Home Blog Page 478

Chief Justice Graces Swearing-in Ceremony of First Female Chief Justice of England & Wales

The Chief Justice of Sierra Leone, His Lordship Justice, Desmond Babatunde Edwards, on the 4th October 2023, graced the swearing-in ceremony of the first female Chief Justice of England and Wales, Her Lady Honourable Justice Dame Sue Carr.

Hon. Chief Justice Carr is the 98th Judge to hold the position and the first woman in a history dating back almost 800 years.

Chief Justice Carr’s appointment was the first to be streamed live during the swearing-in at the Royal Courts of Justice.

At the ceremony, Chief Justice Desmond Babatunde Edwards joined hundreds of Judges and leading Lawyers inside the Chief Justice’s personal courtroom to witness the historic moment as she took up the role from her retiring predecessor, Lord Ian Burnett.

Commenting on the event, Chief Justice Carr said she considers it a great privilege to assume such an enviable position.

“I do not underestimate the challenges that lie ahead and I look forward to approaching the role with energy, enthusiasm and positivity,” she said, adding that “our Judges and Magistrates are its cornerstone.”

His Lordship Justice Desmond Babatunde Edwards was in the company of three other Chief Justices including the Honourable Chief Justice of India-Dhananjaya Chandrachud, Honourable Chief Justice of Canada-Richard Wagner, the Honourable Justice of the Bahamas-Ian Winder and President of German Constitutional Court-Stephan Harbarth.

President Bio Receives $100M Educational Loan to Finance 1000 Graduates to Study Abroad

With the avowed aim of fostering human capital development in Sierra Leone, President Julius Maada Bio on Tuesday October 3, 2023 received a cheque for a substantial USD 100 million loan. The loan, which comes without the need for collateral, is set to support the education of 1,000 Sierra Leonean graduates in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), Master of Business Administration (MBA), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) courses. Students, who will benefit from the support, will pursue their studies in the United States of America and Canada.

The symbolic presentation of the cheque took place at State House in Freetown and was offered by the SOS NEKOTECH Centre of Excellence school program, officially launched in Sierra Leone in 2021.

Currently operational in seven African countries, including Sierra Leone, Ghana, Malawi, Kenya, and Cameroon, the program is committed to empowering African students through quality education.

Rev. Dr. Princess Ocansey, Executive Chairperson of the SOS NEKOTECH Program congratulated President Julius Maada Bio on his re-election and commended his unwavering dedication to enhancing human capital development in Sierra Leone.

She described the moment as historic, highlighting President Bio’s dedication to building the nation’s human capital and expressing their organization’s commitment to assisting more graduates in pursuing higher education abroad.

The Executive Chairperson also emphasized that Sierra Leone, under President Bio’s leadership, is poised to become a hub for ‘African Intelligence’ following the graduation of these 1,000 Sierra Leonean students.

Mohamed Rahman Swaray, the Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, expressed his joy at leading this transformative program further disclosing  that two years ago he  joined forces with the SOS team to officially launch the program in Sierra Leone.

He continued by saying that during his time in America, where he was invited by the SOS NEKOTECH Centre of Excellence in 2023, speakers hailed President Bio for steering Sierra Leone towards a path of development.

Minister Swaray emphasized the unique opportunity that the present generation had, thanks to a Government that is bringing education to the doorsteps of its citizens.

President Julius Maada Bio, in his remarks, expressed his gratitude for the generous support from SOS NEKOTECH on behalf of Sierra Leone’s citizens. He stressed the vital role of human capital in a nation’s development and underscored the importance of investing in quality education.

President Bio stated, “I have always said that the most important resource of any country is that of its human capital. People are not only the beneficiaries of development but also the means to development. Therefore, if we want to embark on successful human capital development and national development, we must invest in the human capital of our country.”

The President highlighted that partnering with organizations like SOS NEKOTECH is essential for improving Sierra Leone’s human capital by offering more graduates the opportunity to receive education abroad. The President also expressed his enthusiasm for the loan and assured the program of his Government’s unwavering support, extending his heartfelt wishes for the success of all future graduates.

