High Commission of India Celebrates 78th Independence Day of India

August 16, 2024

The 78th Independence Day of India was celebrated by High Commission of India in Freetown on Thursday, 15 August 2024.

2. The celebrations commenced at Chancery premises with unfurling of the National Flag by Charge d’ Affaires a.i. Neeraj Kumar Saini, followed by singing of the National Anthem and reading of the Address of the President of India to the Nation. Brahmakumari Sisters enlighten the importance of climate change and spiritual meditation followed by patriotic cultural performances made by children of India diaspora.

3. The ceremony was attended by over 150 guests including Indian nationals, diaspora members and friends of India.

FOCAC Summit to Usher in New Era of China-Africa Collaboration, Says Chinese Ambassador

August 16, 2024

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Wang Qing, addressed a gathering at the “Face to Face with China” press reception held on Thursday, August 15, 2024, at the Chinese Embassy in Freetown. The event provided a platform for engaging with media representatives and friendship organizations, emphasizing the continued growth and cooperation between China and Sierra Leone.

In his remarks, Ambassador Wang underlined the significance of two major events impacting China’s development and its international relations, particularly with Africa. The first was the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) held in Beijing in July. He highlighted the session’s focus on reform and opening-up, which remain crucial to China’s economic progress and global standing. The Ambassador shared insights on the session’s roadmap, which introduced over 300 initiatives across key areas including democracy, rule of law, culture, and economic development. These reforms aim to boost institutional support, develop high-tech industries, and advance integration between traditional and digital economies.

Ambassador Wang also discussed China’s commitment to promoting high-standard international economic engagement by fostering a transparent and predictable business environment. He noted the reduction of market access restrictions, increased support for innovation, and greater openness across sectors such as telecommunications, education, and healthcare.

The Ambassador traced the roots of China’s reform and opening-up policy back to 1978, marking it as a transformative decision that lifted over 700 million people out of poverty and positioned China as a global economic powerhouse. With China’s continued push for reform in today’s challenging environment, he emphasized President Xi Jinping’s call for unwavering commitment to this strategy, highlighting its relevance for both China and the international community.

The second event discussed was the upcoming Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit, scheduled for early September in Beijing. Established in 2000, FOCAC has grown into a vital platform for China-Africa dialogue and cooperation. Ambassador Wang highlighted that China has been Africa’s largest trading partner since 2009, with trade between the two regions reaching $282 billion in 2023. He also emphasized the positive impact of China-Africa cooperation in areas like infrastructure, investment, and job creation, as well as mutual support during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Turning to Sierra Leone, the Ambassador noted that President Julius Maada Bio’s state visit to China earlier this year has deepened bilateral cooperation in agriculture, human capital development, and infrastructure. Projects such as the China-Aided Fish Harbour and the ongoing renovation of the National Stadium were cited as examples of strengthened ties. The Ambassador also revealed upcoming plans in technology and digital infrastructure, including discussions on the “Smart Sierra” initiative aimed at increasing internet coverage in rural areas.

Ambassador Wang reaffirmed China’s commitment to turning the shared vision of the two countries’ leaders into tangible benefits for both nations. He expressed optimism that the upcoming FOCAC Summit will further enhance China-Africa cooperation and reinforce a shared future of mutual development and prosperity.

Mines Ministry, NMA Hold 3-Day Retreat on Developing Sustainable Mining Framework

August 16, 2024

By Foday Moriba Conteh

As part of their aim towards establishing a robust and actionable framework to guide the sustainable development of Sierra Leone’s mining sector in order to align the growth of the mining industry with the country’s broader economic goals and international best practices, the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources, in collaboration with the National Mineral Agency (NMA) will today Friday 16^th August, 2014 conclude a three day retreat. The event themed: “Shaping the Future of Sierra Leone’s Mining Sector: Strategic Planning and Policy Development for Sustainable Growth,” commenced on Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at the Sierra Palm Resort at Aberdeen in Freetown.

In his remarks during the opening ceremony, the Director General of the National Mineral Agency, Ing. Alhaji Daboh emphasized the critical importance of Sierra Leone’s mineral sector, describing it as the nation’s “breadbasket.”

However, he acknowledged that the sector has not yet delivered the expected benefits to the citizens. He also expressed optimism about the current strategic planning and policy development efforts for sustainable growth, stating, “I am impressed and, above all, happy that the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources and the National Mineral Agency are committed to working together to achieve the goals set for this retreat. This collaborative approach puts us in an advantageous position. We’ve chosen a secluded environment for this retreat to minimize distractions and focus on our objectives.”

