The Indus Waters Treaty: Legal Analysis with Special Reference to the Dispute Settlement Mechanism

June 26, 2026

The Indus Waters System

The Indus river is about 1,800 miles long. Its western tributaries (Kabul, Kurram) are more than 700 miles; the eastern tributaries (Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) have an aggregate length of more than 2,800 miles. The system drains 450,000 square miles, and is one of the largest in the world. Most of the basin lies in India and Pakistan, influencing the history, culture and ecosystem of the South Asian region.

Brief Background of Negotiations

2. The partition of India in August 1947 brought in its wake the Indus waters dispute, eventually requiring negotiations for an agreed solution. The Inter-Dominion Agreement of 4 May 1948 (the Delhi Agreement) was the first regulation of waters between the two countries. While recognizing that a water supply dispute had arisen, the Agreement stated that the ‘proprietary rights’ did not allow West Punjab to claim any share of the East Punjab waters as a right. Pakistan later denounced it on 23 August 1950.
In early 1951, David Lilienthal, former chairman of the Tennessee Valley Authority, proposed that India and Pakistan jointly develop the Indus Basin system, using the good offices of the World Bank. Subsequently, World Bank President Eugene Black wrote to the two Prime Ministers on 6 September 1951, proposing this. Both accepted. Black proposed a Working Party of Indian, Pakistani, and World Bank engineers. The negotiations witnessed extreme ups and downs and at times verged on collapse, but the World Bank’s resoluteness kept them buoyant until the Treaty was eventually signed in 1960.

The Treaty and its Legal Structures

The Indus Waters Treaty was signed on 19 September 1960 at Karachi, and entered into force on 12 January 1961, with retroactive effect from the ‘Effective Date’, 1 April 1960. It comprises 79 paragraphs under 12 Articles, supplemented by eight annexures. While the Preamble names only the plenipotentiaries of India and Pakistan, W.A.B. Iliff signed on behalf of the World Bank, which is a party only for purposes specified in Articles V and X and Annexures F, G and H.
The instrument states that nothing in the Treaty shall be construed as establishing any general principle of law or any precedent, the reference to precedent being designed to forestall arguments based on prescription or servitude. It allocates the Eastern Rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) to India and the Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) to Pakistan, subject to specified exceptions.

Objectives

The objectives of the Treaty, explicitly laid down in the Preamble reads as follows:

“The Government of India and the Government of Pakistan, being equally desirous of attaining the most complete and satisfactory utilization of the waters of the Indus system of rivers and recognizing the need, therefore, of fixing and delimiting, in a spirit of goodwill and friendship, the rights and obligations of each in relation to the other concerning the use of these waters and of making provision for the settlement, in a cooperative spirit, of all such questions as may hereafter arise in regard to the interpretation or application of the provisions agreed upon herein, have resolved to conclude a Treaty in furtherance of these objectives,”

Dispute Settlement Mechanism

Under the heading “Settlement of Differences and Disputes”, the Treaty entrusts the Permanent Indus Commission, comprised of representatives of both countries, with a role in resolving issues, mainly administrative and consultative.
Article IX, central to the dispute settlement framework, makes a clearcut distinction between a ‘question’, a ‘difference’ and a ‘dispute’. Any question is first examined by the Commission. If no agreement is reached, a difference is deemed to have arisen, to be dealt with by a Neutral Expert. A dispute is deemed to have arisen only if the difference falls outside Paragraph 2(a) of Article IX, or if the Neutral Expert so informs the Commission.
Importantly, the Commission has discretion to decide whether any difference be dealt with by a Neutral Expert or be deemed a dispute, such decision reachable only by agreement within the Commission. When a dispute has arisen, the Commission reports to the two Governments; either may invite the other to resolve it by agreement, and mediators may be enlisted. A court of arbitration may be established only by agreement, or on the failure of negotiations or mediation to resolve a dispute.

Pre-requisite for the Establishment of a Court of Arbitration

The opening language of Annexure G (Court of Arbitration) is critically significant: “If the necessity arises to establish a Court of Arbitration under the provisions of Article IX, the provisions of this Annexure shall apply.” The phrase “If the necessity arises” signifies a stage reached only on fulfillment of certain prerequisites; it is not that any question can be referred to a court of arbitration at the sweet will of either party. A dispute arises only where both Commissioners agree to so deem it, or where the Neutral Expert so informs the Commission, and only thereafter, once negotiation and mediation are exhausted, may the necessity for arbitration arise.
A striking difference emerges between handling of a ‘difference’ and a ‘dispute’. While either Commissioner may unilaterally take the initiative for a difference to be dealt with by a Neutral Expert, there is no such provision to unilaterally deem any ‘difference’ a ‘dispute’. It has to be the Commission’s decision in agreement of both Commissioners. Consequently, there arises no question of initiating the Court of Arbitration process unilaterally. A bilateral treaty normally provides for mutual determination, the latter being true with the Indus Waters Treaty.

Effect of the Unilateral Initiation of Process, Violation of the Treaty provision and Options with the other Party

If a dispute has not arisen in accordance with the Treaty, a unilateral decision by either party to initiate the process for the creation of a court of arbitration could amount to violation of the Treaty, hence illegal. The other contracting party would obviously look for remedial options.

