Orange, Tacugama Plant 5,000 Trees at National Park to Mark World Environment Day 2026

June 8, 2026

Group of four volunteers planting a sapling during World Environment Week, smiling near an event banner.

By Foday Moriba Conteh

As part of activities marking World Environment Day 2026, Orange Sierra Leone, in partnership with Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, on Friday, June 5, 2026, undertook a major tree-planting exercise at the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, planting 5,000 trees across six acres of degraded forest within the Western Area Peninsula National Park.

The initiative brought together Government officials, environmental advocates and more than 180 Orange Sierra Leone employees in a collective effort to promote reforestation, combat climate change and protect Sierra Leone’s fragile ecosystem.

Speaking at the event, Orange Sierra Leone’s Sales Director, Alpha Bundu, underscored the importance of environmental protection and called for collective action to safeguard nature.

He described World Environment Day as a global occasion that highlights the value of nature and its role in sustaining human life. According to him, Orange Sierra Leone’s responsibility extends beyond telecommunications to include protecting the environment and supporting sustainable development.

“As a company, we believe our responsibility goes beyond connecting people through telecommunications. We also have a duty to contribute to environmental protection and sustainability,” Alpha Bundu said.

He noted that environmental conservation requires collaboration among stakeholders and commended Tacugama’s Founder and Director, Bala Amarasekaran, for his longstanding commitment to wildlife conservation and environmental protection.

Alpha Bundu stressed that Orange Sierra Leone’s commitment goes beyond planting trees. He said the company hopes to inspire other institutions to undertake similar initiatives and work together to preserve the environment for future generations.

He highlighted the participation of more than 150 staff members, including senior Management and Directors, as evidence of the company’s dedication to environmental stewardship.

According to him, Orange Sierra Leone has previously planted more than 1,000 trees in the Tacugama area, many of which are now thriving. The company has also undertaken beach-cleaning exercises and other environmental activities under its “Engage for Change” campaign.

“The need to protect the environment goes beyond today’s activity. It is something we must do every day. We all have a responsibility to keep our environment safe,” he emphasized.

Alpha Bundu also expressed concern over increasing construction and human activities around protected areas, warning that such developments threaten biodiversity and critical water sources that supply much of Freetown. He called for stronger public-private partnerships to address environmental challenges and ensure the sustainable management of Sierra Leone’s natural resources.

Also speaking at the event, Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary Founder and Director, Bala Amarasekaran, raised alarm over the rapid destruction of forest cover within the Western Area National Park, warning that continued encroachment threatens water security, biodiversity and the future of Freetown.

He explained that the area where the tree-planting exercise took place was once covered by dense forest but has been significantly degraded over the past three years due to encroachment.

“We are standing within the National Park. In fact, we should not even be planting here because there was already a forest in this area. Unfortunately, most of the destruction you see has happened within the last three years,” he said.

Bala Amarasekaran warned that increasing construction activities within and around protected areas pose serious risks to water catchment systems that serve hundreds of thousands of residents in Freetown. He noted that poor waste management and sanitation practices could contaminate underground water sources and worsen environmental degradation.

He commended Orange Sierra Leone for supporting the initiative, describing the partnership as an important step toward restoring degraded ecosystems.

“For 32 years, Tacugama has worked to protect this environment. Today we are planting 5,000 trees, but this is only the beginning,” he said.

According to him, the long-term objective is not simply to plant trees but to restore degraded landscapes and reclaim protected areas for future generations.

Bala Amarasekaran attributed the growing deforestation problem to weak enforcement of existing environmental laws. While noting that Sierra Leone possesses strong wildlife and forestry legislation, he argued that authorities must do more to enforce those laws and prevent illegal encroachment.

“If people are encroaching on protected areas, the answer cannot simply be to describe it as lawlessness. The laws exist and must be enforced,” he stated.

He further warned that continued destruction of forest cover could increase the risk of landslides and other environmental disasters. Referring to the devastating 2017 mudslide, he stressed the importance of preventive action rather than reacting after disasters occur.

“I am not interested in simply planting 5,000 trees and walking away. The priority is to maintain and protect them and ensure that this area remains preserved,” he added.

Bala Amarasekaran called for greater political commitment to environmental protection, urging leaders to place environmental issues at the center of national development discussions.

Representing the Government of Sierra Leone, Deputy Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Mima Yema Mimi Sobba-Stephens, commended Orange Sierra Leone and Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary for demonstrating leadership in environmental conservation.

She described the initiative as an investment in the future, emphasizing the critical role trees play in sustaining life and maintaining healthy ecosystems.

“I want to say a big thank you to Orange Sierra Leone for taking this bold step. This is exactly the direction we need to move as a country because the future of our children, our nation and the world depends on how well we protect our environment today,” she said.

