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Africell CEO Shadi Gerjawi Puts Customer Satisfaction at the Heart of Service Delivery

Portrait of a bald man with a white beard in a light blue shirt seated on a white sofa, interview setting with water bottle on a glass table and sponsor logos visible in the corner, afr money and Africell banners.
Africell Sierra Leone Chief Executive Officer, Shadi Gerjawi

 

Africell Sierra Leone Chief Executive Officer, Shadi Gerjawi, has reaffirmed the telecommunications company’s commitment to placing customers at the centre of its operations, stressing that no product can be considered successful if it fails to satisfy the people using it.

Speaking during Africell’s nationwide Customer Experience (ACE) Media Tour, Shadi Gerjawi said customer opinions, experiences and concerns remain essential to the company’s efforts to develop and improve its products and services.

“It doesn’t matter what product we have; if the customers are not happy with it, it means we don’t have a good product,” Shadi Gerjawi stated.

He explained that the telecommunications industry is constantly changing as customers’ communication and digital needs continue to evolve. Africell, he said, regularly reaches out to communities to hear directly from customers, understand their expectations and identify the challenges affecting their access to services.

According to Shadi Gerjawi, customer engagement has been part of Africell’s operational strategy for the past five years. Through the ACE initiative, the company deploys directors, managers and other staff members to radio and television stations, markets, streets and public spaces to interact with customers.

Those engagements enable Africell representatives to explain the company’s products and services while providing customers with opportunities to ask questions, make recommendations and raise complaints.

Shadi Gerjawi acknowledged that the feedback received during such engagements often provides the company with a list of issues requiring further attention. He said the concerns are taken back to the appropriate departments for review and possible action.

The Africell CEO also highlighted the company’s continued investment in innovation, accessibility and digital inclusion. He cited Africell’s introduction of 3G and 4G technologies, preparations towards 5G services, Fibre-to-the-Home connectivity and the expansion of Afrimoney.

He also pointed to the company’s partnership with Sierratel under a Mobile Virtual Network Operator arrangement, which forms part of wider efforts to strengthen telecommunications services across Sierra Leone.

Beyond commercial services, Shadi Gerjawi highlighted Africell’s investment in social-impact initiatives. Those include KidZone, a platform designed to help protect children online and the company’s partnership with the Milton Margai School for the Blind.

He said the programmes demonstrate Africell’s determination to remain innovative, inclusive and responsive to the different needs of Sierra Leoneans.

The nationwide ACE Media Tour, held on Thursday, 13 August, brought Africell representatives closer to customers through live radio and television discussions. The engagements covered the company’s products and services, Afrimoney operations, employment opportunities, corporate social responsibility programmes and network expansion plans.

Members of the public were also allowed to seek clarification, report difficulties and receive direct responses from company officials.

Africell described the initiative as more than a conventional media tour, saying it represents an ongoing conversation between the company and the people who depend on its network and digital services.

After more than two decades of operations in Sierra Leone, Africell says its growth has been driven by customer trust, affordable services, innovation and value for money.

Shadi Gerjawi assured customers that the company would continue listening to their concerns and using their feedback to improve service delivery. He emphasized that maintaining customer satisfaction will remain central to Africell’s mission of providing reliable, affordable and accessible telecommunications services across Sierra Leone.

VP Juldeh Jalloh Chairs High-Level Police Meeting on Reform, Governance and National Security

Formal group photo of police officers and officials, seated in front row with others standing behind in a conference room; portrait on the wall behind them.

Vice President of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, on Thursday August 27, 2026, chaired a meeting of the Sierra Leone Police Executive Management Board, bringing together senior police officers to discuss governance, national security, institutional reforms and operational challenges confronting the Force.

The high-level engagement provided an opportunity for the police leadership to review key developments within the institution and exchange perspectives on measures aimed at strengthening professionalism, accountability and effective policing across the country.

Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh said discussions centred on important governance, security and operational matters affecting the Sierra Leone Police, with senior officers providing firsthand updates on developments and reform efforts within their respective areas of responsibility.