13.This would raise the question: If one party violates a vital aspect of a treaty, defeating its very purpose, does it not make its continued performance impossible? Many a times the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, 1969 (“the Convention”) is invoked as the most relevant instrument to answer such a question, as many of the Convention’s articles reflect customary international law. Neither India nor Pakistan is a party to the Convention, and the Indus Waters Treaty predates it.

14. However, even if the Convention were to be invoked, it must be read together with its key provision of Article 60, which addresses what happens when a treaty is breached. A “material breach” includes violating any provision that is essential to achieving the treaty’s object or purpose. This establishes a clear legal foundation for India.
The relevant question then becomes: when Pakistan unilaterally moved to establish a court of arbitration without a dispute having actually arisen as the Treaty requires, bypassing an essential procedural safeguard, does this amount to violating a provision essential to the Treaty’s purpose?

Conclusion

The Indus Waters Treaty is a unique bilateral instrument concluded as a consequence of partition of India. The Preamble, Articles and Annexures are equally substantive, and together form the Indus Waters Treaty 1960. The dispute settlement mechanism stipulates that all issues are to be resolved by cooperation in a spirit of goodwill and friendship, avoiding third party involvement to the extent possible. If one party drags the other unilaterally before the Court of Arbitration for the resolution of issues that have not arisen to the stage of a ‘dispute’, it goes against the core intent of the Treaty and may amount to a material breach, making the Treaty’s performance impossible. Given that the spirit and objective of the IWT is premised on ‘goodwill and friendship’, it can be argued that Pakistan’s continuous indulgence in cross-border terrorism could be attributed to its failure to perform the obligations on its part under the Treaty. It, therefore, constitutes a material breach, and India is fully entitled under customary international law to hold the Treaty in abeyance.

HAQ KA PANI: RECLAIMING INDIA’S RIGHTFUL SHARE

June 26, 2026

Mountain lake with turquoise-green water, forested mountains, and a bright blue sky with scattered clouds in the background.

By Mr. Atul Jain, Former Chairman, Central Water Commission.

The Hon’ble Prime Minister’s Independence Day assertion last year that- “Haq ka pani will serve Indian farmers”– marks a decisive shift in India’s approach to the Indus Waters. Far from being a departure, it is a long-overdue correction of historical restraint that has disproportionately disadvantaged India while enabling persistent misuse downstream. It signals that India will no longer allow its rightful share of water to go underutilized and wasted while its own farmers face scarcity.

When the Indus Waters Treaty was signed in 1960, India, as the upper riparian, made a remarkable concession by agreeing to restrict itself to about 20% of the Indus system waters, allocating the overwhelming 80% share to Pakistan. This decision reflected extraordinary goodwill. The expectation was that such generosity would be matched by responsible conduct and a cooperative spirit. Instead, over the decades, that spirit was never reciprocated.

The Hon’ble Prime Minister’s statement must also be seen against the backdrop of repeated acts of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan that have vitiated the trust. The long-standing reality, captured in the phrase, “blood and water cannot flow together”, is no longer rhetorical. Incidents such as the Pulwama terror attack, along with other attacks in the Valley, including the Pahalgam region, have underscored how sustained hostility undermines the very foundation on which cooperative arrangements like the Treaty rest. No agreement, however well-crafted, can remain insulated from a complete breakdown of trust.

At a structural level, the Treaty itself contained asymmetries that became increasingly untenable. It imposed considerable restrictions on India’s use of its allocated waters, yet places no corresponding obligation on Pakistan to justify its requirements or ensure efficient utilization. This is reflected in the widespread inefficiencies, losses in irrigation systems (estimated at about 47 MAF), inadequate storage, and poor water management on their side leading to large volumes of Indus waters (upto 35 MAF) flowing to the Arabian Sea unutilized.

Meanwhile, India has borne the cost of restraint. Region such as Rajasthan, Haryana have remained water-stressed, their agricultural potential constrained despite the availability of water that India is entitled to use. This imbalance is precisely what the statement seeks to correct.

“Haq ka pani” is, therefore, about rightful utilization—not denial. India is asserting that every drop of Indus system will now be used productively for irrigation, hydropower, and development.

Indian projects on the Western rivers, including Baglihar and Salal, highlight another dimension of the challenge. Over time, sedimentation has reduced their efficiency and storage capacity. Flushing operations, essential for maintaining dam safety and performance, were delayed for years due to unfounded objections and procedural hurdles created by Pakistan. The eventual need to remove accumulated sediment only reinforced the cost of such delays. Going forward, India’s approach will prioritize timely, state of art technical interventions, without being held hostage by malign and hyperbolic political theatrics disguised as technical differences.

The broader message is clear. First, India will fully utilize its rightful share of water in water-stressed regions. Second, it will no longer accept a framework where inefficiency and waste go unchecked on one side while artificial and unscientific constraints are sought to be imposed on the other. Third, it will assert its technical autonomy, ensuring that infrastructure creation and maintenance proceed apace, in line with current scientific thinking and international best practices.

