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Osman Tolo Tarawalie Declared Wanted For Being Gay

By Abdulrahman Kamara

It has been confirmed that one Osman Tolo Tarawalie has been declared wanted by the Sierra Leone Police on 30th March 2023, for his alleged involvement in gay related activities and for vigorously advocating for girls and boys to stop putting their lives in danger.

According to a civil Society activist, Osman was accused of campaigning negatively against the Bondo secret society and describing it as barbaric and evil. He was also accused of standing with the LGBT against the maltreatment meted out to them by government officials and some members of the community. “If Osman returns to Sierra Leone at anytime he will be put in Jail without due process and will end up losing his life like his colleagues,” the Executive Director for Human Rights and Justice, told journalists.

“Osman was a Bisexual and like having sex with men more than women.
He started dating men in 2019 but his partner never knew that it is a serious crime to practice gay in the country,” Mr. Tarawalie stressed. He said some gay activists were put in jail recently while others were killed and disowned by their parents. He said government officials and community members do not allow LGBT activities to operate in the area, adding that those who practice it do it secretly to avoid losing their lives.

“Osman father is responsible to organize the Poro secret society while his mother organizes the Bondo secret society,” Francis stressed. He accused Osman father of doing everything possible to forcefully initiate children including Osman, but he later escaped from the initiators due to his bisexual role. Osman he said was associated with LGBT activities which prompted members of the Poro and Bondo secret societies to declared him wanted.

The report further states that the police invited Osman and his colleagues including Joseph for questioning regarding the allegations levied against them but he refused to respond to police invitation. Joseph who went first was put in custody and later sent to the Padamba Road Prison where he later died. His death caused serious panic in the community which prompted Osman to escape to an unknown destination.

Osman decided to escape after hearing the death of his colleague in prison, which did not go down well with the law enforcement agency.
Meanwhile, Osman’s residence was attacked in March 2023. The people attacked his house at a time when Osman had left there in the early hours of that day to fulfill an appointment.

“Osman received a call from his neighbor informing him about the attack on his house. The people ransacked the building and carted away properties they could lay hands on. The attackers held cutlasses, sticks threatening to kill Osman on sight if seen,” Police and community youths emphasized after he is still on the run, handsome reward awaits anybody that catch and prosecute Osman Osman Tolo Tarawalie Declared Wanted For Being Gay. It has been confirmed that one Osman Tolo Tarawalie has been declared wanted by the Sierra Leone Police on 30th March 2023, for his alleged involvement in gay related activities and for vigorously advocating for girls and boys to stop putting their lives in danger.

According to a civil Society activist, Osman was accused of campaigning negatively against the Bondo secret society and describing it as barbaric and evil. He was also accused of standing with the LGBT against the maltreatment meted out to them by government officials and some members of the community.
“If Osman Tolo Tarawalie seen at anytime he will be put in Jail without due process and will end up losing his life like his colleagues,” the Executive Director for Human Rights and Justice, told journalists.

“Osman was a Bisexual and like having sex with men more than women.
He started dating men in 2019 but his partner never knew that it is a serious crime to practice gay in the country,” Mr. Tarawalie stressed. He said some gay activists were put in jail recently while others were killed and disowned by their parents. He said government officials and community members do not allow LGBT activities to operate in the area, adding that those who practice it do it secretly to avoid losing their lives.

“Osman father is responsible to organize the Poro secret society while his mother organizes the Bondo secret society,” Francis stressed. He accused Osman father of doing everything possible to forcefully initiate children including Osman, but he later escaped from the initiators due to his bisexual role. Osman he said was associated with LGBT activities which prompted members of the Poro and Bondo secret societies to declared him wanted.

The report further states that the police invited Osman and his colleagues including Joseph for questioning regarding the allegations levied against them but he refused to respond to police invitation. Joseph who went first was put in custody and later sent to the Padamba Road Prison where he later died. His death caused serious panic in the community which prompted Osman to escape to an unknown destination.

Osman decided to escape after hearing the death of his colleague in prison, which did not go down well with the law enforcement agency.
Meanwhile, Osman’s residence was attacked in March 2023. The people attacked his house at a time when Osman had left there in the early hours of that day to fulfill an appointment.

“Osman received a call from his neighbor informing him about the attack on his house. The people ransacked the building and carted away properties they could lay hands on. The attackers held cutlasses, sticks threatening to kill Osman on sight if seen,” Police and community emphasized after he is still on the run, and also handsome reward awaits for anybody that catches him and prosecute him to the police.

