Peace Commission Holds International Day of Peace Symposium

September 23, 2022

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In commemorating International Day of Peace in the country, the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC), in collaboration with the Talking Drums Studio, UNESCO has on Wednesday 21^st September, 2022 held a one-day International Day of Peace Symposium on the theme: “End Tribalism, Build Peace & National Cohesion.” The symposium, which brought together Sierra Leoneans from all walks of life was held at the Bintumani International Conference Center on Aberdeen in Freetown.

In his welcome address, Alhaji Musa Salam Conteh, Board Member of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion said that the day was set aside by the United Nations devoted to strengthening the ideals of Peace through the observance of 24 hours non-violence and ceasefire.

He pointed out that this year’s International Day of Peace global theme is “End Racism, Build Peace” but in Sierra Leone ICPNC has chosen the theme: “End Tribalism, Build Peace & National Cohesion” because of the recent spate of tribal rhetoric and statements especially on social media that have the potential to spark violence in the country.

He stated that the Commission through the symposium will address the dangers of tribalism and also admonished Sierra Leoneans to desist from any act that might bring division in the country but rather promote peace and cohesion because without peace there can be no development.

The Board member maintained that the Commission has as its mandate proffering advise to Government on all aspects of conflict resolution and peace and adopt measures to promote and facilitate the full implementation of recommendations, promote peace, reconciliation, and unity in Sierra Leone, build a peace culture, enhance tolerance, and support peaceful resolution of conflicts throughout Sierra Leone etc.

He continued that the Commission has validated its three (3) year Strategic Plan-2022-2024 for the promotion of peace and national cohesion in the country.

He stated that the Commission has been embarking on series of engagements with various sectors in society including the Bike Riders Association, Keke Riders Association, Religious Leaders, Political Parties etc. in order to enhance peace in the country.

Ambassador of the EU, Manuel Muller, stated that as a representative of the European Union celebrating International Peace Day also reminds him of a former French Foreign Minister, Robert Schuman, whose project, he said, shaped what today has become the European Union which is an economic and political actor globally.

He pointed out that Sierra Leone has made notable progress in consolidating peace and democratic governance since the decade long civil war ended in 2002 which he said includes the successful administration of four elections, a peaceful transfer of power in 2007 and peaceful presidential, parliamentary, and local council elections in 2012, and subsequently a peaceful transfer of power in 2018.

The EU Ambassador maintained that Sierra Leone has chosen to continue to address underlying challenges in the country and to increase the solidity of democratic norms. He added that there is no development without peace, furthering that democracy and peace are two sides of the same coin and indeed the cornerstone for sustainable, resilient and prosperous nations across the world.

“The European Union as a reliable and strong partner of Sierra Leone has supported the country’s transition from the brutal decade-long civil conflict to a nation that is working towards building its democracy, despite the challenges,” he revealed.

The Leader of the Main Opposition APC Party in Parliament, Chernor Maju Bah, described the symposium as very important towards enhancing peace in the country. He said that violence doesn’t benefit anybody of which he said that peace is very important and that it cannot be negotiated.

He called on all Sierra Leoneans to endeavor to preach peace and that at this moment it is important that all Sierra Leoneans should put hands on deck in order to promote peace in the country.

The Opposition Leader urged the Commission to create a levelled playing ground for all regardless of tribe, region, or political belief which he said will enhance peace and stability in the country.

He said that dialogue is the solution to the current problems the country is faced with of which he called for genuine dialogue.

Representing the Sierra Leone People’s Party, the Member of Parliament for Constituency 130 Parliament of Sierra Leone, Hon. Abdul Sulaiman Marray Conteh also emphasized the importance of enhancing peace in the country.

He pointed out that it is the responsibility of all citizens to build sustainable peace in the country adding that peace is the driver of development.

“Let us move beyond the International Day of Peace, let us go back to our communities and preach peace as peace is the bedrock of development and prosperity and let us all work in the interest of Sierra Leone,” he concluded.

