Chinese Embassy & SISLAA Hold Symposium to Learn Lessons of Chinese Modernization

November 14, 2022

The Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone and Sino-Sierra Leone Alumni Association (SISLAA) on 11^th November 2022 jointly held a symposium themed: “Enlightenment and Opportunities of Chinese Modernization to Sierra Leone”.

Chargé d’affaires ad interim of the Chinese Embassy Li Xiaoyong, Deputy Minister of Agriculture Dr. Theresa Tenneh Dick, SISLAA President Dr. Alphaeus Koroma, members of SISLAA, and the media attended the event.

Li Xiaoyong pointed out that Chinese modernization is the socialist modernization led by the Chinese Communist Party (CPC), which not only has the common features of modernization of all countries but also has Chinese characteristics. Chinese modernization is the modernization of a huge population, of common prosperity for all, of the combination with material and cultural-ethical advancement, of harmony with nature, and of peaceful development.

He averred that the essential requirements of Chinese modernization are: upholding the leadership of the CPC and socialism with Chinese characteristics, pursuing high-quality development, developing whole-process people’s democracy, enriching people’s cultural lives, achieving common prosperity for all, promoting harmony between humanity and nature, building a human community with a shared future, and creating a new form of human advancement.

Mr. Li furthered that China’s development path will provide a new option for the vast number of developing countries including Sierra Leone; China’s opening to the outside world will create new opportunities for African countries; China’s development will further boost China-Sierra Leone cooperation and improve the quality of life of the two peoples; China’s peaceful development will promote the steady and long-term development of China-Sierra Leone friendship.

Dr. Theresa Tenneh Dick, Dr. Alphaeus Koroma and members of SISLAA happily recalled their memory of studying in China and congratulated China on the successful convening of the 20th Congress of the CPC National Congress. They said that Sierra Leone can learn so much from Chinese Modernization, including pursuing modernization through a path that suits to one’s own conditions, seeking common prosperity and eradicating poverty, developing based on one’s own efforts and more international cooperation, etc.. The participants vowed to play a more active role in promoting the mutual understanding between Sierra Leone and China.

High Costs of Doing Business Seriously Affecting Operations of Telecommunications Companies

November 14, 2022

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

As was promised in a recent edition we published, this medium continued thorough investigation aimed at proving the veracity of rumours making the rounds in certain circles that telecommunications services in the country will be shortly disrupted if practical and concrete steps are not taken to address certain burning issues affecting the smooth operations of GSM Companies in the country, various moves were taken.

It is a sad fact that in modern times the global economy is going through tough economic times as standards of living are falling rapidly, especially in developing countries, evident in the escalation of the prices of basic commodities and services. The negative effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on national economies, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine War is also having its economic toll on most countries added to bad political governance that continues to plunge the vast majority into abject poverty.

In an attempt to make a radical departure from the past against the backdrop of revamping the economy much emphasis was placed on Direct Foreign Investment with the aim of wooing potential investors into the country that will have positive effects on the economy.

Although to a certain extent the initiative is good, however, certain militating factors are really preventing potential investors from being attracted into the country.

Our investigation proved beyond all reasonable doubts that telecommunications companies operating in the country are currently not finding it all rosy as the costs they are expending on operations have now gone off the roof as compared to what they used to realize in returns.

Telecommunications companies now find themselves in a very tight corner. Based on the costs of production, which have escalated tremendously, these GSM Companies want to make adjustments in data prices in order to regain strong business stamina.

On the contrary, the Government is against any increase in data prices as it wants to demonstrate that it is championing the interest of the masses. Juxtaposing the two now turns the situation into a quagmire.

However, what cannot be hurriedly swept under the carpet at this material time is the indisputable fact that telecommunications companies are indeed going through very trying times.

It must be noted that since SALCAB folded up and Zoodlabs took over control of the internet there has been improvement in terms of speed. Worthy of note is that at the beginning of 2022, the cost of 1 Gbps data from Zoodlabs was Le 156 Million (Old Leones). Today, it is Le234 Million per Gbps recording 53% increase in the direct cost of internet.

To any right thinking individual, the sharp increase in the price of the internet will invariably not encourage telecommunications service providers to maintain the same old data prices. Even a brilliant kindergarten kid will tell you that the two do not add.

