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APC’s Money Jagaban Receives Rousing Welcome & Endorsement 

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Residents of Kono District were on Tuesday 7th March, 2023  ecstatically  enthusiastic in their welcome of the highly respected, result-oriented and unassuming Sheik Alhaji Mohamed Kamara alias Money-Jagaban, one of the personalities that have been publicly shortlisted to be the running mate of the Presidential Flagbearer of the main opposition All People’s Congress Party, Dr Samura Kamara. It was indeed an electrifying and overwhelming moment and scene to watch as it spoke volumes of Money-Jagaban’s forgone endorsement by the people of Kono District as the running mate to Dr. Samura Kamara, the Flagbearer of the main opposition All People’s Congress Party.

Prior to the arrival of Sheik Alhaji Mohamed Kamara alias Money-Jagaban and his entourage, Kono had already gone red,the APC Party Office in Kono was jam-packed with supporters some responding to the rhythmic sounds of music blasting from loud speakers were as others were engaged in private chats with laughter filling the air; the atmosphere was like having a carnival  .

As he disembarked from his vehicle at the APC party office, the crowd went wild as people were shouting from different directions: “Jagaban, Jagaban, Jagaban” as the man of the moment waved to the crowd smiling.

Addressing the gathering, the Acting Chairman of the All People’s Congress Party in Kono District, Sahr Mattia, on behalf of the APC family Kono District, wholeheartedly welcomed Sheik Alhaji Mohamed Kamara alias Money-Jagaban and his entourage to Kono District.

He intimated that the rousing welcome which residents greeted Money-Jagaban with was a clear indication that they support his candidacy.

He used the opportunity to reveal some of the challenges they are facing as members of the APC Party in Kono District of which he said the APC women and youths of Kono District are very committed towards the development of the party in that part of the country. He appealed to the Guest to help by supporting the women and youths of the district.

The Deputy Women Leader of the All People’s Congress Party in Kono District, Kumba commended the move made by Sheik Alhaji Mohamed Kamara in visiting Kono District.

She said that as women of the party they have committed themselves in order to see that the party comes back to power after the June 2023 elections, of which she called on him to consider supporting the women of Kono District in the form of availing soft loans that will help them to improve on their livelihoods.

The Deputy Women’s Leader said as women they are pledging their support in order for him to be considered as the running mate to Dr. Samura Kamara.

The APC Youth Chairman, Mohamed Tamba Lebbie, said as young people  of Kono District they are moved and overwhelmed with his straight forwardness and honesty, which he stressed, are important in attributes needed in translating promises into reality in order to ensure that tangible and sustainable projects positively and meaningfully impact lives and communities and especially the young people of Sierra Leone.

On behalf the youths of Kono, he presented a youth position paper including a project proposal to Sheik Alhaji Mohamed Kamara of which he called on him to support a project which he said is geared towards the development of young people in Kono District.

On his part, Sheik Alhaji Mohamed Kamara alias Money-Jagaban used the opportunity to applaud the people of Kono District for the rousing welcome given to him in the district.

He disclosed that he is in the race for the running mate to help transform Sierra Leone from the brink of despair adding that he wants to help Dr.Samura Kamara to win the bread-and butter-battle also underscoring how he wants to participate in the fight for better education, more jobs and health care everyone will feel comfortable to be part of and work towards rebuilding a divided nation.

Sheik Alhaji Mohamed Kamara informed the gathering that he was born in Blama, Kenema District, Eastern Sierra Leone which make him part of them.

He described Dr Samura Mathew Wilson Kamara as an industrious personality and that the APC made no mistake to appoint him as the flagbearer of the party, adding that Dr. Samura Kamara is very determine to lead the nation.

Sheik Mohamed Kamara said that Dr. Samura Kamara is the only way out and Sierra Leoneans should make no mistake in electing him as the next President of Sierra Leone, adding that for now, the writing is now clearly on the wall that Samura Kamara is the man of the moment and many have confidence in him as the next President that will transform the country.

He insinuated that if given the opportunity to be the running mate to the APC flagbearer, Dr Samura Mathew Wilson Kamara he will liberate Sierra Leoneans from the deplorable condition in which the country has been plunged with the vast majority of Sierra Leoneans not adequately accessing basic necessities that would enhance high standards of living and improve qualities of life as should be the case and as it obtains in other countries.

Orange SL Supports International Prize Winner to Launch Lifeblood App 

By Millicent Senava Mannah

With support from Orange Sierra Leone and other partners, the Orange International Social Venture Prize Winner, 2022, Joseph P. Koroma, on the 9th March, 2023 launched the Lifeblood App which is geared towards helping donor or medical  facilities to get more blood in their blood banks. The auspicious event was held at the Princess Christian Maternity Hospital on Fourah Bay Road in Freetown.

