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WASSCE 2023: The Alarm Bells Have Rung Crystal Clear

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

As this year’s West Africa Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) is entering its second week, none other than the Minister in the Ministry of Basic and Senior Education (MBSE), Dr. Moinina David Sengeh has warned that, many candidates would have their results seized as a result of malpractices and registration anomalies currently under investigation.

He was speaking during the Wake Up Sierra Leone programme aired on AYV on Thursday 18th May, 2023.

According to him, the Ministry is investigating a number of registration anomalies which occurred during the registration of pupils for the WASSCE in various schools suspected of registering people for the exams that are not supposed to be direct beneficiaries either because they have been out of the school system for ten or more years and want to take advantage of the free examination payment scheme provided by the Government, or because they are not qualified to take the WASSCE as they do not have the requisite Basic Education Certificate which qualifies them to take the WASSCE.

Against this background, it must be stated that this is the first time pupils of primary and secondary schools in Sierra Leone are enjoying the luxury of not having to pay any formal fees to take the NPSE, BECE and WASSCE – thanks to the Free Quality Education package introduced by President Julius Maada Bio and administered by Dr. Moinina David Sengeh.

However, it must also be stated that, those people (candidates and Principals) that are taking advantage and corrupting the system in a bid to line their pockets with ill-gotten money at the expense of the Government spending billions of Leones to pay the fees of actual school-going candidates, should understand that what they are doing is unjustified and even criminal because all they are doing is trying to beat the system by circumventing it.

For goodness’ sake, the WAEC conducts Private WASSCE for candidates who otherwise might not have been fortunate to make the necessary grades at the two free opportunities provided by the Government. For those that have been out of school for ten or more years, the Private WASSCE is also the best option. But colluding with Principals to register ‘full-blown adult men and women’ as mere pupils all because they want to enjoy free examination without cost is  very unpatriotic and a criminal act. Those engaged in this unholy act must be caught and soberly punished to set a precedent for others not to follow.

According to Dr. Sengeh, the manner in which hordes of ‘unqualified’ candidates are being registered by unscrupulous Principals and heads of secondary schools especially some little-known private schools is becoming a serious cause for concern. He highlighted that President Julius Maada Bio in his wisdom saw the need and importance of creating a scheme for school-going pupils to have easy access to sitting examinations at no cost. Lamentably, according to the MBSE Minister, hundreds of ‘unqualified’ and unscrupulous candidates that have been out of school for years are exploiting and taking advantage of the free exam payment scheme by paying monies to corrupt Principals and secondary school authorities to register them for the examination to the disadvantage of school-going pupils for whom the scheme was created.

This must stop, otherwise those for whom the system was created will lose out and those with money to pay corrupt Principals will overwhelm the system.

Thankfully, the anomalies which took place during the 2023 WASSCE registration process have been picked up and it is expected that the culprits will have no one to blame except themselves as well as face the full force of the law when caught.

Foreign Affairs Ministers Holds Bilateral Talks with his Chinese Counterpart

State Councilor and Foreign Minister, Qin Gang, on the 16th May, 2023 held talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Sierra Leone David J. Francis in Beijing.

Qin Gang said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China and Sierra Leone have always supported each other and cooperated with sincerity. China highly appreciates Sierra Leone’s firm commitment to the one-China principle and its adherence to justice on Xinjiang-related human rights and other issues. This year marks the 10th anniversary of President Xi Jinping’s proposal of principles guiding China’s Africa policy, including sincerity, real results, amity and good faith. These principles have shaped the past of China-Sierra Leone relations and will open up a bright future for bilateral relations. The two sides should jointly follow through on the important common understandings reached by the two heads of state, continue to firmly support each other, strengthen practical cooperation, and keep closer coordination in international and regional affairs. Noting the strong vitality of China’s economy, Qin Gang said China is ready to share opportunities with Sierra Leone for common development.

