Home Blog Page 439

SLAJ Cautions Journalists Amid Tightened Security

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In an incident on Friday, December 8, 2023, two foreign journalists alongside a local journalist, whose identities have been withheld, were detained by security officials in the Central Business District. The journalists were questioned at the Cyber Unit of Sierra Leone’s Criminal Investigations Department for capturing images and footage of security personnel in action within a public space without prior authorization. Their equipment, including cameras, SD cards, and a smartphone, was confiscated temporarily before their release with instructions to report the following day.

Responding to this event, the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) issued a cautionary statement on Monday, December 11, 2023. They emphasized the need for journalists to exercise vigilance amidst the current heightened state of security across the nation. Foreign journalists were specifically advised to engage with appropriate authorities before reporting from Sierra Leone, respecting the laws and regulations governing their work within the country’s borders.

Furthermore, SLAJ urged journalists to maintain professionalism while covering the investigations related to the attempted coup on November 26, 2023. The association called for support towards the security sector’s efforts in upholding law and order, emphasizing the role of journalists in preserving the country’s peace and stability.

In parallel, SLAJ appealed to the security sector to acknowledge and respect the media’s role in disseminating accurate and factual information to the public. The association stressed the imperative of ensuring journalists’ safety and security at all times.

SLAJ commended the Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE) for its transparency in managing governmental information, especially concerning state security and governance.

President Ahmed Sahid Nasralla reiterated the need for journalists to prioritize their safety and avoid disseminating unverified information amidst the ongoing security situation. He urged citizens to critically evaluate the information they receive, staying vigilant against disinformation and fake news. Nasralla emphasized the importance of collective efforts in safeguarding civil liberties, freedoms, and the nation’s democratic integrity.

Meanwhile, SLAJ reaffirmed its strong condemnation of the recent attempted coup while commending state security for safeguarding the country’s democratic progress. The association also called for a fair and transparent investigation into all individuals allegedly involved in the attempted coup.

Finally, SLAJ extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased security personnel, honoring their sacrifice in defending the nation’s constitution, peace, and stability, wishing for their souls to rest in peace.

Legal Link Celebrates 5th Anniversary and Human Rights Day

By Millicent Senava Mannah

The Christian Lawyers Centre, known as Legal Link, marked a significant milestone on Monday, December 11th, 2023, with a momentous press Conference commemorating International Human Rights Day, the launch of its 2023 Annual Report and the celebration of its 5th anniversary. The organization has been steadfast in defending the rights of religious communities and vulnerable groups in Sierra Leone.

International Human Rights Day is a globally recognized occasion that honors the proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations General Assembly—an instrumental document in advocating for human rights worldwide.

Legal Link, a staunch proponent of human rights, has consistently aligned itself with the United Nations in commemorating this day since its establishment.

During the Press Conference, Rashid Dumbuya Esq, the Executive Director of Legal Link, highlighted that the organization was officially founded on December 10th, 2018, coinciding with International Human Rights Day—a synchronicity that underscores the commitment of Legal Link to human rights advocacy.

Dumbuya further underscored Legal Link’s evolution into a household name in Sierra Leone over its five-year existence, garnering accolades and significant achievements in its pursuit of justice.

The event showcased an overview presentation of Legal Link’s 5th Annual Report, focusing on defending religious communities and vulnerable groups in Sierra Leone. The report encapsulated comprehensive insights into Legal Link’s identity, detailed impactful activities undertaken, acknowledgments of partners, challenges faced, and recommendations for reforms directed at key stakeholders.

Attendees, including media representatives, Legal Link’s staff, interns, and volunteers, congregated at the organization’s office for the momentous occasion.

Expressing gratitude to attendees, Dumbuya reiterated Legal Link’s unwavering commitment to serving humanity, especially the vulnerable, and attributed the organization’s success to divine grace.

In a bid to extend assistance, Dumbuya urged journalists to reach out to Legal Link for legal support when confronted with legal challenges.

