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Seed Certification Agency Underscores Correlation Between  Seed Security & Food Security

By Isata Fofanah

The Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Seed Certification Agency (SLeSCA) has said that the attainment of food security through seed security is one of the reasons for the establishment of the agency.

Dr. Robert Chakanda was speaking during the weekly Government press briefing hosted at the conference room of the Ministry of Information and Communications, on Thursday October 27, 2022.

He said that there was every need for Sierra Leone and its people to master the art of dealing with seeds, adding that such will be a step in the right direction. He stated that before now, there had been little or no structured seed systems in the country, which he said, was posing a lot of disruptions in the seeds’ sector.

Dr. Chakanda noted that such disruptions used to affect farmers, leading to insecurity and an absolute dependence on Government support.

“Government used to import a lot of seeds to meet the demands of farmers and other seed players but since the establishment of the institution in 2015, the focus has been to regulate and control seed activities across the country to enhance quality control through due diligence” he said, adding that the institution has also been overseeing all seed related activities across the country.

He noted that low staff capacity used to be a challenge, but that is a thing of the past, as they have now moved from a 25% staff capacity a 30% capacity.

Dr. Chakanda, however, stated that the chronic importation of seeds, especially rice seeds from Burkina Faso, Mali and Nigeria and the proliferation of seed actors and vendors with little or no control has been a major challenge affecting the operations of the institution, but said that is also a thing of the past now, as according to him, the country did not import a single seed in 2022. He added that the non recognition of major players in the seed industry was another challenge that has now been surmounted.

On Achievements, Dr. Chakanda said that since he took over as Executive Director of the Agency, he has been able to put up a stronger administrative structure for the day today running of the Agency and that they also now regulate national seed actors including encouraging International Partners and the following of importation procedures.

He said that another key deliverable for 2022 is the establishment of 2 regional and district offices, adding that the Agency has an intention to establish more regional areas of operation. He also spoke about their newly equipped seed testing laboratories, noting that a standard laboratory is currently been constructed in Mile 91, Tonkolili District (being the centre of Sierra Leone), and how they are now allowing and promoting private sector growth by encouraging the seed value chain.

Dr. Chakanda concluded by saying that the reduction of rice importation by 50% was also a key deliverable for 2022 and referred to the current zero rice seed importation as a laudable achievement.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Alhaji Njai Leads Ghana, Sierra Leone & Liberia to Africa One Health Network

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Africa One Health Network (AFONET) held an inaugural workshop in Accra, Ghana on October 2nd to the 8th, 2022 bringing together scientists and researchers from across the African continent.

Dr Alhaji Njai led Ghana, Sierra Leone and Liberia teams for the Hackathon innovative idea competition and the proposal that he presented was awarded the second place based on a disputed tie breaker.

According to him, their proposal on nexus of illegal mining and effects at the one health interface, including driver of zoonotic disease spillovers was considered the most innovative and funding in the range of 2-5 million dollars is expected.

Ghana being the host is expected to be the lead country for coordination of implementation in Sierra Leone and Liberia.

Professor Njai explained that they proposed a multi-sectoral and multidisciplinary approach utilizing geographic information systems, toxicological and epidemiological approaches, ecological approaches and remediation, and social science approaches to elucidate effects of illegal mining on human, animal and environmental health at the One Health interface.

He pointed out that the convergence of illegal mining, timber logging (deforestation), drug and human trafficking is a major One Health concern serving as a driver of Zoonotic disease spillover through breaches in the animal-human-environment buffers.

He stated that major human, animal and environmental health effects attributed to heavy metal toxicity of rivers, soils, and sediments is of major concern with limited capability for toxicological exposure and risk assessments in the sub- region.

“I came to this huge AFONET meeting in Ghana as a small minnow from Sierra Leone and emerge as a hero,” he said with pride adding that the calls for research collaborations have been overwhelming from South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, and many more.

Professor Njai disclosed that Guinea and Senegal have already claimed him as one of theirs  and new collaborations are in place.

