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President Bio Seeks Mining Sector Partnership for West Africa Investment Summit 2026

Dignitaries seated along a long conference table in a formal meeting, with flags behind them and a presidential seal in the foreground.

 

President Dr. Julius Maada Bio on Thursday, 23 July 2026, hosted Chief Executive Officers and General Managers of leading mining companies operating in Sierra Leone at an official luncheon at State House, where he presented the upcoming West Africa Integration and Investment Summit (WAIIS) 2026 and called for strategic partnerships ahead of the landmark regional event scheduled for November.

The engagement brought together leaders of the country’s mining sector and senior Government officials, underscoring the Government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the private sector in positioning Sierra Leone as a preferred destination for investment and regional economic integration.

Welcoming the executives, President Bio described WAIIS 2026 as a pivotal milestone in Sierra Leone’s development agenda, built on a shared vision of trust, partnership and prosperity. He expressed appreciation to the mining companies for their continued confidence in the country and their contribution to national development.

“This Summit is about building the foundation for an integrated African market where more value remains on the continent. You are not merely operators of mineral resources; you are partners in development,” President Bio stated.

The President explained that the Summit will serve as a platform for Governments, investors, financiers and private sector stakeholders to establish strategic partnerships and unlock investment opportunities across the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) region. He noted that dedicated sector-focused investment rooms will facilitate structured business engagements by bringing together project sponsors, mining companies, development finance institutions, commercial banks, private equity firms and other investors.

President Bio encouraged the mining companies to become funding sponsors and strategic partners of WAIIS 2026, emphasizing that the Summit is designed to generate investment commitments, business opportunities and transformative projects that will strengthen Sierra Leone’s position as a leading investment destination while advancing regional economic integration.

He also reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to maintaining policy consistency, regulatory transparency and responsible, environmentally sustainable mining practices. The President further assured investors of continued efforts to improve infrastructure, expand energy access, strengthen local partnerships and enhance workforce development to support long-term economic growth.

Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security, Hon. Dr. Kandeh K. Yumkella, commended President Bio for his visionary leadership in constructing the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre, which will host the Summit. He highlighted WAIIS 2026’s four strategic pillars: Energy, Trade and Industrial Growth; Strategic Minerals and Natural Resource Development; Agribusiness and Food Systems Transformation; and Digital Transformation and Connectivity.

Dr. Kandeh K. Yumkella said the Summit is expected to produce priority investment pipelines, analytical reports and key outcome documents while facilitating stronger partnerships between Governments and the private sector. He added that the event will accelerate regional economic integration through the development of bankable projects across the ECOWAS region.

Speaking on behalf of the participating mining companies, the Chief Executive Officers and General Managers pledged their full support for WAIIS 2026, describing it as a timely and commendable initiative that will benefit Sierra Leone, the ECOWAS region and the African continent by promoting meaningful partnerships, attracting investment and fostering sustainable economic growth.

The luncheon was attended by Chief Executive Officers and General Managers from Leone Rock Metal Group, Sierra Rutile Limited, Fison Resources SL Limited, FG Gold Mining Company, PG Mining SL Limited, Leone Afric Metals Sierra Leone Limited, Minenet Company Limited, CTC Mining and Gold Lion Mining Company, alongside senior Government officials.

SLP Embraces Digital Transformation with Distribution of Computers to Local Unit Commanders

Group of military personnel in blue camouflage uniforms posing on red steps outside a building for a group photo.

 

The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has advanced its digital transformation agenda with the distribution of 39 laptop computers to Local Unit Commanders (LUCs) across the country, marking a major step toward modernizing policing and improving service delivery through technology.

The laptops were officially handed over by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), William Fayia Sellu, during the closing ceremony of a two-day workshop for Local Unit Commanders held at Police Headquarters in Kingtom. The initiative forms part of the Sierra Leone Police Strategic Development Plan (SDP) 2025–2029 and supports Goal Four, Intervention Five of the plan, which focuses on embracing innovation and digital tools to strengthen policing. It also aligns with President Julius Maada Bio’s Technology and Infrastructure Game Changer agenda.

The initiative is expected to usher in a paperless administrative system within the Sierra Leone Police, with divisional commanders now required to conduct official correspondence electronically through a digitally connected network. Once integrated into the national fiber optic infrastructure, the laptops will facilitate seamless communication between Police Headquarters and divisional commands, significantly reducing reliance on paper-based administrative processes. Traditional stationery will primarily be reserved for operational functions such as statement-taking and physical record-keeping.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, IGP Sellu described the distribution of the laptops as a landmark achievement in the force’s ongoing reform and modernization efforts. He said the computers were procured to improve operational efficiency, strengthen communication, and enhance service delivery across all police divisions.