Telecommunications companies are always trying their best to woo as many subscribers to their networks which is why some are even attempting to access hard to reach areas of communities. To address that, they, from time to time have to construct telecommunications sites, towers erected etc. Lamentably, the costs of site construction materials (Steel and Cement) have gone up.

Whilst the cost of cement per bag and steel per ton were Le 65,000 and Le 6,000,000 (Old Leones) in the past, they presently stand at Le. 120,000 and Le. 11,500,000 respectively accounting for 92% increase.

Increase in fuel cost is now the order of the day. Telecommunications companies utilize fuel in large quantities meaning that they have to pay for more fuel.

Fuel price is at Le.25, 000 (Old Leones) against Le. 6,000 per litre 5 years ago when the sector tariff was last reviewed. It recorded a colossal increase of 317%.

From the foregoing, it is indeed imminent that there will come a time when an impasse will set in creating very unpleasant and awkward situations that will affect effective communications.

As for now, the delicacy and seriousness of the unpalatable situation if not handled with tact and good entrepreneurial initiatives the imminent negative effects on telecommunications subscribers but will seriously dent the image of the country.

CARL-SL Launches Report on Electoral Justice in Sierra Leone

November 14, 2022

By Foday Moriba Conteh

During a well-attended ceremony held on Thursday 10^th November, 2022 at Chambers of the Chief Justice of Sierra Leone on Law Court Building on Siaka Stevens Street in Freetown, the Center for Accountability and Rule of Law (CARL-SL) with support from the Irish Embassy officially launched the study on Electoral Justice in Sierra Leone ahead of the 2023 general elections.

The objective of the study is to provide an assessment of the legal and structural environment for the effective administration of electoral justice and also seeks to assess the capacity of existing electoral dispute resolution mechanisms and make recommendations for reforms that may expand the opportunities for resolving electoral disputes.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Executive Director, Center for Accountability and Rule of Law (CARL-SL), Ibrahim Tommy, expressed appreciation to the Irish Embassy for their technical and funding support towards the project, adding that CARL and IGR are currently implementing a governance project in Sierra Leone and that as part of the project, CARL has produced a project, titled, “Strengthening Governance and Accountability Processes in Sierra Leone: A Review of Administration of Electoral Justice in Sierra Leone: Challenges and Opportunities for Reforms”.

He maintained that through this effort, they want to help build and strengthen an electoral justice system that resolves election-related complaints, guaranteeing full compliance with the law, and to help democracy in Sierra Leone thrive, furthering that the right to vote is not only a cornerstone of democracy, but it is also a right under both national and international law.

The Executive Director pointed out that Electoral Justice has a fundamental role in the continual process of democratization and serves as a catalyst for the transition from the use of violence as a means for resolving political conflict to the use of lawful means to arrive at a fair solution and outcome.

He said that they have also identified ongoing efforts to respond to the challenges that undermined efforts to access electoral justice in the last three electoral cycles(2007, 2012 and 2018) and the persisting challenges that need to be overcome ahead of the 2023 elections and they have made recommendations to the leadership of the Judiciary, ECSL, the Sierra Leone Police, the Ministry of Finance and the Parliament of Sierra Leone.

“Importantly, we also believe that there is a role for
alternative electoral dispute resolution mechanisms and we should invest a lot more in such mechanisms or institutions that hold a genuine potential for providing such services. We look forward to working with each and every one of you as well other election stakeholders in strengthening the administration of electoral justice in Sierra Leone. A lot has been achieved over the past few years, but significant challenges persist. We can and must collectively help resolve them,” Ibrahim Tommy concluded.

Presenting the report to the Chief Justice of Judiciary of Sierra Leone, the Iris Ambassador, Madam Claire Buckley, commended the Judiciary of Sierra Leone for the tremendous progress in improving access to justice for Sierra Leoneans across the country, especially for women and girls and also note the efforts that are already underway and those that are foreseen which are aimed at strengthening the administration of electoral justice in the current electoral cycle which include the establishment of electoral courts, training of judges and the development and review of rules of court for elections.

She informed the Hon. Chief Justice, that Ireland believes that open and democratic political systems and inclusive societies that respect human rights are important for good governance, economic growth and long-term stability, adding that electoral justice and election-related disputes have become a major area for democracies like Sierra Leone.

“As developments over the years have shown, mutual security among political competitors is easier when they have faith in impartial, independent courts, police and the broader justice sectors. In line with international and national frameworks, an effective electoral justice system also guarantees broader protection of a number of fundamental freedoms like opinion and expression, freedom of assembly, gender equality, transparency, and right to information,” she maintained.