Professor David Francis first conveyed President Julius Maada Wonie Bio’s sincere greetings to President Xi Jinping. He said the Sierra Leone-China relations are robust and the two sides share broad common interests. Sierra Leone cherishes its relations with China and firmly pursues the one-China principle. Sierra Leone looks forward to strengthening cooperation with China in such areas as trade and investment, agriculture and infrastructure development to benefit the two peoples. Sierra Leone highly applauds China’s important role in safeguarding world peace and stability, actively supports important initiatives put forward by President Xi Jinping, and stands ready to work with China for greater democracy in international relations and a multi-polar world.

The two sides also exchanged views on the situation in Africa, the reform of the United Nations and other issues.

 

 

Legal Aid Board Trains 90 Police Investigators & Prosecutors on 2018 Bail Regulation

With funding from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) ,90 Police Investigators and Prosecutors have benefitted from a Legal Aid Board capacity-building training programme on the 2018 Bail Regulation in the Western Area Rural District.

The training which took place on the 8th May, 2023 was held at the Western Area Rural District Council Hall in Waterloo in the outskirts of Freetown .

Ninety (90) Police personnel from two judicial districts (Waterloo and York), 45 personnel from each district participated in the training which drew  participants from Masiaka Police Station; Mile 38 Police Post; Four Mile Police Post; Kissy Town Police Post; 555 Police Post; Waterloo Police Division; Tombo Police Station; York and its environs.

The training marked the beginning of the third phase of the UNDP-funded project which is targeting a total of 920 Police Investigators and Prosecutors in the country’s sixteen districts.650 Personnel were trained during the first and second phase out of which 400 personnel were trained in 2021 while 250 received theirs in 2022.

The first phase targeted eight districts: Moyamba, Bo, Kambia, Port Loko, Kono, Tonkolili, Pujehun and Kailahun, while the second phase targeted five districts: Karene, Koinadugu, Falaba and Bombali in the North-East region and Bonthe in the Southern Region. The third phase, which commenced on May 8 is targeting a total of 270 personnel from three districts: Western Area Rural and Urban and Kenema districts.

The trainings are aimed at ensuring uniformity and consistency in the granting of bail both by the Police as stipulated in the 2018 Bail Regulation.

Speaking during the opening session at Waterloo, the Executive Director of the Board, Ms. Fatmata Claire Carlton-Hanciles noted that capacity-building for the Police is crucial in upholding professionalism in the force.

She underlined that the trainings underscore the Board’s continued commitment to making justice accessible to all especially the poor and vulnerable in remote communities adding that it will further broaden the knowledge of the Police in determining whether or not bail should be granted as prescribed in the Regulation.

Ms. Carlton-Hanciles commended the leadership of the Sierra Leone Police particularly the Inspector General, William Fayia Sellu for having stood by the Board in ensuring that the training is carried out as planned. She noted that the training is a demonstration of the strong partnership between the Board and the Sierra Leone Police in addressing the challenges related to access to justice.

Ms. Carlton-Hanciles also expressed gratitude to the Chief Justice, His Lordship Justice Desmond Babatunde Edwards for his initiatives in expanding access to justice through the holding of the Judicial Week, Special Criminal Sessions and Prison Courts which have helped to decongest the prisons. She also lauded him for the close working relationship between the Judiciary and the Legal Aid Board which has brought about speedy trials and the decongestion of correctional facilities.

She emphasized the need for trainees to understand that bail is a fundamental human right adding that bail is free and must be seen to be free.  “There are a lot of inconsistencies in the application of bail, be it at Police Stations or in the courts” she said adding that, “UNDP was very much concerned about this state of affairs hence the decision to support the Board in conducting these trainings which have been going on for the past two years.”

The Legal Aid Board Executive Director warned those in the habit of detaining suspects on frivolous grounds, opposing bail for accused persons or exchanging money for bail that they are running out of options.

She praised UNDP for its continued support to the Board which includes but not limited to support to legal representation during Criminal and Special Criminal Sessions, Prison Courts, Sexual Offences Model Court (SOMC); Building the Capacity of Paralegals to Assist Victims of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV); Legal Education on SGBV and Sexual Offences Act.

