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SLMARAD Records Historic Progress as Sierra Leone Climbs Global Maritime Rankings

Blue cargo ship named FREETOWN docked at a port, with 'BEWARE OF SNAP BACK ZONE' on the white superstructure.

 

The Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMARAD) has achieved its strongest performance to date in the latest Paris Memorandum of Understanding (Paris MoU) Flag Performance List, moving the country’s ship registry significantly closer to attaining the prestigious White List status.

The latest rankings, which came into effect on 1 July 2026, are based on Port State Control inspections and vessel detention records covering the 2023–2025 assessment period. They represent one of the international maritime industry’s most respected benchmarks for evaluating the safety, quality and regulatory performance of national ship registries.

According to the latest assessment, the Sierra Leone Flag recorded 172 Port State Control inspections and only 10 detentions, resulting in an Excess Factor of 0.33. The performance reflects sustained improvements in fleet quality, regulatory oversight and compliance with international maritime standards.

Compared with the previous assessment period, Sierra Leone successfully reduced the number of vessel detentions while maintaining a similar level of inspections, demonstrating continued progress in strengthening the country’s maritime regulatory framework. The latest results place Sierra Leone ahead of several established registries on the Paris MoU Grey List, including Thailand, the Philippines, Egypt and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Under the Paris MoU methodology, reducing the total number of vessel detentions by just four during the three-year assessment period would have been sufficient to move Sierra Leone onto the White List, underscoring the country’s remarkable progress in recent years.

Commenting on the achievement, SLMARAD Technical Manager Alexandros Stylianou said improving Port State Control performance requires consistent technical oversight, disciplined fleet management and a long-term commitment to quality.

He noted that the latest results demonstrate the effectiveness of the measures introduced by the Administration, adding that they have strengthened confidence in the Sierra Leone Flag within the global shipping industry.

SLMARAD stated that it has continued to strengthen its technical oversight through enhanced fleet monitoring, compliance verification and a sustained focus on quality management. Those initiatives form part of the Administration’s broader strategy to improve fleet performance while providing shipowners with efficient and professional flag administration services.

The Administration’s Business Development Manager said the organization’s ambition extends beyond improving its international ranking. He explained that SLMARAD remains committed to providing shipowners with a reliable and efficient flag administration that promotes safe operations and full compliance with international maritime regulations while continuing efforts to achieve White List status.

The Paris MoU White, Grey and Black Lists classify flag administrations based on their safety and compliance records over a rolling three-year period. The rankings are widely used by shipowners, charterers, insurers and maritime stakeholders worldwide to assess the quality and credibility of national ship registries.

Bio Receives New Envoys from Nigeria, Jamaica and Angola, Reaffirms Commitment to Stronger Bilateral Relations

 

President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, regional cooperation and international partnerships after receiving the Letters of Credence of newly accredited envoys from Nigeria, Jamaica and Angola during a formal ceremony at State House.

The ceremony, held on Thursday, 9 July 2026, also included the presentation of the Letters of Recall of the diplomats’ predecessors, officially recognizing the new representatives of their respective countries to Sierra Leone.

The newly accredited diplomats are Her Excellency Ayo Luther Ogbomode, High Commissioner of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to Sierra Leone; His Excellency Lincoln George Downer, High Commissioner of Jamaica to Sierra Leone, resident in Abuja, Nigeria; and His Excellency Dr. Eustáquio Januário Quibato, Ambassador of the Republic of Angola to Sierra Leone, resident in Conakry, Guinea.

Following the presentation of their credentials, the three envoys conveyed warm greetings and best wishes from their respective Heads of State and Government while expressing appreciation for the hospitality extended by the Government and people of Sierra Leone. They also reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

Speaking on behalf of Nigeria, High Commissioner Ayo Luther Ogbomode pledged to strengthen the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and Sierra Leone, particularly in regional security, democratic governance, economic cooperation and regional integration. She conveyed the warm greetings of Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and expressed her commitment to further deepening bilateral ties during her tenure.