Madam Claire Buckley further commended the Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law (CARL), for their work, which Ireland was pleased to support, pointing out that as CARL had already stated, the report broadly assesses the legal and structural environment for the effective administration of electoral justice in and outside the courts.

“It is our hope that this work will support ongoing work
of the justice sector to strengthen the existing electoral justice systems
that resolves electoral contestations in and outside the courts.
On this note, Hon. Chief Justice, and all stakeholders present, I am
pleased to present this report by CARL: “A Review of the Administration of Electoral Justice in Sierra Leone: Challenges and Opportunities for Reforms”, as part of Ireland’s contribution to the work of the justice sector
in ensuring an effective, impartial and independent electoral justice
mechanism before, during and after the 2023 general elections,” the Iris Ambassador concluded.

Receiving the report, the Honorable Chief Justice Desmond B. Edwards commended CARL-SL for such a laudable venture in putting together the report and that they will look into it and “what can be done will definitely be done” in enhancing public trust in the Judiciary of Sierra Leone especially during elections.

He said that the Judiciary of Sierra Leone is very pleased to receive the report.

The Honorable Chief Justice said that as part of the reforms the Judiciary now has the Electoral Petition Rules 2022 and the Public Elections Acts 2022 with a host of other reforms.

He said that they are going to delve into the report in order to see areas where they will need to do reforms. He assured all that the Judiciary will perform well to the expectation of all.

Representatives from the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone, Political Party Registration Commission, Inter-Religious Council also made similar statements during the ceremony.

The report was officially presented to the Honorable Chief Justice Desmond B. Edwards by the Iris Ambassador, Madam Claire Buckley.

ECSL Signs MOU with EON-SL

November 14, 2022

By Foday Moriba Conteh

With the aim of working to together in promoting mutual collaboration and partnership in the areas of Governance, Human Rights, Inclusion, Civic, and Electoral Education and Observation of Elections in the country, the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) has on Thursday 10^th November 2022 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Elections Observer Network Sierra Leone (EON-SL). The Signing ceremony which was held at the Electoral Commission Sierra Leone Conference Hall on Tower Hill in Freetown will serve as a manifestation of the commitments of both institutions to achieve their shared objectives in observing the 2023 elections in the country.

Making his statement, the Chief Electoral Commissioner, Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL), Mohamed K. Konneh described the signing as very important towards supporting the work of the commission and that the signing of the MoU is part of the commission’s efforts in bringing key players on board which he said will lessen the work on the commission.

He pointed out that accommodating other partners like the Elections Observer Network Sierra Leone (EON-SL) and other organizations will help the commission to achieve its mandate to conduct free and fair elections acceptable by all.

Mohamed K. Konneh said that over the years Electoral Commissions for Sierra Leone were charged with the responsibility of conducting elections in the country in a free and fair manner, adding that after every electoral cycle many players are coming on board to be associated with the successes of the commission.

He pointed out that whatever successes they have achieved over the years is largely due to the participation and contributions or various organizations in their various capacities in order to ensure that Sierra Leone continues to build on its democratic credentials.

On his part, the National Coordinator of Elections Observer Network Sierra Leone (EON-SL), William Tucker commended the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone for partnering with them of which he assured of their fullest support to the work of the commission.

He said that EON-SL is a non-profit and non-partisan conglomerate of organizations that advocate for peaceful coexistence, good governance, and respect for democratic processes as a Consortium, adding that the mission of EON-SL is to work in partner-ship with organisations in Sierra Leone to support electoral processes in the country, with a vision of creating a democratic society where transparent and credible election exist for the furtherance of Good governance and Democracy.

William Tucker maintained that the objectives of the Elections Observer Network is to help promote Electoral Peace by observing not only polling day activities, but the entire electoral processes such as election education and campaigning and messaging, Collaborate in electoral activities undertaken by ECSL; Engage central and local government institutions, organizations, development partners and other Stakeholders for the implementation of the objectives of the Consortium.

The National Coordinator maintained that EON-SL is very committed towards supporting the commission for the conduct of free, fair and transparent elections in the country.

He used the opportunity to inform the gathering that the Elections Observer Network Sierra Leone (EON-SL) will be officially launched on Thursday 17^th November, 2022 at the New City Hall in Freetown of which he extended invitation to organizations present at the ceremony to join them in their launching ceremony.

