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NP Takes the Lead in Sierra Leone’s Petroleum Sector through Unprecedented Digital Revolution

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In an era of remarkable digital transformation, NP-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL) has risen to the challenge of embracing the technological revolution to provide unmatched services and customer satisfaction. The company’s commitment to staying at the forefront of innovation has led to significant advancements in its operations and interactions with customers.

NP’s forward-thinking approach has resulted in substantial investments in cutting-edge technologies such as smart cards, GPS, and the upcoming Video Tracking System (VTS). These advancements are expected to revolutionize the company’s operations, enhancing efficiency and delivering better services to customers.

Customer experience lies at the heart of NP’s digital revolution. The introduction of user-friendly digital fuel pumps has already begun in a pilot phase, with the first rollout taking place at the NP Sanders Street station. This move aims to provide customers with incredibly convenient access to petroleum products.

Internally, NP has leveraged digital tools to streamline operations, resulting in increased productivity and cost savings. Automated processes and digital platforms have minimized manual errors, enabling the company to operate more efficiently.

Moreover, NP has embraced digital communication channels to connect with its customers effectively. The establishment of a user-friendly website and active presence on social media platforms has improved customer service response times and enhanced NP’s brand image.

As part of its commitment to innovation, NP continuously explores emerging technologies and trends, ensuring it remain a dominant player in the petroleum industry. This culture of innovation has led to groundbreaking solutions benefiting NP’s customers.

With the digital revolution, data security has become a top priority for NP. Robust cyber-security measures have been put in place to safeguard customers’ personal information and combat potential cyber threats. Data protection is strictly adhered to, ensuring customers’ privacy and security.

By embracing technological advancements, enhancing customer experience, streamlining operations, improving communication, driving innovation, and ensuring data security, NP has cemented its position as a frontrunner in Sierra Leone’s petroleum sector’s digital era. The company remains committed to maintaining its leadership in the digital revolution while delivering exceptional services to its customers as technology continues to evolve.

Emmanuel Bryma Momoh Commended by Uganda’s Parliament for Outstanding Contributions to Human Rights

By Millicent Senava Mannah

Emmanuel Bryma Momoh’s  remarkable efforts in advancing and safeguarding human rights in Uganda  have not gone unnoticed as he was praised and honoured by the Human Rights Committee of the Ugandan Parliament as a dedicated human rights advocate.

Hailing from Sierra Leone, the Human Rights Committee, in an official letter dated July 17 and signed by the Clerk of Parliament, Gilbert Ainomugisha, expressed profound gratitude to Emmanuel Bryma Momoh for his exceptional role as the Human Rights Officer and Team Leader for the Kampala Monitoring Team at the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Office in Uganda.

The letter specifically highlighted his invaluable contributions in providing vital training to Parliamentarians, particularly those serving in the Committee on the Promotion of Human Rights, focusing on the critical work of the Human Rights Council and its Universal Periodic Review. The training sessions were praised for significantly enhancing the understanding and knowledge of members, empowering them to effectively champion human rights in their parliamentary responsibilities.

Recognizing Mr. Momoh’s expertise, dedication, passion, and collaborative approach, the Clerk of Parliament emphasized the profound impact he had on Uganda’s human rights landscape during his tenure. His legacy as a human rights champion is expected to inspire future generations in their pursuit of a more just and inclusive society.

Prior to his tenure in Uganda, Mr. Momoh served as the United Nations Area Coordinator (UNAC) and Area Security Coordinator (ASC) for Karamoja Region from October 2015 to March 2021, where he coordinated regional humanitarian, recovery, and development efforts in collaboration with various stakeholders, including local government, development partners, security entities, and Civil Society Organizations.

Sources indicate that Mr. Momoh’s impressive track record in both Sierra Leone and Liberia, where he worked for the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission for six and seven years, respectively, further enhanced his capacity to excel in his human rights endeavors in Uganda.