According to the Deputy Minister, tree planting is essential because trees provide oxygen, improve air quality, and help combat climate change.

“What has been done today is highly symbolic. Planting trees is like giving life to future generations,” she noted.

Responding to concerns about increasing encroachment on protected lands, Mima Yema Mimi Sobba-Stephens disclosed that the Government is working toward establishing a specialized Environmental Court to handle environmental violations more effectively.

“We are working towards setting up an Environmental Court that will specifically handle environmental cases. This court will ensure that environmental violations are addressed more effectively and promptly,” she revealed.

She added that the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change is collaborating with the judiciary, the Ministry of Lands and other stakeholders to tackle environmental challenges and strengthen enforcement mechanisms.

The Deputy Minister assured Sierra Leoneans of the Government’s commitment to protecting forests, biodiversity and natural resources, while calling on citizens and institutions to support environmental conservation efforts.

Meanwhile, Orange Sierra Leone’s Chief Climate Officer, Danetta Younge, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to sustainability and climate action.

She disclosed that more than 180 Orange Sierra Leone employees volunteered for the initiative, demonstrating the company’s dedication to restoring nature and creating a greener future.

“On this World Environment Day, we reaffirm our commitment to protecting our planet through sustainable actions and collective responsibility. Today, over 180 employees volunteered to plant 5,000 trees, symbolizing our dedication to restoring nature, combating climate change and building a greener future for generations to come,” she said.

The event concluded with participants planting thousands of trees across degraded sections of the national park, reinforcing calls for stronger environmental protection, sustainable land management and collective action to preserve Sierra Leone’s natural heritage for future generations.

As Over 40 Participants Earn Certificates… Zion Praise Tabernacle & Victorious School of Empowerment Host Maiden Skills Graduation Ceremony

June 8, 2026

Group of graduates in black gowns with orange stoles holding certificates at a church-hall commencement, a cross on the wall behind them.

By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

Zion Praise Tabernacle, in collaboration with the Victorious School of Empowerment, has successfully graduated forty-five young women during the maiden Skills Training Graduation Ceremony held on Saturday, 6th June 2026, at Zion Praise Tabernacle, Bottom Mango, Hill Station.

The event, which was held under the theme: “From Skills To Sustainable Businesses,” brought together religious leaders, education stakeholders, parents, guardians, church members and well-wishers to celebrate the achievements of the graduates, who successfully completed training in Cake Baking, Makeup Artistry, Fashion and Design, Event Planning, Decoration and Hairdressing.

The colourful ceremony was chaired by the Public Relations Officer of the National Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NPRA), Koma Nancy Yeawa Gandy-Williams, who commended the organizers for investing in the future of young women and helping to build a more self-reliant society.

Present at the ceremony were the General Overseer of Zion Praise Tabernacle, Pastor James Bangura, Pastor Mrs. Esther Bangura, the Proprietors of the Victorious School of Empowerment, Col. and Mrs. Boima Nepor Gogra, parents, guardians and supporters who turned out in large numbers to witness what many described as a significant step towards women empowerment and self-reliance.

Delivering the keynote address, the Managing Editor of The Calabash Newspaper, Amin Kef Sesay, congratulated the graduates on reaching an important milestone in their lives, describing the ceremony as not merely the end of a training programme but the beginning of a journey towards economic independence and community transformation.

He noted that the theme of the ceremony was timely because acquiring a skill alone is not enough unless it is transformed into a sustainable business capable of creating wealth and employment opportunities.

Amin Kef reminded the graduates that the practical skills they have acquired in Cake Baking, Makeup Artistry, Fashion and Design, Event Planning, Decoration and Hairdressing are valuable assets that could positively change their lives if applied with creativity, discipline and commitment.

He encouraged them to embrace the opportunities offered by modern technology, particularly social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, stressing that digital platforms had become powerful business tools for marketing products and services, building brands and reaching wider audiences.

The investigative journalist also underscored the importance of financial discipline, advising the graduates to separate personal and business finances, maintain proper records, cultivate a savings culture and continuously reinvest profits into their enterprises. According to him, many businesses fail not because of a lack of customers but because of poor financial management.

He further emphasized the value of networking and collaboration, urging the graduates to build strong relationships with mentors, customers, suppliers and fellow entrepreneurs, adding that partnerships and professional connections often open doors to new opportunities and long-term success.

Amin Kef also encouraged the graduates to remain honest, professional and committed to quality service, pointing out that integrity and reliability are essential ingredients for building successful and sustainable businesses.

