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Kandeh Yumkella Finally Enters into Strategic Alliance with SLPP

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Seemingly, it appears that the formation of a strategic alliance, which Honourable Dr Kandeh Yumkella of the National Grand Coalition (NGC) was long talking about, has been cemented and solidified.

This is more so when on Wednesday the 12th April, 2023, President Julius Maada Bio together with Vice President, Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh met with Honourable Dr Kandeh Yumkella at the State House, Freetown.

Though the specifics were not mentioned, however, it was said they discussed various development and governance issues as well as exchanged ideas on ways of promoting Government’s people-oriented policies.

However, it was stated that the highpoint of their meeting was that they

agreed on the need to build a progressive alliance to advance transformative development and strengthen national cohesion.

They hold the view that together they will move Sierra Leone towards the Right Direction for the current and future generations.

On his part, Hon. Kandeh Yumkella stated that after a year of dialogue, they have reached a crucial turning point in the country’s political history, where they prioritize peace and set aside personal ambitions for a better country.

He pointed out that his discussion with the party lasted a yearlong and he is setting aside his personal ambitions in favor of a better Sierra Leone.

“Together, we will make a difference and let’s continue to work towards a brighter future for Sierra Leone,” he expressed optimism.

Some political pundits have expressed the view that Dr. Yumkella’s decision has put an end to speculations as to which party he will be aligning with, after being wooed by both the APC and SLPP, more especially as he had announced few weeks ago that he will be forming a strategic alliance with a political party soon.

PPRC Trains Female Aspirants, Monitors Lower Level Elections & National Delegates Conferences

In an update given by the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) dated 12th April, 2023, it was disclosed that the institution, together with All Political Parties Women’s Association (APPWA) completed the training of female aspirants in Freetown, Port Loko, Makeni, Kenema and Bo. The training was supported by the National Democratic Institute (NDI)

In another event, the Commission monitored the lower level elections and National Delegates Conference of the National Unity and Reconciliation Party (NURP) and the Coalition for Change Party (C4C). In light of that, the Commission is therefore urging those parties that are yet to do their lower level elections to do so as soon as possible.

The Commission on the 27th March 2023, held a day conference with the 17 Registered Political Parties in Freetown to discuss Campaign Mode and Nomination Criteria for political parties ahead of the June 2023 General Elections.  In that meeting it was agreed that a ban be places on Street rallies and that Political Parties can do their campaigns in designated areas with security coverage.

Furthermore, the Commission is receipt of payment for application to be registered as a political party from two movements and is in the process of gazetting those applications.

Finally, the Commission has continued to admonish political parties to ensure that they are in full compliance with the provisions of the PPA No 25 of 2022 and the terms and conditions of their registrations.

SLP & KAIPTC Conduct Training on Electoral Violence for SLP Officers

 Major- General Richard Addo Gyane, Commandant of Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Center (KAIPTC) in Ghana, on the 11th April, 2023, met with the Inspector General of Police (IGP), William Fayia Sellu, at his George Street Office. The two held talks on the commencement of a mobile training programme on electoral violence.

According to the Commandant, the position of KAIPTC is to ensure that peace and security prevail in the West African Sub-region and Africa at large.

Major-General Gyane further revealed that KAIPTC is always lobbying to ECOWAS, UN and other international organizations for funding and sponsorship so as to enable the Center to embark on various professional trainings for officers in the sub-region. He noted that this training is going to boost the SLP to peacefully Police the forth coming multi-tier elections.

While responding to Major General Gyane, IGP William Fayia Sellu expressed profound gratitude to the Commandant and team of facilitators for their initiative to support the SLP with professional skills in policing the electioneering processes.

He further intimated the  Commandant on the preparedness of the SLP; noting that series of training including training of trainers courses on election management have already been conducted for the vast majority of  Police Officers in all police jurisdictions across the country.

While concluding, he said; ” the support from KAIPTC and other partners to capacitate our personnel with knowledge, have placed the SLP in a good footing to effectively and efficiently deliver professional policing service to the people of this country before, during and after the elections. We remain grateful to Major General Richard Addo Gyane and his team”.

Having earlier held a consensus that the proposed training must commence on Tuesday April 11, 2023, Major General Gyane and team proceeded to the Sierra Leone Peacekeeping and Law Enforcement Academy (SILEA) to commence the training.

In collaboration with the Training Directorate of the SLP, the following modules which were deemed suitable for the training were introduced:

Elections Cycle And Elections Security Trend In Africa, Elections Security Trend In Sierra Leone In Security Arrangements, Coordination And Cooperation, Gender Human Rights And Elections Security, Threat Assessment, Intelligence Management And Early Warning, Elections Management And Legal Framework In Sierra Leone and Conflict Management/Security.

