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ECOWAS Regional Conference on Ending Human Trafficking Ends in Sierra Leone

By Millicent Senava Mannah

ECOWAS and the Government of Sierra Leone, in collaboration with the African Programming and Research Initiative to End Slavery(APRIES), convened  Regional Conference of ECOWAS States on Ending Human Trafficking 2023, on the 25th&26th April, 2023, with the theme: “Charting a Way Forward for Deeper Cooperation amongst ECOWAS  States to End Human Trafficking” during an auspicious event that was held at the Freetown International Conference Centre at Aberdeen in Freetown.

Serving as the keynote Speaker, President Julius Maada Bio, stated that human trafficking is the greatest injustice of our times furthering how it is a toll on human capital development and on the long-term economic and social development of countries in the ECOWAS region maintaining that the impact is unquantifiable.

‘’We must win the fight against human trafficking while protecting and empowering our citizens, especially our youths and ensuring their access to dignified economic opportunities within their own countries,’’ he informed participants disclosing how the Ministry of Social Welfare introduced additional policies and trained technical staff to support its anti-trafficking initiative plus assigning the Honourable Vice President to take leadership of the Presidential Task Force in the fight against Human Trafficking.

He noted that the impact of the reforms set in have been gratifying and according to him, the country secured its first conviction for human trafficking further informing how several convictions have been recorded since.

‘’This conference is an opportunity to strengthen regional coordination and cooperation through shared experiences. The roadmap will be guidepost for the region, and the jointly agreed upon interventions will reflect and amplify our collective goals to combat human trafficking,’’ President Bio said.

The President of the ECOWAS Commission, His Excellency Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, pointed out how the Commission is delighted to collaborate with the Government and People of Sierra Leone, continuing that, the fight against human trafficking is a moral and humanitarian imperative for ECOWAS.

‘’The phenomenon represents a serious obstacle to human security and to peace in general. This accounts for ECOWAS’ decisions to develop and implement regional policies as well as plans of action to counter trafficking of persons and to protect vulnerable groups,’’ he said.

‘’This conference is coming at a good time, as its outcome will feed into the new ECOWAS Plan Action to be validated at the meeting of the ECOWAS Trafficking in Persons Focal Point later this year,’’ the President stated.

President Touray congratulated the Government and people of Sierra Leone for taking the lead on this important issue and also acknowledged the roles of APRIES, IOM and other organizations.

The Director of APRIES, David Okech, disclosed how they conducted their research in three ECOWAS countries- Guinea, Sierra Leone and Senegal, and how their research shows that children have been moved across borders for the purpose of labor trafficking and that girls and young women are being moved across borders for the purpose of sex trafficking.

‘’This conference signifies that ECOWAS members understand the cross border nature of human trafficking and that they are taking the lead in this regard. This event’s collaborative and cooperative spirit, as well as the commitment demonstrated by attending member states, should be emulated across the world,’’ the Director recommended.

Cindy Dyer, Ambassador- at- Large, U.S Department of State Office, stated that, they are prioritizing partnerships and supporting efforts to combat human trafficking globally by strengthening prevention activities, bolstering prosecutorial efforts, and providing protection service to survivors, including the expertise of survivors across all efforts.

She continued that, the Department of State will continue to work with ECOWAS and its member states on implementing constructive anti-trafficking responses, and commending Sierra Leone for hosting the conference.

Giving the closing remarks, The Vice President, Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, commended all member states for attending, continuing that the country has put in place lots of legislative laws to combat human trafficking.

He maintained that their Government is committed in building Human Capital Development, and part of that work is the fight against human trafficking, as it is a threat to human capital development.

He thanked the Commission, APRIES, and other bodies for their efforts in combating human trafficking. He also wished representatives from member states a safe trip as they return.

The highpoint of the opening session of the programme were artistic performances by two renowned female artists from Sierra Leone and Senegal.

HRCSL Intervenes to Look at Concerns Raised by Residents of Black Johnson Community

A sizable proportion of residents of the Black Johnson Community in the Western Rural were since May 2021 in contention with the Government’s bid for a proposed Fish Habour to be constructed with funding from the Chinese Government.