He concluded by telling the graduates that their certificates represented more than proof of completion, describing them as symbols of opportunity, responsibility and potential. He urged them to use their newly acquired skills to create jobs, support their families, transform their communities and contribute meaningfully to national development.

Addressing the gathering, the General Overseer of Zion Praise Tabernacle, Pastor James Bangura, heartily congratulated all the graduates and disclosed that when the training programme commenced three months ago, there were seventy-four students enrolled, but only forty-five successfully completed the course.

He told the graduates that the ball is now in their court, adding that there is a popular saying that if one succeeds or fails, it is one’s own responsibility. Pastor James Bangura stressed that the knowledge and practical skills they had received during the three months of training should make the organizers proud and should be used to benefit their families, communities and the nation as a whole.

The General Overseer emphasized that with the skills they had acquired, they should no longer become liabilities or burdens to anyone. He disclosed that God had given him a mission to empower young people and explained that the substantial amount of money invested in the programme was intentional and motivated by a desire to serve humanity.

He further stated that in contemporary society it is not easy for a man to give a woman money freely and therefore admonished the graduates to become self-reliant and never sell their bodies for survival. Pastor James Bangura also encouraged them to remain God-fearing, resist temptations and be prayerful, adding that they should serve as responsible and productive citizens in their communities.

He commended the sacrifices made by the instructors, revealing that some of them travelled long distances to ensure that the participants received quality practical education. Congratulating the graduates on behalf of the Church and his family, Pastor James Bangura described them as the first batch of what he hopes will become a long-standing programme and expressed optimism that the initiative would continue for as long as Jesus lives. He also expressed the hope that other ministries would emulate the initiative of empowering young people with practical skills.

A representative of the Victorious School of Empowerment gave a brief background of the organization, explaining that its primary mission is to empower young people through practical skills development and personal transformation. The representative disclosed that the institution has been actively involved in outreach programmes targeting school children and vulnerable groups, including young people battling drug addiction, with the objective of helping them rebuild their lives and become productive members of society.

Speaking on the future vision of the institution, Mrs. Boima Nepor Gogra stated that the Victorious School of Empowerment intends to expand its training programmes to reach more communities across the country. She highlighted plans to introduce additional vocational courses, strengthen mentorship opportunities and establish stronger partnerships that would support graduates in starting their own businesses.

Mrs. Boima Nepor Gogra reminded the graduates that the various courses they had completed would have cost them huge sums of money had they enrolled in certain institutions, but they were fortunate to have received the training completely free of charge because it was part of a church empowerment programme.

She told the graduates that they were leaving the institution with their future in their own hands and urged them to take the skills they had acquired seriously, noting that a great deal of resources had been invested in their training and development.

According to her, the graduates should not only focus on their physical lives but should also pay equal attention to their spiritual growth, adding that true success comes from balancing both aspects of life. She encouraged them to be confident, believe in themselves and never allow anyone to look down on them because of their background or circumstances.

Mrs. Boima Nepor Gogra also praised the dedication and professionalism of the teachers, noting that their selfless service and determination had been instrumental in the success of the maiden graduation ceremony. She expressed appreciation to parents and guardians for supporting the participants throughout the training period and encouraged the graduates to use their skills to become successful entrepreneurs and role models.

The ceremony was marked by joy and celebration as the graduates proudly received their certificates amidst cheers from family members and friends. Many attendees described the initiative as a practical response to youth unemployment and a meaningful contribution towards building a generation of self-reliant and enterprising young Sierra Leonean women.

The successful hosting of the maiden Skills Training Graduation Ceremony by Zion Praise Tabernacle in collaboration with the Victorious School of Empowerment has been widely viewed as a significant investment in human capital development and a demonstration of the important role faith-based and community organizations can play in promoting sustainable livelihoods and national development.

Vice President Inspects Ongoing Additional Classroom Construction Projects in Port Loko District

June 8, 2026

A group of people walking outdoors under trees, some wearing safety vests and hard hats, as a person records with a smartphone.

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, on Saturday, June 6, 2026, visited Kasongha and Lokomasama communities in Port Loko District to inspect the progress of ongoing classroom construction projects aimed at improving access to quality education and enhancing learning outcomes for pupils.

The projects, which are being funded by Marampa Mines Limited as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, followed successful engagement and advocacy efforts by the Vice President to address educational infrastructure challenges in the two communities.

According to project details, the school in Kasongha is set to receive nine additional classrooms, while six new classrooms are being constructed at the school in Lokomasama. The new facilities will complement the existing structures and help address overcrowding and inadequate learning space in both schools.

Upon completion, the classroom blocks are expected to provide a more conducive learning environment for pupils and improve educational opportunities within the beneficiary communities.

