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APC’s Stance of Non-Participation in Governance is a Ploy to Send the Party to Political Oblivion – Cornelius Deveaux

By Cornelius Oguntola Melvin Deveaux

The 2023 multitier elections are done and dusted. Julius Maada Bio is the elected President of the Republic of Sierra Leone for a second and final term. The dénouement is unsatisfactory, but it is certainly not ambiguous.

The All Peoples Congress (APC) party rejects the results of the just concluded multitier elections, describes it as fraudulent, a naked theft of the votes, and contends there are irregularities and violations of established electoral procedures.

The party purports that following extensive internal consultations, it now calls for non-participation in all levels of governance, the resignation of the electoral commissioners, a travel ban on senior government officials and officers of the Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP), and a re-run of the elections within six months.

Without an iota of equivocation, I will state that the ad hominem of certain unscrupulous members of the party, some of whom are also members of the current de-facto leadership, is why the party finds itself in a quandary.

The de-facto leadership cry of electoral fraud as if they feel the pain of losing an election to incumbent Bio and the SLPP. Their cry is to cover up their Judas kiss and to blow smoke in the eyes of gullible supporters.

The de-facto leadership, inarguably, as much as it is discernible to right-thinking Sierra Leoneans, is aware the outcome of the just concluded multitier elections, particularly the presidential election, is a long-foregone conclusion.

In support of this assertion, I urge readers to go back to the electoral calendar for the 2023 electoral cycle. Among the preconceived electoral activities detailed in the calendar, there is no provision for a presidential run-off election, as provided for by law, should none of the candidate bag 55% of the valid votes in the first rounds.

Following the publication of the electoral calendar, I raised a red flag in our former ministers’ Whatsapp group. But because I was critical of the practice of internal democracy within the party, including the preparedness for the 2023 elections in tandem with the fact that my queries singled out the omission of a presidential run-off in the electoral calendar and the compromising silence of the party leadership, then, as indicative of driving the nail into the coffin, I was dismissed and branded a non-conformist.

Again, at the eleventh hour, the party prompted a public outcry to postpone the elections simply because the de-facto leadership knew the party was not bound to win.

A week before the elections, the APC made demands and threatened a boycott if these demands were unheeded. In a couple of days, a trusted and reliable acolyte of the de-facto leadership, Comrade Dr. Richard Konte, came back to say the ECSL has conformed to all of the demands and that the party will participate in the June 24th elections. Even when the ECSL refuted his claim on the basis that the ECSL does accord preferential treatment to political parties, Dr. Richard Konte came back to damn the ECSL rebuttal and assured supporters, thus expressing satisfaction with the process.

It is ludicrous the de-facto leadership is now crying foul over a process it validated as satisfactory and meeting all their demands.

The impetus of this recapitulation is to examine the stance of the de-facto leadership as presented in the June 30th and July 3rd, 2023 press releases.

Many supporters and well-meaning citizens may not be aware of how extensive were the internal consultations, howbeit rumors that the expanded NAC meeting past Friday was inconclusive concerning a strike action and whether to go to court.

Nonetheless, it is relevant to note that the new constitution of the APC does not bestow such powers on the national executive or the National Advisory Committee (NAC) to issue a directive to elected MPs, Mayors, District Council Chairpersons, and Local Councilors of the All Peoples Congress (elected representatives of the people) not to participate in the governance of the state.

Perhaps an emergency National Delegates Conference, according to 17(a) of the March 2022 APC constitution, would have been the most appropriate conduit to issue such a directive.

Although 17(j) prescribes that, in Special and Emergency situations, the National Advisory Committee shall perform the role and functions of the National Delegates Conference where it is not possible to convene a National Delegates Conference, the situation at hand, which has to do with controversies emanating from the outcome of a national election, does not find a perspicuous placement in the description of Special and Emergency Situations as aptly elucidated in the Interpretation Section of the March 2022 constitution.

Consequently, this directive is most absurd and could be a subject of litigation. Also, it is at variance with the aims and objectives of the party, as stipulated in the party constitution. Therefore, no member is under the obligation of 12(IV) of the new constitution to abide by such a directive.

Adequate and proper representation is the surest way of protecting the votes of those who elect representatives. Not representing the people is an outright disservice.

Equally, it is a blatant betrayal of the trust repose in elected representatives by the voters (some of whom may not be APC members) and also a mistake with catastrophic implications given the vulnerability and fragility of the party at this particular time.

