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NCPD & Sightsavers Launch 100 Days “Leave No One Behind” Campaign on SDGs

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Ahead of the United Nations (UN) Summit on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in September this year, the National Commission for Persons with Disability (NCPD) and Sightsavers International has on Wednesday 21st, June 2023, launched a 100-Day campaign for an action to protect Global Disability Rights in the country. The launching ceremony was held at Sightsavers Office on Woodland Estate, at Congo Cross in Freetown.

Making his presentation, the Sightsavers Global Advocacy Officer for Anglophone West Africa Region, Jumah Kamara, said the SDGs were adopted in 2015 by the UN and Governments around the world to reduce poverty and inequality by 2030, adding that “the 17 ambitious SDGs goals could be met if Governments around the world including our beloved Sierra Leone commit themselves to achieve the goals.”

He revealed that after the 100 days campaign, officially launched on June 12, member states would gather at the SDG Summit in New York to make new commitments and assess progress made so far, adding that it’s against this backdrop, the National Commission for Persons with Disability and Sightsavers are raising awareness of the “Leave no behind” mantra in implementing the SDGs.

Reading the press statement to members of the press, the Programme Manager for the National Commission for Persons with Disability, Tamba Mondeh, said the world is falling behind on disability rights, and the launching of the 100-day campaign is a way to kick start the movement to ensure the implementation of SDGs adequately includes Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) at all level across the spectrum of governance of which he stated that Sierra Leone as a country is not doing badly in the implementation of the SDGs.

Tamba Mondeh maintained that if marginalized groups like PWDs are not included in the implementation process, it may jeopardize the entire process. He furthered that this campaign is geared towards highlighting progress on the SDGs and called for actions on the global stage, noting that the call follows a new UN report which shows that the SDGs can only be achieved if urgent action is taken to include those most often left behind.

He said in Sierra Leone, Sightsavers and National Commission for Persons with Disability are also calling for Government to revive the implementation of principles from the Inclusive Data Charter, ratify the Africa Disability Protocol and domesticate the Marrakesh Treaty and commit to disability-inclusive and specific accelerated actions targeting people with disabilities to transform the SDGs at the SDG Summit and beyond.
The Programme Manager concluded that the Commission, as a Government institution enacted by an Act of Parliament, would work with Sightsavers and other partners to ensure that Sierra Leone as a country and the Government leave no one behind in implementing the SDGs.

In the press release, the Country Director for Sightsavers, Nancy Smart, said the world is coming to the halfway point of the 2030 deadline, progress on the SDGs has derailed and they are completely off-track and that the promise to “Leave no one behind” is in peril.

She added that the UN Secretary-General’s report shows people with disabilities are being hit hardest by the lack of progress on poverty and inequality. Globally, up to twice as many people with disabilities live under the poverty line than people without disabilities.

National Fund for Public Interest Media Sierra Leone Launched 

By Foday Moriba Conteh

During a snap cocktail ceremony held on Monday 19th June, 2023 at Hotel Cabenda on Signal Hill Road in Freetown, the Sierra Leone Association for Journalists (SLAJ), the Media Reform Coordinating Group, the Independent Media Commission, the BBC Media Action and the Government of Sierra Leone officially launched the National Fund for Interest Media Sierra Leone (NAFPIM-SL).

The President of the Sierra Leone Association for Journalists (SLAJ),Ahmed Sahid Nasralla said the National Fund for Public Interest Media in Sierra Leone stems from the National Action Plan for Media Viability which was agreed upon by key stakeholders in the wake of the Sierra Leone National Media Viability and Investment Conference held in April 2022.

He added that one of the key recommendations from the conference was that Government and development partners should commit to a national fund for public interest media of he said in fulfillment of that key recommendation they are proud to officially launch the National Fund for Interest Media Sierra Leone (NAFPIM-SL).

The President said that the launching of the Fund will help to promote public interest media in the country, furthering that with the launch of the Fund journalists will now have the opportunity to investigate in-depth stories.

The National Coordinator for the Media Reform Coordinating Group, Dr. Francis Sowa, who also doubles as the Programme Manager for the Fund, said the initiative takes its cue from the perception that the media in Sierra Leone face tough economic challenges which, in turn, limit their ability to produce content that serves the public interest.