Cogent Advice from HCRSL towards June 24 Polls

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Despite the fact that the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) had issued a Press Release denouncing the organizers and events of the fateful August 10, 2022 violent incident in Freetown which claimed the lives of a number of civilians and Government workers alike, the HCRSL is recounting this incident for all citizens to be cautious and restrain from participating in any event that would lead to violence during the coming June 24, 2023 general elections.

It is important to note that the HCRSL in its 12th August, 2022 Press Release made mention of the fact that, it was through a Press Release from the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) and various social media platforms that it became knowledgeable of a group of people wanting to stage a protest against the Government of Sierra Leone within the period 8th-10thAugust 2022.

In that Press Release the Commission noted that despite the Press Release by the Sierra Leone Police warning people to refrain from disobeying what was clearly a violation of procedure to process, it was observed that some people insisted in carrying out the protest even without police permission.

Unfortunately, the HCRSL noted in its release that despite the Police Press Release and the deployment of strategic police commanders; identifiable and unknown bloggers and enthusiasts continued writing and sending audio messages and videos on social media calling on citizens to take to the streets in protest or identify a place where they could assemble without procession in protest of their rights.

Against the above, the HRCSL stated that in light of the observations and findings, it is making the following statements and clarifications:

While the HRCSL has persistently called for the fulfillment of the right to peaceful and organized assemblies and associations to be backed by Police protection/security, it has always equally reminded citizens that the right to Freedoms of Assembly and Association has conditions and that it is worthy to note that there are always exceptions provided under the laws.

According to the HRCSL, Subsection (2) of the same Section 26 of the Constitution provides as follows; Nothing contained in or done under the authority of any law shall be held to be inconsistent with or in contravention of this section to the extent that the law in question makes provision which is reasonably required in the interest of defence, public safety, public order, public morality, public health, or provision for the maintenance of supplies and services essential to the life of the community; or for the purpose of protecting the rights and freedoms of other persons.

In essence, what the HRCSL is saying is that as the country moves closer to the June 24, 2023 general elections it is incumbent on each and every Sierra Leone to be wary of messages coming from social media platforms that have the tendency of disrupting the peaceful conduct of the elections.

The HCRSL also believes that while it is the right of every person to protest for any issue affecting his/her welfare, it must be noted that such rights come with certain duties and responsibilities which include the right of others to be safe and secure and not affected by the actions of others.

The HRCSL, as before, is recommending that citizens be law-abiding in line with the provisions stipulated in Sections 13 (a-j) of the Constitution of Sierra Leone 1991, respect authorities of the State and resist any form of lawlessness and incitement howsoever as the country marches towards the June 2023 elections.

Pres. Bio Turns Sod for Construction of Orange SL’s  6th Early Childhood Centre

By Abubakarr Harding

As part of its commitment towards the Government’s Free Quality Education agenda, Orange SL, through its Foundation, on Friday 31 March 2023 officially turned the Sod for the construction of the 6th Ultramodern Early Childhood Development Center in Sarguehun Town, Pujehun District, Southern Sierra Leone, under the distinguished patronage of His Excellency the President of Sierra Leone, Retired Brigadier Julius Maada Bio and other senior Government officials.

The event was well attended by senior Government officials, Directors and senior staff of Orange SL, leaders and stakeholders of the community and neighboring villages.

President Julius Maada Bio, in his capacity as Chief Patron heaped praises on Orange SL for what he described as a leading company in championing the education sector in the country.

He stated that the early foundation provided by Orange SL will continue to strengthen the education pillars in the country and called on Parents and pupils to make good use of the facility.

President Bio expressed complimentary commendations for the actions of Orange SL in the education sector underscoring that the company’s interventions have not been limited to communication, but also in championing the area of quality education and the health sector.

“As a champion of the United Nations Secretary General’s foundational learning, education is what I am using to showcase our country’s commitment to the world,” the President intimated the audience a statement that was greeted with a deafening applause.

Chief Executive Officer of Orange SL, Amadu Sekou Bah, stated that in August 2018, Orange SL pledged 1.5 Million USD as a package to support the Government’s Free Quality Education Agenda over a 5 years’ period.