Moreover, we must not lose sight of the fact that the legitimacy of the de-facto leadership, including the NAC, as a product of a Court Order, is still a subject of litigation.

In my view, the call to not participate in governance is a ploy by these same casuistic members to send the party to political oblivion.

The implications on the constitution and representation of the people are enormous, given that under the district block proportional system, there is no room for a bye-election to fill a parliamentary vacancy and that the law gives the President the powers to appoint a committee of management to superintend local councils.

Several decades ago, this callous mistake by the SLPP sent them into oblivion and paved the way for a one-party system of government in 1978. But unlike the then APC government of Siaka Stevens, the SLPP government will not introduce a one-party system of governance since it is globally unfashionable.

The SLPP will groom a pseudo-opposition that will be way more inept than its conspiratorial caboodle in the de-facto leadership of the APC and appoint committees to run local councils. And five years is sufficient for this to probably lead to the extinction of the APC from the political landscape.

In essence, non-participation in governance is not politically healthy and suicidal. So also is the decision not to seek redress in a court of law.

In retrospect, I think the call for non-participation and not to go to court is a soothing balm. It is to calm the nerves of Dr. Samura Kamara – the man who shot himself in the leg several times and still expects to walk upright without a limp.

Since the reintroduction of multi-party democratic elections in 1996, electoral cycles and outcomes, particularly that of presidential elections, are not free from integrity deficiencies, lack of transparency, inconsistencies, and other legitimate queries.

Both James Jonah and Christiana Thorpe became ministers in the ensuing governments after the elections they conducted. In 2007, Solomon Berewa was unhappy about cancellations in the SLPP stronghold without any reference to the law. In 2012, two of the four electoral commissioners were not in agreement with the final result read by Christiana Thorpe. Those who lost the 2007 and 2012 presidential elections conceded defeat and did not threaten war or instruct elected representatives not to participate in the governance system. They chose the courts even though it was a fruitless endeavor, and the APC was in governance then.

Unlike those elections, the thrust of the bone of contention in the 2023 elections anchors on the transparency of the tabulation of the election results.

We measure the transparency, integrity, and credibility of an electoral process at every stage of the electoral cycle beginning with appointments and composition of the electoral commission and how it conducts itself. It is the responsibility of a political party to monitor every step of the cycle and put the necessary safeguards in place.

Through all the stages of the electoral cycle, the opposition APC leadership was either complacent or compromised in monitoring the process and holding the ECSL accountable.

Except we choose not to be honest, the APC cannot deny the deafening public concern regarding claims of irregularities and violations of established electoral procedures at critical stages of the electoral cycle.

Regrettably, the party leadership within and outside parliament was not heedful and failed to act appropriately.

Again, it is indisputable the APC was practically, financially, and structurally ill-prepared for the election. Calls to promote genuine reconciliation fell on recalcitrant ears. There was no unity, no campaign strategy, no campaign message, and limited campaign logistics. Many of the party’s big guns, including the former chairman and leader Ernest Bai Koroma and most other flagbearer contenders, did not support/participate in the campaign. The presidential flagbearer, Dr. Samura Kamara, was disappointed, deceived, betrayed, and abandoned by the people he was supposed to trust.

It is a wonder to many that at the time of the announcement of the results, a good number of de-facto executives and certain ill-motivated comrades were in Makeni at the residence of the former chairman and leader and not with Dr. Samura Kamara as protocol and morality dictates.

Some senior members have been accused of political tradeoffs with the ruling party while over-reliance on the international community shadowed common sense.

It is only the politically naive, blind, deaf, and dumb that did not know the just concluded multitier elections will end in favor of Julius Maada Bio and his SLPP.

To the issue of transparency in tallying the election results, the court is the most appropriate arena to battle this out just as a full complement of the totality of Result Reconciliation Forms (RRF-Forms) from all the polling stations across the country is the prima facie evidence.

Even as I write, the party has not been able to publish its tabulation of the results based on RRFs received from its party agents.

Because the party was practically, financially, and structurally ill-prepared for the election, it may amaze readers to learn that the party did not have an up-to-speed tallying center and only relied on statements from international and local observers, the NEW projection, and assumptions and speculations to support its claim that the tallying of results is faulty.

In fairness to international and local observers, they commended the election process, notwithstanding hitches that are not sufficient to invalidate the results.