The Vice President has over the years supported these schools through the provision of learning materials and initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of teachers, demonstrating his commitment to strengthening education in underserved communities.

During the inspection tour, Vice President revealed that the classroom construction projects form part of broader efforts to complement the human capital development agenda of President Julius Maada Bio, with education remaining a key pillar of the Government’s national development strategy.

He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to expanding educational infrastructure across the country and ensuring that children have access to safe and conducive learning facilities.

Vice President noted that investing in education remains critical to national development and reiterated the Government’s determination to improve educational opportunities for all Sierra Leonean children, particularly those in rural and underserved communities.

He commended Marampa Mines Limited for constructing the additional classrooms in the schools as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative.

Community members and school authorities expressed appreciation for the intervention, describing the additional classrooms as a significant boost to education in the two communities.

The projects are expected to be completed within the stipulated timeframe, providing hundreds of pupils with improved learning spaces and supporting efforts to strengthen the quality of education in Port Loko District.

Two-time UCL champions: Paris Saint-Germain confirms its status as the best football dynasty together with 1xBet!

June 5, 2026

On May 30, Budapest became the capital of world football, hosting one of the biggest sporting events of 2026 – the Champions League final – at the legendary Puskás Aréna. Paris Saint-Germain’s victory over Arsenal on penalties definitively cemented the French club’s status as a major force in Europe.

The final whistle triggered an immediate reaction from the global sports audience. Social and international media, and streaming platforms, exploded with discussions of the French giants’ historic achievement. A second consecutive Champions League title – this success made PSG one of the most influential football brands on the planet and marked the birth of a new dynasty.

Under the spotlight of millions: weight of expectation and final triumph

Throughout the season, Luis Enrique’s team was under constant scrutiny from the international sports community. Following last year’s UCL triumph, expectations for PSG reached a fever pitch: every match of the reigning champions became a global news story.

The road to the final in Budapest demonstrated PSG’s title-winning mentality. The Parisians displayed the highest level of skill, befitting their status as the best team in Europe. The 120 minutes of the final were a true spectacle, keeping fans on edge until the very end, and certain moments will surely go down in Champions League history as timeless classics.

Interest in the final extended beyond the 67,000-seat stadium. Digital platforms recorded enormous audience engagement: PSG’s victory wasn’t just news – it became a global event, uniting sports fans worldwide.

A formula for success: the PSG and 1xBet partnership

Achievements of this magnitude require more than just elite performance on the football pitch. PSG’s triumphant run over several seasons has been actively supported by its official partner, 1xBet. As a leading company in the iGaming market, the brand has worked hand in hand with the club, providing reliable support at key moments.

This partnership demonstrates the perfect combination of ambition and the desire to be the best. While PSG continued to push the boundaries of what’s possible in European stadiums, 1xBet created unique engagement experiences for millions of fans worldwide, bridging the gap between the action on the pitch and fans’ emotions.

An era of new chances

This historic achievement is changing the landscape of sports business and the iGaming sector. Having secured its status as the kings of Europe, the club has cemented its place as one of the most commercially successful brands in sports history.

Victories of this magnitude open up new horizons for sports marketing and the iGaming industry. This is where the 1xPartners affiliate program plays a key role. The platform helps partners achieve high conversion and engagement rates worldwide, offering the best conditions: up to 50% RevShare, a flexible payout scheme, and in-depth analytics of advertising campaigns in international markets.

The victory in Budapest united millions of fans around the French club, and the Champions League triumph once again confirmed that Paris Saint-Germain is one of the most influential football clubs of our time, continuing to set new standards both on and off the pitch. And judging by the scale of this success, a new era for PSG is just beginning!

Editors Guild Slams Police Over Visit to Voice of Salone Newspaper

June 5, 2026

Inspector General of Police, William F. Sellu

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Guild of Newspaper Editors (GoNE) has on June 2, 2026 strongly condemned the actions of Sierra Leone Police officers who reportedly entered the offices of Voice of Salone Newspaper and requested that its Editor, David Johnson, accompany them to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) over a published article concerning an alleged cocaine seizure at Portee Wharf.

In a Press Release issued on June 2, 2026, the Guild expressed “profound concern” over the incident, which reportedly occurred on Monday, June 1, 2026. According to the statement, Police Officers visited the newspaper’s office in connection with a publication titled: “Mystery Surrounds Alleged Cocaine Seizure at Portee Wharf.”

The Guild described the incident as a matter of serious concern, not only for Voice of Salone Newspaper but also for the wider media fraternity and Sierra Leone’s democratic space.

While acknowledging the constitutional and statutory mandate of the Sierra Leone Police to investigate allegations of criminal conduct, the Guild stressed that such powers must be exercised within the confines of the law and in a manner that respects constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression and freedom of the press.