This is not a repudiation of any customary principles; it is a response to the destruction of the foundational pillars of the Treaty. When the very promises that undergird a treaty are breached by hostility, terror, misinformation, and misuse, recalibration becomes inevitable.

For decades, India exercised patience, even at tangible cost to its own development. That era is giving way to one of clarity and balance.

“Haq ka pani” is an overdue commitment that India’s water will serve its people, its farmers, and its future. While some vested interests may try to mischaracterize it as a threat, it is nothing but a necessary course correction in a changing context.

Pakistan’s fake narrative against India to hide its own mismanagement of Water Resources

June 25, 2026

A large concrete dam spanning a winding river in a deep, forested canyon, with a road running along the hillside nearby.

By Kushvinder Vohra, Former Chairman Central Water Commission & ex-officio Secretary to Government of India and Former Indian Commissioner Indus

There is a lot of misinformation around Indus Waters Treaty(IWT) which is being spread through various articles appearing in newspapers/magazines/online forums including in Pakistan. Articles by so-called elites or scholars are nothing but general rhetoric to create public perception in Pakistan, devoid of facts. Although India has kept the Treaty in abeyance, it’s important to look into the real issues about so-called water scarcity widely reported in Pakistan. They keep on blaming India for their water woes as if India is to provide whatever water they think is required. As per Article-III of IWT, India was under obligation to let flow the waters of western rivers except for the use permitted to it. So, flows received by Pakistan at any given time are dependent upon various factors such as rain in catchment, snow melt etc. and stipulated uses to India. As per various research Institutes, Pakistan, on an average receives about 140 Million Acre Feet (MAF) of water annually in Indus basin from western rivers which is still more than 135 MAF, estimated at the time of Treaty. However, in Eastern rivers, flows are reported to have gotten reduced by about 15% from 33 MAF which was assessed at that time. So why all that rhetoric against India. If we dive deep into the issue, the truth is not far off. Out of about 140 MAF, Pakistan’s diversion for irrigation use is only about 104 MAF, rest is either wasted in system or goes to sea. The real issue about so-called water scarcity in Pakistan is mismanagement of the water received and host of other factors, which are barely being discussed by experts in Pakistan. Hardly any public discussion takes place about inaction and failure of stakeholders in Pakistan (including the Government of Pakistan) in managing the precious water resources, especially when the ground realities have changed immensely since signing of the Treaty in 1960. Could this be a deliberate agenda to always blame India and play the victim card to divert attention from the real issue that is mismanagement of water resources in Pakistan? Let’s look at the various facts.

Water use in Pakistan

During the nineteen fifties, Pakistan was using around 66 MAF of water, irrigating around 21 Million Acre (MAc) of land in Indus Basin. The water use in Indus Basin has since gone up to 104 MAF to irrigate about 34 MAc. It may be noted that water used per unit of area irrigated is almost same as in 1960. However, the ground realities have changed. Population has been increasing which reduces per capita availability of water. However, the same is true for India as well. Thus, water management practices followed at the time of Treaty are totally outdated now and require understanding of complex linkages between water, food and energy nexus. India has already taken a huge leap in this regard, whereas Pakistan has not initiated this earnestly. In Spite of getting 33 MAF water (20% of Total water), India is irrigating about 26 MAc of area in eastern part of Indus basin. This shows water productivity in Pakistan is very poor.

Poor water Governance in Pakistan

World Bank (WB) Group study report titled “Pakistan – Getting more from water” (Study Report mentions the information is updated upto Sept 2018), took a long term view of the water security of Pakistan – up to 2047. Outcome of the study says that Pakistan is well endowed with water (including Indus Basin) and only 16 other countries have more water. But being sixth most populous country, water availability per person is low. Here it is worth mentioning that per capita reduction in water in Pakistan is mainly due to population increase and quantitatively, on an average, it is getting the same or even more water in Indus basin as was estimated at the time of signing of IWT.

Further, as per study report, water security may be challenging but does not define a county’s economic destiny. Interestingly, there are 32 countries with less water per person than Pakistan; across these countries average per capita GDP is 10 times that of Pakistan. Only six of these 32 countries are poorer than Pakistan – all African nations with little irrigation investment and heavy reliance on traditional rainfed agriculture.

The report also says that Pakistan does not make the best use of its water endowment and water security is undermined by poor water resource management. Long term water related risks are not recognized and are poorly mitigated. It also says, water resource management in Pakistan is compromised by poor water data governance, weak planning, widespread pollution, over exploitation of ground water (GW), low water productivity, weak processes that prevent reliable flood and drought forecast, among others.

Thus, keeping in view that more than 90% of water in Pakistan is used for irrigation, it is imperative that the water losses must be reduced and water productivity be improved by Pakistan to tackle the current challenges. It is also worth mentioning that Pakistan has not created adequate storage. Water flow will follow its cycle and 80% of it will come in about 4 months. Therefore without adequate storage it can never achieve reliable Rabi irrigation. So just pointing fingers at India for their own poor governance shall not help them in any way. They need to sincerely work on improving water governance, as on an average, sufficient water is available to them.