Speaking about his plans for the future, Mr. Momoh, who has now returned to Sierra Leone after his mandate in Uganda, expressed his eagerness to utilize the skills, knowledge, and global perspective he gained to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of human rights in his homeland. He remains deeply committed to promoting a culture of respect for human rights, fostering dialogue, and collaborating with various stakeholders to create a more just and equitable society.

As Uganda celebrates the outstanding contributions of Emmanuel Bryma Momoh to the country’s human rights landscape, the global community also looks forward to witnessing his continued efforts in championing human rights and inspiring positive change.

Over 60 Soweis Embrace Change: Relinquish Bondo Regalia and Tools to Support AIM’s Initiative

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The Amazonian Initiative Movement (AIM), with support from Piefferminz Green, BMZ, has on Monday July 24 embarked on public declarations to drop the knife and razor in order to promote the Bondo culture as well as to protect girls and women’s health at Rothumba Community in the Koya Chiefdom, Port Loko District. Such a move was geared towards the promotion of bloodless rites and to eradicate female genital mutilation.

In her capacity as Chairperson and Executive Director of AIM, renowned anti-FGM Campaigner, Rugiatu Neneh Turay – Koroma noted that women are often ostracized amidst all their rights and the frantic efforts by the Government to empower them.

She further underscored the fact that even though radical advocacy is fostered to bring change, yet most women still continue to take the backseats luring a patriarchal society. “Do you know that we now have the right to land ownership?” the renowned anti-FGM influencer emphatically asked emphasizing the need for an equal society.

On behalf of their communities, Rothumba Headman Alimamy Sesay and Rosengbeh Youth Leader applauded AIM and expressed their readiness to support the strides and initiatives of their founder and Executive Director who they named “Talk and Do” as a sign of appreciating her tireless efforts in the course to protect women and girls. “Our Madam is no stranger to us. We are proud of her because she walks the talks,” the community authorities said.

With traditional songs of praises followed by individual testimonies by girls, the reason to stop female circumcision was pinpointed. Young Initiates, Adama Justin and Asabe Christiana narrated how they successfully went through the Bondo without genital mutilation. “I must confess that the Bondo culture is nice but the cutting is really scary and dangerous,” noted Christiana who pleaded to the Soweis to stop the painful act.

Sampa Soko Bangura, one of the first FGM practitioners to initiate girls without cutting thanked the Amazonian Initiative Movement whilst sharing her experience in the work. According to her, the Sowei’s job is not a good thing to continue with. “I think the whole work is just a side hustle with no moral acceptance,” therefore, she said “it is good we stop spending  resources in such horrible acts and invest in our children educationally”.

Other notable speakers, including the Social Officer in the Ministry of Social Welfare – Port Loko also reiterated the same and appreciated AIM but specifically their Executive Director, for bringing womanhood to limelight.

“Government do not actually hate the Bondo tradition. It’s only that, there is need to uphold fundamental human rights,” he maintained. He further referenced an ongoing investigation of a case of a three month baby who died during the cutting process and discouraged the negative circumstances surrounding the practice. “On behalf of the Ministry, I urge you all to put such an act to a halt,” he cautioned.

Climaxing the occasion were public declarations, disarming knives and razors, handing over of Bondo regalia and other circumcision instrument and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by 60 FGM practitioners who eventually took 60 young women above age 19 for bloodless initiation into the Bondo Society.

Religious Coalition Reports on June 24 Elections: Calls for Peace and Justice

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

An interim report, signed by Rev. Henry A. Samuels, President of the Council of Churches in Sierra Leone (CCSL), has been released by that institution  representing various denominations Church and many others, on the 2023 national multitier elections.

According to the report, the CCSL deployed observers to all 16 electoral districts in Sierra Leone, covering 40% of the total 11,832 polling stations, through the support of international donor partners, Bread for the World (BftW) and Christian Aid. Despite facing challenges, the Council of Churches was determined to monitor the election process and ensure transparency.