The conference culminated in a celebratory atmosphere as refreshments were offered to all participants. The full report, following printing, will be made available to the public.

The commemoration of International Human Rights Day and Legal Link’s 5th anniversary serves as a testament to the organization’s relentless dedication to upholding human rights and advocating for the marginalized in Sierra Leone.

COP Concludes 16 Days of Activism with Engagement in Kossoh Town

By Millicent Senava Mannah

The Community of Practice (COP), with support from Irish Aid, climaxed 16 Days of Activism on Gender Based Violence by organizing a Community Stakeholder Engagement, which was geared towards influencing the interests of stakeholders towards the elimination of all forms of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) against women and girls during an event that took place at the Kossoh Town Community Hall situated within the Western Rural District.

Giving an overview of the engagement, the Secretary General of the aforementioned organization, Maseray Koroma, pointed out how Gender Based Violence could be sexual, physical, emotional, physiological and economic adding that any could be perpetrated by intimate partners, family members and community residents against a person or group of persons who then become the victim(s).

She intimated that women have the right to say no to sex and men must respect that decision further underscoring that men should be the supporting and protective pillars to their wives and that violence should not be a culture.

Maseray Koroma encouraged stakeholders to effectively sensitize residents of their communities in relation to the dangers of SGBV stressing how there are penalties against perpetrators of such violent acts.

The Outreach Team Lead and Executive Director of COME-SL, Alpha Barrie, explained the importance of the 16 Days of Activism revealing how they are specific days set aside to promote the rights of everyone, more especially women and girls who are the most vulnerable and to raise their voices against any harmful practices against them.

Chairlady of Kossoh Town Market, on her part, pointed out that violence is not only happening to women and girls saying boys should not be forgotten as they are sometimes abused by those they refer to as Sugar Mammies also revealing that violence against women and girls is more prevalent but men and boys too suffer from it in silence.

Lansana Bunduka, Administrative Officer of Comfort High School in Kossoh Town, disclosed how violence do occur in schools , underscoring that children are sometimes molested by teachers when they fail to answer questions or refuse to be subjected to inappropriate acts  maintaining how such results to low participation in class /school  work.

He continued that children always want to learn how it looks to be violent especially when they experience and witness violence at childhood stage. “We must choose what we say in the presence and how we treat them in co-educational institutions,” he cautioned.

Sia Fatmata Deen, another member of the community, commended the organization for such an engagement and pointed out the different forms of violence that occur and how they affect women and girls in their communities.

According to her, domestic violence and sexual violence are the most common among them and that women are mostly the victims of such.

IGR Presents Lucid Motives Behind November 26 Failed Coup Attempt & Proffers Recommendations

By Millicent Senava Mannah

The Institute of Governance Reform (IGR) launched a Report, on Monday 11th December, 2023 titled:  “The Violence Entrepreneurs, Understanding the Actors and Incentives Behind the November 26 Failed Coup” at the institution’s Conference Room on Spur Road in Freetown.

Speaking during the launch, the Executive Director intimated that it is still unclear why gunmen attacked an armoury at Wilberforce Barracks on the 26th of November 2023 carting away an unknown quantity of heavy weapons and break into the main Correctional Centre on Pademba Road in Freetown releasing hundreds of prisoners.

“The 182 state security personnel reportedly killed by the gunmen add to a host of serving officers lost in the West African nation that has been tormented by incidences of violence in the last four years,” he bemoaned.

Lavalie maintained that the Sierra Leone public, including a joint parliamentary session of the opposition APC and ruling SLPP, have roundly condemned the latest incidence of violence. He continued that the  President Bio has officially declared the event as a failed coup and the Police are investigating the matter and have made several arrests even inviting former President Ernest Bai Koroma for interrogation relating to the coup.