Wastage of water and low water productivity

Another analysis namely ‘Water Management in the Indus basin in Pakistan – Challenges and Opportunities’ (by Asad Sarwar Qureshi) published by International Mountain Society (Aug. 2011) also confirms Indus basin brings an average of 175 BCM (about 142 MAF) of water in Pakistan, which is more than estimated at time of signing of IWT. Out of this, 128 BCM (about 104 MAF) is diverted for irrigation; 12 BCM (9.7 MAF) is wasted as system losses and 35 BCM (28.2 MAF) flows in to sea. Thus, despite being endowed with large water resources, Pakistan is only able to use about 73% of it and rest is wasted or escapes. Moreover, productivity of 104 MAF water diverted for irrigation is low. This paper mentions the Productivity of water in Pakistan is among the lowest in the world. For wheat, for example, it is 0.5 kg/m³ compared with 1.0 kg/m³ in India. In fact, Pakistan has made no real effort to increase crop water productivity.

In contrast, India has made huge investments in schemes such as ‘Per drop more crop’, ‘watershed development’, micro irrigation, command area development etc. During the last decade itself more than Rs. 1.25 lakh crore has been spent on these central schemes to improve crop water productivity. In addition, states have also spent a substantial amount on their own to increase crop water productivity.

Low Storage Capacity

Compared to other arid countries, Pakistan has storage capacity of only 15% of annual river flow. As per reported figures, Pakistan can barely store 30 days of water. After constructing Tarbela dam 30 years ago, no decision was taken by Pakistan on construction of new storage. Without adequate storage, Pakistan can not manage to use substantial water resources in Indus basin which are received mostly during the four monsoon months thus resulting in substantial water flowing to sea.

Water Conservation

Pakistan has not made any serious efforts in water conservation to deal with climate change. Therefore, it is logical that they shall feel water scarcity from time to time, despite receiving as much or more Indus water than estimated in 1960. On the other hand, India is continuously working on water conservation and has annually spent about Rs.90,000 crore during the last decade. During the last 8 years alone , 11 BCM of water has been conserved through newly built tanks, ponds and other water recharge structures across the country. In contrast, Pakistan has only given lip service on this vital aspect so far. As reported in Pakistan media, in a knee jerk reaction to the decision of India to keep IWT in abeyance, Pakistan announced building large number of small scale reservoirs. But going by the past records and keeping in view Pakistan’s financial situation, it remains to be seen whether any such measures will be implemented on ground.

Over exploitation of Ground Water (GW) Resources

It is reported that in past decades, millions of private tube-wells have been dug and the extraction of GW is much more than the recharge. The average decline in GW table is ~ 1.5 m/year. Problem of poor GW quality and its salinity compounds the problems. Not much efforts are seen to be made in this regard in Pakistan.

In India too, the situation of GW has been similar. However, India has been taking consistent steps in this regard especially during last one decade. As per latest GW Assessment report, there is increase in water table in many areas, thanks to the schemes that have been launched throughout the country. Punjab has launched an initiative (‘Bijli Bachayo, Paisa Kamayo’) with an aim to curb misuse of free electricity to extract GW. Haryana has launcheda scheme which incentivizes farmers to diversify from paddy to other crops requiring less water. Many other states have also launched similar schemes to conserve water. The community-led GW management, under an initiative of the Central Govt. promotes integrated water resources management. Combined with National Aquifer Mapping Programme, these schemes bring in a paradigm shift in GW management in various river basins in India including the Indus Basin.

Irrigation Infrastructure

Pakistan has focused only upon creating canal infrastructure. As mentioned above, lot of water is being wasted in the system. There is no concrete effort to modernize the infrastructure for improving its efficiency. Only few studies have been carried out and some pilots have been done through ADB and others, which could not be expanded to larger areas. Obviously, this situation has led to huge quantity of water being wasted in the system itself. On the other hand, India has been making tremendous efforts to improve the irrigation throughout country by focusing on improvement of irrigation system, by modernizing it with the use of SCADA, use of pipes in distributary systems, micro irrigation, focus on water management through user associations etc. While Pakistan is frozen in time, India is clearly making efforts and achieving results in better management of water resources despite facing similar challenges as Pakistan, such as population rise, climate change etc.

Inter provincial disputes in Pakistan

In 1991, the Water Apportionment Accord was signed by Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan to resolve long-standing water distribution conflicts. However, each province has interpreted it in its own way and each is blaming the other for misappropriation of water. The absence of coordination among them and mistrust has ceased any effort to improve water resource management and the issue is reduced to just receiving flows. This has stalled crucial projects such as Kalabagh Dam which could significantly increase the storage capacity in Pakistan.

Conclusion:

Pakistan, on an average is receiving equal or more water (142 MAF) in Indus basin as estimated at the time of signing of IWT. Pakistan is not able to manage it properly. The wastage in system is about 12 BCM (9.7 MAF) and another 35 BCM (28.3 MAF) flows to sea. Only about 104 MAF is diverted for irrigation. Water use efficiency of the diverted 104 MAF water is quite low. Crop water productivity is one of the lowest in the world.

Real issue is not related to inflow of Indus river system in Pakistan, but its poor management by Pakistan. The 36 MAF of water which at present is being wasted or escaping to sea is sufficient for enhancing water security of Pakistan.