The report findings revealed that voting materials were not available on time in several polling stations, leading to delay in the voting process. Additionally, the presence of party agents from various political parties was lacking in about 85% of the Polling Stations.

During the polling, some stations experienced delay in starting the voting process due to late arrival of materials. However, election officials were generally commended for their satisfactory work, though there were few instances of unprofessional behavior.

The tallying of votes took place at regional offices and centers, and discrepancies in data entries raised concerns about transparency. The provisional announcement of results at 60% completion by the National Returning Officer caused unrest in some areas.

Despite the challenges, the Council of Churches concluded that the 2023 elections were relatively free, fair and peaceful, with an impressive voter turnout of approximately 87%. However, the issue of a high number of invalid votes and the need for improved voter and electoral education were highlighted.

In light of the post-election challenges, the CCSL called for truth and justice and urged for an immediate face-to-face meeting with the Election Management Bodies (EMBs) and Election Observers to address outstanding issues related to the elections. The Council congratulated the people of Sierra Leone for voting in a relatively peaceful environment and emphasized the importance of fostering a peaceful and just nation.

The CCSL’s final and comprehensive report, expected by mid-September 2023, will include recommendations for future elections in Sierra Leone. The religious coalition hopes to pave the way for better democratic consolidation and adherence to international standards of free, fair, and peaceful elections in the country.

The 2023 General Elections in Sierra Leone marked the sixth elections held after the official end of the Civil war in 2002. Notably, this was the first election primarily financed by the Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL).

The participating churches in the elections were as follows: African Methodist Episcopal, Baptist Convention Sierra Leone, Bo Anglican Diocese, Christ Apostolic Church, Christian Reformed Church, Church of the Lord Aladura, Church of God of Prophecy, Church of God World Missions Sierra Leone, Congregational Evangelical Mission, Countess of Huntingdon Connexion, El-Shaddai Charismatic Ministries, Emmanuel Baptist Conference, Evangelical Lutheran Church, Evangelical Mission, Freetown Anglican Diocese, Methodist Church Sierra Leone, Missionary Church of Africa, National Evangelical International Pentecostal Mission, United Brethren in Christ, United Methodist Church, Vine Memorial Baptist, Wesleyan Church of Sierra Leone, and West African Methodist Church. Additionally, there were affiliated organizations like Bible Society Sierra Leone, Christ United Pentecostal, Faith Worship Ministries, Scripture Union, Sierra Leone Theological College & Management and Church Training Center, St. Peters Healing Church, United Church Women, Young Men Christian Association, and Young Women’s Christian Association.

The Council’s efforts in observing these elections were informed by its past experiences from monitoring the preceding five elections. However, the 2023 Multi-tier elections posed new challenges, being the third such election to occur on the same day. The introduction of the Proportional Representation (PR) District System for Parliamentary and Local Government Elections made it even more demanding compared to previous experiences.

Despite the challenges, the Council of Churches in Sierra Leone remained dedicated to observing the electoral process and ensuring transparency and fairness.

President Bio Shares Sierra Leone’s Human Capital Development Success at Africa Summit

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

President Julius Maada Bio joined more than 1,200 delegates at the Africa Human Capital Heads of State Summit in Dar Es Salam, Tanzania on Tuesday 25 July 2023. The summit aims to accelerate Africa’s economic growth by boosting youth productivity through improved learning and skills.

Upon his arrival, President Bio tweeted, “I have arrived in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania to attend the Africa Heads of State Human Capital Summit under the theme ‘Accelerating Africa’s Economic Growth: Boosting Youth Productivity by Improving Learning and Skills.'”

The two-day summit gathers leaders from across the continent to prioritize investments in people as a key driver of productivity, resilience, and growth. President Bio emphasized that Human Capital Development has been his government’s top priority over the past five years, unlocking the aspirations of the people and fostering economic potential. Sierra Leone’s success story in investing in education, healthcare, and agriculture will be shared with other African nations.