Giving the keynote address on behalf of the Vice President of Sierra Leone, the Minister of Political and Public Affairs, Ambassador Foday Yumkella, said that the International Day of Peace is celebrated globally to encourage all humanity to commit to peace above all differences and to contribute to building a culture of peace.

He added that the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion has chosen the theme: “End Tribalism, Build Peace & National Cohesion” of which he stated that it is very important for us as a nation to build peace and enhance national cohesion in the country.

The Minister called on all Sierra Leoneans to commit themselves towards building sustainable peace in the country.

Climaxing the symposium was a panel discussion on the theme. Panelists included representatives from the Inter Religious Council, Youth Council, Labour Congress, Council of Paramount Chiefs, SLAJ and the National Coordinator of WANEP.

Ambassador Omrie Golley Reveals Plans to increase Agricultural Production in Sierra Leone in a New Investment Initiative

September 22, 2022

In the 2021 Global Hunger Index, Sierra Leone ranked 106th out of the 116 countries. With a score of 31.3, according to the index, Sierra Leone has a level of hunger that is serious.

WFP’s Hunger Map for Sierra Leone in July 15, 2022 showed that 2.2 million people are chronically hungry, with 1.6 million people are acutely hungry.

All of these are occurring at a time when the world is emerging from the shock of COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally the war between Russia and Ukraine has also led to unprecedented price shocks in food, energy, and fertilizer globally, due to the predominance of Ukraine in global food production.

In Sierra Leone, poor smallholder farmers are struggling to produce adequate food supplies, and are facing severe negative impact because of the inability to afford agricultural inputs and related services.

Hence, food security, especially among the rural population, who depend largely on farming as a primary source of livelihood remain an existential threat to proper living.

Additionally WFP data in 2022, has shown that young people in particular, still lack educational opportunities and employment opportunities today. Over 56 percent of Sierra Leone’s population live below the poverty line.

Against this backdrop, prominent Sierra Leonean lawyer and diplomat, Omrie Golley has recently set up a private investment vehicle, Golley Agriculture Developments SL Limited, working in partnership with an Israeli company called Netafim to enhance food production in Sierra Leone, using innovative techniques, that combine education and the use of specialized advanced and modern techniques.

Cross-section of community people and land identification team

Netafim is one of the world’s largest irrigation Companies, and a renowned world leader in advanced drip irrigation solutions and utilising water and available land effectively with advanced agricultural technology.

In pursuance of this plan, the Golley Agricultural Team comprising local agriculturists, together with representatives of Netafim, have in recent days, embarked on fact-finding mission to identify suitable lands to cultivate essential food supplies.

The main thrust of the tour has been to identify fifteen (15) plots of 100 acres each from across the country for the construction of Agric-Educational Farms (AEF).

International and local agriculturists collecting GPS coordinates

The purpose of the AEF is to train local student farmers in the latest agricultural techniques, including the use of drip irrigation. The intention is to train local farms in optimising chosen agricultural sites for production.

Local farmers will be trained in all aspects of agriculture, using advanced agricultural equipment, knowledge, and technology essential for maximum production.

At the end of the training, the intention is that local communities will then be able to create and manage efficiently commercial farms.

The land identification tour which started in the northwest, north, and later south and east regions of the country, has been to identify strategic locations that would stand the best chance of optimum production of various crops, with clear criteria for such production.

Commenting on his latest investment plans, Ambassador Omrie Golley had this to say:

“We are fortunate to have a country endowed with rich agricultural resources, including verdant fields and rich organic soil. We need to use these God-given resources to achieve food security by feeding ourselves and exporting agricultural produce. We need to harness the best in agricultural technology and education to achieve optimum results, which will in turn aid national recovery and development. We can assist and embrace the private sector and make great advances in the field of agricultural development. So achieving this has always been my dream”

Ambassador Omrie Golley in 2019 did promise to reactivate his contacts, after his very successful stint as our Ambassador to South Korea, and returning to the private sector, to bring on board all of them, to ensure that all key players of Sierra Leone’s political system work together for the betterment of the people.

