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SLURC & Partners Hand Over Three Biofil Toilets to Colbot, Dwarzack & Abacha Street Communities

By Millicent Senava Mannah

As part of their three years OVERDUE Project, the Sierra Leone Urban Research Centre in partnership with CODOHSAPA, Freetown City Council, FEDURP and other likeminded organizations, has handed over three Biofil Toilets in three different communities namely the Colbot, Dwarzack and Abacha Street Communities. This new development took place in the aforementioned Communities respectively, on Wednesday 1st November, 2023.

It must be noted that the OVERDUE Project makes provision for infrastructural trajectories and possible pathways to tackle the issue that deals with sanitation taboo across African cities and is also geared towards achieving gender responsive owned sanitation facilities in Freetown.

“The focal or felt needs of the Dwarzack and Colbot Communities were Communal toilets and for Abacha Street it was a public toilet as it emanated from a research we conducted and preliminary findings highlighted the existing problem of inequitable toilet access (both public and communal) and those were what we sought to address,” Brima Koroma, Director of Research and Training at the Sierra Leone Urban Research Centre (SLURC) revealed.

He further intimated that their intervention in Dwarzack and Colbot Communities, established settlements with residents differed from that of the Abacha Street Community, a business area that attracts business owners, who spend the day there and return to their respective homes in the evening having customers or members of the public who pass by and spend some limited time there, before continuing to their next destination

The Director admonished residents or people in these three communities to handle the facilities responsibly as well as disclosing that the facilities are disabled friendly.

“It was encouraging to see how the Chiefs were enthusiastic and for their commitments to the Project. Indeed, their support and active involvement were crucial in fostering community ownership and ensuring the sustainability and effectiveness of the interventions,” Braima Koroma also maintained.

The Director of CODOHSAPA, Francis Refell, also emphasized the importance of maintenance of the facilities promising how there will be more opportunities if they handle the facilities responsibly.

He mentioned how they saw the need for such facilities  in the aforementioned Communities stating how that was the reason why they intervened  and assured them of their commitments to continue working with them.

The Chief of Dwarzark highlighted that it is the first time for them as community residents to benefit from such a community-owned project, expressing gratitude and assured of their utmost commitment in ensuring the sustainability of the intervention.

On his part, Chief of the Colbot Community also expressed his deepest appreciation, on behalf of his residents, for such a timely intervention in their community. He lamented how sanitation had been a big problem in their community expressing optimism that this venture will help in tackling it.

The Chairlady of Abacha Street also showed gratitude, on behalf of traders and other users, for the provision of the facility and at the same time assuring of handling it responsibly.

It must be noted that the lack of access to proper sanitation facilities is a significant issue in many of Freetown’s informal settlements and women as well as girls are particularly affected by that issue, as they face additional challenges due to gender-related norms and practices.

In many cases, women and girls are forced to use unsafe and unhygienic facilities, which can lead to serious health risks. The lack of access to proper sanitation also affects the overall health and well-being of the community, as it can lead to the spread of diseases.

RCBank Officially Unveils Cutting-Edge Automated Teller Machine at Leicester Junction

Rokel Commercial Bank has made history by becoming the first bank to introduce modern banking services in the Mountain Rural District of the Western Area. A momentous ceremony unfolded on Monday, November 6, 2022, at Leicester Junction, adjacent to Peak Energy Gas Station, as the bank officially unveiled a cutting-edge Automated Teller Machine (ATM).

The Leicester event drew the presence of numerous distinguished figures, including the Bank’s Managing Director, Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin, whose visionary leadership has been a driving force behind this transformative endeavor.

In a brief, yet inspiring address, Dr. Gilpin emphasized the Bank’s commitment to financial inclusion, stating, “As a bank, we have a mantra… everyone must have access to financial services. What you are witnessing here today is part of our drive to ensure everyone has equal opportunity and equal access to finance, and these ATMs are our financial access points.”

The new ATM, which will operate in conjunction with an Agency Banking facility, the Rokel Simkorpor Kiosk, represents a pivotal step in the Bank’s ambitious plan to install over 35 ATMs nationwide. This initiative stands as the largest-ever deployment of ATMs by a single bank in Sierra Leone and is a central component of RCBank’s Electronic Banking expansion program. The overarching goal is to increase its customer base and foster greater financial inclusion.

Dr. Gilpin further expounded, “In life, everyone must have a vision, a dream whose actualization is driven by effort. We are changing the narrative about our country. We will showcase it as a progressive, digital, and modern nation where you can easily access financial services and conduct your business.”