“The computers are intended to enhance your performance and improve the manner in which you discharge your responsibilities as Local Unit Commanders,” the IGP stated.

He further disclosed that arrangements are already underway to connect all the laptops to the national fiber optic network to provide uninterrupted internet access for commanders nationwide. According to him, the digital platform will enable faster communication, improve records management, and support informed decision-making at both divisional and national levels.

IGP Sellu encouraged the commanders to fully utilize the technology and apply the knowledge gained during the workshop to improve policing within their respective divisions.

“As you return to your divisions, much is expected from each one of you. You must add value to the Sierra Leone Police by applying the knowledge you have gained and embracing this new digital system to improve service delivery,” he urged.

He also reminded the commanders that effective leadership demands responsibility and accountability, emphasizing that the successful implementation of the Strategic Development Plan depends largely on the commitment of Local Unit Commanders to execute its objectives at the grassroots level.

The digital transformation initiative is expected to improve operational efficiency, minimize administrative delays, strengthen data management systems, and promote better coordination among police divisions across the country.

The distribution of the laptops has been widely regarded as another significant milestone in the Sierra Leone Police’s ongoing transition from a traditional law enforcement institution to a modern, technology-driven organization capable of responding effectively to contemporary policing challenges.

The initiative also reinforces IGP William Fayia Sellu’s reform agenda and reflects the Sierra Leone Police’s commitment to leveraging digital technology to improve institutional efficiency, accountability, and the delivery of quality policing services in line with the Government’s broader digital transformation vision.

OP-ED: Fragility and the Politics of Prevention

Man in a white traditional outfit sits at a desk in an office, smiling, with awards and books on shelves behind him.
Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh

A few years ago, Government leaders in developing countries worried about debt, unemployment or the next election.

Today, the answer is usually all of them at once, compounded by climate shocks, food and fuel crises and rising debt obligations, while development assistance becomes less predictable and citizens rightly continue to expect better services, more jobs and improved lives.

For countries like Sierra Leone, this has created what I describe as the politics of painful choices. Do we invest in climate resilience or expand social protection? Build roads or strengthen health systems? Increase agricultural productivity or service rising debt obligations? All these priorities matter. Yet fragile states rarely have the fiscal space to finance them all at the same time.

Too often, the response to this constraint is a politics of redistribution, moving scarce resources from one urgent priority to another, when what is needed is a politics of prevention that expands the resources available in the first place.

Too often, fragility itself is treated as a temporary phase. For many countries, it is not a moment, but a condition shaped by limited domestic revenue, climate vulnerability, infrastructure deficits, growing populations and repeated external shocks that crowd out long-term investment and trap Governments in a cycle of crisis management.

One of the great paradoxes of development is that the world consistently spends more responding to crises than preventing them. The cost of prevention is almost always lower than the cost of recovery. Investments in infrastructure, climate adaptation, healthcare and youth employment strengthen the social contract and enhance state legitimacy. They are also the first to be cut when budgets come under pressure. This is, at its core, a question of sustainability, not just environmental, but fiscal, social and political.

Perhaps the clearest example of prevention is found in the first 1,000 days of a child’s life. From pregnancy through a child’s second birthday, a brief window opens that shapes cognitive development, educational attainment, future earnings and a country’s productive capacity. In Sierra Leone, approximately 700 children are born every day, each a future worker, entrepreneur, teacher or leader. The choices we make in those first 1,000 days will shape our nation’s resilience for decades. This is why we view nutrition not as a sectoral issue but as a national development priority, connecting Feed Salone, food fortification, school feeding, nutrition-responsive budgeting and the proposed Nourish Salone movement into a single agenda.

Sierra Leone is doing its part. We are investing in human capital, pursuing agricultural transformation, strengthening climate resilience and working to make our economy more attractive to private investment. However, national ambition alone cannot close the financing gap.

The future cannot be built on aid alone. The global conversation in Hamburg must move beyond declarations. Three things are needed: more predictable concessional finance for fragile states; stronger risk-sharing instruments and guarantees that make smaller-scale investments viable; and greater flexibility in how development finance is structured and deployed. The countries on the frontlines of fragility, climate change and demographic transformation need systems designed for their realities, not adapted from models built for stronger economies.