Speaking at the Launch, Annie Wonnie Karta, intimated that Orange SL believes in innovation and in empowering the youth furthering how in 2011, they launched the Orange Social Venture Prize to reward local entrepreneurs and innovators, and according to her, it is organized once a year and  held in all the countries that Orange operates.

She continued that during the competition they asked young people to bring their innovative ideas across the countries Orange operate to pitch it to them, stating how the innovative ideas must be able to solve societal issues, so those innovative ideas should solve problems affecting the country.

Annie disclosed that 2022 was the first time for Sierra Leone to win the International Grand Prize and it was won by no other innovation but Lifeblood revealing how excited it was to be part of it also disclosing that wherever they put their money they want to see it move forward.

She also applauded Concern Worldwide and how they always partner with organizations to put the country forward. She further disclosed how she accompanied Joseph to collect the Grand Prize commending him for putting Sierra Leone in the Map.

The Representative from Concern Worldwide, stated that they are delighted to give their support saying maternal mortality in Sierra Leone is a big concern despite the fact that huge improvement have been made in the country but it is still high further disclosing how they are hoping that their support to this App will be able to address the issue of blood availability as lack of it leads to maternal mortality.

He maintained that they are delighted to be part of the project and to support it adding how they believe in innovative ways of solving problems and addressing issues saying that is why they are a part of the project and how they are learning from the project, and how they are proud to be part of the launch.

The winner, Joseph P. Koroma, expressed his thanks and appreciation to Orange SL, Concern and other partners for supporting the launching of the App, noting that, Lifeblood is a digital project.

He intimated that Lifeblood has been a very long journey from where it began and where they are now, and how they are not stopping, they are continuing.

‘’Lifeblood is one that was born from the day that I was born because if I was not alive I would not have had this drive, this passion , this zeal, this courage going through all the trials, the huddles to see that whatever comes I shall overcome them,’’ he asserted.

‘’As a child, I was saved through blood transfusion and also I am a medical student, and with  skills I developed the Lifeblood App,  the more I become, the more I learn, and the more I realize more needs to be done, and I will continue to go hence I have the support from partners.’’ Joseph stated.

According to him they are going to launch something that was not only designed by him alone, but a team, and how with the support of Concern they were able to come up with implementation plans.

Joseph revealed that they first trained lab technicians and how they did data gathering stating that if you want to know where you are going, you need to know where you are from. According to him, Lifeblood operates in four facilities, Connaught, PCMH, Rokupa Government Hospital, 34 Military hospital.

Mahmoud Idriss, Chairman for the company that produced the Lifeblood App said he personally believes that the technology will help make the work easier for everyone. He expressed his thanks to the Ministry of Health for adopting the use of the App for blood services and Concern for piloting the App in the facilities they are supporting.

He maintained that Lifeblood is about helping the facilities to manage their processes, and how it is also a community App to make it easy for donors to know the facilities where they can get blood. Further stating how it is more about mobilizing donors and communities to be able to donate blood.

Various statements were made by people who have been donating their blood, stating how they are calling on all those that are eligible to donate for them to also help save lives.

 

 

Chinese Embassy Welcomes 24th Batch of Chinese Medical Team in Sierra Leone

By Foday Moriba Conteh

During a well-attended ceremony held on Monday 6th March, 2023 at its Embassy at Spur Loop on Wilberforce in Freetown, the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone bid farewell to the 23th batch of Chinese Medical Team after being in and worked in Sierra Leone for more than 14 months and at the same time welcomed the 24th batch of Chinese Medical Team to Sierra Leone.

Present at the ceremony were the Minister of Health and Sanitation, Dr. Austin Demby, the Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Wang Qing, the Medical Superintendent Sierra Leone China Friendship Hospital, Dr. Sarah Conteh etc.

In his address, the Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Wang Qing, pointed out that the 23rd batch of Chinese Medical Team carried forward the spirit of the Chinese medical team which is “defying hardships, dedicating selflessly, saving lives, healing the wounded, and spreading boundless love”, treated 23,000 patients and successfully conducted over 600 operations.

He said that in addition to routine health care services provided at the Jui Hospital, they also managed to walk out of the hospital, offered free services and medicines to schools, orphanages, communities and mines, trained local medical staff .

Wang Qing revealed that the Chinese Embassy has officially received the 24th batch of Chinese Medical Team who just arrived in the country, furthering that he is glad to know that  Ear-Nose-Teeth doctors joined the team as per request from Jui Hospital and MOHS, which increased the team members to 21 people and their coverage of diagnosis and treatment more extensive of which he expressed confidence that they will take over the heavy task from the 23th batch team and give even better performance here with their excellent clinical skills and benevolence.