The Manager of Peak Energy, local authorities, and senior staff members of Rokel Commercial Bank all made significant contributions during the momentous launch event.

NCRA Launches Vital Statistics Report to Strengthen Civil Registration in Sierra Leone

By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

The National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) reached a momentous milestone on November 7, 2023, with the official launch of the Vital Statistics Report at the Ministry of Finance Conference Hall on George Street in Freetown. The event marked a significant achievement in fulfilling one of the core mandates of the NCRA, demonstrating the country’s commitment to a robust Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) system.

In his opening statement, the Director General of the NCRA, Mohamed M. Massaquoi highlighted the importance of the Vital Statistics Report, which serves as a critical component of Sierra Leone’s Civil Registration system. He emphasized that Civil Registration is the continuous, permanent, universal and compulsory recording of vital events such as births, deaths, marriages, divorces, and other civil events. These records are vital for various purposes, including legal, administrative, and statistical applications.

The Director General stressed that Vital Statistics play a pivotal role in planning, monitoring, and evaluating Government programs and policies related to healthcare, education, public administration, Local Government planning and accountable service delivery. He pointed out that the publication of the Annual Vital Statistics Report allows for real-time data on vital events, enabling Government agencies, UN bodies, development partners, and other organizations to track progress effectively, especially regarding the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Furthermore, he explained that the Report is a direct outcome of training provided by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) aimed at improving the quality and reporting of Vital Statistics from Civil Registration records. He maintained that Sierra Leone actively participated in these sessions which greatly accelerated the production of the 2022 Vital Statistics Report, ensuring compliance with international best practices and UN Guidelines.

The Director General proudly stated that Sierra Leone is among the first countries to produce and publish a Vital Statistics Report consistent with the UN Guidelines and international standards, an achievement which he said is a testament to the country’s dedication to improving its CRVS system.

He revealed that in the process of producing the Report, modern statistical software was used to input, process, clean, and analyze data from various sources across the country saying it adheres to the United Nations Recommended Principles and Standardization of Vital Statistics measures to ensure high-quality findings.

The report, according to him, also provides a historical perspective on Civil Registration in Sierra Leone, dating back to the colonial era when records of births and deaths were primarily maintained for taxation purposes adding that with the establishment of the NCRA in 2016, the purpose of Vital Event Registration expanded to deciphering the characteristics of these events for various data needs beyond just recording numbers.

The Director General extended gratitude to the Government of Sierra Leone, the Ministry of Health, and other Ministries and Departments for their continuous support in enhancing the CRVS and Identity Management in the country. Development partners, including the European Union, UNICEF, UNFPA, and others, were acknowledged for their support in technical assistance, capacity building, and funding for the improvement of CRVS.

Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi concluded by calling on all stakeholders to continue supporting the registration of vital events, highlighting the crucial role it plays in the production of future Vital Statistics Reports for the benefit of the Government, development partners, and other organizations.

Sibeso Mululuba, the Deputy Representative of UNFPA, emphasized the importance of an inclusive CRVS system in ensuring human rights protection and providing cost-effective administrative data for sustainable development. She stressed the significance of vital statistics in public health monitoring, policy development, resource allocation, and demographic analysis, expressing commitment to collaborate with the Government and other partners to strengthen the country’s CRVS system.

Additionally, Andrew Bob Johnny, a representative from Statistics Sierra Leone, congratulated the NCRA and the Government for this achievement. He emphasized the importance of the Report in providing vital statistics for planning and implementing development activities and the role of civil registration and birth statistics in ensuring the recognition of individuals before the law and access to essential services.

The Minister of Internal Affairs acknowledged the significance of the Vital Statistics Report for development, planning and implementation. The Minister stressed the importance of timely and complete statistics, particularly in areas such as marriage and deaths, and appealed to all stakeholders to recognize the significance of the Report.

The launch of the Vital Statistics Report in Sierra Leone signifies a significant step toward improving the country’s CRVS system, ensuring accurate and comprehensive data collection for planning and development. The collaborative efforts of the NCRA, government, development partners, and UN bodies contribute to a more robust CRVS system that will aid the country’s sustainable development efforts.

President Bio Engages in Productive Talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone had a progressive and fruitful conversation with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine on Monday, November 6, 2023.

The discussion revolved around various important topics, including Sierra Leone’s upcoming tenure on the UN Security Council, global conflict resolution efforts, and the humanitarian initiatives undertaken by both nations.