Health Network Wages War on Kush

In a collaborative effort, Health Network Sierra Leone (HN-SL) joined the Ministry of Health on Monday, October 2, 2023, to observe the 10th World No Alcohol Day at the Bank of Sierra Leone Complex in Kingtom, Freetown. The event focused on the theme, “Reduce Alcohol and Reject Harmful Drugs and Substances for a Better Society – Place a Ban on Kush Trafficking/Consumption and the Misuse of Alcohol”.

Ibrahim Kamara, Chairman of the program and the Founder and Executive Director of Direct Respond, emphasized the historical significance of the day. He recalled how in 2008, the Government of India proposed to the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) for the world to abstain from alcohol consumption for a day, with 193 countries signing the declaration. The day was chosen to honor the birth of former Indian Prime Minister, Mahatma Gandhi, in October 1869.

Kamara stressed alarming statistics, citing WHO data that indicates three million people die annually from alcohol-related illnesses. He also highlighted that approximately 80% of accidents in Sierra Leone are related to alcohol and other drugs, with over 200 illnesses caused by alcohol consumption. HN-SL, he asserted, has become a household name in the country due to its work in promoting health awareness.

During his keynote address, David Banya, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Internal Affairs, highlighted the pervasive issue of drug use in Sierra Leone. He attributed the problem to poverty, unemployment, and other socio-economic factors, emphasizing that drug abuse affects all sectors of society. Banya further revealed that most visitors to the Mental Home at Kissy for alcohol abuse fall within the age range of 15 to 65. He praised the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to combat drug abuse.

Banya also mentioned the Government’s efforts to generate revenue through the registration of 29 companies, some of which manufacture alcohol locally. He expressed concern about the availability of alcohol in schools and higher educational institutions.

Robert Kondema Kargbo, Executive Director of HN-SL, revealed a disturbing trend in this year’s commemoration—the rising consumption of the synthetic drug Kush among Sierra Leone’s youth. He emphasized the theme of this year’s event, which centers on reducing alcohol consumption and eliminating harmful drugs like Kush. Kargbo called for a ban on the synthetic drug Kush (K2) and stricter controls on alcohol misuse.

He highlighted the unique dangers of synthetic drugs like K2, citing studies from the National Institute on Drug Abuse. K2, he explained, bonds rapidly and powerfully to the brain, but each batch can contain different ingredients, making the effects unpredictable and potentially harmful. Moreover, he cautioned against the long-term effects of synthetic drugs, including agitation, hallucinations, and violent psychosis, which can be especially detrimental to young people.

Kargbo noted that HN-SL has been actively campaigning to reduce alcohol content and sales since 2013, resulting in reduced alcohol percentages and sales to individuals under 18. He urged the Government to take immediate action to combat the drug menace and implement both short-term and long-term strategies for those already affected.

Representatives from various organizations, including the Sierra Leone Standards Bureau, Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone, WHO, the Freetown City Council, and Civil Society Organizations, echoed the call for action. They noted the absence of most alcohol producers at the event and emphasized the need for continuous public awareness campaigns regarding the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse.

Suggestions included increasing taxes on alcohol, enforcing drug and alcohol laws and reporting Kush dealers to the Police. It was proposed that Kush dealers could face a Le100 million fine and a two-year jail term. The group also reported submitting a report on ending Kush consumption to the Chief Minister.

Participants highlighted the efforts of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, which has developed a five-year strategic plan, as well as the Ministry of Health and its partners, who have created a National Alcohol Policy. They reminded everyone that dealing in drugs remains a criminal offense.

The event featured musical performances by the National Disability Artists Union that focused on the dangers of Kush, as well as interactive discussions among participants. Robert Kondima Kargbo, the Executive Director of HN-SL, pledged to sponsor the production of a video for the song.

The program was chaired by Ibrahim Kamara, Founder and Executive Director of Direct Respond, a rights-based organization and concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Joseph Bangalie, a member of HN-SL.

Chief Minister Visits Foreign Affairs Ministry, Commends Professionalism of Staff

The Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, held discussions with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Timothy Musa Kabba, on Monday October 2, 2023, to explore ways to advance one of the “Big Five Game Changers” outlined by His Excellency, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio.