Jamaica’s High Commissioner, Lincoln George Downer, highlighted the deep historical and cultural connections between the two countries, noting that his ancestral roots trace back to Sierra Leone’s Maroon heritage. He described Sierra Leone as his “second home” and expressed optimism about expanding cooperation in tourism, culture and investment.

Angola’s Ambassador, Dr. Eustáquio Januário Quibato, identified agriculture, mining and technical cooperation as priority sectors for enhanced collaboration between Angola and Sierra Leone, while thanking President Bio for accepting his credentials.

In his response, President Bio warmly welcomed the three diplomats on behalf of the Government and people of Sierra Leone and assured them of his administration’s full support throughout their diplomatic assignments.

Addressing Nigeria’s High Commissioner, President Bio described Nigeria as one of Sierra Leone’s closest and most dependable partners, paying tribute to the country’s historic contribution to restoring peace during Sierra Leone’s civil war through the ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG).

He expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s continued support and requested that his warm regards be conveyed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. President Bio also expressed his desire to strengthen cooperation in security, democracy, good governance, regional integration, trade and economic development.

Welcoming Jamaica’s High Commissioner, the President underscored the unique historical and cultural ties shared by both nations and encouraged greater collaboration in people-to-people exchanges, tourism, culture and investment.

While receiving Angola’s Ambassador, President Bio encouraged stronger partnerships in agriculture, mining, skills development and technical cooperation, describing those sectors as central to Sierra Leone’s national development agenda.

President Bio assured all three diplomats of his Government’s unwavering support, encouraging them to feel at home in Sierra Leone and to work closely with his administration in advancing mutually beneficial partnerships.

Meanwhile, Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to strengthening diplomatic relations with Sierra Leone following the presentation of Ayo Luther Ogbomode’s Letters of Credence.

According to a statement issued by Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the High Commissioner conveyed the goodwill of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and congratulated President Bio on assuming the Chairmanship of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The Ministry reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening the historic bonds of friendship and brotherhood between the two countries, noting their longstanding cooperation in regional peacekeeping, democratic governance, security, trade and economic development.

Nigeria also highlighted its continued support for regional stability and economic diplomacy, reaffirming its commitment to fostering stronger partnerships with African nations through enhanced political engagement, investment and regional cooperation.

The presentation of credentials by the three envoys reflects Sierra Leone’s continued efforts to deepen diplomatic engagement, expand strategic international partnerships and promote peace, economic growth and sustainable development through strengthened bilateral and regional cooperation.

Planning Ministry Deregisters 19 NGOs for Persistent Non-Compliance

Woman speaks at a UN event, holding a microphone at a podium with a United Nations banner in the background.

 

The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) has announced the deregistration and revocation of the registration certificates of 19 Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) operating in Sierra Leone over persistent non-compliance with the country’s NGO Policy Framework and other statutory requirements.

According to a Press Release dated 13 July 2026, the Ministry said the decision followed a comprehensive nationwide compliance verification exercise undertaken to assess the operational status of registered NGOs across Sierra Leone.

The Ministry stated that the assessment revealed that several organisations had failed to meet the minimum regulatory and operational standards required to maintain their legal status as registered NGOs.

MoPED explained that the affected organisations were deregistered on several grounds, including failure to maintain identifiable office premises as required under the NGO Policy, failure to report development interventions during the review period and failure to comply with mandatory statutory obligations and other applicable Government laws and regulatory requirements governing NGO operations.