“Today, I chaired a meeting of the Sierra Leone Police Executive Management Board, where we discussed key governance, security, and operational issues affecting the Force,” Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh said.

He described the engagement with senior police officers from across Sierra Leone as valuable, particularly in understanding the progress and challenges associated with ongoing police reform.

“It is always refreshing to hear firsthand from senior officers across the country on police reform,” he added.

The meeting underscored the importance of sustained engagement between the Government and the leadership of the Sierra Leone Police as the institution continues efforts to improve its operational effectiveness and strengthen public confidence in policing.

Police reform remains critical to improving law enforcement, strengthening accountability and ensuring officers are adequately positioned to respond to emerging security challenges.

The Executive Management Board serves as an important leadership platform within the Sierra Leone Police, allowing senior officers to assess institutional priorities, operational concerns and broader issues affecting the delivery of policing services.

Thursday’s meeting also highlighted the Government’s emphasis on strengthening security-sector governance and ensuring that national security institutions remain professional, responsive and capable of effectively carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.

Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh’s engagement with the police leadership comes amid continued efforts to strengthen state institutions and improve coordination across Sierra Leone’s security architecture.

The discussions are expected to contribute to ongoing efforts aimed at building a more professional, accountable and effective Sierra Leone Police capable of responding to the country’s evolving security and public-safety needs.

FAWAZ RANDCEM Cement Promotes Quality and Safer Construction Practices Nationwide

 

Growing investment in housing and infrastructure across Sierra Leone is increasing demand for reliable cement and other building materials capable of supporting strong, safe and durable structures.

FAWAZ Building Materials is responding to this development by expanding the availability of RANDCEM 42.5R Cement for contractors, engineers, property developers, masons and individuals undertaking residential, commercial and public construction projects.

The continued development of houses, schools, hospitals, offices, shopping centres and public facilities has placed greater emphasis on the standard of materials used in construction. Buyers are increasingly considering strength, consistency, durability and long-term value when selecting cement, rather than focusing only on cost.

Manufactured in Vietnam and supplied in 50-kilogram bags, RANDCEM carries a 42.5R strength classification. It is designed for a wide range of concrete and masonry works, including foundations, columns, beams, floors, concrete blocks and other structural applications.

According to FAWAZ Building Materials, the product offers dependable early strength and consistent performance when properly mixed and applied. These qualities make it suitable for projects requiring efficient construction and reliable structural results.

RANDCEM reportedly starts setting within approximately 30 minutes under suitable working conditions. Its early-setting property can help construction teams improve productivity and manage project schedules more effectively.

Builders must, however, prepare all required materials before mixing begins. Sand, stone, water and other components should be readily available, while freshly mixed concrete must be placed and compacted without unnecessary delay.

Construction professionals have repeatedly stressed that quality cement alone cannot ensure the strength or safety of a building. Structural durability also depends on approved designs, solid foundations, appropriate reinforcement, clean sand, suitable aggregates, accurate measurements and competent supervision.

Water control is particularly important during concrete preparation. Adding excessive water may weaken the mixture, increase shrinkage and contribute to cracking. Incorrect proportions of cement, sand and aggregate can similarly compromise the strength and lifespan of a structure.

For ordinary concrete work, a general mixture of one part cement, two parts sand and four parts aggregate is commonly used. Lean concrete may require one part cement, three parts sand and six parts aggregate. These general proportions should not replace technical specifications developed by qualified engineers for individual projects.

Proper curing is another essential requirement. Newly placed concrete must be kept adequately moist during its early development to support strength formation and minimise premature cracking or deterioration.

Even when high-quality cement is used, inadequate curing can seriously affect the final performance of concrete. Contractors and homeowners are therefore encouraged to regard curing as a fundamental stage of construction rather than an optional exercise.

Correct storage also helps preserve cement quality. RANDCEM bags should be kept in a dry, covered and ventilated location, raised above the floor and protected from rain, groundwater, damp walls and leaking roofs.

