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Magistrate Hadiru Daboh Sends G4 Security Guard to 2 Years 6 Months Imprisonment 

Magistrate Hadiru Daboh of Magistrate Court No3 on Ross Road in Freetown on the 1st February, 2023 sentenced one Ormsby Cole, a G4 Security Guard to two years and six months Imprisonment for stealing eight foreign extra bottles of stout, property of Sierra Leone Brewery Limited Company.

The Accused, Ormsby, was brought before the Court to answer to one count of Larceny contrary to Section 2 of the Larceny Act of 1916. He pleaded guilty.

Before delivering his sentence, Magistrate Daboh said the Accused was primarily employed by G4 Security Company to secure the lives and properties of the Sierra Leone Brewery Company Limited, yet he became their own thief. According to him, such people should not be pardoned with caution and discharge.

He ordered that the exhibits be returned to the Brewery Company.

The matter was prosecuted by S.I.M M George Esq and the Accused was defended by J.A.M.M Amara Esq.

‘We Can Help SL Ltd’ Trains Domestic Workers, Sales Persons and Care Givers

Foday Moriba Conteh

As part of their strides towards empowering Domestic Workers, Sales Persons and Care Givers in the country, ‘We Can Help SL Ltd’, a recruitment Agency that was established in 2019, has on Friday 27th January, 2023 concluded a one-day capacity building training and workshop for Domestic Workers, Sales Persons and Care Givers in the country. The one-day training and workshop was held at Jerusalem Hall on Campbell Street in Freetown.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer of ‘We Can Help SL Ltd’, Isha Konuah (Mrs) said that the organization was born out of her passion to help others, adding that since its formation, scores of skilled and unskilled persons, graduates and unlearned are now gainfully employed.

She added that the vision of the agency is two fold which includes the provision of jobs for the unemployed and the provision of help for job and business owners.

“Our services include: Nanny service, Domestic service, Care Service, cleaning Service, Office Personnel, Sales persons etc. We are duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security,”Isha Konuah (Mrs) disclosed.

She informed the gathering that the Agency has successfully recruited Sierra Leoneans for overseas jobs through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, stating that they pride themselves in the standards they create in the industry and their staff are well trained before giving an assignment.

The CEO maintain that it in that regard that they are organizing the one-day capacity building training and workshop for Domestic workers, sales persons and Care Givers in order to empower them with the requisite knowledge for the job market.

She encouraged beneficiaries to make good use of the training and further urged them to ensure that after the training they should put into practice the knowledge they have learnt in the course of the training.

In his address, the Assistant Director of Youth at the Ministry of Youths Affairs, Cyrus Chrispin Ngebea, commended the move by We Can Help SL Ltd for organizing the one-day capacity building training for young people.

He said that the mandate of the Ministry of Youth Affairs is derived from the Government’s Mid-Term Development Plan and that as a Ministry they have been working tremendously towards the development of young people in the country.

Cyrus Chrispin Ngebea maintained that the move by the Agency is a part of their efforts towards complementing Government’s efforts towards addressing issues of job employment and job creation in the country.

He said that the capacity building training is very important for them as young people of which he encouraged them to take the training serious and thereafter implement the knowledge acquired.

Giving the keynote address, the Assistant Director of Labour and Employment at the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Abu-Bakarr Sillah admonished participants present to make good use of the training which he described as very important to them as young people.

He informed them that as Domestic workers they have rights and responsibilities which they must perform in their jobs.

Abu-Bakarr Sillah said that Sierra Leone has ratified several laws that looks after them as workers in the country, adding that as a Ministry they are much aware of the issues faced by Domestic workers in the country, and that the Ministry is very committed towards addressing those issues.

He said that the Sierra Leone has the Services Collective Agreement which he stated covers Domestic Workers and that in this agreement there are stipulated terms and condition that should be applicable to Domestic Workers which includes hours or work, minimum wage etc.

Currently the Government, Sierra Leone Labour Congress and the Sierra Leone Employers Federation have concluded a negotiation on a new minimum wage that will be 800 New Leones which will come into effect after Parliament has given okay to it.

