In a recent development, legal representatives for former President Ernest Bai Koroma have submitted an official request to the court, seeking permission for their client to travel to the Federal Republic of Nigeria on medical grounds.
The court is presently scrutinizing the authenticity of the claim put forth by Koroma’s legal team, evaluating the necessity of his proposed medical trip. Sources suggest that the legal proceedings are underway to determine the merit of the application.
According to insights from West African diplomats stationed in Freetown, the Sierra Leone Government has signaled a preliminary willingness to consider former President Koroma’s departure from the country for medical reasons. However, this approval hinges on the court’s decision regarding the application.
Notably, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, the President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), was in Freetown last week to finalize arrangements for Former President Koroma’s medical trip to Nigeria.
Judicial sources have indicated that the court is anticipated to deliver a ruling on the application later this week, providing clarity on whether or not the former President will be allowed to travel abroad for medical treatment.
It is essential to note that Former President Koroma is currently facing serious charges, having been formally accused of four counts, including treason, misprision of treason, and harboring. His second court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday, January 17, 2024. The unfolding legal proceedings continue to capture the attention of the public, as the former leader navigates a complex legal landscape amid health concerns.
In a Press Release dated January 16, 2024, Hon. Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray, the National Chairman of the All Peoples Congress (APC), revealed that the attention of the leadership of the All Peoples Congress (APC) Party has been drawn to information circulating on Social Media for a planned protest in support of some suspects of the alleged November 26 failed coup attempt.
He underscored that the APC wishes to inform its membership and the general public that it has called for no such protest and therefore is asking its membership, supporters and the general public not to get involved or participate in it.
The National Chairman pointed out how the public would recall that on the 27th of November 2023 the APC put out a statement in condemnation of the failed coup and pledged its full support and cooperation with law enforcement agencies during the investigations.
He said: “We are very much mindful of the fact that our former Chairman and Leader and our National Organizing Secretary have both been charged to court and other members of the party have also been associated with the coup”.
Hon. Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray also maintained that they want to assure the party’s membership that the leadership of the party is doing everything legally possible to ensure their former Chairman and Leader and the National Organizing Secretary are accorded fair trial and justice and their dignity and human rights are uphold.
He called on all their members and supporters to allow the judicial process to continue while the leadership continues with more meaningful ways of getting to the bottom of the matter at these trying times.
Hon. Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray appealed to all to be law-abiding and not take the law into their own hands by participating in a protest not sanctioned and organized by the party.
Earlier, on the 15th January, 2024, Hon. Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray, delivered a fervent plea for unity within the party amidst escalating internal challenges.
Expressing deep concern over a surge in factional attacks, indiscipline, and character assassination attempts, Hon. Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray emphasized the critical importance of unity in preserving the core fabric of the APC. He urged members to prioritize activities that strengthen the party’s institutional foundations, stressing the need to address issues that threaten its integrity.
Acknowledging the nation’s challenges under the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) Government, the National Chairman called on APC members to remain resolute in their commitment to democracy, good governance, and the rule of law. He called for a collective focus on providing the leadership needed to guide the nation through its current economic challenges.
Regarding allegations against prominent party figures, including former President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma and National Organizing Secretary Hon. Bai Mahmoud Bangura, Hon. Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray affirmed their innocence. He urged members to uphold high standards of integrity and discipline to preserve the party’s credibility.
The National Chairman expressed gratitude to various party organs, including the National Young Congress, Women’s Congress, Veterans, Elders’ Council, and the Disabled Wing, for their unwavering support. He acknowledged the contributions of APC members in the Diaspora, Councillors, Mayors, Chairpersons of Councils, and Members of Parliament, recognizing their dedication to the party’s cause.
Commending the bravery of the APC’s legal team in upholding justice and the rule of law, the National Chairman also appreciated the media team and bloggers for countering false narratives and disseminating accurate information.
In conclusion, Hon. Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray assured party members that the APC would overcome its challenges. He called for resilience, unity and the reconciliation of differences, emphasizing the significance of inclusivity within the party.
