VP Juldeh Jalloh Meets APC-Led Councils, Pushes Swift Resolution to Governance Impasse

April 17, 2026

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Vice President of Sierra Leone, Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, held a crucial engagement with Mayors and District Chairpersons from APC-led councils and municipalities as part of ongoing efforts to resolve the current local governance stalemate.

Speaking in his capacity as Chair of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Decentralization and Local Governance (IMC), the Vice President disclosed that the meeting focused on finding a swift and practical solution to the political impasse currently affecting the operations of several local councils.

He emphasized that the discussions were driven by a shared commitment to ensuring that councils across the country remain fully functional and continue delivering essential services to citizens without disruption.

According to him, both sides expressed a strong mutual desire to see an urgent resolution of the issues at hand, noting that the ability of local councils to effectively serve communities must remain a top national priority.

The Vice President further revealed that the meeting ended on a positive note, with all parties demonstrating strong commitment to sustaining dialogue through continued engagements aimed at fostering consensus and strengthening cooperation.

He encouraged all stakeholders to make full use of the distinct role of the IMC as a credible platform for dialogue, mediation and joint problem-solving in pursuit of Sierra Leone’s broader local development objectives.

Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh stressed that decentralization remains central to improving service delivery and advancing development at the grassroots level, urging political actors, council leaders and institutional stakeholders to place the interests of citizens above partisan considerations.

He reminded all parties that leadership at both national and local levels must remain rooted in public service, underscoring that the ultimate responsibility of governance is to improve the lives of the people.

“We must always remember that we are in service to our citizens,” the Vice President stated, reinforcing the need for collaboration, peace and institutional dialogue in addressing governance challenges affecting local councils.

ARISE IIP’s US$350 Million Investment Set to Power Manufacturing Expansion and Youth Employment

April 17, 2026

Minister of Trade and Industry, Alpha Ibrahim Sesay

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Government of Sierra Leone has unveiled an ambitious industrialization agenda anchored on the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) project in Koya, a flagship development being spearheaded by ARISE IIP and positioned as the engine of the country’s newly secured US$700 million private sector investment drive for manufacturing.

The major announcement was made by Alpha Ibrahim Sesay, Minister of Trade and Industry, during the Civic Day Series in Karene District, where he described the Koya SEZ as a transformational intervention capable of redefining Sierra Leone’s industrial future.

At the centre of the broader investment package is ARISE IIP’s US$350 million commitment to the Koya Special Economic Zone, a project expected to stimulate large-scale manufacturing, attract new investors and create thousands of jobs, particularly for young people, within the next 12 to 18 months.

The Koya SEZ is expected to host factories dedicated to the production of beverages, tomato paste, flour, iron rods and other essential commodities, many of which currently consume a substantial share of the nation’s import bill. By localizing production, Government officials believe the zone will significantly reduce dependence on imported goods while conserving much-needed foreign exchange.

Alpha Ibrahim Sesay noted that the first wave of industrial activity is already on the horizon, revealing that two new flour production companies and two iron rod manufacturing firms are expected to commence operations before the end of this year. He said those developments mark the beginning of a new era in which Sierra Leone shifts from an import-reliant economy to a production-driven one.

“This is the pathway to transforming Sierra Leone into a regional manufacturing and export hub,” he said, stressing that the Koya SEZ will serve as the nucleus of this economic shift.

Beyond infrastructure and capital inflows, the Government is also moving to ensure that Sierra Leone’s human resource base is aligned with the demands of the emerging industrial ecosystem. In a coordinated response, Haja Ramatulai Wurie, Minister of Technical and Higher Education, pledged support for the establishment of community colleges and technical skills institutions to feed the zone with a skilled and job-ready workforce.

She said the education sector’s intervention will focus on practical training programmes tailored to manufacturing, industrial operations, logistics and technical services; areas expected to experience rapid demand growth as the Koya project expands.

The Special Economic Zone initiative is widely seen as one of the most strategic industrial investments in Sierra Leone’s recent history. Analysts say the ARISE IIP-led development could unlock value chains in agro-processing, steel products, food manufacturing and exports, while strengthening local enterprise participation.

With the Koya SEZ now emerging as the focal point of Sierra Leone’s industrial ambitions, the Government’s latest investment breakthrough signals a decisive push toward job creation, economic diversification, import substitution and long-term resilience.

If successfully implemented, the project could place Sierra Leone on a stronger path toward becoming West Africa’s next rising manufacturing destination.

Government Officials Outline Key Development Plans at Karene Civic Day Series

April 17, 2026

By Ibrahim Sesay

Government Ministers and senior officials on the second day of the Civic Day Series in Karene District used the platform to provide residents with detailed updates on ongoing and planned Government programmes in education, trade, local governance and preparations for the 2026 population and housing census, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to direct civic engagement and inclusive development.