The Director General further highlighted that the ongoing three-day deliberation is crucial in addressing the challenges that have hindered the full potential of the mining sector. “The mining sector is the breadbasket of this nation, but the citizens have yet to see its true benefits. This retreat is a step toward changing that narrative,” DG Daboh remarked, praising the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources for his innovative leadership in initiating the retreat.

Alhaji M. Turay, Chairman of the National Mineral Agency Board, echoed these sentiments, noting that the event underscores their commitment to advancing the mineral sector. He acknowledged the sector’s significant contributions to national revenue and employment but emphasized that there is still much room for improvement. “While the mineral sector presents both challenges and opportunities, it is imperative that we create an environment conducive to attracting Foreign Direct Investments,” the Chairman stated.

He also highlighted the country’s vast resources, including diamonds, bauxite, iron ore, gold and the recently discovered nickel. “The National Mineral Agency is committed to enhancing our strategy, promoting transparency and efficiency as well as collaborating closely with all stakeholders to achieve our goals. This retreat is an opportunity to reflect on our progress, identify areas for improvement and chart a course for a prosperous mineral sector that can unlock the full potential of our resources and create lasting benefits for our nation and its people,” Alhaji Turay said.

He further acknowledged the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Julius D. Mattai, as the architect of the retreat, stating that his leadership would guide them toward success. Reflecting on the history of mining in Sierra Leone, he noted that despite the country’s abundance of world-class minerals, the sector has not contributed significantly to national development. “Our minerals have enriched other countries, including The Gambia, Ivory Coast, Liberia and even the United States, due to a lack of the correct strategy,” he lamented.

In his keynote address, Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Julius D. Mattai, emphasized that the three-day retreat aims to align the growth of Sierra Leone’s mining sector with national economic objectives and international best practices. He highlighted key goals, including enhancing governance, transparency and accountability, as well as promoting investment and innovation in mining operations.

The Minister noted that the retreat involves conducting a comprehensive assessment of the mining sector’s current state, engaging a broad spectrum of stakeholders in the strategic planning process and establishing clear targets and timelines for sustainable development. He described the retreat as a crucial step towards ensuring that Sierra Leone’s mining industry continues to contribute positively to the nation’s economy while upholding the highest standards of governance and sustainability.

He also underscored the collective responsibility of all participants to ensure the effective, efficient and transparent management of the mining sector. “With your passion, commitment and best abilities, we can properly manage the mining sector,” Julius Mattai stated. He further committed to addressing the sector’s challenges; including eliminating leakages and ensuring that funds disbursed to communities are utilized effectively.

Other stakeholders, including Ambassador Sahr Jonny, Board Chairman of MAB and Hon. Emmerson S. Lamina, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Mines and Mineral Resources, also delivered statements at the opening ceremony.

The ceremony featured presentations on various topics, including An Overview of the Development of the Strategic Plan for the Mines and Mineral sector by Peter K. Bangura, An Overview of the Development of Critical or Strategic Mineral Policy by Prince Cuffey and Dr. John D. Cooper and the Sierra Leone Mines & Mineral Policy by Alhaji S. Bah. These presentations were followed by group discussions and reporting sessions.

UN Secretary-General Lauds President Bio for Advancing Africa’s Representation in Global Governance

August 16, 2024

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has lauded the leadership of Sierra Leone’s President, Dr. Julius Maada Bio, in championing the call for reform of the United Nations Security Council, emphasizing the need for increased representation of Africa. In a bilateral meeting on Wednesday August 13, 2024 at the UN Headquarters in New York, António Guterres commended President Bio’s pivotal role in steering the debate on Security Council reform, acknowledging the historical injustices that have marginalized the continent for decades.

“I want to congratulate you on the extraordinary success in yesterday’s debate. Your role and voice have been instrumental, particularly in addressing the challenges in the Sahel, and we deeply appreciate your efforts,” he said. He reiterated his commitment to rectifying the underrepresentation of Africa on the Security Council, a stance he has consistently upheld.

President Bio expressed his gratitude to the Secretary-General for his unwavering support, while urging the international community to take concrete action on their commitments. He highlighted the worsening security situation in the Sahel region, underscoring the need for sustained global attention and intervention.