The Press Release concluded with a solemn declaration and a prayer for God’s blessings on the All Peoples Congress Party and the nation of Sierra Leone.
In a proactive effort to enhance media collaboration, Kandeh Sesay, the Managing Editor and Publisher of the Watch Newspaper, recently engaged in productive discussions with members of the Guild of Newspaper Editors in The Gambia and the Gambian Press Union.
Sesay’s five-day working visit, spanning from January 8th to January 13th, 2024, aimed at fostering cooperation and mutual understanding among journalists in both Sierra Leone and The Gambia.
Expressing optimism about the potential benefits of this collaboration, Sesay emphasized the importance of creating learning platforms for journalists in both countries. He believes that such partnerships will facilitate experience-sharing and bring about mutual advantages, particularly for those in the print media sector.
He also highlighted the challenges faced by print media journalists, emphasizing the difficulty in accessing printing materials for newspaper production and the artificial scarcity exacerbating the situation.
“I am positive that The Gambia Press Union and the Sierra Leone Guild of Newspaper Editors will be a force to reckon with should they accept to work together,” said Sesay, emphasizing the potential mutual benefits of this collaboration, including enhanced business cooperation in acquiring print materials and equipment.
During his visit, the Managing Editor held discussions with key stakeholders, including the Gambia Press Union, as well as the Management and Staff of the Standard Newspaper and the Point Newspaper in Serrekunda, Ihe Gambia.
In his meeting with Modou S. Joof, the Secretary-General of GPU, Sesay learned about the successes and challenges facing the Gambian media. Joof highlighted the presence of restrictive laws that have not been repealed but commended the current Government for not incarcerating any journalist since assuming power. Joof also discussed the Gambia Press Union’s efforts in providing training for its members, particularly in fact-checking, misinformation and disinformation.
In another engagement, Kandeh Sesay spoke with Musa .S. Sheriff, the Managing Editor of the Voice Newspaper, who praised the initiative for fostering information sharing. Sheriff commended the Managing Editor of the Watch Newspaper for taking steps to cultivate mutual understanding between Gambian and Sierra Leonean journalists.
Sesay’s visit serves as a testament to the growing importance of international media cooperation and collaboration in addressing common challenges and promoting a more robust and united journalistic community.
The National Grand Coalition (NGC) has raised serious concerns over the alleged involvement of Dr. Abass Bundu, the Speaker of Parliament, in aiding and abetting corruption within the Sierra Leone Parliament. In a Press Release dated January 14, 2024, and signed by Alhaji K Tarawally, the Ag. Deputy Secretary-General of the NGC, the party expressed dismay at the perceived lack of action by Dr. Bundu in response to corruption allegations against Paran Tarawally, the Clerk of Parliament.
The NGC accuses Dr. Abass Bundu of failing to take decisive disciplinary measures against Paran Tarawally, who is facing corruption charges brought forth by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The NGC finds it deeply troubling that, despite the severity of the allegations, the Parliament’s leadership has not taken concrete steps to address the issue, raising questions about the institution’s commitment to integrity, accountability, and transparency.
This incident is not the first of its kind, as the NGC points to a previous occurrence in October 2020, where two parliamentary whistleblowers, Hon. Hindolo Moiwo Gevao and Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, were suspended from Parliamentary Committee Proceedings after raising concerns about corruption within Parliament during interviews with the BBC and Radio Democracy. The NGC argues that these actions and inactions reveal a systemic problem within the Sierra Leone Parliament, where those reporting corruption are penalized, while wrongdoers seemingly escape accountability.
The NGC calls on Dr. Abass Bundu to exhibit decisive leadership by initiating immediate, transparent, and impartial investigations into the corruption allegations against the Clerk of Parliament. The party emphasizes the importance of upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability within the legislative organ of government.