The engagement, organized by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education at the Karene District Council Hall in Kamakwie on 14 April, brought together Ministers, senior public officials and community stakeholders in a direct dialogue aimed at keeping citizens informed on national priorities and development interventions affecting their communities.

Addressing the gathering, Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Ramatulai Wurie, said the Government is placing strong emphasis on technical and vocational education as part of efforts to expand access to practical skills training nationwide. She disclosed that plans are underway to establish Government technical institutes in every district across Sierra Leone, with a long-term vision of upgrading them into community technical colleges designed to respond to local economic realities.

Dr. Ramatulai Wurie explained that courses to be offered in the proposed colleges would be carefully aligned with the socio-economic strengths and productive sectors of each district to ensure that training remains relevant to local development needs. She added that the Ministry has adopted a demand-driven model of education by engaging employers and industry players to identify the specific skills required in the labour market, thereby enabling graduates to transition more easily into meaningful employment.

She further revealed plans by the Government to transform the Ernest Bai Koroma University campus in Port Loko into the Ahmad Tejan Kabbah University for Education, Science and Technology, a move expected to further strengthen higher education opportunities and specialized academic training in the country.

Speaking on economic development initiatives, Minister of Trade and Industry, Alpha Ibrahim Sesay, said the Government is working closely with authorities in Karene District to secure 300 acres of land for a major livestock farming project. He noted that the district’s strong reputation in cattle rearing makes it a strategic location for such an investment, which he said is expected to significantly stimulate economic activity, create jobs and strengthen the local agricultural value chain.

On the issue of the cost of living, Alpha Ibrahim Sesay told residents that before the escalation of the ongoing Middle East conflict, the Government had made significant progress in stabilizing the prices of essential commodities. He stated that despite continued increases in global fuel prices, the Government has maintained subsidies on petrol and diesel in order to cushion the impact on citizens and keep transport and commodity costs within manageable levels.

He assured the people of Karene District that fuel prices would be adjusted downward as soon as international market prices begin to decline. In further outlining the Government’s industrial expansion plans, Alpha Ibrahim Sesay announced that two new flour factories and a cement factory are also expected to commence operations, a move aimed at reducing import dependence and strengthening domestic production capacity.

Providing updates on local governance reforms, Deputy Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Alfred Jamiru, disclosed that a draft report on redistricting has already been submitted to President Julius Maada Bio for consideration. He said the report recommends the creation of two new districts, Kpanguma in the east and Bandajuma in the south, as part of efforts to improve administrative efficiency and bring governance closer to the people.

Alfred Jamiru explained that Kpanguma District would comprise chiefdoms currently within Kailahun and Kenema districts, while Bandajuma District would include chiefdoms drawn from Bo and Pujehun districts. He added that the report also proposes the creation of two additional councils in the Western Area Rural District and one new council in the Western Area Urban District, stressing that the proposed council for Freetown is not intended to divide the capital but rather to improve service delivery and administrative effectiveness.

On the 2026 population census, Director of Communications at Statistics Sierra Leone, Samuel Ansumana, informed residents that the Government has shown strong ownership of the exercise by providing the bulk of the required funding. He noted that unlike the previous midterm census, when digital devices had to be borrowed from Kenya, the Government has now procured all the necessary equipment, including tablets and vehicles, to ensure a more efficient and credible process.

Samuel Ansumana encouraged residents of Karene District and Sierra Leone as a whole to actively participate in the census, describing it as a vital civic duty that directly supports national planning and development. He emphasized that reliable census data remains critical for effective policymaking, equitable resource allocation and the design of future development interventions.

He also assured the people of Karene that qualified applicants from the district who applied for census-related jobs would be fairly considered for recruitment as enumerators, a statement that was warmly welcomed by many residents at the engagement.

The Civic Day Series concluded with renewed calls for sustained dialogue between government and citizens as a pathway to stronger accountability, accelerated development and more informed public participation in national affairs.

Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Ramatulai Wurie

Sierra Leone Validates National Review Report on Global Compact for Migration

April 17, 2026

By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

The Government of Sierra Leone, in collaboration with the United Nations Network on Migration, on Thursday 16 April 2026 validated the country’s National Review Report on the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration during a high-level engagement held at Lac’s Villa on Kingharman Road in Freetown. The validation marked a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to strengthen migration governance through evidence-based policy planning, inclusive consultations and stronger institutional coordination.