In a short and brief ceremony to mark the start of the training at SILEA, Hastings Campus, Major General Gyane addressed the trainees to treat the training with utmost importance, stating that the objective of such training is to enhance professional policing output from Police Officers. He also informed the trainees that the training will help to build up their capabilities as to how to handle ethical issues during the electioneering process.

IGR Launches the Citizens’ Manifesto

By Millicent Senava Mannah

Institute of Governance Reform in collaboration with other Civil Society Organizations and with support from the Embassy of Ireland has launched the Citizens’ Manifesto and the National Results and My vote My life App, on the 13th April, 2023. The Manifesto includes citizens’ policy priorities, citizens’ commitments, and other relevant data collected from their survey across the country. This auspicious occasion took place at the City Hall in Freetown.

Giving the opening statement, the Ambassador of Ireland, commended the Institute of Governance Reform and the Steering Committee for putting citizens at the center of their discussions continuing that elections should focus on the welfare of the people and how with this Manifesto they have gained so many insights.

She continued that as a development partner, it is a priority for them to work with civil society organization’s to engage the citizens on developmental issues, and how this Manifesto is one of such.

‘’This Manifesto is the voices of citizens of their lives experiences and this should be closely reviewed by those who wish to represent them. Proudly we see from the outcome of this process the importance placed by citizens on accountability, transparency and issues with they are trapped with,’’ the Ambassador stated.

Chief Fasuluku, the Head of Traditional leaders in the country and Alhaji Muthada, the Head of Inter-Religious Council, did the official launch of the Manifesto, and they both assured the audience that they will take the message to their various organizations and ensure that their members implement the recommendations in the Manifesto.

The Executive Director of IGR, Andrew T. Lavali, and the President of 50/50, Dr. Fredline McCormack-Hale stated that over 2,400 people across the country were interviewed to put together the National Results, and according to the result of the survey, the people made the commitment to stop the burning of bushes, bribery, begging of politicians etc.

They continued that they focused on the behaviors of citizens and politicians as well, and how these negative behaviors can be changed to promote national development. They also called,  on politicians to start treating citizens as their priority and not just as voters and how they must also prioritize the needs of citizens.

Three paintings were unveiled by Isha Forfanah , a representative of 50/50, Koi Demoh Executive Director of Christian Aid, and Mr. Tommy , these paintings were all depicting unity, and how that will bring about change in the country.

The representatives of various districts right across the country emphasized the need for more street lights and the reduction of police personnel in the street, as a way of eradicating bribery or minimizing it, the provision of jobs for youths and skills development, infrastructure, reduction of prices, health care etc.

The district representatives also stated their resolutions that they are committed to keep their districts clean, to stop bribing police and people of authority and to allow the law to take course, and to stop the begging of politicians.

The closing remarks were made by the Executive Director of WANEP followed by performances by the Milton Margai School for the Blind band.

SLURC & GDI Hub Launch Research Report on Built Environment in Freetown

By Millicent Senava Mannah

The Sierra Leone Urban Research Centre (SLURC) in partnership with Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub) and with support from UK Aid has launched the ‘Inclusive and Accessibility of the Built Environment in Freetown’ on the 13th April, 2023.

This auspicious event took place at the Radisson Blu Conference Centre on Aberdeen in Freetown.

Giving the overview of the Launch, Ian Mckinnon, Director of Global Disability Innovation Hub,  stated that this is part of the UK aid funded AT2030m sub-programme, ‘Inclusive Infrastructure Exploring the Role of Inclusive Environments’ to enable equal access to Assistive Technology (AT).

He maintained that the city of Freetown has a population of 1.6 million people that includes 7,807 persons with disabilities according to the 2015 census. Continuing he said literature suggests the figure is underestimated as disability prevalence in the country is at least 4.3%.

The Director noted that a comprehensive data is needed to support holistic action towards disability inclusion in the city.

‘’Freetown has numerous challenges including: topography and the occupation of disaster-prone land; poor transport and road networks; a lack of water, sanitation and waste management; inadequate housing and other basic necessities,’’ he stated.

He explained how those challenges exacerbate inequality in the city and the need for improvements in infrastructure across all sectors for the benefit of the whole population.

Francis Kabia, Director of Social Welfare commended SLURC and the Global Disability Innovation Hub for their giant step that seeks to know what works to improve access to life-changing Assistive Technology for persons with disabilities in the country.

