Caritas Freetown Concludes Inter-Community Football Match, Promoting Peace and Social Cohesion

May 21, 2025

By Foday Moriba Conteh

As part of efforts to promote peace, unity and violence prevention among young people, Caritas Freetown, with support from the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund (UNPBF) and in partnership with Catholic Relief Services (CRS), on Sunday, May 18, 2025, concluded a well-attended Inter-Community Football Match under the: “Youth in Politics and Peacebuilding” Project.

The tournament brought together participants from 16 communities across the Western Area Rural District and the Western Area Urban. The event, held at the Lakka Community Playing Field, served as a dynamic platform to raise awareness around peaceful co-existence, non-violence and youth participation in community Peacebuilding initiatives.

The highlight of the day saw two competitive exhibition matches. In the male category, the Lakka Community team narrowly edged out the UNPBF Project Participants’ team by 3 goals to 2 in a thrilling encounter. Meanwhile, in the female category, the Lakka Community team showcased their strength, defeating the UNPBF Project Participants’ female team by 2 goals to nil.

Beyond football, the event was spiced with entertainment. Popular Sierra Leonean artist, Leonus Di Genius, energized the crowd with electrifying performances during match intervals, adding a festive and unifying spirit to the gathering.

Speaking at the event, Eliza Sillah, Programme Coordinator of the “Youth in Politics and Peacebuilding” project, highlighted the initiative’s transformative impact on young people and their communities.

“This project has empowered young people to actively participate in decision-making processes and to lead meaningful community initiatives,” she stated. “Through our engagements, we have fostered strong networks between youth groups, local authorities, service providers and other stakeholders.”

She further emphasized the role of sport in driving social change, noting that activities like the inter-community football match are more than just entertainment. “This football match is not just a game it’s a symbol of unity, tolerance and peaceful engagement in action. It brings together youth from different backgrounds, including across political lines and fosters dialogue and collaboration.”

Eliza Sillah added that one of the key highlights of the project has been promoting civic engagement and intergenerational dialogue. “We’ve seen young people now actively involved in community-level governance and decision-making, bridging the generational divide and contributing to improved local governance structures,” she explained.

She concluded by expressing satisfaction with the project’s overall impact. “Bringing together 16 communities from both Western Area Urban and Rural Districts shows the reach and effectiveness of this initiative. We’ve laid the foundation for long-lasting peace and cohesion among youth and we hope this momentum will continue beyond the life of the project.”

Ishmael Bangura, President of the Lakka Progressive Organization established under the Caritas Freetown “Youth in Politics and Peacebuilding” Project has commended Caritas Freetown and its partners for what he described as a transformative initiative that has positively impacted youth in his community and beyond.

He noted that Lakka Community was once known for youth-led violence, particularly during election periods. However, with the intervention of the project implemented before, during and after the 2023 elections incidents of violence among young people significantly declined. “The situation has changed for the better,” Ishmael Bangura remarked. “Today, young people in Lakka are engaged in community decision-making processes, something that was previously reserved for older generations.”

He emphasized that the recent inter-community football match organized as part of the project was more than just a game. Ishmael Bangura described it as a powerful tool for peacebuilding, unity and youth engagement. “Bringing together 16 communities to participate in sport created a platform for dialogue, understanding and mutual respect,” he said. “It helped break down political and social divisions among youth.”

Isatu Sesay, a spectator alike commended the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful, expressing hope that such events would continue to engage the youth positively and reduce tensions during politically sensitive periods.

The Inter-community football match forms part of a broader strategy by Caritas Freetown and its partners to empower young people, encourage peaceful political participation and build stronger, more cohesive communities across Sierra Leone.

Freetong Players Commemorates 40-Year Journey of Resilience, Patriotism and Creative Excellence

May 21, 2025

By Foday Moriba Conteh

One of Sierra Leone’s most iconic cultural institutions, the Freetong Players International (FPI), on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, marked its 40th anniversary with a Press Conference at the National Museum on Siaka Stevens Street in Freetown.

Founder and Artistic Director, Charlie Haffner, used the occasion to reflect on the group’s four-decade-long journey, describing it as “a road never taken” marked by sacrifice, perseverance and unyielding patriotism.

“Indeed, 40 years have elapsed, 40 years of a journey on blistering bush paths, infested swamps, blood, sweat and tears. But through courage and commitment, Freetong Players has stood tall,” Charlie Haffner intimated.