He stated that in that regard stakeholders called for a funding mechanism that could combine Government subsidies with contributions from international donors and disburse this funding through a transparent and inclusive process.

He said that the funds will have a Board with members of the Board drawn from several organizations which include Government, Civil Society, the Media etc. adding that the Board overall provide policies, guidelines and direction for the Fund further revealing that in order to support the Board there is also a Secretariat and a technical working group.

Dr Sowa pointed out that the months following the launch will be considered a Pilot Phase during which the Fund will be operationalize adding that criteria for media houses and journalists to benefit from the National Fund for Interest Media Sierra Leone will be made and thereafter, calls for proposals will be conceived and published.

The Country Director for BBC Media Action, Edward Kargbo, described the launch of the National Fund for Interest Media Sierra Leone as very historic event, which he said is a culmination of extensive consultations by many stakeholders.

He said that the BBC Media Action has been involved in media development in the country through working and supporting media partners and they are with the strong conviction that the launching of the National Fund for Interest Media will serve as a platform to channel media initiative development in the country.

Edward Kargbo said that the media plays an important role in democracy and that is why it is important to recognize the media’s role as a partner in development saying it is equally important to promote a Free Press and safeguard its independence.

“It is only when the media is free and independent that they can perform and fulfill its democratic obligations and this can only happen when the media is viable and resilient. We do not imagine that the fund will address all the challenges that militate against a free and vibrant independent media but we hope that the Fund will make a significant difference,” he revealed.

The Minister of Information and Communications, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, commended the Sierra Leone Association for Journalists (SLAJ) for the strides the Association has been taking towards the development of the media landscape in the country.

He said that during the repeal of Part 5 of the 1965 Public Order Act they did say it will attract more women and investment in the media, adding that the high enrollment of women at the Mass Communications Department of Fourah Bay College and the launching of the National Fund for Interest Media Sierra Leone is a testament to that.

The Minister reaffirmed Government’s commitment to support the fund with a grant sum of One Hundred Thousand dollars ($100,000) as part of their commitments made to the International Fund for Public Interest Media.

Climaxing the ceremony was the official launch of the International Fund for Public Interest Media Sierra Leone by the Minister of Information and Communications, Mohamed Rahman Swaray and the Former President of the Sierra Leone Association for Journalists (SLAJ)  Umaru Fofana.

NP is Proud of Marketing Qualitatively Certified Petroleum Products

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

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The most outstanding and widely acclaimed petroleum entity that is doing well within the petroleum business landscape of this country, NP-SL Ltd, is very proud of importing and marketing highly certified petroleum products across the country. The company’s internal and international recognition and acclamation are based on its timely, efficient and impactful service delivery prowess to its numerous and esteemed customers. It is therefore no big surprise for the well-established company to be bagging accolades and awards from reputable institutions in and out of the country.

One thing which has made NP-SL Ltd to stand tall among other entities hinges on putting premium on effective customer care delivery. The company is highly distinguished for being 1st for Customer Care, as it strives to give optimal satisfaction to its esteemed customers right across the country. In all its petroleum transactions the company does so transparently as it has modern calibrated machines in all its Filling Stations which are highly capable of pumping and displaying the exact quantity of fuel demanded for, be it petrol or diesel, as well as the price. This gives buyers the feeling that they are not cheated when purchasing fuel and are getting in return of what they pay for.

In the same direction, the company has good relationship with fuel transporters of tanker owners who ensure that fuel is transported from the fuel depot or terminal to the various Filling  Stations in different parts of the country. Maintenance is always done on those vehicles to ensure that they are road worthy; something which the Management of the company takes very serious. The importance of regularly doing so is to really ensure that petroleum products are timely delivered to various parts of the country in order to prevent the occurrence of any form of shortage that may affect daily activities and lives.

A company that was established by thirty-five (35) Sierra Leoneans years back, it was made a laid down policy by the Shareholders and Management of the company that special preference must be given to indigenes who have the requisite qualifications in terms of job opportunities.

Contextually, this decision is in tandem with the country’s Local Content Policy which aims at making use of our local resources, both human and material, instead of depending on external resources. This has made it possible for indigenes, who were hitherto unemployed, to now be gainfully employed and be at vantage positions to take care of individual responsibilities. With all amount of justification it could be said that NP-SL is a very caring business entity.