It is important to note that the statements from observers are mere opinions, not facts. The facts that prove the tallying of the results faulty are in the RRF forms, which the party cannot produce. The party cannot corroborate claims of lack of transparency. Perhaps this is why the de-facto leadership is not going to court.

I take exception to the long list of reasons why the party says it will not go to court simply because it is a matter of fact that cronies of the de-facto executive can influence the courts to favor them, as is evident in the litigations before Justices Fisher and Hannah Bonnie.

To this end, the party systematically crucifies Dr. Samura Kamara’s winning.

Uppermost on the agenda of the APC now should be going back to the drawing board.

In conclusion, it seems the party lost the elections since it cannot prove otherwise.

Desmonda Aminata Cole Breaks Barriers as a Media Female Camera Operator

By: Sallu Kamuskay

Desmonda Aminata Cole, also known as the “young lady camera operator,” is a 23-year-old Sierra Leonean breaking barriers and making a name for herself in the male-dominated field of camera operation and photography. She currently works for Africa Young Voices Media Empire, the leading media institution in Sierra Leone.

Desmonda’s journey to success has not been an easy one. At a young age, she lost both her parents and had to rely on the support of family members to pursue her education. Despite facing opposition from her aunt, who believed camera operation was a form of prostitution, Desmonda found a mentor in Isata Kamara who encouraged her to pursue her passion.

In 2017, Desmonda decided to step up and fend for herself. She initially applied to be a presenter at Africa Young Voices Media Empire but was not accepted. However, she did not let this setback discourage her. She applied for an internship at the media institution and was finally accepted, becoming the first camera operator for the company.

Desmonda’s inspiration comes from Amb Phebean Swill, an award-winning filmmaker and TV personality at Africa Young Voices Media Empire. She admires Phebean’s calmness and professionalism, considering her one of her mentors. Desmonda is also a beneficiary of the IJ Kabba Foundation and holds a diploma in mass communication.

Desmonda’s dream is to own her own photography company and run an academy where she can train other young girls in camera operation and photography. She believes that more women should pursue their dreams in the industry and hopes to inspire others to do so.“I hope to someday own my own company where I will be able to train young girls to break barriers and become camera operators like me” she told Salone Messenger, a global multimedia and public relations firm based in Sierra Leone

As a camera operator, Desmonda faces challenges such as limited access to equipment due to financial constraints. Additionally, she encounters skepticism from clients who believe that camera operation is a man’s job. However, Desmonda perseveres by producing high-quality work and building a good reputation.

Desmonda, like many women, has a big dream job, she disclosed that she would like to be a photographer for Sierra Leone’s first lady, Dr. Fatima Bio “I have over the years admired the first lady of the country, her love and commitment to supporting her husband’s political journey are incredible, I would like to document her journey.” She said.

Despite the obstacles she has faced, Desmonda’s hard work and determination have paid off. She started by covering events and taking photos of friends and family, gradually building up her portfolio. Her big break came when she covered the EcoFest event, one of the biggest shows in Sierra Leone that brings together renowned artists.

Desmonda Aminata Cole is a trailblazer in Sierra Leone, breaking barriers and proving that women can excel in the field of camera operation and photography. Her story serves as an inspiration to other young girls who aspire to pursue their dreams in the industry.

About the author:

Sallu Kamuskay is a Sierra Leonean activist, Film Producer, storyteller, and blogger. He was born in Sierra Leone but later relocated to Guinea as a refugee because of the war in his country. Sallu Kamuskay uses his phone to engage on social media, under the name ‘’Salone Messenger’. He Co-Founded the Salone Messenger platform after his experience of the war, Ebola, and injustices. According to him, silence was the root cause of war, and of many social injustices, we continue to face as a nation.

PWD Calls On President Bio for Inclusion In Governance

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Mohamed Yayah Kanneh, a journalist, teacher, creative writer, and disability activist, who can be contacted via kannehdpoet@gmail.com or +23276446119 in an open letter addressed to President Julius Maada Bio, stated that, on behalf of all persons with disabilities in Sierra Leone, he is writing to appeal to His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio and some of his appointees  to critically assess the reviewed Disability Act of Sierra Leone and to implement the major sections of the said Act in order to include qualified ,committed and patriotic Disabled Persons in his Cabinet, Ministries and Departments.

He continued by congratulating the President  and his hardworking wife, the First Lady, whom she referred to as the Mother of  Disabled Persons, on his reelection as the President and Fountain of Honor in the Republic of Sierra Leone.