The statement emphasized that reporting on matters of public interest, including allegations of wrongdoing, is a fundamental responsibility of the media in a democratic society. It noted that journalists play a watchdog role by promoting transparency, accountability and public awareness, particularly when addressing issues that generate legitimate public concern.

The Guild questioned the legal and factual basis upon which Police Officers deemed it necessary to visit a newspaper office and request the attendance of its Editor for the apparent purpose of obtaining evidence to support a published story.

According to the Guild, journalists are not investigators for the State nor are media institutions repositories of evidence for law enforcement agencies. It argued that the constitutional responsibility of the Press is to gather, process and disseminate information in the public interest, while the responsibility for investigating alleged criminal activities rests with the relevant state institutions.

The Guild further warned that such actions, if left unchecked, could have a chilling effect on investigative journalism and discourage journalists from reporting on matters of public importance due to fears of reprisals or official harassment.

Calling for accountability, the Guild urged the leadership of the Sierra Leone Police to provide a clear explanation regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident and to reassure the public that the constitutional rights of journalists and media institutions will be respected at all times.

The organization also reminded public authorities that Sierra Leone’s democratic credentials are strengthened by a free, independent and robust Press capable of holding institutions and individuals accountable.

Expressing solidarity with David Johnson, Management and Staff of Voice of Salone Newspaper, the Guild reaffirmed its commitment to defending press freedom, editorial independence and the rule of law.

“The freedom of the Press is not a privilege granted by the State; it is a constitutional right guaranteed to every citizen and an indispensable pillar of democratic governance,” the Guild stated.

The Press Release was issued by the GoNE Secretariat.

WFSL Concludes One-Week Capacity Building Training Across Three Districts Under Spotlight Initiative 2.0

June 5, 2026

Group of men and women posing for a photo at a community event with a Spotlight Initiative banner in the background, Falaba District.

By: Sallu Kamuskay

Women’s Forum Sierra Leone (WFSL) has successfully concluded a week-long capacity building training programme for women-led Civil Society Organizations across Moyamba, Kailahun and Falaba districts as part of the implementation of Outcome D of the Spotlight Initiative 2.0.

The training forms part of a three-year project aimed at ending violence against women and girls in Sierra Leone. The initiative is being implemented by Women’s Forum Sierra Leone with support from UN Women, in collaboration with the Government of Sierra Leone, the United Nations and the European Union.

The intensive training focused on strengthening the institutional capacity of women-led organizations through sessions on leadership, governance, financial management, safeguarding and action planning. The programme was facilitated by the Programme Manager of Women’s Forum Sierra Leone, Idrissa Sesay, who emphasized that the training was designed to address critical capacity gaps among sub-grantee organizations and enhance their effectiveness in advancing women’s rights and protection.

Speaking during the engagements, the President of Women’s Forum Sierra Leone, Sally N. Adams, expressed appreciation to participants for their commitment and encouraged them to apply the knowledge gained to strengthen advocacy efforts in their respective communities.

She noted that violence against women and girls remain a serious challenge across the country and called on participants to become agents of change in addressing the issue at the grassroots level.

Sally N. Adams highlighted the long-standing role of Women’s Forum Sierra Leone in promoting gender equality and protecting the rights of women and girls. She recalled that the organization was established in 1994 and has since grown into a nationwide network with more than 300 member organizations working across the country.

“We founded the Women’s Forum in 1994 and today we have over 300 network members across Sierra Leone working to protect and promote the rights of women and girls,” she said, adding that the organization is proud to serve as a lead implementing partner for the Spotlight Initiative in Sierra Leone.

In Moyamba District, participants developed three-month action plans aimed at addressing Gender-Based Violence within their communities. Matinda Mayeni Mama of the Generational Impact Movement stressed the need for a change in attitudes toward young advocates, noting that cultural norms often hinder their contributions to community development.

“We are not unruly. We need support and protection,” she stated.

Participants in Kailahun District also welcomed the initiative and described it as a timely intervention. Fatmata B. Coker of the Masanta One Women’s Group said incidents of violence against women continue to rise in the district and emphasized the importance of empowering local organizations to respond effectively.

She said the training had significantly enhanced participants’ knowledge in leadership and financial management while also providing practical tools for community engagement. Fatmata B. Coker further expressed concern over the continued practice of Female Genital Mutilation involving young girls and called for greater attention to issues of consent and age considerations.

In Falaba District, the Director of the Falaba District Women Network, Fatmata Baby Turay, described the training as both timely and necessary. She noted that women and girls in the district continue to face various forms of violence and discrimination and expressed confidence that the programme would strengthen the ability of Civil Society Organizations to address those challenges.