According to him there have been a bevy of mixed interpretations among commentators and interest groups, given the lack of disclosure about their motive. He stated that for some, the failed coup is motivated by economic hardship, and credibility issues with the June 24th election, and echoes a trend of coups in Africa (Mayeni Jones on BBC 28th November 2023).

He furthered that for others it is either a symptom of a deeper political division that leaves the nation in urgent need of political dialogue and reconciliation or is part of a chain of violent disturbances promoted by anti-democratic forces unsatisfied with the change of Government since 2018.

The IGR Boss said it must be noted that, the report dives beneath the various superficial interpretations of 26 November and goes one step further by attempting to unravel the background of the alleged suspects as a way to provide useful insights on the potential motives behind the coup and the possible entry points to building sustainable peace in Sierra Leone.

“We argue that although individual political party members might be named as suspects, there is no evidence that the 26 November incident was carried out by a political party, ethnic or regional grouping. Rather, we believe the event was merely an attempt by known ‘violence entrepreneurs’ who wanted to capture the State in ways similar to 1997 – for their self-regarding ends,” Andrew Lavalie postulated.

He further stated that political party sentiments, ethnicity, and economic hardship are simply tools exploited to gain public support for their cause; shielding their real desire to control and loot the State.

The Executive Director recommended that the government, in the immediate term must maintain professionalism in prosecuting and punishing individuals behind the violent crime in line with the rule of law, constitutional principles, and human rights standards and  not to target any political party.

“In the medium to longer term promote greater reform of the security sector through rapid recruitment of personnel and providing training in ethics, inclusivity, and professionalism to the current serving men and women,” he stated.

He further recommended that political party leaders should reflect on their loss of image and leadership when they create space for ‘violence entrepreneurs; develop platforms for engaging and mobilizing voters on policy proposals; resist the use of violence and division as a political mobilization strategy; and begin to support the actions of the State to hold ‘violence entrepreneurs’ to account.

Andrew Lavalie also called on the International Community to recognize the reality of politics-veiled crime and begin to respond to crimes perpetuated by individuals rather than political parties and to support the capacity of the State to hold ‘violence entrepreneurs’ to account.

He concluded that Civil Society and the Media should recognize that they themselves can be instruments of polarization and hate, use their resources to develop and rollout public education campaigns , use online media to engage the Sierra Leone Diaspora and local groups on building movements for peace.

Abuja Hosts 6th ECOWAS Session , Leaders Unite to Protect Democracy

In a concerted effort to fortify democratic principles and curb unconstitutional power shifts across West Africa, His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio joined fellow Heads of State and Government at the 64th Ordinary Session of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Abuja.

The summit, a cornerstone for advocating good governance, commenced by highlighting strides made in solidifying democratic values. However, recent challenges such as the thwarted coup in Sierra Leone and upheavals in Guinea Bissau were cited as imminent threats to regional stability.

The leaders unanimously voiced their determination to halt military takeovers, recognizing the peril these actions pose to the hard-earned democratic foundations meticulously laid over the years.

Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, applauded strides made by regional leaders in democratic consolidation while unequivocally condemning the failed coup in Freetown and the turmoil in Bissau. He emphasized the regional body’s unwavering commitment to defending democracy at any cost.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria, also chairing the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State, welcomed his counterparts, reaffirming the bloc’s resolute stance against military coups. He assured President Bio of Sierra Leone of ECOWAS’s unwavering support, emphasizing the region’s collective dedication to safeguarding democracy and promoting effective governance.

Recalling the recent failed coup on November 26, President Tinubu reiterated ECOWAS’s solidarity with President Bio and the people of Sierra Leone. A high-level delegation was dispatched to Freetown to articulate the bloc’s position and assure unwavering support for President Bio’s administration.

The summit underscored a unified determination among ECOWAS leaders to uphold democratic norms, signaling a resolute front against any threat posed to the region’s democratic fabric.