“We, as a continent, admire your steadfastness not only because you have stood by us, but also because you have consistently spoken out against the injustices in the current structure of the Security Council. I remain committed to promoting peace and stability in the Sahel region,” President Bio affirmed.

This meeting comes on the heels of President Bio’s address to the Security Council on August 12, where he leveraged Sierra Leone’s presidency to advocate for more seats for Africa on the Council. “The time for half-measures and incremental progress is over. Africa must be heard and its demands for justice and equity must be met,” he asserted during the session.

President Bio’s call for reform is part of a broader African initiative seeking to secure two permanent seats with veto power and additional non-permanent seats on the Council. This initiative reflects Africa’s growing clout on the global stage, with its 1.3 billion people and 54 nations representing a significant portion of the UN’s membership.

The push for reform has gained momentum ahead of the upcoming UN “Summit of the Future” and the annual General Assembly, where leaders from around the world are expected to discuss the future of international cooperation, including Security Council reform.

“We are certain that it is only a matter of time before Africa’s rightful place is recognized. The gatekeepers will find it increasingly difficult to deny us,” President Bio remarked at a news briefing, reinforcing his determination to see Africa’s voice amplified on the world’s most powerful decision-making body.

GIFT IFSC: Emerging as a preferred new age global financial centre

August 16, 2024

By Dr Dipesh Shah

The Governmnent of India implemented a major financial sector reform by establishing the country’s maiden International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) in GIFT City, Gujarat. The IFSC has been developed as a unique international financial jurisdiction within onshore India, which has been designated as a non-resident zone under the Foreign Exchange Management (FEM) Act. This special status enables financial transactions to be carried out in any of the notified fifteen foreign currencies, including USD, GBP, Euro and Yen.

The IFSC has been set up with two primary objectives namely:

a) Onshoring India-centric international financial services business, and,
b) Serve as a preferred gateway for channelising global capital flows into and out of the country.

Over the last few years, GIFT IFSC has made remarkable progress in positioning itself as a ‘New Age Global Financial Centre,’ providing an ideal platform for the global financial services industry to integrate more efficiently with the Indian economy. A key landmark in IFSC’s journey so far has been the establishment of the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) as a unified statutory body for the development and regulation of IFSCs in India.

Since October 2020, IFSCA has assumed its statutory powers and has notified over 29 regulations and more than 14 frameworks encompassing the entire spectrum of financial services, including – banking, capital markets, insurance, the fund industry, fintech, aircraft leasing, ship leasing, and global corporate treasury centers. The Government endeavours to develop GIFT IFSC as an internationally recognised financial centre with trusted business regulations, competitive tax regime and ease of doing business.

Today, the GIFT IFSC initiative is a testament to India’s firm resolve to undertake bold and transformative reforms in the financial sector. This ambitious project is envisaged to catalyse global capital flows into the country and accelerate the integration of the Indian economy with the global financial ecosystem. As of July 2024, more than 600 + entities across banks, capital markets, insurance, fintech, aircraft leasing, ship leasing, bullion exchange, etc. have been registered with the IFSCA. The financial service market is gaining momentum with healthy and growing participation of global and domestic financial services institutions. The business growth in some of the key sectors is highlighted below:

Banking Sector: The Banking ecosystem in GIFT IFSC is rapidly evolving with a healthy mix of foreign and domestic banks, primarily catering to the foreign currency borrowing requirements of Indian corporates and public sector enterprises through external commercial borrowing, trade finance, etc. Transactions under these heads, previously booked from overseas financial centres are now being booked out of GIFT IFSC. As of March 2024, the total asset size of IFSC Banking Units (IBUs) crossed USD 60 billion, and the cumulative value of transactions undertaken by IBUs crossed USD 795 billion.

Fund Industry: The growth of a robust fund industry in GIFT IFSC is has a transformative impact in catalysing global capital inflows into India, including for the start-up ecosystem. Previously, pooling of international capital for investments in India was structured through funds (private equity, venture capital, hedge funds, etc.) set up in offshore jurisdictions. Now, with enabling regulations, a competitive tax regime, and beneficial cost of operations, GIFT IFSC is emerging as a preferred jurisdiction for the pooling of global capital by foreign and Indian fund managers. In the last three years, there has been rapid growth in Fund Management Entities (FMEs) and Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) registered with IFSCA. The cumulative FMEs and funds registered rose from 39 and 33 in September 2022 to 114 and 120, respectively, in March 2024.