 

 

 

Dr. Adonis Abboud Empowers the Physically Challenged in Kenema

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Physically challenged persons in Kenema were on the 10th October, 2022 proud beneficiaries of motorized and non- motorized wheels chairs that were donated by Dr. Adonis Abboud during an impressive ceremony that took place at the Kenema City Council Hall on Maada Bio Street.

Presenting the wheelchairs to the beneficiaries, Dr. Adonis Abboud said, “Disability is not Inability” further underscoring that people who are physically challenged are as equally important as any other member of society.

He explained that it was during an invite to the opening of the Kenema Youth Centre by the Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma, that he felt compelled to do something, to empathize with the physically challenged disclosing how such was why he decided to pledge the wheelchairs.

According to him the presentation of the wheelchairs was a fulfillment that pledge disclosing that the items donated include 5 wheelchairs, 2 motorized with their own batteries and chargers, while the other 3 are standard,” he said.

Those who benefitted were Hawa Koroma, Fatmata Sawanneh, Salamatu Brima, Musu Mansaray and Victor S. Koroma. However, Hawa Koroma and Victor S. Koroma received the motorized wheelchairs, while the rest received manual wheelchairs.

The philanthropist, diplomat and businessman also pledged to provide another set of wheelchairs.

In his statement, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma explained about Dr Adonis Abboud’s numerous philanthropic activities in Sierra Leone. He said that democracy is all about the people saying such is why they are working relentlessly to provide for the basic needs of the ordinary people… “That is what democracy is all about to fight for the ordinary people,” he stated

He said Dr Abboud is not a politician but a diplomat who has been in Sierra Leone for over 4O years and has done a lot for Sierra Leone. “So it is not new to relate with him to help…”

He said we need to work together to develop Sierra Leone. Hon. Nyuma said he who feels it know it.

“It is because we are empathizing with you that is why we have provided these wheelchairs for you,” he said.

Hon. Nyuma admonished the beneficiaries not to sell the wheelchairs. “These wheelchairs are meant to make you comfortable; it is not for you to sell. If you are caught selling them you would be canceled and would never receive any benefit from us in the future,” he warned.

Guinean Leader, Col. Mamady Doumbouya & President Bio Hold Close Door Meeting in Freetown

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In a spectacular and impressive show of event, His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio and First Lady Dr Fatima Maada Bio, on Friday 28th September 2022 played host to the Guinean leader,  Col. Mamady Doumbouya, who was on a visit said to be geared towards strengthening of the mutual bilateral relationship existing between the two sister countries.

The meeting was also in respect of proffering solutions on how to maintain private and Government businesses in the two countries and the sub-region.

The Guinean military strongman was received by a high-powered delegation comprising the Vice President, Senior Government officials including the IGP and CDS at the border town of Gbalamuya, Kambia District.

They later head for State House in Freetown where the Guinean Leader and President Julius Maada Bio held bilateral discussions on the peace and tranquility of both sister countries.

It would be recalled that on Monday, 11 October 2021, President Julius Maada Bio departed Sierra Leone for Conakry, Guinea on the invitation of the Military Head of State, Colonel Mamady Doumbouya.

During the one-day working visit they discussed security co-operation issues between the two neighbouring countries, the restoration of constitutional order in the Republic of Guinea and the ECOWAS democratic transition roadmap.

It should be noted that although the Republic of Guinea was suspended by ECOWAS from all Community activities due to the military coup, ECOWAS member States are not prevented from engaging the Republic of Guinea on bilateral issues.

The Guinean Head of State departed Freetown for Guinea at the end of his one-day working visit.

It could be recalled that President Bio visited Guinea’s Military Leader on the 11th October, 2021 to engage the new military strongman about defence issues between the two neighbouring countries.

According to BBC Umaru Fofanah, President Bio is the first head of state to visit the country since ECOWAS slammed sanctions on the regime following the takeover.

It has been speculated that the Sierra Leone leader pushed for the final resolution of the issue of the disputed border town of Yenga and the joint security patrols along the two countries’ borders which stalled following the September coup.

Also speculated was that the new military Head of State, Col. Mamady Doumbouya briefed his guest on their plan of transition to civilian rule.