A PowerPoint presentation on the 2018 Bail Regulation was facilitated by Legal Aid Counsel ,Abdulai Sesay, who also doubles as the Board’s Resident Counsel for the Western Area Rural District. He explained the meaning of bail which he said is the ‘temporal release of a suspect or accused person pending further investigations or proceedings’. He noted that bail does not mean the end of the matter and as such should not be used as a means to punish people or score political points.

Counsel Sesay also explained the importance of granting bail, where to access bail, guidelines for opposing or accepting bail (such as necessity, reasonability, proportionality, enforceability), circumstances under which bail may be denied including failure to appear in court, committing of another offence while on bail, endangering the safety of victims or the public and possible interference with witness(s).  He also explained what it means to be a surety and how to withdraw from being one.

He admonished the participants to follow the procedures when considering bail application, warning that “long detention of suspects at police stations or accused persons in the courts has a negative impact not only on the Police and Courts but the country as a whole”.

Statements were also made by DSP Septimus Siaka Vandi, Operations Officer Waterloo Division; Alhassan Morray, Deputy Staff Officer Training Directorate Police Headquarters and Mohamed Opeh Koroma, former Local Police Partnership Board Chairman, Waterloo who chaired the programme.

The training was climaxed with group work and presentations. Each group was given a question on the bail regulation to discuss and come up with answers.

Milla Group Places High Premium on the Health & Safety of Employees

Milla Group (SL) Limited ranks high among manufacturing companies in the country that places premium on the health and safety of its employees by always ensuring that they work in an environment that is devoid of hazards and risks that could be injurious to the health of workers.

The company has been widely acclaimed for its effective implementation of  safety standards that have kept its employees safe from any major accident or from contracting any disease while performing their respective duties.

“We value the health of our employees which is why we are providing the necessary equipment and resources to keep them healthy. It is only when they are in good health they could able to work productively for the company,” says Samuel Smith, Senior Health and Safety Officer.

“We take responsibility for the health and safety of our staff and we make timely interventions when they face health challenges,” he further revealed.

Employees of Milla Group commended the Management of the company for the role it played before and after the loss of  two of their colleagues: Alie Bangura and a Senior Driver – Gibrilla Conteh.

They unanimously accepted that despite the intervention and good efforts made by the company to protect their lives and keep them healthy, however, it was the Will of God that they could no longer survive.

From what this medium learnt, the company established a health clinic within its Kissy Headquarters to handle minor cases and make referrals on major ones. Also, understood was that the company is in an arrangement with Shuman Hospital at Shell, New Road, Kissy, for the provision of medical treatment for major health complications, as confirmed by the Senior Health and Safety Officer.

Alie Bangura, one of the company’s hardworking staff died recently and was buried by relatives in Makeni after it was confirmed that his death was as a result of infighting within his family for a house left by his late father. Bangura had complained about his health problems about six months ago, which warranted the company’s immediate intervention. He was admitted at the Shuman Hospital for a while and after realizing that there was no improvement he decided to try the native way in the provinces. He was supported by the company again with cash to support his native treatment. He returned to Freetown after all efforts made by traditional healers to restore his normal health failed. The late Bangura who had been receiving his full monthly salary all this while requested the company to help him repeat the treatment he had earlier received at the Shuman Hospital. The company, according to family members, horridly prepared a vehicle to take him to the hospital, but all efforts failed as he gave up the ghost on the way to the hospital. The remains were first taken to his family house at Philip Street, Wellington before it was later escorted in an ambulance by two staff of Milla Group for a dignified burial upcountry.

The death of a Senior Driver, Gibrilla Conteh was a result of a stone in the heart that was diagnosed at the Choithram Memorial Hospital after a series of tests were done. The late Conteh who was later admitted at the Connaught Hospital died naturally after all efforts were made by the company to restore his health.