The meeting, which included a guided tour of the newly established Foreign Service Academy, marked a crucial step in the country’s ongoing public sector reforms, with a specific emphasis on enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of public service delivery.

Minister Kabba, during the discussions, underscored the significance of his Ministry as the face of Sierra Leone on the international stage, highlighting the dedication of his team. He explained that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation is equipped with various directorates focusing on different geographical regions worldwide, each staffed by highly committed personnel.

He praised the Foreign Service Academy as a critical institution for training Sierra Leonean nationals as well as foreign individuals in the intricacies of Foreign Service also emphasizing that Foreign Service is distinct from ordinary civil service and the academy is playing a pivotal role in enhancing the capacity of diplomats.

“The Foreign Academy comes at a very important time, more so when Sierra Leone is a member of the United Nations Security Council in the Non-Permanent Member Category. We play a significant leadership role in different multinational organizations. So this academy must be here to add to the capacity building of our nationals,” Minister Kabba affirmed.

He further announced plans to extend the Academy’s training to Government Ministers and Heads of various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. This initiative aims to ensure that Sierra Leone maximizes its diplomatic potential in representing the nation effectively on the global stage.

Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh’s visit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation was unannounced and aimed at gaining insight into the inner workings of the administration. He expressed a genuine interest in understanding the challenges, achievements and needs of the Ministry clarifying that his visit was not intended as punitive but rather as a means to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

Dr. Sengeh commended the professionalism and decorum exhibited by the Ministry’s staff and facilities. He emphasized the importance of acknowledging and celebrating efficiency within the public service.

“I am impressed with what I observed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, especially with the decorum on both facilities and the level of professionalism demonstrated in the Ministry. This is not because I wanted to celebrate them but because, as citizens, we need to celebrate and highlight where there is efficiency,” Dr. Sengeh noted.

The Chief Minister also pledged to provide the academy with a direct fiber optic line with special bandwidth to enhance communication capabilities. Ambassador Soulay B. Daramy, Head of the Academy, revealed that the institution now offers classes in all the languages spoken at the United Nations.

The discussions between Chief  Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh and Minister Timothy Musa Kabba signify a commitment to bolster Sierra Leone’s foreign policy efforts and ensure the nation’s effective representation on the global stage. This collaborative effort aligns with President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s vision for a transformed and influential Sierra Leone.

Wanwod Development Organization Takes a Stand Against Environmental Crisis and Ignorance

By Millicent Senava Mannah

In a world grappling with the consequences of environmental degradation and climate change, a beacon of hope has emerged in the form of the Wanwod Development Organization. Founded on the belief that education and awareness are essential to combat the looming environmental crisis, this organization is taking proactive steps to transform the fate of communities deeply affected by reckless environmental practices.

Growing up in communities where the majority are illiterates and unaware of their poor and degrading environmental activities made me believe that he who feels it, knows it well. Wanwod Development Organization recognizes the pressing need to address this issue head-on. The deliberate and indiscriminate environmental degradation caused by unsafe mining, deforestation for charcoal production, timber logging, and firewood harvesting has led to catastrophic consequences. The result is a climate crisis, marked by poor agricultural yields, hunger, scarce drinking water, and the extinction of precious wildlife and natural ecosystems.

These perilous environmental practices have not only endangered the environment but also posed a severe threat to human existence. According to the Global Forest Watch, between 2001 and 2021, a staggering 1.8 million trees were lost, accounting for a 32% decrease in tree cover in the region.

Despite these alarming statistics, a vast majority remains unaware of the imminent dangers of climate change. Extreme weather events are on the rise, further imperiling plants, animals, and the environment as a whole. Instead of implementing sustainable solutions like afforestation, selective deforestation, and climate-smart agriculture, the focus often shifts towards archaic cultural practices, such as appeasing traditional gods for bountiful harvests.

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the Wanwod Development Organization has taken action. They view these practices as a result of inadequate education and awareness regarding environmental degradation’s perils. Their response is a call for urgent and robust capacity-building training for smallholder farmers on climate awareness and increased youth participation in agriculture.