One of the grievances of the residents, among other things, was that they were not formally engaged by the Government on the terms of the project added to the fact that they also disagreed with the 252 acres of land without compensation.

In the wake of the expression of their grievances, a team from HRCSL led by the Chairperson, Madam Patricia Narsu Ndanema paid a visit to the community to listen to the concerns of the people following some scuffle and news making round on social media relating to the implementation of the said project.

During the visit, the Commission observed that there was poor knowledge of the project and those engaged can hardly distinguish between a fish harbour and a fish pond. For them, they were of the opinion that it will be a fish pond, which does not require a large portion of land.

In an engagement with the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, the Minister Hon. Emma Kowa Jalloh stated that “the hype around the project was due to bad publicity that had been associated with it.”

She said the Government ,through the Ministry made  series of applications for assistance from the Chinese Government, one of which is the construction of a fish harbour and mentioned that other locations were identified but the lot fell on Black Johnson because it is more suitable and will cause lesser destructions to property, the environment and livelihood as compared to places like Murray Town which was one of the proposed sites.

In March 2022, the Ministry put out a notice for residents in the affected areas of the project to forward documents of their acclaimed property for review and subsequent compensation. Over 70 applications were sent, 23 were shortlisted as qualified landowners but only 19 were selected for compensation. Since the ministry commenced payment to land owners on 30th June, 2022, it has so far disbursed a compensation package to 11 residents including 5 women to the tune of NLE5, 684, 089.

Meanwhile, in January this year, the Ministry in collaboration with EPA organized the draft Environmental and Social Health Impact Assessment (ESHIA) and the Engineering Feasibility Studies of the proposed Fish Harbour Development Project in three different locations namely; the Black Johnson community, Waterloo and Western area urban.

The ESHIA document assesses both the negative and positive impacts of the project and the mitigation measures that should be put in place to solve whatever problems that may arise during the implementation phase.

On 17th April, the Directorate of Business and Human Rights and Labour Relations engaged the community on the current status of the project. The community people expressed dissatisfaction with the way the land was being surveyed by the Chinese team currently in-country. According to Junisa Feika, the Secretary for the local community group, the surveyors have included more portion of the land that was not part of the initial survey previously done. They also noted that there has been an influx of land grabbers into their community taking away some of the reserved land meant for communal use like cemeteries, markets, schools and health centres. “We are not happy with this whole arrangement. Some of the beneficiaries are not members of this community and nobody informed us before payments were made,” he said.

He claimed that people, who had known about the Fish Habour project since 2017, manipulated their way through the system to have lands so that they could be beneficiaries of the said payment. He added that the community had earlier planned to use approximately 500 acres of land as a cemetery but the particular family claiming ownership of the said land has been terrorizing the community.

Deputy Director and Head of Business and Human Rights Directorate, Abdulai Yollah Bangura gave an account of the issue and the previous engagements the Commission has had with the community and other relevant Government stakeholders like the EPA and the Ministry of Fisheries. “I am not here to make promises to anyone but to merely note your concerns for further engagement with the relevant authorities. I am kindly asking you all to stay calm, be peaceful and not take actions on your own,” he said.

Sierra Leone Autism Society Commemorates World Autism Awareness Day

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In commemoration of World Autism Awareness Day which is observed on April 2nd every year across the world to recognize and spread awareness for the rights of people with autism in the country, the Sierra Leone Autism Society (SLAS) has on Thursday 25th April, 2023 joined the world to commemorate World Autism Awareness Day 2023 on the theme: “Transforming the Narratives” at a ceremony that was held at the New City Hall on Wallace Johnson Street in Freetown.

Delivering her statement, the Board Chairperson of Sierra Leone Autism Society, Mary Penn-Timity, said that the United Nations General Assembly unanimously declared 2nd April as World Autism Awareness Day for those with autism so they can live full and meaningful lives and be an integral part of society.

She asserted that in the world of autism rigidity doesn’t count and everyone should be patient with people suffering from autistic disorders and show them love and support, adding that World Autism Awareness Day is meant to show the world that children suffering from Autism are also capable of doing things just as normal human beings.