The Ambassador informed the gathering that this year marks the 50th Anniversary of the dispatching of Chinese Medical Team to Sierra Leone. Since 1973, China has sent over 500 long-term and short-term Chinese medical and health experts to Sierra Leone to provide help, adding that according to incomplete statistics, during the last five decades, the Chinese medical teams have helped diagnose and treat over 800 thousand patients, conducted more than 100 thousand cases of operations and trained over 5,000 local medical staff.

He revealed that the teams had stood with the Sierra Leonean people during the Ebola outbreak and COVID-19 pandemic and they delivered many Sierra Leonean newborns to the world, made many eyes reencounter light again, stitched up countless wounds, and relieved countless people’s pain.

“They are the true Friends of China to Sierra Leone,” he said furthering that China was the first country to send COVID-19 vaccine to Sierra Leone of which more than 700,000 doses of vaccine have been administered saying they are ready to provide more once they receive a request.

The Team Leader of the 24th batch of Chinese Medical Team, Dr. Chen Yongjun, disclosed that China sent the first medical team to Sierra Leone in 1973, and it has been 50 years since then, adding that the 23rd batch of China medical team worked here for almost 14 months, with outstanding achievements, noting that members of  the Chinese medical Team are not only angels saving lives, but also friendly envoys conveying friendship.

He said their work has been widely praised by Sierra Leoneans and the International Community and now they are going to complete their mission and will return to China. He stated that the new team will take over their baton, describing it as a glorious mission, not only an honor but also a responsibility.

Dr. Chen Yongjun intimated the gathering 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. He said the team comprises people of within the age bracket of 32-50 years old, with more than ten to twenty years of working experience with rich clinical medical experience in their respective sub-specialty fields.

“We will carry out free clinical activities in a planned way based on the world medical and health-related festivals, such as Breastfeeding Promotion Day (May 20), Epilepsy Care Day (June 28), World Heart Day (the last Sunday in September), and World Arthritis Day (October 12).Meanwhile, we will carry out health education activities related to diseases,” he revealed.

Underscoring their plans, the Team Leader said they will strengthen the training of teaching and scientific research capabilities and improve the level of local medical staff and they will carry out academic exchanges, strengthen exchanges and cooperation with other Sierra Leonean hospitals, strengthen cooperation with China’s top hospitals and strive to build a telemedicine center.

He added that they are striving to improve the overall medical level of Sierra Leone in three aspects: medical treatment, teaching and scientific research, maintaining that the work of medical teams in foreign countries is one of the major policies of China and it has already lasted for 60 years. Meanwhile, this year they will witness the 50th anniversary of medical help to Sierra Leone.

On his part, the Minister of Health and Sanitation, Dr. Austin Demby, on behalf of the Government of Sierra Leone expressed appreciation to China, through the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone, for their support to  the health sector over the years.

He said that the Chinese Medical Team has supported Sierra Leone’s Health Sector in diverse ways and this year they will witness the 50th anniversary of medical help to Sierra Leone which he described as long-lasting friendship.

The Minister commended the 23rd Batch Medical Team for their tireless work during their stay in Sierra Leone and also welcomed the 24th Batch of Chinese Medical Team to Sierra Leone of which he encouraged them to continue on the good footing of the previous teams.

 

 

Alieu Sesay Endorses Candidacy of Sam Sumana for Running mate

Whilst Dr. Samura Kamara, the Presidential Candidate of the All People’s Congress (APC), ponders on who to choose as running mate, several names have emerged, but it is the opinion of many top brass in the party that he has to make a choice that will be of strategic importance to the APC’s ability to win the June 24th 2023 elections. This, they say, could be the reason for the delay in naming a running mate.

In an exclusive interview with Alieu Mohamed Sesay, popularly known as ‘Thope’, a senior member of the APC, Former Chairman of Logistics of the APC and also former Chairman of APC on Target, he said that the choice of running mate should depend on the strategic importance of the current regional balance, and what it would mean for the party.

He disclosed that Mayor Aki-Sawyer summed up the running mate choice as simply an invitation and not an election, and that any of the names that have emerged are equally qualified to be running mate, but not all will be chosen. Only one individual out of the rest will be chosen, after which, all others are expected to throw their support behind both the flag-bearer and running mate.

Alieu Sesay maintained that though the APC is not short of qualified members for the running mate position, yet the choice should be done in respect of the strategic importance of such a choice. In the case of all the candidates, Sam Sumana is the possible choice, when it comes to the strategic importance of his base (Kono). The APC needs Kono to challenge the ruling party, which is currently courting the district, adding that this is an indication of the strategic importance of Kono to the outcome of the elections. The SLPP’s running mate is not from the district, hence the constant courting of Kono by almost all the top brass in the SLPP, but the advantage that the APC has among the names of would-be running mates, the name of a son of the soil, Chief Alhaji Sam Sumana, who commands respect among his people, and has the proclivity to bring Kono votes to the APC.