Wanwod Development Organization firmly believes that when done correctly, agriculture can be a potent tool for tackling food security, the climate crisis, inequality, and environmental destruction simultaneously. Their commitment to practicing agriculture in a sustainable manner is at the heart of their mission.

To address these pressing issues, the organization has initiated practical, scalable, and replicable initiatives. These initiatives encompass a wide range of activities, including commercial cash crop farming, responsible forest management, the introduction of improved polyclonal seedlings, seed propagation training, the establishment of a Farmers Business School, and a demonstration farm.

The organization’s accomplishments speak volumes. Currently, they have established over 20 acres of cashew nut farms, a plantain farm boasting 300 suckers, and the transplantation of 650 improved cashew nut seedlings.

Wanwod Development Organization’s commitment to improving the lives of those affected by environmental degradation extends beyond agricultural initiatives. They have donated school materials worth $550 to school-going pupils in Gbonkoh Section, Ward 227, Sandamagbolonthor Chiedom, Karene District for three consecutive years. Additionally, they have provided training to 200 farmers, 25 cooperatives, and 8 registered members, all of whom are now part of the National Federation of Farmers. The organization has also conducted three climate awareness campaigns in the Sanda Magbolontor chiefdom.

To continue their vital work and expand their reach, Wanwod Development Organization is actively seeking partnerships and funding opportunities. Your support can make a significant difference in their mission to combat environmental degradation and build a sustainable future.

For more information, you can contact them through WhatsApp at +232-76-661-701 or via email at wnawoddevelopment2017@gmail.com. You can also connect with them on LinkedIn here and on Facebook here.

Wanwod Development Organization stands as a beacon of hope in the face of environmental adversity, working tirelessly to create a brighter and more sustainable future for all.

Normalization of Telecommunications Sector Tariff is Imminent

This medium reliably learnt that due to the recent hike in the prices of petroleum products, electricity tariffs and the foreign exchange rate in the country, the telecommunications sector is expected to normalize its tariff soon.

According to our source, it is without gainsaying that all other sectors have adjusted their charges as a result of the factors listed above but it is only the telecommunication sector that has been left unattended.

“We are of the view that if nothing is done to protect the sector from facing economic insolvent it will be counterproductive to the State in terms of revenue generation, youth employment and providing financial as well as moral support to national activities,” a Civil Society activist averred adding that the sector, which has been ostensibly neglected, is currently one of the highest taxpayers in the country that has the highest rates of youth employment.

He went on to state that with no iota of doubt, if the tariff normalization does not take effect soon, there is a tendency for over 50% of staff within the sector to lose their jobs adding how there is also a proclivity for the sector to scale down or short down some sites in remote areas where they are spending millions of Leones to provide connectivity.

The Civil Society activist maintained that such itself will be a burden on the people and Government of Sierra Leone which is more the reason that the tariff adjustment is needed now to prevent such shortfall in the sector.

He underscored that other areas, like the media, sport, entertainment, tourism, education, child welfare, civil society etc that are currently benefitting hugely from the magnanimity provided by the telecommunication sector will be left to suffer; particularly the media fraternity.

A seasoned Economist, Dennis Sankoh has argued that when the cost of producing goods or services is higher than the profit margin, it will lead to a shutdown of operation. He, therefore, urged the Government of Sierra Leone to intervene by factoring a new tariff adjustment to protect the telecommunication industry from falling or find a win-win situation that will lead to economic equilibrium in the sector.

“If the telecommunications sector continues to face serious economic challenges or crisis it will hurt the economy in terms of services, trade, Corporate Social Responsibility and employment,” he sounded a word of caution further applauding the telecom sector for still being committed to driving investment in the sector.

In an opinion expressed by an Economics expert, the constant rise in input costs whilst the tariffs are stagnated at a rate that had been fixed since January 2023, will make it extremely difficult for the sector to make more gains in terms of investment and creation of jobs in the country. He added that the situation will be further exacerbated by the devaluation of the Leone as against the dollar.