The Disability Activist also extended thanks to him, the Minister of Social Welfare, the Commissioner of NaCSA, the United Nations Development Program, and the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities for the recent review of the Disability Act of Sierra Leone.

He acknowledged the fact that they benefited from some of the efforts made during his previous Government through the Social Safety Nets that were implemented by NaCSA during the COVID-19 outbreak,  the Disabled Trade Fair organized at the Miatta Conference Center, the 2021 Disabled Got Talent Show that was organized by the Ministry of Social Welfare, and the recently apportioned land at Six Mile to the Disabled people. He once more extended thanks.

Mohamed Yayah Kanneh continued that despite the above mentioned accomplishments persons living with disabilities continue to suffer humiliation, accessibility challenge, marginalization, discrimination, lack of incorporation and employment, hunger, poor health facilities in Government Health Centres and hospitals, challenges in acquiring tertiary education, no proper housing/ accommodation for the disabled, and many social ills that are inflicted by authorities in collaboration with their disabled brothers and sisters at the helm of affairs.

He made an appeal to the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone to recharge and re-commission his cabinet, agencies and departments responsible for disability issues in order for them to double up their efforts and commitments to properly implement the 2011 Disability Act currently under review by the Ministry of Social Welfare and its partners, as the full implementation of the provisions in the said Act will see the problems encountered by the disabled become things of the past.

The disability activist  listed the most important needs to be quickly addressed which includes Ministries, Departments and Agencies to make commitments to employ PWDs in Ministries and other parastatals of Government, that permanent Disability Certificates be given to all PWDs as evidence of their disabilities,that free drugs and assistive technology be provided in hospitals for PWDs to enjoy the Free Health Care Services, PWDs should enjoy full financial support in tertiary institutions, as stipulated in Section 10 (4) of the Education Act of 2004 and the PWDs Act of 2011.

He also recommended that NCPD be capacitated with decentralization and personnel to carry out both Government and donor projects for PWDs.

The activist also called for the creation of disability units in all Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies that would be charged with the sole responsibility of the improvement and development of disability matters in and out of Sierra Leone.

He appealed for capacitating and empowering PWDs with professional skills, trades, business ideas and startup capitals for the daily earnings and self-reliance of persons with disabilities in Sierra Leone. .

In order to facilitate easy movement they asked for the donation of vehicles and mini buses to DPOs, Disabled homes to ease their movements and reduce the transportation challenges that limit the movements of persons with disabilities in Sierra Leone.

He once more congratulated the President on his reelection and wished him a happy Governance tenure for successful development in his second term of office.

Sixth Parliament Emerges with SLPP-81 Seats, APC-54 Seats

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

After one week following the announcement of the June 24, 2023 Presidential results by the Chief Electoral Commissioner of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL), Mohamed Kenewui Konneh, who also doubles as the Returning Officer, Parliamentary and Mayoral results were also announced on the 1st July, 2023 at the Bintumani Conference Centre at Aberdeen in Freetown in the presence of Civil Society Organization representatives, the Media, representatives of political parties etc. The Parliamentary Election was conducted under the District Block System otherwise known as Proportional Representation System.

Before announcing the results, the Chief Electoral Commissioner commended all those who contributed immensely towards the successful conduct and outcome of the elections. He further disclosed that he will only be announcing the results for Mayoral and Parliamentary Elections and those for Councillors will be done next week.

According to the Parliamentary result, Fifty Four (54)seats nationwide were won by the All People Congress (APC) Party and the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) got Eighty-One (81) Seats countrywide.

With regards the Mayoral /Chairperson Elections, Kasho Hollande Cole representing the APC Party  was duly elected Chairman of the Western Rural District Council having scored One Hundred and Fifty Seven Thousand One Hundred and Sixty Four (157,164) valid votes cast representing 52.51% of the votes cast and Yvonne Aki Sawyer, also representing the APC, duly elected Mayor of the Freetown City Council with a total of Two Hundred Eighty Eight Thousand Six Hundred and Eighty Three (288,683) valid votes cast representing 51% of the votes cast.

Africell Deepens Financial Inclusion in Africa

CEO, President and Founder of Africell, Ziad Dalloul
CEO, President and Founder of Africell, Ziad Dalloul

As mobile money adoption, activity and accessibility in Angola and other countries in Africa are limited; Africell Mobile Company has changed the narrative by deepened financial inclusion in Angola through its mobile money service.

