President Bio commits to free, fair elections in meeting with President Biden at the White House

December 16, 2022

By AmaduLamrana Bah in Washington

The White House has in a read-out statement said President Bio and five other leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to hold free, fair, and transparent elections conducted by competent, independent, and impartial national electoral bodies, as enshrined in the African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance.

The elections in Africa in 2023 will be consequential and while the United States does not support any specific candidate or party, they are committed to supporting electoral processes to deepen democracy in Africa, according to the statement.

President Joseph Biden yesterday, December 14th, 2022 at the White House before the State Dinner met with President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), President Ali Bongo Ondimba of Gabon, President George MannehWeah of Liberia, President AndryNirinaRajoelina of Madagascar, and President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria, to discuss their countries’ upcoming elections in 2023 at this critical time for democracy globally.

President Biden reflected on the recent midterm elections, noting that the strength and resilience of American democracy were reaffirmed in the process, and he reinforced the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to working collectively to renew and defend democracy at home and abroad.

“Although elections themselves do not equal democracy, President Biden underscored that holding elections is fundamental to a functioning democracy,” the statement said.

Together, the leaders discussed the challenges of holding elections and exercising the right to vote, including foreign interference and political violence, and shared best practices on how to manage these risks and ensure transparency and public confidence in the electoral process.

“Participants reaffirmed their commitment to holding free, fair, and transparent elections,” the statement noted.

Meanwhile, the White House has also announced that working with Congress, the United States plans to provide over $165 million to support elections and good governance in Africa in 2023.

“The United States has provided nearly $50 million in support of civil society and the electoral commissions in Nigeria and the DRC,” the statement ended.

It is not yet clear how much Sierra Leone will receive as support for its upcoming elections in June 2023 but so far civil society organizations and the media have expressed concern that elections-related support has been slow and most uncertain.

“By this time in 2018, we had the Standing Together for Democracy Consortium with significant support to implement a lot of activities around the elections. But this time round this is not the case,” said Ahmed SahidNasralla, President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ).

#USAfricaLeadershipSummit22

Legal Link Celebrates 4 Years of ImpactfulAdvocacy

December 16, 2022

By Foday Moriba Conteh

One of the Civil Society Organizations that have been making meaningful contributions to nation building, LEGAL LINK, successfully celebrated its 4th anniversary on the 13th December 2022 and also gave an update about its 4th annual report in defence of the rights of religious communities and vulnerable groups in Sierra Leone.
The 10th of December every year marks the official anniversary of LEGAL LINK. Exceptionally this year, the organization commemorated its 4th anniversary this year on the 13th December 2022 because the 10th fell on a Saturday.

Just four years since its inception, the organization has become a household name in Sierra Leone receiving accolades and recognitions both locally and internationally for its revolutionary and impactful programmes.

During the celebration of its 4th anniversary which was attended by interns, lawyers, law students, civil society organisations and representatives from the religious communities and vulnerable groups, the Executive Director of LEGAL LINK, Rashid Dumbuya Esq, thanked God for making LEGAL LINK to see its 4th anniversary and to also celebrate it in grand style and with outstanding achievements and laurels to show for it.

He further explained in summary the myriad of activities undertaken by LEGAL LINK in 2022 as well as the great successes achieved.

In his brief explanation, the Executive Director of LEGAL LINK, Lawyer Rashid Dumbuya was able to inform the plenary about the interventions made by the organization to vulnerable groups such as disables, mental health patients, old people, orphans, abused women and children, labourers and human rights defenders amongst others.

In giving their remarks, the Executive Director of C4D, Marcus Bangura and the Executive Director of Citizens Advocacy Network (CAN), Thomas Moore Conteh Esq dilated on LEGAL LINK’s interventions on democracy, rule of law, justice and good governance issues in 2022.

According to them, LEGAL LINK stands out as one of the most credible civil society organizations in Sierra Leone that has continued to live up to the expectations of its mandate.