Furthermore, the NGC urges the Anti-Corruption Commission of Sierra Leone to reconsider its approach to corruption cases, advocating for a shift from treating such acts as civil offenses to classifying them as criminal offenses. The party argues that this change is necessary to ensure that individuals, irrespective of their connections or privileges, face appropriate punitive measures, including imprisonment, for their involvement in corruption.
In conclusion, the NGC emphasizes the need for a Parliament that encourages whistleblowers to come forward without fear of reprisal. The party asserts that a transparent and accountable Parliament is crucial for promoting democracy and good governance in Sierra Leone. The NGC reiterates its commitment to fostering a Sierra Leone where transparency, integrity, and accountability prevail across all levels of government, including the Parliament.
In a bid to champion the rights and active involvement of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the political and governance landscape of the Republic of Sierra Leone, the Welfare Society for the Disabled (WESOFOD) unveiled its groundbreaking project, generously funded by Trocaire, on Wednesday, January 10, 2024.
The launch ceremony took place at the Kambia District Council hall in Kambia town, where Joseph Alieu Kamara, the Executive Director of the Welfare Society for the Disabled in Sierra Leone, detailed the project’s objectives. The initiative aims to evaluate and enhance the capabilities of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities in Bombali, Kambia, and Port Loko districts. Its primary focus is to increase the enthusiasm and involvement of disabled individuals in leadership and decision-making roles at both the community and district levels. Additionally, the project seeks to bolster inclusive governance practices for the disabled at the community level.
Reflecting on the positive strides taken during and after the 2023 electoral activities, Kamara emphasized the need to advocate for the inclusion and participation of People with Disabilities in Sierra Leone. He called for unity among people with disabilities, highlighting that disunity and divisions only serve to deepen the challenges faced by the disabled community. Kamara expressed gratitude to Trocaire International for their financial support in funding the “Promoting the Inclusion and Participation of PWDs in Governance Project.”
Saa Lamin Kortequee, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for the Disabled, stressed that the inclusion of persons with disabilities in functional positions and decision-making processes should be a universal concern. He underscored the importance of planning, organizing, implementing, and supervising initiatives related to the disabled with their active involvement. Kortequie expressed dissatisfaction with the untimely release of meager subventions from the Ministry of Finance. Encouraging disabled persons to openly express interest in decision-making and governance, he urged them to leverage lobbying and appealing skills for inclusion.
Mr. Francis M. Kabia, the Director of Social Welfare in the Ministry of Social Welfare, outlined the ministry’s agenda for the inclusion, participation, and development of persons with disabilities in governance and decision-making processes. Kabia commended WESOFOD for aligning with the government’s agenda and emphasized the global significance of including the disabled in governance. He highlighted the government’s commitment to addressing socio-economic challenges faced by those with special needs and concluded by urging all stakeholders, both in the disability community and the government, to collaborate with WESOFOD for the radical implementation of disability inclusion at the community and national levels in Sierra Leone.
The CEO of Neeks Fashion, Ishmael Brima Koroma, has donated 100 books to his former school, Kankaylay Islamic Primary School, located in Kissy Mess Mess, Sierra Leone. The donation took place on 15th January 2024, as part of Koroma’s philanthropic efforts to support the less privileged both at home and abroad.
The “Adama Loves Akara” books were purchased from Vickie Remoe, a Sierra Leonean author and journalist, who writes about the culture, history, and identity of Sierra Leone. Koroma said that he chose Remoe’s books because they help the young students to learn more about their country and themselves.
“The idea of these donations is to help improve the kids’ reading skills and also motivate our fellow Sierra Leoneans to always help those who are in need, no matter how small. It can make a difference and also promote our Sierra Leonean authors who help us to tell our story that helps our younger generation to understand who we are,” Koroma informed.
Koroma, who is the founder and CEO of Neeks Fashion, a leading online fashion platform in Africa, said that he was inspired by his own experience as a student at Kankaylay Islamic Primary School. He said that he faced many challenges and hardships, but he never gave up on his dreams.