The NGOs whose registration certificates have been revoked with immediate effect are:

  • 523 International Alliance for the Eradication of Malaria
  • Caravanes Solidaires
  • Friends International Inc.
  • Institute Mozdahir International
  • International Committee for the Protection of Human Rights and Freedom
  • Ada Living Hope Orphanage
  • Anti Bullying Initiative Worldwide
  • Lungi Women and Children Organisation
  • Needy Child Sierra Leone
  • New Life Community Baptist Church
  • Njawie Bengu Foundation
  • Agency for Integrated Development – Sierra Leone
  • Global Advocates for Children in Armed Conflicts, Inc. Sierra Leone Chapter
  • Club of Health Actors – Sierra Leone
  • Daughters Vocational Centre
  • Nana Dee Foundation
  • Public Service Life Foundation
  • Zion Ministries
  • Partnership Action for Community Empowerment (PACE)

The Ministry emphasized that the regulatory action is not intended to undermine the significant contributions made by compliant NGOs to Sierra Leone’s socio-economic development. Instead, it said the move is aimed at strengthening accountability, transparency and compliance within the NGO sector while safeguarding public confidence and ensuring that organisations operating in the country adhere to the legal and policy framework established by the Government.

The press release was signed by Usman C. Conteh, Acting Development Secretary, on behalf of the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development.

APC Opens Applications for Diaspora Region 6 Constituency and Chapter Elections

Left: red sunburst logo with the words 'All People's Congress'; right: man in a dark suit and red tie talking on a cellphone.

 

The All People’s Congress (APC) has officially opened applications for aspiring candidates seeking elective Constituency and Chapter positions in the party’s Diaspora Region 6 ahead of its forthcoming lower-level elections.

In a public notice dated 13 July 2026, the party’s National Secretariat announced that the Diaspora Region 6 Constituency and Chapter Elections will be held on Saturday, 1 August 2026.

According to the Secretariat, the application process is open to eligible party members who intend to contest various elective positions within the region. The party emphasized that the process is being conducted in line with the principles of transparency, inclusiveness and constitutional compliance.

The APC stated that candidates vying for the position of Constituency Chairman/Chapter President are required to pay a non-refundable nomination fee of Le600 (NLe600.00), while aspirants for all other Constituency and Chapter positions will pay Le300 (NLe300.00), in accordance with Article 35(b) of the party’s 2022 Constitution.

The Secretariat further reminded prospective candidates that eligibility is subject to strict compliance with Article 55(f) of the APC Constitution (2022), including the requirement to have fully paid all outstanding membership subscription fees and to satisfy every other constitutional qualification prescribed for candidature.

To facilitate a smooth application process, the party said it will publish a comprehensive tutorial video demonstrating the online application process, payment procedures, settlement of outstanding membership subscriptions where applicable and the successful submission of applications.

The APC urged all intending aspirants to carefully follow the published guidelines before completing and submitting their applications.

The party also announced that Thursday, 23 July 2026, has been set as the deadline for the submission of all candidature applications. It warned that no application, supporting documentation or related complaint submitted after the deadline will be accepted.

Following the close of nominations, the National Secretariat said it will verify all applications and review candidates’ constitutional compliance before submitting the final list of qualified aspirants to the Internal Elections Management Committee (IEMC) by Saturday, 25 July 2026, to facilitate the conduct of the elections.

The APC concluded by encouraging members across Diaspora Region 6 to participate responsibly throughout the process, reaffirming the party’s commitment to strengthening its internal democratic processes through unity, fairness and discipline.

The public notice was signed by the APC National Secretary General, Lansana Dumbuya, Esq.

ECOWAS Administration and Finance Committee Opens 39th Session in Freetown Ahead of Mid-Year Summit

Group of diverse professionals posing on steps at a formal conference, with a backdrop featuring logos and banners behind them.

 

The 39th Session of the ECOWAS Administration and Finance Committee (AFC) officially opened on Sunday, 12 July 2026, at the Bintumani International Conference Centre in Freetown, marking the commencement of the statutory meetings leading to the 2026 ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit.

The session brought together delegates from the twelve ECOWAS Member States to deliberate on key administrative, financial and institutional matters that are critical to the effective functioning of the regional bloc and the implementation of its programmes.

Officially declaring the session open, Chairman of the Administration and Finance Committee, Komba Momoh, welcomed delegates to Sierra Leone and expressed gratitude to President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, for his leadership in advancing regional integration and cooperation.