Bai Bureh Service Delivery Awards 2023 Honours 50 Service Delivery Champions at 6th Ceremony

The Bai Bureh Service Delivery Awards, an esteemed initiative of the Bureh Heritage Foundation, reached its pinnacle at the 6th Edition as it recognized and honored 50 Outstanding Service Delivery Champions from Sierra Leone’s private and public sectors.

This annual event, held on December 9th, was a testament to the remarkable commitment and unwavering leadership of these individuals and institutions in propelling impactful development across various domains within the nation.

In a groundbreaking collaboration, the 6th Edition of these prestigious awards was made possible through a strategic partnership involving the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Leone Rock Metal Group, Kambia District Council, Port Loko District Council, Kambia District Development and Rehabilitation Organization (KADDRO), Fruitful Healthcare Sierra Leone, Safe Water for Sierra Leone, and Amazonian Initiative Movement Sierra Leone.

Together, these entities joined forces with the Bai Bureh Heritage Foundation to celebrate and acknowledge exemplary dedication and commitment in driving significant development and welfare enhancements.

The event drew the participation of distinguished personalities including Christian M. Kamara, Board Chairman of the Sierra Leone Association of Non-governmental Organizations;  Sheku Tejan Saccoh, Chairman of the Port Loko District Council;  Mohamed Abdul Mansarico Mansaray, Chairman of the Kambia District Council;  Mohamed Sallieu Bangura, Executive Director of KADDRO Sierra Leone; Her Worship Aminata Jah, Deputy Mayor of Port Loko City Council;  Ibrahim Santigie Bangura, Former Chairman of the Port Loko District Council; Loida E Fegoria, Project Director of Safe Water for Sierra Leone; Mr. Bundu, Community Liaison Officer of Leone Rock Metal Group and Prof. Briama Gogra, DVC Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology Port Loko campus.

The selection process for the Service Delivery Champions underwent rigorous evaluation by a panel of esteemed Judges who meticulously assessed nominees based on their demonstrated impact, innovation, and sustainability in service delivery initiatives.

The 50 champions recognized represent a diverse spectrum of sectors including health, education, infrastructure, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and social services. Their exceptional efforts and significant milestones have made them stand out in their respective fields, embodying the spirit of dedication and progress.

During the ceremony, each Champion was presented with a prestigious Award and a Certificate of Merit, acknowledging their substantial contributions towards enhancing service delivery and positively impacting lives within their communities. This recognition served as a testament to their dedication and role as catalysts for societal development and national transformation.

Ambassador Unisa Fofanah (Totti), the lead host, emphasized that the unwavering commitment of the awardees to service delivery makes them exemplary role models and crucial agents for development within the nation.

The Bai Bureh Heritage Foundation and its partners reiterated their commitment to fostering collaboration, supporting sustainable initiatives, and recognizing individuals and organizations driving impactful change. Initiatives like the Bai Bureh Service Delivery Awards aim to inspire continuous pursuit of excellence in service delivery and community development annually.

The ceremony, adorned with a red-carpet welcome, interviews, a closing prayer, vote of thanks, and photo sessions, culminated with profound gratitude to all supporters and partners for ensuring the successful execution of the 6th Edition. Special appreciation was extended to Pro-Max Photo Studio for their photography services and B & B Catering Services for the delightful food served.

The Bai Bureh Heritage Foundation, expressing gratitude and looking forward to future collaborations, extends an invitation to an exciting 7th Edition of the Service Delivery Awards in 2024.

For media inquiries, please contact Amb. Unisa Fofanah, Executive Director at Bai Bureh Heritage Foundation: +23230087623 /  +23234391577 / +23279070999 or via email at bbhf1808@gmail.com.

80 Suspects, Including Former President, Under Investigation for Alleged Coup Attempt

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In a remarkable turn of events, Sierra Leone police Inspector General William Fayia Sellu, has officially declared former president Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma a suspect in a failed coup plot. Sellu made the announcement during a press conference at the Ministry of Information and Civic Education on Tuesday, December 12, 2023.