He revealed how their Ministry has been playing a key role in improving the lives of  vulnerable groups in the country further assuring them that, they will put into action all the recommendations that have been made from the research and how they will also engage other line Ministries .

Sahr Lamin Korteque, Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, stated how living as a disabled person in the country is not really easy, stating how they face lots of challenges more especially in the area of mobility as the infrastructural design is not disabled friendly.

He maintained that there are lots of negative perceptions about disable persons in the country bordering on how they are trouble makers. He furthered that, it is a false perception and how anybody can be a trouble maker whether able or disabled.

Abdulai Turay of  SLURC, stated that, according to their research, living in Freetown for persons with disabilities is not easy also maintaining how large parts of the city are inherently inaccessible due to geographic conditions such as the steep terrain and development patterns that have led to many people living in informal settlements on high-risk land.

He disclosed how many people living in informal settlements are unable to access basic and essential services within their communities where infrastructure is limited and connectivity is poor.

According to the interviews they did with some persons with disabilities, most of them stated the challenges they faced.

‘’Our physical disability is not our problem, we already accepted it. But the environment and the perception of the people are now our disabilities,’’ one disabled person stated.

‘’Having access to an improved toilet facility, a decent, affordable and easily accessible home to sleep in will make life a bit better for me,’’ another stated.

The SLURC official said, from the stakeholders’ perspective there is urgent need for progress maintaining that the city has a strong record of developing robust policies including examples of inclusive policymaking processes such as the new AT strategy (Assistive Technology (AT) Policy and Strategic Plan 2021-25).

Peace Commission Builds Capacity to Efficiently Mann its Situation Room

By Abubakarr Harding

The Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC), in collaboration with the African Union (AU), has organized a five-day training program at the Peace Commission Building on Lamina Sankoh Street in Freetown. The training, which commenced on the 12th April, 2023 is to enhance the capacity of the Peace Commission staff to manage the Peace Situation room. During the training the capacity of staff will be built on media Incidences Monitoring.

It will equip them with the necessary skills for the operation of the equipment, tools and software that are based in the Peace Commission’s Situation Room.

According to the Executive Secretary of ICPNC, Hawa Sally Samai, prior to the commencement of the training, the Situation Room is a place where emergency calls will be received from their Toll line, which is 898.

She further informed how these calls will be filtered and acted upon as they have teams in all the districts also disclosing how the Situation Room is going to comprise of representatives from the  PPRC, NEC and the Security Sector, among others, who are currently benefitting from the training, in order for them to be able to efficiently and effectively respond to stress calls professionally.

She hammered home the point that the Situation Room is not only for the purpose of election but will continue to exist even after the election, as disputes and other violence-related issues may arise.

The Executive Secretary assured of continuing  to work with the grassroots people, even at the village level, so that people can solve their differences amicably in order to make Sierra Leone the most peaceful country in West Africa.

Hawa Samai added that Sierra Leone is the most peaceful country in the Mano River Union and for them they want it to be the shining example that other countries should emulate.

She expressed gratitude to the AU for supporting them in setting up the Situation Room adding that a delegation is already in the country to assist in capacity building.

According to her, the grand launching of the Situation Room  will be the 20th April 2, 2023, when President Bio will be launch the Commission alongside the Situation Room.

She stated that after the launching on April 29, 2023, there will be a National Peace Matching/Walking/Jogging Peace March in all districts simultaneously.

Taye Abdul Kadir, the Early Warning Expert of the Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department of the  African Union Commission, who is the Lead Facilitator of the training stated that this is their second visit revealing how their visit is to capacitate the newly established, Independent Commission of Peace and National Cohesion in Sierra Leone.

He added that the Commission is a permanent national peace infrastructure created to service the people of Sierra Leone adding that in that regard, they are trying to capacitate the Commission’s Situation Room.

The expert maintained that since the Situation Room needs computers and other related ICT equipment, they therefore bought some equipment, and are offering training to the people who will be working in there on the systems, tools and software that will assist them to fulfill their day-to-day work.

Kadir stated that there is an installed application called the African Media Monitor, which actually helps to do open source information gathering stating how the application gathers information automatically from those open sources, like blogs, websites, and published resources on the internet.

He added that there is no cost attached to that as it is all covered by the African Union and customized for the use of the Independent Commission for Peace National Cohesion.

