Russian Humanitarian Medical Mission Concludes Three-Week Nationwide Free Medical Services in Sierra Leone

December 30, 2025

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Government and people of Sierra Leone have expressed deep gratitude to a Russian Humanitarian Medical Team following the successful conclusion of a nationwide humanitarian medical outreach that delivered free, specialized healthcare services to thousands of citizens across the country from December 6 to December 26, 2025.

The three-week medical mission, hosted under the auspices of the Government of Sierra Leone, forms part of ongoing international health cooperation initiatives aimed at strengthening access to quality healthcare, particularly for vulnerable groups such as women, children, and underserved communities. The outreach was implemented in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health of Sierra Leone, with support from diplomatic and humanitarian partners.

According to official information released by the Ministry of Health, the visiting Russian medical team provided a wide range of free medical and surgical services delivered by highly trained specialists with extensive international experience. The services covered critical areas including obstetrics and midwifery, perinatal care, maternal and child health, neonatal intensive care, ultrasound diagnostics, emergency medicine, critical care, and anesthesiology.

The outreach also extended to general and pediatric dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery, implantology, oncology, general surgery, and reconstructive surgery—offering life-changing interventions to patients who would otherwise face serious barriers in accessing such advanced medical care.

The mission was led by a multidisciplinary team of doctors, surgeons, midwives, anesthesiologists, pediatricians, dentists, and neonatal specialists. Beyond clinical care, the team engaged in extensive capacity-building activities, including hands-on training, professional workshops, and knowledge-sharing sessions with Sierra Leonean healthcare workers. These efforts are expected to strengthen local capacity and contribute to the long-term development of the country’s healthcare system.

To ensure broad national impact, the humanitarian medical outreach was strategically implemented across several locations. The team began operations in Freetown from December 6 to 8, before moving to Bonthe from December 9 to 14. Services were then extended to Bo on December 15, followed by Kenema from December 16 to 20. The mission concluded with a final phase in Freetown from December 21 to 24, 2025.

This structured rollout ensured that citizens across the Western Area, Southern Province, and Eastern Province benefited directly from the initiative, significantly easing pressure on local health facilities and improving access to specialized care for thousands of patients.

Health authorities have described the mission as a strong example of health diplomacy and people-centered international cooperation. Officials noted that the initiative aligns with national priorities to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality, expand access to specialized medical services, and improve skills transfer to local health professionals.

Senior members of the Russian team delivered lectures and practical demonstrations on managing obstetric emergencies, neonatal resuscitation, modern anesthesia techniques, oncology care, reconstructive surgery, and contemporary dental practices. These sessions, conducted alongside local hospital staff, are expected to leave lasting institutional benefits beyond the duration of the mission.

The Russian Humanitarian Medical Mission arrived in Sierra Leone in early December 2025 to commence the nationwide outreach. The delegation was warmly received upon arrival at Freetown International Airport, underscoring the significance of the initiative to both countries.

The mission was facilitated by Sierra Leone’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Russian Federation, Mohamed Yongawo, with the support of the Ministry of Health. It forms part of the Russian Federation’s broader programme of medical and volunteer cooperation with African nations.

Speaking on behalf of the mission, the Head of Mission, Ekaterina Glok, explained that the team comprised a diverse group of specialists deployed to provide free medical services across major hospitals in Freetown, Bonthe, Bo, and Kenema.

“This initiative represents not only medical assistance, but also a deepening of cooperation and friendship between our two countries,” Glok said, emphasizing that the mission reflects shared values of solidarity, compassion, and mutual respect.

Throughout the outreach period, members of the public seeking further information or referrals were encouraged to liaise directly with the Ministry of Health through designated contact persons and medical coordinators attached to the mission. Health officials consistently emphasized that all services provided under the outreach were entirely free of charge and delivered in partnership with local hospitals and health facilities.

As the mission concluded, health stakeholders, hospital administrators, and community leaders across the country commended the initiative for its professionalism, impact, and solidarity with the people of Sierra Leone. Many beneficiaries described the services as timely and transformative, particularly in specialized areas such as neonatal intensive care, oncology, and reconstructive surgery.