“I warmly welcome you all to Sierra Leone for the 39th Session of the Administration and Finance Committee. I extend my sincere appreciation to His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio for his outstanding leadership as Chairman of ECOWAS. I encourage all delegates to participate actively so that our deliberations will be productive and yield meaningful outcomes for the benefit of our Community,” Komba Momoh stated.

He underscored the pivotal role of the Administration and Finance Committee in promoting sound governance, financial accountability, institutional efficiency and prudent resource management within ECOWAS. He urged participants to address emerging administrative and financial challenges while developing practical recommendations that will strengthen the Community’s capacity to achieve its objectives.

Komba Momoh also commended the Government and people of Sierra Leone for the warm hospitality extended to delegates and expressed optimism that the meeting would generate recommendations to guide the deliberations of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers and the Authority of Heads of State and Government.

Speaking on behalf of the ECOWAS Commission, Vice President H.E. Damtien L. Tchintchibidja reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to deepening regional integration through effective financial management, institutional reforms and strengthened cooperation among Member States.

She called on Member States to intensify collaboration in addressing pressing regional challenges, including peace and security, climate change, youth unemployment and institutional resilience. According to her, stronger partnerships and coordinated action remain essential to achieving the goals outlined in the ECOWAS Vision.

The Administration and Finance Committee meeting is the first in a series of statutory engagements that will culminate in the ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit. During the summit, Heads of State and Government are expected to review policy recommendations, consider reports from various organs of the Community and adopt key decisions aimed at promoting regional integration, economic cooperation, peace, security and sustainable development across West Africa.

By hosting this year’s statutory meetings, Sierra Leone continues to strengthen its position as a key player in regional diplomacy under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio. The country is expected to receive hundreds of delegates, ministers, technical experts and development partners participating in the week-long ECOWAS engagements.

WANEP Supports Validation of AU Civil Society Early Warning Framework in Kenya

 

The West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) has participated in a high-level technical workshop aimed at validating the Civil Society Organisation (CSO) Early Warning Reporting Guidelines and the Conflict Prevention and Response Mechanism (CPRM) Framework, while also retraining the Economic Community Network (ECONET) and the Southern Africa Partnership for Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention (SAPPC) on Early Warning and Organizational Development Index (ODI) portals.

The workshop was held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 5 to 11 July 2026, bringing together representatives from the African Union Commission (AUC), the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), WANEP, SAPPC, ECONET, technical experts and Amband IT.

The meeting sought to validate the CSO Early Warning Reporting Guidelines and the CPRM Framework, improve interoperability among civil society, regional and continental early warning systems, assess the effectiveness of CSO-led Regional Early Warning Systems (REWS), and strengthen the technical capacity of partner organisations engaged in conflict prevention across Africa.

Participants highlighted the importance of regional civil society early warning systems in complementing, rather than duplicating, the African Union’s Continental Early Warning System (CEWS). They noted that nationally and regionally generated analyses provide valuable context-specific information that enhances continental early warning efforts and supports timely, coordinated responses to emerging conflicts.

During the week-long technical sessions, WANEP led several practical capacity-building activities, including presentations on the WANEP National Early Warning System (NEWS) and the responsibilities of NEWS Managers in conflict monitoring, data collection, analysis, reporting and preventive response. The sessions showcased WANEP’s experience in building effective civil society-led early warning mechanisms and demonstrated the organization’s contribution to regional peace and security initiatives.

WANEP also facilitated practical training on the Organizational Development Index (ODI) portals, enabling participants to effectively manage and utilize the newly developed digital platforms following their transfer to SAPPC and ECONET. The hands-on sessions were designed to enhance institutional efficiency and strengthen the use of technology in conflict prevention and organizational development.

The organization’s participation forms part of its broader engagement under the GIZ-funded Strengthening Multistakeholder Conflict Prevention Architectures in Africa Project, through which WANEP continues to support joint early warning analysis, system development and capacity building across Eastern, Southern and Central Africa.