The training covered participants from nine chiefdoms across the three districts, reflecting a broad commitment to community-led action against Gender-Based Violence.

Organizers stated that the initiative seeks to place Civil Society Organizations at the forefront of advocacy, policy engagement and accountability mechanisms aimed at ending violence against women and girls. They expressed optimism that the strengthened capacity of participating organizations will contribute significantly to promoting safer communities and advancing gender equality across Sierra Leone.

Retired War-Wounded Soldiers in Waterloo Face Growing Humanitarian Crisis

June 5, 2026

Thin man sitting on a doorstep outdoors, shirtless and wearing gray shorts, looking tired or injured.

A growing humanitarian crisis is unfolding in Waterloo, Western Rural District, where retired war-wounded soldiers are reportedly living in extremely difficult conditions, prompting renewed calls for urgent intervention to improve the welfare of military veterans who sacrificed their health and well-being in service to Sierra Leone.

Sources close to the retired soldiers have confirmed that several members of the veteran community have died in recent months, with concerns mounting that prolonged exposure to cold weather, heavy rainfall and inadequate shelter may have contributed to the deaths.

Many of the former soldiers, most of whom sustained injuries during their years of military service, currently reside in a self-funded camp in Waterloo. The camp reportedly lacks adequate housing and basic facilities, leaving residents vulnerable to harsh weather conditions and health complications.

Speaking on behalf of the affected veterans, Retired Corporal Kamara, Chairman of the RSLAF Retired Wounded in Action Western Rural Organization, described the living conditions facing many members as alarming. According to him, numerous retired war-wounded soldiers are forced to sleep in open markets, on fields and in unfinished buildings in Bassa Town, Waterloo, because they are unable to afford rented accommodation.

“We cannot afford to pay rent with our minimal pensions,” Retired Corporal Kamara said, noting that many veterans struggle daily to meet even their most basic needs.

He explained that the organization has repeatedly appealed to the Ministry of Lands for the allocation of land where retired war-wounded soldiers could be resettled and provided with decent housing. Such a move, he said, would allow veterans to live together in a safe environment and access the support they need.

Retired Corporal Kamara further called on humanitarian organizations, human rights groups, Non-Governmental Organizations, development partners and philanthropists to assist in developing housing facilities for the veterans once suitable land is secured.

While acknowledging that officials from the Ministry of Lands have reportedly given assurances regarding support for the resettlement initiative, he expressed concern that no tangible progress has yet been made.

With the rainy season intensifying across the country, veteran leaders fear that additional lives could be lost if immediate measures are not taken to improve shelter conditions and provide emergency relief.

Advocates for veterans’ welfare argue that the situation highlights broader challenges facing retired service personnel, particularly those who sustained injuries while defending the nation. They maintain that the men and women who served the country with distinction deserve access to decent housing, healthcare and social protection during retirement.

The veterans are now calling for urgent action in three key areas: the allocation of land for resettlement, support from development partners to construct housing and community facilities and the provision of temporary shelters and humanitarian assistance to protect vulnerable members from the effects of the current weather conditions.

Growing concerns have prompted many to argue that addressing the plight of retired war-wounded soldiers is not only a humanitarian obligation but also a national responsibility and a gesture of gratitude to those who made significant sacrifices in service to Sierra Leone.

First Bank Group Courts Parliament’s Support for Landmark Development Financing Initiatives

June 5, 2026

Eight professionals in formal and traditional attire stand in an office posing for a group photo, with framed portraits and a clock on the wall behind them.

By Amin Kef-Ranger

The recent visit of First Bank Group Chief Executive Officer, Olusegun Alebiosu, to Sierra Leone has been widely regarded as a significant step toward strengthening investor confidence, promoting large-scale private sector participation and advancing innovative financing solutions for the country’s development agenda. Central to the visit was a high-level engagement with the Legislature, underscoring the critical role Parliament plays in facilitating major investment agreements and development partnerships.

One of the most notable engagements during the visit was Olusegun Alebiosu’s meeting with the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas. During discussions at Parliament, the First Bank Group CEO sought legislative support for proposed investment initiatives and financing agreements that may require parliamentary ratification in the future.

The Speaker welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote economic growth, create employment opportunities and contribute to national development. The engagement highlighted the importance of legislative backing in creating a stable and predictable environment for investors while ensuring that major development projects receive the necessary legal and institutional support.

The parliamentary engagement demonstrated a coordinated approach between the Legislature and private sector stakeholders, signaling Sierra Leone’s readiness to attract strategic investments capable of transforming key sectors of the economy.

