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FAWAZ High-Quality RANDCEM Cement Sets Solid Benchmark in Sierra Leone’s Construction Sector

August 12, 2026

FAWAZ Building Materials continues to strengthen Sierra Leone’s construction sector by supplying premium RANDCEM Cement, a solid and reliable brand that has gained the confidence of contractors, engineers, masons, property developers and homeowners nationwide.

The company, recognized as one of Sierra Leone’s established suppliers of construction materials, says RANDCEM Cement is suitable for customers who place a high value on quality, strength and durability. Its performance has helped position the brand among the preferred cement options for residential buildings, commercial properties and public infrastructure projects.

Manufactured in Vietnam and supplied in 50-kilogram bags, RANDCEM Cement is classified as Strength Class 42.5R. According to the manufacturer’s specifications, it is designed for general concrete applications and provides the strength required to support safer and longer-lasting structures when properly mixed, applied and cured.

One of its prominent qualities is its reported ability to begin setting within approximately 30 minutes. Construction professionals say this quick-setting performance can reduce waiting time during important stages of construction, improve productivity and help contractors maintain project schedules without compromising the quality of their work.

Dealers and customers who have used RANDCEM Cement have reportedly expressed satisfaction with its consistency and performance. Its growing acceptance in the market reflects increasing consumer demand for cement products capable of delivering dependable results under different construction conditions.

Industry professionals maintain that the safety and durability of a building depend on both skilled workmanship and the standard of materials used. They have therefore encouraged Sierra Leoneans to select cement based on proven strength and quality instead of making purchasing decisions solely on price.

According to the recommended specifications, general concrete should be prepared using one part cement, two parts sand, four parts aggregate and 0.8 parts water. For lean concrete, the recommended mixture is one part cement, three parts sand, six parts aggregate and one part water.

The manufacturer further advises that newly cast concrete should be sprayed regularly with water during the first one to three days of curing. Proper curing helps minimise cracking and supports the gradual development of the strength required for durable construction.

Opened cement bags should be completely used within seven days or tightly sealed to prevent exposure to moisture and deterioration. The bags must be stored under shade in a dry, properly ventilated location. Users are also advised to wear gloves and face masks, handle bags carefully and keep the product away from children.

The demand for dependable cement has become increasingly important amid public concern over the collapse of buildings under construction in different parts of Sierra Leone. Construction experts have warned that substandard materials, poor workmanship and failure to follow approved engineering practices can weaken structures, endanger lives and cause significant financial losses.

Stakeholders have consequently called on the Sierra Leone Standards Bureau to intensify inspections of cement importers, distributors and dealers. They believe stronger market surveillance and regular laboratory testing would help identify inferior products, protect consumers and ensure that cement sold locally meets approved quality requirements.

FAWAZ Building Materials has reaffirmed its commitment to supplying construction products that respond to the needs of Sierra Leone’s growing property and infrastructure sectors. The company says its continued marketing of RANDCEM Cement demonstrates its emphasis on reliability, customer satisfaction and value for money.

With its 42.5R strength classification, durability and quick-setting performance, RANDCEM Cement continues to distinguish itself as a dependable choice for quality construction. Its acceptance among industry professionals provides visible evidence of the confidence consumers place in the brand.

Sierra Leone’s growing demand for homes, offices, schools, hospitals and public infrastructure has increased the need for high-standard construction materials. RANDCEM Cement, supplied by FAWAZ Building Materials, is helping builders construct stronger, safer and more durable structures designed to stand the test of time.

Direct Think Tank Demands Answers from APC Following Constitutional Amendment Bill Walkout

August 12, 2026

Direct Think Tank has strongly criticized Members of Parliament representing the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) for walking out of the Chamber during proceedings on the controversial Constitutional Amendment Bill, describing their action as an abandonment of parliamentary responsibility.

The organisation issued the criticism in a Press Release dated Monday, 10 August 2026, following the overwhelming passage of the Bill in Parliament.

According to Direct Think Tank, the APC lawmakers’ decision was more than a political protest. It represented what the organisation described as a “betrayal” of the mandate entrusted to them by the citizens who elected them.

The think tank maintained that Members of Parliament are elected to represent their constituents’ interests, concerns and aspirations inside the legislative Chamber. It said lawmakers are expected to debate legislation, scrutinize its provisions, propose amendments, challenge the Government and vote against measures they consider harmful to the country.

Direct Think Tank argued that walking out while fundamental constitutional matters were being decided deprived APC constituents of effective representation at a critical moment.

While acknowledging the opposition’s democratic right to reject the proposed amendments, the organisation said meaningful opposition should involve using every legitimate parliamentary mechanism available inside the Chamber.

“Opposition is not simply about making a political statement outside Parliament; it is about using every legitimate parliamentary mechanism available to defend one’s position inside Parliament,” the organisation stated.

It argued that if APC lawmakers believed certain provisions of the Bill threatened Sierra Leone’s democracy, they should have remained in Parliament to identify those provisions, challenge the Government, propose alternatives and register their opposition through the voting process.

The organisation questioned whether the MPs were representing their constituents or merely advancing their party’s position when they decided to leave the Chamber.

According to Direct Think Tank, political parties remain essential democratic institutions, but the parliamentary mandate ultimately belongs to the people. It therefore urged elected representatives to place their constitutional obligations and the interests of their constituents above partisan considerations.