Aircraft Leasing: The aviation industry in India is on the cusp of unprecedented growth, with a strong order book of more than 1500 + aircraft placed by Indian airlines and a projected demand for over 2,200 aircraft by 2042. Currently, most aircraft operated by Indian airlines are leased from offshore lessors that have access to competitive capital costs. The aircraft leasing and financing business, the most profitable segment in the aviation value chain, was entirely residing in foreign jurisdictions. Recognising the immense potential of aircraft leasing and financing business, IFSCA introduced the enabling leasing framework, and the Government supported the endeavour by providing several tax incentives. In three years, green shoots have been visible in IFSC with more than 28 aircraft lessors already registered. These have leased more than 120 + aviation assets, including commercial aircraft, helicopters, aircraft engines and ground support equipment.

Foreign universities initiative: The IFSC, being an offshore jurisdiction is uniquely positioned to become an ‘International Higher Education Hub’ by attracting top-quality international universities which are keen on exploring India for its talent and demographic profile. IFSCA achieved a significant milestone in FY24 when Australia’s Deakin University became the first foreign university to be granted final registration for their International branch campus in GIFT IFSC under IFSCA (setting up and operation of international branch campus and offshore education centres) Regulation, 2022. University of Wollongong of Australia became the second foreign university to receive in-principal approval for their international branch campus in GIFT IFSC.

Global In-House Centres: Globally, information technology and digital practices have facilitated the cross-border flow of services such as – accounting, auditing, taxation, book-keeping and has fuelled the growth of Global In-House Centres (GIC). GIFT IFSC, is uniquely positioned to offer such services to global clients. A leading US institution, i.e. Bank of America has already set up a large GIC unit in GIFT IFSC, which is providing in-house support services to the bank’s global operations. Several other international firms are now looking at the GIC opportunity in GIFT IFSC.

In the future, GIFT IFSC is slated to play a significant role in achieving the vision of a developed India@2047.

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Dr. Dipesh Shah is Executive Director (Development) at International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA), GIFT City

The Global South and the Summit of the Future

August 16, 2024

By Ambassador (Retd.) Asoke Mukerji

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is scheduled to convene for a “Summit of the Future” in New York on 22-23 September 2024. The outcome of this meeting of world leaders will be the adoption of a “Pact for the Future”. During the past year, the details of the Pact have been discussed among the 193 UN member-states under the co-facilitation of Germany (representing the developed countries of the North) and Namibia (representing the developing countries of the South). The objective of the Pact is “to safeguard the future for present and coming generations”.

India’s approach towards the UN’s Summit of the Future was articulated by Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar in 2023. He emphasized the need to demonstrate “genuine solidarity” to generate “real trust” and integrate the “sentiment of the Global South” in preparing for the Summit. During the discussions in the UNGA in May 2024, India cautioned that if these essential elements were missing from the process, the Summit of the Future would become a “Summit of the Past”, condemning the United Nations “to a perilous vicious cycle of fading into irrelevance.”

The Global South consists of developing country member-states of the UNGA, many of them former colonies of European powers in 1945 who did not negotiate the UN Charter. Their membership of the United Nations began with the historic process of decolonization that began after India’s independence from British colonial rule in August 1947.

The Global South became a majority in the UNGA, propelled by the Decolonization Resolution of December 1960. The first visible expression of solidarity of the Global South in multilateralism was the successful adoption by a two-third majority vote of UNGA resolutions in December 1963 to amend the UN Charter. These amendments resulted in expanding the representation of the Global South in the UN Security Council (UNSC) that controls decisions on peace and security, and the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) that controls UNGA decision-making on socio-economic issues.

Since 1960, the process of consolidation and prioritization of Global South priorities has been marked by several negotiating landmarks in multilateral institutions. This was due to the solidarity and sentiment of the Global South, based on trust in the effective and equitable functioning of the interlinked post-war multilateral system.