The report offers a comprehensive national assessment of Sierra Leone’s progress in implementing the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. Built on evidence-based findings, extensive stakeholder consultations and alignment with national policy frameworks, it reviews achievements made so far, identifies existing gaps and sets out priority actions aimed at improving migration management systems across the country.

Providing an overview of the review process, Brima Bendu, Project Focal Point at the International Organization for Migration, explained that the exercise was intentionally designed as a structured, inclusive and nationally owned undertaking. He disclosed that the process unfolded in six key stages, beginning with a pre-baseline training on evidence-based reporting held in Johannesburg, South Africa, which brought together critical government institutions including the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development and Statistics Sierra Leone.

Brima Bendu further stated that a technical working group made up of statisticians, International Organization for Migration staff and consultants was subsequently established to guide the process and ensure effective cross-sector coordination. This was followed by extensive data mapping and desk reviews of key national frameworks, including the National Migration Policy, the National Labour Migration Policy and the GCM National Implementation Plan, all of which were benchmarked against the 23 objectives of the global compact.

He added that nationwide consultations were later conducted in Freetown, Bo and Makeni, bringing together migrants, border officials, women’s groups, migrant worker associations and private sector representatives. According to him, the resulting gap analysis measured Sierra Leone’s performance against the principles of the compact, revealing notable progress in areas such as diaspora engagement and border management, while also highlighting persistent challenges including limited disaggregated migration data, weak protection systems for vulnerable migrant workers and coordination gaps among implementing institutions.

Brima Bendu noted that the process culminated in the drafting of a zero report structured around the seven pillars of the National Implementation Plan, capturing major findings and setting out key recommendations to guide future policy actions and reforms.

In her opening remarks, Pauline Macharia, Officer in Charge at the International Organization for Migration, described the validation as a critical step in accelerating implementation and deepening accountability. She emphasized that the review process goes far beyond a routine reporting obligation, representing instead Sierra Leone’s broader commitment to evidence-based action, inclusive governance and measurable impact.

Pauline Macharia recalled that Sierra Leone’s recognition as a Global Compact Champion Country in 2023 carries both prestige and responsibility, particularly as member states prepare for the 2026 International Migration Forum in New York. She stressed that the focus is now shifting from policy commitments to tangible outcomes that improve the lives of migrants and their families. She also highlighted the gains made since the launch of the National Implementation Plan and the establishment of coordination mechanisms in October 2025, while pointing to urgent priorities such as strengthening migration data systems and improving border management coordination.

Underscoring the human dimension of migration governance, Pauline Macharia revealed that in 2024 alone, the International Organization for Migration supported the return and reintegration of more than 2,000 stranded Sierra Leoneans. She reaffirmed the institution’s commitment, in its role as secretariat of the United Nations Network on Migration, to continue providing technical support through programmes backed by the European Union.

Speaking on behalf of the European Union, Els Mortier reiterated the bloc’s commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s migration governance architecture through technical assistance under the Building Migration Partnerships programme. She noted that the initiative continues to strengthen stakeholder coordination, policy development and the mainstreaming of migration into national development planning.

Els Mortier further announced additional backing through a joint European Union and Ireland initiative focused on strengthening national registration and reporting systems, especially in the areas of return, protection and reintegration. She emphasized the need for a rights-based migration approach and highlighted ongoing efforts to tackle trafficking in persons and gender-based violence linked to migration vulnerabilities.

Representing civil society, Rev. Martha Priscilla Gbenga Chijozie stressed that the validation process must remain grounded in the lived experiences of migrants, including stranded Sierra Leoneans abroad, returnees and families affected by migration-related tragedies. She called for the report to adequately address migrant protection, sustainable reintegration, diaspora participation and the root causes driving irregular migration.

Rev. Martha Priscilla Gbenga Chijozie further advocated for stronger reintegration programmes that move beyond short-term assistance to include long-term psychosocial support, skills development and educational opportunities. She also called for policies that reduce remittance costs while creating more viable investment channels for Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora.

She emphasized the indispensable role of civil society in monitoring implementation, raising public awareness and promoting accountability, noting that effective migration governance can only succeed through sustained collaboration among government institutions, development partners and community-based actors.

The validated report is expected to serve as a strategic roadmap for Sierra Leone’s migration policies and programmes, strengthening coordinated national action while positioning the country to showcase measurable progress at the 2026 International Migration Forum in New York.

WoME & WANrg Commemorate African Women Climate Justice Day

April 17, 2026

By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

Women on Mining Extractives (WoME) and the Women Alliance for Natural Resource Governance (WANrg) on Tuesday, 15 April 2026, commemorated African Women Climate Justice Day in Freetown with a renewed and forceful call for reparations, inclusive policymaking and stronger accountability in climate governance, as activists, development partners and civil society leaders warned that African women continue to bear the heaviest burden of climate change despite playing a leading role in advancing solutions.