The organisation further warned that amendments to the Constitution should not be reduced to a contest between the Government and the opposition.

It described the Constitution as the supreme framework governing the relationship between the State and its citizens, stressing that any attempt to amend it must receive the highest level of parliamentary scrutiny and meaningful public participation.

Direct Think Tank said the Government has a responsibility to explain and justify the proposed changes transparently, while the opposition must rigorously examine and challenge any provisions it considers problematic.

“The people of Sierra Leone deserve better than political walkouts, parliamentary theatrics and partisan posturing. They deserve serious constitutional debate,” the statement noted.

The organisation maintained that the APC could not convincingly claim that the amendments posed serious threats to democracy while abandoning the institution where those concerns could have been formally debated and challenged.

Direct Think Tank consequently called on the APC leadership and its Members of Parliament to explain why they left the Chamber instead of participating fully in the debate and voting process.

It also asked the party to identify the specific provisions it wanted defeated or amended, disclose the parliamentary strategies it exhausted before staging the walkout and explain how leaving the Chamber advanced the interests of its constituents.

The think tank further requested details of any alternative strategy the APC intends to pursue to protect the constitutional interests it claims are under threat.

However, the organisation made clear that its criticism of the opposition did not absolve the Government or the parliamentary majority of responsibility.

It warned that securing an overwhelming majority in Parliament does not necessarily amount to achieving national consensus on constitutional reform. It therefore urged the Government to ensure that the amendment process receives meaningful public scrutiny and commands legitimacy beyond the numerical strength of the governing party in Parliament.

Direct Think Tank called on civil society organisations, citizens, journalists, academics, legal practitioners, political parties and other democratic stakeholders to examine the amendments carefully and independently.

It encouraged Sierra Leoneans to rise above partisan divisions and ask legitimate questions about proposals that could shape the country’s democratic and constitutional future.

“The Constitution belongs to the people of Sierra Leone; not to the SLPP, not to the APC and not to any individual political leader,” the organisation emphasized.

Direct Think Tank pledged to continue monitoring the constitutional reform process and providing independent analysis in the national interest.

The organisation concluded that democracy is strengthened when elected representatives remain in Parliament to speak, scrutinize, challenge and vote on matters affecting the people they represent.

It reiterated its position that the APC lawmakers’ decision to walk out during such a significant constitutional moment constituted a serious disservice to their parliamentary mandate.

“Sierra Leone deserves political leaders who will remain at the table when the stakes are highest,” the statement concluded.

Parliament Passes Historic Bipartisan Constitutional Amendments Amid APC MPs’ Walkout

August 12, 2026

Speaker of Parliament, the Right Honourable Segepoh Solomon Thomas

The Parliament of Sierra Leone has passed the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill, 2025, introducing major changes to the country’s presidential and parliamentary electoral systems.

The Bill was approved on Monday, August 10, 2026, after 97 Members of Parliament voted in favour of its enactment. It seeks to amend specific provisions of the 1991 Constitution and provide for related governance and electoral matters.

The legislation was passed by a simple majority pursuant to Section 91(1) of the 1991 Constitution. Following the vote, the Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, announced that he would refer a constitutional question to the Supreme Court for its legal opinion.

The referral will seek clarification on whether Section 91(1) provides the applicable procedure for altering the relevant provisions of the Constitution. The Supreme Court is expected to return its opinion to Parliament within three months.

Among the most significant provisions contained in the Bill is the reduction of the threshold for winning a presidential election from 55 per cent to 50 per cent plus one of the valid votes cast.

Under the revised arrangement, a presidential candidate must receive more than half of the valid votes to win in the first round. Supporters of the amendment believe the new threshold will simplify the election process while ensuring that the successful candidate receives majority support from voters.

The Bill also establishes Proportional Representation as the country’s electoral system for electing Members of Parliament. Under the PR system, parliamentary seats are allocated to political parties based on their share of the votes.

Supporters argue that proportional representation could broaden political participation and ensure that parties receive parliamentary representation that reflects the level of electoral support they command.

The Bill was passed amid disagreement between the governing Sierra Leone People’s Party and the main opposition All People’s Congress over the voting procedure.

APC lawmakers staged a walkout after an earlier vote resulted in 97 MPs voting in favour and 46 voting against. Most opposition representatives subsequently left the Chamber, leaving only two APC MPs to participate in the remaining proceedings.

SLPP lawmakers, Paramount Chief Members of Parliament and the two APC representatives who remained in the Chamber continued with the consideration and voting on the remaining provisions.

The opposition walkout has intensified debate over the level of political consensus surrounding the constitutional reforms. APC representatives raised concerns about the voting methodology, while supporters of the Bill maintained that Parliament acted within the provisions of the Constitution.

Another important provision addresses the participation of Sierra Leoneans holding dual citizenship in parliamentary elections.

Under the amended framework, eligible dual citizens will be permitted to contest for parliamentary seats. However, they will not be eligible to serve as Speaker or Deputy Speaker of Parliament.

Restrictions will also prevent dual citizens from assuming presidential authority in circumstances where both the President and Vice President are absent or unable to perform their constitutional responsibilities.

The Bill further considered a proposal to establish a Search Committee for the appointment of the Chief Electoral Commissioner. That proposal was reversed, allowing the existing constitutional arrangement for appointing the Chief Electoral Commissioner to remain in place.

The passage of the legislation follows years of constitutional review, stakeholder consultations and political debate over Sierra Leone’s electoral and governance systems.