The Assistant Director concluded by expressing appreciation to We Can Help SL Ltd for their efforts towards complementing the efforts of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

These statements were followed by the official training by Rev. Larteley Mensah from Ghana and the Country Director for Premium Divine Trading Limited, Kenneth Konuah.

Participants of the training commended We Can Help SL Ltd for empowering them with the requite skills in order to do their work professionally.

They assured all that they will use the skills acquired during the training judiciously.

 

 

EPASL Exposes & Ensures Prosecution of Two Foreign Nationals for Illegal Mining

A verdict was secured on the1st February, 2023 by the Environment Protection Agency Sierra Leone (EPASL) against two foreign nationals for illegal mining operations contrary to Section 24 Subsection (1) of the EPASL Act No. 15 of 2022.

Appearing in Magistrate Court in Koidu City, Kono District presided over by Magistrate Alpha S Ndoleh, the two foreign nationals, Kalu Paul and David Obonnaya pleaded guilty and were subsequently sentenced to 3 years in prison or pay a joint fine of NLe150, 000.

The Magistrate also ordered the two to reclaim the mined out areas within a period of 1 week as well as prohibiting the two from undertaking any mining activity in Sierra Leone.

According to the particulars of the matter, on  the 11th January, 2023, the two were each arraigned before Magistrate Ndoleh on two count charges including  undertaking mining activities set out in the first scheduled without a valid.

Before delivering his judgment, Magistrate Ndoleh stated that under his watchful eye, no one will flout the laws of Sierra Leone and go free. He asked rhetorically: “Do you think Sierra Leone is a lawless and free country where you can just come and mine freely without due regard to the laws of the Land?”

He expressed optimism that the verdict will serve as a strong deterrent to others that are equally engaged in similar illegal mining activities in the country.

The Agency was represented by Barrister Halalo Allen, Manager of Legal and Compliance Department of EPASL who concluded his case the very day it was presented before the court and was now left for the two convicted persons to make their submissions.

Dr. Bondi Gevao Executive Chairman of the Agency expressed excitement over the verdict and called for a collective approach in strengthening environment governance. He recalled that Sierra Leone is faced with pressing environmental challenges and called for multi sectorial approach in addressing what he referred to as environmental threats.

It could be recalled that on Tuesday 13th December, 2022 the EPASL Kono regional team, in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Police from Motema Division, conducted a search exercise for illicit operations and projects with greater environmental impact as stated in Section 24 Subsection (1) of the EPASL Act No. 15 of 2022.

It states: “Except otherwise provided in this Act and notwithstanding the provision of any enactment, no person shall undertake and cause to be undertaken any of the projects set out in the first schedule unless he holds a valid license in respect of such a project”.

In respect of the above provision and during the monitoring and compliance search, at about 1:00 pm the team was able to discover illicit mining operations at Bongar Corner (Number Six) in Kamara Chiefdom Kono District owned and supported by the two convicted persons.

The two were on site with ongoing mining operations with the use of heavy machinery (excavator) and when interrogated by the team it was discovered that the two were operating without acquiring an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) license.

The conduct of the two was a clear breach of Section 24 Subsection (1)of the EPA Act No. 15 of 2022 .

It is worthy of note that any violation of the above provision warrants the Agency to impose a fine of 150 thousand Leones on a foreign national and 50 thousand Leones on a Sierra Leonean or institute a legal action.

The two were arrested and taken to the Motema Police Division and were asked to pay a fine of One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Leones each which they failed to do until they were charged to court and convicted.

-Founder: ARISE IIP

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

On 30th January, ARISE IPP invited journalists from different Media Houses from Sierra Leone to showcase some of the development projects that it has implemented in Benin and Garbon.

According to the Founder and CEO of ARISE IIP, ARISE IS and ARISE P&L, Gagan Gupta, Sierra Leone will positively transform in 24 Months as a result of the intervention  and activities of his company.

Speaking during the tour, the Communications Director of Arise IIP, Sarah Adnan revealed how the three companies do specialize in designing, financing, building and managing state-of-the art infrastructure across Africa.