The company has set the pace of expanding its operations in the West African sub-region by establishing branches in Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia where they are effectively marketing petroleum products. By doing so it is providing job opportunities for locals in those countries and by extension regularly paying taxes to the Governments of those countries which are used to fund different development projects.

This bold step undertaken by the company is a mark of a serious entity that is taking business to a higher pedestal.

NP-SL is renowned for making available NP Smart Card and introducing NP Gas. In this modern age when efforts are being made to operate cashless societies and going digital there is no other moment than this when transactions in petroleum products should not follow suit. With the NP Smart Card, a particular customer could purchase fuel via using the card, just stating the quantity required which is debited from the amount in the card.

The customer can credit it again in order to make future purchases. The biggest advantage is that a customer can properly schedule or budget for the amount of fuel he or she will need over time, meaning that he or she is saved the headache of having to raise cash for the sole purpose of fuelling his or her vehicle. Using the card makes it less time consuming to buy fuel and prevents the movement with physical cash which maybe a customer could use for another emerging need or the cash could be stolen. NP Smart Card is now trending and many are now going for it.

With NP Gas, the cooking needs of individuals are easily solved as it is quick in terms of performance as a cooker. Environmentalists have validated its safety in terms of less emission of dangerous gases and it is manufactured in different cylinder sizes, very portable and easily refilled by purchasing gas at the company’s Filling Stations or its authorized dealers.

With all amount of justification, NP-SL is a dependable petroleum importing and marketing company assuaging fuel needs in the country amidst the myriad challenges it is surmounting. The company is indeed a true development partner that is positively contributing to the socio-economic development of individuals, entities and the country as a whole.

EU Election Observation Mission Deploys 40 Short-Term Observers to 16 Districts

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

40 Short-Term Observers (STOs) of the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) were on the 21st June, 2023 deployed to all 16 districts of Sierra Leone where it is expected that they will primarily observe opening, voting, and counting of the ballots, as well as the tabulation of the results.

This medium was reliably informed that the Short-Term Observers will work in multinational teams of two and prior to their deployment received a comprehensive briefing focusing on Election Day proceedings.

According to the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) Chief Observer, Evin Incir, who doubles as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP):

“By deploying more than 100 observers the European Union clearly shows its commitment to support the democratic processes in Sierra Leone, strengthening respect for human rights and the rule of law. We as a mission stand ready to observe shoulder to shoulder with Sierra Leonean people till the completion of the electoral process.”

It must be noted that the deployment of the STOs comes after 28 long-term observers who arrived in second half of May to observe the pre-election period.

It was further disclosed that a delegation of members of the European Parliament, headed by Georgios Krystos (MEP), will also be integrated into the mission as will a team of 14 locally recruited short-term observers from the diplomatic missions of EU Member States accredited to Sierra Leone. At full strength the EU EOM will comprise more than 100 observers, drawn from 26 EU member states, Canada, and Norway.

The Chief Observer, Evin Incir additionally informed that:

“Election observation is not a one-day event. To make an informed assessment of the 2023 General Elections, the EU EOM started its work already in mid-May and has deployed 28 long-term observers across the country to follow various aspects of electoral process, such as election preparations, campaign activities, work of media, participation of women, as well as various voter information efforts.”

On Monday 26 June, the EU EOM will hold a press conference to present its preliminary statement of findings and conclusions and a final report offering recommendations for future electoral processes will be presented after the completion of the entire election process.

The EU EOM is bound by a code of conduct, which requires strict neutrality and non-interference. It undertakes its work in accordance with the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation, endorsed under UN auspices in 2005.

China’s Development Brings Opportunities Rather than Risks to the World

By Wang Qing, Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone

Recently, some countries invented a new word “de-risking” to describe their policies towards China. From “decoupling” to “de-risking”, the terminology may have been changed, but their attitude against the trend of the times remains the same, they are still looking for every pretense possible for suppressing and containing China in order to maintain their own hegemony. “De-risking” is actually another “discourse trap” created against China when “decoupling” has proven to be unfeasible.