Mary Penn-Timity further revealed that the event itself is an eye-opener for parents and guardians to know that regardless of the fact that these children are living with Autism they still have God-given talents and they are very important in society.

She ended by calling on all to stop the discrimination against children living with Autism but rather should see them as very important children in society and help in creating the enabling environment for them.

The Representative of Orange Foundation, Desmond Spaine, said World Autism Awareness Day is an internationally recognized day on the 2nd April every year geared towards raising awareness about people with autism and it is against that backdrop Orange Foundation decided to partner with the Sierra Leone Autistic Society in order to give their support as an institution with the strong conviction that such will be helpful.

He also used the opportunity to call on all to create an inclusive environment for people living with disabilities more especially children living with Autism which he said deserve more care and attention.

Giving the keynote address, the Director of Social Welfare in the Ministry of Social Welfare, Francis Kabia, expressed appreciation to the Sierra Leone Autism Society for their tremendous work towards supporting children with autism in the country.

He said that even though the Ministry has been working towards the development of persons with disabilities in the country, they are still not satisfied of which he pledged the Ministry’s commitment towards supporting the initiatives of the Sierra Leone Autism Society in order to give persons with disabilities better lives in society.

Francis Kabia pointed out that the Ministry is very committed to see that they render their support to organizations working in the interest of people living with disability, furthering that although they have disabilities they should not be discriminated against but rather should be seen as useful children in society.

He urged other institutions and NGOs to come onboard and spread the awareness level of Autism in Sierra Leone saying supporting children and people with Autism is very expensive, so collective collaboration is a huge boost in tackling the issue of Autism in the country.

Other speakers including the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Saa Lamin Kortequee, the Executive Director of One Family People, Edward Emmanuel also shared similar sentiments.

The event closed with performances by children living with the disorder as well as children from the deaf and dumb school plus an outstanding performance by the One Family Band.

24th Batch of China Medical Team Provides Free Malaria Treatment to Residents of Waterloo

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In commemorating World Malaria Day which is an international observance commemorated every year on the 25thApril and recognizes global efforts to control malaria across the globe, the 24th batch of China Medical Team to Sierra Leone has on Tuesday 25th April, 2023 held a one day free Malaria clinic for residents of Waterloo. The event, which was held at Waterloo Community Centre, brought together residents form Waterloo and its environs who benefited from the free clinic. The Free Clinic included free malaria consultation, test, treatment and medicines.

Speaking to this medium, the Team Leader of the 24th Batch of Chinese Medical Team, Dr. Chen Yongjun, said that World Malaria Day is an international observance commemorated every year on the 25th April and recognizes global efforts to control malaria and in that regard the 24th batch of China Medical Team to Sierra Leone deemed it fit to undertake a one day free Malaria clinic for residents of Waterloo.

He said that Malaria is controllable of which he said that during the event they also used the opportunity to educate community residents on the importance of keeping their communities clean which he said is one of the ways to prevent malaria.

Dr. Chen Yongjun said that during the event they also distributed mosquito spray, mosquito coil, malaria medicines etc. to residents as a way to prevent them from malaria.

He informed residents that even though they might have contracted malaria they should not be worried because it is curable and that they should visit the China Sierra Leone Friendship Hospital where they have specialists that can treat them well.

Dr. Chen Yongjun maintained that the 24th batch of Chinese Medical Team consists of 21 members, and their specialties cover internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, gynecology, obstetrics, otolaryngology, ophthalmology and many other specialties of which he encouraged all to visit the facility.

He said that this year they will witness the 50th anniversary of medical help to Sierra Leone, adding that they will do their best towards using their skills and knowledge to support the development of the hospital.

The Team Leader said that they are with the strong conviction that they can solve the health problem of Sierra Leoneans, adding that they will also train the local staff at the facility in order to improve on their skills in their different areas of specialty which he said will build a stronger development for the hospital.