Proponents believe the reforms will modernize the country’s democratic framework, promote broader political participation and create clearer rules for presidential and parliamentary elections.

They also maintain that the 50+1 presidential threshold could encourage candidates to appeal to a wider section of the population and build broader national support.

The dual citizenship provision could equally open opportunities for Sierra Leoneans with international experience and professional expertise to participate more actively in national governance and policymaking.

Critics, however, continue to question the voting process, the adoption of proportional representation as the country’s sole parliamentary electoral system and the level of bipartisan agreement behind the reforms.

The Supreme Court’s opinion is therefore expected to provide important legal guidance on the procedure used to amend the relevant constitutional provisions.

The long-term impact of the amendments will depend on how they are interpreted and implemented by state institutions, political parties and electoral authorities.

The passage of the Constitutional Amendment Bill marks a major development in Sierra Leone’s democratic evolution. Its success will ultimately be measured by whether it deepens political participation, strengthens representative governance and promotes public confidence in the country’s democratic institutions.

Orange CEO Pledges Improved Service Delivery During Nationwide Customer Engagement

August 12, 2026

Group of people in orange shirts at an Orange store event, two people exchanging a large ceremonial key beside orange motorcycles. Balloons and a cheering crowd in the background.

Orange Sierra Leone Chief Executive Officer, Aïcha Touré, has concluded a five-day nationwide listening tour aimed at strengthening the company’s relationship with customers, sales partners, local authorities and communities while gathering firsthand feedback to improve service delivery across the country.

The tour, which took place from 27 to 31 July 2026, covered Port Loko, Western Area Urban and Rural, Makeni, Kono, Kenema and Bo. Accompanied by members of the company’s senior Management team, the CEO engaged directly with customers, distributors, traditional and civic leaders, and other key stakeholders to better understand their experiences, concerns and expectations.

The initiative formed part of Orange Sierra Leone’s customer-centric strategy, providing the company’s leadership with an opportunity to assess service delivery, network performance, business opportunities and the company’s overall contribution to communities outside Freetown.

Throughout the engagements, customers and business partners openly shared their experiences regarding Orange Sierra Leone’s products and services, highlighting both achievements and areas requiring further improvement. Discussions focused on strengthening network reliability, improving customer service and expanding the company’s impact in communities across the country.

Speaking during the tour, Aïcha Touré underscored the importance of direct engagement with customers and stakeholders, describing face-to-face interaction as essential for informed decision-making and sustainable business growth.

“Meeting our customers, partners and local leaders face to-face allows us to better understand their realities and expectations. Listening, learning and identifying opportunities for improvement provide the kind of insights that lead to better business decisions and stronger relationships,” she said.

She acknowledged the concerns raised during the engagements and assured customers that Orange Sierra Leone’s Management would carefully review the feedback received and work towards practical and sustainable solutions aimed at improving customer experience.

As part of efforts to strengthen its regional operations, Orange Sierra Leone also enhanced the mobility of its trade teams by providing additional operational support, including kekes (three-wheelers), motorbikes and Hilux vehicles. The company said the new resources will improve field operations, enable trade teams to reach customers and sales partners more efficiently and strengthen service delivery across the regions.

According to the company, the investment reflects its commitment to equipping frontline teams with the tools needed to respond more effectively to customer needs while expanding Orange Sierra Leone’s presence in communities nationwide.

Beyond formal stakeholder meetings, Aïcha Touré visited local markets in the various districts, where she interacted with traders, customers and members of the public in their everyday business environments. The visits enabled the CEO to gain a deeper understanding of the realities facing customers while encouraging open dialogue on the company’s services.

During the market visits, the delegation distributed Orange-branded souvenirs to customers and members of the public, creating opportunities for informal engagement and reinforcing the company’s connection with communities at the grassroots level.

The CEO noted that bringing the Orange brand closer to customers remains a key priority, emphasizing that company leadership must remain accessible and responsive to the people it serves.

The nationwide tour also included courtesy visits to provincial authorities and other strategic stakeholders, reaffirming Orange Sierra Leone’s commitment to maintaining strong partnerships with local institutions.

Mayors and other local leaders warmly welcomed Aïcha Touré, congratulating her on her appointment as Chief Executive Officer and commending Orange Sierra Leone for maintaining close engagement with communities across the country.

During discussions with the delegation, local authorities called for sustained investment in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives within their municipalities. Mayors in Port Loko, Makeni and Bo specifically encouraged the company to consider supporting city beautification projects, noting that such initiatives would improve the appearance of urban centres while enhancing community development and corporate visibility.

Responding to the proposals, Aïcha Touré assured local authorities, customers and sales partners that Management would carefully examine all recommendations and identify practical ways of addressing priority concerns within the company’s strategic objectives and available resources.

“Orange is in Sierra Leone to connect people in every corner of the country and improve lives through reliable connectivity and innovative digital services. We remain committed to working closely with our partners and communities to address challenges, strengthen our network and continue delivering the quality of service our customers expect,” she stated.

The nationwide listening tour reflects Orange Sierra Leone’s broader strategy of strengthening customer relationships, empowering regional teams and deepening collaboration with stakeholders throughout the country. Company officials say the exercise has provided valuable insights that will help shape future priorities aimed at enhancing service delivery, expanding customer satisfaction and supporting sustainable business growth.