Several representatives from the religious communities, media, law students and vulnerable groups that witnessed the programme also expressed their thanks and appreciation for the good work LEGAL LINK has been doing over the past four years especially in defending their rights and given their lives true meaning and significance. They however appealed for LEGAL LINK to continue to build on this success in the coming years so that a culture of respect for human rights in Sierra Leone will be garnered and sustained.

The Executive Director assured the said representatives of LEGAL LINK’s continued support in 2022 and in the years to come.

Statements were also made by some of the legal interns of LEGAL LINK, expressing their gratitude to the Executive Director of the organization for the knowledge and mentorship impacted on them. They further thanked all those that supported LEGAL LINK over the years and appealed to the donor community to support the organization in 2022 so that it can do more to defend the rights of religious communities and vulnerable groups in Sierra Leone.

The programme ended up in a joyful party celebration in honour of LEGAL LINK’s fourth anniversary.

UN Women Advisor Underscores Need to Safeguard Women & Girls Rights

December 16, 2022

By Abubakarr Harding

The United Nations (UN) Women Advisor,Soulef Guessoum, has said60% of woman in Sierra Leone experience physical and sexual violence, and 30% of young girls are married before reaching the age of 18 years.

Soulef made that statement during the commemoration of the International Human Rights Day which was12^thDecember, 2022 at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown.

She said it’s a pleasure for her to be part of the occasion of the Human

Rights Day of which the slogan this year is “Dignity, Freedom and Justice for All” and it is an occasion that people should take stock on what hasbeen done to protect and save the dignity of the people in Sierra Leone.

Soulef Guessoum said this year Sierra Leone has adopted a new election law thatensures more political rights for women and also passed the Gender Equality Act.

She maintained that the Act covers several areas including woman’srepresentation and participation in public office at least by 30%representation in cabinet and in parliament noting that the bill alsoprovides extension of maternity leave to 14 weeks from 12.

According to her, several adopted laws failed because their regulations were unclear or lack effective sanctions. “We need to redouble ourefforts to make the Gender Equality Act effective and properly implemented,” she stated adding that despite their joint efforts the protection of women’s rights cannot be achieved in a limited timeframe as it requires long term commitment to make the social changes needed. She said as UN women they will continue towork with partners and across the UN system to strengthen protectionfor woman and girls including human rights defenders.

On his part, Dr. Babatunde A. Ahonsi, the United Nations ResidentCoordinator in Sierra Leone, said the purpose of the celebration is to increase knowledge of the UDHR as a foundational blueprint for takingconcrete action to stand up for human rights, “ For our rights and those ofothers we all must ensure that no one is left behind in this journey,” he said.

Dr. Ahonsi, said UDHR 75 was focusing on three key objectiveseducation, which is to increasing global knowledge and awareness ofthe UDHR and its enduring relevance for our times and for the future.

The other one is promote attitude change, countering the increasingscepticism of and rollback against human rights by establishing that human rights are never relative and must always be upheld as whatunites all humanity, and third is to empower and mobilizing

“It’s equally important to ensure that Government and people embracea shared and comprehensive vision of human rights for a just andsustained development,” he said.

European Union Ambassador Manuel Muller stated that the United Nations stands forthe universality of all human rights and pubic freedom as a crucial part of a rules based world order. “Altogether, we are united Nations,” he said adding that human rights are at the heart of the European Union’s internaland external relations, said the European Union upholds and advanceshuman rights around the world.

He continued that this year the EU joins forces with the UN tocommemorate the proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Humanrights and to reaffirm their commitment to ensure that human rightsare upheld and respected everywhere.

He furthered that this year’s Human rights Day is particularly importantbecause it will mark the beginning of the 75th anniversary year of thedeclaration, said almost 75 years after its proclamation, the declarationis more relevant than ever.