He concluded by expressing appreciation to the Headman of the Waterloo Community, the China Sierra Leone Friendship Hospital, and the community residents, social workers etc. who supported them in order to make the event a success.

The Headman of Waterloo Community, Leslie Whenzle expressed appreciation to the 24th batch of China Medical Team to Sierra Leone for considering the Waterloo community to benefit from the free malaria clinic in commemoration of this year’s World Malaria Day.

He said that during the free clinic residents benefited from free malaria consultation, test and medicines.

Leslie Whenzle said that April 25 is World Malaria Day which is an opportunity for people around the world to learn more about the disease of which he said the education on malaria prevention by the 24th batch of China Medical Team to Sierra Leone is very important.

He called on residents to make good use of the education and medicine provided to them during the event in order to prevent themselves from contracting malaria.

Tzu Chi Foundation Donates Relief Items to Fire Disaster Victims in Loko Town, Gloucester

By Abubakarr Harding

The Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, in its effort to support humanity, has on the 26th April, 2023 donated relief items to victims of a fire disaster in Loko Town, Gloucester. The Foundation collaborated with its implementing partner, Caritas Freetown, to alleviate the sufferings of victims who lost their homes and properties in the inferno.

On March 30, a fire incident at Loko Town, Gloucester community, left 31 households and 288 individuals homeless, with all their properties lost. According to Margaret Bassie, Tzu Chi Foundation Country Representative in Sierra Leone, the cause of the fire is unknown as it occurred at 2:00 am. The relief items, she said, serve as an exit support to the victims of the fire disaster after 14 days of serving hot meals to the victims to demonstrate their love for them.

Victims from 31 households received Tzu Chi made blankets, multigrain powder, a high protein porridge and 50 kilograms of rice. Additionally, 20 children under five years received baby food, diapers, and baby milk formula, while 186 women and girls received dignity kits comprising sanitary pads, laundry and bathing soaps, lapper, slippers, underwear, toothbrushes and paste, towel and 3 sets of used clothing each.

Idriss Gibson Mansaray, Project Manager at Caritas Freetown stated that on March 30, the National Disaster Management Agency called to inform them about the fire incident. A group of officials from Caritas visited and tried to investigate what actually happened. They engaged the victims to know their needs and provided them with 14 days of hot meals in which they were also involved in cooking.

After the hot meals, they left and, based on their assessment, decided to provide some relief items to the victims to start their life. Gibson advised the victims not to sell the relief items donated to them but to use them.

Frederick Hanciles, Headman of Gloucester Community expressed his gratitude to Tzu Chi and their implementing partners for the support they offer to the victims.

He added that there was no life lost, and that it is the second intervention that Tzu Chi and their implementing partners have done. Some of the victims of the fire incident are presently homeless, and some are not comfortable where they are now. Hanciles pleaded on behalf of the victims for more support from the Government and other humanitarian organizations.

Morrie Kargbo, a victim of the fire incident, stated that the cause of the fire was as a result of a cigarette jot dropped by another tenant.

He thanked and appreciated the organization for the support offered to them.

Tourism Minister Confers Citizenship on 50 African Americans

Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Memunatu Pratt on the 29th April, 2023 conferred Sierra Leonean citizenship on 50 diaspora African that traced their roots to Sierra Leone during a ceremony that was held at the National Museum in Freetown.

Having signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the African Ancestry, the Tourism Ministry and its agency, the Monuments and Relics Commission (MRC) have been collaborating in the facilitation and coordination of the authenticity, integration, orientation and affiliation of diaspora Africans that traced their roots to Sierra Leone.

Presenting Sierra Leonean passports to the newly sworn citizens of Sierra Leone on behalf of the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Rtd. Brig. Dr. Julius Maada Bio, the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Memunatu Pratt noted that the occasion was special for a sitting President to give the responsibility to a Minister to confer citizenship on his behalf.

She said President Bio has always been conferring citizenship on diaspora Africans but could not make it due to extraordinary situations and intimated the audience how the African Union (AU) have proclaimed the Diaspora as the 6th region in order to enhance the human resource capacity of Africa.