However, according to the Vice President, Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh the Guinean Head of State, His Excellency Colonel Mamady Doumbuya was on a one-day working visit to His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio to bolster the strong socio-economic, cultural and political ties between the people of Sierra Leone and Guinea.

In response to certain criticisms made against the heavy security that accompanied the Guinean Head of State, a one-time Defence Minister Karefa Kargbo has this to say: “I actually loved seeing a well organized and well-equipped military/security convoy rolling. All vehicles totally fit for purpose. Don’t see any disrespect in welcoming a brother plus his forces who stood side by side dying with us during the war. Maybe we need to respect our President’s security a bit more.”

 

 

NP-SL Always Goes the Extra-Mile to Optimize Customer Care 

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

By Amin Kef-Ranger

In no way can it be disputed that the National Petroleum- Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) is the leading petroleum marketing entity in the country. A very outstanding thing about the company is the fact that it does not take customer care for granted but rather does everything within its ambit to optimize it just in a bid to enhance maximum satisfaction and at the same time maximizing profits.

Being indigenous companies that cherish its numerous customers, NP-SL Ltd, over the years, has placed high premium on customer care, which as a business entity it is effectively rolling out to such an extent that it has earned the company the enviable reputation of 1st for Customer Care. It is within that realm that the initial shareholders of the company, thirty-five (35) of them, thought it entrepreneurially prudent to import and install modern calibrated pumping machines in all its Filling Stations.

These are automated and high precision machines which have the capability of pumping the exact quantity of fuel that a particular buyer or customer requests for, displaying quantity (in litres) as well as the price(s). With these machines, contrary to what used to obtain in the past when less sophisticated pumping machines were used, customers have sincerely attested that they do derive utmost satisfaction whenever they do transactions expressing the belief that the process is really transparent.

Within that same domain of satisfying and providing care for its customers, the company made it a must that all its Filling Stations should have safety regulations. That is why it cautions its customers and others that they should not use naked flame, that mobile phones should be switched off, engines must also be switched off at Filling Stations when fuel is pumped among others.

In order to ensure that fuel is distributed timely to all its Filling Stations in the country, the company has maintained a fleet of tankers (vehicles that transport fuel) and they are regularly maintenance in order to ensure that they are roadworthy.

The company has also sustained an open door policy in the sense that it encourages customers to express their concerns as well as recommendations which the Management takes into consideration whenever major decisions are taken, geared towards the development of the company. It has been ascertained that whenever customers have the feeling that their inputs are well respected such does not only bring them closer but also gives them the satisfaction that they are indeed relevant and highly regarded. This is exactly what NP-SL Ltd does and that has been paying good dividends. As far as the Shareholders and Management are concerned their customers do matter.

With the avowed objective of making fuel transactions easier and very convenient for its esteemed and numerous customers, the company again introduced the brilliant idea of introducing the use of NP Smart Card. This is a cashless way of transacting business or in other words purchasing fuel without using physical cash. The holder of an NP Smart Card could present the card at any Filling Station, as long as it contains money, and request for the quantity of fuel he or she requires.

The card is then slotted into the pumping machine with the subsequent discharge of the amount of fuel into a car or jerry can. This method of conducting cashless transaction is very advantageous in the sense that a customer is saved the hassle of intermittently rushing to the bank to withdraw cash for the sole purpose of purchasing fuel. This is so because already his or her NP Smart Card is loaded with money for that purpose. Indeed, it also provides security as the card is securitized only having the particulars of the holder which cannot be used by another person.

Human beings cannot exist in the absence of food as it is a basic necessity of life. Food is prepared in various ways but one popular way of doing so is by cooking. In this part of the world, most households are dependent on largely using wood and charcoal for cooking purposes. However, the cutting down of trees to be used as wood and charcoal have been frowned upon by environmentalists on the grounds that such is contributing negatively  to the depletion of the environment and pose other adverse consequences on the ecosystem.