The staff of Milla Group and relatives of the late workers were extremely thankful to the Management of the Company for the financial resources and other material support rendered before and after their death. “We pledge our commitment to serve the company diligently and we want to assure our Managers that we will work hard and protect the company at all times,” they assured.

Milla Group Limited is a custom manufacturer of best plastic products and solutions for household and business purposes. Since 2001, Milla Group has aimed at delivering  end-to-end solutions to its customers. It handles everything from the procurement of raw materials, shipment logistics, clearing and inventory control, manufacturing, wholesale delivery, and finally retail point of sale. In total, Milla has five production areas: injection moulding, roto moulding, blow moulding, film extrusion, and PVC extrusion. It procures its machines from industry leaders and since its inception, it has built up the largest production capacity for plastic items in Sierra Leone. The company has the ability to customize solutions as per its clients’ requirements. It also provides private label opportunities in some categories. The company has employed hundreds of Sierra Leoneans and has continued to support the country’s economic development.

ECSL Plays Host to WADEMOS

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

With the theme: “Fostering Peaceful, Credible and Inclusive Elections in Sierra Leone 2022 – 2023”, on the 17th May, 2023, the Chief Electoral Commissioner and Chairman, Mohamed K. Konneh, and the  UNDP Resident Representative, Pa Lamin Beyai, co-chaired the Sierra Leone Election Project Board Meeting.

The Sierra Leone Election Project Board is a multi-stakeholders forum of national and international partners that provides general oversight, strategic guidance and direction in the funding, implementing, and monitoring of the election project work plans of the ECSL, Political Parties Regulation Commission, Sierra Leone Police, Human Rights Commission, Youth Commission, the Judiciary, UN Women and Civil Society working on Elections.

In attendance among others were Electoral Commissioners, Zainab Umu Moseray and Albert Samba Kanu, the Head of EU Delegation in Sierra Leone, Ambassador Manuel Muller.

The objective of the meeting was to assess progress made so far in preparation for the June 2023 elections and how to address electoral, political, and technical challenges arising during the implementation process.

In another development, on Wednesday 17 May 2013, the West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network (WADEMOS) paid a courtesy call on the Chief Electoral Commissioner and Chairman.

Representatives of WADEMOS, a non-partisan, independent civil society-led transnational democracy solidarity network, that consists of over 30 Civil Society Organizations in 15 countries in West Africa, including Sierra Leone, are in the country on a pre-elections solidarity mission to Sierra Leone.

The delegation met with the Chief Electoral Commission and Chairman, Mohamed Kenewui Konneh at the ECSL Headquarters in Freetown on pre-elections assessment of the ECSL in preparation for the June 24, 2023, multi-tier polls.
During the engagement, Chairman Konneh used the opportunity to update the delegation on the Commission’s level of preparedness for the June 2023 polls.
The Head of Delegation, Paul Osie Kuffur, from Ghana, registered WADEMOS’ commitment to ensuring that Democracy thrives in the region, which now experiences the reemergence of military interventions in Governance that threatens the democratic gains that have been made in the sub-region.

The Head of Delegation also presented its report on Democracy and Elections from the Nigerian experience.

VP Juldeh Jalloh Launches Presidential Taskforce on Health

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, has on the 16th May, 2023, launched the Sierra Leone Presidential Taskforce on Mental Health on behalf of President Julius Maada Bio.

During the launch, he made mention of the profound impact of historical and recent traumatic events, such as the war, Ebola outbreak, mudslide, and fuel tanker explosion, on mental health.

He acknowledged the Government’s strides in dealing with mental health, making reference to the repeal and replacement of the outdated 1902 Lunacy Act with modern legislation that prioritizes client-centered and culturally appropriate mental health practices, surpassing international standards.

Dr Juldeh Jalloh commended the Ministry of Health and Sanitation and Partners in Health for their investments in the Sierra Leone Psychiatric Teaching Hospital, which , according to him, has revolutionized patient care.