QNET Warns Against Fraudsters Using its Name to Fleece People

September 21, 2022

By Amin Kef Sesay (Ranger)

It has now become apparent in recent times that there has been a proliferation of reported cases of fraud said to be perpetrated by certain unscrupulous individuals who pose as agents of QNET International.

Capitalizing on the eagerness of young people to travel overseas in search of greener pasture, these unscrupulous individuals have been using the name of a legally functioning business entity, QNET International, to hoodwink and scam unsuspecting persons after giving them the impression that they will facilitate the easy travelling of a person wanting to relocate in an advanced country. At the end of the day the unsuspecting victims are fleeced of their hard earned money and left to wallow in their mistakes.

Few days ago some of these fraudsters, who fell out of luck and were apprehended appeared in one of the Magistrate Courts on Pademba Road for obtaining money under false pretext and according to the Prosecutor the accused persons were said to be employees of QNET in Sierra Leone. At the end of the court proceeding the accused persons were granted stiff bail, the conditions which they could not fulfill and therefore were remanded in Prison until the next adjourned date.

The frequency of such QNET related cases became so overwhelming to an extent that it prompted a thorough investigation into this business entity and how it is operating in the country.

From what was learnt, QNET is a business enterprise that offers customers an opportunity to choose to become “Independent Representatives” (IR) of the company with a start kit and an online office. IRs receive commissions after they introduce the products to six people, placing three people on their left and three people on their right, described as “two legs”.

When an IR introduces a new customer who then becomes an IR themselves, the original IR benefits (by receiving bonus points) from the success of their recruit. These bonus points build up on only one of the IR’s legs. The IR must then find recruits for the other leg in order to receive commissions.

It was also understood that QNET International is not registered in this country. What obtains is that there is a team here of Independent Representative that are representing the company and conducting marketing through the QNET website where all the products are displayed. It is this team that coordinates the sales of the company here in Sierra Leone.

The Independent Representatives operate on the basis of commissions and the more persons brought onboard plus the number of products marketed determines the percentage of commission to be earned.

It must be noted that throughout the period of investigation it came out vividly that QNET International has no room in its modus operandi of facilitating overseas travelling for any particular fee.

In other words it was clearly established that at no point in time in its existence has QNET International got involved in facilitating the travelling of people from one country to another.

What really became apparent was that there are certain individuals who are using the name of QNET International to scam unsuspecting individuals.

Again, what came to light was that certain individuals who have reported that they were duped did not really understand what a particular Independent Representative informed them about what the scheme entails before joining it. It is reported that when things do not go the way it is expected that some who had willingly opted to be part of the scheme raise an alarm not knowing that they were investing on purchasing the products to be marketed by them.

According to what was understood it is at this point that they raise an alarm that they have been scammed. This has been the thorny aspect in the whole arrangement.

However, it has been proven beyond reasonable doubts that the QNET scheme is real, legal, though without an office in Sierra Leone and it has benefitted some people.

ECSL Debunks Allegation of Foul Play in Procuring Electoral Equipment & Systems

September 21, 2022

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In a Press Statement dated 19th September 2022, issued by the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL), geared towards updating the Press on the voter registration process, it was stated that on the 14^thSeptember the Commission published a Public Notice indicating their commitment to end the first phase of the voter registration exercise on the 17th September 2022 and begin the second phase on the 20^thSeptember to 4^thOctober 2022.

Further mentioned was that the Commission is pleased to announce that the first phase ended as scheduled successfully and that the data is being processed.

According to the ECSL, currently their field staffs are on deployment right across the country to begin the second phase of voter registration which commenced on the 20th September, 2022 at 7am.

It continued that the Public should note that 1,815 centers will open for all eligible Sierra Leoneans of voting age and those who will be 18 years old on the 24th June 2023 (polling day) to present themselves and update their details.