Against this backdrop, the Shareholders and Management of the company thought it fit that to assuage that they must introduce a safer way of cooking. It was out of this idea that the initiative of introducing an environmentally cooking device arose and NP Gas was borne. Manufactured in different cylinder sizes, NP Gas has a high precision performance and to refill it is simple as the gas could be accessed at all the company’s Filling Stations in the country. Many whom have tried them intimated this medium that it is worth having at home and one could never regret having it but would rather recommend it to others.

NP-SL Ltd has etched its name in the sands of time for embracing and effectively rolling out the country’s Local Content Policy. As one of its major priorities, the company has placed high premium on giving employment preference to Sierra Leoneans. It is only on rare circumstances that the company make use of expatriates and in most cases it is when local personnel cannot be sourced.

In a country where accessing a secured and suitable job is like finding a needle on the beach for a company like NP-SL Ltd to avail Sierra Leoneans the opportunity to access job is indeed commendable. This posture, on the part of the company, has given the beneficiaries the opportunity to live improved lifestyles and have a sense of believing that they are contributing to national development.

A company that has vibrant branches in neighbouring Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia speaks volumes of a serious business entity that is determined to grow. In all those countries, the company employs indigenes and is paying taxes to the Governments which in turn are used to fund various development programmes.

From what have been said so far, NP-SL Ltd is a company that is making Sierra Leoneans proud and is an epitome of selflessness with a strong passion to further climb higher heights. Indeed, the company is truly a success story!

 

Gento’s Determination to Change the Face of Freetown is Unshakable

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

It is now a well-known fact that in the forthcoming 2023 multi-tier elections, one of the personalities that has already thrown his hat to the ring for the Freetown City Council (FCC) Mayoral Seat, under the ticket of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), is the Chief Executive Officer of Gento Group of Company, Mohamed Gento Kamara.

From all indications, especially via the intelligence gathered so far by this medium, it is already a foregone conclusion that the next Mayor of the Freetown City Council will indisputably be Gento, as he is popularly known.

Although, politically, Freetown is deemed to be the stronghold of the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) Party, however, with the emergence of Mohamed Gento Kamara that narrative has been changed as the love so many have manifested and demonstrated for the man of the moment and the strong belief in his capability to excel in that position has now eclipsed negative doubts as to whether he has a chance of making it through.

Hailing from a humble background, Mohamed Gento Kamara, has always remained a humble grassroots man and not that type of person whose personal successes in life will make him grow wings and alienate himself from his roots just because it is not his class.

In thick and thin he has been with the people, rendering assistances whenever possible with the objective of making others happy and see life worth living. For such a compassionate personality, who finds pleasure in lifting people out of poverty, it is definite and only a matter of time for him to always receive massive support for any just cause that he may want to advance.

If in modern times there is one thing that brings young people together then that could be sports, contextually, football, in this case. Being a football lover and a top notch official of the East End Lions Football Club, Gento has been very instrumental in providing both financial and moral supports not only to the Lions Football club but to other local football clubs in the country not  just in a bid to enhance the discipline but to also engage young people  by focusing their minds on something very productive.

The one big football family in this country, it has been established, is one of the main constituencies or support groups from which this young and developmental oriented personality draws most of his support.

We are well aware of the fact that lawlessness is rife in the city, evident in the flouting of bye-laws with reckless abandon. There have been situations when there have been bloody clashes between rival gang or clique groups with dire consequences on occasions that are meant to unite them together. Although the Police have most times stepped in to quell down violent situations, however, the fact remains that these violent situations rear their ugly head from time to time simply because there has been a love lost between the Police and some young people.

Tense situations sometimes need the intervention of certain personalities who are held in high esteem in society and looked up to as a role model , for inspiration and solace.

According to Gento, he wants to come in as Mayor in order to be the bridge that will bring young people together, take their minds away from violence and channel them into productive ventures.

If there is any time that such is needed the time is now.

“The unfortunate violent protests that took place on the 10th August, 2022 was really uncalled as it claimed the lives of Police Officers and Civilians and as someone who is totally against recourse to violence I totally condemn it as I do not want this country to relapse to war which is why I have decided to run as Mayor for the Freetown City Council,” Gento revealed adding that various strategies could be applied to make young people contribute meaningfully to development.