The event, held at the Human Rights Defenders Network headquarters in Brookfields under the theme: “Our Lands, Our Voices: African Women United for Reparations and Climate Justice,” brought together women leaders, grassroots organizers, legal experts, governance advisers and rights advocates who highlighted the disproportionate impact of climate change, environmental degradation and extractive economic models on women across Sierra Leone and the African continent.

In a Press Release issued during the commemoration, the organisations said the event comes at a critical time marked by escalating climate crises, resource-driven conflicts and widening social inequalities. They noted that African women, while among the most affected by environmental destruction, remain at the forefront of resistance, innovation and community resilience.

According to the release, the day serves not merely as an awareness platform but as a rallying point for restorative justice, including demands for the payment of climate debts by industrialized nations responsible for the bulk of global emissions, alongside concrete measures to repair environmental and social damage in communities most affected by extractive activities and climate shocks.

The organisations further explained that African Women Climate Justice Day forms part of a broader continental movement driven by the Women’s Climate Assembly, a platform that unites activists and community leaders across Central and West Africa. Since its establishment, the Assembly has created space for analyzing intersecting crises and developing collective strategies centred on climate justice, food sovereignty and resistance to extractive economic systems that continue to deepen inequality and environmental harm.

Speaking at the event, President of the Women Alliance for Natural Resource Governance, Esther Kandeh, said the initiative emerged from a regional movement established in Senegal and later strengthened through engagements in Liberia. Esther Kandeh explained that April 15 was intentionally designated as a unified day for African women to confront climate policy gaps, implementation failures and weak community-level awareness. She said the platform seeks to bring together women from all walks of life, including farmers, teachers, market women, professionals and community leaders, to ensure broad and inclusive participation in climate discourse. Esther Kandeh further disclosed that future commemorations are expected to expand significantly, with stronger coordination across districts and countries aimed at producing more policy-driven outcomes.

Also addressing the gathering, Mariama Dumbuya, Legal Adviser at the 50/50 Group, underscored the need for action beyond advocacy and symbolic engagement. Mariama Dumbuya urged women to deliberately position themselves in decision-making spaces, particularly within the mining, land governance and environmental sectors, stressing that meaningful and lasting change depends on active participation at both policy and institutional levels. She highlighted Sierra Leone’s legal framework supporting environmental governance, including the Environmental Protection Agency Act, the Meteorological Agency Act and the National Climate Change Policy, noting that a sound understanding of those instruments is critical for effective civic engagement and accountability.

Josephus Ellie, Senior Governance Adviser at Irish Aid, said support for women and girls remains central to Irish Aid’s development efforts, particularly in strengthening climate resilience and natural resource governance. Josephus Ellie noted that Irish Aid continues to work with local authorities and civil society actors to ensure women influence land use decisions, environmental oversight and community planning processes. He added that Ireland is also advocating at the global level for increased climate finance directed at women-led initiatives and more equitable access to technology, adaptation tools and resources for countries disproportionately affected by climate change.

Rachel Walter, Human Rights Officer at the Human Rights Defenders Network, described climate change as a fundamental human rights issue, stressing that women face heightened vulnerabilities, including displacement, food insecurity and increased exposure to gender-based violence. Rachel Walter called for stronger protection mechanisms and the full integration of human rights principles into national and regional climate responses, warning that climate governance without a rights-based lens risks leaving the most vulnerable further behind.

Adding her voice to the discussion, Jaiah Kaikai, Campaign Coordinator for Amnesty International Sierra Leone, said the climate crisis is already having severe consequences for women in mining communities across Sierra Leone. Jaiah Kaikai cited pollution, loss of livelihoods, unsafe water sources and growing social risks as major realities confronting women in extractive zones. She outlined urgent demands for the mandatory inclusion of women in policymaking, stronger corporate accountability in extractive industries and guaranteed land rights for women in affected communities. Jaiah Kaikai also called for the establishment of a global loss and damage financing mechanism, proposing substantial annual funding to support vulnerable communities, particularly women-led initiatives at the grassroots level.

Speakers at the event unanimously agreed that the recognition of April 15 as African Women Climate Justice Day represents a collective stand against systems that continue to prioritize profit over people and the environment. They stressed the urgent need for sustained mobilization, policy reform and international cooperation to achieve climate justice, reparative action and equitable development.

The commemoration ended with a unified call for sustained advocacy, stronger institutional accountability and increased investment in women-led climate initiatives, as stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to advancing a just, inclusive and sustainable response to the climate crisis in Sierra Leone and across Africa.