The ceremony was climaxed by the official signing of the said Memorandum of Understand (MoU) by the Chief Electoral Commissioner, Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL), Mohamed Kenewui Konneh and the Head of Secretariat of Elections Observer Network Sierra Leone (EON-SL) Samuel Miatta.

NP-SL Commissions New Filling Station in Gbalamuya

November 14, 2022

By Foday Moriba Conteh

As part of its continuous efforts in taking the lead in the downstream sector by ensuring that its petroleum products are accessible across the country, even within remote communities, NP-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) has on Friday 11^th November 2022 commissioned a new Filling Station in Gbalamuya, Kambia District, Northern Sierra Leone.

The Proprietor of the Filling Station, Alhaji Momoh Bangura, extended gratitude to the community stakeholders for their support since the start of the project on to its completion.

He added that, at present, it has created job opportunities for residents of Gbalamuya in Kambia District and beyond noting that the station will also address the problem of fuel crisis within the locality, furthering that there had been constraints in securing fuel especially in times of crisis and that with the commissioning of this Filling Station in Gbalamuya such will reduce those constraints.

The Proprietor called on residents of Gbalamuya to take ownership of the Filling Station pointing out that it will not only benefit his family members but also majority of the residents of Gbalamuya and beyond.

On his part, the General Manager of the NP-Sierra Leone Limited, (NP SL-Ltd), Saidu Mansaray, assured residents of Gbalamuya, Kambia District that with the new NP-SL Filling Station the issue of fuel shortage will become a thing of the past, adding that the commissioning of the new Filling Station means growth and increasing sales for the company.

He reiterated that the new Filling Station will not only make fuel available for them at all times but has also provide job opportunities for some residents as well, of which he said the company believes in empowering local entrepreneurs to thrive in business ventures who will then in turn contribute meaningfully to nation building.

Saidu Mansaray called on other descendants of the district to emulate the footprint of the Proprietor and further encouraged residents to take ownership of the new Filling Station by patronizing with it.

Ibrahim Kamara, a bike Rider of Gbalamuya expressed appreciation to NP-SL for commissioning the Filling Station , noting that as` bike riders they have been faced with a lot of constraints in securing fuel furthering that they had to go to nearby villages to secure fuel but said with this new NP-SL Filling Station in Gbalamuya it will surely address those fuel constraints in that part of the country.

The event was climaxed by the official unveiling of the new Filling Station by the Proprietor, the Chief Executive Officer of NP-Sierra Leone Limited, (NP SL-Ltd), Kobi Walker, the General Manager, Saidu Mansaray, the Proprietor of the filling station, Alhaji Momoh Bangura and representatives from the community.

NP-Sierra Leone Limited, (NP SL-Ltd)

Three-day National Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Fair Commences

November 14, 2022

By Abubakarr Harding

“We see the National Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Fair as an occasion to bring job seekers and young entrepreneurs face to face with employers and experienced entrepreneurs. It is a place where they can connect and establish beneficial relationships that may support their future career and business prospects” — Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone

About NYEEF

The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Office of the Vice President, will host over 500 promising young Sierra Leoneans, aged 18-35 years, from across the country at its first National Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Fair (NYEEF).

The event will be held from 15th to 17th November 2022 at Freetown International Conference Centre in Aberdeen, Freetown, Sierra Leone.

NYEEF is part of the broader vision of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio’s Human Capital Development agenda, designed to invest in the young people of Sierra Leone and unleash their potential. President Bio will launch the event at a short ceremony on 15th November 2022. Attendees will include Government Officials, Diplomats, Development Partners, Private Sector representatives, The Republic of Rwanda’s Minister of Youth and Culture and representatives from YouthConnekt Africa.

The three-day networking and learning event with the tagline, “Be inspired, take ownership of your future career!” will be held in collaboration with Ministries of Labour & Social Security, Technical & Higher Education, Trade & Industry and Youth Affairs.

The objectives of NYEEF are to connect final-year students and job seekers to employers and place them in decent jobs, to improve the ability of students to apply for and secure jobs and to enhance the competencies of young people who choose entrepreneurship.