He said there are issues related to the youth which must be addressed assuring that they could be accomplished only if young people could be prevented from becoming vulnerable and used as puppets by unscrupulous politicians.

As to whether he stands a chance of emerging victorious under the ticket of the SLPP, Gento responded that he believes in the ideology of the party which is “One Country, One People”. He argued that despite the fact that there are various tribes existing in the country the fact still remains that we are all Sierra Leoneans.  He underscored the need to be nationalistic, push aside tribalism and embrace patriotism. “Love for one’s country must transcend tribal sentiments and development must be considered paramount in all our endeavours,” he intimated and warned against considering one tribe superior to another.

“Let us support an individual not along tribal lines but rather chose people or put them in positions of trust based on their competencies and abilities to perform and not because of the tribes they belong to,” he admonished.

According to Gento, gone are the days when Freetown was considered as only belonging to the Krios maintaining that it is now a melting pot where individuals from various tribes reside adding that democratically the country has opened up politically, devoid of one tribe having a monopoly over governance ideas or issues.

With the aim of changing the face of Freetown Gento intimated how he has prioritized sanitation as one area to be dealt with. It is the conviction that as CEO of a reputable road engineering and construction company, Mohamed Gento Kamara, has the wherewithal to make Freetown one of the cleanest cities within the sub-region. He has the ability to mobilize and motivate young people, has access to relevant equipments and has the knack for getting things done at the appropriate time.

As various support groups have surfaced, some formed along community lines, expressing their supports on printed banners placed at strategic locations, the writing is clearly seen on the wall that Mohamed Gento Kamara is the next sitting Mayor of the Freetown City Council.

Lake Productions Unveils Miss Freetown Beauty Pageant 2022 Contestants 

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Lake Productions Sierra Leone Limited, in partnership with Eminence Africa Holding Limited, has unveiled 9 contestants for this year’s Miss Freetown Beauty Pageant. The unveiling ceremony was done during a well-attended ceremony held on Saturday 28th October, 2022 at the Mayor of Freetown Conference Room, New City Hall in Freetown.

The 9 contestants unveiled include Bintu Michaela Fofanah representing  Aberdeen Community, Zainab Vee R Tawaralie representing Lumley Community, Chelsea Lahai representing New England Ville Community, Daisy Abdulai representing Brookfields Community, Debora Charm representing Fourah Bay Community, Lilian Isatu Kargbo representing Calaba Town Community, Saffinatu Zainab Bangura, representing Portee Community, Esther Grace Jones, representing Wilberforce Community and Grace Hawanatu Marrah representing Dwarzack Community.

Giving an overview of Miss Freetown Beauty Pageant 2022, the Executive Director of Miss Freetown Beauty Pageant, Esther Y. Kamara said Lake Productions Sierra Leone Limited in partnership with Eminence Africa Holding Limited are proud to announce the contestants for the Miss Freetown Beauty Pageant 2022.

She added that the Miss Freetown Beauty Pageant is an annual pageantry and fashion event based not just on facial and body beauty but based also on academic knowledge and intelligence, adding that the show serves as an opportunity, as a platform for contestants to display their beauty and intellectual capability as the contestants are drawn from different communities within the Freetown Municipality.

Esther Y. Kamara maintained that the primary objectives of the Miss Freetown Beauty Pageant is to promote the “Hands Off Our Girls” campaign and to motivate and mentor young girls towards promoting feminine beauty and intelligence in order to increase their standards and build their eloquence, self-confidence and leadership skills.

She stated that these contestants can also be empowered to contribute meaningfully to society through fashion, adding that in a bid to forester growth within the entertainment industry in the country Lake Productions Sierra Leone Limited and  Eminence Africa Holding Limited signed a two year partnership agreement in order to organize the Miss Freetown Beauty Pageant event.

The Executive Director revealed that the theme for this year’s Miss Freetown Beauty Pageant is “Girl Power & Community Engagement”, and called on contestants to take a stand for their communities and the beauty pageant will bring the very best of them.