Since its founding on May 20, 1985, by Charlie Haffner and his late wife, Fatie Haffner, both then teachers at the Sierra Leone Grammar School and Freetown Secondary School for Girls respectively, the group has been a cornerstone of cultural advocacy and theatrical education in Sierra Leone. Originally named “Freetown Players Theatre Group,” the ensemble was formed with a clear mission: to elevate Sierra Leone’s theatrical standards from amateur to professional and to use drama as a tool for national development.

Freetong Players has since grown to become a household name, a vibrant symbol of artistic resistance, especially during times of national crisis. In its early years, it emerged as a vital communication channel when state media was largely non-functional and the literacy rate limited newspaper outreach. Collaborating with organizations such as UNICEF and Marie Stopes, the group became a crucial platform for sensitization on health, education, family planning, HIV/AIDS and more.

The group’s reach has extended far beyond Sierra Leone’s borders. Over the years, Freetong Players has performed in the United States (1992), Scotland, Denmark, Venezuela (1995), Puerto Rico and the UK (1996), Taiwan and China (1999), Canada (2002–2003), Poland (2004), Shanghai, Berlin and various African countries, including Ghana, The Gambia, Liberia, Guinea, Senegal, Zambia, South Africa and Ivory Coast.

In 1990, Freetong Players launched a ground-breaking TV series, You en You Pikin, in partnership with UNICEF, focusing on child survival and development issues in 100 communities across Sierra Leone. The project birthed the popular “Tali Afinor” character and theme song that evolved into the celebrated radio drama “Atunda Ayenda” one of Sierra Leone’s most impactful radio soap operas.

Despite its accolades, the journey of Freetong Players has not been without setbacks. During the January 6, 1999 rebel invasion of Freetown, the group’s famed TELEM Centre was destroyed. Many members fled, with some seeking refuge in The Gambia. Yet, the Players rebounded, staging an impressive comeback with invitations to international summits and tours, including the 2002 G8 Summit in Canada and a 92-performance tour of Canadian provinces in 2003.

“Through resilience and determination, we rose from the ashes,” said Charlie Haffner.

As part of the 40th anniversary commemoration, a minute of silence was observed in memory of past members whose contributions were foundational to the group’s success. These include Fatie Haffner, Hady Jalloh, Kelfa Marrah, Abu G. Kargbo, Isaac Randy Wright and others.

A special tribute was paid to Emmanuel Paye Quist, affectionately known as “Uncle Paye,” who joined in 1996 and remains the group’s longest-serving member.

The Freetong Players International @ 40 celebration will continue throughout the year with a series of activities, including:

New Album Release – A new ‘acappella’ album featuring original compositions.
Live Concerts – A showcase of 40 songs and melodramas by Charlie Haffner performed live across Sierra Leone.
Audio-Visual Exhibition – A week-long display of photos, videos, memorabilia and artifacts documenting the group’s history.
Commemorative Publication – A special edition titled “Chapter 40”, produced in collaboration with Awoko Publications, to chronicle the life and legacy of the Freetong Players.
Play Publications and Performances – The landmark play Amistad Katakata will be republished by the Sierra Writers Series and a new production, The Trial of Sengbe Pieh, will be staged in Freetown between May and July.

Charlie Haffner also acknowledged the instrumental roles played by the late AOD George, MB Jalloh (now CEO of FOCUS 1000) and Cornelius Williams of UNICEF’s Communication Support Unit in transforming the group into a full-time professional body.

“The Freetong Players became the nation’s singing newspaper, television and town crier performing, informing, educating and mobilizing people for national development,” Charlie Haffner concluded.

Marking 40 years of theatrical revolution and cultural pride, the Freetong Players International stands as a testament to the power of the arts in shaping national identity and inspiring social change.

Op-Ed A Moment to Gather, Reflect & Act-Why the National Health Summit Was Necessary

May 21, 2025

By the Ministry of Health

In times of crisis, the instinct may be to isolate – to shut down, hunker in and respond in fragments. But Sierra Leone’s health challenges are not isolated and neither is the Ministry’s response. In the face of an active Mpox outbreak, growing systemic pressures and public concern, the Ministry of Health made a deliberate decision to convene the nation’s health actors in a structured, accountable and coordinated way. That decision, the just-concluded National Health Summit, has sparked heated commentary. And that is understandable.