Angola’s large unbanked population has widely applauded Africell Mobile Company for the financial inclusion.

Despite the fact that Angola’s mobile money industry has more scope for growth than most countries in Sub-Saharan Africa but it remains challenging for the unbanked population who are often people in marginalized or low-income communities who rely on cash.

With the launching of the Afrimoney service three months ago, it is already changing lives of people by extending essential financial tools to many of the approximately 50% of Angolans who don’t have bank accounts. Afrimoney is harnessing growing mobile penetration at all levels of Angolan society to offer users a simple, safe and accessible alternative, accessed through their mobile phones for executing rapid digital financial transactions including saving, transferring, spending and earning.

Just like in Sierra Leone and other countries in Africa, Africell has succeeded in changing lives by offering all the core mobile money use-cases: airtime, cash-in, cash-out, P2P transfers, as well as bill, bulk and merchant payments in Angola.

“Exciting opportunities exist almost wherever you look in Africa. We are working with ambitious and innovative partners in a variety of sectors to accelerate the integration of mobile technology and explore creative new use-cases both for our core GSM services and for mobile money,” the Chief Executive officer of Africell Mobile Company said, adding that, Africa’s content, entertainment and streaming industry has obvious scope to benefit from digitisation, while clean energy, education and healthcare are other areas we are looking at with interest.

He continued by stating that Africell works closely with various arms of the United States government in addition to other international bodies to navigate issues arising in their operating markets.

“The compelling thing about telecommunications, particularly in an under-penetrated market, is that investment begets investment. In other words, as digitization spreads, it accelerates, creating demand for further investment,” he added, stating further that as an operator, they want to invest in serving businesses; and the very fact that they have an opportunity to do so is proof of the “multiplier effect” of earlier investments in network infrastructure and customer acquisition.

NP (SL)’s Respectability Not Feigned, Emanates from Effective Service Delivery  

National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL-Ltd)

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

NP-SL’s widely bagged congratulatory messages and accolades, in recent times, some seen in being the proud recipient of prestigious awards, are not feigned but emanated from genuine impressions felt. The company’s dominance of the importation and marketing of high grade petroleum products, including petrol, diesel, gas and lubricants materializes out of result-oriented managerial initiatives.

deserves praise as a resilient business entity that had been rated as the country’s foremost importer and dealer in petroleum products, which includes petrol, diesel, gas as well as lubricants of various types and is always poised to give its ubiquitous and esteemed customers the best in terms of giving them value in return for money.

Management always endeavors to be at the pinnacle of affairs within the petroleum landscape in this country, looking at best options, in order for effective service delivery to be executed timely, excellently, all geared towards enhancing good business relationships. If there is any outstanding feature for which the company is identified with then it is giving customers satisfaction to the fullest of its ability earning it the enviable accolade for being‘1st for Customer Care’.

Prioritizing customer care is considered very paramount out of the strong conviction that the company will be nowhere without its cherished customers.

It is along that line that the company has a Public Relations Department that primarily interfaces with members of the public. Concerns and recommendations channeled through it are raised in certain Management meetings, discussed and the way forward is then mapped out.

Always giving its customers the best options, NP-SL Ltd always ensures giving them optimal satisfaction and value for money. It was thinking along that line that prompted the shareholders of the company to replace their old fashioned pumping machines with calibrated pumping machines of high standard which transparently pump the requisite quantity of petrol or diesel demanded for. Confidence is now high among its customers that they are getting exactly what they are paying for.

Still within the domain of 1st for Customer Care, the company is always in position to enter into payment plans with its reliable and dependable customers including Ministries, Departments and Agencies for fuel and lubricants supplies as long as all the necessary modalities have been put in place including collateral security.

When cognizance is taken of the fact that some of these institutions receive intermittent budgetary allocations then such an arrangement is very significant. Its significance in real terms borders on functional continuity of those institutions as they will be assured of supplies of petroleum products in as much as they keep honouring their obligations.

In this country today, for one to see a successful business entity that is owned mainly by Sierra Leoneans and having a maximum number of indigenes as members of staff is not a commonplace.

For NP-SL Ltd this has been a big achievement as the company is strongly adhering to the country’s Local Content Policy. Making use of local brains has been identified as one of the conduits through which developing countries like Sierra Leone could attain economic empowerment and enhance development. Correspondingly, if there is a continuation of the colonial mentality that it is only by importing foreign ideas and skills that we will see progress could be a very sad mistake.