Government Faces Scrutiny Over Railway & Port Lease Agreement

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

It is an open secret that it is economically unethical for the automatic termination of an existing contract agreement with another party for no justifiable reason even before the commencement of the implementation of the contract in question by the party whose contract is to be aborted. This particularly holds true in a situation where one of the parties in the contractual agreement has not in any way breached any aspect of the contract. Obviously, if indeed such a bad practice is pursued, definitely it will negatively impinge on donor confidence.

Contextually put, if rumours making the rounds is something to believe in, that the Government of Sierra Leone is on the verge of negotiating a new contract with Kingho Railway and Port Company Limited for the handling of the Pepel Railway and Port when it has an existing contract with ARISE IIP, then such could not be deemed as an ethically economic decision on the part of the Government. At this crucial moment when the Government is desperately trying to woo potential investors into the country, the spontaneous termination of a contract with a credible donor will send the wrong signals to other investors that are contemplating on investing huge sums of monies into a particular project.

For now it must be noted that the Government of Sierra Leone is under intense scrutiny as concerns mount over its handling of the lease agreement pertaining to the Pepel Railway and Port which has garnered widespread attention due to its potential impact on investor confidence and existing contracts.

Originally transformed by African Minerals Limited with financial support from China Exim Bank and Standard Bank of South Africa, the Pepel Railway and Port project represented a staggering $1.2 billion investment. Executed under the Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) framework, this ambitious endeavor breathed new life into the former Marampa mining railway and port facilities.

After a two-decade-long operation, the assets were handed over to the Sierra Leonean Government in 2020, making them 100% government-owned. However, in 2021, the Government decided to lease these assets to Kingho Railway and Port Company Limited. Unexpectedly, just two years later, on January 10, 2023, the government terminated its lease agreement with Kingho Railway and Port Company Limited.

Critics have voiced their concerns over the significantly below-market-value fixed annual lease rent of $1,250,000 that Kingho was paying before the lease termination.

Amid the ongoing negotiations for a new 20-year agreement with Kingho, it has emerged that the proposed annual lease rent stands at only $1.5 million. This figure has been met with dissatisfaction, particularly following the abrupt termination of Kingho’s previous lease agreement in January 2023.

Currently, the only legally binding agreement in effect is the one between the Government of Sierra Leone and ARISE IIP, which pertains to the management of the Pepel Port and Railway. In light of this, some voices have called for a temporary pause in the ongoing negotiations with Kingho until the matter of the existing lease agreement with ARISE IIP is fully addressed.

The unilateral cancellation of signed contracts or agreements has raised concerns about potential damage to investor confidence and the Government’s credibility. ARISE IIP maintains a valid agreement with the Sierra Leonean government, endorsed by the Cabinet, to develop, expand, and manage the Pepel Railway and Port, which has not been terminated by the government.

In light of these concerns, the Government of Sierra Leone is urged to proceed cautiously in its negotiations for a new lease agreement with Kingho regarding the management of the Pepel Railway and Port.

Presently, the only valid agreement for the management of the Pepel Railway and Port is the one signed between the Government of Sierra Leone and ARISE IIP.

In a significant development for Sierra Leone’s transportation sector, ARISE IIP has announced the impending arrival of seven passenger railcars, imported from Japan. According to correspondence dated September 22, 2023, from Samuel Komba Kambo, General Manager of Interface at ARISE IIP, to Amb. Alhaji Fanday Turay, the Minister of Transport and Aviation, these railcars are expected to dock at Freetown Port on October 26, 2023.

The correspondence titled “Arrival of Passenger Trains” and bearing the reference number ARISESL/0923/02 highlights the progress made under the Railway and Port Lease Agreement signed between the Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL) and ARISE IIP on January 17, 2023. This agreement grants ARISE IIP the responsibility to operate and maintain the rail and port infrastructure, including the operation of a passenger rail service.

In the letter, General Manager Samuel Komba Kambo stated, “ARISE IIP has successfully procured and shipped seven passenger railcars and their associated critical spares from Japan, with an anticipated arrival at Freetown Port on October 26, 2023.” He further explained that ARISE IIP is diligently preparing for the reception of these railcars, including the mobilization of necessary equipment to safely unload, transport, and park them along the rail infrastructure.