According to her, ARISE IIP started from an humble beginning and succeeded in creating three specialized verticals, making it one of the largest infrastructure investment platforms in Africa in less than 10 years.

She disclosed that investment cumulated to USD 2bn+ (USD 4bn+ committed to date) has been made to develop a portfolio of 15 large-scale infrastructure projects across Africa.

The Communications Director maintained that sustainability has been put at the core of all the companies’ operations and strategy, promoting traceability, use of renewable energy, biodiversity preservation, and carbon neutrality.

“In 2021, ARISE IIP’s Gabon Special Economic Zone became the first carbon-neutral industrial zone in Africa, a year after being ranked the world’s best industrial zone in the wood sector by FDI Intelligence-Financial Times,” she said with pride.

It could be recalled that two weeks ago, the Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Mines, signed a huge contract with ARISE Industrial Platform for the management of the Pepel Port and facilitate major agricultural development in Sierra Leone.

According to the terms of the agreement, ARISE will invest over 400 M Dollars in Sierra Leone for three years and they will give Government 10% free carriage.

In Benin journalists were shown the level of investment that the company has made in the cotton industry of Benin. It was there that the Founder and CEO gave a brief profile of the company.

The journalists also visited various agricultural sites including some cotton farms where ARISE is helping farmers to develop themselves.

At the Gbowatangon, a farmer, Djalle Casvniu, who owns a hectre of land and is the Secretary of a Cooperative Society explained how ARISE is tremendously helping them as cotton farmers and as a cooperative society.

He mentioned having a farm that is cultivated by over 100 people noting that since he came in contact with ARISE, his life has changed.

“I am able to take care of my family and send my children to school,” he cheerfully disclosed.

He pointed out that the project has also changed a lot of things and that as a result some farmers are even able to build their own houses and have families.

Patrice Daivniu, who is the Manager of a Cotton Processing factory said that based on their laws they entered a joint venture agreement of which ARISE will own 65% of shares and the Government owning 35% with over 200 people being employed.

He explained that at the factory they check the weight, sort out the cotton before they separate the fiber from the seed.

Patrice added how they buy majority of the cotton from farmers in the north of the country.

It must be underscored that in Benin, particularly the northern region, farmers ,through an organization, are supplying hundreds of tons of cotton that are processed before exportation.

According to the Secretary General of the Cooperative, ‘Villageoise des Productions de Coton’, Gjale Casimir, a father of four ,he started cotton farming in 2017 in his village, Gbowatangon, Northern Benin on a one hectare of land.

He continued to inform the team of journalists from Sierra Leone that their Association comprises 28 members that own huge farm lands across the region, disclosing that during the rains they use fertilizers to increase production.

“I was able to enroll two of my kids into the country’s educational system through savings on cotton farming,” said Gjale with a broad smile while showcasing his massive farm to the media.

He disclosed that with the introduction of cotton farming by ARISE and partners in that part of Africa, many things changed in their various villages as farmers were able to construct houses and marry happily.

“ARISE supports us with fertilizers, farming equipments and training opportunities to enable our farming activities to be more successful,” he said adding that all their harvests or products are channeled through the Organization that works directly with the various fiber companies.

On his part, a prominent businessman stated that ARISE supports the farmers in terms of availing them financial support, fertilizers and also buy their products after harvest which helps to increase their levels of income.

According to the Manager of SODECO, one of the Fiber Companies, ARISE and the Government of Benin partnered and set up the Fibre Manufacturing Company that has employed over 200 employees with hundreds of truck drivers transporting the cotton from the farm to  factories.

He explained that upon arrival of the truck full of cotton they will first clean it before separating the fiber from the seed, disclosing that the fiber is exported while the seeds are used to manufacture oil for local use.

The Manager established that they have no business directly with the farmers but the organization that coordinates the process, stating that the cultivation of cotton increased during the last 3 years since ARISE started operations in Benin.

It is crystal clear that with ARISE now surfacing in Sierra Leone, the lives of farmers across the country will definitely be transformed like those in Benin, as the rail project will be extended to agricultural districts and neighboring countries.