By engaging directly with communities, strengthening field operations and building stronger partnerships with local authorities and business partners, Orange Sierra Leone says it remains committed to improving responsiveness to customer needs while contributing to Sierra Leone’s digital transformation.

The company reaffirmed its commitment to connecting people, empowering communities, supporting innovation and promoting a more inclusive digital future for Sierra Leone.

APC Mohamed Bangura, Alfred Thompson Break Ranks as Opposition Walks Out of Parliament

August 12, 2026

Two men in formal attire seated at a conference hall, looking at their smartphones with blue chairs and laptops in the background.

Two Members of Parliament from the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC), Hon. Mohamed Bangura and Hon. Alfred Ayodele Thompson, remained in the Chamber on Monday, August 10, 2026, as their fellow APC lawmakers staged a walkout during proceedings on the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill, 2025.

The decision by the two parliamentarians not to join their colleagues immediately attracted political attention, highlighting differences within the opposition over how its MPs should respond to contentious constitutional and governance matters.

While other APC lawmakers left the Chamber to demonstrate their objection to the constitutional amendment process, Hon. Mohamed Bangura and Hon. Alfred Ayodele Thompson stayed behind and continued participating in the parliamentary proceedings.

Their decision was particularly significant because both MPs have previously differed with their party over its positions and approaches to certain political and governance issues.

The development is expected to renew debate over party discipline and the extent to which elected parliamentarians should follow collective party decisions when considering major national legislation.

For supporters of strict party discipline, remaining in the Chamber could be viewed as a departure from the collective position adopted by the APC parliamentary caucus. Others may argue that MPs have an individual responsibility to exercise their judgment and participate in parliamentary proceedings, particularly when legislation with far-reaching national consequences is under consideration.

The walkout came against the backdrop of intense political debate over the Constitutional Amendment Bill and disagreements surrounding some of its provisions and the procedure for approving them.

Following the action, Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, commended opposition lawmakers for what he described as their courage and commitment to defending the Constitution.

Hon. Abdul Kargbo described the occasion as one of the most important opportunities MPs have had to stand for the people and defend Sierra Leone’s supreme law.

“To all Honourable Members of Parliament, particularly Members on the Opposition side, I want to commend you for demonstrating that you stand with the people and that you stand for the Constitution,” he stated.

According to the Opposition Leader, democracy comes with challenges, but elected representatives must be prepared to take difficult positions when they believe the interests of citizens and constitutional governance are at stake.

He argued that where the Constitution requires a two-thirds majority for an amendment, parliamentarians have a responsibility to ensure that such a requirement is respected.

Hon. Abdul Kargbo also rejected suggestions that the opposition’s action amounted to a boycott of Parliament, describing it instead as a principled response to what the opposition believed was a procedurally unconstitutional attempt to amend the Constitution.

“We did not boycott Parliament,” he stressed, maintaining that the opposition acted to defend the integrity of Parliament and the Constitution from which the institution derives its authority.

He thanked MPs who supported the opposition’s position and called for continued unity when Parliament resumes its work.

The controversy surrounding the parliamentary proceedings comes just a day after the APC publicly outlined its position on the proposed constitutional reforms.

In a statement dated August 9, 2026 and signed by APC National Secretary General Lansana Dumbuya, Esq., the party made clear that it was not opposed to constitutional reform or rejecting the Amendment Bill in its entirety.

Instead, the APC expressed support for several provisions it believes could strengthen democracy, expand political participation and promote greater inclusion.

Among them is the proposed constitutional guarantee of at least 30 percent representation for women in political nominations. The APC said women constitute a significant proportion of Sierra Leone’s population and have contributed immensely to the country’s political, social and economic development.

The party also backed proposals to expand opportunities for Sierra Leoneans holding dual citizenship by allowing them to contest parliamentary elections and qualify for ministerial and other public appointments, subject to applicable constitutional and legal requirements.

However, it supports retaining the existing citizenship requirements for the offices of President and Vice-President.

Despite backing those reforms, the APC maintained strong opposition to replacing constituency-based First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) elections with Proportional Representation as the country’s regular electoral system.

The party argued that FPTP maintains a direct relationship between constituents and their elected representatives, allowing communities to identify and hold their MPs accountable.

It also cited positions expressed by Paramount Chiefs, Civil Society Organisations, religious leaders and citizens during constitutional consultations as supporting constituency-based representation.

The APC similarly called for retention of the existing 55 percent threshold required for a presidential candidate to win an election.

According to the opposition party, the threshold encourages presidential candidates to build support beyond their traditional political strongholds and promotes broader national consensus.

Where no candidate reaches 55 percent in the first round, the APC argued, parties and candidates must engage other communities, negotiate alliances and broaden their national appeal ahead of a runoff.

The party therefore appealed to lawmakers from both the APC and governing Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) to consider the long-term national implications of constitutional amendments rather than temporary partisan interests.

It maintained that constitutional reform should not be reduced to an APC-versus-SLPP political contest, stressing that the Constitution ultimately belongs to the people of Sierra Leone.

Against that backdrop, Monday’s walkout and the decision of Hon. Mohamed Bangura and Hon. Alfred Ayodele Thompson to remain in the Chamber have introduced another dimension to the debate, raising questions about party unity, parliamentary independence and the responsibilities of individual MPs during major constitutional decisions.