ECSL stated further that citizens should be reminded that centers will open right across the country in all 446 wards in every constituency and district maintaining that it is an opportunity for eligible citizens who could not make it in the first phase to find the nearest center in their community.

The Chief Electoral Commissioner pointed out that documents required for registration are a valid Sierra Leonean passport, previous Voter ID card, a National ID card, certificate of registration from NCRA or valid Sierra Leonean birth certificate.

He warned all those who intend to do or encourage double or underage registration not to attempt because they would be caught and prosecuted saying the Commission is reminding citizens that it is a crime punishable by law stressing how they have the means to identify culprits adding that such persons will be prosecuted.

The Chief Electoral Commissioner revealed that in the first phase they had challenges which they shared with stakeholders adding that the Commission is grateful for the teamwork of all their staff and observers, and he is pleased that they have met those challenges maintaining how they look forward to more positive engagements with stakeholders and other partners including Political Parties.

He intimated that the ECSL Situation Room has been active receiving calls from all over the country and will continue to provide that service throughout the registration period reminding the public that the contact number remain the same: 838 on Africell, Qcell, and Orange on toll free access.

Mohamed Kenuwui Konneh informed that all other action points such as charging of the equipment (VVK, VIU, SOLAR BATTERY), first time voters have been addressed.

He also stated how they have put in place a generator hire scheme, bike hire and they have updated the VVK to capture all first-time voters who will be 18 years old on 24 June 2023.

The Chief Electoral Commissioner ,on behalf of his colleague Commissioners and Staff ,gave a summary of the provisional data collected based on 80% of Centres reported for Phase one.

PROVISIONAL FIRST PHASE REGISTRATION DATA BASED ON REPORT FROM 80% OF CENTRES
NO	REGION	TOTAL
1	Eastern Region	269,110
2	Northern Region	241,827
3	North West Region	188,048
4	Southern Region	295,759
5	Western Area	350,432
	NATIONAL TOTAL	1,345,176

ECSL said its attention has been drawn to some misinformed allegations against it regarding the procurement of voter registration equipment and systems and will therefore make the following clarifications: That the ECSL carried out two separate and distinct procurement activities using the International Competitive Bidding (ICB) processes with regards to the supply of 2,000 high-specifications laptop computers of 2 terabyte storage capacity and accessories including 2,000 fingerprint scanners, 2,000 USB drives, 2000 laptop carrying boxes etc, Supply of voter registration software to verify and confirm registrants who present themselves for voter registration by using biometric authentication and supply of 1,850 portable solar-powered generators.

It was stated that the ICB procurement processes required international bidders not registered in Sierra Leone to provide evidence of business partnerships with businesses that are registered in Sierra Leone adding that local bidders who are registered and based in Sierra Leone were not required to meet that requirement.

According to the ECSL, it was ensured that the evaluation of bids received followed the standard procurement stages of evaluation which were Preliminary, Technical and Financial evaluations.

The ECSL stated that it further ensured that only bids that had successfully gone through the Preliminary and Technical evaluations were allowed to be evaluated at the financial evaluation stage.

At the Financial evaluation stage, the ECSL said it selected the ‘Most Responsive Bidder’ with the lowest price for the above-mentioned procurement activities.

It continued that as a mandatory requirement, the National Public Procurement Authority (NPPA) endorsed the evaluation decisions of ECSL regarding the above-mentioned procurement activities.

The NPPA, it was said, reviewed the entire procurement processes and approved the evaluation decisions of ECSL with the issuance of No Objection clearance.

The ECSL disclosed that it has received all the items as specified in the above-mentioned procurement activities. (Laptop computers, scanners, USB drives, voter registration software and portable solar-powered generators) adding how it also ensured that the ‘ESL’ inscription was clearly engraved on all 2,000 laptop computers supplied.

It re-assured the public of its commitment to uphold its Guiding Principles and to continue to adhere to all applicable laws and regulations regarding its procurement activities.