The letter mentions the current control of the rail infrastructure by Kingho, prompting ARISE IIP to seek permission from the government to park the railcars along the rail corridor until the commencement of passenger rail services. The letter also includes detailed information, such as a packing list of the railcars with their respective weights and dimensions, as well as a list of critical spares.

General Manager Samuel Komba Kambo concluded the letter by expressing ARISE IIP’s intention to submit duty-free entry forms for the shipment in the coming week, in accordance with the provisions of the agreement. The duty-free waiver is a key element in facilitating the successful implementation of the passenger rail service.

Copies of the letter have been sent to several high-ranking officials and ministries, including the Honourable Chief Minister, the Honourable Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, the Honourable Minister of Finance and Economic Development, the Honourable Attorney General and Minister of Justice, the Secretary to the President, and the Commissioner General of the National Revenue Authority (NRA).

As Sierra Leone eagerly anticipates the arrival of these passenger railcars, this development marks a significant step forward in enhancing the country’s transportation infrastructure and fostering economic growth. The successful implementation of the passenger rail service is poised to benefit both local commuters and the broader national economy. Stay tuned for further updates on this exciting development.

Mano River Union Unveils 50thAnniversary Celebration

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The Secretary General of the Mano River Union, Amb. Maria G. Harrison, has officially launched its 50thanniversary celebration of the Declaration of the Union signed in Malema on 3rd October, 1973 on the theme: “Strengthening the Culture of Peace and Regional Integration for Sustainable Development.” The well-attended launching ceremony was held on Tuesday 3rd October, 2023 at the Mano River Union Office on Fudia Terrace, Spur loop in Freetown.

Amb. Maria G. Harrison disclosed that the main objective of forming the Union as enshrined in the Mano River Union Declaration was to establish a firm economic foundation for lasting peace, friendship, freedom and social progress among member countries, furthering that over the last 50 years, the MRU has expanded its membership to the Republic of Guinea joining in 1980 and the Republic of Cote D’ivoire in 2008 respectively.

Amb. Maria G. Harrison noted that while the breakdown into civil war significantly affected the Union to function on its mandate for over a decade, the member States have always remained committed to the original purpose to create a unified market for promotion of trade and agriculture, while also guaranteeing mutual peace and security.

She said that the 50th Anniversary comes in the wake of Guinea’s Independence Anniversary and Liberia’s coming elections and MRU has firmly supported democratic processes in Sierra Leone and plans to pursue the same goals in the other member States as the institution gears up to observe the Liberian elections.

The Secretary General said that the MRU supervises the Regional Resource Governance Project implemented across the four member States and aims to strengthen institutional capacity to prevent smuggling of minerals and harmonized tax regimes and also implement the Building Inclusive Business Ecosystems for Stabilization and Transformation (BIBEST) Project which aims to support women who are cross border traders in Sierra Leone and Liberia with capacity building, business development services and structural reforms with border security to enable scalability and prevent SGBV.

The Charge of Affairs of the Liberian Embassy, Rolandn Johnson on behalf of the Government and People of Liberia, extended hearty felicitations to the MRU on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the great multilateral sub-regional institution, the Mano River Union.

He called on MRU to take a retrospective look at their journey from the beginning, bearing in mind that the institution was established with specific aims and objectives and that they are accountable to the people of the sub-region asking what are their scores considering specific areas of the initial objectives and taking into account all of the relevant factors, both negative and positive, that contributed over the years to the mechanisms of the institution.

“It is worthy to note that the underlying objectives of the institution were to ‘establish a firm economic foundation for lasting peace, friendship, freedom and social progress among the member countries’ and I am very proud to note that at the height of the wars in Liberia and Sierra Leone and in the midst of the carnage, some functionaries of the Union were actively seen playing leading roles in the peace-making processes,” he maintained.

The Principal Country Program Officer, African Development Bank Group, Atanga Felicitas, said the African Development Bank is a partner of the MRU and supports the institution in many domains, adding that over the past years, the MRU has implemented both technical capacity building projects and the regional component of investment projects funded by the Bank in the MRU countries and also an implementing partner of many multinational projects covering more than one member country. Collaboration between the 2 partners has so far been very smooth.