The Government of Sierra Leone has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening international partnerships that directly improve the health and well-being of its citizens, while continuing to invest in sustainable healthcare development through training, infrastructure, and service delivery.

The Russian Humanitarian Medical Mission to Sierra Leone stands as a powerful demonstration of global solidarity and effective international cooperation—leaving behind not only treated patients, but also enhanced local capacity and renewed hope for equitable access to quality healthcare nationwide.

Vice President Urges Clerics to Promote Peace, Warns Against Divisive Rhetoric

December 30, 2025

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh has appealed for calm, understanding, and renewed commitment to religious tolerance following the circulation of a controversial video on social media in which a religious cleric is heard making comments widely interpreted as discouraging Muslims from accepting Christmas greetings or food from Christians.

The video has sparked intense public debate and concern across Sierra Leone, a country long celebrated—both locally and internationally—for its peaceful interfaith coexistence between Muslims and Christians.

Addressing worshippers and community members on Saturday at the Tabligh Mosque in Macdonald, Vice President Jalloh broke his silence on the issue, urging religious leaders to exercise restraint and responsibility in their sermons and public statements. He reminded clerics of their influential role in shaping public attitudes and social behaviour, stressing that their messages should unite rather than divide communities.

According to the Vice President, religious teachings, whether drawn from the Holy Quran or the Bible, must be conveyed with wisdom and contextual understanding. He noted that faith does not exist in isolation but within societies whose values are shaped by history, culture, and shared experiences. Sierra Leone, he said, has earned global recognition as one of the most religiously tolerant and peaceful nations precisely because its people have consistently placed unity above division.

Dr. Jalloh emphasised that Muslims and Christians in Sierra Leone are not merely neighbours but brothers and sisters who share daily life, social responsibilities, and even family ties. He highlighted the long-standing tradition of Sierra Leoneans attending one another’s weddings, funerals, naming ceremonies, and religious celebrations, regardless of faith.

He noted that these shared moments—mourning together in times of loss, celebrating together in moments of joy, and offering mutual support—form the foundation of the nation’s social cohesion and national identity.

The Vice President also cautioned against absolutism in religious interpretation, reminding religious leaders that no individual holds a monopoly over divine knowledge or understanding. He encouraged humility, consultation, continuous learning, and moderation, particularly when addressing sensitive doctrinal matters that could have far-reaching social consequences.

Leadership, he stressed, especially religious leadership, demands patience, wisdom, and respect for differing views. He warned that inflammatory or uncompromising rhetoric could erode trust and threaten the harmony that Sierra Leoneans have carefully nurtured over generations.

Drawing from personal experience, Dr. Jalloh said that his identity as a Muslim has never prevented him from attending ceremonies held in churches, just as Christians regularly attend events in mosques. He described these interactions as practical demonstrations of interfaith respect and coexistence, rather than mere symbolic gestures.

His address comes amid heightened public discourse following the viral video, which many Sierra Leoneans have described as inconsistent with the country’s long-held values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

Concluding his remarks, the Vice President called on all religious leaders to continue promoting messages of love, moderation, and unity. He reaffirmed that safeguarding Sierra Leone’s tradition of religious harmony is a shared responsibility that rests not only on leaders but on all citizens, stressing that the nation’s greatest strength lies in its unity as one people, regardless of religious affiliation.

Choithram Memorial Hospital, INTERPLAST Germany Launch Free Plastic Surgery and Consultation Camp

December 30, 2025

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Choithram Memorial Hospital (CMH), in collaboration with INTERPLAST Germany, has announced a major humanitarian medical outreach that will provide free consultation, treatment and surgeries for patients in need of specialized plastic and reconstructive care in Sierra Leone.

The initiative, which will be hosted at Choithram Memorial Hospital, brings together experienced plastic surgeons from Germany under the auspices of INTERPLAST, a renowned international organization known for delivering reconstructive surgical services in low-resource settings across the world.

According to the hospital, the medical camp is designed to address a wide range of correctable conditions that often go untreated due to cost and limited access to specialized care. The services will be offered completely free of charge, including surgeries, making the program a lifeline for many vulnerable patients.