“The idea of these donations is to help improve the kids reading skills and also motivate our fellow Sierra Leoneans to always help those who are in need no matter how small it can make a difference and also to promote our Sierra Leone authors who helps us to tell our story that helps our younger generation to understand who we are.,” Koroma said.
The Principal of Kankaylay Islamic Primary School thanked Koroma for his generous donation and said that the books will be a valuable resource for the students and the teachers.
The students of Kankaylay Islamic Primary School also expressed their excitement and gratitude for the books. They said that they are eager to read them and learn more about their country and their culture.
Ishmael Brima Koroma, who arrived in December is currently in the country in an ongoing process to establish the Neeks Fashion brand in Sierra Leone where he will be able to employ young Sierra Leoneans. He is also planning to host one of the biggest fashion shows in the country blending the western and African traditional costumes.
Born in Freetown, Ishmael Brima Koroma is a Sierra Leonean entrepreneur, philanthropist, CEO and FOUNDER of Neeks fashion, an emerging fashion brand. Ishmael Brima Koroma grew up in Sierra Leone, He did his primary education at the Kankaylay Islamic Primary school and later moved to the Sierra Leone Muslim Congress Boys Senior Secondary School Kissy Mess Mess where he did his Secondary School Education.
In a disappointing turn of events, local contractors are expressing frustration over unmet promises by the Government to settle substantial domestic arrears owed to them before the end of December 2023. Hopes were high among contractors, but these were dashed when they encountered a series of excuses from senior officials in the Ministry of Finance, including Minister Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura.
Initially, contractors were informed that a US$65 million grant from the World Bank aimed at supporting the Government’s macroeconomic stability would be disbursed, with a portion allocated for contractor payments. However, this disbursement did not materialize as expected. On December 21, 2023, the World Bank released the funds through the Bank of Sierra Leone, instructing contractors to await payments until civil and public servant salaries for December had been processed.
Subsequently, contractors were informed that Minister Bangura had ceased office attendance due to personal reasons. In the first week of January 2024, they were further informed that State House approval was required before any disbursements could occur.
As the Ministry of Finance seemingly runs out of justifications, local contractors find themselves dodged, prompting some to avoid their offices amid fears of potential altercations with disgruntled suppliers and workers. The repercussions of delayed or absent payments extend beyond individual contractors, adversely affecting the execution of vital government projects in areas such as water, agriculture, energy, health, and roads.
The suspension of these projects in various provinces is a direct consequence of the Ministry’s failure to promptly disburse funds. Of particular concern is the jeopardy posed to President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s ambitious Big 5 development agenda, which includes initiatives like Feed Salone. The success of these key projects hinges on timely financial support, which the Ministry’s delays threaten to undermine.
A retired senior civil servant from the Ministry of Development issued a stern warning, urging the Ministry of Finance to cease obstructing local contractors and facilitate the timely disbursement of funds crucial for major government development projects.
Efforts to reach senior officials in the Ministry of Finance over the weekend proved futile, leaving the situation unresolved. Investigations into the matter are ongoing, highlighting the pressing need for transparency and accountability in financial dealings affecting critical national initiatives.
In a landmark move, the Republic of Sierra Leone formally sealed the 2024/1445 Hajj Agreement with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Thursday, January 11, 2024. This significant accord was signed by Alhaji Murtada Sesay, the Chairman of the Sierra Leone Presidential Taskforce on Hajj, during a bilateral meeting with Saudi Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Abdulfattah bin Sulaiman Mashat. The occasion took place on the sidelines of the culminating day of the 3rd Edition of the Annual Hajj and Umrah Exhibition & Conference held at the Superdome in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The bilateral agreement sets forth a commitment from both nations to ensure precision in the 2024/1445 Hajj operations, emphasizing the timely execution of pre-Hajj, Hajj, and Umrah activities. Alhaji Murtada Sesay expressed the purpose of the Hajj agreement as enhancing the pilgrimage journey to Makkah, making it more seamless and accessible for Sierra Leonean pilgrims. He further detailed that the Presidential Taskforce on Hajj is diligently coordinating arrangements for flights, accommodation, transportation, and catering to guarantee the best hospitality for Sierra Leonean pilgrims during the sacred pilgrimage.