Among the Global South’s achievements have been the creation of the non-aligned movement in September 1961 which today brings together 120 member-states in the UNGA; the establishment of the Group of 77 (or G-77) in 1964 which today represents 134 out of 193 member-states in the UNGA; the creation of the UN Development Programme (UNDP) by the UNGA in 1965; the adoption of the G-77 Charter of Algiers in 1967 calling for a New International Economic Order; the Decision on Differential and More Preferable Treatment (also known as the Enabling Clause) for developing countries in the GATT (precursor of the World Trade Organization) in 1979; the UNGA Declaration on the Right to Development (DRTD) as an inalienable human right in 1986; and the Common but Differentiated Responsibility (CBDR) provision of international law, codified by the UN Conference on Environment and Development in 1992.

Through patient and forward-looking negotiations in the UNGA between 1960-2015, the Global South/G-77 has succeeded in bringing “development” into the mainstream of multilateralism. The unanimous adoption of Agenda 2030 by the UNGA in September 2015, with its 17 Sustainable Developmental Goals (SDGs) is an acknowledgement of this fact. Agenda 2030 converges the common interests of the Global North and Global South into an integrated human-centric framework, in which peace, security, and development are interlinked. This is the sentiment that the Global South seeks to integrate into the vision of the Summit of the Future.

The UN’s SDG Summit in 2023 held to assess the implementation of Agenda 2030 warned that “numerous crises” since 2015 were derailing this vision. Three broad trends may be seen as contributing to these crises.

The first is a revival of the North-South divide, which undermines trust in the equitable functioning of multilateral institutions. During the Covid pandemic the World Health Organization was unable to ensure the adequate supply of vaccines to the Global South, due to stockpiling in the Global North. The World Trade Organization was forced by the Global North’s dominant hold on intellectual property rights on vaccines to postpone a decision on waiving these rights to enable manufacture of vaccines in the Global South.

The second is an increasing recourse to the use of armed force, instead of diplomatic negotiations, to resolve conflicts. The ineffectiveness and inadequacy of the UNSC’s authority due to the veto power of the P5 has been exposed by the large-scale human suffering and destruction in the violent conflicts caused by the use of armed force in recent years. Even existing unanimous resolutions of the UNSC for the political settlement of conflicts such as Afghanistan (UNSCR 2513), Ukraine (UNSCR 2202), and Palestine/Israel (UNSCRs 242, 1860) have not been enforced. A corollary to this is a gradual usurpation of UN Charter provisions for enforcing UNSC decisions, such as economic sanctions and use of armed force, by non-UN bodies like the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). This impacts directly on peace, security, and development in the Global South.

The third is the weaponization of interdependent economic interlinkages, which have been painstakingly negotiated on the basis of agreed principles of special and differential treatment, as listed above, by the Global South in multilateral institutions and specialized bodies. A powerful combination of governments and corporations based in the Global North have actively sought to circumvent these interlinkages through the extra-territorial application of their domestic laws and policies. This has implications for the sovereign participation of the countries of the Global South in multilateral cooperation. It has also tangible increased socio-economic costs on the implementation of Agenda 2030.

Unless checked, these three trends can have a deleterious impact on the Global South, particularly on the application in a human-centric manner of new digital technologies to accelerate the implementation of Agenda 2030. The Summit of the Future’s consideration of a Global Digital Compact requires special attention to these sentiments of the Global South, in order to bridge existing digital divides enumerated during the UNGA review of the UN’s Tunis Agenda on an Information Society in December 2015.

At the 75^th anniversary meeting of the United Nations in 2020, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi had emphasized:

“We cannot fight today’s challenges with outdated structures. Without comprehensive reforms, the UN faces a crisis of confidence. In today’s interconnected world, we need a reformed multilateralism—that reflects today’s realities, gives voice to all stakeholders, addresses contemporary challenges and focuses on human welfare.”

This is the reason why the Global South’s focus during the Summit of the Future must be to seek effective multilateralism on the ground. A decision to convene a UN General Conference, as provided for in Article 109 of the UN Charter, to review the UN Charter in September 2025 would be an appropriate way to mark the 80^th anniversary of multilateralism by integrating the aspirations of the Global South.

Sahr Ngegba’s Web of Lies Unraveling: Business Mogul Caught in Fraud Scandal

August 15, 2024

By Abubakarr Harding

Sahr Hussain William Ngegba, a businessman who has long portrayed himself as a successful entrepreneur, is now at the center of a major investigation that threatens to expose his alleged criminal activities. As the Proprietor of Redcoat Logistics, a registered company based in Freetown, he is accused of using his business as a front for a web of deceit, including fraud and money laundering.