Participation in NYEEF

In total, 567 final-year students, job seekers and (aspiring) entrepreneurs registered, and they were whittled down to 514 participants who will attend the NYEEF and represent each district.,. This includes 30 participants with disabilities and 206 women -in accordance with the NYEEFs inclusion policy. Over the three-day period, 26 young entrepreneurs will showcase their products and services in the car park of the Freetown International Conference Centre..

Over 40 employing organisations, recruiters and tertiary institutions are looking to engage job seekers and entrepreneurs with the aim of recruiting, developing skills and providing critical advice. Thesee include public sector institutions and organisations from the agri-business, banking & finance, construction, energy, manufacturing, mining, service, technology, telecommunications and transport & logistics sectors.

Participants will benefit from various sessions and activities, such as a Career Advisory Lab, DSTI’s Technology and Innovation Lab, Orange Sierra Leone’s Creative Corner, Elba’s ‘Ask me Anything’ for (aspiring) Entrepreneurs, ‘Cultivating Youth Resilience’ panel by YouthConnekt Africa, and workshops in Business Canvas Model, Business Etiquette, Communication Skills and Critical Thinking/ Problem Solving Skills, powered by AfRecruit, Afriqia HR Solutions, Grow Salone, Innovation SL, Insight Consulting and Sigicall.

Partners and Sponsors

The highly anticipated NYEEF has been excitedly received by stakeholders who will participate in various ways. Confirmed Sponsors include Africell, Leone Rock, NASSIT, Orange, Pee Cee Holdings, Sky Handling Partner, Sonoco, UNDP and UNFPA.

“My government is committed to improving youth employability and entrepreneurship, as a vital component of my Human Capital Development vision, through inclusive policy development and pragmatic initiatives such as this” – His Excellency Rtd. Brigadier Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone.

24 Cases to be Speedily Concluded in Kambia with Posting of Justice Abdul Sheriff

November 11, 2022

By Abubakarr Harding

The first High Court Judge, Hon. Justice Abdul Sheriff, was jubilantly welcomed by residents of Kambia District, North West Region of Sierra Leone to preside over 24 criminal cases since independence.

Justice Abdul Sheriff is the current Resident High Court Judge in Port Loko District. During the opening, he assured Kambia stakeholders of speedy conclusion of the 24 cases brought before the Court.

The move is part of the Honourable Chief Justice, His Lordship Justice Desmond Babatunde Edwards’ commitment to make justice expeditious and accessible to all Sierra Leoneans regardless of region, social status or tribe.

In his welcome statement to the delegation, the Paramount Chief of Magbema Chiefdom, who also doubles as the Paramount Chief Member of Parliament, Hon. P.C Bai Farama Tass Bubu Ngbak IV said the people of Kambia District had long looked forward to the day and assured that they will jealously guard it.

“On behalf of my people of Magbema Chiefdom, Kambia District I wish to welcome the Judge, Hon. Justice Abdul Sheriff to Kambia for the opening of the first Criminal Session of the High Court to Kambia District,” adding that “we the people of Kambia District are very happy for this new development and we know the Judiciary’s commitment is unshakeable.”

He said his people have different cases before the Court with no Judge to preside over them. He attributed it to the absence of a Judge and stated that the presence of the Court is timely.

“Our people have a lot of cases before the High Court which are referred to either Makeni or Port Loko Court,” he said, adding that it adds a lot of financial stress for transport fare.

According to him, even the Court Officials found it difficult to serve papers or notices on people because of the difficulty to access those terrains.

He stressed that, “over time we as Paramount Chiefs serving as Custodians of the Land for especially land cases, we see that most of those cases that have been committed to the High Court have accumulated with no prospect to address them immediately.”

This he said is a “grave concern in all our Chiefdoms in Kambia District because we sign legal conveyances for land.”

PC Bai Farama Tass Bubu Ngbak IV went on to note that with the coming of the High Court Judge in the District, it would ameliorate the suffering that his people have faced with especially accessing justice.

While he lauded the developmental strides of the Hon. Chief Justice and the entire administration of the Judiciary, he used the occasion to assure the Judiciary of their fullest support to ensure that justice is served.

“The justice system has improved in Kambia District as well as other places and we’re happy for the present Chief Justice and his progressive strides in the Judiciary for the first time in the history of this Country.”

The Hon. PC Bai Farama Tass Bubu Ngbak IV reiterated that this move will help reduce conflicts which arise from access to justice.”

In his statement, Officer in Charge, Kambia Correctional Centre, Samuel B. Sesay said the regular Court sittings would reduce the constrain and burden to take accused persons outside the District to be tried for various offences.