Mohamed Haji-Kella, the Deputy Minister of Social Welfare and a member of the Presidential Taskforce on Hajj, lauded the historical significance of the Hajj and Umrah Exhibition & Conference. He emphasized the recognition and credibility bestowed upon the event, particularly during the workshops and bilateral meetings in the Kingdom.
His Excellency Dr Ibrahim Jalloh, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and also a member of the Presidential Taskforce on Hajj, underscored the transformative impact of the just-concluded Hajj and Umrah Exhibition and Conference on the processes related to Hajj and Umrah. He assured collaborative efforts between the embassy and the Sierra Leone Presidential Taskforce on Hajj delegation to ensure the smooth and successful execution of the 2024 Hajj.
This year’s Hajj and Umrah Exhibition & Conference witnessed the participation of over 60 countries worldwide, marking a global congregation aimed at advancing the understanding and coordination of the sacred pilgrimages.
The body of Masiray Sei being taken away by health workersfor postmortem (December 2022). Credit: Jonathan Omaru T.V. Salone
By Alpha Kamara in Washington D.C. and Jonathan B. Omaru in Bonthe District
From Washington D.C. in the Sierra Leone diaspora and echoing through the Bonthe District in Sierra Leone, the call for justice is louder as a prominent FGM practitioner, Sowoh Sandy, is released amidst a legal tangle. The Forum Against Harmful Traditional Practices, represented by the unhappy rights activist, Senessie Amara, expresses deep concern over what appears to be a precisely arranged effort to free Sandy, who faced charges of manslaughter and other FGM-related offenses.
Sowoh Sandy, a 65-year-old FGM practitioner, was apprehended earlier in 2023 for charges including manslaughter, forceful initiation, harassment, and inflicting physical pain on Masiray Sei, a 21-year-old mother of two who tragically succumbed to the brutal practice. The grounds for Sandy’s release stem from a seemingly straightforward yet complex issue—the medical examiner’s use of the term ‘Clirodectomy,’ a non-existent word in the English vocabulary, rather than ‘clitoridectomy,’ the known term for the removal of the clitoris in parts or in whole.
Amidst his discontent, Amara insists, “We take exception to the ruling, and we will consult an attorney to appeal the case.” He questions the court’s singular focus on the language error while dismissing crucial elements in the medical report, including profuse bleeding, acute hemorrhage shock, biting of the tongue, and physical harm.
Story Background
Our investigations reveal a disturbing sequence of events leading to Masiray’s death. Abducted from her home in Nyandehun village, Bonthe district on December 18th, 2022, she was forcibly initiated into an FGM secret society the following day and died on December 20th. The subsequent discovery of the body at her family home prompted police involvement, exposing the complicity of FGM practitioners and the issuance of a dubious permit written in Arabic by a subordinate chief who has no authority to issue such.
The discharge of the case on October 29th by Magistrate Momoh Lansana underscores the contentious term in the medical report. The court records state, “The magistrate found the evidence inconsistent with the facts. Also, the medical examiner used the word ‘clirodectomy,’ which is not an English word and cannot be found in the English dictionary.”
FGM Activist Senessie Amara talking to T.V. Salone in Nyandehun village, Bonthe District, Sierra Leone (October 2023). Photo credit: Jonathan Omaru.
Activists suspect a deliberate ploy to manipulate justice, contending that the use of the incorrect term, ‘clirodectomy,’ may have been intentional to appease the influential FGM practitioners in the district and avoid a public outcry.
Amid planning an appeal, activists grapple with the repercussions of the language error—’clirodectomy’ versus ‘clitoridectomy’—and its hidden implications in a significant FGM-related death in the president’s home district.
The plight of the two kids left behind by the deceased.
As the family seeks justice, Isatu Sesay, the mother of the deceased, emphasizes the need for support for the two orphaned children left behind.