Gagan Gupta is a seasoned entrepreneur, boasting 20+ years of professional experience, of which 12+ as a top executive. He is the Founder and CEO of ARISE IIP, ARISE IS and ARISE P&L, three companies specialized in designing, financing, building and managing state-of-the art infrastructure across Africa. years.
Gagan Gupta’s success derives from his unique ability to structure win-win partnerships (both public and private, including with world-class international groups), his unparalleled operational and execution capacity (all projects delivered on-time and on-cost, with successful and growing operations), his ability to manage all stakeholders effectively (States, private sector, civil society, etc.), and his talent for building and leading top-notch management teams. To support ARISE development, Gagan has secured solid partnerships with top-tier private and public shareholders, at both holding and assets level.

Gagan graduated from the University of Delhi, the ICAI and is a gold medalist chartered accountant.

NCTVA Mandates Civil Service Training College to Offer Diploma & High Diploma Courses

By Sheku Putka Kamara

The National Council for Technical Vocational and Other Academic Awards (NCTVA) has on the 2nd February, 2023 accredited the Civil Service Training College (CSTC) to offer various diploma and higher diploma courses. The accreditation ceremony was held at the college’s conference hall, State Avenue, Tower Hill, Freetown.

Principal of the College, Saa Kpulun welcomed the team from NCTVA and spoke of how the decision for his institution to gain accreditation was an informed one. He said that there was every need to adhere to the set standards of NCTVA and that the leadership of the Civil Service Training College treats the accreditation ceremony with utmost seriousness.

Registrar of CSTC, Mohamed Taylor said that the college is one of the oldest institutions in Sierra Leone and that there was every need for them to leave up to expectations. He informed that they have a very good working relationship with the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC), the Teaching Service Commission (TSC), Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) and other stakeholders. He said that in line with set standards, it was therefore prudent for them to seek accreditation from NCTVA.

The NCTVA representatives, Komba Moiwa and Sarah S. Barrie spoke on how accreditation processes are very rigorous and that thorough checks and validations are always made to ensure authenticity in issuing and granting accreditations. They added that after several assessments, the NCTVA management has considered it necessary to accredit the Civil Service Training College.

A formal presentation of the Accreditation Certificate was done on behalf of the Director of NCTVA, Ing. M.A Jalloh. The CSTC management promised to continue to engage the NCTVA and further proposed the putting together and signing of a memorandum of understanding and or a working document that’d inform how things and activities were to be carried out as time progresses.

Healey International Relief Foundation Donates Paediatric Shunts to Connaught Hospital

By Foday Moriba Conteh

During a snap ceremony held at the Administrative Department of the Connaught Hospital in Freetown, the Healey International Relief Foundation presented 2 pallets of paediatric shunts to the Management of Connaught Hospital.

The 2 pallets of paediatric shunts that contains 269 pieces will help children with hydrocephalus. This support is part of the strengthening health systems in Sierra Leone that Healey Foundation is implementing. The donation was donated by the manufacturer, Integra and the Catholic Medical Mission Board.

Handing over the Shunts, the Executive Director of Healey International Relief Foundation, Benjamin Parra, said that the Shunts are very important towards improving the health sector in the country.

He added that the Shunts were air freighted to Sierra Leone from Belgium donated by the manufacturer Integra, and the Catholic Medical Mission Board (CMMB) in order to support the Paediatric Department at
Connaught Hospital.

Benjamin Parra stated that the 2 pallets of paediatric Shunts worth about 725,000 United States Dollars which according him is part of their program of strengthening health systems in the country.

Receiving the donation, the Medical Director at Connaught Hospital, DCMO Clinical, Dr. Mustapha Kabba, expressed appreciation to the Healey International Relief Foundation and the Catholic Medical Mission Board and Integra for the kind gesture which he described as very important towards the development of the health sector in the country.

He said that the donated Shunts would help towards treating patients with hydrocephalus Pediatric cases at the facility.