Under the New Direction Manifesto 2023-2028, the Sierra Leone People’s Party government has identified five initiatives for lasting transformation, with the “Feed Salone” program playing a central role in boosting staple food production, creating jobs, and reducing poverty.

The summit also focuses on encouraging private sector collaboration with governments as co-sponsors and co-producers of quality human capital, recognizing that the private sector benefits significantly from such development efforts.

During the summit, President Bio actively participated in panel discussions and stressed the importance of Human Capital Development to harness Africa’s demographic dividend for a united, peaceful, and prosperous continent. He highlighted Sierra Leone’s notable investment in education, which led to significant achievements in school enrollment and university entrance examination pass rates through the Free Quality School Education Program.

Looking ahead, President Bio is committed to translating their Human Capital investments into a highly skilled labor force capable of tackling 21st-century challenges and opportunities. His goal is to ensure the youth are equipped to become productive citizens.

In a related event at the UN Food Systems Summit +2 in Rome, Italy, President Bio met with the Director-General of the World Health Organization, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. They discussed Sierra Leone’s investment in emergency preparedness, the establishment of a national public health agency, expanding immunization, eliminating cervical cancer, and reducing maternal mortality.

Additionally, President Bio held a bilateral discussion with António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, who congratulated him on his re-election. The two leaders discussed important matters and posed for the press during the meeting.

In a recent tweet, President Bio expressed his enthusiasm and satisfaction after meeting with the Sierra Leone Under-19 cricket team in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on Wednesday, July 26, 2023. The encounter left him inspired and hopeful for the team’s bright future on the international stage.

During the meeting, President Bio was impressed by the unwavering determination, passion, and strong sense of national pride exhibited by the talented young cricketers. Their commitment to bringing honor to the country was palpable and left a lasting impact on the President.

The President reaffirmed his administration’s unyielding dedication to fostering and nurturing young talents in Sierra Leone. Acknowledging the significant potential of soft power through sports and arts, the government is committed to creating ample job opportunities and providing a platform for the youth to flourish and contribute to the nation’s progress.

Beyond job creation, the President emphasized that the government’s mission also includes instilling patriotism, fostering national pride, and cultivating resilience among the young populace. This, he believes, will pave the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for the nation.

Looking ahead, President Bio extended his best wishes to the Sierra Leone Under-19 team as they gear up for the upcoming ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Africa Division 1 Qualifier Tournament. Success in this competition will grant them the coveted chance to compete at the U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup in Sri Lanka in 2024. The President expressed his hopes that the team will perform exceptionally well and make Sierra Leone proud on the global cricketing stage.

The President’s support and encouragement have bolstered the spirits of the young cricketers, and the entire nation eagerly anticipates the team’s performance in the upcoming tournament. With such unwavering backing from the highest office in the land, the future of Sierra Leone’s cricketing prowess looks exceptionally promising.

Sierra Leone’s Film Industry Gears Up for Profitable Success

By Tony Morgan-27th July 2023

Sierra Leone’s film industry is experiencing a thrilling upswing, brimming with opportunities for growth and triumph. The highly-anticipated release of the movie “Fatima My Bride” stands as a testament to Sierra Leone’s ambition to position itself at the forefront of the impending creative revolution in Africa.

According to UNESCO’s 2021 report, Africa has the potential to generate over $20 billion annually in film revenue, and Sierra Leone, with its rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes, aims to tap into this massive opportunity. By actively participating in the film sector, the nation not only showcases its artistic prowess but also opens doors to increased employment opportunities.

The time has come to redouble efforts, leveraging the experience and expertise accumulated over the years. By investing in and supporting the film industry, Sierra Leone can give a significant boost to its economy while fostering a thriving creative environment. The release of “Fatima My Bride” marks the beginning of a promising journey towards eminence in the movie industry.

Sierra Leone possesses a distinctive perspective that it can offer to the world through its films. With captivating storytelling and breathtaking visuals, the country’s cinematic creations possess the power to inspire and entertain audiences worldwide. By nurturing and promoting local talent, Sierra Leone can leave a lasting impact on the global film stage.