“With support from our implementing partner, the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Orange SL made commitment to build Early Learning Development Centres in various parts of the country, as part of its contribution towards supporting the Government’s FQE initiative,” he disclosed.

The CEO continued that today the Orange ECD schools enroll children between ages of 2-4 years, and hold high numbers of pupils within the facilities, adding that the main objective is to build educational learning capacity and lay the foundation of education for future generations.

According to the CEO, Orange SL, through its Foundation, is proud to have built four ECD schools within the last two years, namely: in Kambia, Pujehun, Port Loko and Moyamba representatively, furthering that “5th ECD has already been built in Tihun, Bonthe, District, and will be commissioned in May this year”, adding that the turning of the sod marked the 6th ECD school for the community of Sarguehun town.

He continued that Orange’s contributions towards the Government FQE initiative is a demonstration that the company is taking its CRS very important and is ambitions to becomes a reliable partner in development.

The CEO revealed that in 2022 the CSR contribution amounted to NLe 12 Million, which, he said, they are very much proud of as a positive social impact Orange is making in the communities in which the company operates.

Amadu Sekou Bah stated that the company provides numerous philanthropic supports nation-wide ranging from the

establishment of a Digital Center dedicated to provide free access to technologic trainings geared towards empowering young people to pursue their knowledge in digital entrepreneurship disclosing that in just one year they have trained more than 1600 young people through the Orange Digital Center.

The CEO also pointed out that last year, out of 17 countries, the International Orange Social Venture price was won by a Sierra Leonean, Joseph Koroma, for his innovative life blood device adding that it was launched and is currently benefitting Sierra Leoneans going further to also reveal how Orange SL had built women digital centers in Freetown, Makeni, and Bo to promote digital access.

“We have renovated hospitals, health centers, supported disable and vulnerable people in society,” the CEO stated greeted with a loud applause.

He promised that, through the Orange Foundation, the company will build an Orange Village in either of the three districts: Port Loko, Kenema or Moyamba, that will be providing free access to education, clean water supply and better health care.

“The Orange Village will have structures comprising a health center, a school, a water facility and local markets to serve residents and others from neighboring villages,” he ended.

The highpoint of the event was the turning of the sod which was followed by jubilation for the gesture extended by the telecommunications service provider.

The four classroom building, when completed, will be well furnished and beautifully designed to meet the admiration of infant children and it is estimated that it will host about 84 pupils ranging from ages 2- 4 years.

BlueCrest Established to Make Sierra Leone Independent & Powerful

By Abubakarr Harding

BlueCrest, a technologically advanced university, with campuses in Ghana and Liberia, is making sure that technology in Sierra Leone is highly valued and given priority in all areas of its programs.

BlueCrest, according to its Rector and Principal, Dr. Shailesh Kumar aims to graduate students who are expansive, creative thinkers, and most importantly, capable enough to compete in the global marketplace.

He added that, “because the institution favors fostering job creators rather than job seekers, our educational philosophies center on leadership, innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship. The ultimate goal is to graduate students who can generate an increasing number of jobs to make Sierra Leone independent and powerful.”

In February, 2014 BlueCrest College was established as a high-tech Centre of Excellence in Sierra Leone. The mandate of the College was to carry out scientific, technological, management, professional, vocational and skill development courses to benefit the youth of Sierra Leone.

In April 2015, The National Council for Technical, Vocational and Other Academic Awards (NCTVA) of the Republic of Sierra Leone granted accreditation to BlueCrest College in respect of Diplomas and Higher/ Advanced Diplomas programs.

In 2019 BlueCrest officially opened its School of Fashion & Design with Professional Certificate in Garment Construction and also got affiliated with the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM) – University of Sierra Leone (USL).

BlueCrest College Sierra Leone (BCCSL) Rector and Principal, in an interview said, “We are living in a digitized, globalized world where life is full of challenges and opportunities. We at BlueCrest College, welcome this scenario and are committed to enthusing our students with the right mix of knowledge and conviction to deliver what the industry expects from them. It is to meet the growing needs of the industry that BlueCrest has integrated extensive hands-on training and problem-solving skills, equipped with an excellent learning environment, as part of our Training Methodology. The students are kept abreast of the developments and trends in the Information Technology (IT), Software Engineering, Information Technology Management, Fashion Design, Garment Construction, Graphic Design, Multimedia Tools and Financial Technologies.”

BlueCrestCollege is accredited by the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) and the National Council for Technical Vocational and other Academic Awards (NCTVA) of Sierra Leone.