Any cement remaining after a bag has been opened should preferably be used within seven days. Where immediate use is impossible, the bag should be tightly sealed and protected from moisture and air to prevent hardening or a reduction in effectiveness.

Workers handling cement should also follow basic occupational safety measures. Gloves and face masks can reduce exposure to cement dust and direct skin contact, while proper lifting methods should be used when carrying 50-kilogram bags. Cement must also be stored beyond the reach of children.

Public concern over building collapses in Sierra Leone has intensified calls for improved construction standards and stronger accountability. Structural failures can result from defective designs, unstable foundations, substandard materials, poor workmanship and inadequate professional supervision.

Industry stakeholders have consequently urged the Sierra Leone Standards Bureau and other relevant authorities to strengthen market inspections and conduct regular laboratory testing. Consistent monitoring would help ensure that imported and locally distributed cement products meet approved requirements before reaching consumers.

Stronger supervision of importers, distributors and retailers could also protect customers from inferior materials, encourage fair competition and build greater confidence in the country’s construction market.

FAWAZ Building Materials said its continued distribution of RANDCEM 42.5R Cement represents part of its contribution to national development by improving access to dependable construction materials.

With Sierra Leone’s demand for housing, commercial facilities and public infrastructure continuing to rise, the safety of new buildings will depend on tested materials, responsible workmanship, professional engineering and effective regulatory oversight. RANDCEM’s expanding market presence reflects the broader search for reliable cement products capable of meeting those construction needs.

Finance Ministry Concludes Consultations on Revised Public Financial Management Act

Government officials sit at a long conference table with microphones, water bottles, and papers during a formal meeting, banner and seal visible in the background.

 

The Ministry of Finance has completed its final stakeholder consultation on the proposed revised Public Financial Management Act, 2026, marking an important step towards modernizing Sierra Leone’s fiscal governance framework.

The consultation, held on Friday, 21 August 2026, at the Ministry’s Conference Room on George Street in Freetown, brought together Ministers, Deputy Ministers and representatives from various Government institutions.

The engagement followed a series of consultations with key stakeholders and formed part of the Government’s efforts to develop legislation that reflects current economic conditions and emerging financial-management practices.

The proposed reforms are expected to strengthen fiscal discipline, improve accountability and promote greater efficiency in the management of public funds.

Chairing the consultation, Financial Secretary, Matthew Dingie, said public financial management is constantly evolving and must respond effectively to new economic, institutional and technological challenges.

He described the final consultation as a crucial stage in reviewing and refining the legislation before it advances to Cabinet and Parliament.

Matthew Dingie assured participants that their observations, concerns and recommendations would be properly recorded and carefully assessed during the finalization of the draft Act.

He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to conducting an inclusive, transparent and evidence-based review process that protects the public interest and improves the country’s financial-management system.

Acting Minister of Finance, Khadijah Alie, welcomed the review, describing it as timely and necessary for strengthening Sierra Leone’s fiscal-governance architecture.

She said a modern public financial management framework is required to support effective fiscal planning, responsible treasury operations, stronger financial oversight and better management of risks that could affect the national budget.

Madam Khadijah Alie also stressed that the revised legislation should recognize the growing importance of digital financial-management systems and other emerging approaches to administering public resources.

Technical presentations delivered by the Ministry’s legal representative and public financial management consultants examined the existing Public Financial Management Act of 2016 and outlined the reasons for its review.

The presentations also highlighted emerging challenges and proposed reforms, including the introduction of new provisions and the expansion or modification of existing sections of the law.

Following the presentations, Ministers, Deputy Ministers and their representatives engaged in discussions on various aspects of the draft legislation.

Participants raised concerns, offered suggestions and proposed practical measures intended to improve the clarity, effectiveness and implementation of the revised Act.

Their recommendations focused on ensuring that the legislation adequately addresses Sierra Leone’s current public financial management requirements while remaining adaptable to future economic and technological developments.

The Ministry of Finance assured participants that all submissions made during the consultation would be documented and considered before the draft legislation is finalized.