India has similar concerns related to population growth and climate change. However, it is taking long-term action to tackle the same by focusing on modernization of irrigation system, GW recharge, rainwater harvesting, water conservation, crop water productivity, recycling of wastewater, reducing river pollution etc. to achieve water security despite challenges. Pakistan does not seem to have taken any concrete action on ground to tackle these issues.

Pakistan needs to come out of the mindset during the time of negotiation of IWT, when it alleged that India interferes with their waters in Indus basin. Since then it has been branding India as upper riparian that can turn off their tap and has been objecting on each and every hydro electric project in India, although permitted under IWT. Pakistan’s negligence in water management in fact is responsible for their water woes in Indus basin.

No amount of water flow can help Pakistan unless it works on Integrated Water Resource Management by improving their systems, crop water productivity, GW management, storages, agricultural practices, institutional reforms, monitoring systems, use of modern technology etc. and resolving inter-provincial disputes.

Public discourse regarding above issues shall help Pakistan work towards sustainable use of water. Hiding the real issues and focus on imaginary issues by blaming India is not going to be helpful. Pakistan has got a number of studies through W.B Group and IWMI (International Water Management Institute) and it’s time to look into findings of these studies rather than maintaining same old rhetoric which is nothing more than imagination to divert from the real issues plaguing the water sector in Pakistan.

Rise Charity Foundation Secures Release of Liberian National from Bo Correctional Centre

June 25, 2026

Group of four adults standing in front of a green wall reading 'Correctional' with barbed wire; a woman in leopard-print dress with a patterned bag, a boy in a white 'Bentley 51' shirt, a man in white shirt and red pants, and a man in a striped robe with a crossbody bag.

By Ibrahim Sesay

Favor Brumskine, a Liberian national, has regained his freedom after spending one year at the Bo Correctional Centre, following the intervention of Rise Charity Foundation with support from Ghost Empire Music.

Brumskine was released on 19 June 2026 after serving part of a five-year prison sentence for unlawful possession. His release became possible through the payment of court-imposed fines, which were settled through the humanitarian efforts of Rise Charity Foundation and a generous contribution from Ghost Empire Music.

The foundation officially facilitated his release on Friday, bringing an end to his incarceration and offering him an opportunity to begin a new chapter in his life. Representatives of the organization described the intervention as part of their commitment to supporting vulnerable individuals and promoting rehabilitation within society.

According to the foundation, the successful release demonstrates the positive impact that charitable organizations and community support can have in helping individuals rebuild their lives after difficult circumstances. The intervention also reflects a belief in restorative justice and the importance of providing second chances to those seeking to reintegrate into society.

The support provided by Ghost Empire Music was instrumental in securing the funds required for the payment of the fines, enabling Brumskine to walk free and reunite with his loved ones.

Speaking after his release, Brumskine expressed gratitude to all those who contributed to his freedom and pledged to focus on rebuilding his life positively. He acknowledged the support received from the foundation and its partners, describing the assistance as a life-changing opportunity.

The release has been welcomed by members of the community, who praised Rise Charity Foundation and Ghost Empire Music for their compassion and commitment to helping individuals in need.

Observers noted that such interventions not only provide hope for beneficiaries but also contribute to broader efforts aimed at rehabilitation, social inclusion, and community development.

As Favor Brumskine embarks on a fresh start, the gesture serves as a reminder of the transformative power of kindness, collective support, and the belief that every individual deserves an opportunity to rebuild and contribute positively to society.

Audit Service Sierra Leone and SLEITI Sign MoU to Strengthen Extractive Sector Transparency

June 25, 2026

A diverse group of adults in business attire pose for a formal group photo indoors, in a bright office with partition walls behind them.

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL) and the Sierra Leone Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (SLEITI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability, credibility and accuracy in reporting within Sierra Leone’s extractive sector.

The agreement was signed on Tuesday, 23 June 2026, at the Conference Room of the Audit Service Sierra Leone in Freetown and marks a significant step towards improving governance and public confidence in the management of the country’s natural resources.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Auditor-General, Abdul Aziz, described the agreement as a reflection of the shared commitment of both institutions to promoting accountability, transparency and good governance in the extractive industries sector.

He explained that under the new arrangement, ASSL and SLEITI will collaborate in the production of Sierra Leone’s Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) reports in accordance with international EITI standards.

“The Audit Service Sierra Leone is mandated to promote accountability and transparency in the management of public funds, while SLEITI is responsible for strengthening transparency, accountability and governance in the extractive industries sector. We see ourselves as partners working towards a common goal, which is why this MoU is important,” Abdul Aziz stated.

The Auditor-General described the agreement as a major milestone that will enhance existing reporting systems and improve the credibility of EITI reporting in Sierra Leone.

He disclosed that prior to the signing of the MoU, ASSL was responsible for certifying reporting templates submitted by mining companies, Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as well as chiefdom authorities. However, under the new framework, ASSL will now serve as the Independent Administrator responsible for preparing EITI reports, conducting scoping exercises, analyzing data, identifying reporting gaps and making recommendations to address challenges identified during the process.