Beyond Parliament, Olusegun Alebiosu led a high-level delegation to State House, where they were received by President Julius Maada Bio. The delegation included senior engineering executives and international directors of First Bank Group, alongside the leadership of First Bank Sierra Leone and Finance Minister Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura.

Discussions focused on financing critical infrastructure projects in sectors such as roads, electricity, water supply, bridges and industrial infrastructure. These sectors remain vital to accelerating economic growth, creating jobs, improving competitiveness and expanding opportunities for private sector participation.

Finance Minister Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura emphasized Government’s determination to reduce dependence on traditional aid by embracing blended financing models that combine public resources, private capital and concessional funding. He noted that Sierra Leone’s rich mineral resources and agricultural potential provide a strong foundation for developing sustainable financing arrangements capable of supporting long-term national development.

Olusegun Alebiosu highlighted First Bank Group’s extensive experience in financing infrastructure projects across Africa and stressed that investments in transportation, energy, water systems and industrial facilities are essential to unlocking productivity and improving living standards.

A particularly significant aspect of the discussions was First Bank Group’s willingness to explore innovative financing mechanisms backed by future commodity revenues and mineral royalties. Such arrangements could provide alternative sources of capital for major development projects while reducing reliance on conventional budgetary financing.

President Julius Maada Bio welcomed the proposal and linked the prospective investments to his Government’s “Big Five” development priorities of agriculture, fisheries, mining, tourism and manufacturing. He emphasized that infrastructure deficits remain one of the biggest obstacles to economic transformation and called for the rapid development of concrete projects and financing frameworks.

The visit also extended beyond investment and financing discussions. In a demonstration of First Bank Group’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility, the bank commissioned and handed over newly renovated solar-powered Science and Computer Laboratories at Albert Academy in Freetown.

The project was implemented under First Bank’s Leadership Acceleration Programme (LAP 3.0) and brought together senior executives from the bank’s operations across Africa. The initiative reflects the institution’s commitment to human capital development, technological innovation and educational advancement.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, First Bank executives noted that sustainable development requires not only investment in physical infrastructure but also investment in education, technology and youth empowerment. The upgraded facilities are expected to strengthen science and ICT education while promoting environmental sustainability through renewable solar energy.

Olusegun Alebiosu’s visit therefore represented far more than a routine corporate engagement. Through strategic discussions with Parliament, the Executive branch, financial sector stakeholders and educational institutions, the visit reinforced growing investor confidence in Sierra Leone’s economic prospects and highlighted the increasingly important role of private sector financing in national development.

As Sierra Leone continues to pursue economic growth and industrialization, the outcomes of these engagements could pave the way for substantial investments capable of transforming critical sectors, creating jobs and improving the lives of citizens across the country.

Human Rights Association Demands Release of Detained Sierra Leoneans in Libya

June 5, 2026

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The Human Rights Association (HRA) of South Africa has issued a strong call on the Libyan authorities to immediately release Sierra Leonean nationals being held in arbitrary detention and intensify efforts to dismantle human trafficking networks accused of exploiting vulnerable migrants from Sierra Leone and across West Africa.

In a statement released from Cape Town in May 27, 2026, HRA Chairman, Saad Kassis-Mohamed, expressed grave concern over what the organisation described as a widespread system of abuse, trafficking, extortion and unlawful detention targeting migrants in Libya. The association urged Libyan authorities to cooperate fully with the United Nations and relevant international agencies in protecting migrants and facilitating the safe and voluntary repatriation of Sierra Leoneans who wish to return home.

According to the Human Rights Association, many Sierra Leoneans continue to undertake perilous journeys through Guinea, Mali and the Sahara Desert in pursuit of opportunities in Europe. However, the organisation noted that instead of finding a pathway to better opportunities, many migrants become trapped in trafficking networks that subject them to severe human rights abuses, including abduction, torture, sexual violence, forced labour and extortion.

The organisation cited several documented accounts involving Sierra Leonean nationals who survived trafficking operations in Libya. Among them is a woman identified as Aminata, who reportedly left Freetown in 2025 following the death of her husband with the hope of reaching Europe and supporting her three children. The Human Rights Association stated that shortly after entering Libya through the southern desert route, she was intercepted by an armed group and detained alongside dozens of other women from West Africa.

According to the report, Aminata was subjected to repeated sexual violence while her captors contacted her family in Freetown demanding ransom for her release. Unable to raise the required funds, her family could not secure her freedom. She was subsequently sold to another trafficking group operating in western Libya, where she was allegedly forced into domestic servitude without pay or freedom of movement. After months of detention and exploitation, she eventually returned to Sierra Leone but reportedly received no formal support to address the trauma she experienced.