“As you support our quest for justice, kindly remember that the deceased left two daughters behind. It is crucial to ensure that they do not endure unnecessary hardship. They require food, shelter, clothing, and educational assistance. It is essential for them to be able to share the story of the impact of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in their lives. Your kindness to their needs is sincerely appreciated,” highlighted Isatu Sei, the mother of the deceased, in an interview with our reporter.
Isatu Sei, mother of the deceased angry for justice, (October 2023) Photo Credit: Jonathan Omaru, TV Salone.
The complexity of FGM in Sierra Leone eats deep.
Sierra Leone has one the highest FGM prevalence rates in Africa, with 83% of women and girls aged between 15 and 49 years having undergone the procedure according to the 2019 Demographic Health Survey conducted by UNFPA UNFPA-SIERRA LEONE FGM PREVALENCE.
Although Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Fatima Bio, is widely acclaimed as a global advocate for the rights of girls and women, it is noteworthy that the practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) remains legal in the country. There are varying perspectives within communities regarding the initiation of girls, with some advocating for adherence to the legal age of consent, set at 18. Conversely, other communities propose involving medical practitioners in the cutting process as a measure to mitigate the inherent risks associated with this practice.
Certain activists are advocating for a bloodless initiation regarding Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), promoting a version of the practice that abstains from cutting the clitoris. Their aim is to uphold and preserve the cultural aspects associated with FGM while eliminating the physical cutting involved in the traditional procedure.
This story is produced with support from UNFPA and African Union Ending FGM in Africa Campaign.
The Executive Committee of the Northwest Region Football Association, on Friday, the 12th of January 2024, has appointed Hon. Rachel Racheal Sesay Pessima as the Ambassador for Female Football in the Northwest Region.
The Chairman of the North-West Region Football Association, Abdul O. Turay, intimated that the momentous appointment of Hon. Amb. Racheal Mariatu Sesay Pessima was a testament to her immense dedication and passion for sports, particularly women’s football.
Throughout her career, the Regional Chairman confessed that Hon. Racheal Mariatu Sesay Pessima had consistently displayed strong equality and empowerment of women through sports. He added that Hon. Amb. Racheal Mariatu Sesay Pessima had made tireless and exceptional contributions that had significantly impacted the development of both male and female football in the region and had served as an inspiration for aspiring footballers.
With her new role as Ambassador, the Regional Chairman intimated that Hon. Amb. Racheal Mariatu Sesay Pessima would undoubtedly continue to enhance the visibility and growth of women’s football, paving the way for a brighter and more inclusive future in football.
‘’I bring you greetings from the Northwest Region Football Association Executive Committee and to bestow you the appointment as NORTHWEST REGION FOOTBALL AMBASSADOR. Your continued football support has added value to it, especially the recently funded Inter Chiefdom Le 50,000 gala organized by the Port Loko District Football Association. It has also helped to consolidate unity in the district, and we greatly appreciate such intervention,’’ he said.
He also furthered that the Executive Committee had dedicated this year’s Region Female League in honor of her to showcase their appreciation for her laudable effort to promote football in the region. He added that Twelve (12) female teams had consented to play while their expectation was Eighteen (18) to participate in the Ambassador Racheal Pessima Female Competition organized by the Northwest Region Football Association. He said matches would be played at Karene, Port Loko, and Kambia Districts, with 14 playing venues across the Region.
‘As we anticipate your support, we pray for Allah to provide you with more opportunities in life,’ he concluded.
In her statement of appreciation, the newly appointed Ambassador of the Northwest Female Football expressed tremendous elation for the recognition and appointment. She said she never saw this coming as she supported football in the District to engage the youth. Hon. Amb. Racheal Mariatu Sesay Pessima also intimated this medium that her just concluded Fifty Thousand Inter-Chiefdom Unity Trophy was to promote peace and unity in the District and also to engage the youth of Port Loko District productively. She appreciated the North-West Region Football Association Executive for their thoughtful consideration and assured the Northwest Region Football Executive that she would fully support football in Port Loko District and the region.