MamadiGobeh Kamara, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs andInternational Cooperation, applauded the UN Resident Coordinator for organizing and thecelebration of UDHR day.

She said she is pleased to be part of the programme that celebrates the adoption of the – Universal Declarationof Human Rights (UDHR).

The UDHR document guarantees the inalienable rights which everyoneis inherently entitled to as a human beingregardless of race, color,religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or socialorigin, property, birth or other status.

She said it is the most translated document in the history of the world,available in more than 500 languages.

“The very fact that this documenthas stood the test of time is a testament to the enduring universality ofits perennial values of equality, justice and human dignity. Theprinciples enshrined in the Declaration are as relevant today as theywere in 1948 when they were adopted. The Declaration was passed at atime when the world was just recovering from the horrors of theSecond World War, a time of great uncertainties, when citiesthroughout Europe and Asia lay in smouldering ruins,” she gave an historical backdrop maintaining that the world needed a glimmer of hope for a secured future.

Professor David Francis Maintains Practising Democracy is Challenging

December 16, 2022

Remove term: Professor David Francis Professor David Francis

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

During a bilateral meeting held on the 14th December 2022 at the Washington Convention Center, United States of America, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Professor David Francis, intimated the U.S. Under- Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Victoria Jane Nuland, that practising democracy is a big challenge today.

The Minister referenced the January 6th event that the United States is grappling with, which no longer makes any country the prophet of democracy.

He further informed international journalists who are in the United States to cover the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit that his Government is determined to continue upholding the tenets of democracy.

According to the Minister, Sierra Leone has successfully organized, and funded the mid-term census which has given the country the necessary data to plan its development agenda.

The Foreign Affairs Minister further informed the U.S. Under -Secretary of State for Political Affairs, during the bilateral meeting, that a biometric system was introduced that will help manage data system for accurate and reliable information.

On the conduct of the June 2023 elections, Professor Francis told the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs that Sierra Leone has passed a Proportional Representation system of election in Parliament which will usher in free, fair, and democratic elections.

He said as a Sovereign nation Sierra Leone has to fund the 2023 elections underscoring that such does not mean that Sierra Leone do not need support. The Minister used the opportunity to appeal to Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs for technical support to Sierra Leone during next year’s elections.

On her part, U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Victoria Jane Nuland, informed Professor Francis that the United States will continue supporting Sierra Leone in its democratization process.

Nancy Pelosi & Anthony Blinken Host President Bio & Wife

December 16, 2022

By Amin Kef (Ranger), Washington DC

The First Couple of Sierra Leone His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio and First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio was hosted by Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, in the Capitol Building of the United States of America at a reception for African and American World Leaders on Tuesday 13th December 2022.

Speaking at the Reception was U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, who welcomed the visitors and thanked Honourable Nancy Pelosi for hosting America’s distinguished guests during the ongoing U.S. Africa Leaders Summit.

H.E. President Julius Maada Bio earlier that day had graciously assented to the request by President Joe Biden for him to address the African & Diaspora Young Leaders Forum and during the Reception by Nancy Pelosi he was feted and highly commended by many present for his statements and for his positive leadership in so many sectors of Sierra Leone.

First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio was also extensively engaged during which she received commendations for her distinguished local and global work especially her recent successful introduction of a United Nations Resolution to declare November 18 as a special day for Prevention and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Violence.

Meanwhile, Secretary Antony Blinken asserted at the Reception that the U.S. State Department is committed to working with Congress to expand and modernize U.S. partnerships across Africa on economic prosperity, democracy and human rights, health, food security, and climate.

United States to Provide over $165M to Support Elections & Good Governance in Africa-2023

December 16, 2022

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

According to the President of the United States of America, Joe Biden, his administration plans to provide over $165 million to support elections and good governance in Africa in 2023.

The President made that statement during the U.S.-Africa Business Forum of the US-Africa Summit held In Washington from the 13^th to the 15^th December, 2022.