Network for Street Children Calls for the Protection of Children on Elections

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In commemoration of International Day of Street Children in the country, the Network for Street Children Sierra Leone, a coalition of street children organisations, including Don Bosco Fambul, St George’s Foundation, Street Child of Sierra Leone, Cap Anamur and Laughter Africa has in a Press Conference, held on Wednesday 12th April, 2023 on the theme: “Keeping Children Safe Before, During and After the Election’” at Congo Cross in Freetown, called for the protection of children before, during and after the elections.

Speaking during the Press Conference, the Communications Officer at Don Bosco Fambul, Amanda Clemens, disclosed that the Network for Street Children Sierra Leone is a coalition of street children organizations based in Freetown and the members include Don Bosco Fambul, St George’s Foundation, Street Child of Sierra Leone, Cap Anamur and Laughter Africa, adding that the coalition focuses on policy change and advocacy.

She maintained that every year on the 12th April, street children organisations all over the world celebrate the International Day for Street Children and that this year the global theme of the day is “Keeping Street-Connected Children Safe.”

She revealed that as a Network directly working with these children, they decided to localise the theme to “Keeping Children Safe Before, During and After the Elections,” which she said is one of the biggest risks facing children, particularly those living on the street.

The Communications Officer noted that during the period of elections, many children, particularly those living on the street, are given incentives such as money or T-shirts to join political events such as rallies or community meetings to increase the numbers of the crowd and that the move by the network eembolden them and  partners to appeal to every Sierra Leonean including politicians, community members, family members and children themselves, not to let children be involved or engaged in any political event or election violence before, during and after the elections.

“The safety and well-being of all children, especially those in street situations, is our primary concern,” she concluded.

The President of Children Forum Network, Mohamed Barrie, commended the Network for Street Children Sierra Leone for the initiative.

He said that the issue of children’s involvement during elections has been a great concern in the country.

Mohamed Barrie further recommended for the enactment of laws and undertaking policy review processes in the country, adding that the country currently has the national strategy for the reduction of street children but rhetorically questions how far has the implementation of the policy been carried out in the country.

He also recommended for the country to have a comprehensive children protection system so that street children can be protected from all forms of violence and also called for the need for capacity building of these children living on the street.

The Director of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Human Rights Commission Sierra Leone, Gloria Bayoh, also applauded the Network of Street Children Sierra Leone for calling for the protection of children before, during and after elections.

She said that the Commission has noticed with disdain that during electioneering processes in the country children have become the most readily available tools that politicians use to cause mayhem of which she said such must stop.

Gloria Bayoh assured the gathering that the Commission will not relent on its activities and commitment in order to protect children.

She further recommended to organizations to map out strategies in order to mobilize more resources in order for them to be able to cater for more children, adding that the children these organizations are working with are less compared to the number of children on the street in the country.

The Admin Officer at Family Support Unit, Lansana Tarawalie said that people take advantage of children living on the street which he said is a growing concern in the country, adding that it against that regard that Family Support Unit has established a desk in order to get a data of election related cases involving children.

He assured all that the Family Support Unit of the Sierra Leone Police is very committed towards the protection of children before during and after elections in the country.

SLPP Washington Metro Chapter Donates $40,000,00 Towards Re-Election of President Bio

By Millicent Mannah

A cheque of $ 40, 000.00 was presented by the SLPP North America Washington DC Metro Chapter on the 9th April, 2023 to the Regional Chairman, Desmond Pessima, during the monthly meeting of the Chapter.

Chairman of the Washington DC Metro Chapter, Fatmata Wurie, commended the efforts of the Executive members as well as the    2023 Election Committee and Chapter members for their dedication and relentless services to SLPP Party.

Prior to the presentation of the Cheque, the Chairman, Ms. Wurie invited all the major players, including the Fundraising Committee headed by Madam Rakiatu Rashid Sandi, Jattu Musa, the 2023 Election Committee Executive, Kadi Ballah Jalloh, Sulaiman Sannoh and Commissioner Braima Moiforay to join the Chairman to present the cheque to the Regional Chairman, Desmond Pessima.

“Ladies and gentlemen, your positive efforts and thinking about the reelection of Our Talk and Do President, Julius Maada Bio, have yielded a huge success,” the erudite Chairman expressed compliments.

The cheque was signed by the Chairman FD Wurie and the Chapter Financial Secretary, Madam Nancy Kallay.

After the signing of the two cheques(one with a face value of $ 40, 000.00 for the reelection of President Julius Maada Bio and the other $ 4,475  towards the SLPPNA region for the regional fundraising Dance in New Jersey.

It must be noted that prior to this donation, Team Washington had donated over $1000 to the SLPPNA as part of its fundraising efforts in raising fund for the reelection of HE President Julius Maada Bio .