The Minister explained that Sierra Leone was a bastion of African American relationship but the path to citizenship was missing, a reason they are taking the granting of Sierra Leonean citizenship to diaspora African seriously because Sierra Leone’s slavery history contributed to the development of modern day America.

She told the new Sierra Leoneans that there are lot of areas they can give back and was impressed by the laudable initiatives and undertakings some are already into across the country. She maintained that it was an important milestone they have taken in achieving their citizenships and encouraged them to serve as a voice of Sierra Leone in America, engage communities on what the country is about and galvanize their interests. She, on behalf of President Bio, congratulated them on their citizenship and encouraged them to be good ambassadors of Sierra Leone.

Established African American who traced their roots to Sierra Leone and relocated to the country explained their wonderful experiences in doing business and contributing to the development of Sierra Leone. They encouraged their compatriots to invest in Sierra Leone and explore the natural ambiance of this beautiful land.

Njala University Concludes Celebration of INSLACS Week

Dubbed INSLACS week at the Great Hall of Towama Location, Bo Campus, with the theme “A Unified Sierra Leone” the Institute of Languages and Cultural Studies has on Thursday, 27th April 2023 concluded its four-day celebration

The celebration featured student participation in debates, essay and poetry competitions, stand-up comedy, musical performances, drama and cultural performances.

The Director of INSLACS, Claude A. Dimoh, justified the theme in his welcome address as a call to all Sierra Leoneans to be patriotic and hold the country dear, noting that the dignity enjoyed is as a result of the unity the citizens continue to uphold.

“We at Njala University and INSLACS, in particular are craving national cohesion and cohesiveness. On this note, our groundbreaking event is a true reflection and exhibition of the cultural milieu of Sierra Leone and our bilateral relationships,” Director further stated.

Claude Dimoh emphasized the significance of the event, stating that it aims to teach and promote Sierra Leone’s cultural heritage while also testing and exploring the students’ creativity and intellectual ability.

Director Dimoh requested assistance from the supervising Ministry, the Government of Sierra Leone, the US Embassy, the British High Commission, the People’s Republic of China Embassy, well-meaning Sierra Leoneans, development partners, and alumni to address the Institute’s challenges in providing professional training for staff, teaching and learning materials, and infrastructure including classrooms, laboratories, and equipment.

Speaking at the event, Professor Bashiru Mohamed Koroma, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Njala University, assured INSLACS staff of the Administration’s commitment to their goals and aspirations for putting high-quality education into practice. He promised that his dynamic leadership would always be ready, willing, and able to transform the University with speed, accuracy, and inclusion.

The Vice-Chancellor and Principal listed four complementary values, including education as essential to national growth and development, cultural diversity and relativism in education, education as a key to national cohesion, and transforming knowledge into practice, that would enable the growth and development of education in Sierra Leone.

Professor Bashiru Koroma complimented INSLACS for showcasing the power of the human intellect and stated that knowledge and skills acquired by individuals, rather than the amount of years spent in a classroom, determine growth, development, and the ability to reduce poverty. He urged everyone to switch their call to action from “Education for All” to “Learning for All.”

“The purpose of cultural diversity, is to help dispel negative stereotypes and personal biases about different groups and it helps us recognize and respect ‘ways of being’ that are not necessarily our own. So that as we interact with others, we can build bridges of trust, respect, and understanding across cultures,” VC&P said.

He went on to say that education, through the transmission of knowledge and the forming of attitudes towards diversity and change, is a crucial tool in the promotion of social cohesion, adding that having transformative knowledge entails using an integrative strategy and treating the systems that sustain it.

APC Alpha Khan & Other Heavyweight Opposition Politicians Cross Over to the SLPP

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

President Julius Maada Bio and leader of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) has welcomed a powerful opposition politician who publicly resigned on the 28th April, 2023 from the All People’s Congress (APC) to continue serving as Resident Minister, Northwestern Region.

The President noted that, “In continuing with our commitment towards opening up the space for other broad-minded nationalists to join the mighty Sierra Leone People’s Party today, I welcome Alhaji Alpha Bakarr Sahid Kanu CRSL, aka Alpha Khan, to our Mighty Party.