If we want to talk about “de-risking” in a serious manner, we must first understand what the real risks are there in today’s world and where their origins are. In now days our planet is not peaceful at all! The Ukraine Crisis is protracted, expanded and further complicated, and its spillover effects give a huge negative impact on people’s livelihood around the world. The world economy is facing many complex challenges, with stability of the global industrial and supply chains seriously undermined and the global development process disturbed. It is worth noting that certain countries, as the instigator and the biggest pusher of the Ukraine Crisis, are still adding fuel to the fire, trying their best to obstruct the process of political settlement of the Ukraine Crisis. These countries are also inciting ideological antagonism, engaging in bloc confrontation and dragging the world on the brink of a new Cold War. They are obsessed with abusing the dominant position of certain currency, imposing long-arm jurisdiction and unilateral sanctions against other countries, pushing for decoupling and severing supply chains, which violates international economic and trade rules. These are the real risks that need to be taken seriously.

To solve these real risks, China has actively played a constructive role, injecting more certainty into the world.

On the issue of the Ukraine Crisis, China has been speaking out for peace and doing its best for peace talks. China released a Position Paper on the Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis, which offers 12 propositions such as respecting the sovereignty of all countries, abandoning the Cold War mentality, ceasing hostilities, and resuming peace talks etc. China’s efforts to promote peace talks have been widely understood and recognized by the International Community.

China’s economy is showing a positive growth momentum. The World Bank predicts that China’s GDP will grow by 5.6% in 2023, contributing more than one-third of the world’s economic growth. China with its 1.4 billion population creates a vast market space for the world. Foreign direct investment in China is up to 100 billion dollars, which proves again this market is full of opportunities. Chinese commodities characterized by high-quality and affordable price are good for restraining the world’s inflation level.

China actively provides wisdom and solutions to various global challenges. In response to the development problems plaguing the world, President Xi Jinping advocated the promotion of high-quality Belt and Road Cooperation and proposed the Global Development Initiative. It created the most extensive, inclusive and largest international cooperation platform, which has been widely welcomed by the International Community.

In response to climate change, China is committed to pursuing a development path that puts ecological conservation first, green and low-carbon growth first. China announced the ambitious carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals in order to implement the Paris Agreement. China alone accounts for one-fourth of all the trees planted globally that show its determination to foster a community of life for man and nature.

China also actively mediates hot issues. This year China facilitated a handshake between Saudi Arabia and Iran, ushering in the dawn of peace in the Middle East. Last week, China hosted Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ visit to China, hoping to inject new impetus into the resumption of the Palestine-Israel peace talks through its own efforts, and contribute to the final historic agreement and the realization of peaceful coexistence between the two sides.

What is the “risk” and what is the “opportunity”, the world has its own opinion. Certain countries have tried their best to create terms and seek to decouple from China with the word of “de-risking”. But they forgot that they are just the biggest source of risk to the world peace and development. A western media pointed out that “de-risking” is a “magic word” used by the West to hide its differences; when dealing with China, “de-risking” will be counterproductive.

China’s own development provides the world with new opportunities. If certain countries seek to decouple from China in the name of “de-risking”, it will decouple from opportunities, cooperation, stability, and development. In response to various global problems and challenges, the International Community must not be held back by headwinds and waves of reversal. It must uphold fairness and justice, oppose all kinds of acts of division and confrontation and work together to inject more confidence and strength into a world for peace and prosperity.

Jolaks Manufacturing Company Translates President Bio’s Manifesto Promise into Reality

Jolaks Company played host to President Julius Maada Bio on Wednesday 21st June 2023 at its Wellington manufacturing industry while on a visit to show appreciation for the company’s support of one of his manifesto promises, which is to create employment opportunities for Sierra Leoneans and make them happy in their workplaces.

Receiving the President and his entourage was the Chief Executive Officer of Jolaks, Mahesh Nandwani, Management and Staff who heartily and warmly welcomed them.

It must be noted that Jolaks Manufacturing Company Limited is the biggest palm oil refinery & soap producer in Sierra Leone which is easily identified by its flagship Padi Cooking Oil and a variety of soaps.

On his part, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Edward Hinga Sandi, who was part of the President’s entourage commended the company for translating one of the Government’s commitment of providing employment opportunities in the past five years furthering how the company has offered job opportunities to a considerable number of people, many of whom are Sierra Leoneans and has done a lot for the country and communities under its Corporate Social Responsibility.

“President Bio always wants people to have quality jobs, which Jolaks has provided to its employees,” he said and expressed appreciation to the Management of the company for serving as a role model in contributing directly to national development.