In an unexpected twist, Koroma’s daughter, Madam Danke Koroma, currently residing in London, was also labelled a wanted suspect in the alleged plot. According to Inspector General Sellu, she is among the 80 individuals presently under investigation.

The investigation encompasses an extensive array of individuals, including 50 currently serving military officers, 5 dismissed military officers, 7 active Sierra Leone Police personnel, 1 retired senior police officer, 15 civilians, 1 Correctional Service personnel, and the former President. Except for Koroma, who is under strict house arrest due to his former presidential status, all other suspects are currently detained at the Criminal Investigations Department in Freetown.

In addition to the detained suspects, Sellu revealed that all serving personnel implicated in the alleged coup have been dismissed and are now awaiting criminal prosecution. He also indicated that 68 out of the current 80 suspects had given statements, which have been forwarded to the Office of the Attorney General given the substantial evidence obtained so far.

In response to queries regarding the timeline for Koroma’s investigation, Sellu stated, “The investigation of former President Koroma will last as long as they get to the end of the investigation, which might take one or two weeks, as the case might be.”

As for the remaining 12 suspects, they are yet to be interrogated, cautioned, and interviewed. The police force is offering a cash reward of Le 50,000,000 (Fifty Million Old Leone) for useful information leading to the arrest of remaining assailants.

The Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chenor Bah, expressed gratitude to the public for their continued cooperation and urged all to prioritize the country’s interests. Despite public curiosity about the ongoing investigation and the timeline for prosecution, the police have been praised for maintaining the confidentiality of the process.

Immigration Officer Salieu Bah on The Run, Over False Coup Allegations

Salieu Bah
Salieu Bah

By Foday Moriba Conteh

A former officer of the Sierra Leone Immigration Department, Salieu Bah is on the run, has fled the country, citing fears for his life after being falsely implicated in the failed coup attempt of November 26, 2023, against the government of Sierra Leone.

According to information by this reporter, Bah who before his allegations was an employee of Sierra’s Leone Immigration was responsible for processing passports applications and verifying documentation for those alleged to be the coup plotters. However, he has found himself at the center of politically sensitive investigation that he claims is based solely on fabricated allegations.

“My job was purely administrative,” he told this publication. “I verified documents and processed applications. I had no authority to approve or deny passports, and I certainly had no knowledge of any political affiliations of the applicants.”

Following the coup attempt, the government launched a sweeping crackdown, arresting dozens of individuals, including civil servants. On December 4, 2023, the former officer received a summons from the Immigration Department to appear before the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) for questioning in a case described as a matter of “national security.”

He believes the summons was a prelude to wrongful arrest. “I started receiving threats and unannounced visits to my residence from security agents. I was told an arrest warrant had been issued against me. I had no involvement in any coup, yet I was being hunted.” Bah noted.

Prior to the November 26th coup, Bah was attending an international training course in abroad. Friends and family in Sierra Leone, witnessing the brutal arrests of other individuals alleged to be involved in the coup, which they urged Bah not to return home. “Their feared is being I would be detained, tortured, or forced to confess to something I know nothing about,” they said.

Report also confirmed that Bah apartment in Freetown was searched and ransacked by some individuals known to be SLPP loyalists and state security forces, manhandle his wife and daughters. “I was advised to stay away until the situation became clearer. If I had returned, I believe I would have been arrested and possibly subjected to torture or worse.” he stated.

Legal experts say the case may fall under the category of imputed political opinion, a recognized ground for asylum under international law. “When someone is persecuted based on perceived political alignment, even if that perception is false, it constitutes a serious human rights concern,” one expert noted.

The former officer says he has no faith in the justice system to provide a fair trial in politically sensitive cases, describing the process to be a state sponsored persecution. I am being targeted based on lies, and I fear for my life.”
As tensions remain high in Sierra Leone, the whereabouts of Bah remains unknown as well as his family as fears and panic forced them to abandon their original home.