The completion of the consultation represents a major milestone in the review process. The proposed revised Public Financial Management Act is expected to be submitted to Cabinet for consideration and approval before being presented to Parliament.

EU, Freetown City Council Launch €505,246 SURGE Project to Rebuild King Jimmy Market

Group of professionals standing behind a podium at a formal event in a conference room, with a large screen overhead and banners nearby.

 

The European Union and Freetown City Council on 20 August 2026 officially launched the Strengthening Urban Governance for Effective Service Delivery and Local Economic Development (SURGE) Project, aimed at improving local governance, service delivery and economic opportunities in the capital.

The initiative has a total value of €505,246, comprising €479,964 provided by the European Union and a contribution of €25,282 from Freetown City Council.

A major component of the project is the reconstruction of the historic King Jimmy Market in Freetown’s Central Business District. The redevelopment is expected to provide a safer, cleaner and more organized trading environment while expanding livelihood opportunities for traders, particularly women and young people.

The Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Aki-Sawyer, officially launched the market construction and described the occasion as an important milestone in the council’s efforts to transform public trading spaces and support local economic development.

Mayor Aki-Sawyer said King Jimmy Market represents much more than a place where goods are bought and sold, noting that markets provide livelihoods, sustain families and allows people to pursue their economic aspirations.

“King Jimmy is more than a market; it is a place where livelihoods are built, families are supported and dreams are made possible,” the Mayor said.

King Jimmy Market is one of Freetown’s oldest commercial centres and holds considerable historical significance. It is situated close to the De Ruyter Stone and the historic “slave steps and manacles,” landmarks associated with the city’s connection to the transatlantic slave trade.

Through the SURGE Project, the European Union will support Freetown City Council in strengthening its institutional capacity and improving the delivery of essential services to residents.

The intervention will also promote participatory urban planning and transparent decision-making, while strengthening the council’s financial-management and revenue-generation systems. Additional attention will be given to sanitation, recycling livelihoods and efforts to create a cleaner, safer and more vibrant city.

Women and young people are expected to benefit from expanded economic opportunities linked to the project, including improved market facilities and support for sanitation and recycling activities.

Mayor Aki-Sawyer expressed appreciation to the European Union for financing the initiative. She also recognized the contributions of Deputy Mayor, Kweku Lisk, Esq., councillors, members of the Market Committee and Freetown City Council staff.

The European Union said the initiative reflects its commitment to accountable, citizen-centred local governance and sustainable development in Sierra Leone.

SURGE forms part of a broader European Union programme supporting seven local councils across the country. The programme seeks to strengthen decentralization, improve infrastructure, empower communities and increase the ability of councils to fulfil their responsibilities to citizens.

The intervention is also expected to contribute to employment creation, stronger market opportunities and improved public services, particularly for women, young people and vulnerable communities.

The King Jimmy Market redevelopment falls within the wider Transform Freetown agenda, which prioritizes improved infrastructure, environmental management, local economic development and better living conditions for residents.

The European Union and Freetown City Council have reaffirmed their commitment to working with community stakeholders and other development partners to ensure that the project delivers sustainable and meaningful results for the people of Freetown.

Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Aki-Sawyer,

5,100 Flood-Affected Residents to Benefit from €175,000 EU Assistance

A densely built hillside town submerged in muddy floodwater with houses and rooftops partially surrounded by water.

 

The European Union has on 24 August 2026, announced €175,000 in humanitarian assistance to support thousands of people affected by severe flooding across Freetown and the Western Area Urban District.

The funding follows continuous heavy rainfall earlier in August that caused deaths, displaced residents and destroyed homes and critical infrastructure. Low-lying and densely populated communities were among the areas hardest hit by what has been described as Freetown’s worst flooding emergency since 2022.

Through the humanitarian intervention, the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society will provide urgent assistance to approximately 5,100 people in 27 flood-affected communities.