Operating under the guise of a reputable logistics and supply chain expert, Sahr Hussain William Ngegba is said to have built a façade of legitimacy, offering services like freight forwarding, road haulage, project logistics and distribution. However, recent revelations suggest that his supposed business empire could come crashing down as investigators delve deeper into what many now believe to be a long-running con.

Allegations against Ngegba include the claim that he lured investors into partnerships with promises of high returns, often using attractive collateral to sweeten deals. Once businesses started turning profits, he allegedly employed underhanded tactics to hijack them, launching smear campaigns against his partners with fabricated accusations to justify seizing control.

In one of his latest schemes, Sahr Hussain William Ngegba reportedly targeted a prominent businessman in Sierra Leone with a proposal to invest in a lucrative fishing venture. He allegedly offered collateral worth $1 million, only to later seize control of the operation once it became profitable, leaving his partner out in the cold.

When the businessman caught on to the scheme, he demanded accountability. In response, Ngegba allegedly resorted to blackmail, paying a media figure to smear the businessman’s reputation with false accusations. The conman reportedly claimed that the businessman was abusing the duty-free system, selling substandard building materials and defrauding customers – all allegations that appear baseless given the businessman’s legitimate import and retail operations.

As local and international law enforcement agencies, including Sierra Leone’s National Security Agency (NSA) and the UK Serious Crime Agency, take interest in Sahr Hussain William Ngegba’s dealings, there is growing speculation that his alleged activities in Liberia, The Gambia, and the UK may also come under scrutiny. The investigation into his operations is ongoing, and it seems that Sahr Hussain William Ngegba’s day of reckoning is drawing near.

The coming weeks are expected to reveal more details as investigators piece together the full extent of his alleged schemes, signaling what could be the downfall of one of Sierra Leone’s most notorious conmen.

Minister Salima Bah Highlights Digital Milestones While Zoodlabs Faces Intense Public Scrutiny

August 14, 2024

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Minister of Communications, Technology and Innovation, Salima Monorma Bah, has outlined the significant strides her Ministry has made over the past year, with a particular focus on improving internet connectivity across Sierra Leone. Speaking at a Press Conference organized by the Ministry of Information and Civil Education on Tuesday August 13, 2024 at the Foreign Affairs Ministry Conference Hall, she emphasized the Government’s commitment to enhancing digital infrastructure as part of President Julius Maada Bio’s vision.

Minister Salima Bah underscored that access to the internet is considered a basic human right in the modern age and that substantial investments have been made by both the Government and the private sector to improve infrastructure. She highlighted the roles of three key entities—Zoodlabs, Leonecom Limited and Metro Cable—in facilitating internet access nationwide.

She described Zoodlabs as a comprehensive technology and smart utility infrastructure company that provides high-speed internet services through a wireless broadband network in Freetown. Leonecom Limited, she explained, is responsible for commercializing Sierra Leone’s terrestrial fiber optic cables, while Metro Cable is the leading provider of high-speed gigabit internet access, working with local service providers to deliver fiber optic broadband to homes and businesses.

However, the Minister acknowledged that challenges persist, particularly concerning recent internet outages. She attributed these disruptions to the intentional or unintentional tampering of undersea fiber optic cables, a problem that has affected connectivity. The Minister revealed that the Government has engaged in discussions with Guinean counterparts to explore collaborative efforts aimed at increasing broadband speed and connectivity.

Mamoud Idriss, a representative of Zoodlabs, praised the Minister for her prompt response to the connectivity issues, describing her efforts as unprecedented. He outlined Zoodlabs’ role in managing the internet highway and noted that the increased number of internet users has heightened sensitivity to connectivity issues and that the fibre cables were laid since 2012 stressing that they have now become old vulnerable to developing problems. He mentioned that Zoodlabs is working to add an additional cable to ensure alternative routes when faults arise, though he clarified that Zoodlabs is not responsible for maintaining the Africa Coast to Europe (ACE) submarine cable. He also mentioned the investment in renewable energy through the installation of solar panels in its operations amounting to a little over $1M to replace the use of generators

Despite these assurances, public dissatisfaction with Zoodlabs has been growing. Many citizens have expressed frustration over the persistent poor internet service, with some calling for immediate Government intervention to investigate Zoodlabs. There is a public outcry for accountability from those who approved the agreement that handed over this critical infrastructure to Zoodlabs.