This is a country that remembers hardship. Citizens know what it means to go without medicine, to wait too long for transport, to fear an infection that spreads faster than information. So yes, it is right to ask questions. And it is right for the Ministry of Health to respond – not with deflection, but with reflection.

The 2025 National Health Summit was not a celebration. It was a reckoning. A space to take stock of where we are, where we have fallen short and what must change – urgently. We debated resource gaps, examined implementation bottlenecks and reviewed our collective delivery against public commitments.

Most crucially, the summit dedicated focused and extended sessions on Mpox. The aim was not merely to report statistics, but to listen to community voices, especially from those who have seen firsthand what is working and what is not. It zeroed in on what matters most now: breaking the chain of transmission. Participants explored strategies for scaling up contact tracing, intensifying health education and mobilizing communities for early detection and reporting. Health workers, surveillance teams, local leaders and civil society brought critical feedback on where we are falling short and what must be ramped up. Community leaders shaped the conversation and the outcomes of this dialogue have already informed changes in deployment, communications and supply chain strategies for the Mpox response.

We know that public health gatherings, if unmanaged, can pose risks. That is why the majority of summit participants were frontline health workers and Ministry of Health staff – most of whom had been prioritized for the Mpox vaccine. Strict safety protocols were in place:

Sanitizer was distributed frequently during the event
Handwashing stations were installed across the venue
Announcements about Mpox prevention were made regularly over the public address system
Informational banners were placed prominently
Speakers were handed sanitizers before and after podium use

We did not take these steps lightly. They were guided by public health protocols and in consultation with national emergency teams. Gathering safely is possible, and necessary, when decisions must be made together.

Another deliberate design choice was accommodation. One major cost driver was ensuring that participants from outside Freetown could be housed in and around the venue. That allowed for full participation and consistent presence across all three days. Instead of long commutes or partial attendance, the summit benefited from real-time engagement across sessions – including those that shaped urgent next steps for the Mpox response and beyond.

There is a valid question many are asking: Could the funds used for this summit have bought more drugs or ambulances or supplies?

The answer is: those needs continue to be funded through separate, dedicated budgets and the Ministry’s resources for outbreak response, logistics, workforce support and essential services have not been compromised. The summit was made possible by contributions from our health partners, who recognize that coordination, learning and alignment are core parts of preparedness.

The Ebola and COVID-19 outbreaks taught us that health systems must be able to respond to emergencies and sustain routine services at the same time. This summit was part of that dual-capacity. It reflected a system determined not to collapse under pressure, but to adapt, listen and act better.

The summit also tackled the emerging reality of the gradual withdrawal of traditional overseas development partners. In that context, the summit’s sessions on sustainable health financing, innovative financing mechanisms and smarter partner coordination were crucial – building a foundation for long-term health system resilience. Financial resilience is one piece of that puzzle, but what we are truly preparing for is the ability of our health system to withstand shocks, adapt and continue delivering care, even in crisis.

In fact, it was at another high-level gathering like this that the Ministry of Health secured an additional $15 million from a development partner recently, with more in discussion. These moments of national or international convening, when well-executed, have proven to unlock real, tangible support for the health sector.

Much of the initial and continued funding for the Mpox response has come from health development partners who stepped up in direct response to joint advocacy by the Ministry of Health and the National Public Health Agency. That advocacy continues every day.

One of the most powerful outcomes of the summit came at its close: development partners publicly signed on to stand fully behind the Ministry’s agenda and its framework of the 4As – Alignment, Accountability, Accompaniment and Acceleration. It was a landmark moment – partners publicly committed to following the Ministry’s lead, ensuring that every health investment, from vaccines to ambulances, better meets the real needs of Sierra Leoneans.

We are aware that public discussion around the summit has been intense. And we welcome it. That scrutiny reflects how much health matters to the people of this country. But we also hope it creates space to appreciate the hard, complex choices that must be made when emergencies and system-building collide.

No one at the Ministry believes everything is perfect. But we do believe in the power of showing up, listening intently, and holding ourselves to account in full view of the people we serve

That is what this summit was. Not a retreat; A reckoning.

Africell Deepens Regional Partnerships via Two Major Stakeholder Engagements in Bo & Kenema

May 21, 2025

Africell Sierra Leone has deepened its longstanding relationship with regional media partners through two major stakeholder engagements held in Bo and Kenema over the weekend. The events form part of Africell’s 20th anniversary celebrations in Sierra Leone and mark 25 years of the company’s operations in Africa.