Thus, with Sam Sumana as Running mate of Dr. Samura Kamara, the APC is assured of overwhelming support from Kono. It should be noted that it is the desire of every district to have their son or daughter at the helm of affairs in the state, and since Kono seems to be the King maker in the coming elections, it is only important that members of the party, including interested running mates, to recognize the strategic importance of Kono to the APC’s victory.

Alieu Mohamed Sesay noted that all those named as possible candidates for the running mate of the party, are all qualified to hold the position, but the choice of running mate depends on the strategic importance of the candidate chosen, and how that candidate can enhance the victory that everybody is yearning for. Sam Sumana can bring a whole district to the APC, a district that the SLPP is struggling to win over.

Some political analysts say that President Bio and team have paid over 10 visits to Kono, in a bid to win the hearts of the people, but what has he got to offer them? At best, some jobs for their sons or daughters, but in the case of the APC, with Sam Sumana as running mate, the people of Kono have a whole Vice President to gain, who will have the power to direct development to the district, and even facilitate employment for sons and daughters of Kono. Kono will then have a son of the soil as the Second Gentleman of the nation.

Alieu Sesay furthered that for the sake of strategic reasons, Sam Sumana could be the best candidate for the running mate of Dr. Samura Kamara, when one considers the importance of that region in the current political landscape, and how the people of Kono will vote for their son than for a stranger from another region.

Alieu Sesay encouraged those whose names have been mentioned as running mate not to lose hope, as the proposition of Sam Sumana as running mate is mainly for strategic reasons and not that he is better than any of them. He admonished them to embrace Sam Sumana, if he is chosen, as it is for the good of the party, and that they should not be discouraged if they are not chosen, adding that they should stay the course and support the APC for victory, as the party’s song dictates.

 

 

Shifaa & Dialysis Center Bounces Back Bigger & Better

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

During a temporary closure of the Shifaa and Dialysis Center (S&DC) situated on 8 Campbell Street in Freetown, renovation work was done in addition to upgrading of equipments as well as the inclusion of other facilities and at the same time the entity collaborated with Life Care Hospital to provide even better expert medical services.

It could be recalled that the S&DC has always had their patients routinely seen by trained and qualified Guinean Nephrologists, most especially those who were already diagnosed with kidney disease and those who were already on dialysis treatment. This is according to Dalanda Bah, the CEO and former Manager and Director of Administration at Shifaa and Dialysis Center.

Intimating this Press further, Madam Bah disclosed that when the center initially opened, they had little or no competition due to the professional and exceptional care that they rendered to their patients. She went on to say they had experts in Nephrology, a Supervising Physician, six well trained Dialysis Nurses, internationally trained Dialysis Technicians and an Administration with highly qualified personnel that had extensive amount of experience in dialysis.

“Our kidney specialists were on site twenty-four hours, seven days a week to check on patients thoroughly and give them the best dialysis treatment available based on the patients’ individual conditions,” said Madam Bah.

According to her, during the COVID-19 pandemic, they were successful in keeping the center open in order to continue treating their patients with kidney disease at a time when other institutions were either shutting down or leaving the country.

“Unfortunately, in March of 2022, we took action temporarily shutting down. Since the opening of S&DC, we worked independently despite our countless efforts to get other offices and organizations to join forces with us and make the treatment of dialysis affordable for those who needed it, but to no avail. In addition to those challenges, there was no Nephrologist in Sierra Leone that we were either willing to work with or that was willing to work with us simply because we are a private entity. So when the Guinean Nephrologists, whose services we had been using from start could not continue coming to Sierra Leone, we had to shut down.” She added that they are not a center that provides services through corruption. As a result, they were not willing to go against the law of the Medical and Dental Council of Sierra Leone and work without a Nephrologist which resulted in them closing down.

“But we had hope and after what seemed like eternity, we had successful meetings with like-minded people, conducted respective coordination and today, we are elated to re-commission the most reliable and trusted dialysis center in our country.”

According to her, on the 6th March , 2023, they were pleased to announce that S&DC has collaborated with the fastest growing medical center in Sierra Leone, the Life Care Hospital.

She stated further that: “This is a collaboration of two notable medical facilities in Sierra Leone. We both pride ourselves in doing nothing less than exceptional medical care. As individual institutions, we work with only medical experts in almost all medical specialty departments. We are open to the public today for all Sierra Leoneans at home and abroad. We do not compromise our reputation or the lives of the people. We provide free dialysis counselling and also kidney diseases, diabetes, hypertension counseling. We never re-use our products. We understand the complications and implications as we could risk killing them. We can assure the best services for all no matter the financial status of our patients,” Madam Bah said.