He also recognized the outstanding contributions of Dr. Eze, Dr. Jalloh, and others whose efforts, he said, led to the accreditation of the psychiatry residency program by the West African College of Physicians, enabling Sierra Leone to train its own psychiatrists for the first time in history further expressing Government’s commitment to expand the mental health workforce and improve access to services nationwide.

Dr Juldeh Jalloh also noted that addressing mental health issues cannot be done by the health sector alone saying it requires a multi-sectoral approach.

He informed that such is why His Excellency Dr.Julius Maada Bio instructed him to constitute an inter-ministerial Taskforce on Mental Health disclosing how he  chaired the Mental Health Taskforce’s maiden meeting last week to discuss how to integrate mental health across the life stages and across the sectors and identify priority areas for intervention.

The Vice President said he noted that mental health action needs to be taken across health, education, social welfare, labour and even the productive sectors adding that with a growing youth population, there is the need to increase jobs nationwide underscoring how unemployment is a risk factor for mental illness.

Dr Juldeh Jalloh informed that the Taskforce will be overseeing the design of a National Multi-Sectoral Strategic Plan for Mental Health that addresses mental illness across the life stages – one that is data-driven, focused on innovative strategies for early intervention and prevention, and addresses workforce development.

He emphasized that addressing mental health challenges requires a multi-sectoral approach extending beyond the healthcare sector.

Africell-SL Empowers SLAJ to Combat Misinformation & Disinformation

Africell-SL has, on the 16th May, 2023 supported the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) by empowering it with Mifis on the basis that such could be very useful in combating disinformation and misinformation through fact-checking.

Before the presentation of the Mifis, the Communications and Media Director at Africell-SL, John Konte , intimated that the telecommunications company is always delighted to provide support to SLAJ maintaining that the donated gadgets will greatly assist SLAJ in its strides to combat disinformation and misinformation.

He said SLAJ has built its credibility over the years to such an extent that people have reposed trust in it for the provision of accurate information further  expressing confidence that the Mifis will provide connectivity through loaded unlimited data and assured of Africell’s continued support to SLAJ out of the conviction that the media is a key component in nation-building.

Receiving the items, on behalf of SLAJ, was Christian Conteh, who stated that combating disinformation and misinformation during this electioneering period is very significant.

Christian Conteh informed that SLAJ in partnership with the National Democratic Institute (NDI) have come together to undertake fact-checking and pre-debunking of misinformation and disinformation before, during, and after the elections.

He revealed how they have Fact-checkers and Regional Coordinators all over the country and expressed profound thanks and appreciation to Africell for positively responding to a request they made to the company to assist in the implementation of the project geared towards combating misinformation and disinformation.

NP-SL Ltd Remains the Most Outstanding Oil Marketing Company Nationwide

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

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

There is not a single iota of doubt that NP-SL Ltd is the leading marketing company that has been doing extremely well in the importation and marketing of various petroleum products in the country, notably petrol, diesel, gas and lubricants of which the most outstanding is Castrol oil.

Without contesting the undiluted fact, this 100% indigenous company has left its footprint on the sands of time as it continues to bag wide commendations for its timeliness in always ensuring that qualitative petroleum products are imported into the country, distributed country wide to its sales points or Filling Stations across the country in order for its esteemed customers to easily gain access to them.

The company has never renege in doing so save only certain situations where, as a result of unforeseen contingencies, most often beyond its control, there has been some delay. However, in such circumstances measures are quickly rolled out to address them and restore normalcy in the supply chain.

It must be noted that for any petroleum marketing company to maintain such a solid and unshakable posture could only be attributed to prudent business management initiatives. Indeed, it could be said with all amount of certainty that the selflessness and dogged determination on the part of the 35 Sierra Leoneans who established the company have greatly influenced most of the policies that were adopted, effectively implemented which saw the transformation of a small business enterprise to a towering entity.

One of those laid down policies is that which places premium on enhancing or maximizing customer care to create a situation where its customers are always made to feel good and satisfied. The company’s Shareholders and Management are also conscious of the fact that by taking customer care to a higher pedestal such could serve as a leeway to attract other individuals to come on board its customer platform.