The support will include multipurpose cash transfers, emergency shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene services, livelihood recovery and health assistance. Protection services will also be extended to vulnerable groups, particularly women, children, older persons and persons with disabilities.

More than 700 homes were reportedly damaged or completely destroyed by the floods, leaving many families without adequate shelter and basic household necessities. Access to essential services has also been disrupted, while several water sources have been contaminated, increasing concerns about sanitation and the possible spread of waterborne diseases.

The European Union warned that the threat facing vulnerable communities has not ended. With Sierra Leone’s rainy season continuing, the possibility of further flash floods, soil erosion and landslides remains high, especially in overcrowded settlements and communities located along waterways or unstable hillsides.

The €175,000 assistance forms part of the European Union’s broader contribution to the Disaster Response Emergency Fund of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

The Disaster Response Emergency Fund enables national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies to rapidly access financial resources when responding to emergencies. That arrangement allows relief organisations to begin delivering life-saving assistance without waiting for lengthy fundraising processes.

Established in 1979, the Fund receives contributions from international donors and provides grants whenever a national Red Cross or Red Crescent society requires immediate support during a disaster. Donors subsequently replenish the Fund to sustain its capacity to respond to future emergencies.

The European Commission has signed a €16 million humanitarian delegation agreement with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to strengthen the Fund and support rapid humanitarian operations in disaster-affected countries.

The latest intervention reflects the European Union’s wider commitment to providing assistance to people affected by natural disasters, armed conflicts and other humanitarian crises.

Through its Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid department, the European Union supports millions of vulnerable people worldwide each year. Its humanitarian programmes are designed to save lives, reduce suffering and protect the dignity of communities affected by emergencies.

The European Union and its Member States remain among the world’s leading humanitarian donors, providing assistance based on the needs and vulnerability of affected populations.

The intervention in Sierra Leone is expected to strengthen the ongoing emergency response while helping affected families meet their immediate needs and begin recovering from the destruction caused by the floods.

SLCAA DG Named Among Sierra Leone’s 50 Most Influential Women for Transforming Aviation Sector

Portrait of Madam Musayeroh Barrie, Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority, on a banner that reads 'Leadership. Excellence. Vision.' with summaries of leadership goals on the right side of the poster.

 

Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), Madam Musayeroh Barrie, has been named among Sierra Leone’s 50 Most Influential Women in recognition of her leadership and contribution to the development of the country’s aviation sector.

Madam Musayeroh Barrie was ranked eighth among the Top 10 honourees in the ninth edition of the Fifty Most Influential Sierra Leonean Women Awards. She was recognized in the Leadership and Aviation category alongside other women making significant contributions to national development.

Responding to the recognition on August 22, 2026, Madam Musayeroh Barrie said she was honoured to be included among the country’s most influential women.

She described the award as a reminder that leadership must be centred on service, meaningful impact and the creation of opportunities for others. She dedicated the honour to those who have supported and inspired her throughout her career.

Madam Musayeroh Barrie made history in August 2023 when she became the first woman appointed to lead the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority. She is also regarded as one of the youngest Directors General serving in global civil aviation.

Since taking office, she has introduced and supported measures to strengthen aviation safety oversight, regulatory compliance, institutional capacity and professionalism within the sector.

Her leadership has contributed to the return of Air Sierra Leone, the issuance of the country’s first Air Operator Certificate since 2008 and the restoration of direct flights between Freetown and London.

The SLCAA has also expanded its cooperation with international aviation institutions. In 2024, the Authority signed a Management Service Agreement with the International Civil Aviation Organization to improve technical capacity and compliance with global aviation standards.

Work has also commenced on the Civil Aviation Master Plan, National Aviation Safety Plan and National Air Navigation Plan. The strategic documents are intended to guide the long-term development of a safer, more efficient and sustainable aviation industry.

Madam Musayeroh Barrie’s leadership was further demonstrated during the recent ECOWAS Summit, when the SLCAA coordinated the movement of approximately 30 presidential, diplomatic and official aircrafts at Freetown International Airport.