She reiterated that the S&DC has been renovated to include Life Care Hospital  and can now boast of a pharmacy, a medical lab on site, and 24-7 emergency service for all patients. She added that at the center, they observe patients on site and do admissions. “So now, with S&DC, there is no need for our patients to go elsewhere,” she said.

The services they provide include but are not limited to consultation for all medical complaints,  Hemodialysis for Acute and Chronic kidney diseases led by a team of experts in this field-a Nephrologist with 12 years of experience who is also a cardiovascular surgeon that is well qualified in procedures like inserting permanent and temporary catheters and caring for patients in the Intensive Care Unit. Also, a trained Dialysis Nurse of over 8 years of experience working with dialysis patients in large medical institutions, our trained Sierra Leonean nurses and a team of qualified Dialysis Technicians.

In addition, the center also provides emergency services round the clock and all facilities needed for proper diagnosis, observation and treatment are on site. Their medical equipments are the most recent in medical technology and high quality. The S&DC is expected to accommodate at least ten (10) hemodialysis patients daily.

Shifaa and Dialysis Center and Life Care Hospital have collaborated to make an even bigger impact on the lives of all Sierra Leoneans thereby contributing to enhancing their quality of life.

For More information, Contact them at:

#Address: 8 Campbell Street, F/T, Sierra Leone.

#WhatsApp: +1347 400 6288

#Call: +232 78 768355

+232 30 276607

#Facebook: @Shifaadialysiscenter

#Email: Shifaadialysiscenter@gmail.com

Doctor’s Email: dr.w.zaen@hotmail.com

#Website: shifaadialysiscenter.com

 

 

NP-SL Epitomizes Effective & Workable Business Initiatives   

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

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

It has been established that NP-SL Ltd sheds a ray of hope for Sierra Leonean businesses. It epitomizes that any determined group of Sierra Leoneans, with good intensions and initiatives, can make meaningful achievements when they come together and invest solidly.

Today, the company is the leading petroleum marketing company in the sub-region, only because some 35 nationals were shrewd enough to plough their end of service benefits into the formation of the company. This example, if emulated by forward-looking and ambitious individuals that make meaningful investment plans, will change the development trajectory of this country.

Though NP-SL Ltd is an indigenously owned company, however its shareholders and Management are not afraid to take risk into venturing into various parts of the country. NP-SL Ltd believes in breaking new grounds and this has been the driving force behind its expansionist drive.

The rolling out of services by the company are not only limited in the capital city but are replicated nationwide. Everywhere they operate, they offer the same services, effectively providing qualitative services to its esteemed customers.

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 in conducting transactions at Filling Stations as long there is credit in their NP Smart Cards.

Established by some 35 Sierra Leoneans years back, NP-SL Ltd has grown to become one of the most successful indigenously owned companies in this country. Because of effective management initiatives, the company is vibrantly operating in Guinea, Ivory Coast, Liberia, and The Gambia.
For NP-SL Ltd, Customer Care is always taken paramount as Management ensures that customer satisfaction is prioritized. The company truly deserves commendation in that direction.
With well-motivated members of staff, who know how to efficiently treat customers, NP-SL Ltd has become very endearing to many.
In all the five countries where it is operating, the company always ensures that petroleum products, in terms of fuel and other lubricants, are available in order to avoid scarcity.

It has been established that using charcoal and wood for cooking purposes poses health hazards and depletion of our 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 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.

PPRC’s Newest Role is Good News!

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

News that the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC) has been renamed Political Parties REGULATION Commission (PPRC) is definitely good news. However, the wonderful news is that the renaming comes with a full new Act which makes the PPRC more powerful in its registering and regulation of the conduct of political parties in Sierra Leone.

At a time when it appears that political parties are no longer decorous, respectful and law-abiding, it becomes necessary for stronger rules to be employed against political parties that have made it a habit to behave extraordinarily sarcastic, chaotic, rude and even impossible.

It is therefore important to note that the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC), the body responsible for regulating political parties in the country is now more powerful than before. This new power is enacted by the Commission’s Act No. 25 of 2022.

The new Act grants the PPRC the power to settle inter-party disputes without invitation. The Chairman of the Commission, Abdulai Masiyambay Bangurah says the PPRC can now proactively intervene into intra party disputes.

He adds that the Commission now has the power to levy fines, warn or suspend any political party that fails to work with the directives of the PPRC and that the PPRC is also powerful enough to deregister non-compliant political parties.

Also worth noting is the fact that, since this new PPRC Act came into force, all the major political parties – Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), All People’s Congress (APC), National Grand Coalition (NGC) and Coalition for Change (C4C) that are represented in the Sierra Leone House of Parliament apparently, more than happily had their respective representatives append their signatures to a communiqué, agreeing with each other not to disturb the peace and not to flout PPRC rules and regulations as enshrined in the new PPRC Act.