Indeed, it is in that light that a conscious move was made to make the company’s Filling Stations very attractive and welcoming. Built in state of the art fashion, painted with yellow and green paints, these sales points are very spacious to accommodate fleet of vehicles, are very eye catchy and in some of them there are shopping marts where customers could purchase basic items and even relax to socialize. As of now social gathering in those marts has been put on hold as social distancing has been recommended as one of the preventive measures put in place to avoid the spread of the deadly virus.

To promote transparency and win the trust of its numerous customers as well as match up with international standards, it was decided on the part of the company to invest so much in procuring and installing calibrated pumping machines. These have the capacity to pump the exact quantity of fuel in vehicles and containers to the utmost satisfaction of buyers. “I always feel gratified whenever I do purchase petrol at NP Filling Station because I am always satisfied that I am getting my money’s worth,” a banker divulged to this medium adding that the Managers of the company are doing a fantastic job ,referencing the orderliness of how business transactions are taking place.

One very striking feature which NP-SL has so far exhibited, to the admiration of many, is its strict adherence to the country’s Local Content Policy. Development Economists have recommended that one viable route to be used to boost a country’s economy is to make effective use of indigenous resources, both material and human, as long as they are available. Enhancing local content has its attendant merits one of which is creating employment opportunities and ensuring that monies paid workers are not remitted overseas.

The National Petroleum-Sierra Leone Limited is one of the few companies in this country that has successfully implemented its internal policy of giving employment preference to Sierra Leoneans. This is indeed very impressive and is helping in major ways to reduce poverty.

If today NP Gas is going at the pace of the Concord, in terms of sales, then this is simply because it has been discovered that it is very fast, efficient and environmental friendly for cooking purposes. Besides, it can be refilled without going through the hassle of having to find gas elsewhere as the company markets gas alongside petrol, diesel and other lubricants. They are manufactured in different cylinder sizes and are easily accessible.

“NP Gas is my kitchen partner and I am finding it very cooperative. It is easy to handle and for me it poses no danger. I am therefore recommending it and for anyone to secure it there will be no regrets,” Mariatu Sesay a resident, living in Makeni recommended.

What is much talked about today, well not in social circles as social distancing is now the norm, is NP Smart Card. As the name suggests the card is so smart to such an extent that as long as it is loaded with money it can be slotted in the calibrated pumping machine and after demanding the amount of petrol or diesel requested for, it churns out the exact amount plus displaying the price. It is trending, secured and convenient to use.

“NP Smart Card works well and since I have been using it I always procure fuel for my car and generator in record time. Using it, there are many benefits one can derive,” a Civil Servant, Mohamed Jusu, underscored.

The company does not joke with rolling out its Corporate Social Responsibility fully aware that it is incumbent on it as a business entity to give back to society. This is all the more reason why it has been complementing the Government’s development interventions. The Shareholders and Management have always stood by the side of Sierra Leoneans in thick and thin always endeavouring to give succour and deepen development.

The company stands tall for having vibrant branches operating in Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia where they are operating efficiently, offering jobs and paying taxes to Governments. NP-SL is indeed a force to reckon with and is poised to further make its presence felt and expand its operations.

Dr. Samura Kamara Slapped with another Court Injunction in Supreme Court

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The APC Presidential Flagbearer, Dr Samura Kamara and his running mate, Chernor Maju Bah went through the Electoral Commission For Sierra Leone’s (ECSL’s) nomination process on the 1st May, 2023. However, both politicians’ nominations were considered by the ECSL as provisional until the 17th May, 2023 which was stipulated as the deadline for objections to be raised with the Supreme Court.