Abdul Kadiru Kaikai takes Voter Registration Sensitization to Pujehun District

September 21, 2022

By Alim Jalloh

In his efforts to continue to sensitize major stakeholders right across the country about the importance of taking part in the ongoing voters registration exercise, which is been conducted by the Elections Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) and as part of his strides in supporting President Bio’s 2023 second term bid in the country, the Grand Chief Patron of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), Business tycoon and Philanthropist, Abdul Kadiru Kaikai, while addressing residents of the district at Futa Village, Pejeh Chiefdom, Pujehun District, on Sunday 18^th September 2022, said he wants to learn from His Excellency, President Julius Maada Bio’s patriotism and good leadership style.

Chanting, “Maada Bio, Maada Bioooo”, which was rapturously responded to by the residents, Abdul Kadiru Kaikai stated that he was in Pujehun for three reasons, one for his love for Sierra Leone, two; his Love for the Sierra Leone People’s Party and the third being the re-election of President Bio in 2023 with no runoff.

He encouraged the people to turn out in large numbers to register maintaining that it is their fundamental right as enshrined in the country’s Constitution and more especially to ensure that they vote for President Bio in order for him to get a second term in office to continue to work in the interest of the people of this nation.

Chief Kadiru, as he is fondly called, furthered that President Bio inherited a nation from the erstwhile All People’s Congress (APC) Government with a battered image further intimating that the President’s frequent travelling overseas was geared towards laundering the country’s image in the international arena, an endeavour , which he informed, has been mainly successful so far.

“Leaders and organizations all over the world are inviting President Bio which is something that will not happen if he was a foolish leader,” he told the huge crowd he was addressing reiterating how the International Community admires the President so much.

Chief Kadiru explained to residents that President Bio hails from a humble chieftaincy background and attended the great Bo Government Secondary School, before joining the military in his early 20’s and fought for this nation.

He continued that as Military Leader in 1996 President Bio handed over power to a civilian Government and in 2005 contested for the SLPP Leadership, furthering that in 2018, he became the President of Sierra Leone.

According to him, all the aforementioned stages in the President’s life speak volumes of the good leadership qualities in him and his humble personality. Kadiru maintained that it is those leadership qualities that he is emulating.

He concluded by pledging financial and logistical supports to the chiefdom.

Paramount Chief Sheku A. Koroma applauded Kadiru Kaikai for the concern and respect he has accorded to Paramount Chiefs and stakeholders nationwide. The PC, however, highlighted the challenges faced during the ongoing voter registration process and called on Kadiru to continue to support them.

John H Freeman, the Youth Chairman of Pejen Chiefdom, pointed out that the Chiefdom is underdeveloped, adding that they only rely on small scale farming for survival. He made an appeal to Kadiru Kaikai to help them by empowering the youth and women.

It could be recalled that a similar engagement by Kadiru Kaikai was done in the Eastern Province in the recent past and will continue in the North next weekend.

YaDA-SL Ends Youth Driven Dialogue Conference on Democracy

September 21, 2022

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In celebrating International Day of Democracy 2022, which is celebrated in September every year as an opportunity to review the state of democracy in the world, the Youth Alliance for Democracy and Accountability Sierra Leone (YaDA-SL), a registered Non-Governmental youth led Civil Society Organization working towards the promotion of democracy, accountability, human rights, good governance and peace in order to bring long term change and sustainable development in the county has on Thursday 15^th September, 2022 held its 1st National High-Level Youth Driven Dialogue Conference on Democracy on the theme: “Media Freedom: A catalyst to Democratic Good Governance”, at the New Freetown City Hall Auditorium.

Present at the ceremony were the Mayor of Freetown Municipality, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, Chairperson of the National Commission for Democracy, Marian Samu, Executive Secretary of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion, Hawa Samai, Chief Executive Officer, Ahmed Tejan Kabba Foundation for Peace and Democracy, Amb. Souley B. Daramy, Deputy Commissioner, National Youth Commission, Emerson Kamara, Chairman of the All Political Parties Association, Prince Coker, National Coordinator of West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP),Dr. Isata Mahoir, representatives of Political Parties and over 500 young people across the country.