As a nation, it is crucial to continue encouraging creativity and providing opportunities for aspiring filmmakers to explore their craft. By investing in essential infrastructure, training programs, and collaborations with international partners, Sierra Leone will undoubtedly establish itself as a formidable force in the film industry.

Let us embrace this positive trajectory and join forces to unlock the immense potential that lies within. Sierra Leone is destined for greatness in the movie industry, and with dedication, perseverance, and collective support, a vibrant and flourishing film ecosystem can be created to showcase the beauty and talent of the nation to the world.

Legal Aid Board’s School Outreach on Elections Empowers 227,185 Pupils to Ensure Peaceful Elections

By Alpha Good Kamara

To foster peaceful elections, the Legal Aid Board’s Anti-Election Violence Campaign reached out to 227,185 pupils from 435 Junior and Senior Secondary Schools across various districts in Sierra Leone. The project, funded by the UN Peace Building Fund and UNICEF, successfully educated the young learners on electoral laws and responsibilities, equipping them with essential knowledge to avoid electoral offenses and actively participate in the democratic process.

The UN-funded project specifically targeted schools in six districts, including 52 in Bombali, 50 in Port Loko, 44 in Kono, 49 in Kenema, 93 in Western Area Rural, and 147 in Western Area Urban Districts. Through engaging school outreach programs, students from these regions benefited from comprehensive sessions on the Public Election Act, 2022, with a particular focus on various electoral offenses such as destroying opponents’ campaign posters, wrongful voting, disorderly conduct during elections, voting by unregistered persons, impersonation, and buying or selling voter registration cards.

In addition to the targeted districts, the campaign extended its reach to schools in ten other districts, ensuring a wider impact even though they were not directly covered by the UN-funded project.

Ms. Fatmata Claire Carlton-Hanciles, the Executive Director of the Legal Aid Board, expressed her satisfaction with the outcomes of the initiative. She noted that armed with the knowledge gained from the campaign, the pupils demonstrated increased awareness and avoided falling into the traps of electoral offenses. Consequently, there was a noticeable reduction in community-level disputes arising from intolerance and vandalism of opponents’ campaign materials.

Moreover, the campaign succeeded in igniting a sense of civic duty and enthusiasm among the pupils who are of voting age. As a result, there was a significant increase in their participation in electoral processes, with many turning out to vote during elections.

The success of the Legal Aid Board’s school outreach on elections highlights the positive impact of proactive educational initiatives in fostering peaceful and democratic societies. By empowering young minds with essential knowledge, the initiative has taken a significant step towards ensuring free and fair elections in Sierra Leone.

 

USL Partners with Mercy Ships to Boost Dental Education in Sierra Leone

In a significant move aimed at enhancing dental education in Sierra Leone, the University of Sierra Leone (USL) has joined forces with Mercy Ships, a faith-based international non-profit charitable organization. The collaboration was formalized through the signing of a “Memorandum of Agreement” between Brig. Gen. Prof. Foday Sahr, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of USL, and the Country Director of Mercy Ships on Monday, 24th July 2023.

The primary focus of this partnership is to train and equip healthcare professionals in the field of dental education. As part of the agreement, Sierra Leonean medical students enrolled at USL’s College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS) will have the opportunity to pursue doctoral degrees in Dental Surgery at the prestigious Gamal Abdel Nasser University in Conakry, Guinea.

The collaboration aims to send the first group of seven medical students to begin their training in October of this year. The comprehensive six-year program will kick off with an intensive French language training during the initial year, followed by four years of specialized dental education, and culminating with a final year of intensive clinical work at the Gamal Dental School.

A major highlight of the agreement is the significant support that Mercy Ships will be providing to the students. The organization has committed to offering financial and administrative assistance to ensure the successful completion of the program, including covering travel costs.