She informed that gathering that the MRU Secretariat is currently implementing the regional component of two multinational projects funded by the Bank; the Post Ebola Recovery Social Investment Fund (PERSIF Project) and the MRU Road Development and Transport Facilitation Project Phase III and the Building Inclusive Business Ecosystems for Stabilization and Transformation in the Mano River Union (BI-BEST) Project funded by the Bank and covering Liberia and Sierra Leone.

Atanga Felicitas noted that under the PERSIF project, the MRU is expected to act through an Advisory Board and coordinate with Member States for the selection of the sites where basic social services were to be implemented equally, expected to coordinate with Member States the selection of civil society organizations to be represented in the Advisory Board meetings.

“Total funding to the MRU for these activities for the two beneficiary countries is USD 485,000. An MOU was signed between the MRU and the Government of Sierra Leone on the implementation of this component. Unfortunately, the MRU hasn’t accomplished much in this project and implementation of the regional component is stalled,” she lamented.

In his keynote address, the Deputy Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Jonathan Titus Williams (Rev. Dr.) said Fifty years ago on the soil of Sierra Leone in Malema, Sorogbwema Chiefdom, Pujehun District, the historic Mano River Union Declaration was signed between the Late President Siaka P. Stevens of Sierra Leone and the Late President William Tolbert of Liberia.

He said that the Mano River Union was established with the principal aim of advancing economic development through trade integration, got off to a good start and even formed the blueprint for ECOWAS which was established two years later, stating that in the early years the MRU ran programmes in agriculture, mining, forestry, education, training and the like, which positively impacted Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea (the three Member States at the time).

The Deputy Minister said that the Government of H.E. Brigadier (RTD) Dr. Julius Maada Bio recognizes and appreciates that the MRU made many inroads in the area of peace where the organization has focused on enhancing peace and security in border regions, in order to re-establish the foundations for cross-border commerce and investment, counting that since the founding of MRU on to this day in October 1973, and more recently, the Mano River Union has unquestionably made a substantial contribution to ensuring long-term peace and development in the sub-region which ,he said, has been done partnering with UN Agencies, NGOs and Civil Society Organisations like MARWOPNET, and others.

He used the opportunity to draw the attention of MRU member states that it is long overdue for the Union to have its own permanent secretariat building of which he therefore urged the Union to make it a top priority moving forward.

Other stakeholders present including the National Focal Person for Mano River Women Peace Network, Mrs. Rosaline Mcarthy, the Regional Speaker of Mano River Union Youth Parliament, Representative of the Guinea Embassy in Sierra Leone also made statements.

APC Samura Kamara’s Statement Re-Echoes Initial Party Claims

By Foday Moriba Conteh

During a Press Conference held on Tuesday 3 October, 2023 at the All-People’s Congress (APC) party headquarters on Old Railway Line, Brookfield’s in Freetown, the Presidential Candidate of the All-People’s Congress Party, Dr. Samura Matthew Wilson Kamara addressed supporters of the party ahead of the forthcoming dialogue between the Government of Sierra Leone and the main opposition party All People’s Congress aimed at resolving the political stalemate following the contested June 24, 2023, elections.

He expressed deep concerns about what he termed a rigged election and the subsequent illegitimate reign of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) led by President Julius Maada Bio.

Addressing the nation, Dr. Samura Kamara began by extending his apologies to the people of Sierra Leone, acknowledging the distress, suffering and pain they have experienced as a result of what he described as an electoral fraud of historic proportions. He called the events surrounding the June 24 elections the worst thing to happen to democratic Sierra Leone and emphasized his commitment to righting that wrong.

He specifically criticized ,Mohamed Konneh, the Chief Electoral Commissioner for his role in announcing the election results without making public the supporting Polling Stations vote counts, despite repeated requests from various parties and election observers, asserting that these announced results did not reflect the true will of the people and were the outcome of massive intimidation, violence and malpractices.

Dr. Samura Kamara highlighted the people’s reasons for voting, citing their desire for hope, unity, decent institutions and political tolerance. He alleged that Konneh’s actions, in announcing unverified results and declaring a victory for President Bio, were part of a larger scheme to retain power through fraudulent means.