Moral Guarantors Deepen Engagements With Government, APC Over Tripartite Agreement Progress

April 15, 2026

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

A high-level international delegation of Moral Guarantors, led by former Gambian Vice President H.E. Fatoumata Jallow Tambajang, has intensified diplomatic engagements with both the Government of Sierra Leone and the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) in a decisive effort to assess progress on the implementation of the Agreement for National Unity (ANU) and address lingering governance concerns threatening the country’s democratic stability.

The delegation brought together key regional and international peace actors, including H.E. Barrie Freeman, Deputy Special Representative for West Africa and the Sahel; Tanmaya Lal, Deputy Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Secretariat; the ECOWAS Ambassador to Sierra Leone; United Nations Resident Coordinator Ms. Seraphine Wakana; Reverend Shodanke Johnson, Chairman of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion and the Executive Secretary, Hawa Samai. Their latest mission is widely seen as a crucial intervention aimed at rebuilding trust and restoring confidence in Sierra Leone’s democratic governance institutions.

A closed-door engagement was held with senior APC leaders at the party’s headquarters in Freetown. The APC delegation was led by Ambassador Foday Yansaneh, alongside National Secretary General Lawyer Lansana Dumbuya, Chief Negotiator Dr. Kaifala Marrah, Minority Leader Hon. Abdul Kargbo, Hon. Chernor Maju Bah (Chericoco), Leonard Balogun Koroma and Mayor of Freetown Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, whose participation further underscored her growing influence in shaping the party’s governance and reform agenda.

Opening the deliberations, Lawyer Lansana Dumbuya described the current mission as “the last window for credible action,” warning that unless decisive progress is made, the ANU and the Tripartite process risk being remembered as a failed opportunity for national reconciliation. He maintained that the APC returned to governance in good faith following earlier interventions by the Moral Guarantors at Bintumani, despite internal resistance and dissatisfaction among supporters, but argued that such a goodwill has not been matched by meaningful implementation on the Government side.

In his remarks, Ambassador Foday Yansaneh revisited the political stalemate that followed the 2023 elections, which the APC continues to dispute. He explained that the crisis led to the creation of the ANU and the establishment of the Tripartite Committee under Resolution 3 to review the elections and recommend corrective measures. He expressed concern over persistent delays, lack of transparency and what he described as unilateral Government actions that undermine the spirit of the agreement. As a key example, he cited the recent appointment of Edmond Sylvester Alpha as Chief Electoral Commissioner, arguing that the decision contradicts Recommendation 36 of the Tripartite Committee and heightens the need for stronger confidence-building safeguards within Sierra Leone’s democratic architecture.

Ambassador Foday Yansaneh further alleged that the President contravened the 1991 Constitution by failing to consult political parties in the appointment of the Chief Electoral Commissioner. He also raised concerns over politically motivated legal cases, lack of political will and the President’s refusal to directly engage the APC, all of which he said have contributed to the party’s ongoing boycott of governance structures. He additionally referenced the recent sentencing of opposition supporter Zainab Sheriff as another development deepening concerns among party supporters.

Further submissions by Dr. Kaifala Marrah focused on what he described as failures by the Government’s chief negotiator to uphold the “sacred responsibilities of state,” thereby weakening trust in the reform process ahead of the 2028 elections. He pointed to alleged non-compliance by the Electoral Commission, concerns surrounding the civil register and the earlier imposition of Proportional Representation as issues requiring urgent attention.

Leonard Balogun Koroma, Chairman of the APC 2026 Census Committee, also raised concerns over the postponement of the 2025 Census and the implications of relying on 2021 mid-term census data for future constituency boundary reviews. He warned that such uncertainty could further erode public trust if not addressed transparently and inclusively.

Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr provided an update on the Steering Committee overseeing the Tripartite process, emphasizing the need for measurable accountability and credible progress. Her intervention, particularly on the position of APC-led local councils regarding the governance boycott, reinforced the opposition’s insistence on a trust-based and verifiable resolution before normal governance participation resumes.

Hon. Abdul Kargbo also outlined parliamentary concerns, including the APC’s inability to nominate representatives to international parliamentary bodies and the urgent need to implement Recommendation 20 of the Tripartite report, which calls for the establishment of a dedicated parliamentary oversight committee for electoral management bodies. He further pointed to the APC’s cooperation in the Constitutional Amendment process as evidence of its sustained commitment to dialogue and democratic reform.

Ambassador Foday Yansaneh concluded the APC’s presentation with a position paper reaffirming the party’s commitment to peaceful dialogue and democratic processes, emphasizing that sustainable peace must remain anchored in justice, trust and credible electoral systems.