Zoodlabs, which assumed control of the Cable Landing Station in December 2020 following a parliamentary agreement ratified in April 2022, is now under scrutiny for failing to deliver on its promise to invest $20 million in upgrading the landing station’s outdated equipment. Insiders allege that instead of fulfilling this commitment, the company has relied on bank loans and payments from Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to finance its operations. Concerns have also been raised about Zoodlabs’ financial management, particularly regarding the rapid depletion of the Le6 billion in seed money left by the previous operator, SALCAB.

Moreover, critics argue that the annual $450,000 payment Zoodlabs makes to the Government as part of its 15-year lease of the landing station is significantly lower than the company’s monthly revenue, raising questions about the fairness of the deal. The decision to transfer SALCAB’s operations to Zoodlabs had been met with resistance from the Ministry of Finance, which warned of potential risks to the country’s digital infrastructure—concerns that now seem justified as Sierra Leone continues to suffer frequent internet outages under Zoodlabs’ Management.

The recent outage on August 4, 2024, which disrupted data services, international voice calls and other operations for nearly four hours, has only heightened public frustration. Unlike their counterparts in neighboring Liberia, Zoodlabs failed to issue a public explanation or apology, further aggravating the situation.

In response to the growing crisis, the National Communications Authority (NatCA) convened an emergency meeting on August 5, 2024, with key stakeholders, including Zoodlabs, Leonecom, major MNOs and ISPs, to develop a robust short-term redundancy plan and explore alternative routes to enhance internet service resilience.

As scrutiny of Zoodlabs intensifies, Sierra Leoneans are demanding transparency and accountability. The public is questioning why the promised $20 million investment has not materialized and why internet services remain unstable despite Zoodlabs’ substantial revenue.

This investigation into Zoodlabs’ management is not just about uncovering the truth—it is about safeguarding Sierra Leone’s digital future. The people of Sierra Leone deserve reliable and stable internet services, and they are demanding answers.

Alhaji Fanday Turay: The Diplomat Behind Sierra Leone’s Resurgence on the UN Security Council

August 14, 2024

By Amin Kef Sesay

In a historic moment for Sierra Leone, the nation secured a Non-Permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on June 6, 2023, marking its return to this influential body after more than 50 years. This achievement, effective from January 1, 2024, has elevated Sierra Leone to a prominent position among the 15 members of the UNSC, the UN’s primary organ for maintaining global peace and security.

As Sierra Leone assumed the presidency of the UNSC on August 1, 2024, the significance of this event resonated across the nation’s diplomatic landscape. The role which involves leading the Council’s activities, shaping discussions on international peace and security, and representing the Council to other UN bodies and member states places Sierra Leone at the center of critical global decisions.

Behind this remarkable achievement stands Alhaji Fanday Turay, Sierra Leone’s former Permanent Representative to the United Nations who is currently the Minister of Transport and Aviation. His dedication and strategic diplomacy, along with the efforts of then Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. David Francis and Permanent Representative Deputies Amara Sowa and Dr. Michael I. Kanu, were instrumental in securing Sierra Leone’s seat on the Security Council.

During the campaign for this election, Alhaji Fanday Turay and his team not only focused on Sierra Leone’s bid but also championed a broader cause for Africa. They advocated for Africa’s inclusion in the Permanent Category of the Security Council and the allocation of additional Non-Permanent seats.

Alhaji Fanday Turay’s address at the 76th United Nations General Assembly Debate highlighted these efforts. Speaking on behalf of the African Union on the topic of equitable representation in the Security Council, he emphasized the need for comprehensive reform of the UN system. The erstwhile Permanent Representative passionately argued for Africa’s rightful place in the Security Council, advocating for two Permanent seats with full rights, including the veto, and two additional Non-Permanent seats.

His advocacy culminated in a high-level debate on August 12, 2024, titled: “Addressing the Historical Injustice and Enhancing Africa’s Effective Representation in the UN Security Council,” chaired by Sierra Leone’s President, Julius Maada Bio. This debate, a significant achievement for Sierra Leone, underscored the persistent efforts of Alhaji Fanday Turay and his team in ensuring that Africa’s voice is heard in the corridors of power at the United Nations.

His contributions to Sierra Leone’s diplomatic success are underpinned by his extensive experience in international relations and peacekeeping. Before his role as Permanent Representative, he served in various capacities, including Security Adviser at the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the Syrian Golan and Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff at the Office of Military Affairs in the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations.