Rejecting President Bio’s claims of victory, he stated that it amounted to a coup against the will of the people, asserting that the Sierra Leonean people could not accept an illegitimate takeover of the Government. He criticized President Bio’s five-year governance record, citing economic instability, human rights violations, extra-judicial killings and electoral fraud as reasons for rejecting his regime.

He underscored the suffering endured by the people of Sierra Leone since 2018 and implored them to resist the erosion of democracy and the rule of law. He called for non-participation in any political processes as a means of denying legitimacy to the current regime.

Furthermore, the Presidential Candidate emphasized the importance of the forthcoming inter-party dialogue as a peaceful means of resolving the political impasse and holding those responsible for the election fraud accountable. He urged the international community to support the restoration of integrity in Sierra Leone’s elections management bodies and security apparatus.

He concluded by expressing his unwavering commitment to the people of Sierra Leone and commended the grassroots support for the APC party. Dr Samura Kamara called for the production of polling station vote counts for an independent forensic audit and expressed his hope for peace, unity, and democracy in Sierra Leone.

As Sierra Leone prepares for the dialogue between the Government of Sierra Leone and the All-People’s Congress Party, the nation remains at a crossroads, with political tensions running high and hopes for a peaceful resolution to the political stalemate resting on the success of the forthcoming dialogue.

ARISE IIP Secures 7 Passenger Railcars, Expected at Freetown Port on October 26

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In a significant development for Sierra Leone’s transportation sector, Arise IIP has announced the imminent arrival of seven passenger railcars, imported from Japan. According to a correspondence dated September 22, 2023, from, Samuel Komba Kambo, General Manager of Interface at Arise IIP, to Amb. Alhaji Fanday Turay, the Minister of Transport and Aviation, the railcars are expected to dock at the Freetown Port on October 26, 2023.

The correspondence, bearing the reference number ARISESL/0923/02 titled “Arrival of Passenger Trains,” underscores the progress made under the Railway and Port Lease Agreement signed between the Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL) and Arise IIP on January 17, 2023. This agreement grants Arise IIP the responsibility to operate and maintain the rail and port infrastructure, including the operation of a passenger rail service.

In the letter, General Manager, Samuel Komba Kambo, stated, “Arise IIP has successfully procured and shipped seven passenger railcars and their associated critical spares from Japan, with an anticipated arrival at the Freetown Port on October 26, 2023.”

He further explained that Arise IIP is diligently preparing for the reception of these railcars, including the mobilization of necessary equipment to safely unload, transport, and park them along the rail infrastructure.

One notable aspect mentioned in the letter is the current control of the rail infrastructure by Kingho, prompting Arise IIP to seek permission from the Government to park the railcars along the rail corridor until the commencement of passenger rail services. The letter also includes detailed information, such as a packing list of the railcars with their respective weights and dimensions, as well as a list of critical spares.

General Manager Samuel Komba Kambo concluded the letter by expressing Arise IIP’s intention to submit duty-free entry forms for the shipment in the coming week, in accordance with the provisions of the agreement. The duty-free waiver is a key element in facilitating the successful implementation of the passenger rail service.

The letter has been copied to several high-ranking officials and ministries, including the Honourable Chief Minister, the Honourable Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, the Honourable Minister of Finance and Economic Development, the Honourable Attorney General and Minister of Justice, the Secretary to the President, and the Commissioner General of the National Revenue Authority (NRA).

From a thorough research conducted by this medium it was learnt that when African Minerals Limited, with financial support from China Exim Bank and Standard Bank of South Africa, transformed the Pepel Railway and Port it also invested and constructed the rail which cuts across over 200 villages or settlements across the country. It is therefore expected that with the commencement of passenger train transportation by ARISE IIP the impact will be great as there are many people to benefit from it at the initial stage before any move is made to expand the routes that these commercial railcars will later on ply.

As Sierra Leone eagerly awaits the arrival of these passenger railcars, this development marks a significant step forward in enhancing the country’s transportation infrastructure and fostering economic growth. The successful implementation of the passenger rail service is poised to benefit both local commuters and the broader national economy.

Stay tuned for further updates on this exciting development.

1...477478479...1,362Page 478 of 1,362