The Human Rights Association also highlighted the case of Foday, a young man from Kenema who was reportedly intercepted near the Niger-Libya border and taken to a detention facility housing more than 300 migrants from West and Central Africa. The report states that he endured daily beatings and survived on minimal food and water during his three-month detention before being sold to traffickers who demanded payment from his family. Although his relatives eventually secured his release through borrowed funds, he returned to Sierra Leone burdened by debt and lasting physical and psychological scars.

The Human Rights Association stressed that those accounts are not isolated incidents but reflect a broader pattern of abuse within Libya’s migrant trafficking system. The organisation further alleged that documented evidence indicates the involvement of some Libyan military and security personnel in trafficking activities, including the sale of migrants in their custody to civilian trafficking networks operating elsewhere in the country.

Referencing a February 2026 United Nations report on migrants in Libya, the Human Rights Association noted that the trafficking system has evolved into what has been described as a violent and normalized business model. The organisation maintained that Sierra Leonean nationals are among the groups most consistently exposed to some of the worst documented abuses within that system.

Saad Kassis-Mohamed attributed the continued flow of Sierra Leonean migrants through Libya to persistent economic challenges, high unemployment levels and limited formal employment opportunities at home. He observed that trafficking networks deliberately exploit the aspirations of young people seeking better livelihoods abroad by portraying the Libyan route as a manageable pathway to Europe.

The Human Rights Association concluded by calling on Libyan authorities to release all Sierra Leonean nationals held in arbitrary detention, dismantle trafficking and extortion networks, prosecute military and security personnel implicated in migrant trafficking and work closely with the United Nations Support Mission in Libya and other international human rights mechanisms to facilitate the safe return of Sierra Leonean migrants who wish to return home.

The organisation reiterated that protecting migrants from trafficking, exploitation and unlawful detention remains a legal and humanitarian obligation under international law and urged swift action to address what it described as an ongoing human rights crisis affecting Sierra Leoneans and other African migrants in Libya.

U.S. Embassy Dismisses Visa Closure Rumours, Confirms Normal Operations in Sierra Leone

June 5, 2026

Smiling man in a gray suit and red tie, with an American flag blurred in the background, portrait-style image.

By Amin Kef-Ranger

The United States Embassy in Freetown has assured the public that its operations remain fully functional, dismissing concerns arising from reports suggesting possible closures of U.S. diplomatic missions and changes to visa processing procedures across parts of Africa.

In an official statement, the Embassy clarified that no embassy or consulate closures have been announced and that all services continue as normal. The statement emphasized that the U.S. Department of State routinely evaluates its overseas operations to ensure that America’s foreign policy priorities are advanced in the most efficient and effective manner.

“No embassy or consulate closures have been announced and operations continue as normal,” the Embassy stated adding that it has “nothing further to announce at this time” regarding any potential changes to diplomatic missions.

The Embassy further reassured visa applicants and members of the public that any future modifications to visa application procedures or interview processes would be communicated through official channels. It noted that updates would be published on the Embassy’s website and directly conveyed to affected applicants whenever necessary.

The clarification comes at a time when attention is also focused on developments surrounding the appointment of a new United States Ambassador to Sierra Leone.

U.S. President Donald Trump has nominated veteran diplomat Daniel Travis to serve as the next Ambassador to Sierra Leone, subject to confirmation by the United States Senate. Until the confirmation process is completed, the Embassy in Freetown continues to operate under the leadership of Chargé d’Affaires, Jared M. Yancey, who assumed the role following the resignation of former Ambassador Bryan David Hunt.

President Trump has formally transmitted Daniel Travis’s nomination to the U.S. Senate, where it has been referred to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for consideration.

According to available information, the nomination is currently awaiting the scheduling of a formal confirmation hearing before the committee. While no date has yet been announced, Daniel Travis will be required to appear before the committee and provide testimony regarding his qualifications and vision for the role. A favorable majority vote by the committee would then pave the way for a final confirmation vote by the full Senate.

If confirmed, Daniel Travis, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service with previous diplomatic experience in the Republic of the Congo, will relocate to Freetown to assume his new responsibilities.

His anticipated mandate is expected to focus significantly on strengthening economic diplomacy, deepening bilateral relations between the United States and Sierra Leone, supporting engagement with the Government of President Julius Maada Bio and safeguarding American investments and strategic interests in the country.

Diplomatic observers note that the confirmation process is a standard requirement for ambassadorial appointments and may take several weeks or months depending on the Senate’s legislative schedule.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Freetown continues to provide consular, visa and diplomatic services without interruption, reiterating its commitment to maintaining strong relations with Sierra Leone and ensuring that the public remains informed of any future developments through official communication channels.