“With this new role, the ASSL can no longer certify the same templates it will later assess and report on. As the saying goes, you cannot be both the referee and the player at the same time,” he remarked.

Abdul Aziz also acknowledged the critical role played by Civil Society Organizations in promoting transparency and accountability within the extractive sector and commended their continued support to the EITI process.

In his remarks, the National Coordinator of SLEITI, Mohamed Baimba Koroma, described the MoU as a landmark partnership that demonstrates the commitment of both institutions to leveraging their expertise and resources in support of national development and good governance.

He noted that Sierra Leone, as an EITI-implementing country, regularly publishes reports containing disclosures on the legal and institutional framework governing the extractive sector, contracts and licences, production and exports, revenue collection and allocation, the sector’s contribution to the economy, as well as environmental, social and governance issues.

Mohamed Baimba Koroma stated that in line with Requirement 4.8 of the EITI Standard, SLEITI was pleased to partner with ASSL in the production of Sierra Leone’s 2024–2025 EITI Report.

“SLEITI considers ASSL to be technically competent, credible, trustworthy and free from any conflict of interest regarding the collection and treatment of sensitive information,” he said.

He expressed appreciation to the leadership and staff of ASSL for their unwavering commitment to integrity, accountability and transparency.

Also speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Auditor-General, Morie Lansana commended SLEITI for its contribution to strengthening governance within Sierra Leone’s extractive industries sector. He noted that ASSL’s strong reputation for professionalism and independence had paved the way for deeper collaboration between the two institutions.

“The confidence reposed in the ASSL by the people of this country continues to motivate us to remain committed to promoting transparency, accountability and effective oversight within the extractive industries sector,” Morie Lansana stated.

The signing of the MoU is expected to usher in a new phase of cooperation between ASSL and SLEITI, further strengthening transparency, accountability and public trust in the management of Sierra Leone’s extractive resources.

Stats SL, Health Ministry Commence Training for 2026 Demographic and Health Survey

June 25, 2026

Collage of six speakers at an indoor event, each holding a microphone and addressing the audience.

By Ibrahim Sesay

Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MoH) and with technical support from ICF, has commenced a three-week Training of Trainers workshop for the pre-test phase of the 2026 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS), aimed at preparing field personnel for the nationwide data collection exercise.

The training, which officially commenced on Wednesday, 23 June 2026, at the Theresa Sesay Hall on Kennedy Street in Freetown, brought together key stakeholders, technical experts, participants and representatives from various sectors. The workshop is designed to build the capacity of participants on survey instruments and prepare them for the effective pre-testing of questionnaires that will be used during the implementation of the survey.

Speaking during the opening session, the Director of Demographic, Health and Social Statistics at Statistics Sierra Leone, Mohamed Koblo Kamara, highlighted the significance of the Demographic and Health Survey to national development. He described the DHS as one of the country’s most important surveys, generating critical information on maternal and child health, nutrition, fertility, mortality and other key socio-economic indicators.

Mohamed Koblo Kamara noted that the survey serves as a vital source of data for the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders, providing evidence needed for informed decision-making, policy formulation and programme planning. He encouraged participants to actively engage in the training and maintain high standards throughout the exercise, stressing that quality data remains essential for effective national development planning.

Representing ICF, Hanna Useem expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with Statistics Sierra Leone to achieve the objectives of the survey. She described the DHS as an important exercise that will significantly contribute to strengthening Sierra Leone’s health and demographic data systems.

Hanna Useem reaffirmed ICF’s commitment to supporting Statistics Sierra Leone throughout the survey process and commended the institution for its continued dedication to producing reliable and high-quality statistics that support national development efforts.

Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Health, Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist, Nelson Fofanah, underscored the importance of the DHS in assessing the effectiveness of health interventions across the country. He explained that the survey enables the Ministry to track progress in healthcare service delivery, identify existing gaps and evaluate the impact of health programmes and interventions.

According to Nelson Fofanah, the Demographic and Health Survey remains a critical component of Sierra Leone’s healthcare system, providing evidence that guides policy decisions, programme implementation and resource allocation. He added that many of the Ministry’s interventions are informed by data generated through national surveys such as the DHS.

Delivering the keynote address and officially declaring the training open, the Statistician General and Chief Executive Officer of Statistics Sierra Leone, Andrew Bob Johnny, emphasized the importance of the survey in shaping national health policies and programmes.

Andrew Bob Johnny noted that Sierra Leone has conducted several rounds of the DHS over the years, each generating valuable data that has informed development planning and policy interventions. He urged participants to approach the training with seriousness and professionalism, noting that the survey will play a crucial role in monitoring progress on key health indicators and improving the well-being of citizens.

He further stated that future health interventions by the Government of Sierra Leone and development partners will be guided by findings from the survey, making the quality and accuracy of data collection critically important.

The Statistician General encouraged participants to remain focused, disciplined and committed throughout the training period, stressing that the success of the survey depends largely on the professionalism and dedication of those involved in its implementation.

The Demographic and Health Survey is a nationally representative household survey that collects standardized information on population, health and nutrition. It provides critical data on fertility, maternal and child health, nutrition, mortality and other key health indicators, helping policymakers, development partners, researchers and public health officials make informed decisions and effectively track national development progress.