President Bio expressed his appreciation for Sierra Leone’s election to the UN Security Council for the 2024-2025 period and reiterated his commitment to collaborating with other stakeholders to address conflicts and foster peace worldwide, including in Ukraine. He lauded President Zelenskyy for Ukraine’s commendable “Grain from Ukraine” humanitarian initiative, which aims to combat global food insecurity and prevent hunger on a global scale.

Furthermore, President Bio expressed his eagerness to establish strategic partnerships for Sierra Leone’s flagship initiative, the “FEED SALONE Initiative.” This initiative aims to enhance agricultural productivity, achieve food security, and promote food sovereignty within Sierra Leone.

President Zelenskyy extended his congratulations to Sierra Leone for its election to the UN Security Council, expressing his confidence that Sierra Leone will continue to support Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He discussed Ukraine’s “#PeaceFormula” and updated President Bio on the recent meeting held in Malta, emphasizing the importance of consolidating support for their vision of peace across African states and regional platforms.

President Zelenskyy also briefed President Bio on Ukraine’s humanitarian initiative, “#GrainFromUkraine,” and extended an invitation for Sierra Leone’s participation in the upcoming second summit of the initiative.

The conversation between President Julius Maada Bio and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reflects the commitment of both leaders to international cooperation, conflict resolution, and global food security. Their discussions serve as a testament to their dedication to fostering peace and prosperity in their respective nations and beyond

Beijing Hosts Sierra Leonean Journalists for 2023 Media Seminar: Aiming to Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation and Enhance Media Development

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

A three-week media seminar kicked off on November 5, 2023, organized by China’s National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA), with 25 Sierra Leonean journalists in attendance. The seminar, which will conclude on November 27, 2023, aims to honor journalists, foster knowledge exchange, and strengthen bilateral cooperation between China and Sierra Leone.

Yan Ni, Deputy Director-General of the International Cooperation Department at NRTA, highlighted China’s significant growth in radio, television, and online audio-visual media. She emphasized the importance of international cooperation in these fields, noting that China’s robust domestic media landscape has experienced global expansion through collaborations, acquisitions, and content distribution.

Ni also alluded to the Belt and Road Initiative’s role in facilitating media infrastructure investments in partner countries, explaining that China aims to project soft power and counter Western media narratives by promoting Chinese culture and perspectives. However, she did not shy away from mentioning the country’s strict government control over media content.

By the end of 2022, China had welcomed 6,646 officials, media organization managers, senior editors, journalists, and technicians from 152 developing regions and countries into various training programs.

Khalil Kallon, Executive Secretary at the Independent Media Commission (IMC) of Sierra Leone and the team leader for the 2023 seminar, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity. He commended China’s MOFCOM for hosting the event and extended his appreciation to Ambassador Wang Qing of the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone.

Kallon pointed out the essential role of media in Sierra Leone’s democratic principles, national development, and improving the quality of life of Sierra Leoneans. He also noted the media’s critical role in shaping the country’s political, economic, and social development since the end of the civil war.

Kallon emphasized that Sierra Leone’s media institutions have significantly contributed to the development of China-Sierra Leone friendship and cooperation. He expressed his belief that the knowledge gained from the seminar would be beneficial for the participants and their colleagues back home.

He concluded by urging the organizers to consider Sierra Leone for future programs, stressing the need for further media development in the country, including professional training and modern broadcast and printing equipment. He expressed his anticipation for a fruitful deliberation during the seminar.

Bio’s Government Achieves Successful Mobile Service Agreement

Government, headed by President Julius Maada Bio has navigated its way out of a tricky negotiation with Mobile Phone Companies, to come out with a deal that satisfies all parties, that is the customers, the MNOs and Government.

In what is seen as a landmark engagement with mobile phone companies that were agitating vehemently for an increase in tariffs up to 120%, President Bio’s Government got the service providers to agree to a modest increase in voice calls, and an even lower if not negligible increase, in data.

Cognizant of the huge economic burden on the people, the Government’s key negotiators, the Minister of Communications, Technology and Innovation, Ms. Salima Bah and the Director General of NaTCA, Amara Pedou Brewah successfully meandered their way out with the mobile companies to, first improve on the quality of services and restore bonuses and promotions, before finally settling for a minimal increase in the billing system which is set to come into effect on Monday November 6th.