On her part, the Executive Director of Eminence Africa Holding Limited, who also doubles as the Executive Coordinator and Producer of Miss Freetown Beauty Pageant, Sarah Laura Solomon, informed the gathering that applications were opened for members of the public to apply and they received about 28 applications, but said after auditions contestants representing nine communities were fortunate to make it to the final list of the 2022 Miss Freetown Beauty Pageant contestants.

She stated that the 9 contestants will represent their various communities in the upcoming Miss Freetown Beauty Pageant 2022 scheduled to hold on the 26th December, 2022 at Family Kingdom on Aberdeen in Freetown.

Sarah Laura Solomon added that before the event on the 26th December, 2022 all the 9 contestants will be hosted in a Boot camp form the 18th December to 26th December, 2022 were they will be groomed and trained on different things.

She said that the grand prize for this year’s Miss Freetown Beauty Pageant is 100, 000,000 Old Leones and that 50,000,000 Old Leones Cash will be given to the winner and 50, 000,000 Old Leones will be given in prizes, adding that the winner will also be the Miss Sierra Leone representative and that other cash prizes will also be given to the 1st & 2ndRunners Up.

Climaxing the ceremony was the official unveiling of the 9 contestants for the Miss Freetown Beauty Pageant 2022 by Lake Production Sierra Leone Limited and Eminence Africa Holding Limited.

 

 

 

 

Orange SL Discusses Artificial Intelligence with Stakeholders

Orange SL

By Millicent Mannah

One of the telecommunications companies operating in Sierra Leone, Orange SL last week played host to stakeholders in the Digital Transformation sector on the understanding of ushering in the concept of Artificial Intelligence in communication, which could then be replicated among its partners.

In her statement, Haffie Haffner of Orange SL disclosed that digital transformation starts and ends with the customers underscoring how the system creates a new perspective on how businesses are run as well as enhancing speed and customer experience and is referred to as a stimulant.

She pointed out that long before now, work was done via paper, with stacks of paper and files in cabinets and shelves, adding that such adversely affects the search for information, but maintained that with digitalization, these have been transformed to digital and are held in computers.

“This system has been improved with digitalization, as things are now done in a smarter way,” she stated adding how customers in business institutions have further improved on processes.

In the case of customer services, they now have a database, which can be easily accessed and at a faster rate. This move was necessitated by customer demand, resulting in more advancements in technology. Apart from customer demand, there is the aspect of competition, as businesses compete to make their products attractive and easier to access, especially in a country like Sierra Leone, where there is a small market.

Artificial Intelligence, she furthered, has to do with computer software that are programmed to do what humans do, like helping in decision-making, etc. She stressed that Orange made digital transformation a priority, as last week, it celebrated its digital transformation, adding that for Orange, Digital Transformation is now a must, as it will re-orientate the way they do things.

She stressed that it is important that businesses integrate AI in their operations as it will improve on customer service, help in capacity building, and encourage staff not to be afraid of AI, as it will help them do better. Also it helps in cost optimization.

Orange, Hafner stressed, is a leading player in digital transformation, and it is increasing mobile penetration and optimizing mobile accessibility that are using AI.

In his presentation on Artificial Intelligence, the Managing Director of the Rokel Commercial Bank, Dr. Ekundayo Gilpin explained that the use of technology by the bank is to give service to customers in a way that is easy to access in their respective locations, and to enable them access their accounts far away from the bank, as a result with the internet they have been able to do so, with the use of data and technology.

He furthered that when a customer comes to the bank to enquire about his balance, the time taken to get the information is now reduced, as a customer can now be at his workplace or home and with the use of his mobile phone, via his wallet to Bank service, access his account and do other financial transactions. He disclosed that AI has made life easier for many people, as in the developed world there are now cars that do not have drivers, but are driven by technology. One only informs the system to take him to where he wants, and with the data at the vehicles disposal, the technology takes over and the passenger is taken to the desired destination.