The free medical outreach targets patients suffering from:

Post-burn contractures
Disorders or deformities of the hand, feet or wrist
Tumors of the hand and feet
Cleft lip and cleft palate

Medical experts note that those conditions, when untreated, can lead to long-term disability, social stigma and reduced quality of life; especially for children and young adults.

The camp will be coordinated by Dr. Eric Wongo, a plastic surgeon and experienced humanitarian medical professional, who will work alongside a team of visiting German specialists and local healthcare personnel.

Speaking on the initiative, hospital officials emphasized that the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to restoring dignity, function and hope to patients who would otherwise have no access to such advanced surgical care.

Registration for eligible patients officially opens on 2nd January 2026 and closes on 5th February 2026. Interested individuals or caregivers are encouraged to register early, as patient selection will be based on medical assessment and available surgical capacity.

For registration and further inquiries, members of the public can contact 076541331 or visit www.cmhfreetown.com.

The initiative was initiated by Dr. M’Baimba Lamin Baryoh, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Germany, whose facilitation has been widely praised as an example of how diplomacy can translate into direct social and health benefits for citizens.

The free plastic surgery camp underscores Choithram Memorial Hospital’s growing role as a hub for specialized medical services and international health partnerships in Sierra Leone. It also highlights the importance of global solidarity in addressing healthcare gaps, particularly for patients living with preventable or correctable physical conditions.

Health advocates have welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely, impactful and transformative; especially for children born with cleft conditions and adults living with post-burn disabilities.

As registration begins, thousands of Sierra Leoneans are expected to benefit from what is being described as one of the most significant free reconstructive surgery interventions in recent years.

Lǒr Restaurant Wishes Customers a Happy New Year as It Raises the Bar for Luxury Dining

December 30, 2025

Freetown’s culinary landscape has taken a remarkable leap forward with the continued rise of Lǒr Restaurant, a fine-dining destination that seamlessly blends Sierra Leonean authenticity with international sophistication. As the new year unfolds, the management and staff of Lǒr Restaurant extend warm Happy New Year wishes to all customers, partners, and food lovers at home and abroad.

Nestled along the scenic Peninsular Highway in Juba, Lǒr Restaurant has fast become one of the most sought-after dining venues in the capital, drawing both locals and visitors with its refined ambiance, diverse menu, and world-class service. The restaurant represents a bold statement in modern hospitality—one that reflects Freetown’s growing cosmopolitan identity while remaining proudly rooted in local culture.

At Lǒr, dining transcends the ordinary and becomes an experience. The menu offers a global culinary journey, featuring everything from the delicate artistry of Japanese sushi and classic Italian pasta to the rich flavors of Lebanese and Indian cuisine, all thoughtfully curated alongside international favorites. Each dish is prepared with precision and creativity by a team of highly trained chefs, ensuring consistency, quality, and memorable taste in every serving.

The restaurant’s architectural design further elevates the experience. With floor-to-ceiling glass panels, tasteful décor, and panoramic ocean views, Lǒr provides an atmosphere that is both elegant and inviting. Its rooftop terrace overlooking the Atlantic Ocean has quickly become a favorite destination for sunset dining, private celebrations, and special occasions, offering guests one of the most picturesque settings in Freetown.

Beyond cuisine and ambiance, Lǒr Restaurant is widely praised for its exceptional service standards. Guests are welcomed by a professional and attentive team committed to delivering warm, discreet, and personalized service—hallmarks of true fine dining. From casual visits to exclusive private dining, every guest experience is treated with care and excellence.

Convenience is also a key part of Lǒr’s appeal. The restaurant accepts cash as well as digital and card payments, including Visa and Mastercard, and provides ample parking and valet services—features that underscore its commitment to comfort, accessibility, and modern hospitality standards.

Open daily from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM on weekdays and until 12:15 AM on weekends, Lǒr caters to breakfast lovers, business lunches, family dinners, and late-night diners seeking a refined atmosphere.

As Sierra Leone steps confidently into a new year, Lǒr Restaurant continues to raise the bar for fine dining and hospitality in the country and the wider West African sub-region. With its fusion of culture, cuisine, class, and coastal elegance, Lǒr is more than a restaurant—it is a lifestyle destination.

Happy New Year to all our valued customers. Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to serving you even better in the year ahead.