The heavily built Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Jolaks, Mahesh Nandwani, in a statement mentioned how he met with the President when he assumed office to seek his approval and blessing to establish a company that will produce cooking oil and soap for national consumption and export.

He continued : “Since that day I have been receiving the support of his Government, which has made Jolaks a top producer of Padi Cooking oil,” he said and added that his company has enjoyed a fruitful investment environment in the trade sector that has led to the opening of so many marketing opportunities.

“Our dream has always been to stop cooking oil importation. We are making good use of the President’s blessing to produce quality cooking oil, soap, and other products that we exported to other countries,” the shrewd Mr. Nandwani maintained and assured that their production would be doubled and tripled in the coming years.

“We should contribute to effect positive development in the country. We have also established a cube factory and a farm in Lungi cultivating onions. Very soon Sierra Leone will stop importing onions,” he revealed.

In a brief statement, President Bio said that one of his manifesto promises is to improve standards of living and put smiles on the faces of Sierra Leonean saying that was partly fulfilled by encouraging investments which Jolaks Company seized opportunity of. “I can see happiness and a direct relationship at Jolaks,” he said and furthered that this is what the Government intends continuing to do. He commended Mahesh Nandwani for making his dream come true. “Little by little we are reducing the number of goods imported. It is helping the Government make money, and families are benefiting a lot,” Bio said and commended the company’s move to make Sierra Leone become a net exporter of cooking oil to West African nations.

He said though he is happy that very soon Jolaks will make Sierra Leone start exporting onions, he , however, challenged the company to invest in rice  cultivation to help stop its importation. “I am happy to see cohesion and togetherness. I want more people to emulate the good examples of Mahesh. We should unite to promote development,” he enjoined and ended up thanking the Management and Staff for helping him deliver his manifesto promise and assured of his Government’s support at all times.

Gento: A Simple Man with A Simple but Productive Vision

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Mayoral candidate under the ticket of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), Chief Mohamed Gento Kamara is a simple man with a simple but pluralistic and industrious vision.

After he wins the June 24 election for the seat of Mayor of Freetown, he says he will be a Mayor, committed to fixing this city so that it works for all of us.

His focus will be on providing clean water, sanitation services, job creation, and public spaces – including dignified health centers, marketplaces and recreational facilities for all.

He wants to enhance access to public services in a manner which appreciates the self-worth of all citizens. He says he will purposefully include those who have traditionally been marginalized and forgotten by society.

It is worthy to note that Gento’s supporters are of the view that by Gento cleaning the mess, instilling order, and creating employment opportunities throughout the city, his efforts will enable everyone to rise and live in dignity, from East End to Aberdeen, from the kekeh riders to the market sellers to the footballers to the fishermen to the tailors to the artists and to the business executives.

Also worthy of note is the fact that when Gento eventually becomes Mayor of Freetown with this critical infrastructure and socio-economic framework in place, we can all begin to enjoy what Freetown has to offer – a vibrant culture and beautiful city, where all citizens can pursue their dreams.

Gento has said numerous times at different times in different places that he believes in an inclusive, accessible and accountable Local Government, which is responsive to the needs of all people no matter their heritage or status.

He further believes that his leadership of Freetown will also respect and collaborate with chiefs, traditional and religious leaders and local community leaders, so that no one is left behind.

It is against this background that residents of Freetown say they are determined to change leadership of the city in favor of someone who has passion and is fit and ready to take on the challenges facing our capital city head-on, responsibly, passionately and without bias.

The man for such a laborious but honorable task is Mohamed Gento Kamara, so they say.

Election Boss Assures the Nation of Advanced Preparations for Saturday’s Polls

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Addressing a cross section of print and electronic media journalists at the Bintumani Conference Centre at Aberdeen on Wednesday, 21st June, 2023, on his institution’s preparedness on what he referred to the “2023 Saful Elections”, which he said was deliberately chosen because we want a calm, peaceful and credible elections, the Chief Electoral Commissioner for the Election Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL), Mohamed Kenewui Konneh, introduced electoral personalities from various parts of Africa, whom he said are here to support him because they know what it means for a Chief Electoral Commissioner at this crucial stage in the electioneering process in any country. He disclosed that the venue will be the meeting point for election related issues.