By providing job opportunities for hitherto jobless Sierra Leoneans, NP-SL Ltd continues to help in alleviating poverty by putting monies into pockets which could be utilized to take care of responsibilities.

For those who have not tried NP Gas for the first time it is now time to give it a try. Designed in sizable varying cylinders and sold at various NP Filling Stations, this cooking device has been rated as one of the best that is on offer for sale. NP Gas is safe, user friendly and portable. Trying it will spur you to recommend it to others.

NP Smart Card is now in vogue and is one of the latest technological devices used to purchase petroleum products. Using it has attendant advantages as evident in procuring fuel at any time of the day even during times when monies could not be accessed from banks. It is secured, easy to use and very quick. It is now trending.

To crystallize proposed projects into tangible realities on the ground, Government needs the requisite financial resources to effectively do so and one sure way is from the collection of taxes which is the mandate of the National Revenue Authority (NRA).  NP is indeed one of the big time tax payers in the country and it is very compliant in that direction.

In the midst of all the challenges that the company continues to encounter in its operations, however, it is certain that NP-SL Ltd is a resilient company that today remains the biggest importer and marketer of high grade petroleum products in Sierra Leone with an efficient service delivery posture that has drawn widespread commendations.

‘The Calabash’ listed in BBC Monitoring Guide as a Trusted News Provider

By Alpha Good Kamara

In contemporary Sierra Leone, there is a plethora of registered newspapers, radio and television stations but ironically not all those that are registered with the regulatory institution, the Independent Media Commission (IMC), do functionally exist or are actively disseminating news items geared towards informing, educating and entertaining.

Irrespective of the prevalence of the Social Media, nonetheless, the traditional print and electronic media platforms continue to be the main sources most continue to rely on for news.

A recent BBC Monitoring assessment of Print and Electronic media vibrancy, dissemination of factual and balanced news items, The Calabash was ranked fourth after Awoko, Concord Times ,Standard Times followed by The Sierra Leone Telegraph as far as the Print Media is concerned.

In terms of Television, the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC),  a state-owned terrestrial network with limited coverage was named by the BBC Monitoring group in a guide it provided to access reliable Press Houses in the country.

It was also recommended for radio listening followed by Radio Democracy in Freetown, Kiss FM in Bo, Skyy Radio in  Freetown, Capital Radio , a private station in Freetown and Voice of the Handicapped also located in Freetown.

According to the BBC Monitoring group,  Media freedom in Sierra Leone has its limits adding that media rights monitors say high-level corruption is a taboo topic, with officials using libel laws against errant journalists.

It further stated how despite a genuinely diverse media landscape “journalists are sometimes targets of arbitrary arrest and detention” quoting Reporters Without Borders (RSF) also underscoring that the main threat comes from “politicians who often use the police to try to control reporters or hinder their work”.

In terms of the challenges facing broadcasters unreliable power supplies, poor funding and low advertising revenues stood out poignantly with dozens of radio stations, most of them privately owned.

The monitoring group intimated that the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) is the national state-owned broadcaster and BBC World Service is on FM in Freetown (94.3), Bo (94.5) and Kenema (95.3) while the Voice of America and Radio France Internationale broadcast on FM in Freetown.

It also revealed that dozens of newspapers are published in Freetown, despite low literacy levels saying most of them are privately-run and are often critical of the Government.

Also referencing the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) it claims how poverty, irregular power supplies and illiteracy act as curbs on internet access also disclosing that there were 1.04 million internet users by December 2021, comprising just 12% of the population (Internetworldstats.com).

ICPNC & Inter-Religious Council to Convene Prayer/Thanksgiving Day

By Millicent Senava Mannah

The Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion in collaboration with the Inter-Religious Council of Sierra Leone agreed on organizing a Nationwide Thanksgiving Day to be dedicated to God Almighty for making it possible to have peaceful elections throughout the country.

The agreement was arrived at during a discussion meeting that was convened between the Commission and the Inter-Religious Council on the 30th June, 2023 at the Bintumani International Conference Centre.

Giving an overview of the discussion, the Executive Secretary of ICPNC, Hawa Samai intimated that the meeting was held to commend religious leaders for the work they did during the electioneering period,  more particularly with regards the preaching of peace messages to their various congregations, and for them to chose a National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving, and how they want them to champion the programme.

She disclosed that the next step that the ICPNC will take has to do with reconciliation, stating how the Inter-Religious Council has a critical role to play in building a peaceful nation further revealing how they  intend to get to the President and the main Opposition Leader in order to bring them together in the spirit of reconciliation.