On his part, the Pediatric Surgeon at Connaught Hospital, Dr. Aiah Lebbie, also applauded Healey International Relief Foundation and the Catholic Medical Mission Board for donating the Shunts to the hospital, adding that the Shunts are very important in treating patients with Hydrocephalus and that it has been a significant challenge in getting them.

He described the Shunts as the most expensive and durable ones that have been donated to the hospital.

Dr. Aiah Lebbie disclosed that on a weekly basis he is seeing 2 to 3 children being diagnosed with Hydrocephalus of which he said these shows that the cases of children with Hydrocephalus are increasing compared to before.

Closing the ceremony was the officially presentation of the Shunts to the Medical Director Connaught Hospital, DCMO Clinical, Dr. Mustapha Kabba by the Executive Director of Healey International Relief Foundation, Benjamin Parra.

 

Lands Ministry Signs Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) with TAF Global Africa

By Foday Moriba Conteh

As part of its efforts towards fulfilling President Bio’s vision to provide affordable housing units and develop micro cities across the country, the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning has on Tuesday 31st January 2023 signed a Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) with TAF Global Africa for the construction of 5,000 affordable houses in the country. The event took place at the Ministry’s Conference Hall, Youyi Building, Brookfields in Freetown.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Minister of Lands, Dr. Turad Senessie, said that the signing of the Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) with TAF Global Africa for the construction of 5,000 affordable houses in the country will help towards alleviating some of the housing problems faced by low income earners especially those working in the civil service, armed forces and other sectors in the country.

He stated that residential areas in Freetown are slowly turning into market centers and that this is not good for the image of the city. He said as a Government they need to reverse this trend and that the tool for this is the introduction of affordable housing.
He went on to state that the John Obey project is the beginning of micro-cities in Sierra Leone because there are more such projects in the pipeline in the near future. He added that when the houses are completed at John Obey, they would be complete with adequate WASH facilities, roads and other public amenities for all Sierra Leoneans irrespective of tribe, political affiliation or region.
He thanked President Bio for his vision and reminded his audience that when President Bio came to power, he promised to make land and housing accessible to all Sierra Leoneans and that this, the Lands Minister said, has become a reality. He used the opportunity to urge all Sierra Leoneans to support the project as it is very good for development and self-esteem.

Speaking on behalf of his company – TAF Africa Global, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mustapha Njie gave a brief background about how he was called by the First Lady of Sierra Leone who told him that her husband would like to talk with him. He added that from that first encounter, matters materialized to the point that he received a high-level delegation from the Sierra Leone High Commission in The Gambia led by Her Excellency Marian Shereef to invite him to Sierra Leone. He noted that at the end of it all, he is happy that it culminated into the signing of an agreement to construct 5,000 affordable housing units at John Obey.

He said that his company is capable and efficient and will not let the Government and People of Sierra Leone down, adding that he is proud that the whole affair is an African affair with no foreigner among them. “This is the way it ought to be – Africans coming together to solve Africa’s problems,” the TAF CEO said.
Other speakers including Alphonso Manley, representatives from Sierra Leone Institute of Architects, Sierra Leone Institution of Engineers, Mohamed Abu Sesay the Acting Director for Public, Private, Partnership (PPP) Unit in the Office of the Vice President, the Deputy Finance Minister, Solicitor General, Member of Parliament Hon. Quintin Salia – Chairman Lands and Housing Committee, Her Excellency Marian Shereef spoke on the contributions of their respective institutions towards the project and urged Sierra Leoneans to give it their fullest support because at the end of the day, the benefit goes to the country and not to any political party or individual.

The signing was climaxed by the formal handing over ceremony of over 200 acres of Sate Land at John Obey by the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning to TAF Global Africa for the construction of the 5000 affordable houses.

NP’s Steadfastness in Efficient Service Delivery is Impressive

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

By Ranger

Sierra Leone’s leading oil marketing company, NP-Sierra Leone Limited, has been very steadfast in its service delivery of high standard petroleum products which it imports since this country is not an oil producing nation.