Officially opening the session, the Resident Minister of the North- West Region who also doubles as the Presidential Spokesperson Dr. Alhaji Alpha Kanu referred to the event as a huge progress for the District which would ensure that justice is dispassionately and expeditiously accessible.

He thanked the Hon. Chief Justice for his unwavering commitment to the mandate of the Judiciary.

The session was officially opened with 24 cases including Conspiracy, Murder, House Breaking an Larceny and Sexual Penetration among others.

In Court, accused Abdulai Kamara pleaded guilty to the charge of Conspiracy and refused the charge of House Breaking and Larceny.

Memunatu Kamara is also before the court, tried by a judge and jury on a one count of murder.

Prosecuting the cases is Lawyer Matthew P.M Lappia while all accused persons are represented by the Legal Aid Board.

The sessions which continue throughout the week in Kambia as well as in other parts of the country, are fully funded by the Judiciary of Sierra Leone courtesy of the Government of Sierra Leone.

They are held in places where there are no sitting Judges.

Over 1 Million Bike Riders to Support Gento in his Election Bid

November 11, 2022

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The lack of employment opportunities vis-a-vis high cost of living affecting the vast majority of young people has become so accentuated to an extent that some of these unfortunate young people end up taking to Commercial Bike Riding with the avowed objective of making ends meet, taking care of responsibilities and refraining from unacceptable ways of living. Though some have questionable characters, however, others are serious regarding the trade as an employment through which they must survive.

Approximately, One Million Two Hundred and Fifty Six Thousand (1,256.000) young people are currently engaged in commercial bike riding across the city of Freetown. Some are ambitiously looking forward to move to higher heights and would therefore grab any golden opportunity to channel their concerns with the expectation that they could be well addressed.

During a one-day engagement with commercial bike riders in Freetown, including its Executive Body, the leading aspiring contestant for the Mayoral Seat of the Freetown City Council, Mohamed Gento Kamara, popularly known as Gento patiently listened to a litany of concerns expressed.

Explaining their challenges to the business tycoon and humanitarian philanthropist, Mohamed Gento Kamara, the bike riders said that since the youthful population are playing important roles in national development they must be supported but rather lamented that they are being discriminated against and harassed by the Sierra Leone Police and Traffic Wardens.

The commercial riders further appealed to the Mayor-in-the-waiting that their association and members need financial assistance to complete their office Secretariat which they started few months ago, and to also access micro credit loan facilities so as to avoid the loaning of bikes at huge interest rates.

“Our numbers are key considering the voting population in the country, therefore we need to be considered equally like any other development sector,” the riders affirmed furthering that they are willing to vote in Mohamed Gento Kamara as the next Mayor, adding that they had benefited a lot from the road constructed project championed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Gento Group of Company.

Many of them expressed the view that the life span of their bikes will be lengthened if there are better roads for them to ply their trade.

Responding to their concerns, Gento pledged his full support to young people involved in commercial bike riding and admonished the riders that the only way to succeed in life is by living a disciplined and responsible life. He said that to be candid he will not be able to singlehandedly address certain issues raised but collectively they could be in positions to move mountains.

He also acknowledged the fact that bike riders have the responsibility to take people from one place to the other, and assured them that he understands their problems as well as the challenges in the city.

Gento pledged to donate 10 bikes as a start to the association and also vowed to assist them in completing the unfinished office structure. He maintained that if he is voted in as the Mayor, his administration will be very inclusive and will ensure that their challenges are addressed and will make the association part of the city transformation

EU, Ireland & UNDP Sign Financial & Contributions Agreement to Support Peaceful 2023 Elections

November 11, 2022

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In a joint Press Release, dated the 9^th November 2022, it was stated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sierra Leone, the Embassy of Ireland in Sierra Leone, and the European Union Delegation to Sierra Leone (EU) that they have signed financial and contribution agreements to support the Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs) of Sierra Leone and other stakeholders in the preparation and conduct of peaceful and inclusive elections.

In accordance with these agreements, Ireland and the EU will contribute €1.5 million and €1 million, respectively, to the electoral basket fund managed under UNDP’s election project “Fostering Peaceful, Credible and Inclusive Elections in Sierra Leone 2022-2023.” UNDP’s own contribution to the project will total US$4.5 million.