On his part, the Regional Chairman, Desmond Pessima, profusely thanked the SLPP Washington Metro Chapter for such a singular but historic donation towards the reelection of President Julius Maada Bio, come June 24, 2023.

In a magnanimous voice, he echoed the hopes and aspirations of HE Julius Maada Bio concerning his reelection come June 24, 2023.

Chairman Pessima stressed to his audience that HE President Bio has categorically and emphatically informed the rank and file of SLPP that he heavily relies on his people, including the Diasporians for his re-election.

He also reminded his audience that President Bio has told all and sundry that he will not take a single dime from the national account for his re-election effort.

Chairman Desmond Pessima expressed his profound appreciation to Team Washington for such a lump sum of ($40,000.00) towards the electioneering efforts of HE President Julius Maada Bio.

He thanked his wife, Rachael Desmond Pessima for her continuous support towards her husband in ensuring that the re-election of President Bio goes as planned without any runoff.

The Regional Chairman reminded Team Washington of all the previous tremendous role the Chapter had played during the electioneering efforts of late President Ahmed Tejan Kabba and Solomon Berewah respectively also mentioning their record-breaking cheque of $40,000 donated towards the electioneering process of President Julius Maada Bio.

“Washington, your effort will never go unrecognized, or unappreciated or unrecorded as long as I am your chairman for SLPPNA Region. You have loudly answered the call of President Bio and this will go down in history,” he underscored with a magnanimous voice as the crowd chanted the party slogan.

Procedurally, the Regional Chairman, in turn handed over the two checks to the Regional Treasurer, Madam Rakiatu Rashid Sandi. Responding, the Regional Treasurer, who happens to be a member of Team Washington, thanked all members of Team Washington for the high bar they have set for their sisterly chapters in the region.

The Regional Treasurer reechoed similar sentiments expressed by the Regional Chairman that SLPP Washington will not sleep until President Bio is re-elected come June 24, 2023 with absolutely NO RUNOFF!

Members of Team Washington took pictures with the Regional Chairman, the Regional First Lady and the two cheques of $40,000 and $4745 all written to SLPPNA Region.

According to a Political Commentator, the presentation of the two cheques will create an increased sense of camaraderie and optimism for President Bio’s reelection in June 2023.

Public Perception Outcomes Validate NP(SL) Ltd as a Reliable & Efficient Entity 

NP-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd)

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

From a conducted nation-wide household survey undertaken by this medium, geared towards gauging the percentage of people who are aware of the existence of and the activities of NP (SL) Ltd, what came out vividly from the outcome was that the vast majority captured during the survey acknowledge that they are well aware of the existence and viability of one of the country’ leading and exemplary indigenous business entity dealing in petroleum products. It was really amazing to realize that NP-SL Ltd has become a household name within the country.

Some have expressed the view that with the dynamic and result-oriented Management team at the helm of affairs commendable strides will be continued that would definitely catapult the company to higher heights thereby putting it at a very vantage position to expand and positively contribute towards national development.

“From a humble beginning, NP-(SL) Ltd has indisputably become one of the giant and most successful companies in the country with a remarkable reputation of performing very efficiently within the business landscape,” Abdul Sheriff a seasoned engineer and former worker of the then Sierra Leone Refinery Company maintained.
The company was extolled for timely honouring its tax obligations to Government via the National Revenue Authority (NRA) and for effectively rolling out its Corporate Social Responsibility that have been improving the wellbeing of the vast majority of Sierra Leoneans.
One thing why the company is nationally highly regarded, hinges on its pro-activeness with regards ensuring that affordable petroleum products are always on the market.

Well known as 1st for Customer Care, NP-(SL) Ltd, Members of staff of the company are very mindful of the fact that it is the customer that comes first and therefore needs the utmost attention always ensuring that transactions are conducted under a congenial atmosphere that result into a win-win situation. For this brilliant and managerial initiative the company has been making positive headways positioning to stand tall among other business entities in this part of the world.

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 has 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 of 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.

The company is one of the few business entities in this country that strictly adheres to the country’s Local Content Policy by strictly offering jobs to Sierra Leoneans except in situations when expert knowledge and skills are outsourced. This has helped in providing jobs and reducing poverty.

NP-SL Ltd is a major tax payer to the National Revenue Authority and is contributing to Government’s revenue which is used for the implementation of various development programmes.

The company has truly made Sierra Leone proud as it continues to fly the Green, White and Blue high in West Africa with the story of how serious minded and ambitious individuals can become successful business entrepreneurs.