Due to good managerial decisions the company has been doing extremely and exemplary well in terms of always ensuring the availability of those products in a timely manner which makes it possible for individuals to have ready access to them. It is no secret that the seriousness of the company, with regards ambitiously striving towards reaching the pinnacle within the business landscape not only in this country but far beyond, has heightened the confidence of its business partners to continue business relationships.

It must be hammered that NP-SL-Ltd is not extraordinary but like any business entity the company is susceptible to internal and external shocks that impact on its vibrancy and sustainability. Currently, the high exchange rate of the dollar to the Leone, meaning the Leone has drastically depreciated, is affecting many entities, creating inflation (prices of basic commodities have skyrocketed) and impinging negatively on the overall standard of living.

NP-SL –Ltd pays for petroleum products it imports and understandably whenever the price of the dollar goes up then it means the company is spending more Leones to buy dollars in order do so.

Accessing the very dollar has turned out to be a huge task as it is scarce which has created a situation whereby the company has to go the extra-mile to get the required amount of dollars it needs from time to time to import the products it markets.

For such an important company to continue to thrive it is but very prudent on the part of the Petroleum Regulatory Agency, the Bank of Sierra Leone and other commercial banks to give it the maximum attention and support it needs in the company’s bid to do foreign exchange transactions.

It has gone down the annals of history that the company is impressively one of the most successful indigenous entities that is sustainably forging ahead when others have collapsed for a variety of reasons.

A marked reality of the company’s viability is evident in its opening of branches in Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast, The Gambia and in all of those places it is providing qualitative customer care services to residents, making it a prime priority.

It has been established that NP has been meaningfully contributing to economic growth through payment of taxes and rolling out meaningful interventions in the discharge of its Corporate Social Responsibility which are transforming lives and improving communities.

The company has gained reputation for offering different jobs to Sierra Leoneans throughout the country where it is operating and this has helped in improving standards of living.

NP-SL gives preference to Sierra Leoneans with regards offering jobs, a clear indication that it is strictly poised towards adherence to the country’s Local Content Policy. Utilizing local talents makes it possible for indigenes to imbibe useful knowledge and skills through training exercises that could be applicable in other places.

The company has one of the best cooking gadgets, known as NP Gas that offers suitability for cooking purposes. There are different cylinder sizes and they could be located at all the filling stations of the company and also accessed from authorized agents or dealers.

In this digital age, moving away from the traditional way of transacting business has now become the norm. It is along such a line that it was thought wise on the part of the shareholders and Management to introduce the use of smart cards. With these cards, customers can procure petroleum products of whatever quantity they do desire.

“Using NP smart card always makes transactions very easy and convenient for me,” Amadu Koroma, an engineer informed.

For its solid service delivery to its numerous and esteemed customers right across the country, the company over the years, has gained widespread recognition and admiration evident in bagging awards from different organizations.

NP is really delivering, contributing positively to the socio-economic development of the country but it must be reiterated that contractual business agreements must be strictly adhered to by other parties so that such an important company will continue to operate unfettered.

 

SIERRA LEONE PORTS AUTHORITY

ADVERTISEMENT

SUPPLIER REGISTRATION

The Sierra Leone Ports Authority (SLPA) invites applications from eligible contractors, suppliers, consultants for works, goods and services to be registered in to appropriate categories for the specific goods and services as outlined.

Type or value of works, Office stationary and computer supplies, Computer services, Office equipment, Building materials, Medical instruments, Vehicles and generator spares/repairs, tyres and batteries, Office cleaning services/ fumigation, Safety/rain gears, tools and environmental equipment.

Application forms (suppliers Registration forms) can be obtained from the procurement unit of the SLPA at Queen Elizabeth II Quay, Cline Town, Freetown starting from Friday 3rd February, 2023 (9am – 4pm Monday to Friday).

EVALUATION CRITERIA

All applications must be accompanied by:

  1. Certified true copy of Business Registration Certificate
  2. Certified true copy of current National Revenue Tax clearance
  3. Evidence of up to date payment of National Social Security and Insurance trust (NASSIT) contributions (which the authority can be at liberty to verify)
  4. GST certificate
  5. Provide a copy of last balance sheet of Company.
  6. Supply brochure or literature on your company/Business
  7. Supply details of last 3 (three job/contracts awarded and fully implemented by your company
  8. Supply details of equipment holdings i.e. type of equipment owned, specifications and other details etc.