“A detribalised and distinguished political leader, with over 40 years of active engagement in party politics, he comes with an enormous wealth of experience to enrich our Party’s desire to promote meaningful change for our beloved country”.

President Bio also reiterated that the SLPP, is the only authentic political party for every Sierra Leonean, adding that they were open to welcoming all progressive-minded Sierra Leoneans who were committed to joining their national transformation agenda.

At the well-attended event in the home district of Mr Kanu, the President assured: “Ours is leadership driven by passion, love and fidelity to the nation, devoid of political rhetoric. We, therefore, welcome all progressive Sierra Leoneans committed to nation-building to join hands with us in moving the country forward. The Future of Sierra Leone is all of us!” he urged.

In his resignation letter to the APC headquarters on 28 April 2023, Alpha Kanu cited, among other things, the “persistent unpleasant prevailing circumstances surrounding my continued membership of the All Peoples Congress” as the reason for his departure.

He also stated that his focus is to help move Sierra Leone forward in the area of political and socio-economic development for the benefit of its people, an aspiration that he believed was unlikely to be fulfilled if he were to continue his membership with the APC.

Among others who publicly pledged their allegiance to the SLPP were former Coalition for Change, C4C, running mate Hon. David Bai Conteh, former Tonkolili District Council Chairman for the main opposition All People’s Congress, APC, Alusine Kamathor Sesay, former APC Hon. Members of Parliament, Mohamed Bash-Taqi, Mohamed Albert Tarawally and Mohamed Christopher Tickler Conteh.

They were joined in the defection by Alimamy Palmon Sesay of the National Grand Coalition (NGC) at Magbass and Masingbi Towns in the mineral-rich northeastern district, where President Bio with First Lady Fatima Maada Bio and Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, had gone to talk to his people as part of his working visit to the rest of the country.

Hon. David Bai Conteh told his people and the President that “My primary reason to declare today is for the development of Tonkolili District. This area used to be the breadbasket of Sierra Leone at one point. We have the Bumbuna Hydro Dam, the Kingho Mining Company here and we used to have the largest hospital. We had colleges and other institutions of learning here.

“We are bringing a lot to the country, but we are deprived in terms of development in all sectors. We have been abandoned for far too long. I am certainly sure that I have a national call to serve my country under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio and the SLPP government.

On the  30th April, 2023  President Julius Maada Bio  accepted and endorsed the declarations of three former Coalition for Change, C4C, Members of Parliament, who formally declared their intentions to join the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP).

Hon. Emerson Saa Lamina, Hon. Rebecca Iye Sam, and Hon. Musa Fofanah brought with them almost all Paramount Chiefs in the district, emphasizing the point that they had consulted extensively with the local authorities, party members and grassroots before the public event which took place at the Community Centre Field in Koidu City, Kono.

The chiefs openly blessed their children and handed them over to President Julius Maada Bio, confirming the willingness of the new converts as they crossed over to what was widely referred to as “River Jordan, the Promised Land for the people and district of Kono”.

“His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, my Kono people, I am standing here today to confirm to all of you that I am the former MP for Constituency 030 and that, with my colleagues from the C4C party, we are here to officially return to the Sierra Leone People’s Party. The presence of the chairman of the Council of Paramount Chiefs in Kono District, who is ably representing his colleagues, is a symbol that we have sought the consent of our traditional authorities in our district to leave the C4C party and join the SLPP,” revealed the former leader of the C4C party in Parliament, Hon. Lamina.

He further disclosed that their decision to join the SLPP was because President Bio had restored peace and tranquility to the district and had also united them far more than any other government had done, adding that during the tenure of the APC Government, they experienced indiscriminate arrests of youths, making the district looked like a war zone.

“Your Excellency, Kono district never knew peace in the last administration of the APC. For this peace alone, the people of Kono have spoken, and they are going to vote for you overwhelmingly with ‘Operation No Runoff’. We are coming as a result of the historical injustices you have corrected for our district in just five years.