The President said it is about connections and the shared future as he announced over $15 billion in two-way trade and investment commitments, deals, and partnerships to advance shared priorities.

“I met with Presidents of the DRC, Gabon, Liberia, Madagascar, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone to discuss their countries’ upcoming polls in 2023 and challenges and opportunities facing democracies,” President Biden stated.

He intimated how they discussed the importance of holding free, fair, and transparent elections, and of working together to strengthen democracy globally.

VIP Supplies Variety of High Quality Rice to the Police Force

December 16, 2022

By Abubakarr Harding

The Sierra Leone Police Force through its Directorate of Support Services, Media and Outreach Department has confirmed the supply and distribution of the best quality rice in the market the PER-BOIL PUSAWA RICE to all police officers nation-wide by their rice contractor, VIP.

It must be noted that Government has been supplying rice to security sector personnel as a form of addressing a very critical welfare need and a boost to their morale.

The issue of the supply of rice to the security sector has been categorized to have political and security implications because untimely and poor quality rice supply reflects negatively on performances of personnel.

Contract for the supply of rice to the Police Force was awarded to Bella Trading Company SL Ltd owned and controlled by a successful business tycoon ,Ahmed H Hashim, commonly known as VIP, who doubles as the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of VIP Group of Companies. Since then anomalies and irregularities in the supply of rice to the police became a thing of the past as the company ensured high measures in quality control and timely supplies throughout the execution of its contract.

This medium went further to interview police personnel in various locations nationwide who were jubilating praising and expressing their appreciation to the Inspector General of Police, William Fayia Sellu and Bella Trading Company.

EU Delegation Reveals Masters Scholarship Programme to Study Overseas

December 16, 2022

By Millicent Mannah

For the past weeks, the European Union Delegation to Sierra Leone in partnership with the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education have been briefing students of the Njala University in Bo, the University of Sierra Leone in Freetown, and the University of Makeni (UNIMAK) in Makenion how to apply for the EU-funded Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree Scholarship Programme.

The sessions were aimed at enhancing awareness among students about the opportunity to study in Europe and to increase the number of Sierra Leoneans applying and being selected under the programme.

The session attracted over 1,500 students from various faculties of the Universities, who actively participated at the events.

The Erasmus programme is for:

Undergraduatestudents
students with Bachelor’s degree (first degree)
students who are in the last year of their bachelor studies and will graduate before the Master’sprogramme starts.

It gives the opportunity to Sierra Leoneans studentsand other students across the world to study in European Universities and includes full scholarships, which covers:

university fee;
flight ticket to Europe;
a monthly living allowance:

During the programme, students study in at least 2 European countries between one to two academic years.

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are high-level and integrated study programmes, at Masterslevel which are designed and delivered thank to an international partnership among higher education institutions (HEIs). They involve at least three HEI from three different countries, of which at least two are EU Member States and third countries associated to the Programme.

By supporting these jointly recognised Master degrees, the European Union aims at fostering excellence and internationalisation of the participating institutions. The EU Delegation encourages Sierra Leonean students to apply to benefit from this once in a lifetime experience.

Application to the programme is open now and will close in mid-February 2023.

Check on this link to apply: https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/opportunities/opportunities-for-individuals/students/erasmus-mundus-joint-masters-scholarships

Officials of Turkish Ministry of Defense Visit RSLAF

December 16, 2022

By Amin Kef

Officials of the Turkish Ministry of National Defense paid a visit to the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) last week in the wake of signing a Military Framework Agreement by both countries on the 5th August, 2022.

The aim of the visit was for the Turkish Ministry of National Defense to have an understanding of MoD/RSLAF’s current structure and capabilities with particular attention to possible areas of intervention and assistance.

The delegation from the Turkish Ministry of National Defense was taken on a tour of RSLAF’s unit headquarters based in the Western Area. Some of the units visited are: Joint Communications Unit (JCU), Joint Logistics Unit (JLU), Peace Mission Training Center (PMTC), Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (EME), Maritime Wing, among others.