The outcome of this delicate negotiation has seen two of the MNOs – Africell and Orange – introduce 5G technology to boost quality of service, and will also resume bonuses. The free calls at midnight will be restored by Orange and there are plans to introduce other promotions by the companies.

To also give something to the companies, whose overhead costs have increased over the last 12 months as a result of inflation and depreciation of the local currency, there will be a slight increase in tariffs. As stated earlier the increase is minimal in comparison to what is actually supposed to be. The negotiating skills of the Government convinced the MNOs to improve the quality of their services and a marginal increase in billing.

It is important for the public to know that Government averted a serious crisis that would have affected the consumers, the companies and even workers of the MNOs.

All parties are happy with the deal and the public is left smiling at the restoration of the bonuses in particular. The free calls are welcome news for students in particular who use the facility to facilitate their academic works and networking. The introduction of 5G will significantly bolster business transactions and improve on research work for students in particular.

From Survivor to Advocate: Transforming the Lives of People with Disabilities

Hadiatou Diallo, a remarkable young woman originally from Guinea, embarked on a life-altering journey that forever changed the destinies of countless individuals with disabilities. Having survived forced marriage and domestic violence, she made the courageous decision to leave her homeland, forsaking her assets, family, friends, and loved ones to become an independent woman. Her mission: to dedicate her life to empowering girls to grow into independent women. Settling in Freetown, Sierra Leone, she rebuilt her life in secret and emerged as a powerful human rights activist.

Hadiatou’s choice to journey to Sierra Leone was driven by a profound sense of duty and unwavering passion to champion the rights of persons with disabilities (PwDs), especially children in dire need of support. Recognizing the significant challenges that PwDs face in Sierra Leone, Hadiatou was determined to be their voice and a catalyst for change.

Upon her arrival in Sierra Leone, Hadiatou quickly grasped the severity of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. The absence of adequate infrastructure, resources, and societal understanding created formidable obstacles for these marginalized individuals. It was at this critical juncture that Hadiatou decided to make Sierra Leone her new home.

With unyielding commitment, Hadiatou co-founded the non-governmental organization (NGO), OneFamilyPeople, dedicated to advancing disability rights and advocating for the rights of children and young people with disabilities. Her NGO emerged as a trailblazing force, initiating programs that empowered and enriched the lives of countless PwDs across the country, earning national and international acclaim along the way.

Over the span of 15 years, Hadiatou has become one of Sierra Leone’s most influential advocates, tirelessly working to secure the rights and inclusion of PwDs, with a specific focus on girls and women with disabilities.

Hadiatou’s extraordinary contributions have made a lasting impact on the lives of thousands of PwDs in Sierra Leone. Through her relentless advocacy, she has played a pivotal role in shaping disability advocacy, leading to the development of laws and policy reforms that safeguard and empower PwDs. Her innovative approach has also led to the establishment of sustainable programs that cater to the diverse needs of PwDs, both within and beyond Sierra Leone’s borders.

A dedicated advocate, Hadiatou has facilitated groundbreaking South-to-South cooperation by fostering relationships between the Ministries of Social Welfare in Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Liberia. Through these collaborations, Hadiatou has promoted knowledge-sharing and resource exchange, amplifying the impact of her advocacy work and strengthening regional efforts in promoting disability rights.

Hadiatou Diallo’s unwavering commitment has transformed the lives of countless individuals with disabilities, offering them a voice and a pathway to a brighter future. Her remarkable journey serves as an inspiration to others, demonstrating the profound impact one individual can make, even in the face of adversity.

As Hadiatou continues her invaluable work, she remains a beacon of hope for PwDs, underscoring that dedication, compassion, and an unshakeable belief in human rights can bring about lasting change and build a more inclusive society.

SLIE and ‘Engineers for Change’ Conclude ASPPEng Dissemination and Validation Workshop

By Foday Moriba Conteh

As part of their efforts towards enhancing the competence of engineers in the country, the Sierra Leone Institution of Engineers (SLIE) in partnership with Engineers for Change Sierra Leone (EfCSL) and with funding from the Royal Academy of Engineers (RAE), Africa Catalyst Phase 4 (ACP4) has on Thursday 2nd November, 2023 concluded a one-day Accredited Standards and Pathways for Professional Engineers (ASPPEng) Dissemination and Validation Workshop. The collaborative event, which brought together engineers from across the country, was held at the Sapphyre Court, off King Harman Road in Freetown.