These requirements are subject to the threshold enshrined in the Public Procurement Act of 2004/2016. Standards set in this advert conform with policies designed by Management of Sierra Leone Ports Authority to harmonise public procurement processes with the establishment so that only qualified suppliers or contractors or other qualified providers of goods, works and services can be permitted to transact business with SLPA.

Applications should be delivered to the address below not later than 3rd March 2023 on or before 13:00 hours.

Head of procurement unit,

Sierra Leone Ports Authority,

Queen Elizabeth II Quay, Freetown.

Sheik Umar Sesay, Alleged Leader of “Luv Salone,” Evades Arrest Amid Political Turmoil

Sheik Umar Sesay
Sheik Umar Sesay

By Fatmata Jengbe

Various human rights activists in the country have seriously condemned the unlawful and wrongful arrests of young people identified as the real perpetrators of various violent protests that have erupted in some parts of the country including Freetown, the capital city, as some social media posts have indicated.

However, when this medium decided to undertake a serious investigation into the issue it came out glaringly that in actual fact such false identifications are mainly politically motivated and perpetrated by supporters of the ruling SLPP Government against those considered to be against the political establishment.

What has made the situation become very alarming is the fact that there are certain vigilante groups, said to be made up of supporters of the ruling SLPP Government, going around and clandestinely killing those considered to be diehard supporters of the opposition APC Party.

It was against such a backdrop that a resident of Lunsar, Port Loko District, Northern Sierra Leone, by the name of Sheik Umar Sesay, who is also a key member of “Luv Salone en Lef Bad Heart,” a non-political but influential group perceived as a politically charged group, with leaning to the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) Party, by the Sierra Leonean Government and the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) party, was accused as being one of the leaders of the violent protest calling for President Julius Maada Bio’s resignation.

During our investigation it was revealed that Sheik Umar Sesay, having completed his schooling at the A.D. Wurie Junior and Secondary School, ventured into a small business dealing with cell phones as well as operating a phone charging station in Freetown, with his business kiosk becoming the hub where discussions took place among young people on sensitive political Sierra Leonean issues.

He became acquainted with the controversial and opposition labeled Adebayor, a Sierra Leonean residing in the Netherlands, who considers himself an activist, whose messages resonated strongly with many, transcending political affiliations.

Adebayor’s advocacy for social and political reform led to the formation of “Luv Salone en Lef Bad Heart,” a non-political but influential group perceived as politically charged by the Sierra Leonean Government and ruling SLPP party.

Sheik Umar Sesay’s involvement with the “Luv Salone” Movement overwhelmed him leading him to organizing meetings, protests, and educational campaigns to advocate for political transformation. However, this activism led to grave consequences, with the group facing targeted persecution. Some of its members were extrajudicial and clandestinely exterminated forcing other to secretly convene meetings.

In June 2022, planning a peaceful protest, Sesay anticipated police resistance and during the demonstration, law enforcement authorities violently attacked and arrested numerous participants. Sesay was among those detained and endured severe maltreatment at a facility called “Benghazi.”

He faced interrogations, torture, and months of confinement in appalling conditions, subjected to beatings and coerced confessions.

His ordeal reached a grim pinnacle, when an officer stabbed him during a routine beating. Escaping from the hospital amidst chaos following a motor accident, Sesay sought refuge in Conakry, Guinea with a warrant of arrest hanging over his head and widespread circulation of his photographs were made with calls for information that will lead to his arrest.

As at this material moment if seen and arrested there is the greater likelihood that he will either be arrested, charged to court for subversive activities with him being possibly sent to life imprisonment, solitary confinement or just disappear surreptitiously from the face of the earth in the hands of political mobs through slow poisoning or clandestine means.

As we go to Press it is not certain as to whether Sheik Umar Sesay is still in Conakry, Guinea or not as for now his whereabouts remains unknown.

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