One of the key stakeholders, Bishop Temple, said on behalf of his colleagues that the National Day of Prayer of Thanksgiving is important as well as reconciliation adding how they need to treat those issues seriously.

He furthered that they want to pray for the peace of the nation, but how they don’t just want to pray but also want to be part of the decision making process.

It was learnt that they should embark on a reconciliation process all over the country, starting with the two main political leaders; and all other opposition leaders. They further agreed on the mechanisms they would use to go about the reconciliation process.

Both parties further agreed to fix a date for the National Day of Prayer of Thanksgiving which it was said will be held in all the Mosques and Churches in the country.

The Executive Secretary of ICPNC affirmed that, it is their responsibility that peace must prevail saying how there is a big elephant that needs to be fought as it is dividing the nation and how all Sierra Leoneans must ensure to kill that elephant.

The discussion was climaxed by both parties visiting the Situation Room facility at the Freetown International Centre, where they have workers from different institutions like ONS, PPRC and others all working together.

Hamza Hashim Shortlisted Among Top 50 Finalists for the Africa’s Business Heroes Prize

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The entrepreneurial savvy and result oriented Chief Executive Officer of Capitol Foods Sierra Leone, Hamza Hashim, is among the Top 50 Finalists shortlisted for this year’s Africa’s Business Heroes Prize.

Quite amazing and really commendable is that out of more than 20,000+ entrepreneurs, Hamza shows up for Sierra Leone by becoming the country’s first entrepreneur to secure a Top 50 spot in Africa’s Business Heroes Top 50 Finalists for this year.

Undoubtedly, Hamza with his team continues to set high standards at Capitol Foods. As a matter of fact, he is the first entrepreneur from Sierra Leone to reach the stage of a highly competitive prize that had over 20,000 entrepreneurs across the African continent.

It is important to note that the central aim of Africa’s Business Heroes is to identify, support, and inspire the next generation of African entrepreneurs who are making an impact in their local communities.

Since its inception, the prize selects ten business heroes from the continent to compete for a total of USD 1.5 million in grant funding.

As a well established business entity that has stood the test of time, Capitol Foods is one of Sierra Leone’s top business brands and as a beverage as well as food processing company it adopts a “From Farm to Table” business model working with over 10,000 farmers around Sierra Leone to produce the finest fruits and cocoa beans.

APC Decides to Boycott Participation in State Governance

By Abubakarr Harding

National Secretary General of the  All People’s Congress (APC) party, Lansana Dumbuya Esq in a June 30th, 2023 Press Release has issued the position of the All People’s Congress (APC) in relation to the results of the June 24th, 2023 Multi-tier Elections and also called for support to defend democracy and sustain Sierra Leone’s peace & security.

He extended sincere gratitude to all those who on the 24th of June 2023 voted and vigilantly worked on protecting their  votes pointing out how it was very touching to see crowds waiting to vote as early as 6:00am.

The Secretary General expressed the view that such clearly demonstrates the people’s resolve and commitment to vote for the change so urgently need.  He said those who took a stance against manipulation and cheating during polling to ensure that  votes are counted, did not do so just because of the love of party or candidate but rather is a testament to the collective commitment to defend democracy and freedom against a tyrannical onslaught by the Maada Bio SLPP Government.

According to him, the APC would also like to thank all the local and international elections observers for their courage, patience and hard work during the weeks leading to the elections, on the elections day and the counting period saying their commitment to democracy and good governance was noticed, and Sierra Leoneans are thankful!

He further extended , on behalf of the APC, heartfelt sympathies to all who lost loved ones, properties and livelihoods; who have been displaced, terrorized and forced to live in constant fear. The APC Scribe revealed how to date there has been no responsible attempt to neither stop organized violence against APC supporters, nor bring the perpetrators to justice.

“Your sufferings and pains are felt at the highest levels of the party and we will never rest until we seek justice for you,” he told despondent party supporters.

He said it must have been noticed that the All Peoples Congress (APC) went silent after Mr. Konneh illegally announced Mr. Bio as the winner of the presidential election.

However, he continued that they went silent because they wanted to reflect on the evil and the outright disrespect for the voices, wishes and aspiration of the people of Sierra Leone by Mr. Mohamed Konneh, the Chief Electoral Commissioner.