📍 Address: Peninsular Highway, Juba, Freetown
📞 Phone: +232 90 002000
💳 Payment Options: Cash, Visa, Mastercard
🍽️ Cuisine: Italian, Japanese, Lebanese, Indian, International
🕘 Hours: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM (Weekdays), until 12:15 AM (Weekends)

Lǒr Restaurant — Where Local Flavor Meets International Standards, and Fine Dining Meets the Atlantic Horizon.

Suad Baydoun Crowned Winner of Housemates Salone Season 4, Takes Home NLe1,000,000 Grand Prize

December 23, 2025

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

History was made on Sunday, 21 December 2025, as Housemates Salone Season 4 came to a thrilling conclusion with the crowning of Suad Baydoun as the overall winner. The grand finale, hosted by African Young Voices Media Empire in collaboration with Africell Sierra Leone, took place at the AYV Media Empire in Freetown, drawing massive attention from across the country and beyond.

After weeks of intense competition, public voting and nationwide debate, Suad Baydoun emerged victorious with 54.04 percent of the total votes cast. Her win earned her a cash prize of NLe1, 000,000, equivalent to one billion old Leones, alongside a fully sponsored round-trip ticket to Dubai. From the audition stage to the final night, Suad’s journey was defined by consistency, emotional intelligence, discipline, and a clean style of gameplay that resonated strongly with viewers.

Her closest challenger, Aminata Abdulai, popularly known as Aminish, finished as first runner-up after securing 37.69 percent of the votes. She was rewarded with a brand-new Jetour X50 vehicle sponsored by Wazaa, a one-year brand ambassador contract and a trip to Dubai. Other finalists were also celebrated for their performances and contributions to the season. Hannah Ogunade, known to fans as Waterloo Titi, garnered 6.09 percent of the votes and received a Dubai trip alongside brand ambassador deals, while Charm Solomon, with 2.14 percent, also walked away with a Dubai trip and endorsement opportunities.

The official voting figures further placed Matthew Farmer, also known as Big Stew, with 0.03 percent of the votes and Prince Kelvin with 0.00 percent. Despite the rankings, organizers and dignitaries repeatedly emphasized that every finalist was a winner, having successfully navigated the pressures of the House and captured the attention of a national audience.

Season 4 stood out for its emphasis on discipline, talent,and clean competition. Unlike previous editions often dominated by controversy, this season was widely praised for promoting positive values, teamwork and respectful rivalry. The show recorded strong public engagement, reaffirming the growing influence of reality television within Sierra Leone’s entertainment industry. The grand finale itself was a spectacle, featuring live performances from leading Sierra Leonean musicians that electrified the audience and added glamour to the night.

The significance of Housemates Salone was reflected in the calibre of dignitaries who attended the finale. Among them were First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh and the Mayor of Freetown, highlighting the programme’s relevance beyond entertainment into national discourse on youth, creativity and social values.

Addressing the audience, the First Lady praised the housemates for maintaining discipline throughout the competition, describing Season 4 as a “clean game.” She cautioned against labelling any contestant a loser, noting that all participants were winners for making it into the House from a national population of over eight million people. She congratulated Suad Baydoun on her well-deserved victory and encouraged the finalists to leverage the exposure gained to build meaningful careers.

The First Lady also used the platform to call on corporate sponsors and development partners to deepen their support for the programme. She stressed that increased investment would enable organizers to expand prize packages and further empower young people, in line with her long-standing advocacy for youth development and service-driven leadership.

Chief Minister, David Moinina Sengeh, underscored the broader national importance of the values displayed during the competition. He observed that clean gameplay, integrity and discipline are not only essential in entertainment but are values that should be replicated across society. He commended the organizers for creating a platform that promotes creativity while reinforcing positive social norms.

Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr described Housemates Salone as more than a television programme, characterizing it as a transformative journey for participants. She noted that the show has become a launchpad for young people to showcase their talents, character and potential to a national audience, opening doors for entrepreneurship, advocacy and professional growth.

Speaking on behalf of the organizers, Ambassador Anthony Navo Jr., Chief Executive Officer of African Young Voices Media Empire, expressed gratitude to sponsors, partners and viewers for sustaining the season. He announced significant changes ahead of Season 5, including an increase in the cash prize beyond one billion Leones. He also revealed that contestants with prior reality television experience would be barred from participating, a move aimed at preserving fairness and originality.