The APC has reaffirmed its support for constitutional reform, increased women’s representation, expanded opportunities for dual citizens and stronger democratic institutions, while maintaining its demand for FPTP elections and the 55 percent presidential threshold.

“Country first. Democracy always. The people must have the final say,” the APC statement concluded.

IFJ Raises Alarm Over Rising Sexist Attacks Against Women Journalists Worldwide

August 12, 2026

Poster about threats to women journalists: 'Sexist Attacks: Women Journalists Under Growing Threat' with a silhouette of a reporter holding a JP-microphone, JournalismPakistan branding.

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) Gender Council has raised serious concerns over an increase in sexist and gender-based attacks against women journalists across the world, calling on media organisations and Governments to strengthen measures protecting women working in journalism.

The Council said women journalists are increasingly confronted with physical attacks, workplace harassment, sexist remarks, intimidation and organized online abuse because of both their profession and gender.

According to the IFJ, reports from several countries indicate that gender-based hostility against women journalists has become a growing threat to their safety, professional independence and ability to report freely on matters of public interest.

The warning forms part of the Gender Council’s wider effort to tackle harassment and violence against women journalists, with gender-based harassment identified as a priority under its 2026-2029 strategy.

The Council is advocating a zero-tolerance approach to sexual harassment and gender-based discrimination in newsrooms, journalists’ unions, online platforms and the field.

Recent cases highlighted by the IFJ demonstrate the different forms of hostility women journalists continue to encounter while carrying out their professional duties.

In India, several women journalists covering protests at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi in July reportedly faced physical attacks, inappropriate contact and harassment while attempting to report on events. The IFJ described India as having reached a critical point during 2025-2026 regarding attacks against women journalists.

Workplace harassment has also emerged as a major concern.

In Cambodia, a journalist working for a local English-language newspaper reported experiencing physical and verbal sexual harassment at her workplace dating back to 2023. Despite complaints to the organization’s human resources department, the matter reportedly remained unresolved.

Another journalist in Cambodia said she was prevented from entering a Government Ministry in Phnom Penh in March 2025 because of her religious attire. According to the account cited by the IFJ, the Muslim television journalist was asked by a security guard to remove her headscarf before she could enter the Ministry to cover a news event.

Similar concerns have been reported elsewhere.

In Uruguay, incidents involving women working in the media triggered public condemnation after sexist and offensive remarks were made during broadcast programmes.

The IFJ also highlighted a case in Spain where media professionals gathered outside a court in Seville in July in solidarity with a female colleague who accused a former media executive of sexual and workplace harassment.

In Italy, an investigation conducted by IrpiMedia with support from the National Federation of the Italian Press gathered testimonies from 100 journalists who reported experiencing different forms of violence and sexism, including bullying, sexual harassment and other serious abuses.

Beyond traditional workplace and field-related threats, the IFJ Gender Council warned that online harassment is becoming increasingly organized and sophisticated.

The Council said attacks have evolved from individual trolling into systematic campaigns intended to threaten women journalists, undermine their professional credibility and pressure them into self-censorship.

Artificial intelligence has added another troubling dimension, with manipulated photographs, deepfakes and other fabricated material increasingly capable of being used to target women journalists.

In Panama, journalist, Sol Lauría Paz, was reportedly subjected to an organized harassment campaign following an investigation into online violence linked to debate surrounding the Cobre Panamá mine. According to the IFJ, the attacks included threats, publication of personal information, insults and AI manipulation of her image.

The Council warned that such attacks can have consequences extending beyond social media, potentially affecting journalists’ physical security, reputations and willingness to continue reporting on controversial subjects.

Against this background, the IFJ Gender Council is calling for stronger enforcement of national and international laws intended to prevent and punish violence and harassment against women journalists.

It also wants media organisations to establish safer workplaces for women, both within newsrooms and while journalists are reporting in the field, particularly during demonstrations, conflicts and other potentially dangerous assignments.

The Council further called for women journalists to have greater opportunities to occupy management and decision-making positions based on merit and professional competence.

It also urged stronger mechanisms to identify those responsible for online threats and abuse and called for appropriate regulation of artificial intelligence to prevent its malicious use in spreading disinformation, damaging reputations and silencing women journalists.

The IFJ maintains that protecting women journalists is not simply an issue of workplace equality but an important press freedom concern.

When intimidation, harassment and gender-based violence force journalists to abandon assignments, withdraw from public debate or practise self-censorship, the consequences extend beyond individual victims and can undermine the public’s access to independent information.

The Gender Council is therefore urging governments, media owners, journalists’ organisations and other stakeholders to treat the safety of women journalists as a priority and establish effective reporting, investigation and accountability mechanisms.

That Landmark Presidential Address on The Constitution of Sierra Leone Amendment Bill 2025

August 12, 2026

Man in white traditional attire and cap speaks at a podium with a presidential seal; a uniformed officer stands in the background. — President Dr. Julius Maada Bio

By Alfred Kanu, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

Perhaps the most human moment in President Bio’s address came when he asked Parliament to imagine how today’s decision might look to people who have not yet been born. “The decision before you will not end with the vote. It will be remembered by generations yet unborn,” he told lawmakers, before asking them to consider whether their daughters would inherit a Constitution “that recognises their equal right to lead”, whether young people would have a meaningful voice, and whether citizens would continue to believe that Parliament could rise above political division.

For a country whose recent political history has been written through coups, civil war, peace agreements, elections and hard-won democratic transitions, President Julius Maada Bio’s address to Parliament on Sunday, 9 August 2026, carried a weight that went beyond the immediate vote on the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill 2025.