The objective of development is not to help countries manage crises more effectively. It is to help them escape the cycle of crisis altogether, moving from survival to transformation, from redistribution to productivity, from fragility to resilience, from dependency to partnership. The question is not whether fragile states can build that future. They can. The question is whether the global system will evolve quickly enough to help make it possible.

About the Author: H.E. Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh is Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone.

About the Conference: How can sustainable development be advanced in a world shaped by geopolitical tensions, economic constraints, technological disruption and competing political priorities? In cooperation with the Hamburg Sustainability Conference, the Forum “Sustainable Development 2030 and Beyond” brings together leading voices from politics, international organizations, business, academia and civil society to discuss solutions, priorities and partnerships for the years ahead. At the center of the forum are the main themes of HSC 2026, which will take place on June 29–30.

UNFPA, Government Review Progress of 8th Country Programme, Set New Targets

Large diverse group of adults posing for a group photo in a conference room, with banners in the back indicating a formal event.

 

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in collaboration with the Government of Sierra Leone through the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED), has concluded a two-day Mid-Year Performance Review aimed at assessing progress and accelerating the implementation of the 8th Country Programme (2025–2030).

Held at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown on 23 July 2026, the review brought together representatives of Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, non-governmental organizations, Civil Society Organizations and other implementing partners to evaluate achievements recorded during the first half of 2026, identify implementation challenges and agree on strategic priorities for the remainder of the year.

The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration among stakeholders while ensuring that programme interventions deliver measurable results that contribute to Sierra Leone’s national development agenda.

Delivering the opening address, UNFPA Representative to Sierra Leone, Mr. Kunle Adeniyi, emphasized that the programme had entered a critical implementation stage, calling on partners to shift from laying foundations to delivering tangible impact.

“We are standing at a critical juncture. We are in the second year of implementing our 8th Country Programme 2025–2030. The foundational phase is behind us; 2026 is the year where we must demonstrate measurable, accelerated momentum, moving from baseline indicators to true impact,” he stated.

Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Kenyeh Barlay, commended implementing partners for their resilience, dedication and commitment despite operational and financial challenges. She noted that the progress achieved during the first half of the year reflected the strength of collaboration between Government, UNFPA and partner organizations.

She, however, urged all stakeholders to sustain the momentum by focusing on effective implementation, accountability and results that directly improve the lives of Sierra Leoneans.

Throughout the review, participants repeatedly stressed the importance of efficiency, accountability and prudent management of available resources amid a constrained funding environment.

Discussions highlighted that maximizing the impact of limited resources is essential to achieving programme objectives while ensuring value for money in programme delivery.

Participants also emphasized the need to move beyond activity-based reporting to a more results-oriented approach that measures real outcomes and impact. Implementing partners were encouraged to critically assess their performance, identify persistent gaps and adopt corrective measures to improve programme delivery, particularly in protecting the rights and well-being of women, girls and vulnerable populations.

During the two-day review, implementing partners presented comprehensive progress reports covering the four strategic outputs of the 8th Country Programme.

These included Sexual and Reproductive Health, Gender Equality, Adolescent and Youth Development, and Population Data and Development.

The presentations, described as “deep-dive” sessions, provided participants with opportunities to review achievements, examine lessons learned, identify implementation challenges and explore opportunities for stronger collaboration and coordination among stakeholders.

Key discussions also focused on strengthening partnerships between the Government of Sierra Leone and implementing organizations, reviewing findings from joint UNFPA–MoPED monitoring missions and reinforcing the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development’s accountability framework for national and international non-governmental organizations operating in the country.

Participants also received refresher sessions on UNFPA’s operational policies and procedures, including financial management, fraud prevention and asset management. In addition, a dedicated session on the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) reinforced UNFPA’s zero-tolerance policy and reminded implementing partners of their reporting obligations and safeguarding responsibilities.

Looking ahead, participants worked in thematic groups to develop acceleration plans for the third and fourth quarters of 2026. The plans identified priority actions aimed at strengthening coordination, improving the quality and timeliness of reporting, enhancing financial accountability and ensuring that programme interventions effectively reach the most vulnerable communities across Sierra Leone.

Closing the review, Deputy Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Rev. Dr. Jonathan Titus-Williams, reiterated the importance of collective responsibility in achieving the objectives of the 8th Country Programme.