In another major announcement, Ambassador Navo disclosed that public auditions would be discontinued; explaining that selected housemates would only discover their participation upon entering the House. According to him, the changes are designed to elevate the standard of the show and maintain its credibility as Sierra Leone’s leading reality television platform.

As the curtains close on Season 4, Housemates Salone has once again proven itself to be the undisputed heartbeat of reality television in Sierra Leone. Its raw authenticity, relatable personalities and reflection of everyday Salone life transformed the programme into a cultural phenomenon that dominated conversations on the streets, on radio and across social media. Suad Baydoun’s victory now stands as a symbol of resilience and clean competition, while Season 4 will be remembered as an edition that set a new benchmark for entertainment, integrity and national engagement.

Reflecting on 2025: The Calabash Newspaper Reaffirms Its Watchdog Role

December 23, 2025

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

As the year 2025 draws to a close and the joy of Christmas fills homes and communities, the Management and Editorial Board of The Calabash Newspaper extend warm Christmas and New Year greetings to our esteemed customers, partners and our wide readership across Sierra Leone and in the diaspora. Your confidence, loyalty and consistent readership remain the lifeblood of our institution and the motivation behind our enduring commitment to public-interest journalism.

Founded to serve as an independent and credible voice in the media landscape, The Calabash Newspaper was established in 2017 to champion truth, accountability, good governance and social justice. From its inception, the newspaper has stood firmly for ethical journalism, fearless investigation and balanced reporting, guided by the core values of accuracy, integrity, independence and national development. Over the years, The Calabash has grown into a respected platform for informed debate, civic awareness and democratic engagement.

In 2025, The Calabash Newspaper further strengthened its watchdog role through a series of impactful investigative reports. Among the most notable were investigations into alleged corruption and procurement irregularities within public institutions, raising questions about transparency and accountability. The newspaper also carried in-depth reports on natural resource governance, particularly mining and land-use practices affecting host communities. Investigations into the misuse of public funds and budgetary leakages highlighted their consequences for healthcare, education, and social welfare. In addition, The Calabash brought national attention to human rights concerns, including alleged abuses by security personnel, while sustaining robust coverage of youth unemployment, drug abuse and the growing economic pressures faced by ordinary Sierra Leoneans.

Beyond editorial impact, 2025 marked a year of institutional growth and recognition for The Calabash Newspaper. The paper expanded its digital reach, increased both local and international readership, and received journalism excellence awards and professional commendations from media and civil society organisations for credible reporting, investigative depth and public-interest journalism. Ongoing capacity-building initiatives and newsroom reforms further enhanced editorial quality.

Looking ahead to 2026, Management is committed to deepening the newspaper’s impact through digital innovation, data-driven and multimedia storytelling, expanded investigative units, stronger fact-checking systems and enhanced community engagement. Strategic partnerships aimed at promoting transparency, development and media sustainability will also be prioritized.

As we celebrate Christmas and welcome the New Year, The Calabash Newspaper reaffirms its unwavering pledge to serve the people with courage, professionalism and integrity. May this festive season bring peace, unity and prosperity, and may the New Year usher in renewed hope for Sierra Leone and beyond.

How Vaccination Helped Sierra Leone Contain Its First Mpox Outbreak

December 23, 2025

By Ibrahim Sorie Koroma, Senior Health Promotion Officer – HEP/MoH

On the morning of 15 December 2025, Sierra Leone reached a significant public health milestone as the Government, through the Ministry of Health and the National Public Health Agency (NPHA), officially declared the country’s first Mpox outbreak over. The announcement followed 42 consecutive days without a single new confirmed case, meeting the World Health Organization’s threshold for outbreak containment.

The declaration marked the end of months of intense national effort, vigilance and sacrifice. In total, 5,442 people were diagnosed with Mpox during the outbreak. Of these, 5,382 recovered and safely returned to their families, workplaces and communities. Sadly, 60 lives were lost, a reminder of the heavy human cost outbreaks impose and the urgency of swift, coordinated public health action.