Speaking as President but also, in his words, “as a fellow citizen who has journeyed with this nation through some of its darkest and most defining moments,” Bio placed the proposed reforms within a personal and national journey that stretches back three decades. In 1996, as head of the National Provisional Ruling Council, then Rtd. Brig. General Julius Maada Bio oversaw the country’s return to civilian rule after years of military government, with the late Dr Ahmad Tejan Kabbah winning the March 1996 presidential election.

That democratic opening was soon interrupted by another coup in 1997, before the country eventually travelled the difficult road to the Lomé Peace Agreement of July 1999 and the formal end of the civil war in January 2002. It was against that history that President Bio described the proposed amendment as “a historic piece of legislation that represents the culmination of decades of national dialogue”, recalling that the Lomé Agreement itself called for constitutional review.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of 2004 subsequently reinforced the need for constitutional reform, recommending a broad, participatory process capable of laying the foundations for a more open and democratic society. The significance of the moment, therefore, lies not simply in changing sections of a 1991 Constitution, but in asking whether a nation that once struggled to transfer power without violence can continue to make political change through institutions, dialogue and law.

That journey has been neither linear nor perfect. After the war, Sierra Leone gradually built one of West Africa’s more durable post-conflict electoral traditions. The 2002 elections helped consolidate peace, the 2007 election produced the country’s first peaceful transfer of presidential power from one political party to another after the war, and power changed hands again in 2018 when Bio defeated the APC’s Samura Kamara, succeeding term-limited President Ernest Bai Koroma.

Yet the story also contains warnings. Political rivalry, disputed elections, violence, institutional mistrust and deepening ethno-regional divisions have repeatedly tested the country’s democratic foundations. International IDEA’s recent assessment describes the post-war period as Sierra Leone’s longest sustained spell of democracy since independence, but also warns that electoral democracy faces challenges from “the intensification of ethno-regional political divisions and a winner-takes-all approach to governance.”

The 2023 elections, in which Bio was declared the winner with 56 per cent of the presidential vote, demonstrated both the resilience and vulnerability of that democratic journey: turnout remained high, but international and domestic observers raised concerns about transparency in the counting process and called for reforms to restore confidence. It is against this imperfect history that the President’s appeal for constitutional change must be understood.

“We did not abandon that work, nor did we seek to begin the process anew,” he said of the work inherited from previous administrations, pointing to the Justice Edmond Cowan Constitutional Review Committee’s extraordinary national consultation between 2013 and 2017, which involved more than 10,000 public consultations, 133 stakeholder engagements, 150 position papers, 20,000 hours of radio programming and more than 70,000 consultation forms.

The proposed reforms now seek, among other things, proportional representation and a constitutional minimum of 30 per cent women in political nominations, giving particular relevance to a country where women held only about 13 per cent of parliamentary seats in 2022 before the subsequent gender reforms.

His most striking appeal was also his simplest: “Do not vote for me. Do not vote for this Government. Do not vote for any political party. Vote for Sierra Leone.” That appeal should not be mistaken for an argument that every provision of the Bill is beyond criticism. Constitutional reform is too consequential for unquestioning loyalty, and civil society, legal experts, and human rights institutions have continued to scrutinise the proposals. In July 2026, the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone submitted recommendations to Parliament on electoral justice, inclusion, the rule of law, and human rights.

The President himself acknowledged that constitutional reform requires Parliament to safeguard not merely the text but “its meaning, strengthen its application, and ensure that it continues to serve the people of Sierra Leone.” Perhaps that is the hopeful lesson in this moment: Sierra Leone’s democratic story is still unfinished. The generation that witnessed military rule, war and political uncertainty has lived long enough to see peaceful transfers of power, stronger institutions, wider participation and women claiming greater space in public life.

The generation now entering adulthood deserves something even better. If Parliament can deliberate honestly, listen carefully, and put the country above party, then this moment may eventually be remembered not simply as another constitutional amendment, but as another quiet turning point in Sierra Leone’s long journey from the politics of survival toward the politics of inclusion, accountability, and democratic confidence.

“May history record,” President Bio concluded, “that, at this critical hour, Parliament chose country over division, progress over stagnation, and a stronger democracy for generations to come.”

FT Africa Summit 2026: Mobilizing Growth in a New Global Order

August 12, 2026

Four panelists seated on a stage with a blue backdrop reading 'AFRICA SUMMIT' and 'Panel: Nigeria's economic journey: Crisis, recovery, and risk' at FT Live.

The Financial Times has announced the 13th edition of its flagship Africa Summit, taking place on 21-22 October 2026 at The Landmark, London.

Under the theme: “Mobilizing Growth in a New Global Order,” the summit will convene African Heads of State, policymakers, chief executives, investors and next-generation entrepreneurs to examine how the continent can sustain its growth trajectory amid shifting trade alliances, technological change and a reordering of global power.

This year’s high-level speaker line-up includes Aliko Dangote, President and Chief Executive, Dangote Group; Macky Sall, Former President, Republic of Senegal; Jakaya Kikwete, Former President of the United Republic of Tanzania; Baroness Jennifer Chapman, Minister of State (International Development and Africa), Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, United Kingdom; Taiwo Oyedele, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Nigeria; and Ahmed Shide, Minister of Finance, Ethiopia, alongside ministers and business leaders from South Africa, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Angola, Mauritius, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The 2026 summit takes place at a time of profound change in the global trading system. Shifting US tariff policy and the approaching expiry of the African Growth and Opportunity Act are prompting African governments and businesses to deepen regional trade, strengthen ties with the Gulf, China and India, and build greater financial self-reliance.

