidimensional partnership.