The conference was geared towards supporting the Government of Sierra Leone to strengthen institutions and processes that are more responsive to the needs of ordinary citizens, including the poor, as well as to promote sustainable development.

Some of the stakeholders present expressed their views, in panel discussions, in respect of constitutional rule across the country and how to strengthen political discourse in favor of consolidating democracy in the country.

On his part, the Executive Director of the Youth Alliance For Democracy and Accountability-Sierra Leone (YaDA-SL), Foday Moriba Conteh, said that this year’s commemoration of International Day of Democracy marked the 15th anniversary of the International Day of Democracy, a day to reflect on the democratic credentials nations have strived to achieve, the gains made, consolidated and the challenges to be surmounted.

He stated that according to the UN Secretary General: “Across the world, democracy is backsliding, Civic space is shrinking, Distrust and disinformation are growing and polarization is undermining democratic institutions.”

Foday Moriba Conteh continued by stating that today, because of the complexity of modern States what obtains is Representative Democracy where the citizens are at liberty to choose their representatives, through periodic elections, to represent them in Parliament, speak and make laws in their best interests.

He said that during this International Day of Democracy, the focus is on one of the cornerstones of democratic societies – a free, independent, and pluralistic media as the theme of the conference was: “Media Freedom: A Catalyst for Democratic Good Governance”, a theme which, he said, could not have been more appropriate at any other given time than now.

He further dilated on the Freedom of Expression of journalists. “Indeed, attempts to silence journalists are growing more brazen by the day from physical to verbal assault to online surveillance and legal harassment especially against women journalists.
Media workers, at given times, face censorship, detention, physical violence, and even killings often with impunity.”

The Mayor of Freetown City Council, Her Worship Yvonne Aki-Sawyer, who also made a statement during the ceremony, commended the Youth Alliance for Democracy and Accountability Sierra Leone for organizing such an event for young people to know about democracy and reflect their minds on the gains achieved and challenges ahead.

She gave a traditional definition of ‘Democracy’ as a Government of the People, by the People and for the People which was vivid to all and sundry.

Yvonne Aki-Sawyer elaborated on the term democracy and how its gives respect and rights to citizens in a democratic State. The Mayor said she believes in democracy because it puts people at the center of electing their representatives.

The Deputy Commissioner of National Youth Commission, Emerson Kamara, also commended YaDA-SL and partners for the laudable venture towards enhancing democratic governance in the country.

He noted that the social media can be used in various ways to promote democratic good governance in the country also urging young people to serve as agents of transformation in our beloved country.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ahmad Tejan Kabbah (ATK) Foundation for Peace and Democracy, Amb Soulay B. Daramy, expressed appreciation to the Youth Alliance for Democracy and Accountability Sierra Leone for their tremendous work towards leading young people on the path of democracy.

He said their Foundation is a non-profit organization that advocates for unity, peaceful coexistence, democracy, good governance, Girl Child Education, youth, and women’s empowerment of which he assured the Youth Alliance for Democracy and Accountability Sierra Leone of the Foundation’s continuous partnership towards strengthening democracy in the country.

In her keynote address, the Chairperson of the National Commission for Democracy (NCD), Marian Samu, encouraged young people to reflect their minds on the valuable words that are used in the National Anthem and Pledge.

She spoke on the role of the Commission and how they have worked tremendously to strengthen democracy in the country.

Marian Samu pointed out that the 15^th September, 2022 marks the 15^th year’s anniversary of the International Day of Democracy, adding that the purpose of the day is to review the state of democracy in the world, uphold and promote democracy and its principles.

She called on all Sierra Leonean to join hands towards strengthening and upholding democracy in the country. She concluded by expressing warmest appreciation to the Youth Alliance for Democracy and Accountability Sierra Leone for staging the 1st National High-Level Youth Driven Dialogue Conference on Democracy 2022 in the country, describing the move by the organization as a laudable effort towards the participation of young people in strengthening and upholding democracy in the country.