Described as a “thank you tour,” the engagements brought together journalists, local authorities, traditional leaders and subscribers to celebrate two decades of fruitful partnership and Africell’s consistent contribution to national development.

Speaking during the sessions, Africell’s Media Relations Manager, Abdul Karim Sesay, commended the dedication of regional media houses and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to strengthening its collaboration with journalists across the provinces.

“Africell has always gone beyond telecoms,” he stated. “Since 2005, we have supported the media sector in ways no other corporate institution has; by ensuring internet access and electricity supply to media houses in all 16 districts.”

Abdul Karim Sesay emphasized Africell’s open-door approach to sponsorships and collaboration, positioning the company as a champion of public-private partnerships for national growth. He also highlighted the ongoing Jubilee Jumbo Promotion, which offers subscribers a chance to win prizes including cash, motorbikes, smartphones, generators and a fully furnished home at TAF Salone Micro City by simply recharging 25 New Leones or more.

In addition, Abdul Karim Sesay launched a musical competition that invites artists to compose songs celebrating Africell’s services, with a top prize of 100,000 New Leones for the winner.

In Bo, City Council Administrator, Henry Powell, applauded Africell’s proactive engagement in community upliftment. He cited the company’s role in enhancing key public spaces and its consistent corporate social responsibility efforts.

In Kenema, veteran broadcaster and media entrepreneur, DJ Slowe, recalled the powerful impact of Africell’s early promotional campaigns. “A local man who won one billion old Leones through Africell’s promo used the money to build a house and became a landlord. That’s the kind of legacy Africell leaves behind,” he shared.

The events were attended by dignitaries including Paramount Chiefs, Councillors and dozens of media professionals. They underscored Africell’s continued relevance not only as a telecommunications provider but as a key development partner in Sierra Leone.

RSLAF & Chinese Medical Group Commence 24-Week Health Care Training

May 19, 2025

To strengthen bilateral cooperation in healthcare and military medical services, the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) – Defence Medical Services (DMS), in partnership with the 8th Chinese Military Medical Expert Group (CMMEG), officially launched a 24-week Continuous Medical Education Training Programme on Tuesday, 13 May 2025. The opening ceremony took place at the Myohaung Officers’ Mess, Wilberforce Barracks in Freetown.

The initiative, born from a request by the RSLAF Chain of Command, is part of a broader vision to prioritize capacity building and enhance the delivery of medical services within the military and the wider public. Under the leadership of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Major General A.I. Bangura, the partnership aims to elevate healthcare delivery at the 34 Military Hospital and strengthen ties with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China.

Representing the CDS at the event, the Chief of General Staff, Brigadier General S.D.T. Ngaujah, praised the enduring bilateral relations between Sierra Leone and China. “This partnership, which spans over five decades, is a testament to resilience, gratitude and unwavering support,” he remarked. He recalled China’s vital contributions during the Ebola outbreak, where swift deployment of personnel and logistics helped protect frontline workers.

He emphasized that China’s involvement has gone far beyond emergency response. “China has become an integral pillar in fortifying the MoD/RSLAF healthcare system. Their experts have worked hand in hand with our medical personnel across multiple sectors, while strategic defense collaboration has further strengthened the relationship between both militaries,” Brigadier General S.D.T. Ngaujah stated.

Highlighting notable achievements, he pointed to the establishment of the Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Centre (IDPC) and the P2+ Laboratory; state-of-the-art facilities that have significantly contributed to Sierra Leone’s capacity to manage diseases such as COVID-19, Marburg virus and Mpox. “These are not just buildings,” he said, “they are symbols of what our two nations can achieve together.”

To date, the PLA has deployed eight batches of Chinese Military Medical Expert Groups to Sierra Leone, contributing immensely to national health security through their expertise, mentorship and donations. “Their support has saved lives, strengthened our institutions and fortified our future,” he added.

Delivering his statement, the Chinese Defence Attaché to Sierra Leone, Senior Colonel Pu Lin, praised the leadership of Major General A.I. Bangura, noting his commitment to the welfare and development of the RSLAF. “I am sincerely happy that RSLAF has such an excellent leadership,” he said, emphasizing the importance of strong medical systems for effective military operations.