He lamented that such was done in cahoots with his Sierra Leone People’s Party and their leader Mr. Julius Maada Bio saying they worked for the last five years, along officials in the military, the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), the Office of National Security (ONS), and the Judiciary to undermine democracy, human rights and the rule of law in the country.

According to him, what culminated in the rogue announcement of fraudulent election results on June 25 was not just a naked theft of the votes of the suffering masses who needed change but represented the biggest threat to democracy, unity and the survival of the nation.

He said the gangster nature of their enterprise and the proclivity for violence is not a one-off activity but a calculated strategy of a complete state capture by an ethno-centric cabal who wish to impose a totalitarian system legitimized by shambolic democratic exercises.

The APC National Secretary General maintained that it is not a battle for the APC alone or its leaders. He said the road to authoritarianism, as most  have experienced in the last five years, and in the last week, is tainted by the brutal murder of innocent civilians, violent silencing of democratic opposition voices, a dangerous strategy of divide and rule through the weaponization of tribalism and elimination of rational civic dialogue.

He underscored that the stance of the APC in the last few days should not be mistaken as an acceptance of the obnoxious announcement of illegal electoral result, but was an opportunity to document evidence and avoid falling into a mindless trap of violence that had been planned by what he described as a monstrous regime.

Lawyer Lansana Dumbuya said they have not only tried to steal the presidential election, but also are working assiduously to give the SLPP a 2/3 majority in Parliament, and take a comfortable lead in local councils across the country.

He said the position which they have strenuously attempted to put across locally and international is that the Maada Bio regime lacks the moral compass to work within the bounds of civility and the rule of law; that Bio and his PAOPA henchmen have no respect for human rights and democratic principles.

The National Secretary General said they resolved to reject outrightly the results produced by the ECSL saying for the last years, they decided to absorb the pain and untold suffering that the SLPP subjected the APC to, but decided in the interest of their people to allow peace and stability to reign.

He strongly stated that, however, they can no longer tolerant injustice, tyranny and usurpation of power in Sierra Leone which he said is what dictatorship looks like furthering how that is why as a party, they owe it to the people of Sierra Leone to stand up for democracy, justice and unity.

The APC, he said, following extensive internal consultations reached a definitive position regarding the actions of the ECSL and Mr. Bio and his security and justice sectors.

In revealing their conclusions he pointed out how the APC unequivocally rejects the announced results of the recently concluded multi-tier elections in Sierra Leone, given the glaring irregularities and violations of established electoral procedures.

He also disclosed that the APC declares its non-participation in any level of governance, including the legislature and local councils, as the results have already been tampered with to give the SLPP an unjust majority at all levels.

The National Secretary General also stated that they demand the resignation of Mr. Mohamed Konneh and all the other Commissioners of the ECSL based on demonstrated bias and failure to conduct their duties impartially.

He said they insist on a rerun of the elections within six months to be overseen by credible individuals and institutions who will ensure a fair and transparent process.

According to him they also demand the resignation of the following: Fayia Sellu, the Inspector-General of Police; Major General Patrick Lavahun, the Chief of Defence Staff; Abdulai Caulker, the National Security Coordinator; Francis Langumba Keili, the Chief of Staff of the Office of the ONS; and Desmond Babatunde Edwards, the Chief Justice.  He maintained that those  individuals have shown a clear disregard for their constitutional duties and have instead aligned themselves with the undemocratic aspirations of Julius Maada Bio.

Lansana Dumbuya Esq said they will engage the country’s international development partners to advocate for the imposition of travel bans on key individuals who have played instrumental roles in stealing the mandate of the Sierra Leonean people.

He said in addition to those listed they urge the inclusion of the illegitimate President, Julius Maada Bio; the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, David Francis, the Chief Minister, Jacob Jusu Saffa; the Deputy Minister of Justice, Umaru Napoleon Koroma; the Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, David Moinina Sengeh; the Press Secretary Keketoma Sandi; the Minister of Information, Mohamed Rahman Swarray; the Minister of Internal Affairs, David Panda Noah and his deputy Lahai Lawrence Leema, the First Lady Mrs. Fatima Maada Bio, the Deputy Speaker Sengepoh Solomon Thomas and Dr. Prince Alex Harding.

The APC National Secretary General, Lawyer Lansana Dumbuya Esq said they call on all well-meaning Sierra Leoneans at home and abroad to play their part in resisting tyranny and fight for the restoration of democracy, civility and good governance in Sierra Leone.

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