Speaking during the event, the President of the Sierra Leone Institution of Engineers, Ing Trudy Morgan said that the SLIE is a voluntary institution established by the practitioners of the profession and was formed in 1970 by a Memorandum and Articles of Association as a corporate body, adding that SLIE promotes the continuing professional development of its members to ensure their relevance and currency in the practice of engineering.

She emphasized on the main objectives of the Institution which includes; fostering the advancement of engineering in all its branches for the improvement and development of Sierra Leone, promoting and maintaining the unity, public usefulness, honour and interest of its members, fostering linkages between engineering institutions and industry, promoting environmentally sound engineering practice, engineering education in schools and gender participation in engineering and advising Government on all engineering matters.

Furthermore, she said that the vision of SLIE is to become an influential and competent engineering institution, serving the needs of the citizens of Sierra Leone by driving high standards in engineering, empowering students, engineering technicians and engineering professionals in the training and practice of engineering at all levels to advance the development of Sierra Leone.

Ing Trudy Morgan maintained that the mission of SLIE is to continue to work to advance and promote innovation, excellence and access to opportunities for all professionals engaged in the practice of engineering including all technicians, technologists and engineers.

She also pointed out that the core values of the SLIE include professionalism, excellence, integrity, innovation and engagement.

The President said that the strategic objectives include demonstrating the value of maintaining registration with SLIE as a professional institution, supporting the continuing professional development of all engineers, promoting diversity and inclusion at all technical levels in engineering etc.

She ended by stating the Accredited Standards and Pathways for Professional Engineers (ASPPEng) Dissemination and Validation Workshop, which is an answer to the call of members of engineers in the country, will enhance the competence of engineers in the country.

The Chairman of the Professional Engineering Regulatory Council (PERC), Ing Badamasi Savage, said the PERC Act review started in 2009 with meetings and consultations, and the Act was finally published in 2022 as a supplement to the Sierra Leone Gazette.

He stated that the PERC Act being an Act to repeal the 1990 Act and makes provision for the establishment of the PERC with responsibility to regulate the practice of engineering in Sierra Leone, including the regulation and discipline of professional engineers and provide for other related matters.

The Chairman revealed that the revised Act has ten (10) parts and one (1) schedule compared to seven (7) parts and two (2) schedules in the old Act and three (3) new parts have been added specifically for administration, registers, offences and penalties.

Commenting on the responsibilities of the Council, he said the Council is responsible for registering professional engineers and engineering institutions in the country, adding that the Council also issues practicing certificates to registered professional engineers and institutions.

He said that the Council also determines and regulates the standards of practice, competence, conduct and ethics of registered professional engineers and monitor compliance thereto: prescribe professional fees based on qualification and experience subject to the approval of the Minister, issues accreditation to practicing facilities etc.

The immediate past President, SLIE Education Focal Point, Ing Prof. Jonas Redwood Sawyer, said the Royal Academy for Engineering (UK) is a delivery partner for the Global Challenges Research Fund, adding that RAE launched a new capacity-building programme referred to as the Africa Catalyst Programme in 2016.

He stated that the sole aim is to ensure there is sufficient and appropriate skilled, local engineering capacity to participate in and drive national and regional development in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Ing Prof. Jonas Redwood Sawyer said that the Africa Catalyst helps achieve this by focusing on better connecting PEls to the engineering research, policy and business communities, and supporting them in taking a leadership role in ensuring appropriate accreditation, professionalism and opportunities for engineers.

Project Manager- ACP4 ASPPEng, Ing Jacob A. Lahai-Tarlowoh, said that under the project ACP4 embarks on a transformative journey to address the gaps in Sierra Leone’s engineering sector.

He maintained that the project, which is initiated by the SLIE and EfCSL, aimed to establish structured training programs for Engineers, young and old, aligning them with international standards and paving the way for recognition as Professional Engineers.

Key participants, including Ing Afriyie Assamany, Managing Director of Nimo Consultation/Construction and Ing Magdalene Remilekum Peters, a Council Member of SLIE commended the workshop for keeping engineers updated on global trends and safety regulations and providing opportunities to learn about new technologies.

Ing Magdalene Remilekum Peters maintained that the workshop has enabled them to keep them as Engineers abreast with trends and safety regulations around the world and also helped them to learn different technologies.

She encouraged other engineers to join the Sierra Leone Institution of Engineers in order to push the vision of SLIE regarding the professional continuous development of engineers in the country.