A lawyer by profession, Alhaji Fanday Turay holds Master’s Degrees in International Transport and Maritime Law from the London Metropolitan University and in International Affairs from the University of Ghana. His career has been marked by a deep commitment to justice, equity and the advancement of both Sierra Leone and the African continent.

As Sierra Leone continues to play a vital role in the UNSC, the legacy of Alhaji Fanday Turay’s leadership and diplomacy will be remembered as a cornerstone of the country’s resurgence on the global stage. His tireless efforts have not only secured a place for Sierra Leone in international decision-making but have also advanced the broader cause of equitable representation for Africa in global governance.

Commemorating International Youth Day… United Nations Sierra Leone Urges Investment in Youth Empowerment Initiatives

August 14, 2024

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The United Nations Sierra Leone, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Affairs, has on Monday, August 12th, 2024, joined the world to commemorate International Youth Day celebration on the theme: “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development.” The event, which brought together young people, was held at Sierra Palms Hotel in Freetown.

Delivering a statement on behalf of the UN Resident Coordinator, Rudolf Schwenk, the UNICEF Representative in Sierra Leone began by acknowledging the global significance of youth, noting that there are currently 1.8 billion young people between the ages of 10 and 24—the largest generation in history.

He emphasized that nearly 90% of these young people live in developing countries, where they constitute a significant portion of the population.

“In Sierra Leone, eight out of ten people are under 35 years old,” Schwenk stated, underscoring the country’s youthful demographic and its potential to drive national development. He noted that International Youth Day 2024 serves as a moment to celebrate and harness the power of youth in leveraging technology for sustainable solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges.

Rudolf Schwenk highlighted the ongoing digital revolution and the dual nature of the digital landscape, which presents both risks and unprecedented opportunities. He praised young people for their role in driving positive change through digital pathways, from using social media to amplify voices for social justice to developing innovative solutions to global challenges. “By equipping them with the necessary skills, resources and support, we can unlock their full potential and pave the way for a more inclusive and sustainable society, both here in Sierra Leone and around the world,” he said.

In his call to action, Rudolf Schwenk urged the Government, development partners, Civil Society Organizations and the private sector to invest in youth empowerment initiatives. He emphasized the need to provide young people with access to quality education, training programs and mentorship opportunities to ensure they can navigate the digital landscape and contribute meaningfully to sustainable development efforts.

He commended the Government of Sierra Leone for prioritizing youth in the new Medium-Term National Development Plan further expressing anticipation for Sierra Leone’s hosting of the first-ever Mano River Union ‘Youth Connect Summit’ later this year, under the leadership of the Ministry of Youth Affairs, which will bring together youth from four countries in the sub-region. “This is a testimony of how the Government is taking the lead in harnessing the potential of youth, not only in the country but in the region,” the UN Resident Coordinator remarked.

In closing, Rudolf Schwenk reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting the Government’s efforts in empowering young people, particularly in the areas of technology and digital skills.

On his part, Mohamed Orman Bangura, the Minister of Youth Affairs, commended young people for their contributions to nation building, highlighting key interventions undertaken by young people across the country.

He said that young people has been using their various spaces to contribute towards the development of the country of which he said the Ministry of Youth Affairs has already identified some of these young people which include social media influencers and they will work with them in order to continue using their various spaces in contributing towards the country’s development.

The Minister continued that they want to change the narrative of youth in Sierra Leone, noting that if Sierra Leone is rated among peaceful countries in the world the young people are playing crucial role in achieving that. He therefore encouraged the youth of Sierra Leone to continue to maintain peace to realize their fullest potential. The Minister made mention of several projects in his Ministry which are geared towards addressing the challenges faced by young people.

He also informed the participants about the Youth Status Report which IGR and International Consultant from Ghana are working on and the forthcoming Mano River Union Youth Connect Conference which Sierra Leone will be hosting in October this year that will bring over 5000 youths across the sub-region.

Salima Bah, Minister of Communication Technology and Innovation highlighted the importance of technology and innovation which her Ministry is championing and addressing the challenges faced by the young people.

She encouraged the young people to take up the challenge noting that Africa should not be at the receiving end for technology and innovation.

Salima Bah also mentioned that innovation does not only mean technology but anything that you can do that can solve problem effectively and efficiently.

These statements were followed by a panel discussion on the theme: “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development,” facilitated by Samuel Wise Bangura.