The people of Sierra Leone can only hope that these political parties are really serious about what they have agreed to. The people can only rely on the Police and other security forces in the event these political parties for any reason renege on the agreement and unleash violence for whatever reason.

The people of Sierra Leone can only hope that these political parties remain true to the PPRC New Act and to themselves by restraining their supporters from engaging in everything which the PPRC Act has disallowed and for which they will be unhesitant to institute stiff penalties against any violator.

Amongst other things, the new PPRC Act preaches tolerance and non-violence. It regulates, supervises all registered political parties in line with the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone. It also regulates accountability and transparency of political parties, and transmits mediation amongst political parties. The new Act is also geared towards structural change, political inclusion and mediation on the activities of political parties. It is a very good bill.

Against this background, this new PPRC Act for Sierra Leoneans will be helpful to our political system in many ways; the reason why a section of the public and the Press described it as a “wonderful” Act which everyone hopes will be followed through to the letter because: “it is important for the development of the State and is not controversial” according to a Member of Parliament present at the passing of the new Bill into an Act.

Sierra Leoneans are praying that common sense will prevail as we draw closer towards an election that portends to be hot.

 

 

Acts of Xenophobic Violence against Sub-Saharan Africans are Surging Across Tunisia

Report by: Farid Kefel, for the Calabash Newspaper

Sub-Saharan Africans recount Tunisia ‘hell’ amid crackdown as racial tensions are spinning out of control as many sub-Saharan Africans prepare to leave the country

Hundreds of West African migrants flee Tunisia after President Saied’s controversial crackdown. In his February 21 speech, Saied ordered officials to take “urgent measures” to tackle irregular migration, claiming without evidence that “a criminal plot” was underway “to change Tunisia’s demographic makeup”. A Salone lady was interviewed from Tunis this morning by Aljazeera, and she expressed her dismay at the racism stoked on them by the Tunisian President Kais Saied, fueling a riotous clampdown on black Africans in the country,

Ivory Coast airlifts its persecuted citizens from #Tunisia. Approx. 2,000 will be repatriated. Guinea staged an emergency airlift last week. Waves of racist violence & pogroms have swept #Tunisia, stoked by Kais Saied’s Feb 21 “Great Replacement” speeches. A first group of 50 Guineans was flown home on Wednesday, while Ivory Coast and Mali prepared to repatriate a combined 295 of their citizens on special flights on Saturday, diplomats and community organizers said.

Saied charged that migrants were behind most crime in the North African country, fueling a spate of sackings, evictions, and physical attacks against the community. Some 300 West African migrants were set to leave Tunisia on repatriation flights Saturday, fearful of a wave of violence since President Kais Saied delivered a controversial tirade last month. In comments to the National Security Council on Tuesday published online by the presidency, Saied called for “urgent measures” to stop the arrival of “hordes of illegal immigrants from sub-Saharan Africa”, who he said bring “violence, crime, and unacceptable practices”.

Immigrants, he said, are part of a “criminal plot” intended to change Tunisia’s demographic makeup.

The African Union expressed “deep shock and concern at the form and substance” of Saied’s remarks, while Governments in sub-Saharan Africa scrambled to organize the repatriation of hundreds of fearful nationals who flocked to their Embassies for help. Rights groups have accused Tunisian President Kais Saied of racism and hate speech after he vowed to crack down on migration from sub-Saharan Africa, which he said was an organized scheme aimed at changing Tunisia’s demographic makeup.

The statements sparked an outcry, with many people accusing the President of racism, and invoking right-wing conspiracy theories. “It is a racist approach just like the campaigns in Europe,” said Ramadan Ben Amor, spokesperson for the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights (FTDES). Tunisia is dealing with a deepening economic crisis, with growing debt and surging inflation, and shortages of essential goods. Saied, who has seized almost total power since shutting down parliament in July 2021, has blamed the shortages on unidentified “speculators”.

Acts of xenophobic violence against sub-Saharan Africans are surging across Tunisia,” Salsabil Chellali, Tunisia director for Human Rights Watch, told Bloomberg. She couldn’t give specifics on the number of victims but said the violence against black Africans was worse than anything the country has seen before. The rare racial violence was triggered by the presidency’s use of “hateful and xenophobic remarks at a time of deep crisis,” Chellali said. Rights groups say hundreds of African migrants are seeking to flee Tunisia after the unprecedented wave of violence, arrests, and evictions. Many came to Tunisia to study or to take on jobs in construction, childcare, and hotels, but some have used it as an illegal transit point for crossing into Europe.