In the ensuing politiking that has been going on within the APC political camp all geared towards mobilizing more support for the party vis-à-vis the forthcoming General Elections, hell break loose on the 17th May, 2023 for the Party as two of its senior members, former Minister of Sports-Paul Kamara and Hon. Alimamy Coleson Turay filed a court injunction in which they raised objections bordering on the eligibility of the APC Flagbearer, Dr Samura Kamara to contest in the forthcoming Presidential election slated for the 24th June, 2023.  They applied for an interpretation and determination of the following:

Whether the Transitional Interim Independent Election Management Committee (TIIEMC) of the APC was right to conduct the National Delegates Conference when a Perpetual Injunction stands preventing the old APC Executive participating but went on to constitute the ITMC that elected Dr Samura Kamara when it was the Interim Transitional Governance Committee that should have conducted the National Delegates Conference.

Whether the ECSL took into consideration the Commission of Inquiry’s  adverse finding of dishonesty against Dr Samura Kamara during the nomination process; findings that were upheld or by the Court of Appeal as well as him being currently standing criminal trial involving fraud at the High Court of Sierra Leone.

Finally,  they want clarification of the National Constitution of Sierra Leone that No Political Party shall have as a Leader a Person who is not qualified to be Elected as a Member of Parliament and Section 76 (1) (D) of the said National Constitution that No Person shall be qualified as a Member of Parliament if he has been convicted of fraud or dishonesty on the premise of the findings of the Commission of Enquiry on dishonesty against the said 3rd Respondent (Dr Samura Kamara).

Before this new political development took place, Dr Samura Kamara, the APC Flagbearer, in an interview with the Voice of America (VOA), the APC Flagbearer, categorically stated that it is not accurate to say things are improving in Sierra Leone at this material time justifying that assertion by making reference to human rights reports in Sierra Leone such as the EU report, the Amnesty International and the State Department reports.

“I don’t think it’s accurate to say things are improving in Sierra Leone at this material time. It depends also for me on who provides information to some of these institutions, whether it is NGOs or other reporters, it based on where they are coming from, whether they are sympathizers of the current administration or they are in opposition or they are working for Sierra Leone, I will rather prefer reports are based on the welfare of the typical Sierra Leonean,” he said.

He pointed out how Sierra Leone has two sets of challenges, one of which he called ‘long standing nature’ where he said as a nation after 60 years of independence the country cannot feed its people, there are no proper drinking water, no better electricity amidst extreme poverty.

The other he referred to as ‘today’s own typical challenges’ which according to him are created by the Government, like dividing the country on a regional and ethnic basis stressing on the need for Sierra Leoneans to feel and see reasons for what happens in the country.

He said his lecture at Chatham House on Sierra Leone’s 2023 elections was an insightful analysis of the policy alternatives and priorities for pluralism.

Dr Samura Kamara stated that as Sierra Leone prepares for its next round of elections, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of the different policy options available and their potential impact on the country’s political, economic, and social landscape.

He continued that during his lecture, he shed light on the key issues facing Sierra Leone and offer practical solutions that can help promote a more inclusive and pluralistic society.

“I explored the various options available to policymakers, including economic policies that can promote development and reduce poverty, social policies that can address inequality and promote social cohesion, and political reforms that can enhance democratic governance and strengthen the rule of law,” he stated in the interview maintaining that his lecture was a great interest to policymakers, academics, journalists, and anyone interested in the future of Sierra Leone.

The APC Presidential Flagbearer said it provided a unique opportunity to learn from him – a seasoned politician and policy expert who has dedicated his career to promoting progress and development in a country he do dearly loves.

He said he just concluded a meeting with the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Select Committee on the upcoming elections in Sierra Leone saying as the Presidential Candidate of the APC, it is crucial that he engages international partners and seek support for free, fair, and transparent elections.

According to him, the Foreign Affairs Select Committee is a key player in the process as they have the power to engage with stakeholders and advocate for democratic values.

He revealed that by meeting with that Committee he is demonstrating his commitment to ensuring that the upcoming elections are conducted in a manner that reflects the will of the people stressing how it is essential that the election process is conducted in a peaceful and transparent manner.