Responding on behalf of the Moral Guarantors, H.E. Fatoumata Jallow Tambajang expressed appreciation for the APC’s frank and comprehensive presentation. She acknowledged concerns surrounding the non-functionality of the Secretariat and stressed that both the ANU and the Tripartite Committee recommendations remain “moral documents” that carry responsibility and accountability for all parties. She assured the APC that the mission would carefully review submissions from both the opposition and the Government in order to develop a common position aimed at safeguarding peace, political stability and national cohesion.

She further reaffirmed the mission’s determination to address the root causes of the political impasse and urged all sides to continue embracing dialogue, compromise and peaceful democratic engagement as the only sustainable pathway forward.

In a separate strategic engagement with the Chief Minister, Dr. David Sengeh and other SLPP representatives, the Moral Guarantors reviewed the status of the ANU and received a comprehensive update on the implementation of the Tripartite Committee Report, developed under Resolution 3 of the agreement.

Government officials outlined measures already undertaken, presented timelines for outstanding commitments and highlighted renewed efforts to strengthen institutional coordination, implementation efficiency and accountability mechanisms. The discussions also focused on practical pathways for enhancing trust among political stakeholders as the country gradually moves toward the 2028 elections.

It was concluded that the APC and the Moral Guarantors will reconvene on Thursday, 16 April 2026, in a smaller setting to begin addressing the most critical issues raised during the initial engagements. This latest round of talks is widely regarded as a crucial opportunity to break the current stalemate, restore confidence in Sierra Leone’s democratic institutions and move the country closer to the full and credible implementation of the Agreement for National Unity.

At G7+ Eminent Persons Meeting: President Bio Calls for Stronger Global Response to Guinea-Bissau and South Sudan Crisis

April 15, 2026

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

President Julius Maada Bio has called for stronger collective global and African action to address the political and security challenges confronting fragile states, with particular focus on Guinea-Bissau and South Sudan, during a high-level virtual meeting of G7+ Eminent Persons held on Tuesday, 14 April 2026, at State House in Freetown.

The strategic meeting, convened by Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, brought together eminent leaders from fragile and conflict-affected states to strengthen solidarity, deepen cooperation, and enhance strategic engagement among G7+ member countries. The engagement also marked an important diplomatic milestone, culminating in the decision to establish formal bilateral relations between Sierra Leone and Timor-Leste.

In his address, President Bio praised Timor-Leste for its continued leadership in hosting the G7+ Secretariat and reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s unwavering commitment to the bloc’s founding ideals of peace, resilience, and sustainable development. He described the G7+ as an essential platform for peer learning, collective advocacy, and cooperation among nations that share the common experiences of fragility, conflict recovery, and institution building.

Turning to developments in Guinea-Bissau, the President noted that the country remains in a fragile transitional phase that demands sustained regional and international support. He stressed that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) continues to be guided by its democratic governance protocols, which reject unconstitutional changes of government. President Bio further highlighted ongoing diplomatic engagements aimed at restoring constitutional order and safeguarding stability ahead of the country’s planned elections.

On the situation in South Sudan, President Bio said the country remains at a delicate point in its peace journey. While acknowledging the progress framework created by the Revitalized Peace Agreement, he pointed to continuing challenges in security sector reform, constitutional development, and preparations for credible elections. He emphasized that sustained dialogue, confidence-building, and inclusive political participation remain crucial to securing lasting peace.

The Sierra Leonean leader urged the G7+ to intensify peer-to-peer solidarity missions, promote broader political dialogue, and strengthen advocacy for sustained international support tailored to the specific realities of fragile states. He also proposed the convening of a high-level meeting of G7+ Eminent Persons to develop a strategic roadmap for deeper engagement in countries facing complex political transitions.

Drawing from Sierra Leone’s own post-conflict recovery experience, President Bio underscored the importance of strengthening democratic institutions, promoting accountable governance, and encouraging community-based peacebuilding initiatives. He reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s readiness to support mediation, reconciliation, and confidence-building efforts within the G7+ framework.

A major outcome of the meeting was the mutual agreement to establish formal diplomatic relations between Sierra Leone and Timor-Leste, a move expected to deepen South-South cooperation and broaden collaboration in governance reform, peacebuilding, youth empowerment, and other development priorities.

The meeting ended with a renewed commitment by G7+ member states to strengthen solidarity, amplify global advocacy, and ensure that fragile nations receive the support needed to advance peace, stability, and sustainable development.

NUSS Honors 70 Most Influential Students at National Awards 2026

April 15, 2026

By Ibrahim John Sesay

The National Union of Sierra Leone Students (NUSS) on Friday, April 10, 2026, successfully hosted the National 70 Most Influential Students Awards at City Hall in Freetown, bringing together student leaders, Government officials and distinguished guests to celebrate academic excellence, innovation, leadership and entrepreneurship among students across the country.