The complex exercise was conducted while normal commercial flight operations continued. It followed months of planning, technical inspections and consultations involving airport operators, Government Ministries, security agencies and other stakeholders.

Preparations covered air traffic management, aircraft parking, ground-handling services, aviation security, infrastructure assessments and emergency arrangements.

The Air Traffic Control Unit successfully coordinated the arrival, departure, sequencing and parking of visiting aircraft while maintaining scheduled commercial operations.

The Authority also deployed an advanced drone-detection system to strengthen security around the airport. The technology provided real-time surveillance and could detect, track and locate unauthorized unmanned aircraft within a 20-kilometre radius.

Madam Musayeroh Barrie attributed the successful operation to careful planning and strong teamwork. She said airworthiness inspectors, engineers, air traffic controllers and other technical personnel worked collectively to deliver the exercise.

Heavy rainfall and flooding presented additional challenges by damaging sections of completed road works around the airport. Engineering teams were required to reconstruct affected portions and develop deeper drainage channels before the visiting delegations arrived.

The Director General reportedly joined personnel in removing floodwater and directing traffic, demonstrating her commitment to practical and people-centred leadership.

She said the operation showed that leadership is tested by the ability to respond effectively to unexpected difficulties. She also commended Government institutions, security agencies, aviation professionals, community leaders and SLCAA personnel for their cooperation.

Madam Musayeroh Barrie has also prioritized opportunities for young professionals and women in aviation. More than half of the SLCAA workforce is reportedly below 40 years, while over 40 per cent is under 35.

Her advocacy for gender inclusion and youth empowerment continues to encourage young Sierra Leoneans, particularly women, to pursue careers and leadership roles in aviation.

The Fifty Most Influential Sierra Leonean Women Awards is organized by the Port Loko 1000 Organisation to recognize women whose leadership, courage and dedication are transforming lives and supporting Sierra Leone’s development.

Madam Musayeroh Barrie’s recognition highlights the progress recorded under her leadership and her contribution to positioning Sierra Leone’s aviation sector for improved safety, stronger international connectivity and sustainable growth.

New Labour Minister Moves to Simplify Sierra Leone’s Labour Laws

Man in blue traditional attire speaks into a microphone at a conference table, with colleagues seated behind him.
Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Umaru Napoleon Koroma

 

The newly appointed Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Umaru Napoleon Koroma, has on Monday, 24 August 2026 pledged to make Sierra Leone’s labour laws more accessible and understandable to workers, employers and the wider public.

The proposed initiative is expected to increase awareness of workers’ rights, employers’ responsibilities and the procedures available for resolving workplace disputes. It comes at a time when greater knowledge of employment legislation is considered essential to creating a fair, safe and productive labour environment.

During his parliamentary screening, Umaru Napoleon Koroma promised to build upon programmes introduced by his predecessor while developing innovative measures to strengthen Sierra Leone’s workforce. He also expressed his commitment to improving working conditions and expanding opportunities for people employed in the formal and informal sectors.

Popularizing the country’s labour legislation is expected to form a major part of the new Minister’s agenda. The initiative would enable ordinary workers to understand the laws established to protect them while ensuring that employers are properly informed about their legal duties.

The programme could involve nationwide public-sensitization campaigns, simplified educational materials, radio and television discussions and community-level engagements. It may also require stronger cooperation among the Ministry, trade unions, employers’ organisations, civil society groups and local authorities.

Many workers, particularly those operating within the informal sector, find employment laws and institutional procedures complex and difficult to access. That lack of information can prevent employees from recognizing violations of their rights or seeking assistance when workplace disputes arise.

Presenting the laws in simple and practical language could therefore help workers understand matters relating to employment contracts, wages, working hours, leave entitlements, occupational health and safety, termination of employment, social security and dispute resolution.

Improved public awareness could also assist employers in complying with established labour standards and avoiding practices that may lead to disagreements, legal action or industrial unrest. Effective education on employment laws could ultimately promote cooperation, accountability and mutual respect within workplaces.