From domestic capital mobilization and the evolving role of development finance institutions to major offshore energy discoveries, critical minerals diplomacy and the expansion of the digital economy, the 2026 summit will examine how African nations are turning structural change into lasting growth. The programme will also spotlight the continent’s manufacturing ambitions, its fast-urbanizing cities, and the demographic shift that will give Africa the world’s largest working-age population by 2050.

The discussions will be facilitated by senior editors from the Financial Times and will feature insight-driven dialogue across geopolitics, finance, energy, infrastructure, trade, technology and investment.

FT Africa editor David Pilling said: “Now in its 13th year, the FT Africa Summit brings together the leaders, investors and innovators shaping the continent’s economic future. As Africa’s growth begins to outpace much of the world, this year’s agenda examines how governments and businesses can mobilise the capital, infrastructure and partnerships needed to translate that growth into lasting progress.”

FT Foreign Editor Alec Russell added: “Africa is navigating one of the most consequential shifts in the global economic order in a generation. As long-standing trading certainties give way and new alliances form, the FT summit offers a forum for candid dialogue on the continent’s challenges and fresh thinking on the investment, trade and innovation that will define its next chapter.”

London’s role as a global centre for finance and international affairs makes it a natural meeting point for the African and global stakeholders brought together by the FT Africa Summit. By convening policymakers, investors, development institutions and business leaders in one place, the summit connects perspectives from across the continent with the wider conversations on capital, trade and partnership that are central to Africa’s next phase of growth.

To register for a delegate pass, or to apply for media accreditation, visit africa.live.ft.com

President Bio Urges Parliament to Vote “Yes” on Constitutional Amendment Bill

August 10, 2026

Man in white traditional attire stands behind a wooden podium with the seal reading 'The President, Republic of Sierra Leone', flanked by flags. — President Dr. Julius Maada Bio

President Dr Julius Maada Bio has made a strong appeal to Members of Parliament to vote in favour of the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill, 2025, describing the proposed reforms as the culmination of decades of national consultations aimed at strengthening democracy, political inclusion and electoral governance.

In a national address delivered on Sunday, 9 August 2026, ahead of the parliamentary vote on the Bill, President Bio urged lawmakers to put aside partisan considerations and make a decision that, he said, would shape Sierra Leone’s democratic future for generations.

“Do not vote for me. Do not vote for this Government. Do not vote for any political party. Vote for Sierra Leone,” President Bio declared, as he called on Parliament to support reforms intended to increase political participation, strengthen electoral institutions and constitutionally guarantee greater representation for women.

The President traced the origins of the constitutional reform process to Sierra Leone’s transition from civil war to peace and democratic governance, arguing that the proposed amendments should not be viewed as the initiative of one government or political party.

Reflecting on his period as Head of State in 1996, President Bio recalled initiating negotiations with the Revolutionary United Front, overseeing democratic elections and returning the country to civilian rule. He said those developments contributed to the peace process that eventually resulted in the 1999 Lomé Peace Agreement and the end of the country’s brutal civil war.

According to the President, the Lomé Peace Agreement itself called for a review of the 1991 Constitution, recognising the need for a constitutional framework capable of addressing the aspirations of a country emerging from conflict and seeking greater inclusion, justice, stability and accountability.

He noted that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission subsequently reached a similar conclusion, while successive governments, civil society organisations, commissions and citizens continued to advocate constitutional reform for more than two decades.

President Bio highlighted the roles played by previous administrations, beginning with the late President Ahmed Tejan Kabbah, who established the Dr Peter Tucker Constitutional Review Committee.

He said the process continued under former President Ernest Bai Koroma, who determined that a broader and more inclusive national exercise was necessary and subsequently established the Justice Edmond Cowan Constitutional Review Committee.

The President described the Cowan Committee, comprising 80 members, as having undertaken the most extensive constitutional consultation in Sierra Leone’s history. According to him, between 2013 and 2017, the Committee conducted more than 10,000 public consultations nationwide, engaged 133 stakeholder groups, received 150 position papers, broadcast more than 20,000 hours of airtime and distributed over 70,000 consultation forms across the country.

“This was a truly national process — not a partisan exercise,” President Bio maintained, noting that the Committee submitted its report to former President Ernest Bai Koroma in 2017.

He explained that when his administration assumed office in 2018, it chose to build on the work already undertaken rather than abandon the process or begin another constitutional review from scratch.

President Bio said consultations have continued over the years, with stakeholders contributing to the refinement of proposals now contained in the Amendment Bill before Parliament.

Among the key provisions highlighted by the President is the introduction of proportional representation, which he said would broaden political participation and create greater opportunities for women, young people, professionals and minority groups to gain representation in decision-making institutions.

He also pointed to a proposed minimum 30 percent quota for women in political nominations, describing the measure as an attempt to transform women’s political inclusion from an aspiration into an enforceable constitutional commitment.

According to President Bio, the proposed reforms would further strengthen the independence and accountability of electoral institutions and contribute to ensuring that Sierra Leone’s electoral rules are fair, transparent, credible and trusted.