Beyond the figures lie stories of resilience; health workers working long hours under pressure, families supporting loved ones through isolation and recovery and communities choosing cooperation over fear. Together, those efforts formed the backbone of the national response.

Mpox cut across social, economic and gender lines. Surveillance data showed near-equal impact between men and women, with women accounting for 48 percent of confirmed cases. Market women, teachers, caregivers, students and professionals all faced the same uncertainty and risk.

Children were also affected. Although adults aged 20–49 years recorded the highest number of cases, children under 15 years accounted for about 5.4 percent. For parents, that meant anxious days and nights; for health authorities, it reinforced the importance of protecting every segment of the population.

Even before Sierra Leone confirmed its first Mpox case on 10 January 2025, public discussion around vaccines had already begun. Health authorities engaged communities through radio programmes, public forums and stakeholder meetings to address concerns, answer questions and build confidence.

That early engagement proved critical. When cases began to rise, the country was prepared to act decisively. On 19–20 March 2025, Sierra Leone launched a nationwide Mpox vaccination campaign targeting frontline health workers, close contacts of confirmed cases and other high-risk groups. In a symbolic and confidence-building move, the Minister of Health publicly received the first dose, reinforcing trust in the safety and importance of vaccination.

This phase of the response was enabled by the arrival of 61,300 doses of Mpox vaccines on 25 February 2025, a turning point that strengthened the country’s ability to curb transmission.

While vaccination is not a cure, it became a critical shield in the fight against Mpox. By strengthening immune protection, vaccines reduced severe illness and helped slow transmission across communities.

In total, Sierra Leone received 273,600 vaccine doses, with 186,053 people vaccinated from priority risk groups. Nearly half of those vaccinated, 49 percent, were contacts of confirmed cases. Health-care workers accounted for 18 percent, many continuing to serve despite daily exposure risks. Another 13 percent were from other high-risk groups, often among the hardest to reach.

The campaign strategically focused on the most exposed age group, with individuals aged 20–49 years accounting for 78 percent of vaccinations. Gender balance was maintained, with 51 percent male and 49 percent female, underscoring equity as a core principle of the response.

The containment of Sierra Leone’s first Mpox outbreak stands as more than a medical success; it is a victory built on trust; trust in science, trust in leadership and trust between communities and the health system.

Vaccination, reinforced by strong surveillance, community engagement and clear communication, proved decisive. It saved lives, restored public confidence and demonstrated what is possible when institutions and citizens act together with a shared purpose.

As Sierra Leone looks ahead, the lessons are clear: preparedness saves time, community trust saves lives and protection fuels hope. The Mpox experience has strengthened the country’s public health resilience and set a foundation for responding effectively to future threats.

About the Author

Ibrahim Sorie Koroma is a Mass Communication graduate of Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone and holds a Postgraduate Diploma and a Master’s degree in Public Health from Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology (EBKUST). He is a public health communication professional with extensive experience in health promotion and community engagement.

“We Are Not Killers but Healers” — Traditional Healers’ Union Appeals for Government Support

December 23, 2025

By Ibrahim Sorie Koroma, Senior Health Promotion Officer – HEP/MoH

The President of the Sierra Leone Indigenous Traditional Healers Union, Dr. Alhaji Sulaiman Kabbah, has strongly defended the role of traditional healers in Sierra Leone, insisting that they are “not killers but healers,” while calling on the Government and development partners to support the Union to operate more effectively and responsibly.

Dr. Alhaji Sulaiman Kabbah made the statement during a recent stakeholders’ engagement meeting held in Freetown, where representatives from the health sector, community leaders and civil society organizations gathered to discuss the place of traditional medicine within the country’s broader health and social framework.

Addressing participants, the Union president said traditional healers have long been misunderstood and, in some cases, wrongly associated with violence and harmful practices. He argued that, on the contrary, traditional healers have historically contributed to peace, stability and community well-being.

“We are healers, not killers,” Dr. Alhaji Sulaiman Kabbah emphasized. “Our responsibility has always been to protect lives, restore balance and help communities live together in peace.”

He recalled what he described as a dark period in Sierra Leone’s past when violent deaths were reportedly common and human life was undervalued in certain areas. According to him, fear and suspicion dominated many communities at the time, with allegations that some killings were linked to witchcraft or other harmful practices.