He called on all implementing partners to maintain strong collaboration, transparency and accountability in delivering interventions that contribute to Sierra Leone’s national development priorities.

The two-day Mid-Year Performance Review concluded with participants reaffirming their shared commitment to translating progress into measurable impact, strengthening partnerships and accelerating implementation of the 8th Country Programme to ensure that no one is left behind in Sierra Leone’s development journey.

SLRDRA Engages Stakeholders on Draft Railway Regulatory Framework

Group of men and women in business attire standing on steps outside a tan building, posing for a group photo in a professional setting.

 

The Sierra Leone Railways Development and Regulatory Authority (SLRDRA) has taken a major step toward strengthening the governance of the country’s railway sector by convening a high-level technical consultative meeting with key stakeholders to review its Draft Railway Regulatory Framework ahead of its submission to Cabinet and Parliament.

The consultative meeting, held on Thursday, 23 July 2026, brought together representatives from Government ministries, regulatory institutions, private sector operators and development partners to examine the draft framework, which is expected to provide the legal and operational foundation for Sierra Leone’s expanding railway industry.

The development comes at a time when Sierra Leone is witnessing renewed investment in railway infrastructure, including the proposed Mines–Port Railway Project linking Tonkolili North Kasafoni to Banana Island, existing mining railway concessions and other planned railway transportation systems. Officials noted that despite these developments, the sector currently lacks comprehensive subsidiary regulations governing railway licensing, operational standards, safety, planning, technical requirements and environmental compliance.

The proposed Railway Regulatory Framework is expected to address these gaps by establishing clear standards and serving as the principal regulatory guide for railway operators, concessionaires, licensees, contractors and other stakeholders operating within the sector.

Opening the meeting, the Deputy Director General of SLRDRA, Mr. George Simeon Songu, welcomed participants and thanked them for attending despite the unfavorable weather conditions. He underscored the importance of stakeholder engagement in refining the draft document before its final adoption.

Mr. Songu said the consultative process reflects the Authority’s commitment to developing a practical, inclusive and internationally compliant regulatory framework capable of supporting Sierra Leone’s railway modernization agenda.

The Director of Railway Safety and Regulations, Engineer Albert Sovula, presented the first volume of the draft framework, outlining the Authority’s legal mandate, regulatory responsibilities and safety principles.

He explained that the Sierra Leone Railways Development and Regulatory Authority, established in April 2025 under the Sierra Leone Railway Development Act, is mandated to regulate railway and cable car services, issue licenses to operators, investigate railway incidents and enforce compliance with national railway regulations.

Engineer Sovula emphasized that the framework places safety at the center of railway development while promoting transparency, accountability and adherence to international best practices.

Presenting the second volume of the framework, Engineer Hassan Tamimu, Director of Railway Operations and Technical Services, highlighted the proposed technical and operational standards that will govern railway operators, infrastructure managers and contractors.

He explained that the framework adopts internationally recognized railway standards aimed at ensuring safe, efficient and reliable railway services while promoting operational excellence across the sector.

The third volume was presented by the Director of Railway Planning and Development, Engineer Handel Peacock-Sawyer, who stressed the importance of strategic planning, data-driven decision-making, licensing and institutional partnerships in developing a modern railway system.

According to him, the proposed regulations will strengthen accountability among railway operators, contractors, consultants and relevant public institutions while supporting the long-term expansion of the country’s railway infrastructure.

Also presenting during the consultative session, the Director of Environmental Compliance, Engineer Abdul Kaadiru Kallon, emphasized that environmental sustainability remains an integral component of railway development.

He noted that the framework requires mandatory Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for railway projects and promotes close collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure compliance with environmental laws. He further highlighted provisions relating to emergency preparedness and enforcement measures against non-compliance.

Stakeholders who participated in the consultation welcomed the development of the draft framework and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the modernization of Sierra Leone’s railway sector.

A representative of Kingho Rail and Port described the proposed framework as a significant milestone, noting that a modern and well-regulated railway industry is critical to improving freight transportation, enhancing investment confidence and strengthening Sierra Leone’s logistics network.

The representative further emphasized the need for continued collaboration between Government institutions and private sector operators to ensure safe, efficient and sustainable railway operations.

The representative from the Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice commended SLRDRA for developing a comprehensive regulatory framework and stressed the importance of ensuring that all provisions remain legally sound and fully aligned with the laws of Sierra Leone.