Senior Colonel Pu Lin stated that the training programme was specially designed to improve the skills of medical personnel, enabling them to better serve the RSLAF and the people of Sierra Leone. He reaffirmed China’s dedication to deepening military ties through continued cooperation and support. “Let’s work together, support each other and create a brighter future,” he concluded.

The training programme, developed by Professor Fu-Sheng Wang, a renowned Chinese expert in infectious diseases, covers a wide range of medical challenges including Mpox, HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, hepatitis and cholera. The course will combine in-person instruction with online lectures from top Chinese professors and medical experts.

A total of 2,000 participants are expected to benefit from the training, which will span six months. As part of the opening ceremony, the Chinese PLA donated a range of essential medical supplies, including Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) and specialized textbooks on infectious disease management. The donation was presented by Dr. Lei Shi on behalf of the PLA.

The ceremony featured statements from key stakeholders and reinforced the deepening friendship between Sierra Leone and China anchored in mutual respect, shared goals and a commitment to enhancing global health security through joint military cooperation.

ACC Indicts Four NSRPA Officials over Le926 Million Corruption Scandal

May 19, 2025

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has formally indicted four senior officials of the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority (NSRPA) on a total of ninety-seven counts related to corruption offenses involving the misappropriation of over Nine Hundred Million Leones.

The accused are John Jabati, Executive Secretary of NSRPA; Philip Johnson, Accountant; Anwar Michael Seisay, Procurement Manager and Tejan Kargbo, Assistant Finance Officer. They are alleged to have unlawfully withdrawn Nine Hundred and Twenty-Six Million Six Hundred and Ninety-Seven Thousand Leones (Le 926,697,000) from the NSRPA’s bank accounts between January 2023 and July 2024.

According to the ACC, John Jabati faces sixty-six counts including misappropriation of public revenue, failure to comply with financial management procedures and conspiracy to commit corruption. Philip Johnson is charged with ninety-seven counts involving similar offenses, while Anwar Michael Seisay faces ninety counts. Tejan Kargbo has ten counts against him, including misappropriation and conspiracy.

Investigations uncovered that the accused officers made unauthorized withdrawals and expenditures without supporting documentation, violating financial procedures. They allegedly colluded to conceal these fraudulent activities.

The ACC has declared Anwar Michael Seisay and Tejan Kargbo wanted as they are currently at large. If they fail to appear in court, they will be tried in absentia.

The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public resources and prosecuting those who misuse public office, emphasizing that justice will be served under the Anti-Corruption Act of 2008, amended in 2019.

MPs Praise Legal Aid Board for Bridging Legal Gaps and Promoting Equal Access to Justice

May 19, 2025

Executive Director of the Legal Aid Board, Ms. Fatmata Claire Carlton-Hanciles

By Amin Kef-Ranger

In a rare moment of cross-party consensus, Parliamentarians from both the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and opposition All People’s Congress (APC) came together on Tuesday, 13 May 2025, to commend the transformative work of the Legal Aid Board in advancing access to justice across Sierra Leone.

During a special session where the Legal Aid Board was granted the floor to address Parliament, Members of Parliament (MPs) shared firsthand accounts of how the Board’s interventions are positively impacting lives in their constituencies.

The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay, alongside the Executive Director of the Legal Aid Board, Ms. Fatmata Claire Carlton-Hanciles, presented a comprehensive overview of the Board’s achievements, ongoing challenges and future plans to expand legal aid services nationwide.

Alpha Sesay highlighted the Board’s impressive track record since its establishment in 2015, emphasizing its critical role in making justice affordable and accessible for ordinary citizens. He underscored the Board’s active involvement in both formal and informal justice systems. In the formal sector, the Board regularly monitors Police Stations, Courts and Correctional Centers to ensure that suspects, accused persons and inmates receive legal representation and that their fundamental human rights are upheld.

Regarding the informal justice sector, commonly known as Local or Traditional Courts, Alpha Sesay explained that the Board ensures these courts operate within their legal jurisdiction, preventing unlawful arrests, detentions, banishments and excessive fines. The Board also refers cases beyond the scope of informal courts to police authorities.

The Attorney General informed Parliament that the Board currently operates 23 offices nationwide but stressed the urgent need to increase the number of paralegals from 59 to 190. That increase is necessary to meet the Legal Aid Act 2012’s requirement of having at least one paralegal in each of the country’s 190 chiefdoms. He described this shortage as a significant barrier to reaching underserved rural and remote communities.