The University of Sierra Leone, on its part, will take on the responsibility of preparing and supporting potential candidates for enrollment at the Gamal Abdel Nasser University. This support includes assisting students in acquiring the necessary documentation and fulfilling prerequisites for enrollment.

This partnership comes as part of the Vice-Chancellor’s ambitious “re-engineering” initiative at USL, which includes the establishment of a dentistry component within the Faculty of Clinical Sciences. As a result of this development, the faculty has been renamed to incorporate the Faculty of Clinical Sciences and Dentistry, further enhancing the academic offerings and medical expertise at USL.

The collaboration between USL and Mercy Ships holds great promise for the future of dental healthcare in Sierra Leone, as it seeks to equip healthcare professionals with advanced skills and knowledge, ultimately benefiting the nation’s oral health and overall well-being.

 

 

Speaker Urges APC Party Members to End Stalemate and Take Seats in Parliament

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Speaker of the Sixth Parliament of Sierra Leone, Rt. Hon. Dr. Abass Chernor Bundu, on Tuesday, 25 July 2023 called upon the members of the All Peoples’ Congress Party (APC) to resolve the ongoing stalemate and promptly assume their seats in Parliament. Out of the 54 APC members who were elected, only one has taken office, raising concerns about the potential implications for the country’s governance.

In his address during a parliamentary session, the Speaker highlighted the critical role played by esteemed APC members in shaping the nation’s democratic principles through the 1991 Constitution. He stressed the need for them to uphold their sense of national duty and put an end to any internal disputes that could hinder the party’s functioning.

Expressing concern about the use of outdated political tools like walk-outs and boycotts, the Speaker urged the APC members to embrace a more proactive approach to participating in the democratic process. He reminded them of the constitutional provision that could result in the vacation of their seats if they miss sittings for an aggregate period of 30 days without valid reasons.

The Speaker’s appeal comes as the APC faces challenges within its ranks, prompting fears of potential repercussions for Sierra Leone’s democratic stability. He emphasized the significance of unity and cooperation among APC members to ensure a stronger representation of their constituencies in Parliament and avoid a repeat of past issues that plagued the party.

According to Rt. Hon. Dr. Abass Chernor Bundu, the 25th July 2023, marks the third sitting of the Sixth Parliament to which a total of 149 Members have been duly elected by the citizens of this country in the last General Election held on 24th June 2023; the first sitting being on 13th July when those that are currently present took their oath of office as Members of Parliament.

He continued that to his left there are 54 seats reserved exclusively for Members-Elect of the All Peoples’ Congress Party (APC) who are yet to present themselves to the House to take their seats.

The Speaker said like all those present now, those who are absent too have been declared duly elected by the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL) and, apart from Hon. Mohamed Bangura who has taken his seat, all the other 53 Members are yet to do so.

He said he wants to take the opportunity to specially acknowledge the presence in the Chamber of the Hon. Mohamed Bangura who has been well advised and directed to come and take his seat to represent the people who had voted for him.

“I thank the Hon. Mohamed Bangura for his wise decision, and I know this nation owes you a deep and abiding sense of gratitude for that singular patriotic action on your part,” he stated.

He pointed out how there is a coterie of highly respected citizens of this country most of whom he knows well and holds in high regard saying they have been either contemporaries of his at school or college or laboured together in public life in this country maintaining that they

are too numerous to call them by name but a good number of them are household names and are well known both here at home and abroad.

The Speaker said they are people who have served this country with great distinction in governance in both the public and private sectors and of whom this country is richly proud.

According to him, they are all members of the APC Party saying he wants to especially appeal to their sense of patriotism and duty to the country not to sit idly by and allow the present stalemate in their party to persist.

He said if they do, the result could be devastating and detrimental to their party and ultimately to the country as a whole as well as to the democratic polity adding how under their watch and leadership, this country promulgated the extant Constitution in October 1991.