Umaru Napoleon Koroma’s legal background is expected to support his efforts to make labour legislation better understood. He previously served as Deputy Minister of Justice and participated in legislative processes, including the introduction of the Arbitration Act 2022, which sought to modernize Sierra Leone’s arbitration framework.

His public-service experience has also included engagements concerning workers’ welfare and labour relations. While serving as Chairman of the National Commission for Privatization in 2018, Umaru Napoleon Koroma participated in negotiations between the Sierra Leone Ports Authority Management and its Staff Union over redundancy benefits. Labour laws formed an important part of those discussions.

Observers believe his combination of legal knowledge, administrative experience and exposure to labour-related negotiations could help close the gap between legislation and its practical application.

Successful implementation of the initiative will, however, require sustained engagement and educational materials presented in languages and formats accessible nationwide. If effectively pursued, the programme could empower workers, encourage responsible employers and strengthen confidence in the country’s labour-protection system.

US Court Overturns 75-Country Immigrant Visa Freeze, Including Sierra Leone, but Other Restrictions Remain

President Donald Trump

 

A United States federal judge has struck down a Trump administration policy that suspended the issuance of immigrant visas to nationals of 75 countries, including Sierra Leone, potentially reopening an important pathway for Sierra Leoneans seeking permanent residence in the United States.

The ruling, delivered on Friday, August 21, 2026, by US District Judge, Jeannette Vargas, in Manhattan, declared the State Department’s blanket immigrant visa suspension unlawful, finding that Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, had exceeded his statutory authority.

The policy, which took effect on January 21, had paused immigrant visa issuance for nationals of dozens of countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Sierra Leone was among the countries affected.

The State Department had justified the suspension on the grounds that nationals of the affected countries were considered at high risk of becoming a “public charge” or relying on Government resources after entering the United States.

Judge Jeannette Vargas rejected the blanket approach, finding that US immigration law places responsibility for determining individual immigrant visa eligibility with consular officers and does not permit the Secretary of State to impose the challenged nationality-based prohibition.

For Sierra Leoneans, the decision could have important implications, particularly for people pursuing family-based and employment-based immigrant visas and other qualifying pathways to permanent residence in the United States. The US immigration system provides immigrant visas through categories including family relationships, employment, adoption and other special immigrant classifications.

The ruling means the January 2026 policy can no longer serve as a blanket basis for stopping immigrant visa issuance merely because an applicant is a national of Sierra Leone or another country covered by that directive.

It does not, however, mean that Sierra Leoneans automatically qualify for US visas. Every applicant must still meet the legal requirements applicable to the particular visa category, including documentation, admissibility, security screening and other eligibility requirements.

More importantly, the judgment should not be interpreted as removing every US visa restriction currently affecting Sierra Leone.

Sierra Leone has been subject to a separate US visa restriction dating from June 2025. Under that measure, the United States partially suspended visa issuance to Sierra Leonean nationals in several categories, including B-1/B-2 business and tourist visas, F and M student visas, J exchange visitor visas and immigrant visas, subject to specified exceptions.

That distinction is critical.

The latest court decision concerns the separate January 2026 policy affecting nationals of 75 countries. Therefore, while the judgment removes that particular nationality-based immigrant visa suspension, it should not automatically be understood as cancelling the separate restrictions imposed on Sierra Leone under the earlier presidential proclamation.

Sierra Leoneans planning to travel, study, work or permanently relocate to the United States should consequently avoid assuming that all visa restrictions have been lifted.

For Sierra Leonean families with pending immigration cases, however, the ruling represents a potentially significant legal development because it removes one of the barriers imposed on immigrant visa applicants this year.

The January policy had allowed affected applicants to continue submitting applications and attending interviews, but immigrant visas could not be issued under the suspension. The court’s intervention therefore has particular importance for applicants whose cases were otherwise progressing through the immigration process.

The ruling could also provide hope to Sierra Leoneans with relatives in the United States who have been pursuing family reunification through immigrant visa channels.