The President commended citizens and stakeholders who have followed the parliamentary proceedings and participated in the continuing national debate. He also praised Members of Parliament who have remained engaged in lengthy deliberations on the proposed amendments.

Turning directly to lawmakers, President Bio stressed that their decision would extend far beyond the immediate political environment.

“The decision before you will not end with the vote. It will be remembered by generations yet unborn,” he said.

He argued that the parliamentary decision would influence whether women inherit a Constitution that recognises their equal right to leadership, whether young people receive a meaningful voice in determining their future and whether citizens retain confidence in Parliament’s ability to rise above political divisions.

Addressing questions over the timing of the reforms, President Bio said changes to the electoral framework should be completed ahead of the next general elections rather than being undertaken when voting is imminent.

He maintained that proceeding with another election under provisions recognised by political actors, civil society groups and election observer missions as requiring reform could create uncertainty.

According to the President, making constitutional and electoral changes before elections is consistent with democratic principles recognised by the African Union, ECOWAS and the United Nations and would help protect the electoral process from uncertainty, manipulation and confusion.

President Bio also responded to arguments that the existing Constitution does not require amendment and that concerns instead relate to its interpretation by the Supreme Court.

He said if constitutional interpretation is the central concern, Parliament has a responsibility to provide clarity, stressing that lawmakers must not only defend the constitutional text but also safeguard its meaning and strengthen its application.

“A Constitution is not designed for one political party. It is not the property of one government, one institution, or one group,” he stated.

President Bio said the Constitution must reflect the aspirations, rights, hopes and dreams of all Sierra Leoneans while promoting inclusion, protecting democracy and supporting national progress.

He consequently urged lawmakers to consider the voices of citizens who participated in years of consultations, particularly women seeking greater political representation, young people demanding a stronger role in shaping the country’s future and communities that contributed to the constitutional review process.

In one of the strongest sections of his address, President Bio repeatedly appealed for lawmakers to support the Bill.

“Vote ‘Yes’ for inclusion. Vote ‘Yes’ for women. Vote ‘Yes’ for the youth. Vote ‘Yes’ for credible elections. Vote ‘Yes’ for a stronger democracy. Vote ‘Yes’ for the future of our beloved nation,” he urged.

Drawing a connection between the current constitutional debate and Sierra Leone’s democratic transition three decades ago, President Bio recalled that in 1996 he took steps towards restoring multiparty democracy and returning governance to civilian authority.

He said Parliament now has an opportunity to take what he described as another historic step by giving Sierra Leone a stronger and more inclusive constitutional framework.

President Bio concluded by making what he described as a “clear and solemn appeal” for Parliament to pass the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill, 2025.

“Let Honourable Members vote ‘Yes’—not for a party, not for an individual, but for the people and the future of democracy in Sierra Leone,” he said.

The President expressed hope that history would remember the parliamentary decision as one in which lawmakers chose “country over division, progress over stagnation” and laid the foundation for a stronger democracy for future generations.

THE PRESIDENT WHO IS CHANGING SIERRA LEONE’S POLITICAL STORY

August 10, 2026

Group of people in ceremonial attire posing for a photo in a formal hall; many wear red dresses and green-and-white traditional outfits, with a portrait on stage behind them.

Look carefully at this photograph.

Female parliamentarians from opposing political camps—standing together.

Not fighting.

Not insulting one another.

Not behaving as though political disagreement means national hatred.

Standing together.

That image may ultimately become one of the most powerful symbols of the Julius Maada Bio presidency.

For decades, Sierra Leone’s politics has too often been poisoned by division, tribal sentiment and partisan hostility. President Bio’s greatest contribution may be that he has demonstrated that political opponents can disagree without becoming enemies of the nation.

That is why I call him the Father of Democracy.

That is why I call him the Prince of Peace.

And that is why I believe his greatest achievement may ultimately be national unity.

Even America’s President, Donald Trump, publicly acknowledged President Bio at the FII PRIORITY Summit in Miami:

“I also want to thank the President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio. I love that name. Thank you. It’s a great honor to have you.”

Some will dismiss the significance.

I won’t.

For a Sierra Leonean President to stand among world leaders and receive that recognition on an international stage is a moment worth remembering.

But here is the uncomfortable truth:

The greatest threat to Sierra Leone has never been another political party. It has been our inability to put Sierra Leone above the party.

APC cannot be bigger than Sierra Leone.

SLPP cannot be bigger than Sierra Leone.

No politician is bigger than Sierra Leone.

SIERRA LEONE MUST COME FIRST.

And if the sight of our female parliamentarians standing together represents even the beginning of that transformation, then we should celebrate it.

Because nations are not destroyed only by wars.

Sometimes they are destroyed by citizens who forget that they belong to the same country.

President Bio’s presidency should therefore be judged not only by what he built, but by whether he helped change the political culture of the nation.

And history—not Facebook arguments, not partisan propaganda, not today’s political noise—will eventually deliver the verdict.

My verdict is already clear.

I believe history will remember Julius Maada Bio as the best President Sierra Leone has ever had.

Not because he was perfect.

But because, in my view, he understood that the ultimate victory is not defeating your political opponent—it is uniting your country.

Father of Democracy.

Prince of Peace.

Architect of National Unity.

President Julius Maada Bio.

Love him or disagree with him—but history will be the final judge.

And I believe history will be kind to him.

Sierra Leone First.

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