“That Constitution eschewed the one-party system of Government that had governed the country since 1978 and reintroduced a multiparty democratic system as the only legal and acceptable polity that must prevail in this country and be held sacred by the entire citizenry,” he informed  adding how in the 1991 Constitution it is proclaimed that this country shall never again return to the abomination of the one-party system.

He said more specifically, every citizen is enjoined to, “participate in and defend all democratic processes and practices and render assistance to appropriate and lawful agencies in the maintenance of law and order”.

The Speaker of Parliament therefore appealed to all those eminent citizens to whom he had referred to step up to their sense of national duty and not allow their Party to be hijacked again by a small band of greedy, selfish and self-seeking politicians whose era is already well past and spent.

He said not too long ago they sat idly by and allowed a situation to be nurtured for many years almost to the point of becoming entrenched within the framework of the APC until one of their own summoned the courage of conviction to having his day in Court by instituting legal proceedings against the APC and its Executive.

The Rt. Hon. Dr. Abass Chernor Bundu pointed out that mercifully the Court accepted the need to exorcise the entire APC Party Executives at all levels that had outlived their mandates and liberated the Party from the darkness of domination and bring it back to the bright light of compliance with the sacred democratic provisions of the very 1991 Constitution of which they were the architect adding how for that they say kudos to the Judiciary.

He maintained that now, another darkness is looming on the horizon and that is why he wants to appeal to all those eminent statesmen of the APC Party to rise up and liberate their Party from the clutches of despotism and authoritarianism before it is dragged again to the precipice of destruction and extinction.

The Speaker expressed the view that walk-outs and boycotts are political tools of yesteryears; they no longer have value and relevance and they are no longer fit for purpose in this 21st Century of participatory democracy.

He said the truth of the matter is palpably simple; if they withdraw themselves from participating in the process of decision-making then they should not be angry when others who agree to participate decide for them and their destiny.

Even worse, he stated, if they think foreigners from outside Africa have a right to come again to the country to help them take control of  governance or anything else that is not their entitlement under the country’s sovereign laws, then they are still living in the dark ages of colonialism which had long ago been banished to the attics of history.

The Speaker said the reality of the world in which we live today has changed maintaining how the new reality is clearly prescribed in the provisions of paragraph (e) of subsection (1) of Section 77 of the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Act No. 6 of 1991) with a provision stating that: “A Member of Parliament shall vacate his seat in Parliament if he is absent from sittings of Parliament for such period and in such circumstances as may be prescribed in the rules of procedure of Parliament.”

He said that provision is further amplified in S.O. 77 (2)(a) of the Standing Orders of Parliament: “Any member who, without good cause, during any session, is absent from the sittings of Parliament on a number of days amounting to an aggregate period of 30 days shall vacate his seat.”

According to him, that is the message he has for them today saying it is addressed more particularly to the eminent citizens of our land who have been duly elected as Members of the noble House and who are members the APC Party.

“I appeal to all of them to see reason and to step up and in consonance with their sense of national duty to come and take their seats in this Chamber to which they have been rightly and properly elected to represent their people before it is too late,” the Rt. Hon. Dr. Abass Chernor Bundu admonished.

APPA Commends ECSL for Successful Elections as Konneh Addresses Challenges & Misinformation

By Alpha Good Kamara

During a Press Conference held at the Electoral Commission Sierra Leone (ECSL) Head Office on Tower Hill on the 24th July, 2023 members of the All Political Parties Association (APPA) warmly congratulated the Chief Electoral Commissioner, the Board and Staff of the Commission for the successful conduct of the June 24, 2023 multi-tier elections across the country.

Chairman of the All Political Parties’ Association (APPA), Prince Coker, who led the APPA delegation, acknowledged that while all political parties participated to win the elections and there were challenges, however, they ultimately accepted the results and praised the credibility of the electoral process overseen by the Chairman/ Chief Electoral Commissioner of ECSL, Mohamed Konneh.

He stated how a leveled -playing field was made available to all political parties, during the electioneering period, adding that the security measures put in place also ensured the safety of opposition candidates as polling was ongoing.