Held under the theme: “Celebrating Academic Excellence, Innovation and Entrepreneurship,” the event highlighted NUSS’s continued commitment to promoting holistic student development and recognizing young people whose impact extends beyond the classroom into community service, creativity, problem-solving and national development.

The awards ceremony, described as one of NUSS’s flagship initiatives, served as a powerful platform to inspire students nationwide to emerge as innovators, change-makers and visionary leaders. The honored students were recognized not only for academic distinction but also for their transformative roles within their universities, communities and the nation at large.

Speaking at the event, the first female democratically elected President of NUSS, Fiona Ngima, described the ceremony as a celebration of students whose contributions continue to advance student welfare and national progress.

She reaffirmed the Union’s dedication to student empowerment, noting that the 70 awardees symbolize the resilience, creativity and service spirit of Sierra Leone’s youth.

“We celebrate leadership, creativity and service. These 70 students represent the energy of young people who refused to be limited by circumstance. They remind us that influence is not about position but about impact,” she stated.

President Fiona Ngima also disclosed major institutional reforms and innovations being spearheaded by her administration, including plans to officially launch the NUSS Constitution to ensure accessibility and governance clarity across all Students’ Union Governments (SUGs).

In a major digital transformation move, she further announced the development of a student-focused mobile application called UniCollect, which will allow students to access grading systems and receive first-hand academic information through an integrated platform connecting various universities.

She also revealed plans to launch a magazine before the end of her tenure, aimed at showcasing female leadership and documenting student contributions to national development, while amplifying NUSS’s work in promoting student advancement across Sierra Leone.

Representing the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education, Director of Education Emmanuel J. Momoh Esq. commended NUSS for organizing what he described as a historic event that affirms intellect, resilience, innovation and transformative youth leadership.

He praised the leadership of President Fiona Ngima, emphasizing the significance of the initiative being hosted under the stewardship of the first female democratically elected NUSS President.

“To be named among the 70 Most Influential Students is an affirmation of your capacity to transcend mediocrity. You are not just students; you are agents of change, architects of progress and custodians of our collective future,” he told the awardees.

The Director of Civil Education and Citizens’ Engagement at the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, Timothy Sam, also congratulated the students and used the opportunity to challenge young people to embrace patriotism, civic responsibility and environmental consciousness.

He urged students to appreciate Sierra Leone’s beauty, culture and hospitality, while emphasizing responsible citizenship and national pride.

Timothy Sam further disclosed the Ministry’s intention to strengthen collaboration with NUSS through a proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at expanding civic education programmes across universities and colleges nationwide.

Delivering the keynote address, former ECOWAS Parliament Speaker, Rt. Hon. Dr. Sidie Mohamed Tunis, described the occasion as a defining national moment of recognition and responsibility.

He stressed that education must go beyond academic attainment and translate into solutions for societal challenges.

“Leadership is not proven by words, but by impact. After tonight, what problem in Sierra Leone will you solve? What system will you improve? What ideas will you turn into impact?” he challenged the students.

Dr. Sidie Mohamed Tunis also highlighted the contributions of the One Love Salone Foundation, revealing that the organization has committed over 10 Billion Old Leone in scholarships and institutional support to educational development in Sierra Leone.

In recognition of his dedication to youth empowerment, leadership and national development, Dr. Sidie Mohamed Tunis received an Award of Honor from the NUSS leadership during the ceremony.

The event climaxed with the presentation of awards to the 70 selected students, who were celebrated for their outstanding contributions to student advocacy, innovation, leadership and entrepreneurship on campuses across Sierra Leone.

The joyous atmosphere saw friends, families and colleagues applauding the awardees, underscoring the significance of the initiative in inspiring a new generation of student leaders committed to national transformation.

The National 70 Most Influential Students Awards 2026 stands as more than a ceremony; it is a national statement on the power of youth leadership, innovation and education in shaping Sierra Leone’s future. Through such initiatives, NUSS continues to strengthen its role as a platform that amplifies student voices and fosters opportunities for young people to thrive.

APC Sets 16 May for Nationwide Constituency Lower-Level Elections

April 15, 2026

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The National Secretariat of the All People’s Congress (APC) has officially announced that its Constituency Lower-Level Elections will be conducted nationwide on Saturday, 16 May 2026, in a move aimed at strengthening the party’s internal democratic structures ahead of future political engagements.

According to a public notice dated 13 April 2026 and issued by the party’s National Secretary-General, Lansana Dumbuya Esq., the elections will involve party members, aspirants, delegates and other stakeholders across all regions of Sierra Leone.