SLRA, CRSG Announce Major Right-of-Way Clearance Along Wellington–Masiaka Corridor

June 25, 2026

Professional man wearing a dark blue suit, light blue shirt, striped tie, and sunglasses outdoors.

By Amin Kef-Ranger

The Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA), in partnership with the China Railway Seventh Group (CRSG), has expressed serious concern over the increasing encroachment on the Right-of-Way along the Wellington–Masiaka Highway, warning that the trend poses significant risks to road safety, public infrastructure and future development along the corridor.

In a public notice issued by the Managements of both institutions, it was revealed that a growing number of individuals have constructed makeshift and permanent concrete structures, median divider crossings and road access ramps leading to private properties within the road reserve without obtaining the required approval from the Sierra Leone Roads Authority.

According to the notice, the Wellington–Masiaka Highway was designed and constructed primarily to enhance safety for motorists and pedestrians travelling along the corridor. However, the unauthorized developments have begun to undermine those objectives, creating safety hazards for road users while also threatening the integrity of the road infrastructure.

The Authority noted that the illegal structures have the potential to cause substantial damage to the highway and could hinder future road expansion projects as well as the installation of essential public utilities such as water supply systems, electricity networks and communication infrastructure. It further emphasized that the road reserve must remain free from unauthorized occupation in order to accommodate future infrastructural and service delivery needs.

SLRA reminded the public that it is the legally mandated institution responsible for the planning, development, management and maintenance of Sierra Leone’s national road network and therefore has the authority to take action against any form of unlawful encroachment within designated road reserves.

To address the situation, the Sierra Leone Roads Authority and China Railway Seventh Group announced that, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders and national security forces, they will commence a comprehensive clearing and sanitation exercise along the Right-of-Way of the Wellington–Masiaka Highway with effect from 29 June 2026. The exercise is intended to remove all unauthorized structures and restore the road reserve in order to safeguard public safety and preserve the functionality of the highway.

The authorities have urged all affected individuals to immediately cease any ongoing construction activities and voluntarily remove structures erected without approval before the commencement of the operation. They warned that failure to comply with the directive will leave them with no option but to enforce the law, including the demolition of structures found within the protected road reserve.

SLRA further called on members of the public to cooperate with the exercise and comply with regulations governing the use of road reserves, stressing that such cooperation is essential for protecting public investments and ensuring safer and more efficient transportation across the country.

The notice concluded with a firm warning that the planned enforcement exercise will proceed as scheduled and that all affected persons have been duly notified to take the necessary corrective actions before the deadline.

Zion Praise Tabernacle Celebrates 14 Years of Faith, Growth and Impact

June 25, 2026

Three formally dressed adults on a stage shake hands over a table with a cake featuring a cross centerpiece.

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

An atmosphere of thanksgiving, worship and celebration filled Zion Praise Tabernacle Church at Hill Station, Bottom Mango, Freetown, on Sunday, 21 June 2026, as End Time Harvesters Evangelistic Ministries commemorated its 14th Anniversary with a spiritually uplifting service that brought together hundreds of worshippers, church leaders and distinguished guests.

The landmark celebration highlighted fourteen years of ministry, evangelism and community transformation under the leadership of General Overseer Pastor, James Bangura and Pastor Mrs. James Bangura.

Delivering the keynote sermon, renowned preacher and Jurisdictional Bishop, Dr. Julius Laggah, challenged believers to remain steadfast in their faith regardless of the obstacles confronting them. Bishop Laggah, who serves as Senior Pastor of Harvest Intercontinental Cathedral (Destiny City) in Freetown and oversees ministries in Sierra Leone, Ghana and Nigeria, drew inspiration from Zechariah 4:7 and 1 Samuel 17:36-37.

With passion and conviction, he reminded congregants that every mountain standing before them can be overcome through faith in God, encouraging them to remain courageous, prayerful and committed to their spiritual calling.

“God is able to turn every challenge into victory,” Bishop Laggah emphasized, urging Christians to trust in divine guidance and never lose hope in difficult times.

The powerful sermon resonated deeply with worshippers, many of whom described the message as timely and inspiring.

Reflecting on the church’s journey over the past fourteen years, General Overseer Pastor James Bangura expressed profound gratitude to God, church members and supporters who have remained committed to the ministry through periods of growth and challenge.

He recounted the humble beginnings of Zion Praise Tabernacle and acknowledged the sacrifices, dedication and unwavering faith of members whose contributions have helped the church become a thriving place of worship and spiritual development.

“We have come a long way through God’s grace,” Pastor Bangura said. “There were challenges along the journey, but God remained faithful. The commitment and support of our members have been instrumental in bringing the ministry to where it is today.”

The General Overseer also extended heartfelt appreciation to all guests, friends and well-wishers who participated in the anniversary celebration.

“Your presence, prayers, support and love made this anniversary truly special and successful. We are grateful for your continued support and look forward to greater things ahead. May God richly bless and reward every one of you,” he stated.

A major highlight of the celebration was the presentation of Awards of Profound Gratitude to institutions, businesses and individuals whose support has contributed to the church’s development and success over the years.