“Engaging with international partners also demonstrates my willingness to work collaboratively to ensure that the election process is fair and transparent,” he said going on to state that it is a crucial aspect of any democratic process and helps to ensure that the will of the people is accurately represented.

Dr Samura said he has just returned from an incredibly successful and productive engagement with colleagues in the sub-region and international partners in Europe adding that during that trip he had the opportunity to address members of the All People’s Congress both in London and Guinea Conakry.

He said his message was received with tremendous enthusiasm and appreciation by his fellow Sierra Leoneans who were inspired by the vision and direction he has set out for the nation.

The APC Presidential Flagbearer concluded by stating that the event is a testament to the strength and resilience of a great nation, and to his compassionate leadership and vision maintaining that he is confident that as President of the country he will continue to build a bright and prosperous future even for generations to come.

EU & Partners Launch 1st Youth In Democracy Internship Programme

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The European Union, in partnership with International IDEA and the PPRC, has on the 18th May,2023 officially launched the maiden, “Youth in Democracy Internship Programme” that is designed to mobilize and capacitate young Sierra Leonean university graduates to acquire theoretical and practical skills on electoral and democratic governance, and to develop their interest and participation in the political and governance processes in Sierra Leone.

With funding by the European Union and technical assistance support provided by International IDEA, the first batch of 20 youth trainees will be deployed at the PPRC for a period of six months for both mentoring and experiential learning on the work of PPRC, including political party regulation and elections management and to provide human resource capacity to the Commission.

The Trainees were selected through a competitive recruitment process led by the PPRC with technical support from International IDEA. It is expected that following the maiden deployment, another set of trainees will be recruited, trained, and deployed with other democratic governance institutions in Sierra Leone.

The launch event will be followed by a three-day induction and training programme that will draw from International IDEA’s youth academy curriculum, the mandate and functions of the PPRC, and the duties and responsibilities of the trainees.

The training will also include 11 interns from the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) of the National Youth Commission of Sierra Leone, bringing the total to 31 young trainees who will be deployed to the PPRC.

Young people from within the West Africa sub-region are also invited to share their experiences in youth democratic participation and leadership within the region, to inspire the trainees and to strengthen regional networks.

Speaking on behalf of International IDEA, the Head of the Sierra Leone Country Programme, Dr. Idrissa Mamoud Tarawallie stated that: “Mobilizing and capacitating young people to be interested and meaningfully participate in democratic governance processes, is part of democracy nurturing and strengthening, which is an overarching objective of International IDEA, to nurture democracy across the world”.

The Chairman of PPRC  Abdulai Masiyambay Bangurah, on behalf of the PPRC, said that the: “Commission is pleased to be the trailblazer in mobilizing and capacitating young people to meaningfully participate in electoral and democratic governance processes through internship and training programmes that will allow us to nurture the next cadre of democracy defenders, especially considering our new mandate enshrined in the 2022 PPRC Act”.

Speaking on behalf of the European Union Delegation to Sierra Leone, Serena Bertaina (Head of Governance and CSOs) stated that: “ the European Union is firmly committed to make sure that all young people have the right and are given the opportunity to participate in democratic processes, in order to increase their voice and leadership, and to become active citizens in Sierra Leone and across the world.”

In his key note statement on behalf of the of the Minister of Youth Affairs and the National Youth Commission, the Commissioner of the National Youth Commission, Ngolo Katta noted that: “the Youth Commission and the Ministry of Youth Affairs are extremely pleased that our commitment to lifting the status of young people has been taken up in a more meaningful way by national institutions such as PPRC and our development Partners.  This is laudable and we urge International IDEA and its donor, the EU to collaborate with the National Youth Commission in the future”.

The selection, launch, deployment, and support to the Youth in Democracy Traineeship Programme was made possible through the Sierra Leone Democracy Strengthening Programme, funded by the European Union, and implemented by International IDEA.

International IDEA is an intergovernmental organization that advances democracy worldwide, as a universal human aspiration and an enabler of sustainable development, through support to the building, strengthening, and safeguarding of democratic political institutions and processes at all levels.

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