The notice stated that the exercise is intended to engage all key organs of the party, including the National Advisory Committee (NAC), National Executive Committee (NEC), Regional Executives, District Executives, Constituency Executives and Ward Executives, alongside all relevant individuals and bodies involved in the electoral process.

As part of preparations for the lower-level elections, the APC Secretariat has urged all interested aspirants to ensure that their applications are fully completed and submitted on or before 30 April 2026. The party explained that the deadline is necessary to allow sufficient time for the processing of applications, the timely publication of the list of contestants and the proper circulation of candidate lists to relevant electoral bodies to avoid unnecessary delays or disputes.

The APC emphasized that the entire electoral process must be conducted in a manner that guarantees transparency, fairness and credibility, while also ensuring equal opportunity for all aspirants seeking various lower-level positions within the party.

The notice further called on all members and participants to conduct themselves in a peaceful, respectful and disciplined manner, in line with the cherished values and traditions of the APC.

Party members have also been encouraged to approach the elections in the spirit of unity, comradeship and democratic participation, while working collectively to ensure a smooth, credible and successful process across the country.

Political observers say the announcement marks a significant step in APC’s ongoing efforts to consolidate its grassroots structures and reinforce internal cohesion as the party continues preparations for future national political contests.

The scheduled lower-level elections are expected to attract keen interest from aspirants across the party’s strongholds in the Western Area, Northern, North-Western, Eastern and Southern regions.

With the date now officially set, attention is expected to shift toward the submission of applications, stakeholder consultations and constituency-level mobilization in the lead-up to the 16 May exercise.

Nant Energy Project Moves Sierra Leone Closer to Early 2027 Power Generation -As First Turbine Lands in Freetown

April 15, 2026

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Sierra Leone’s ambition to significantly expand its electricity generation capacity has received a major boost following the arrival of the first turbine for the landmark Nant Energy power plant in Freetown over the weekend.

According to the United States Embassy in Freetown, the delivery of the turbine marks an important milestone in the implementation of the Nant Energy project, a transformative energy initiative expected to strengthen Sierra Leone’s power infrastructure and improve national energy reliability. The Embassy disclosed that electricity generation from the plant is projected to commence in early 2027, a development widely seen as a major step toward addressing the country’s persistent energy challenges.

The Nant Energy project, financed by the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, underscores the United States Government’s commitment to promoting strategic trade and investment partnerships in Africa. The initiative reflects a broader collaboration anchored on innovation, economic growth and infrastructure development that is expected to benefit both Sierra Leone and American private sector partners.

It could be recalled that on June 20, 2024, DFC Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Nisha Biswal attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the project, which was then described as one of the most significant power sector investments in Sierra Leone’s history. The facility is expected to nearly double the country’s existing energy capacity, positioning Sierra Leone more strongly to attract industrial expansion and foreign direct investment.

Previously known as the Western Area Power Generation Project, the Nant Energy facility will become Sierra Leone’s first gas-to-power plant, created to address the country’s longstanding need for stable and reliable electricity supply. The project is expected to play a critical role in improving power access for homes, businesses, healthcare institutions and key sectors of the economy.

Construction began under a 36-month implementation timeline, with the project jointly sponsored by Milele Energy and TCQ Power. Milele Energy, a Nairobi-based independent power company founded by former GE Africa executives, is working alongside TCQ Power to deliver the large-scale infrastructure project.

Officials have described the initiative as a seminal development for Sierra Leone and one of the most significant U.S.-supported energy investments on the continent. Earlier, DFC’s Board of Directors approved up to US$412 million in financing and political risk insurance for the project, making it one of the largest single-country energy capacity expansions supported by the institution.

Speaking during the groundbreaking, Nisha Biswal emphasized that reliable electricity remains central to improving livelihoods and driving long-term economic growth, noting that the Nant Energy project will significantly enhance Sierra Leone’s energy security.

Former U.S. Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Bryan David Hunt, described the project as a transformative private-sector investment that will unlock opportunities for communities nationwide and usher in a new era of economic prosperity.

TCQ Power Chief Executive Officer, Karim Nasser, said the project’s financing completion and visible construction progress send a strong message that Sierra Leone is open for business and ready for major infrastructure partnerships.

Beyond increasing power supply, the Nant Energy plant is expected to support job creation, industrial productivity, healthcare delivery, food systems and small business growth, all of which depend heavily on dependable electricity.

The arrival of the first turbine therefore stands as a defining symbol of progress in Sierra Leone’s infrastructure transformation and a promising indicator of a brighter, more powered future for the nation.