 

Gento Unveils Deputy Mayor /Running Mate on ECSL Nomination Day

By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The environs around the West branch office of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) on Murray Town junction was buzzing with life on the 28th April, 2023 as people from various walks of life were out to get a glimpse of and to line up or join the motorcade of the endorsed SLPP Mayoral Candidate, Mohamed Gento Kamara, popularly known as Gento, with the avowed objective of accompanying him  and other enthusiastic supporters  en route to the ECSL Office where he was slated to nominate his Deputy or running mate.
Before his arrival at the office around 3: 15 pm, the precinct of the ECSL office was already jam packed with jubilant SLPP supporters, nearly all of them cladding in White T-Shirts bearing his photo with supportive words, who were expectantly waiting to show their levels of support for Gento and other aspiring candidates.
Dressed in a white gown with a green hat on, the widely acclaimed mayoral candidate was seen in the canopy of a white vehicle, happily waving to jubilant party supporters who were singing songs of praise for what they referred to as the many goodies that he has so far done for them stating that they will pay him back in votes.
Earlier before his arrival, this medium caught up with the wife of the aspiring candidate, Tuma Adama Gento-Kamara, who is highly commended for having been very supportive to her husband’s political bid from day one when it became apparent that he was going to vie for the position.
She intimated that the nomination process, which was ongoing for those who have come forward to contest as Councillors, under the SLPP in the Freetown City Council, is ongoing smoothly maintaining that the process is well organized and orderly commending the ECSL officials for their efficiency.
One of the intending aspirants for the position of Councillor is Thaimu on the Road, who is contesting for Ward 435 in one of the constituencies in the West End of Freetown. He told this medium that he decided to vie as a Councillor when he understood that Gento was going to aspire for the Mayoral position. “I believe that by supporting and working with him in Council we could do great things for the Freetown Municipality in order to improve transportation facilities and provide basic amenities that are significant for improved standards of living,” he expressed hope.
As the car of Gento approached the vicinity, jubilant supporters barricaded his vehicle as he briefly addressed them  before they gave chance to the  man of the moment to enter the ECSL Office where he went through all the nomination processes.
Granting The Calabash a three minutes interview the Mayoral Candidate stated that one of the first things he will do after winning the election is to foster reconciliation in Freetown.
He underscored how there has been too much division among the populace based on tribal and party lines further disclosing that he will endeavour to bring together the APC, SLPP and NGC in a spirit of reconciliation.
“The main focus is to come together as one people, put shoulders to the wheel in order to move this country forward,” he said with optimism adding that the provision of pipe borne water supply for most Freetonians will be another top priority of his administration.
Gento expressed confidence that President Julius Maada Bio will win the election furthering appealing that as the election is getting closer Sierra Leoneans must be peaceful stressing that it is all about peace.
The climax of the process was when Mohamed Gento Kamara nominated Rev. Samuel Babatunde Thomas, as the Deputy Mayor or  his running mate, a move that was widely greeted with a thunderous applause and acclamation with many saying that the SLPP Mayoral Team is now set for victory come June 24, 2023. Gento’s nomination was witnessed by two senior citizens of the Metropolis.
In another snap interview with the Deputy Mayoral Candidate, Rev. Samuel Babatunde Thomas, who was also clad in a white gown, which according to him symbolizes peace, he intimated this medium that he is a proud Krio, Christian and son of Freetown who is a trained and qualified Revered of the Methodist Church in Freetown as well as a community organizer and a champion for the common people
“In all my life, I have sought to make people’s lives better and as a teacher, I have helped to educate and empower young people,” he eloquently articulated further maintaining that as a pastor, he has ministered to the spiritual needs of his community and as a campaigner and organizer he has fought for social justice and equality.
He also revealed how he is proud to run with his brother, Mohamed Gento Kamara, because they share the same vision for Freetown.
“We believe that our city can be a place where everyone has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background and we believe that our city can be a place where everyone feels safe and respected,” he informed optimistically.
He asked for the votes of Freetonians calling on them to vote on Election Day because he believes that together all can help fix Freetown and make it a better place for everyone saying his slogan is #LehwifixFreetown, GENTO FOR MAYOR #Gbain Gbain.