In giving an update of progress so far made he revealed that the Commission has received a total of 19,612 reprinted voter registration cards.

According to him, they include 4,779 nominated candidates, 11,302 voters relocated, 3,301 photo-less cards and 230 transfers. He furthered how the reprinted cards will be distributed to all ECSL offices starting on Thursday 22nd June, 2023. He added that these cards could be accessed from those offices by those who were affected as a result of discrepancies. However, voters should present their attestation documents and photo less voter registration cards before their reprinted cards will be issued to them.

He, also, pointed out that potential electorates, whose personal details were captured, could still be eligible to cast their votes as long as those personal details could be traced at Polling Stations.

The Election Management Boss further disclosed that 3,374,258 ballot sheets have been delivered with 5% buffer for contingency in line with the number of registered voters.

Mohamed Konneh intimated that ballot papers for the conduct of the 24 June 2023, Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Council elections together with the Result and Reconciliation forms (RRF) were received on Monday 19 June 2023, delivered by a special cargo jet at the Lungi international Airport adding that the consignments have been delivered to the 16 electoral districts in readiness for the conduct of the elections on Saturday 24 June 2023.

He also intimated how Tactile Ballot Guide (TBG) were received also on Monday 19th June 2023 saying  two TBGs will be made available per election and a total of 8 will be available for use in every polling station.

With regards the final Voters Register, he said electronic copies have been given to political parties. He said those given to political parties are not the same as theirs maintaining that such was deliberate in order to forestall any form of malpractice in terms of manipulating the details to gain political advantages which will negatively impinge the credibility of the elections.

He pointed out that early voting for pilgrims on Hajj took place on the 15th June, 2023 at all 16 District Offices across the country.

He intimated how the Training of polling and tally center staff was completed on the 21″ June 2023 adding that deployment of both sensitive and non sensitive materials to district is at the advanced stage.

The ECSL Chief Electoral Commissioner said booth construction and the installation of ramps and planks is on-going at the polling centers in order to make them disabled friendly for the polling and counting process and Regional Result tally center set up completed and the transmission between the Regional Tally centers and the National Tally Center has also been completed and tested.

On the issue of not adhering to the demand of the main opposition APC’s demand for the setting up of district tally centres, Konneh was very categorical in stating that the infrastructure is not available and that the Public Elections Act does not make provision for that.

He also said that accreditation of election stakeholders is ongoing at both national and district levels saying that for security reasons it is advisable for stakeholders to go through the right channels to gain accreditation.

During the question and answer session, the Chief Electoral Commissioner pointed out that the ballot papers used by the Pilgrims during the early voting were printed in Sierra Leone but have certain features that are different from the ballot papers printed in South Africa. Responding also to a question why removal of date of births from the Voter Register, he said out of experience there was a lot of forgeries of births of dates which complicated the issue of  First Time Voter eligibility and do not want a repetition of that. He also assured of maximum security throughout the process.

He ended up assuring firmly that the Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Council Elections will take place as scheduled on Saturday 24th June, 2023 in all 11,832 stations and in 26 districts across the country further admonishing all to go out on Polling Day to Vote Saful, Go Home Saful, Wait for the Result Saful, Celebrate if you win Saful, And if you lose Sidom Saful also enjoining all to: “Mek we all join han for bil the Country Saful.”

Dr. Samura Kamara Appeals to APC Supporters to Turn Out & Cast their Votes

By Foday Moriba Conteh

It was a drizzling Wednesday morning on the 21st June, 2023 in the capital city of Freetown with signs of unusualness that shows that it was not going to be a regular day with the same routine. Many shops were closed, few commercial and private vehicles were plying the streets with some people using Kekeh and Okada to move from one place to another. School children were not seen and there was heavy presence of security personnel at strategic locations within the city.

There was little wonder why the morning was so dull and quiet as it was common knowledge that the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) Party leadership has called upon its party supporters to put on white and black, not the party colours, and turnout in their Chinese numbers to converge at their Party’s Secretariat from where they should proceed to the offices of the election management body, the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL), in a peaceful protest for failure on the part of ECSL to adequately address concerns they have raised which they say were deliberately done to manipulate the credibility of the 24th June, 2023 elections and call for the resignation of the Chief Electoral Officer, Mohamed Kenewui Konneh and other Commissioners to be replaced by electoral experts who will then conduct the Polls.