On the topic of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), the Attorney General and Minister of Justice praised its effectiveness in peacefully resolving civil and minor community disputes, contributing to social harmony.

Ms. Fatmata Claire Carlton-Hanciles traced the Board’s origins to recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which called for a formal legal aid scheme. She revealed that over four million Sierra Leoneans have benefited from the Board’s services, including legal advice, representation, mediation, legal education and justice system monitoring.

Ms. Fatmata Carlton-Hanciles also highlighted findings from a recent Overseas Development Institute (ODI) study, which ranked the Legal Aid Board as the most cost-efficient legal aid program in low-income countries, spending only USD 11 per client compared to the USD 20 average.

Parliamentarians praised the Board’s impact within their districts. Hon. Hindolo Moiwo Gavao, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights, commended the Board’s ADR mechanism and its efforts to ensure customary marriages are legally recognized, protecting women’s inheritance rights. He called on Parliament to consider granting the Board enforcement powers to strengthen its mandate.

However, Hon. Tamba Kellie, MP for Kono District, while lauding the Board’s success in representing inmates at Sefadu Correctional Center and helping to reduce prison congestion, disagreed with the proposal to grant enforcement powers to the Board.

Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara, MP for Kambia District, acknowledged the Board’s positive influence in his area, noting that with the Board’s presence, people have shifted away from harmful traditional practices such as witch doctor revenge rituals. He praised Legal Aid Counsel Mohamed Korie as the district’s leading lawyer and expressed concern over the poor state of the Kambia Magistrate Court building, which suffers from severe leakage during the rainy season. Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara also highlighted the lack of official residence, vehicle and security for the Magistrate.

Other MPs, including opposition leader Hon. Abdul Kargbo and Hon. Quinton Salia Konneh, also spoke favorably about the Legal Aid Board’s contributions to justice in their respective constituencies.

The session concluded on a hopeful note, with all sides acknowledging the critical role the Legal Aid Board plays in ensuring justice for all Sierra Leoneans and the need for continued support to expand its reach and effectiveness.

Through Obangame Express 2025… US Government Partners with Sierra Leone to Boost Maritime Security

May 19, 2025

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The United States Government has reinforced its commitment to maritime security and regional cooperation by supporting Obangame Express 2025, a major multinational naval exercise held across West and Central Africa. In Sierra Leone, the U.S. Navy deployed two representatives, Lieutenant Klee and Logistics Specialist First Class Courtney, to work in close partnership with the Sierra Leone Navy.

Now in its 14th edition, Obangame Express brought together 32 participating nations from Africa, Europe and North America. The objective was to strengthen collective maritime law enforcement capabilities and enhance regional security in the Gulf of Guinea; a key maritime corridor that faces persistent threats ranging from piracy to illegal fishing.

Key focus areas of the 2025 exercise included combating Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, counter-narcotics and human trafficking efforts, search and rescue operations and deterring acts of piracy. These efforts are critical to safeguarding the economic and security interests of nations bordering the Atlantic coastline.

Central to the exercise was the reinforcement of the Yaoundé Code of Conduct (YCoC); a regional framework adopted in 2013 to improve maritime cooperation and coordination among West and Central African countries. The YCoC encourages trust-building, intelligence-sharing and joint operations to curb maritime crimes and improve maritime domain awareness.

A key tool employed during the exercise was SeaVision, a U.S.-developed maritime situational awareness platform designed by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Volpe Center in collaboration with U.S. Naval Forces Africa. SeaVision enabled participating navies to share real-time data and detect vessels not broadcasting Automatic Identification System (AIS) signals; often a red flag for illicit activities at sea.

In Sierra Leone, the collaboration between U.S. Navy personnel and their Sierra Leonean counterparts included specialized training, joint operational exercises and simulated maritime interdiction scenarios. These engagements aimed to build local capacity, improve inter-agency coordination and strengthen Sierra Leone’s ability to respond to maritime threats independently and as part of a regional force.

“The United States is proud to stand with Sierra Leone and other regional partners in advancing maritime safety and security,” said a U.S. Navy spokesperson. “Exercises like Obangame Express not only improve operational effectiveness but also foster enduring relationships that promote stability across the region.”

Maritime security remains a cornerstone of regional prosperity and peace, and the ongoing partnership between Sierra Leone and the United States is expected to further strengthen maritime governance and resilience amid evolving challenges.