Among the institutions honoured was The Calabash Newspaper, widely recognized for its contribution to journalism and public information dissemination in Sierra Leone. The award was received by the newspaper’s Managing Editor, Amin Kef (Ranger).

Receiving the honour on behalf of the newspaper, Amin Kef expressed sincere appreciation to Pastor James Bangura and the Zion Praise Team for recognizing the work of The Calabash Newspaper.

“On behalf of The Calabash Newspaper editorial team, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to Pastor Daddy James Bangura and the entire Zion Praise Team for this recognition and wonderful award. We are deeply grateful for this honour. Once again, thank you, sir,” he said.

The anniversary celebration concluded with special prayers for the continued growth of the ministry, thanksgiving sessions, the ceremonial cutting of the anniversary cake and a vote of thanks.

As worshippers departed, the event left a lasting message of faith, perseverance and gratitude, reaffirming Zion Praise Tabernacle’s commitment to spreading the Gospel and transforming lives as it embarks on another chapter of ministry and service.

SLPHA Tops National Anti-Corruption Compliance Ranking with 87% Score

June 25, 2026

Man in a dark suit standing in a bright, modern lobby; port with colorful containers and cranes in the background.

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) has achieved a remarkable milestone after securing an 87 percent compliance score in the implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) 2024–2028, jointly ranking first among Agencies, Authorities and Commissions in Sierra Leone.

The assessment, conducted as part of efforts to evaluate compliance with anti-corruption measures across public institutions, found that SLPHA successfully implemented 20 out of the 23 anti-corruption action points assessed. The Authority shared the top position with the Sierra Leone Airport Authority, placing both institutions among the highest-performing public entities in the country.

SLPHA’s performance significantly exceeded the national average compliance rate, underscoring its strong commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, integrity and good governance in its operations.

The achievement reflects the Authority’s continued efforts to strengthen institutional systems, enhance ethical standards and ensure effective service delivery while maintaining public trust.

Management of the Authority attributed the success to the collective dedication of its Board, Management team and staff, whose commitment to upholding the highest standards of public service has contributed to the institution’s strong performance in the assessment.

The Authority also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the national fight against corruption and fostering a culture of accountability within the maritime and port sector.

SLPHA noted that the recognition serves as motivation to continue improving governance standards and implementing measures that promote openness, efficiency and responsible management of public resources.

As one of Sierra Leone’s key public institutions, the Authority emphasized that it remains focused on building a stronger, more transparent and accountable port sector that contributes to national development and economic growth.

Industry Stakeholders Reject Attempts to Link Indigenous Petroleum Giants NP & Leonoil to Aminata Controversy

June 25, 2026

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The ongoing public debate surrounding the proposed agreement between the Government of Sierra Leone and Aminata and Sons Limited has taken a new turn, with concerns being raised over what some stakeholders describe as unfair attacks on two of the country’s leading indigenous oil marketing companies, NP Sierra Leone and Leonoil Company (SL) Limited.

The controversy emerged following comments made by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, during an interview with Truth Media, in which he expressed strong reservations about the proposed agreement and its potential financial implications for the state.

Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh questioned the rationale behind granting concessions for the construction, rehabilitation and maintenance of petroleum storage facilities, arguing that storage capacity is currently not a major challenge facing Sierra Leone. The Deputy Speaker maintained that any agreement entered into by the Government should be carefully scrutinized to ensure that it delivers tangible benefits to the country and its citizens.

Many observers have commended the Deputy Speaker for openly expressing his views on a matter of national importance, describing his position as an example of patriotism and responsible leadership. They noted that his concerns were directed at the proposed agreement itself and not at any existing oil marketing company operating within the country.

However, customers of NP Sierra Leone and Leonoil Company (SL) Limited have expressed concern over what they describe as attempts by some sections of the media to link the two companies to the controversy and subject them to criticism despite their apparent lack of involvement in the parliamentary debate.

According to industry observers, both NP Sierra Leone and Leonoil have established themselves as reputable indigenous companies that have played significant roles in the development and growth of Sierra Leone’s petroleum sector over the years. The companies are widely recognized for their contributions to fuel distribution, storage infrastructure development and job creation across the country.

Stakeholders further argue that the two firms have maintained strong reputations within the industry and have consistently conducted their operations in accordance with national and international standards. They contend that the companies should not become targets of criticism based on assumptions or unsubstantiated claims.

Analysts have also pointed out that healthy competition remains essential for the growth and sustainability of Sierra Leone’s petroleum sector. They emphasized the importance of ensuring a level playing field for all operators while safeguarding the interests of consumers and the nation.

Customers of the indigenous firms maintain that NP Sierra Leone and Leonoil have built their reputations through years of investment, service delivery and commitment to the country’s economic development. They believe that public discussions surrounding the Aminata and Sons agreement should remain focused on the merits and implications of the proposed deal rather than shifting attention to companies that are not directly connected to the matter.

As public discourse on the proposed agreement continues, many stakeholders are calling for balanced reporting, fact-based analysis and constructive engagement to ensure that national interests remain at the center of the debate while protecting the integrity of businesses that have contributed significantly to Sierra Leone’s petroleum industry.

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