The representative assured participants that the Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice would continue to provide the necessary legal support to facilitate the successful implementation of the framework.

Similarly, a representative from the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning highlighted the importance of proper land administration in supporting the successful expansion of Sierra Leone’s railway network.

The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with SLRDRA to address issues relating to land acquisition, protection of railway rights-of-way, physical planning and the prevention of encroachment along railway corridors.

Participants agreed that the proposed framework will provide the regulatory certainty required to facilitate future railway investments while strengthening safety, operational efficiency and environmental compliance throughout the sector.

Following the conclusion of the stakeholder consultations, the Authority will incorporate recommendations received during the review process before forwarding the completed Draft Railway Regulatory Framework to the Minister of Transport and Aviation.

The Minister is expected to present the document to Cabinet for approval before it is subsequently laid before Parliament for ratification.

The meeting concluded with stakeholders reaffirming their collective commitment to supporting the development of a modern, safe, efficient and internationally compliant railway system capable of driving economic growth, improving transportation connectivity and enhancing Sierra Leone’s infrastructure development agenda.

Government Moves to Unlock ECOWAS Stabilization Fund for Fragile Communities

Black woman in a colorful striped blouse gesturing while speaking at a desk, with an ECOWAS banner behind her indicating a discussion about stabilization areas.
Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kenyeh Barlay

 

The Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kenyeh Barlay, officially launched a three-day stakeholder consultation for the ECOWAS Regional Fund for Stabilization and Development (FRSD) Technical Mission to Sierra Leone, describing the initiative as a major opportunity to tackle the root causes of fragility while promoting inclusive and sustainable development across vulnerable communities.

The consultation, which was held from 21 to 23 July 2026 at the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development Conference Hall in Freetown, brought together representatives from the ECOWAS Commission, the German Government, development partners, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), local councils, Civil Society Organisations and other key stakeholders to identify priority investment areas aligned with Sierra Leone’s national development agenda.

The ECOWAS Regional Fund for Stabilization and Development, established by the ECOWAS Commission with financial support from Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), was designed to finance projects in basic social infrastructure, entrepreneurship, youth and women’s empowerment, governance, capacity development and social cohesion to strengthen resilience in fragile communities across West Africa.

Launching the consultations, Madam Kenyeh Barlay reaffirmed the Government of Sierra Leone’s commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of the programme. She stressed that all interventions should be fully aligned with the country’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (2024–2030) and the emerging Chiefdom Development Plans while responding directly to the development needs of local communities.

She called for the immediate establishment of the National Advisory Committee (NAC), warning that administrative delays and procurement bottlenecks should not hinder the implementation process.

“We already have our national development priorities and chiefdom planning process underway. Let us move with urgency, identify the bottlenecks early and ensure that this programme delivers visible results within the implementation period,” the Minister stated.

Madam Kenyeh Barlay further urged stakeholders to prioritize high-impact, community-driven investments capable of creating employment opportunities, strengthening local resilience and expanding access to essential public services. She emphasized the need to balance national priorities with the unique development challenges facing individual districts and chiefdoms.

Delivering the opening remarks, ECOWAS Resident Representative to Sierra Leone, H.E. John Azumah, disclosed that Sierra Leone had been selected as the newest beneficiary of the Fund during the 10th Steering Committee Meeting held in Banjul, The Gambia, in March 2026.

He explained that the technical mission marked the beginning of a collaborative planning process aimed at identifying national priorities and designing interventions that reflected the aspirations and development needs of the Sierra Leonean people.

Ambassador John Azumah commended the Government of Sierra Leone for its strong commitment to the initiative and praised the continued support provided by the Government of Germany, KfW Development Bank and GIZ in promoting peace, resilience and sustainable development across the ECOWAS region.

Representing the German Government, GIZ Country Director, Raphael Frerking, reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to supporting the successful implementation of the Fund in Sierra Leone. Drawing lessons from similar interventions in The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Benin and Togo, he stressed the importance of aligning investments with national priorities while concentrating resources on carefully selected projects capable of delivering measurable results within the implementation period.

During the consultation, officials from the Office of the Vice President of the ECOWAS Commission presented the Fund’s achievements in other beneficiary countries, highlighting investments in health facilities, vocational training centres, fish processing facilities, student accommodation, rice processing infrastructure and other community development projects.

The presentation also outlined the Fund’s financing framework, governance arrangements and the proposed implementation roadmap for Sierra Leone.