During the signing event, the Resident Representative of UNDP Sierra Leone, Pa Lamin Beyai, stated, “Credible and inclusive Elections are the cornerstone of democratic governance and contribute to consolidating development efforts.

The UNDP Election Basket fund will support strengthening the capacities of Electoral Management Bodies and enhance inclusive political participation and representation, mostly for women, youth, and people living with disabilities.

Within two years, the Project will provide technical assistance to the EMBs to conduct credible and inclusive elections in Sierra Leone in line with national legislation, international electoral standards, and good practice.

Speaking during an event, Ireland’s Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Claire Buckley, stated, “Ireland is a committed partner to Sierra Leone. We are glad to support credible and inclusive elections through the UNDP Election Basket Fund. The project puts a focus on transparency and ensuring that all eligible citizens are informed and engaged in the electoral processes. Voter education, information sharing and monitoring of misinformation will be critical to ensuring that peaceful, credible and inclusive elections take place. We look forward to further stakeholder engagement on these principles. ”

The project will focus its support on programmes aimed at raising public awareness about elections and strengthening the capacity of national institutions responsible for adjudicating electoral complaints, providing electoral security and respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms. The project will also support the organization of training and mentoring programmes that will enhance aspiring women candidates’ capacity for their successful engagement in the electoral process.

The Ambassador of the European Union to Sierra Leone, Manuel Müller, reaffirmed that: “The event marks yet another contribution of the European Union to support the electoral cycle in Sierra Leone. Trustful, peaceful and inclusive elections are the utmost expression of the will of the people and the most important event in a democracy. The contribution of the European Union to the UNDP basket fund project also testifies our genuine commitment towards UN-led multilateral activities. ”

Over the years, UNDP, Ireland, and the EU have contributed significantly to strengthening conditions for peaceful and transparent elections in Sierra Leone. Collaboration with the election management bodies, state institutions, and non-governmental organizations will continue to assist in creating a peaceful environment for all-inclusive and well-informed participation of voters and candidates in a democratic electoral process.

NCRA to Shortly Commence Issuing ID Cards

November 11, 2022

By Isata Fofanah

Mohamed M. Massaquoi, the Director-General of the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) has on Thursday 10^th November 2022 announced that all ID Cards produced by the Authority are now available in the country; including securitized national ID Cards for citizens, ECOWAS ID Cards, and mandatory ID Cards for non-national Sierra Leonean residents.

Speaking during the training of NCRA staff on the processes and procedures for the production and distribution of the ID Cards at the Sierra Palms Resort in Freetown on Thursday, the Director-General of the NCRA, Mohamed M. Massaquoi said “We are very much on track, and we will begin the distribution soon… Every district is now connected to the NCRA headquarters ahead of the official announcement for the distribution.”

With the high demand for the ID Cards, the Director General said the NCRA has produced standardized ID Cards which have been approved and certified by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the European Union (EU), and other development partners, who have informed the NCRA that it is consistent with the guidelines provided for international best practice for the production of ID Cards.

The Director-General said the training was meant to avoid errors by any NCRA operator during the issuance and distribution of ID Cards to ensure professionalism; he implored all operators to follow all the standard procedures prescribed by the Authority to avoid misrepresentation.

He also announced that the issuance of the Authority’s product will be decentralized as part of efforts to avoid discomfort for residents. He added that residents have no reason to leave their district residences to come to Freetown to access NCRA products which will be available in all the districts across the country as populated towns will also be prioritized when the distribution commences.

The Government of Sierra Leone has taken the ID Card production very seriously; requiring that citizens have a National Identification Number (NIN) for the acquisition of almost everything, including public examinations, and the acquisition of lands across the country, according to Mr Massaquoi.

He also announced that every school-going child must now register to have their NIN. “We will announce the date this month for that exercise. It will be a school-based exercise so that pupils will not miss classes,” said Mr Massaquoi.

Meanwhile, citizens must have their National Identification Number as part of the process to collect their ID Cards from the NCRA. Other processes include visiting the NCRA Office, paying a fee to the Sierra Leone Commercial Bank (SLCB) or Afrimoney for the NIN (if one does not have it); starting the process with an NCRA operator to sending an ID request; submitting payment for the ID request and getting the receipt.

Citizens will subsequently receive an SMS from the NCRA, informing them to pick up their ID Cards from the center where they started the process and they must sign for them, indicating that they have received them from the National Civil Registration Authority.