The College is affiliated with Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM)-University of Sierra Leone (USL) to offer B.Sc. Information Technology (IT) & B.Sc. Information Systems (IS).BlueCrest has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Milton Margai Technical University (MMTU) for promoting shared interests in Computer Science, Information Technology, Fashion Design & Garment Construction and General Technical Vocations Studies.

See next edition for more spicy revelations about BlueCrest College Sierra Leone.

NP (SL) Ltd Always Takes the Lead in Enhancing Customer Care via Effective Service Delivery 

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

It is a well established fact that NP (SL) Ltd is indeed an epitome of astute and admirable indigenous entrepreneurship which over the years has made commendable strides in modernizing petroleum marketing in the country with a view to ensure greater accessibility to petroleum products in order to give utmost satisfaction to its numerous customers across the country.

From a humble beginning, the company has turned out to be a truly successful business entity that is positively contributing towards overall national development in various ways.

With a capable Board of Directors and Management at the helm of affairs, NP(SL) Ltd has immensely contributed positively in the areas of job creation, timely payment of taxes to Government via the National Revenue Authority (NRA) as well as the steady and meaningfully execution of meaningful projects in fulfillment of its Corporate Social Responsibility.

Exclusively owned by private Sierra Leonean shareholders, the company typifies a real testimony of how local entrepreneurs could raise the bar high in the marketing of petroleum products.

For mischievous reasons, certain individuals have been churning out rumours that NP has an undue monopoly over the petroleum market in the country, an assertion which is totally untrue, baseless and misleading as it has been factually proven that there are other Marketing Companies marketing petroleum products that are approved the Petroleum Regulatory Authority.

Equally so, the company is not politically owned and therefore is in no position to use its attained marketing status to exert untoward influence on political issues as it is owned by private Sierra Leoneans who used their end of service benefits to set up the company.

To make the purchase of fuel very simple NP (SL) Ltd introduced the NP Smart Card, which enables organizations and individuals to purchase fuel at ease without using physical cash. By introducing this latest technology, it avails its customers the convenience of conducting smooth transactions at Filling Stations as long there is credit in the NP Smart Cards.

If there is any company that strictly adheres to the Local Content Policy that entity is indisputably NP (SL) Ltd. The Management always ensures, as a matter of policy, to give employment to only Sierra Leonean nationals. It is the same in all the other countries where the company operates.

Adherence to Local Content helps to reduce cost, instill a sense of ownership and improves competencies. Such could be well harnessed for the successful growth and expansion of any business entity.

Still within the realm of local content, the company manufactures a cooking device known as NP Gas which comes in different sizes. It has been proven to be a very good device which can be refilled with gas that could be secured at any NP Filling Station.

It has been established that using charcoal and wood for cooking purposes poses health hazards and leads to depletion of forests. Against such a backdrop many have commended the company for making it possible to get access to NP gas cookers, which are indeed safe and friendly for domestic use. Gas is as well available at the company’s filling stations which individuals can purchase at affordable prices.

The fact remains indisputable that the successes of the company are outcomes of the timely implementation of  incisive ,innovative and sound entrepreneurial initiatives.

April 29, 2023 Slated as National Peace Matching/Walking/Jogging Day

On the 29th April, 2023, the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) will be organizing a National Peace Matching/Walking/Jogging Day under the theme “I STAND FOR PEACE”. This event is hoping to attract up to Five Million Citizens from all works of life across all 16 political and administrative districts in Sierra Leone. Participants will include members from the following groups:

  • Youth Groups
  • Women’s Groups
  • Market Women
  • Old Folks
  • School Groups
  • Football and Athletics Groups
  • Bike and Kekeh Riders Association
  • Ghetto Boys and Girls
  • Professional Institutions (Bankers, Lawyers, Journalists etc)
  • The Business Class (Mobile Companies, Mining Companies, Trade and Export Companies etc)

Prior to the event, IPCNC will engage Leaders of these various groups in all the districts and hold meetings with them to plan this Nationwide event. Some of the issues to be discussed in the meetings will include: Time, Assembly areas, Routes to be used, Security arrangements, Duration of the event, Logistical arrangements (Tee Shirts, Banners, Placards, etc that will be carrying Peace Messages).