The workshop concluded with renewed commitments from participating institutions to deepen collaboration, strengthen early warning systems and enhance conflict prevention mechanisms to promote sustainable peace and security across the African continent.

Vice President Inspects New International Conference Centre Ahead of ECOWAS Summit

Group of officials in safety vests and casual shirts talking outside a doorway during a site visit.

 

Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, on Sunday, 12 July 2026, inspected the newly completed President Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre in Lungi as preparations intensify for the 69th ECOWAS Summit of Heads of State and Government scheduled for 19 July 2026.

The Vice President was accompanied by senior Government officials during the inspection tour, which formed part of the Government’s final assessment of the facility’s readiness to host the high-level regional gathering.

Led by the project team, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh toured the Centre’s key facilities, including the main plenary hall, media centre, bilateral meeting rooms, VVIP lounges, exhibition spaces and other supporting infrastructure. The inspection focused on evaluating the operational readiness of the modern conference complex ahead of the arrival of regional leaders and delegates.

Speaking after the tour, the Vice President described the President Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre as more than just a physical structure, stating that it represents Sierra Leone’s ambition to strengthen its position in regional diplomacy and expand its capacity to host major international events.

He noted that the facility would create new opportunities for the country’s tourism, hospitality and business sectors while enhancing Sierra Leone’s profile as a destination for global conferences and high-level engagements.

Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh also commended the contractors, consultants, engineers and workers whose commitment and technical expertise made the successful completion of the landmark project possible. He praised their efforts in transforming the Government’s vision into a world-class facility capable of meeting international standards.

The Vice President expressed confidence that the conference centre would serve as a lasting national asset, promoting regional cooperation and supporting Sierra Leone’s long-term economic and diplomatic aspirations.

The President Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre is scheduled to be officially commissioned on 18 July 2026, one day before Sierra Leone hosts the ECOWAS Summit of Heads of State and Government. The facility is expected to play a central role in the summit and future international conferences, reinforcing the country’s growing reputation as a preferred venue for regional and global engagements.

President Bio Grants Clemency to Former President Koroma as ECOWAS Summit Gets Underway

Professional man in a dark navy suit and glasses sits at a desk in an office, with a flag in the background.
President Dr. Julius Maada Bio

 

As Sierra Leone hosts the ECOWAS Mid-Year Statutory Meetings for the first time in more than five decades, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio is reportedly considering a significant gesture of national reconciliation that could pave the way for former President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma’s return from Nigeria through a presidential pardon.

Former President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma has been residing in Abuja, Nigeria, since early 2024 after being granted medical leave while facing treason-related charges linked to the failed coup attempt of November 26, 2023.

Speculation surrounding a possible act of clemency intensified following President Bio’s recent town hall meeting in Makeni, the hometown and political stronghold of the former President. During the engagement with Paramount Chiefs, youth groups and residents, President Bio reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and national cohesion, urging Sierra Leoneans to “break the boundaries of tribalism.”

Sources close to the Presidency indicate that the Makeni engagement also provided an opportunity for the President to assess public sentiment regarding the future of the former Head of State.

Parliamentary sources further indicate that lawmakers are actively discussing the logistics surrounding Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma’s possible return, with a motion relating to his homecoming already tabled for consideration.

Although State House has not issued any official statement confirming plans for a presidential pardon or repatriation, senior Government insiders say President Bio has been quietly weighing the option for several weeks, well before preparations for the ECOWAS summit intensified.

Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara, legal counsel for former President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, has consistently advocated for a peaceful and diplomatic resolution to the matter.

“President Bio has demonstrated that he is inclusive, and his commitment to national unity has been unwavering,” a senior Government official said on condition of anonymity. “The President believes that bringing all Sierra Leoneans together, including former leaders, is essential for the country’s future.”

Meanwhile, the Government’s immediate focus remains the successful hosting of the ECOWAS Mid-Year Statutory Meetings, with President Bio serving as Chief Host for the regional gathering. The proceedings commenced on Sunday, July 12, at the Bintumani International Conference Centre with meetings of the Administration and Finance Committee.