China will continue to make contributions to safeguarding world peace and development

 By H.E. Wang Qing(Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone)

Peace, like sunshine, is hardly noticeable when we benefit from it. Facing the ever-changing era in this turbulent world, people of all countries have increasingly strong expectations for peace and tranquility. For a long time, China has always been a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development, and a defender of the international order, committed to taking responsibility for world peace and contributing Chinese wisdom and strength to global security.

In February this year, China issued the Global Security Initiative Concept Paper to further elaborate on the initiative’s core ideas and principles as well as the 20 priorities of cooperation and 5 categories of platforms and mechanisms. They could be summarized as follows:

  • Upholding the UN’s central role in security governance.
  • Promoting coordination and sound interactions among major countries.
  • Facilitating peaceful settlement of hotspot issues through dialogue.
  • Tackling traditional and non-traditional security challenges.
  • Strengthening the system and capacity for global security governance.

The Global Security Initiative (GSI) has been widely commended and warmly received by the international community, among which more than 80 countries and a number of international organizations have expressed appreciation and support to this initiative.

On the first anniversary of the outbreak of the crisis in Ukraine, China released China’s Position on the Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis, which takes into account the reasonable concerns of all parties and reflects the broadest consensus of the international community on the crisis, playing a constructive role in alleviating the spillover of the crisis and promoting a political settlement.

During his visit to Russia in March, President Xi Jinping had an in-depth exchange of views with President Putin on the Ukraine issue, He emphasized that the more difficulties there are, the greater the need to keep space for peace. The more acute the problem is, the more important it is not to give up efforts for dialogue.

In the phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on April 26th, President Xi Jinping pointed out that the Ukraine crisis is evolving in complex ways with major impacts on the international landscape; dialogue and negotiations are the only viable way out; China’s core stance is to facilitate talks for peace. This is part of China’s commitment to living up to its responsibility as a major country.

China has actively engaged in mediation diplomacy and made unremitting efforts for resolving conflicts, calling for peace, and contributing to the long-term peace and stability in the world. On March 10th, Saudi Arabia and Iran held a dialogue in China and reached the Beijing Agreement, which clarified the roadmap and timetable for improving the two nations’ relations. On April 6th, the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia and Iran met in Beijing and announced the restoration of diplomatic relations. Since then, there has been a wave of reconciliation in the Middle East: Saudi Arabia and Oman have pushed for a political settlement of the Yemen issue. Qatar and Bahrain decided to resume diplomatic relations. Syria’s foreign minister visited Egypt and Saudi Arabia for the first time after more than ten years. Nine Arabian countries including Saudi Arabia met to discuss the return of Syria to the League of Arab States. On April 12nd , China released China’s Position on the Afghan Issue, which covers 11 aspects, including supporting moderate and prudent governance in Afghanistan, supporting peace and reconstruction of Afghanistan, supporting Afghanistan in countering terrorism resolutely and forcefully etc. China stands ready to help Afghanistan embark on a path of stability and development at an early date.

This year also marks the 31st anniversary of China’s participation in UN peacekeeping operations (UNPKOs) with its first formed military unit. Over the past 31 years, China has sent more than 50,000 peacekeepers to nearly 30 UNPKOs in over 20 countries and regions. A total of 25 Chinese peacekeepers have made the ultimate sacrifice. Being the largest troop contributor to peacekeeping operations among the five permanent members of the Security Council and the second largest contributor to UN peacekeeping assessments, China has become a key actor in UNPKOs.

Chinese civilization is characterized by peace, amity and harmony. China upholds that the whole world is one family and we should promote coordination and cooperation between all countries with solidarity and common development in harmony. As the biggest developing country, China always keeps in mind the greater good of the whole world. The Chinese path is a path toward development of China, through which more positive energy will be added to global peace and new opportunities created for global development. In the future, China will stand firm on the right side of history and the progressive side of humanity, continuing to work with all peace-loving sides in the world to jointly safeguard the peace and tranquility of mankind and build a community with a shared future for mankind.

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