ECSL Wraps Up Bo Consultations Sounding Views for 2025-2029 Strategic Plan

May 19, 2025

By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

As part of its nationwide consultation series, the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) successfully concluded a key stakeholders’ engagement in Bo, mirroring similar efforts undertaken in Kenema, to gather broad-based input into the development of its 2025–2029 Strategic Plan. The event, held at the Bo District Council Hall, brought together political party representatives, civil society actors, media professionals, development partners and ECSL officials in a concerted effort to assess past progress and chart a path forward for electoral governance in Sierra Leone.

The two-day engagement formed a cornerstone of ECSL’s strategy to ensure transparency, inclusiveness and accountability in its planning process, following the expiration of its 2020–2024 strategic plan. Participants actively reviewed successes, identified implementation gaps and offered forward-looking suggestions to strengthen electoral integrity and institutional performance.

In his keynote address, Chief Electoral Commissioner and ECSL Chairman, Mohamed Kenewui Konneh, emphasized the Commission’s continued focus on institutional growth, citing plans to restructure ECSL with specialized departments in inclusion, information technology and procurement. He also underscored the need to enhance conditions of service and career advancement opportunities for long-serving staff, attributing some of the Commission’s recent achievements to Government support in improving staff welfare.

The Chief Electoral Commissioner disclosed that out of the 163 slated activities, the Commission was able to implement 138 activities amounting to 85%. He said 8 activities were not complete in the 2020-2024 electoral cycle amounting to 5% and will be brought forward in the 2025-2029 strategic plan. He pointed out that 17 activities were not implemented due to obvious reasons totaling 5%.

He further highlighted key reforms and achievements from the previous cycle, such as the construction of a new regional office in Bo, which he described as a symbol of ECSL’s growing independence and transparency. He also pointed to ongoing training programs for staff, enabling them to observe elections and participate in international capacity-building exercises.

On financing, the Chief Electoral Commissioner reiterated that the Government had provided approximately 90% of the funds needed to execute the last strategic plan, a marked shift from historical dependence on external funding. He praised this support as vital for the Commission’s operational resilience and credibility, and pledged continued transparency in procurement processes to sustain public trust.

Touching on legal reforms, he noted significant gains in women’s political representation, achieved through mandated quotas requiring political parties to nominate female candidates. He further opened discussions on the country’s electoral model, acknowledging the complexities of deciding between the Proportional Representation (PR) and First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) systems. He assured that those deliberations would be informed by recommendations from the ongoing Tripartite Committee review and broader stakeholder input.

ECSL’s Southern Region Commissioner, Edmond Silverter Alpha, welcomed participants and emphasized the historical role of Bo in Sierra Leone’s democratic development. He reiterated the Commission’s commitment to inclusivity and stressed that the future strategic plan must reflect evolving global trends and the voices of all stakeholders. Edmond Silverter Alpha described the engagement as a collaborative space for refining ECSL’s electoral agenda.

In a technical session, ECSL’s Director of Research, Monitoring and Evaluation, Phillip F. Kargbo Esq., outlined the methodology being used to draft the 2025–2029 plan. He explained that both internal and external scans are being conducted to evaluate past successes and challenges. The Director encouraged participants to provide honest feedback, noting that all recommendations, even those not explicitly referenced, would inform the final document.

He also spoke about the tools ECSL uses to track performance and address strategic issues and expressed optimism about future Government funding. While acknowledging that trust in the electoral process had been tested, he pointed to high turnout at stakeholder engagements as evidence that many still believe in the Commission’s mission.

ECSL’s Sheku Koroma presented a detailed review of the outgoing 2020–2024 strategic plan. He highlighted full completion of strategic pillars covering elections conduct, voter education and ICT/results management. Other pillars including voter registration, legal reform and institutional development recorded strong progress, with success rates between 76% and 92%. Boundary delimitation, however, was noted as a partially fulfilled objective.

Representing the Office of the Resident Minister South, Abubakar Kamara conveyed the Minister’s support for ECSL and the engagement process. He emphasized the central Government’s commitment to democratic consolidation and called on stakeholders to actively contribute to the discussions. Referencing the 2009 Chieftaincy Act, he highlighted ECSL’s foundational role in maintaining order and democratic continuity in the country.