Judge Jeannette Vargas issued the decision following a lawsuit brought by immigrant rights organisations, affected visa applicants and US citizens sponsoring relatives from countries covered by the policy. The court concluded that the State Department could not replace the individual assessment required under immigration law with the sweeping nationality-based restriction.

The judgment represents another legal challenge to President Donald Trump’s broader immigration agenda, which has introduced tighter restrictions and screening requirements for foreign nationals seeking entry into the United States.

The development remains fluid, however. The Trump administration could pursue further legal action against the judgment and implementation by US diplomatic missions will be important in determining how quickly affected applicants experience changes in practice.

For Sierra Leone, the immediate significance is therefore substantial but limited: a US federal court has overturned the January 2026 immigrant visa suspension covering Sierra Leone and 74 other countries, but separate US visa restrictions affecting Sierra Leone should not be considered automatically lifted by this judgment.

Sierra Leonean applicants are consequently advised to follow official guidance from the US Department of State and the relevant US consular authorities before making travel or immigration decisions.

Orange Strengthens Digital Fraud Fight with *505# Scam Alert Tool, Backs National Roadmap

Group of professionals seated in blue theater seats at a conference, attentively watching a presentation.

 

Orange Sierra Leone and its subsidiary, Orange Money Sierra Leone, have joined Government institutions, regulators and industry stakeholders in validating Sierra Leone’s first National Roadmap to Combat Mobile and Digital Fraud.

The roadmap was approved during a consultative workshop held from August 18 to 19, 2026, aimed at strengthening national coordination, protecting consumers and addressing fraud within the country’s expanding telecommunications and digital financial sectors.

The engagement was led by the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation in collaboration with the National Communications Authority, Financial Intelligence Agency, Bank of Sierra Leone and Parliamentary Committee on Information and Communication Technology.

Representatives from the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre, National Civil Registration Authority, telecommunications companies, mobile money operators, Civil Society Organisations and other public and private institutions also participated.

Orange Sierra Leone and Orange Money Sierra Leone contributed to discussions on fraud prevention, consumer protection, SIM registration, Know Your Customer compliance, public education and stronger reporting mechanisms.

Tamba Musa, Head of Fraud and Revenue Assurance at Orange Sierra Leone, highlighted the company’s real-time fraud-detection systems and nationwide scam-prevention campaigns. He reaffirmed Orange’s commitment to strengthening its monitoring systems and educating customers about emerging threats.

Orange also presented its recently launched *505# Scam Alert Reporting Tool and dedicated online reporting platform as important components of its wider contribution to the national fight against digital fraud.

The company officially launched the two reporting channels on August 13, 2026, at the Orange Digital Centre in Hill Station, Freetown, to strengthen customer protection and improve confidence in digital services.

Customers can dial *505# from any ordinary mobile telephone and follow the instructions to verify whether a number is associated with Orange or report suspected fraudulent activity. Internet users can also submit reports through Orange Sierra Leone’s dedicated platform at www.orange.sl/en/scamlandingpage.html, while telephone assistance is available through customer service on 111.

Orange Sierra Leone Chief Executive Officer Aïcha Touré said customers were increasingly being targeted through fraudulent calls, fake promotions, phishing, impersonation and social-media scams designed to obtain personal information or Orange Money credentials.

She warned that Orange would never request customers’ PINs, passwords, verification codes or other confidential security information.

Orange Sierra Leone Customer Experience Director, David Mansaray, explained that reported numbers would be carefully investigated before action was taken. Transaction records, calling patterns, devices and other indicators would be examined to distinguish genuine complaints from false or malicious reports.

He added that early reporting could sometimes help Orange block suspected accounts, trace transactions and recover transferred funds before the money was withdrawn or moved.

The validation of the roadmap represents a significant step towards creating a safer and more resilient digital environment. Orange Sierra Leone and Orange Money Sierra Leone pledged to continue working with regulators, security agencies and other partners to protect customers, disrupt criminal networks and strengthen public confidence in Sierra Leone’s digital economy.

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