The week-long programme of regional engagements will continue until July 19, culminating in the high-level Summit of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government. However, even as regional leaders deliberate on issues of peace, security and economic integration, domestic political attention remains centred on developments surrounding the legal and constitutional framework governing the possible return of the former President.

Political observers believe that any decision to grant clemency to Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma would represent one of the defining moments of President Bio’s presidency, signaling a commitment to reconciliation that rises above partisan politics and strengthens national unity.

Supporters of the move argue that allowing the former President to return home would serve as a powerful demonstration of statesmanship and reinforce Sierra Leone’s democratic values at a time when the nation is hosting one of West Africa’s most significant diplomatic gatherings.

With the ECOWAS summit now underway in Freetown, attention remains firmly fixed on President Bio as Sierra Leoneans await whether the spirit of regional cooperation and unity showcased during the summit will be accompanied by a landmark act of national reconciliation.

SLCAA Urges Compliance with Mandatory Health Declaration for International Travel

Woman in an orange safety vest speaks at a Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority briefing, with a public notice on the table.

 

The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) has reminded all international passengers travelling to and from Freetown International Airport that completion of the Sierra Leone Health Declaration and Travel Information Form remains mandatory.

In a public notice issued on 13 July 2026, the Authority stated that the requirement applies to all international travellers entering or departing Sierra Leone. The measure is intended to support national public health efforts while ensuring safe, secure and efficient air travel.

SLCAA advised passengers to complete the online Health Declaration Form between 24 and 72 hours before their scheduled departure or arrival in Sierra Leone. Travellers are required to submit the declaration through the official government portal at https://poep.npha.gov.sl.

According to the Authority, passengers who fail to complete the form before arriving at the airport may experience unnecessary delays during check-in, departure or arrival processing.

The Civil Aviation Authority also expressed appreciation to passengers and stakeholders for their continued cooperation in supporting national public health measures and maintaining smooth airport operations.

SLCAA encouraged all travellers to comply with the requirement to help facilitate a seamless travel experience through Freetown International Airport.

1xBet Wrapped Up Game On Promo in Sierra Leone: Winners Received iPhone 16 and Big Cash Prizes!

Four men in 1XBET shirts on a stage, receiving an award, with a blue backdrop and the headline '1XBET Honours Game on Winners in Sierra Leone'

 

Another exciting promo from the reliable brand rewarded players with valuable prizes and great bonuses. From April 1 to May 31, players in Sierra Leone took part in the Game On promo, receiving guaranteed weekly cashback of up to 20% and promo tickets for a huge draw. Winners got cash prizes of up to 11,500 SLE, while the grand prize was an iPhone 16.

To take part in the promo, players had to complete a few simple steps:

  • Register or log in to the 1xBet Sierra Leone platform
  • Click the “Take Part” button on the promo page
  • Place bets of 23 SLE or more on any sports events

Players earned promo tickets for placing bets. The more tickets a player collected, the higher their chances of winning the final prize draw.

The winners’ award ceremony took place in Freetown at Lumley-Aberdeen Beach, Beach Road. After the prize draw, the luckiest participants received the following cash prizes:

  • 11,500 SLE (3 winners)
  • 4,600 SLE (6 winners)
  • 2,300 SLE (8 winners)

Another 30 players received 100 bonus points each.

The luckiest participant, Chernor Bah, won the grand prize, an iPhone 16. As he received his brand-new smartphone, Chernor shared his thoughts on taking part in the promo:

“I want everyone to know that 1xBet is a very reliable brand. Every time they launch a promo, people really do win valuable prizes.”

“I saw an ad for the Game On promo on Facebook, clicked the link, and joined it. Then I placed a few bets in the 1xBet mobile app, and now I’m a winner,” Chernor said.

1xBet sl continues to run promos, prize draws, and offline events for local players. Follow 1xBet on social media to stay up to date with the

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