According to the Head of the Turkish delegation, Colonel Mustafa Baloğlu, “we are going to do our best to provide support where we can, and we look forward to a high level delegation from Sierra Leone”.

The Military Framework Agreement signed by Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Defense and Türkiye’s Ministry of National Defense provides a framework for enhancing cooperation and relations between the two countries’ military on defense related matters. It also covers the training of RSLAF’s personnel, provision of material, equipment, information and experience.

Officials of Turkish Ministry of Defense Visit RSLAF

NP-SL: Synonymous with Customer Care &a True Partner in Development

December 16, 2022

By Amin Kef-Ranger

It is strongly incontestable that the leading petroleum company in the country, NP-Sierra Leone Limited, is highly known for being the first in the realm of customer care. This is indisputable when cognizance is taken of how Management is very keen on optimizing customer satisfaction in its service delivery on different fronts.

Members of staff of the company are very mindful of the fact that it is the customer that comes first and therefore needs the utmost attention always ensuring that transactions are conducted under a congenial atmosphere that results into a win-win situation. For this brilliant and managerial initiative, the company has been making positive headways in positioning to stand tall among other business entities in this part of the world.

With a capable and result-oriented Staff, working collaboratively and assiduously, where even the cleaner is regarded as highly relevant there is bound to be positive outcomes and the company has mastered this by ensuring that synergy is enhanced.

One admirable quality that NP-SL Ltd possesses is working tirelessly and effectively using its contacts with oil-producing countries in order to ensure that there is timely purchase and delivery of petroleum products to avoid shortages. It goes without saying that fuel, for example, could be a political commodity in the sense that fluctuation in its price would make a Government likeable or unpopular. When the price goes up then people blame the Government for that but if it goes down it is kudos for the political administration.

Its timely importation of petroleum products has earned NP high commendations from various quarters simply because it helps to cushion unrest and other forms of disadvantageous effects one of which is increase in transport fares, increase in the prices of certain commodities. The pro-activeness of the company invariably has a direct impact on poverty reduction in variable ways.

Some who may not be aware of the fact that NP-SL Ltd is wholly owned by Sierra Leoneans vis-à-vis the visibility of the company and how it is remarkably striving could find it hard to believe that it a truly indigenous company.

However, that remains the plain truth when it is learnt that it was Sierra Leonean 35 workers formerly working for British Petroleum (BP) who pulled together their end of service benefits to purchase shares which were used to establish NP, which today is a success story of an indigenous company, having branches in various parts of the country and in other four West African countries namely Liberia, Guinea, Ivory Coast and The Gambia. The company’s operations right across the spectrum is contributing towards revenue generation and job creation for many.

With gas as one its marketable products it was thought wise to be producing gas cookers, popularly known as NP Gas, which could be access at their different filling stations. According to investigation conducted NP Gas is cooking-friendly, safe and long lasting. It is going at an affordable price and many are going for it.

The company, in line with matching with technology,introduced the use of a Smart Card widely known as NP Smart Card which is a Card with memory chip embedded that can be credited with money and debited when it is used during the purchase of fuel. The holder only slots the loaded card into the space on the pumping machine after commanding the amount of fuel to be pumped and the exact amount is discharged with the card ready for another recharge to be used for the next purchase. It has been acknowledged that it is a safe, cashless way of conducting transactions assuring greater security and budgetary adjustments.

When reference is made to the effective implementation of the Local Content Policy, then NP-SL Ltd stands tall within that realm as nearly all its members of staff are Sierra Leoneans thereby making use of local talents everywhere they are operating. The Local Content Policy is indeed an engine of growth and NP is making full use of it.
Although these are trying times for the company in terms of easily accessing petroleum products as a result of the war between Russia and Ukraine, however, Management is doing everything possible to ensure that these products are available and accessible.