On the Day of the event, IPCNC and Partners, alongside Security Personnel will accompany participants in all the 16 districts during the match/walking/jogging. Everyone participating in the event will be wearing printed Tee shirts with the inscription “I STAND FOR PEACE”. Citizens will be encouraged to come out with traditional social event instruments like; drums, trumpets, Vuvuzelas, Pot Covers etc, to make the loudest noise for Peace. There will also be School and National Brass Bands to accompany the processions.

The media will be invited to cover such events and broadcast through news bulletins and other media programs.

It is expected that there shall be a Presidential Address and other state personalities will make salient contributions.

 

CARL Reveals Reaffirmed Commitment by Election Management Bodies to Adhere to Electoral Justice

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In a Press Statement dated the 27th March, 2023 and issued by the  Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law (CARL) it was revealed that on the 23rd March, 2023, key election management bodies in Sierra Leone reaffirmed their commitment to adhere to electoral justice standards before, during and after the 2023 multi-tier elections.

Further stated was that, organized by the Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law, with funding from the Government of Ireland, the seminar brought key electoral stakeholders to discuss the progress made since the 2018 elections in strengthening Sierra Leone’s electoral justice system.

According to CARL, speaking at the  seminar on the state of Sierra Leone’s electoral justice system, representatives of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone, the Judiciary, the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) and the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) underscored the importance of conducting the forthcoming elections in line with the country’s electoral laws and policies, pointing out that a peaceful and credible outcome of the forthcoming elections is critical to strengthening Sierra Leone’s recent democratic gains.

The Civil Society Organization further pointed out that whilst speaking on behalf of the Judiciary, Justice Monfred Sesay said additional measures have been taken to ensure speedy and effective resolution of election-related complaints.

In addition to the establishment of electoral disputes management tools, CARL intimated how  the Election Petition Rules, 2007 has been revised to include, among other things, procedures for filing petitions against presidential elections.

Justice Monfred Sesay was reported as stating that the Judiciary will ensure that all electoral complaints are resolved speedily, and in any case, within four months for all electoral complaints or petitions.

CARL underscored how the representative of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone, Commissioner Abu Bakarr Koroma, stated that the Commission has made significant efforts to improve its capacity as well as the standards and quality of elections, pointing out that there have been electoral law and institutional reforms since the 2018 elections in line with the recommendations of election observer bodies.

It continued how Commissioner Abu Bakarr Koroma maintained that the institution has been transparent in its management of the electoral process so far, adding that they are pleased with the financial support from the Government of Sierra Leone ahead of the 2023 elections also revealing how the Commission has been largely funded by the Government of Sierra Leone to conduct the 2023 elections.

CARL further disclosed that speaking on behalf of the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC), Chairman Abdulai M. Bangura commended Parliament and other stakeholders for amending the PPRC Act to expand the powers of the Commission, stressing that they are now better placed to regulate the conduct of political parties, resolve both intra and inter-party disputes, and ensure effective oversight.

The rights based organization also said Chairman Abdulai M. Bangura pointed out that only three political parties are currently functional, and warned that parties that are in breach of the PPRC will be barred from participating in the forthcoming elections.

He said the three functional political parties include the ruling SLPP, opposition APC and the National Grand Coalition.

CARL stated also that speaking on behalf of the Sierra Leone Police, AIG Brima Jah said the Police remain fully committed to providing security for the electoral process, adding that a Military Aid to Civil Power (MAC-P) regime will be implemented before, during and after the elections.

He said there have been significant efforts to improve professional standards in the Police, and acknowledged the support of the Government of the United States of America in training the police on election security management.

According to CARL, AIG Brima Jah said an Incident Command Center has been established as part of preparations for the elections, and that he is urging electoral stakeholders, including political parties and civil society, to support the Police in ensuring free, fair, and violence-free elections.

CARL informed that representatives of political parties, including the All People’s Congress and the National Grand Coalition, expressed concerns about delays in distributing voter identification cards and the apparent lack of professionalism and independence of the Police in responding to public order issues and electoral offences.

It stated how the representative of the APC particularly requested access to the Electoral Commission’s voter management database, challenged the independence of the security sector, and questioned the proposed votes tallying procedure announced by the ECSL, which he said is in violation of the Public Elections Act, 2022.

Based on CARL’s account, the representatives of the ECSL and the Sierra Leone Police denied the allegations, stating that they will conduct elections strictly in line with the electoral laws of the country and that the Police have always acted professionally and will continue to do so before, during and after the 2023 elections.