In banking, Dr. Gilpin went on, they now have smart system to improve access to account. There is going to be a creation of an app that one can virtually speak to and give inform to the app. Thus at any point in time one can access his account. The system will be able to discern the mood that the customer is in, etc,. This process gives access to accounts through mobile company, and is a system that will personalize the customer, as it will know the customer it is dealing with, because the customer will have his distinct identification. The system will guide the customer in managing his account, and is designed to prevent fraud.

The meeting was climaxed by a question and answer session.

China to Host Several Foreign Leaders Following Key CPC Congress, to set Good Example of Major Country Diplomacy

Intensive visits show countries positive on China’s development

By Chen Qingqing and Zhang Hui

China will soon unveil its major diplomatic events after the conclusion of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) by welcoming several foreign leaders from countries with different political systems and economic development paths, illustrating that more countries hold positive views on China’s future development and welcome the country’s foreign policy embedded with the concept of humanity’s shared values pursued by the CPC.

At the invitation of Premier Li Keqiang, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will pay an official visit to China on November 4, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin announced on Friday.

He also became the latest foreign leader set to visit China, as General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong, Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif  and Samia Suluhu Hassan, president of the United Republic of Tanzania are scheduled to visit the country in the coming days.

Such intensive visits to China following the CPC’s key congress show that many countries in the world understand, support and welcome China’s diplomatic ideas and approaches in the face of intensifying geopolitical uncertainties, drawing a sharp contrast with US-led Western hegemony that has triggered growing confrontation and divisions by piecing together small cliques, some experts said. More countries are also expected to share experiences and find some inspiration for their own growth.

Vietnam’s communist party chief will pay an official visit to China from October 30 to November 2 at the invitation of Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee and Chinese President. Trong will also be the first foreign leader to visit China after the 20th National Congress of the CPC.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif will also visit China from November 1, which will also be his first visit to China since taking office in April, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced earlier this week. It demonstrates the special friendship and strategic mutual trust between China and Pakistan, which is also a continuation of the positive momentum of close high-level contacts between the two countries, according to the ministry.

Meanwhile, Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, will pay a state visit to China from November 2 to November 4, who will also be the first Head of State from Africa to visit China after the CPC National Congress. .

In addition to leaders from Asia and Africa, German Chancellor Scholz’s trip to China will make him the first G7 leader to travel to the country since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, media reports said.

These visits of foreign leaders to China show that more and more countries are optimistic about China’s future development, especially after the 20th CPC National Congress signaled the stability, predictability and continuity of our policies, more countries are willing to maintain cooperation with China, a Beijing-based expert on foreign relations who preferred not to be named told the Global Times on Friday.

“This also shows that China’s diplomatic ideas are welcomed, understood and supported by many countries around the world, which also underscores the ideas of common interests and security, helping push forward the international order to a fairer and more equitable direction,” the expert said.

Shared values highlighted

As the world stands at a critical junction in the face of growing challenges such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, energy crises and the impact of COVID, how China plays its role will also affect how the world is developing, and the upcoming face-to-face communication between foreign and Chinese leaders serves as an important opportunity to understand where China’s policy and diplomacy is leading, some experts said.
It has been a long time since Chinese and German leaders have had face-to-face communication, and Scholz will be visiting China at a key period when the two countries celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and Berlin plans its overall foreign policy with its China policy as a major part, Cui Hongjian, director of the Department of European Studies at the China Institute of International Studies, told the Global Times on Friday.

“The direct communication will help shape consensus, as we have heard different voices concerning China-Germany relations in the European country. Some questions need to be answered: Should we adhere to the basis of pragmatic cooperation? How do we handle the Ukraine crisis and where are China-EU relations heading?” Cui said.

After Xi was elected general secretary of the 20th Central Committee of the CPC at the committee’s first plenary session, he expressed China’s commitment to promoting the building of a human community with a shared future.

“We will work with peoples of all other countries to champion humanity’s shared values of peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy, and freedom to safeguard global peace and promote global development, and keep promoting the building of a human community with a shared future,” Xi said when meeting the press at the Great Hall of the People on October 23.

In the eyes of Chinese experts, such commitment is also underscored in the country’s future diplomacy with the firm determination of deeply integrating into the world’s economic system and taking concrete actions in pushing forward a human community with a shared future.