ACC to Probe Ex-President Koroma

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In a landmark ruling, the Court of Appeal presided over by Honourable Justices Ivan Sesay, Alhaji Momoh-Jah Stevens and Adrian Fisher, unanimously dismissed the appeal lodged by former President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma against the Judge-led Commission of Inquiry (COI). The Court further mandated the Anti-Corruption Commission to conduct an investigation into allegations of abuse of office against the Ex-President.

The Judges’ verdict demanded that the appellant repay a total of USD 135,000.00 within seven days, representing the value of a land sale to Hilal Toufic Kange and Winners Chapel. This directive aims to cover the entire nursery land in question.

Additionally, the Court ruled that the former President bears the cost of Le. 300,000,000.00 for the appeal.

The Commissions of Inquiry, established by President Julius Maada Bio under Constitutional Instrument No. 64 of 2018, operated within the framework of Section 147 of the Constitution of Sierra Leone, Act No. 6 of 1991.

Justice William Annan Atuguba served as Chairman and Sole Commissioner entrusted with scrutinizing the assets and relevant affairs of officials who served in the previous administration from November 2007 to April 2018, aiming to ensure governance accountability and transparency in public offices.

After the submission of the COI report, the Government issued a white paper in September 2020, outlining the findings. Subsequently, former President Ernest Bai Koroma, discontented with the findings in the COI report and white paper, filed an appeal.

According to the Sole Commissioner’s findings, while there was no direct evidence of personal benefit, the former President was implicated in orchestrating a fraudulent compensation scheme involving the grant of a freehold estate to Alhaji Kemoh Sesay, an act constituting an abuse of Executive power.

Lead Lawyer Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara argued on behalf of the Appellant, relying on written submissions and referencing statutory and case law authorities in the four grounds of appeal.

In a detailed 19-page judgment, the Court of Appeal concluded that Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma had abused his office for personal gain and contravened national public procurement laws.

Following the ruling, J.F. Kamara Esq. announced intentions to appeal the judgment in the Supreme Court.

Ex-President Koroma Returns to CID for Further Questioning Today

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, in a statement on Saturday 9th December, 2023 revealed that former President of Sierra Leone, Ernest Bai Koroma, was granted bail on self-recognizance, with specific conditions set forth, following the end of questioning by the Sierra Leone Police at the Criminal Investigation Department in Freetown in relation to the November 26 failed attempted coup. According to him, the Ex-President’s questioning will continue today, Monday December 11, 2023.

The Minister furthered that under the bail conditions, President Koroma is required to remain within the confines of his property at Goderich, is allowed a restricted number of visiting guests of three from his family and three from his political party. He also divulged that the bail condition explicitly stated that the erstwhile President should not leave his house without the expressed permission of the Inspector General of Police adding that those conditions are to be applicable until the former President Koroma returns CID Headquarters for further probing on Monday at 11:00 am.

Interestingly, former President Ernest Bai Koroma on his Facebook page stated his return to his residence in Freetown after a morning visit to the Police.

Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara, commonly known as JFK , his Lead Lawyer or Attorney, unequivocally pointed out that the Statesman is not under house arrest as some may want to allude.

While there is an increased security presence around his residence and added caution on the traffic flow leading to it, however Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara has attributed such as measures emanating from decisions made by State Security, further emphasizing that the former President is not under any form of duress, saying the Police have implemented such measures to enhance the safety and security of the former President.

He assured that despite the circumstances, the former President remains committed to due process under the rule of law.

It would be recalled that in a surprising turn of events, the Sierra Leone Police on 7th December, 2023 summoned the former President of Sierra Leone, Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, to report to the headquarters of the Criminal Investigations Department in Freetown within 24 hours for questioning regarding the failed attempted coup on November 26, 2023.

1...438439440...1,360Page 439 of 1,360