Tunisia, like other North African countries, has come under pressure from European Governments to reduce crossings. But Saied’s critics say the approach has resulted in an authorized witch hunt by vigilantes and gangs targeting the most vulnerable. Saied’s comments come at a time when popular discontent is growing about the economy. Tunisians are struggling with shortages in food staples like cooking oil and coffee as well as medicine. That’s in part due to Government-imposed import curbs to save foreign currency.

 

 

President Bio Underscores Sierra Leone’s Commitment to UN Principles, Dilates on Collective Cause of the g7+  

President Bio has, on the 5th March, 2023 reiterated his commitment to the collective and shared responsibility to uphold the principles of the United Nations and affirmed his country’s renewed solidarity in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and intensifying cooperation among Least Developed Countries, LDCs.

The President, who was speaking during the General Debate at the Fifth UN Conference on LDCs, also assured of the collective cause of the g7+, that Sierra Leone currently chairs, adding that that cause was already aligned with the Doha Plan of Action, which recognizes the nexus of peace and development.

“18 of the 20 g7+ countries are on the LDC list. This group of countries continues to be adversely and disproportionately affected by the current global crises. We, therefore, renew calls for debt relief and investments in connectivity and infrastructure that support economic diversification. Additionally, regional and global actors must support shared peace ecosystems while adhering to aid effectiveness principles such as respect for country ownership and leadership.

“Only by doing that can we achieve what this year’s theme promises – ‘from potential to prosperity.’ The theme, therefore, resonates with Sierra Leone’s aspirations. We are committed to implementing national strategies that are consistent with the Doha Programme of Action for the decade 2022-2031.

“We welcome the six focus areas that are aligned with Sierra Leone’s current Medium-Term National Development Plan (2029-2023). It will also be mainstreamed into our successor national development plan (2024-2028),” he said.

President Bio observed that the world had registered great transformation since the first UN LDC Conference in 1981, with some countries graduating from LDC status, but noted that the persistent structural global inequalities, the COVID-19 pandemic, recent geopolitical tensions, global economic headwinds and disruptions had reversed the gains most LDCs had made toward achieving the SDGs.

“We acknowledge that 14% of the global population lives in LDCs and continues to grapple with poverty, food insecurity and malnutrition, poor health care, and other structural challenges that further expose them to vulnerabilities. We therefore must scale up international and national efforts to urgently address the plight of this group of countries.

“Let me…express my deep gratitude to His Highness, Tamin Bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, for consenting to host this Summit and for the warm hospitality, support, and outstanding facilities that have been placed at our disposal.

“Let me also commend the leadership of the LDCs for conducting the work of the group, providing support and forward momentum for our efforts, even during these very challenging times. We are grateful that you have actively protected the interests of the Group in the process of implementing the Programme of Action and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,” he said.

Celebrated for championing some of the biggest social capital projects in the recent history of the West African nation, President Bio also assured that his Government would continue to advance human capital development by investing in people through quality education, healthcare, and food security.

He added that their recent Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment law had set legal minimums for the representation and participation of women in the private and public sectors. He said they would continue to prioritize interventions that address vulnerabilities and exclusion among women, girls, youth, the aged and the disabled.

“We will scale up radical inclusion, financial inclusion, skills development and job creation, and continue to pursue our National Social Protection Policy. Through the 10-year National Innovation and Digital Strategy (2019-2029) we will continue to facilitate and support a vibrant national innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem for the public and private sectors.

“In-country, we will continue to implement our integrated national financing framework, scale-up financial digitalization, and strengthen our national systems for more effective resource mobilization and efficient use of public finances.

“We will accelerate efforts at addressing climate change and environmental degradation; diversify our economic activities with a renewed focus on boosting food production and agribusiness, tourism, fisheries, and light manufacturing. We can also generate significant regional trade volumes by implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area initiative.

“Let me conclude by expressing our sincere hope that within a spirit of multilateralism, we can galvanize significant global efforts to effectively address the challenges confronting the LDCs. By tackling those, we can ensure that ‘no country is left behind’ in the race to meet the UN 2030 SDGs,” he concluded.

Yvonne Aki-Sawyer Bids Farewell, Wishes for a Peaceful Election Outcome

In a well-attended ceremony held on Wednesday1st March2023 at the Freetown City Council (FCC) building, the former Mayor of the Freetown Municipality, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, outlined her successes made during her tenure as the Mayor of Freetown, from May 2018 – March 2023, and handed over the three decorative Mayoral chains as a symbol of authority of the Office of the Mayor to the Chief Administrator, Festus Kallay.

It was an evening of deep reflection and mixed feelings as staff at the FCC, Councilors and Freetonians showered praises and goodwill messages on her for her exemplary leadership over the past four Years. Ordinary Freetonians, Staff of FCC, Councillors, market women and Street Sweepers surprised her with gifts etc.