Dr. Alhaji Sulaiman Kabbah claimed that members of the Traditional Healers’ Union played a key role in helping to curb those acts of violence. He said the Union worked discreetly within communities to identify perpetrators and neutralize what he termed “wizardry guns,” a metaphor he used to describe efforts to dismantle harmful spiritual practices and restore calm.

“Because of our interventions, many of those acts stopped,” he said. “We worked quietly to protect lives and bring stability where fear once prevailed.”

Despite those contributions, the Union president noted that traditional healers continue to face significant challenges, including limited recognition, inadequate resources and weak institutional support. He appealed to the Government, civil society organizations and international partners to engage the Union more constructively and provide the necessary backing to help it function in a more organized and regulated manner.

“With proper support, training and collaboration, we can do more to promote peace, health and harmony in our communities,” Dr. Alhaji Sulaiman Kabbah stated.

He further called for sustained dialogue between traditional healers and formal authorities, stressing that improved cooperation would help dispel long-standing misconceptions and ensure that traditional practices align with national laws, public safety standards and public health objectives.

According to him, integrating traditional healers into broader health promotion and community peace initiatives could strengthen trust at the grassroots level and complement ongoing efforts to improve social cohesion and health outcomes across the country.

Alhajie Komba Calls for Unity, Collective Responsibility within SLPP Central District

December 23, 2025

The Chairman of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) for the Central District, Alhajie Komba, has launched a comprehensive reconciliation and unity drive aimed at strengthening internal cohesion and revitalizing grassroots confidence as the party prepares for the 2028 general elections.

The initiative was formally unveiled on Sunday, 21 December 2025, at the SLPP Unity Hall in Freetown, where party executives, stakeholders and support groups from across the Central District converged for a strategic engagement focused on reflection, healing and renewed commitment to collective goals.

Speaking in an interview with the Uncle Sankara Media Platform, Chairman Alhajie Komba said the engagement was part of a deliberate effort to bring together all party structures within the district to assess progress made during 2025 and to agree on a united path forward. He described the meeting as timely, noting that the festive season offered an opportunity for introspection, gratitude and recommitment to the party’s core values.

According to him, the gathering was also an occasion to appreciate God for the party’s successes over the past year and to acknowledge the leadership of Julius Maada Bio and the national executive for sustaining governance and projecting a positive image of Sierra Leone at home and abroad. He said the Central District leadership remained aligned with the broader national vision of stability, development and inclusive politics.

Chairman Alhajie Komba explained that reconciliation within the party must be practical and people-centred, stressing that unity cannot be achieved through words alone. In that spirit, he said the district leadership used the occasion to recognize the sacrifices of party supporters by distributing bags of rice, financial tokens and other forms of support to families. He noted that such gestures were intended to reassure members that their loyalty and commitment were valued.

“These actions help to rebuild trust and restore confidence among our supporters,” he said, adding that when members feel respected and appreciated, they are more likely to recommit themselves to the party’s cause.

On the role of the Central District in promoting peace and unity, Chairman Alhajie Komba said the district has a responsibility to faithfully implement party policies and directives from the national leadership. He emphasized that the call for reconciliation and collective responsibility have been clearly articulated by the party’s leadership and that the unity drive was a direct response to that mandate.

He further noted that the meeting deliberately brought together both current and former district leaders as part of efforts to bridge internal gaps and encourage dialogue. According to him, leadership positions within the party are delegated responsibilities, while every member remains equal in value, each carrying a single vote that ultimately determines the party’s direction.

Unity, Chairman Alhajie Komba said, remains critical to rebuilding confidence among members who may have felt discouraged or sidelined in the past. He expressed optimism that the reconciliation initiative would strengthen internal bonds and position the party more favourably as preparations intensify for the 2028 elections. He added that efforts are already underway to rejuvenate the support base and appeal to former members to return to the fold.

Also addressing the gathering, the SLPP National Chairman, Jimmy Batilo Songa, assured members that the party would soon commence a comprehensive membership registration exercise. He said the process would include the issuance of official identification cards to members, a move aimed at strengthening internal organisation and accountability.