The workshop featured presentations on SLIE’s Company Scheme by Ing Trudy Morgan, Individual Scheme by Ing Afriyie Assamany, Continuous Professional Development by Ing Louise Chaytor, followed by plenary sessions (group work).

CRN-SL Highlights Key Findings in2024 FY Budget Hearing Monitoring

By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

The Citizen Rights Network Sierra Leone (CRN-SL), a prominent civil society organization dedicated to upholding the rights of vulnerable groups and advocating for good governance, held a Press Briefing on Friday, November 3, 2023, at their office on Goderich Street in Freetown.

During the briefing, Executive Director, Ibrahim Bai Koroma presented the organization’s comprehensive report on the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY 2024) Policy Hearing and Bilateral Budget Discussions with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and key stakeholders.

CRN-SL, a registered civil society organization operating within national and international legal frameworks, embarked on monitoring the FY 2024 budget discussions at the Ministry of Finance, starting on October 9, 2023. The 12-day bilateral discussions aimed to ensure transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the budget allocation process.

Several critical observations were made during this period. Notably, CRN-SL found that a significant number of MDAs did not submit their budget proposals on time, and the Ministry of Finance’s technical team played a dominant role in the discussions. The Director of Budget’s actions were questioned for frustrating the involvement of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), the Press and national stakeholders.

In addition to these observations, CRN-SL noted discrepancies in budget submissions, late disbursements, issues with document preparation, and non-compliance with financial regulations by some MDAs. They also highlighted concerns about the Ministry of Lands’ budget allocation and the challenges faced by the Sierra Leone National Shipping Company.

Furthermore, CRN-SL emphasized the importance of transparency, accountability, and adherence to Government’s regulations in the budget allocation process. They presented a series of recommendations to address the identified issues such as ensuring timely disbursements, involving CSOs, NSAs, and the Press and enforcing financial acts in Government institutions.

CRN-SL emphasized the importance of citizens’ participation in the budget discussions and expressed hope that the Government, the Ministry of Finance, and the wider public would use their findings to improve the FY 2024 budget process. They pledged to continue working with the Ministry of Finance to promote democratic rights and good governance in Sierra Leone.

CRN-SL’s report sheds light on the challenges and shortcomings of the FY 2024 budget discussions and calls for improvements in future budget hearings.

ARISE’s Legal Team Warns Government Against Proceeding with Rail & Port Contract

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Dr. Samura Kamara, the leader of the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC), has issued a cautionary message to the Government of Sierra Leone regarding the controversial Pepel Rail and Port Contract. The warning comes amidst growing criticisms following the Government’s decision to award the contract to Kingho Mining Company, instead of the previously signed agreement with ARISE IIP, a reputable company, for the development, expansion, and management of the Pepel Rail and Port facilities.

Critics from the media and civil society organizations have expressed concerns that allowing Kingho Mining Company, already engaged in large-scale iron ore mining, to control the rail and port facilities used for transportation of their produce could grant them an undue advantage over other mining companies in the region. They argue that the Government should have heeded to IMF’s advice to involve an independent player, a role that ARISE IIP could have fulfilled. Additionally, they find the reasons given for terminating the lease agreement unconvincing.

In an unfolding event, ARISE IIP has taken legal action by engaging a UK-based legal firm to address the matter, further intensifying the dispute. In that regard, Dr. Samura Kamara, a respected figure in national economic management and nation-building, took to Twitter on November 2, 2023, to advise a more discreet approach. He emphasized the need for all involved parties to handle the situation thoughtfully to avoid potential embarrassment for the State, especially given the lukewarm investor appetite for Sierra Leone. He recommended bringing both companies to the table for a resolution to prevent any impending legal complications.

Notably, ARISE IIP’s legal representatives, LinkLaters, have issued a “Letter Before Action” dated November 1, 2023, to the Sierra Leonean Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources. This letter warns the Government against proceeding with the plans announced during a press conference on October 27, 2023, which pertains to the new lease agreement with Kingho Railway and Port Company Limited for the Pepel Railway and Port.

The legal notice from LinkLaters includes a clear threat of legal action against the Sierra Leonean Government if they proceed with the proposed actions. The lawyers have set a deadline of November 3, 2023, for the Government to confirm in writing that they will not proceed with the announced plans. Failure to comply may lead to legal proceedings against the government, including seeking injunctions, pursuing arbitral claims, and filing for damages.

As of the time of this report, the response from the Sierra Leonean Government remains uncertain, and the situation continues to be investigated, with further developments expected.

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