He said though all of them contested in the elections with the avowed aim of emerging victorious but at the end of the day some of them lost further underscoring that based on the assessment of the elections outcome they were indeed very satisfied with the electoral process as conducted by ECSL, adding that he, in particular, was satisfied with the way and manner in which the ECSL’s Chief Electoral Commissioner, Mohamed Konneh, conducted the elections.

He made mention of  how they were in attendance of all Political Parties Liaison Committee  (PPLC)  meetings and were part of all decisions taken at those meetings stressing that they all agreed and disagreed objectively.

The Chairman reiterated that the entire electoral process was conducted freely, fairly and was credibly adding that during voting day all political parties deployed party agents and security was provided for all Presidential aspirants and their running mates.

He said they believe that power comes from the Almighty God saying ECSL should be congratulated even though he laments that they could not secure any Parliamentary Seat adding how they have learnt lessons under the Proportional Representation System.

The Chief Electoral Commissioner, Chairman and National Returning Officer, Mohamed Kenewui Konneh, on his part, expressed appreciation to Sierra Leoneans for conducting themselves peacefully during the multi-tier elections further thanking the Government for funding over 90% of the election. He also commended development partners for their various contributions in supporting Civil Society Organizations and voter education efforts which according to him resulted in the large voter turnout.

He acknowledged the delay in the payment of polling staff  which he attributed to administrative and documentary information requested for by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which is funding the payment but assured that all necessary documents have been submitted expressing optimism that payment will be finalized by the end of the week.

Addressing misinformation that is circulating on Social Media, Mohamed Konneh revealed that neither the Chief Electoral Commissioner, Commissioners, nor Staff of the ECSL were subjected to duress by the incumbent  President or any Government Official maintaining that such misinformation has the propensity of  threatening the peace in this post-election period.

He told the audience that ECSL will look at the final recommendations that will be submitted by accredited Observer Missions saying they may help to improve future electoral processes asserting how all their actions were guided by national laws and best practices.

The Chief Electoral Commissioner also acknowledged the occurrence of technical challenges and capacity issues during the electioneering process committing that ECSL will review and strengthen its stance to be more responsive and robust.

“Managing over 90,000 personnel and more than 11,000 stations, the ECSL expresses pride in delivering one of the most credible, inclusive, transparent, and peaceful elections since the reintroduction of multiparty democracy in Sierra Leone,” Mohamed Konneh adding that the Commission is grateful to all partners who collaborated to ensure the successful outcome of the elections.

He said the Commission wishes to thank and appreciate the great work done by all polling staff amidst high level intimidation and sometimes threat to their safety.

According to him, in line with Section 164 of the Public Elections Act, 2022, the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) accredited several Observer Missions to observe the June 24th General Elections which have been widely acclaimed as one of the most peaceful elections held in Africa.

He maintained that whilst the ECSL awaits the final reports of the various accredited Observer Missions, they note the repetitive calls, mostly indirectly, from some quarters urging the ECSL to take actions that do not fall under the Laws of Sierra Leone.

The Electoral Boss highlighted that the Commission will consider the recommendations of the Observer Missions that will add value to the electioneering processes assuring all that it will continue to be guided by extant laws, best practices and precedents in all its actions.

“All such actions of the ECSL prior to, during and in these post-elections period have been strictly guided by national statutes and local and international best practices,” he reiterated stressing how the ECSL maintains that the declared results of the June 24th elections reflect the expressed will of the voters.

The ECSL would like to inform the public that at no point in time was the Chief Electoral Commissioner, Commissioners and Staff of the ECSL placed under duress by His Excellency the President or any Government Official.

He said they will continue to avail themselves to all political parties, partners and citizens and should any party have issues or concerns, they recommend that they use the appropriate and legal channels in seeking redress.

Both the APPA and ECSL ended up reaffirming their commitment to maintain and deepen democratic values as well as continue to work together in the best interest of the masses.

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