After the Party’s congress, China released a series of signals welcoming foreign investment and continuing cooperation with other countries, and such determination to advance a human community with a shared future will also crush the US’ ill-intentioned attempts of decoupling and disruption of supply chains, Yang Xiyu, a senior research fellow at the China Institute of International Studies, told the Global Times on Friday.

“It’s believed that many other foreign leaders hope to visit China after the Party congress to learn China’s policy,” Yang said.

Setting an example

Xi said when meeting the press on October 23 that China will open its door wider to the rest of the world, and will be steadfast in deepening reform and opening up across the board, and in pursuing high-quality development. A prosperous China will create many more opportunities for the world, he said.

As the CPC embarks on a new journey, it’s also time to share experiences and opportunities of China’s path to modernization with the world, which could set an example for other developing countries, Wang Yiwei, director of the Institute of International Affairs at the Renmin University of China, told the Global Times on Friday.

“For example, we have signed many cooperation deals on the Belt and Road Initiative with countries like Vietnam, bringing benefits to local people and businesses. Amid rising energy prices, China and Germany could cooperate in the area, and the two countries have more opportunities in cooperating in new-energy vehicles,” he said.

This cooperation is not defined or driven by ideology nor self-righteous mindsets like the US has done by exporting or imposing its own values or  forcing others to acceptits so-called rules, and China never seeks to export its development model, Wang said.

As Scholz will also be the first Western leader to visit China after the Party’s congress, experts believe that pragmatic China-Germany relations will also play a role of stabilizing China-EU relations, given that Germany is the bloc’s largest trading partner with China.

“In the Merkel era, China-Germany relations also played a major role in overall China-EU relations. If the two sides can stabilize and further improve their relations, it will also serve as a good example not only for Europe but also for the West,” Cui said.

 

David Arnold School Pupil Stabbed to Death 

By Kef Dukulay

13-year-old Fatmata Soriba, a JSS 3 pupil of the David Arnold High School, Old Wharf in Freetown was stabbed to death on Wednesday, October 26 at their Davies Street residence, up Congo Water by thieves. Congo Water is an area notorious for thieving, stabbing and lawlessness within the Wellington Community. Poor Fatmata Soriba is the only daughter of Mohamed Alfred Soriba, who is also a teacher at David Arnold High School.

Explaining the circumstance leading to the death of his daughter, Mr. Soriba said she lost her life to thieves who broke into their premises at around 3: am that fateful night. He said the thieves forced their way into their apartment located at the extreme end of the compound of about six other adjoining apartments.

“They broke open the door and carted away everything and also killed my only daughter,” Teacher Soriba explained in sobs. He said he suspected a deliberate target against his family. “It is a very big compound with a long apartment building and I and my family live at the extreme end so I don’t know why I was singled out for attack.”

According to him, the thieves methodically skipped the other blocks to target his household for the ransack and gruesome murder of their daughter. He said the sound of the thieves carting away their loot awakened the poor girl who gave a spontaneous shout to alert the other family members. “She was promptly silenced by one of the intruders who pushed a knife deep into her neck as they fled, and before we could realize anything, she was in a pool of blood, lifeless.”

Mr. Soriba continued that the thieves succeeded and they escaped clean. He said the intruders can likely by residing within the same area and know the family so they wouldn’t want to be identified at dawn for which they targeted the little girl.

Not too far ago, about a month, a similar atrocity was visited on my household. Our three-roomed apartment at New Stead Lane, within the same Congo Water community, was broken into and ransacked, carting away several items. This ugly phenomenon is becoming a cause for concern and certain community people seem protective of the miscreants as people see thieving very normal in that part of the city.

Also, this is a very deprived, dirty and drug-infested area with addicts serving as willing recruits to perpetrate mayhem against peaceful citizens whenever the situation arises.

Residents are therefore calling on the leadership of the Sierra Leone Police to pay great attention to the Congo Water area in Wellington by increasing personnel presence and regular patrols.

 

 

 

 

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