Stakeholders from various sector Ministries participated in extensive discussions on national development priorities, governance structures, gender mainstreaming, security considerations and the proposed composition of the National Advisory Committee. Participants emphasized the importance of strong national ownership, effective coordination and timely preparation to ensure implementation would begin immediately after the planning phase.

The three-day technical mission concluded with stakeholders agreeing on key steps towards developing Sierra Leone’s National Intervention Strategy under the ECOWAS Regional Fund for Stabilization and Development. Those included advancing preparations for a national implementation roadmap, identifying priority intervention areas, appointing sector focal points and initiating a comprehensive needs assessment to guide future implementation.

ECOWAS Endorses Sierra Leone’s Prof. Charles C. Jalloh for International Court of Justice Seat

Professor Dr. Charles C. Jalloh

 

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has officially endorsed Sierra Leone’s candidature for a seat on the International Court of Justice (ICJ), marking a significant diplomatic achievement for the country and strengthening its campaign for one of the world’s most prestigious judicial positions.

The endorsement was contained in Paragraph 73 of the Final Communiqué issued at the conclusion of the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, held in Lungi on 19 July 2026. In the communiqué, ECOWAS reaffirmed its commitment to supporting regional candidates for international positions and unanimously endorsed Sierra Leone’s bid for the ICJ judgeship for the 2027–2036 term.

The communiqué states that “the Authority welcomes the spirit of solidarity demonstrated by Member States in support of regional candidatures and endorses the candidature of the Republic of Sierra Leone for the position of Judge of the International Court of Justice for the period 2027-2036.”

The endorsement represents a unified position by the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government and is expected to significantly strengthen Sierra Leone’s campaign ahead of the election for judges of the principal judicial organ of the United Nations.

Sierra Leone had in October 2024 officially endorsed Professor Dr. Charles C. Jalloh as its national candidate for election to the International Court of Justice. The nomination was announced by the country’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations following his selection by the Sierra Leone National Group.

Professor Dr. Charles C. Jalloh, an internationally respected scholar and practitioner of international law, currently serves as the Founding Executive Director of the Center for International Law and Policy in Africa. He is also a longstanding member of the United Nations International Law Commission (ILC), where he has held several leadership positions, including serving as Special Rapporteur on the determination of rules of international law.

In outlining his vision for serving on the World Court, Professor Dr. Charles C. Jalloh has pledged to uphold the rule of international law, provide judicial guidance on emerging global challenges such as climate change, cyber warfare and human rights, amplify the voices of Africa and the Global South in international jurisprudence and strengthen cooperation among international legal institutions.

The International Court of Justice, headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands, serves as the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. It settles legal disputes between states and provides advisory opinions on legal questions referred by authorized UN organs and specialized agencies.

ECOWAS’ endorsement is expected to provide Sierra Leone with a stronger regional platform as the country seeks wider international support from United Nations Member States ahead of the ICJ elections. The backing also reflects growing confidence in Sierra Leone’s diplomatic engagement and its contribution to international law through Professor Dr. Charles C. Jalloh’s distinguished academic and professional record.

The development adds to Sierra Leone’s recent diplomatic successes, following its hosting of the 69th ECOWAS Summit and its continued efforts to enhance its influence within regional and global institutions. With the unanimous support of the West African bloc now secured, Sierra Leone’s campaign for the International Court of Justice enters a stronger phase as the country seeks to secure one of the world’s most influential judicial positions.

QNET Endorses UNODC-INTERPOL Global Anti-Fraud Framework, Strengthens International Fight Against Organized Crime

 

QNET has officially endorsed the Global Public-Private Partnership Framework Against Fraud, reinforcing its commitment to international efforts aimed at combating organized fraud, recruitment scams, human trafficking and related financial crimes through stronger collaboration between Governments, law enforcement agencies and responsible private-sector organisations.

The endorsement follows the company’s participation in the inaugural UNODC-INTERPOL Global Fraud Summit held in Vienna, Austria, where the Framework was officially launched after first being introduced by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in March 2026.

The Framework establishes a practical roadmap for enhanced cooperation between public and private institutions through intelligence sharing, fraud prevention, investigations, victim support, innovation and public awareness initiatives. QNET is among the organisations officially recognized by the UNODC as endorsing the initiative, joining a coalition of international organisations, financial institutions, technology companies, businesses and civil society groups committed to tackling transnational fraud.

The endorsement comes as QNET’s partnership with Ghana’s Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) continues to receive international recognition as an effective model of public-private cooperation against organized financial crime.