The call for a peaceful protest ,on the part of the APC Leadership, came contrary, to not been granted permission to do so by the Security Sector which had earlier warned that any defiance on the part of any party or supporter will be deemed unlawful and will be met with the full force of the law.

That notwithstanding, some party stalwarts, including the Secretary General of the APC Part, Lawyer Lansana Dumbuya and other Executive members ventured out as was the case in some parts of the country, as reports were filtering in.

They converged with placards calling for the resignation of the sitting President, Julius Maada Bio, who is seeking a second term bid and the Chief Electoral Commissioner and other Commissioners. As it was going to mid day the crowd began to swell and as attempts were made to embark on the protest the Police and Military fired teargas to disperse them. However, the crowd became tense as violence break out at the APC Party Office in the West End of Freetown which became confrontational leaving three dead of gunshot and some injured as they ran helter-skelter. As the security force stood their ground the crowd grew thinner and became less violent but stubbornly defiant releasing all sorts of invectives.

During this stalemate, the APC Presidential Candidate, Dr Samura Kamara, descended on the scene and passionately appealed to his party supporters to go home and be ready to cast their votes for all party candidates on Saturday assuring them of the party’s victory.

“We will protect the votes to the best of our ability. The strength is on the ballot box. The APC has the numbers and we have sent the message to President Bio that the party is very strong and determined,’ Samura told the crowd.

He told them to go home peacefully and be prepared to vote on Saturday for all the APC candidates.

It must be recalled that prior to Wednesday event, the PPRC and Peace Commission facilitated a dialogue meeting among the APC and ECSL to reach a common understanding based on the demands put forward by the APC, a meeting that lasted three days at the Bintumani Conference Centre on Aberdeen in Freetown but ended with little success and failed from preventing the main opposition APC party from accepting ECSL’s position on key issues they highlighted and embarking on staging what they referred to as a peaceful protest.

As the situation now stands, it is certain that the elections will hold on Saturday, 24th June, 2023 as scheduled.

 

Peace Commission Condemns Acts of Violence, Urges All to Maintain Peace

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) in a Press Release dated 21st June, 2023 and signed by,

Rev. Shodankeh Johnson, Board Chairman, has stated that it stands firm in its commitment to promoting a peaceful and harmonious democratic process in Sierra Leone further maintaining that with the upcoming elections scheduled for June 24th, 2023, the ICPNC strongly condemns all acts of violence and urges all citizens to maintain a peaceful atmosphere throughout the electoral period.

With regards the recent incidents of violence, the ICPNC said it is deeply concerned about particularly the burning of houses and party offices, which have taken place in various parts of the country.

It says such actions not only undermine the democratic process but also pose a threat to the stability and unity of Sierra Leone maintaining how it firmly denounces such acts and call upon all political parties, candidates, and citizens to reject violence and embrace dialogue as a means of resolving differences.

The ICPNC maintains that as an independent body entrusted with fostering national cohesion it recognizes the importance of free and fair elections as a cornerstone of democracy adding how it is imperative that all stakeholders, including political leaders, supporters, and the general public, abide by the principles of peaceful coexistence, respect for the rule of law, and the democratic values upon which Sierra Leone is built.

In that regard the peace brokering institution urges political parties and their supporters to engage in constructive and inclusive dialogue, focusing on policies, ideas, and solutions that will contribute to the overall development and progress of Sierra Leone and also call upon all political parties to prioritize the welfare and interests of the citizens over partisan ambitions.

It also appealed to the Sierra Leone Police and other relevant authorities to ensure the safety and security of all citizens during the election period encouraging them to carry out their duties with utmost professionalism, impartiality, and in accordance with the law.

The ICPNC says it believes that a peaceful and inclusive electoral process is essential for the future of Sierra Leone and said it stands ready to provide support, guidance, and mediation to facilitate peaceful dialogue and resolve any disputes that may arise during the elections.

The Commission ended by calling upon all Sierra Leoneans to embrace the spirit of unity, tolerance,  respect for diversity  and to work together to ensure a peaceful, transparent, and credible electoral process that will strengthen the democratic foundations of the nation and contribute to the continued progress and prosperity of Sierra Leone.

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