The cocktail was graciously attended by the APC Flagbearer, Dr. Samura Kamara, Tony Blair Institute Country Lead Mariama- Anthony Williams, UK High Commissioner -Lisa Chesney, Irish Ambassador- Claire Buckley, World Bank Country Manager- Abdu Muwonge, EU Delegation Rep. Serena Bertiana, US Ambassador- David Reimer and many other development partners and stakeholders.

“May I use this opportunity to wish Freetonians and all Sierra Leoneans a peaceful and democratic 24th June 2023 elections and a bright and prosperous future for our beloved city and nation. May God bless us all” Aki Sawyer expressed goodwill.

It could be recalled that her tenure came to an end  pursuant to a Letter from the Minister of Local Government, Tamba Lamina dated 8thFebruary 2023 instructing all Mayors, Chairpersons, and Councilors to “Vacate” their respective Local Councils on the 1stMarch 2023.

Four years on, there is a school of thought that believes that the former Mayor, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr’s successes could be characterized as a win for Freetown and by extension Sierra Leone.

They pointed that amongst her successes includes: The Early Learning Adventure Day Care Nursery Centers constructed in the city considered to be a huge score under her leadership especially as it availed the children of women trading at Congo Water Market, Wellington standard preschool education.

The Congo Water Market Day Care and Nursery caters for 40 children (18 girls and 22 boys) aged 0 – 5 years, who receive free early education using hands-on activities designed to promote the development of motor and cognitive abilities. A similar facility was also constructed at Kroo Town Road market. The only condition for registration at these early learning centers is that the mother is a trader at the market.

They also pointed out the Official Launch of Freetown’s First Climate Action Plan – Environmental Management.

On the 19th January, 2023, the FCC reached another significant milestone in building a climate-resilient city and combating the effects of climate change. The former Mayor officially launched Freetown’s first-ever climate Action Plan in collaboration with C40 Cities, the plan that follows the two-pronged approach to implement mitigation and adaptation measures in the fight against climate change. The plan introduces policies and ideas that will help the city to move forward with existing consequences of climate change.

Another that was mentioned was the C40 Cities Bloomberg Philanthropy Award 2022, winning in the United to Innovate Category.

They referred to 2022 when Freetown was honored to be selected as a winner of the 2022 C40 Cities Bloomberg Philanthropy Award under the United to Innovative category for the Project, Freetown the Tree Town. According to them, it was an honor for Freetown to be recognized as a leader in global efforts to tackle the climate crisis and she stayed united in action with other bold and impactful cities paving the way for a greener &healthier future across five award categories.

The Awards winners were announced at the C40Summit in Buenos Aires, the largest convening of city leaders to address the climate crisis, attended by more than 40 world-leading Mayors and scientists, business leaders, campaigners, and youth leaders.

The Kingtom Waste Plant constructed by the FCC was also mentioned.

Sierra Leone’s first-ever waste water treatment plant at Kingtom dumpsite became fully operational in 2021. The construction of the FSM plant was a milestone in her journey to address the challenges of the integrated waste management system for the increasing population in Freetown.

In terms of Flood Mitigation activities, the 2022 flood mitigation project is said to have been geared towards clearing public drainages, raise public awareness on flooding risks, encourage communities to participate in and own flood mitigation interventions, and strengthen FCC sanitation inspection and enforcement. Drainage projects implemented by FCC in the past four years have reduced flooding in various communities during the rainy season.

The FCC Salary harmonization process had been completed and a transparent system of salary that objectively reflect qualifications, experience and length of service was being implemented for all staff from February 2023.

Over 1000 Jobs were created for women, street sweepers, MET Officers during her tenure which has provided economic empowerment, growth, and development.

With regards Sanitation – Healthy City they say four years on, the FCC together with numerous partners have been working to improve solid and liquid waste management systems in the city. Creation of the Youth Tricycle Microenterprises, a critical component of FCC’s integrated Waste Management Value Chain, opening and operation of Sierra Leone’s first liquid waste management plant, the building of waste transfers stations, and numerous improvements in the dump sites and sanitation fleet performance, are said to be just a few examples of her commitment to make Freetown cleaner and healthier for the residents.

The aforementioned achievements are said to be in line with the Transform Freetown agenda that was geared towards continually transforming lives and giving a facelift to the city, Freetown.

Transform Freetown was a collective action and a priority strategic plan under the watch of  former  Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyer.

Priorities were grouped into four clusters – Resilience, Human Development, Healthy City, and Urban Mobility.

During her bidding farewell, she expressed delight that the Transform Freetown Project has been successful and that she remains committed to achieving the goals of addressing Freetown’s socio-economic challenges and environmental vulnerabilities.

 

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