Chairman Jimmy Batilo Songa urged zonal executives across the country to hold regular monthly meetings to identify grassroots challenges and channel them through the party’s established structures, from zones to constituencies, districts, regions and ultimately the national leadership. He underscored the importance of strong zonal structures, describing them as the backbone of mobilization, planning and electoral success.

He further encouraged executives to be proactive and data-driven in their work, noting that understanding the party’s numerical strength at community level would enable the leadership to respond effectively to opportunities and ensure that communities benefit meaningfully after electoral victories.

The reconciliation and unity drive in the Central District, party officials said, reflects a broader determination within the SLPP to consolidate internal harmony, strengthen grassroots engagement and present a united front as the party looks ahead to the 2028 polls.

Embracing Cultural Integration: The Ongoing Contributions of China Railway Seventh Group in Sierra Leone

December 23, 2025

In recent years, cultural integration has become a pivotal focus for international companies operating in Sierra Leone. Among these, the China Railway Seventh Group (SL) Co., Ltd. (CRSG) has emerged as a beacon of community collaboration and cultural exchange. Through various initiatives aimed at promoting unity and understanding between local citizens and their Chinese counterparts, CRSG is making significant strides in fostering a harmonious relationship within the communities it serves.

On April 19, 2025, CRSG organized an Intercultural Friendship Football Match that epitomized its commitment to integration and community engagement. The event saw the CRSG Football Team, comprised of both Chinese employees and local workers, compete against a spirited team representing the surrounding communities. More than just a sporting event, that match served as a platform for showcasing camaraderie and teamwork, bridging cultural divides through the universal language of sports. Community members gathered in large numbers, turning the match into a celebration of friendship, respect and shared dreams. The atmosphere was electric, with cheers and laughter echoing across the field, reinforcing the notion that sports can be an effective tool for building relationships.

Building on that momentum, on June 6, 2025, CRSG took further steps to serve the community by inviting medical experts from the 26th Chinese (Hunan) Medical Team for a health training session focused on crucial health issues such as Monkeypox, Malaria prevention and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). That initiative not only prioritized the health and safety of CRSG staff but also underscored the company’s dedication to the well-being of the local populace. By equipping employees with life-saving skills and knowledge about prevalent health concerns, CRSG demonstrated its commitment to empowering the local workforce and contributing to public health education. The positive ripple effects of that initiative are likely to reverberate through the community, enhancing overall health awareness.

The significance of cultural integration continued to evolve with CRSG’s hosting of an Open Day and Youth Cultural Exchange activity on June 17, 2025. Themed: “Boundless Culture, Shared Youth,” the event sought to foster cooperation between CRSG and local educational institutions while promoting vocational education and cultural understanding among Sierra Leonean youth. Workshops and interactive sessions encouraged students to engage with their Chinese peers, learning not only about each other’s cultures but also about possibilities in vocational training and employment opportunities within CRSG. That approach highlights CRSG’s recognition of the vital role that education plays in community development and empowerment, creating pathways for young people to succeed and thrive in the evolving job market.

On September 13, 2025, CRSG officially launched the “Silk Road in Harmony: Cultural Integration” program in Freetown. That significant initiative aimed to cultivate cultural understanding and enhance language skills among Sierra Leonean students, particularly from the Polytechnic, alongside CRSG Management staff. By offering a series of educational sessions focused on the Chinese language and culture, the program provides invaluable resources for students to build language proficiency and gain insights into Chinese customs and practices. That initiative not only facilitates smoother communication but also strengthens ties between the local community and the Chinese expatriate workforce, fostering mutual respect and collaboration.

Through those diverse initiatives, CRSG is paving the way for a brighter, more interconnected future in Sierra Leone. The company’s efforts to promote cultural integration underscore its belief in the importance of collaboration and community involvement in achieving sustainable development. By investing in sports, health education, youth engagement and cultural exchange, CRSG is not merely operating within Sierra Leone; it is actively participating in the nation’s growth and development narrative.

The ongoing contributions of China Railway Seventh Group illustrate how corporate responsibility extends beyond engineering construction; it necessitates genuine engagement with local communities. As CRSG continues to champion cultural integration, it sets a commendable example for other organizations, showcasing the profound impact of fostering understanding and respect across cultures.