Lands Ministry Outreach Team Embarks on Land Raffle Registration 

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In sequel to a recent notification put out by the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning informing Okada and Kekeh riders to apply for land, which will be offered by Government, free of charge, the Media and Public Relations Office of the Ministry has on Friday 31st March, 2023 commenced an outreach and mobile registration/application process targeting various Okada and Kekeh across the Western Area.

The outreach team led by operations consultant, Murtala Mohamed Kamara, registered Okada and Kekeh Riders at the Model Junction Park while at the same time popularizing the land raffle concept and opportunity.

It was stated how the team is targeting the various prominent parks in the coming days until the expiration of the application deadline. The team will be at the various parks with loud speakers, banners and registration forms on the following schedule:

Model Junction – 31st March 2023

Kingtom – 1st April 2023

Wilberforce – 3rd April 2023

Lumley – 4th April 2023

Up-Gun – 5th April 2023

Shell – 6th April 2023

Wellington – 7th April 2023

Jui – 8th April 2023

Waterloo – 10th April 2023

Kent – 11th April 2023

Hamilton – 12th April 2023

Okada and Kekeh Riders are therefore encouraged to locate the registration team and apply to qualify them to participate in the raffle.

The forms can also be obtained from the Front Desk of the Ministry or downloaded from the website – www.molhcp.gov.sl.

Leone Rock Metals Violates Sierra Leone’s Right to Property

When the Leone Rock Metals company, a subsidiary of Kingho Rail and Port company, signed a memorandum of understanding between it and CTC Mining, a bauxite mining company in Sierra Leone, for the use of the rail and port facilities at Pepel, many Sierra Leoneans feel that it is a violation of the right of Sierra Leoneans to own property, as the said agreement entered into between Kingho Rail and Port company was undertaken by the Government on behalf of the people of Sierra Leone, as all lands and minerals in the country are held in trust by the Government on behalf of the people of this country.

According to concerned citizens, the fact that Leone Rock Metals company, a subsidiary of Kingho Rail and Port company, entered into an agreement with a third party after the Government had issued a notice terminating the contact it had with Kingho on the management and use of the rail and port, has been seen by many as depriving Sierra Leone of the ownership and use of its land. It should be noted that the Pepel port and railway are both owned by the Government and people of Sierra Leone, and it has the sole right, in accordance with stipulated contract provisions with any company, to have full use of the facilities and to enter into any contract with any party within the ambit of the law.

It could be recalled that the Government entered into a contract with Kingho Rail and Port company in October 2020 to refurbish and manage the rail and port facility at Pepel for six years, with a caveat for review after two years of operation, during which period the Government has the right to contract a third party. These were all part of the contract provisions signed with Kingho in October 2020.

Unfortunately, after two years of operation, the Government, not being satisfied with the operations of Kingho, terminated the said rail and port contract with a notice of termination issued to the company, as well as information that the Government is entering into another contract with Arise IPP for the refurbishing and running of the rail and port services, as well as expansion of same to as far as the Republic of Guinea. This move, according to the Government, will bring onboard other players in the sector, and also give access to citizens of both countries to trade freely, as the rail service will facilitate transportation of goods and services between the two countries, as well as enable farmers along the route to convey their products to other parts of the country, including the capital, Freetown, thereby reducing the cost of transportation and eventually the cost of those goods. It will also see more revenue generation for the Government through increase in royalties paid by the companies that will be using the service, as their profit margins will increase, due to a marked reduction in the cost of transportation of their products from their respective mines to the port, and also more taxes paid, as trade is enhanced through these services.

It is against this backdrop that the illegal action of Leone Rock to enter into an agreement with CTC Mining, when it is very clear that the contract with their subsidiary had been terminated, has been seen as an infringement on the right of the Government and people of Sierra Leone to their property.

SLAJ Condemns all Forms of Violence Against Journalists Before, During & After Elections

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In a Press Release dated 1st April 2023 and signed by Alhaji Manika Kamara, National Secretary-General of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), news about the departure of the President of the aforementioned Association, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, to the United States of America to participate in the U.S. State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) was stated.

Also mentioned was that the IVLP is the U.S. Department of State’s premier professional exchange program designed to introduce emerging foreign leaders to their American counterparts, U.S society, culture and values.