During the Global Fraud Summit, the collaboration between QNET and EOCO was showcased as a practical case study illustrating how responsible businesses and law enforcement agencies can work together to combat recruitment fraud, human trafficking and the criminal misuse of legitimate corporate brands.

The partnership gained further prominence this month when EOCO, working alongside INTERPOL, hosted the Regional Case Coordination Workshop on “Model Q” in Accra, Ghana. The workshop brought together investigators and prosecutors from across West Africa to strengthen regional coordination and improve investigations into organized criminal networks involved in recruitment fraud, human trafficking and related financial crimes.

Speaking during the summit, Chief Executive Officer of QNET, Mattias Mildenborn, stressed that organized criminal groups increasingly operate across national borders, making collaboration among Governments, law enforcement agencies and responsible businesses essential.

“The criminal networks behind today’s fraud schemes do not operate in isolation and neither can the response. Our experience working alongside authorities such as Ghana’s EOCO has demonstrated the value of trusted public-private collaboration in disrupting organized criminal networks and protecting vulnerable communities. Endorsing the Framework reflects our commitment to strengthening that cooperation internationally,” he stated.

Executive Director of EOCO, Raymond Archer, also underscored the importance of sustained cooperation between public institutions and the private sector in addressing evolving financial crimes.

“Our Memorandum of Understanding with QNET demonstrates how collaboration between law enforcement and the private sector can deliver meaningful results in tackling fraud and protecting citizens. Such partnerships are essential in addressing the evolving nature of organized financial crime,” Raymond Archer said.

QNET and EOCO formalized their partnership in 2025 through a Memorandum of Understanding focused on intelligence sharing, investigative cooperation, public education and victim support. Since then, the two organisations have jointly worked to dismantle criminal syndicates that exploit the QNET brand through fraudulent job offers, fake overseas employment opportunities and human trafficking schemes.

Beyond Ghana, QNET has expanded similar collaborations with regulators and law enforcement agencies across several countries to identify criminal networks misusing its brand, support enforcement operations and strengthen consumer protection initiatives.

According to the company, the newly endorsed Global Public-Private Partnership Framework Against Fraud provides a comprehensive blueprint for strengthening international cooperation against increasingly sophisticated cross-border fraud.

Mattias Mildenborn noted that public-private partnerships have become indispensable in addressing organized financial crime.

“Public-private partnerships are no longer optional in the fight against organized fraud; they are essential. Our endorsement of the Framework reflects our long-term commitment to sharing practical experience, supporting investigations, protecting consumers and working alongside international partners to ensure legitimate businesses cannot be exploited by organized criminal networks,” he added.

The Global Public-Private Partnership Framework Against Fraud was developed through the UNODC-INTERPOL Global Fraud Summit to promote stronger international cooperation through six guiding principles: shared responsibility, proactive prevention, information sharing, victim support, education and innovation.

Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Hong Kong, QNET is a wellness and lifestyle-focused direct selling company operating in more than 25 countries through its e-commerce platform and independent distributor network. The company says it continues to collaborate with Governments, regulators and law enforcement agencies worldwide to combat recruitment fraud, human trafficking, scams and the criminal misuse of its brand.

Court of Appeal Delivers Seven Judgments During Historic Makeni Sitting

 

The Court of Appeal has recorded another milestone in Sierra Leone’s justice sector by delivering seven judgments during a week-long sitting in Makeni City, underscoring the Judiciary’s commitment to decentralizing appellate justice and making the legal system more accessible to citizens across the country.

The sitting, held on 22 July 2026, marked the first time the Court of Appeal has delivered seven judgments in Makeni, reflecting ongoing efforts by the Judiciary to extend appellate services beyond Freetown and reduce the challenges faced by litigants in the provinces.

The appellate panel was presided over by Honourable Justice Abdulai M. Bangurah, a Justice of the Supreme Court, alongside Honourable Justice Jamesina J. King, JA, Honourable Justice Michael P. Mami, JA and Honourable Justice Aiah Simeon Allieu, JA. The Justices concluded several appeals and heard urgent applications during the week-long judicial session in Bombali District.

The provincial sitting forms part of the vision of Honourable Chief Justice Komba Kamanda, whose judicial reform agenda seeks to bring justice closer to the people by expanding Court of Appeal sittings to regional centres across Sierra Leone.