As in Kenema, the Bo engagement concluded with group sessions where participants scrutinized the old plan and proposed recommendations for the new strategic cycle. The sessions reaffirmed the importance of electoral integrity, voter confidence and stakeholder collaboration in Sierra Leone’s democratic future.

The Bo engagement is one of several nationwide consultations aimed at finalizing ECSL’s 2025–2029 Strategic Plan before the year’s end, ahead of the next general elections. Through these dialogues, ECSL hopes to build consensus and trust while fostering a more resilient electoral framework that reflects the aspirations of all Sierra Leoneans.

EGYPTAIR & SLCAA Sign Agreement to Transport Pilgrims for the First Time

May 19, 2025

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Egypt’s national carrier, EGYPTAIR, has officially commenced its first-ever direct charter flights to transport Sierra Leonean pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj season, highlighting the deepening ties between Egypt and Sierra Leone. The announcement was made by Captain Ahmed Adel, Chairman of EGYPTAIR Holding Company, who confirmed that the airline has signed a historic agreement with the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA). The deal allows EGYPTAIR to operate dedicated flights from Freetown-Lungi International Airport to the holy cities of Jeddah and Medina in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

This milestone partnership comes at a pivotal time as EGYPTAIR celebrates its 93rd anniversary, having been founded on May 7, 1932. It stands as Africa and the Middle East’s first airline and the world’s seventh, maintaining a strong legacy of safe and reliable service.

“This collaboration is a testament to the mutual trust and enduring friendship between Egypt and Sierra Leone,” Captain Ahmed Adel stated. “It not only enhances air connectivity but also supports the shared vision of advancing cooperation with African nations across various sectors, particularly civil aviation.”

The agreement builds on the momentum generated by the recent state visit of Sierra Leone’s President, Dr. Julius Maada Bio, to Egypt in March 2025. During the three-day diplomatic visit, key discussions were held to deepen bilateral relations and explore avenues for enhanced economic and infrastructural cooperation.

Madam Musayeroh Barrie, Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), played a crucial role in advancing aviation relations between the two countries. As part of President Bio’s delegation, she held strategic meetings in Cairo with key aviation stakeholders, including Captain Sameh El Hefny, President of the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority and Amr Adawy, Head of Commercial at EgyptAir.

One major outcome of these engagements was the initiation of negotiations for a regular flight route between Freetown and Cairo. Madam Musayeroh Barrie emphasized the economic and tourism potential of such a route, stating, “We are in the advanced stages of negotiations with EgyptAir for direct flights between Freetown and Cairo. This initiative will boost connectivity, encourage trade and tourism, and open new opportunities for Sierra Leone.”

The partnership has been described as highly productive and forward-looking, with discussions also covering joint training programs, technical support and knowledge exchange to bolster Sierra Leone’s aviation capacity.

Meanwhile, preparations for the 2025 Hajj season are well underway in Sierra Leone. According to the Chairman of the Presidential Taskforce on Hajj, Alhaji Murtada Sesay, approximately 2,000 Sierra Leonean pilgrims are expected to perform this year’s Hajj, which runs from June 4 to June 9, 2025 (8th to 12th Dhul-Hijjah, 1446 AH). This includes 600 pilgrims from within Sierra Leone and 1,400 from the diaspora.

A special batch of 100 pilgrims, beneficiaries of the Saudi Royal Hajj Scholarship, will depart Freetown on May 30, 2025. The first diaspora pilgrims (78) are expected to arrive in Medina on May 19, followed by the first group of 300 Sierra Leone-based pilgrims via EGYPTAIR on May 28 and another 300 on May 29. Additional groups from the diaspora will travel on staggered dates.

Medical screenings for pilgrims are 95% complete, with an extension running until May 19. A medical team consisting of three doctors, three nurses and one pharmacist will accompany the pilgrims to provide critical healthcare support throughout the pilgrimage.

EGYPTAIR’s expanded role in this year’s Hajj operations also includes the transportation of pilgrims from Mali and Palestine, reinforcing the airline’s prominent standing in both African and Arab aviation sectors.

The collaboration between Sierra Leone and Egypt, particularly through aviation, marks a new chapter of strategic engagement. Under the leadership of President Bio and with the commitment of aviation professionals like Madam Musayeroh Barrie, Sierra Leone is steadily positioning itself as a dynamic player in regional and international air transport.

As both countries look ahead, this aviation partnership is expected to fuel economic growth, improve mobility and further solidify diplomatic and commercial ties between Cairo and Freetown.