Further stated was that the program will run from 2nd April to 22nd April 2023 with participants from 22 countries including from Africa (Sierra Leone, Ghana, Nigeria, Morocco, and Burundi), Europe, South and North America, Asia, Middle East, among others.

Revealed was that the program involves visits to multiple cities and some American families across the United States with the aim of building strong people-to-people ties and fostering long-lasting collaboration with current and future global leaders.

It was underscored that each year nearly 5,000 International Visitors come to the U.S. on the International IVLP and more than 200,000 International Visitors have engaged with Americans through the IVLP, including more than 500 current or former Chiefs of State or Heads of Government.

“This is my first time of visiting the US and it is good that it is happening through the IVLP which gives me a huge opportunity to experience the world’s greatest nation first-hand with the guidance of the American people themselves. I am as excited as I believe this will build on my leadership abilities in the last five years as the President of journalists in Sierra Leone. I look forward to meeting and sharing experiences with my counterparts from around the world and come back home to share those experiences and make meaningful impact,” said President Nasralla.

Also mentioned in the Press Release was that the SLAJ President will stay on for about a week after the program to pay courtesy calls on key international democratic and media freedom institutions including the National Democratic Institute (NDI), National Endowment for Democracy (NED), Committee for the Protection of Journalists (CPJ), and International Federation of Journalists (IFJ). He is also expected to visit the Sierra Leone Embassy in the US and meet with Sierra Leone Journalists and AWOL US Chapter members.

The SLAJ President is expected back home on the 29th of April 2023. In his absence, the Vice President of SLAJ, Mr. Sahr James Bangah, is Acting President.

In another Press Release dated Friday, 31st March 2023 and captioned “SLAJ Condemns Alleged Attack on FOP Radio Station Manager” it was stated a complaint was received by the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) from the Management of Fountain of Peace Radio in Moyamba District, Southern Region, of an alleged attack and assault of the Station Manager, Alie Tokowa whilst on duty, allegedly by supporters of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) on the instruction of the former District Council Chairman  Joseph Gbogba on Tuesday 28th March 2023 at the SLPP Party Office in Moyamba District.

Further stated was that, according to the victim, he was invited by a Mr. Lamboi (one of the aspirants for the Moyamba District Council chairmanship) to provide Outdoor Broadcast (OB) for him while at the SLPP party office.

He continued that upon arrival he was allowed to enter the party office and observed the event, during which argument started among supporters of both aspirants.

“Soon after, fighting broke out and they started throwing stones at each other,” Alie explained. He said during the fighting, some supporters of the former District Council Chairman were recording the incident with their mobile phones, which gave him the confidence to also follow suit so that he would have evidence if the need arises.

According to the journalist, the former District Council Chairman spotted him taking the video and instructed his boys, led by Joseph Kamara aka Jokay, to beat him and take his phone from him. He added that over four youths rushed at him and they kicked, slapped and dragged him to the floor inside the party office. He said he was forcefully taken inside a room whilst onlookers were shouting ‘You are killing a journalist!’

It was also stated that the victim informed SLAJ during a visit at the Connaught hospital, where he is now receiving treatment, that the youths used his head to open one of the doors at the party’s office, which led to him currently experiencing serious pain on his head, neck and other body parts.

Alie, it was disclosed is currently responding to treatment at the Trauma Ward 5 Connaught hospital.

It was said, however, when contacted by SLAJ, the former District Council Chairman denied the allegations against his person stating that he was not even around when the incident started and that he never instructed anyone to attack or assault the FOP Radio Station Manager. He further described the allegations as fake.

SLAJ says, nevertheless, it condemns the alleged attack on the FOP Station Manager and calls on the local authorities to protect journalists and their media houses in Moyamba district from intimidation, threats, and attacks by politicians and members of the public who feel aggrieved about their work.

SLAJ called on the Police to impartially investigate the matter and bring to book the alleged perpetrators.

“This alleged incident is a sign of things to come during this election. Local authorities and political parties and their supporters must respect and protect journalists covering every stage of the elections and ensure their safety and security at all times. We also urge media houses to have measures in place for the personal safety of their workers before they send them out to cover elections activities,” said SLAJ President, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla.

SLAJ Condemns all Forms of Violence Against Journalists Before, During & After Elections.

Meanwhile, it wishes to continue to inform the public that journalists can be reported for misconduct and unprofessionalism to the SLAJ Disciplinary Committee or the Independent Media Commission (IMC).

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