During the proceedings, the Court delivered seven judgments covering a variety of legal matters, including divorce petitions and land ownership disputes. In addition, the Court heard an urgent application for a stay of execution, which was granted after carefully considering submissions presented by counsel representing the parties.

The decisions brought closure to several long-standing legal disputes while demonstrating the Court’s commitment to ensuring timely and effective administration of justice.

One of the appellants, who requested anonymity, commended the Judiciary for taking appellate justice to the provinces, describing the initiative as a meaningful step toward improving access to justice.

“Indeed, this is practical justice and I wish the Honourable Chief Justice can grant me the opportunity to appreciate and commend his leadership,” the appellant stated.

Legal observers have noted that provincial Court of Appeal sittings significantly reduce the financial and logistical burdens on litigants, lawyers and witnesses who would otherwise be required to travel to Freetown to pursue appeals. The initiative also promotes quicker resolution of cases while enhancing public confidence in the justice system.

The Judiciary has increasingly prioritized decentralization as part of broader judicial reforms aimed at strengthening the rule of law, improving efficiency and ensuring that justice is accessible to all Sierra Leoneans regardless of their geographical location.

The week-long Makeni sitting was fully funded by the Judiciary of Sierra Leone, with support from the Government of Sierra Leone, reaffirming the Judiciary’s commitment to strengthening the administration of justice nationwide.

The successful conclusion of the Makeni session further highlights the Judiciary’s determination to modernize the country’s justice delivery system while ensuring that appellate services are brought closer to communities across Sierra Leone.

SLPHA Showcases Maritime Excellence and Hospitality at 2026 ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit

 

The Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) has successfully concluded its eight-day ferry operation in support of the 2026 Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Mid-Year Summit, reinforcing Sierra Leone’s reputation as a capable host of major international events while demonstrating the critical role of maritime transport in facilitating regional diplomacy and national development.

Throughout the summit, SLPHA operated six ferry crossings daily between Freetown and Lungi, providing safe, efficient and uninterrupted transportation for Heads of State, senior Government officials, diplomats, journalists and hundreds of delegates attending one of West Africa’s most significant diplomatic gatherings. The operation formed a vital part of the Government of Sierra Leone’s logistical arrangements for the summit and was widely commended for its professionalism, reliability and efficiency.

Among the distinguished passengers transported during the summit were President Dr. Julius Maada Bio and First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, President Adama Barrow of The Gambia, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal, President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani of Mauritania and President José Maria Neves of Cabo Verde. Cabinet Ministers, ECOWAS Ministers, ambassadors, members of the diplomatic corps, journalists and numerous official delegates also relied on the ferry service throughout the summit.

To ensure smooth operations, the Authority deployed personnel across its ferry terminals while marine crews worked tirelessly to coordinate passenger movement, manage vehicle loading and unloading, enforce strict safety measures and provide efficient customer service. The seamless coordination enabled delegates to travel conveniently between Freetown and Lungi during the eight-day regional gathering.

The successful operation was led by the Director General of SLPHA, Yankuba Askia Bio, whose visible and hands-on leadership attracted widespread praise from staff, passengers and stakeholders. Rather than limiting his role to administrative supervision, he maintained a constant presence at the ferry terminals and aboard the MV Muzuk, personally overseeing operations, engaging visiting dignitaries and motivating staff throughout the demanding assignment.

His leadership and commitment to service were credited with inspiring the workforce to maintain high operational standards throughout the summit. Many passengers and delegates commended both the Director General and the Authority for their contribution to the successful hosting of the ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit.

Following the conclusion of the operation, SLPHA expressed appreciation to its employees, the Ministry of Transport and Aviation, security agencies and other partners whose collective efforts ensured the success of the maritime transport arrangements.

Director General Yankuba Askia Bio also commended members of staff for their resilience, professionalism and dedication, noting that their commitment enabled the Authority to deliver services that reflected positively on Sierra Leone.

Beyond transporting passengers, the Authority’s performance projected a positive image of the country before regional leaders and the international community. The punctual ferry services, strong safety record and warm hospitality demonstrated Sierra Leone’s growing institutional capacity to support high-level international engagements.

With the successful completion of the ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit operations, SLPHA has once again reaffirmed its position as a key pillar of Sierra Leone’s transport sector. Its efficient ferry services not only connected Freetown and Lungi throughout the summit but also showcased the country’s readiness to deliver world-class maritime services in support of regional cooperation, diplomacy and sustainable national development.

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