The conference was climaxed by a panel discussion on Democracy which was moderated by the National Coordinator of the Youth Alliance for Democracy and Accountability Sierra Leone Alfie Barrie.

Panelists included the Deputy Commissioner, National Youth Commission, Emerson Kamara, National Coordinator West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), Dr. Isata Mahoi, Member of Parliament Constituency 121, representing the Sierra Leone People’s Party, Hon. Lansana Kargbo, Executive Director of Center for Research Peace and Youth Affairs, Abdul Kpaka Secretary General, All Political Parties Youth Association, Samuel P.O.V Macauley, Western Area Chairman of the National Grand Coalition Party, Arthur E. Pearce. During the panel discussion participants were availed the opportunity to ask questions to the panelists.

Legal Aid Board Offers Assistance to Homeless Wife

September 21, 2022

By Abubakarr Harding

Ms. Fatmata Claire Carlton-Hanciles, Executive Director of the Legal Aid Board, has called on the Local Unit Commander (LUC) for Adonkia Police Station, Abu Bakar Kallon to discuss the plight of a vulnerable client, Madam Salamatu Turay,who has been rendered homeless for over a month and the support she needs to feel safe to return and live in peace in her matrimonial home in Gbendembu, Goderich.

It was reported that Ms. Salamatu Turay has had no peace since his estranged husband, Nabie Musa Turay a former staff of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia served her a divorce certificate and a quit notice at about the same time in January 2021.

Salamatu started having problems with her husband following his return home from Saudi Arabia after retiring in 2015. They took the matter to one of the nearby Imams in Gbendembu in Freetown for mediation and counselling.

The matter dragged on with little or no progress. Madam Salamatu was waiting for the due date for the next session, when, to her utter shock was served a divorce certificate and shortly afterwards also served a quit notice.

Salamatu decided to seek help at the Legal Aid Board in February 2021. The Board realized that the Imam did not spell out the terms of the divorce even though the Holy Quran provides that in the case of a divorce, the husband should give the wife a ‘suitable compensation’ according to his means (Al-Bagara 2:236 -237).

Mediation of the matter at the Legal Aid Board office in Freetown stalled because the husband, Turay, was not prepared to discuss the terms of the divorce. He was resolute that his wife should go empty-handed. This is despite the fact that they had married for over eight years as of 2021.

“Mr. Turay was not prepared to offer anything to the wife even though I had advice strongly against that, I therefore had no alternative but to refer the matter to the court,” Mrs. Carlton-Hanciles said.

As a consequence, Ms. Fatmata Claire Carlton-Hanciles wrote him a strongly worded letter on 18 March 2021. “I advise you strongly to desist forthwith from harassing and intimidating our client while you proceed with summary ejectment in the courts,” part of the letter reads.

“Mrs. Salamatu Turay cannot be referred to as a tenant in a property you both own. You are both legally married for over eight uninterrupted years during which period you both acquired properties including the one you are both residing in. You are being disingenuous to refer to her as a tenant simply because you want to have sole ownership of the property,” the letter notes further.

Nabie Musa Turay had his first setback when the court rejected his ejectment notice on the grounds that the wife is not a tenant. The matter was then taken to the High Court before Justice Komba Kamanda around April 2021.

Unfortunately, this development did not stop the abuses Salamatu has been allegedly subjected to by her husband. He took her to the Adonkia Police Station on 5 August 2022 where she was detained and released after three days. She was neither told the crime she had committed nor informed to call the Legal Aid Board for legal assistance.

The husband also has a soldier as a security guard who treats her like an intruder. Whenever she is in the premises, the guard will allegedly behave in a threatening manner leaving Salamatu fearful for her life. She had to leave the house and she is now homeless sleeping rough in Freetown.

It was learnt that the Board is expected to apply for a Protection Order for Madam Salamatu when the High Court resumes sittings this week after the recess.

Police, Immigration & ACC Officers to Benefit from WAPIS Data Quality Training

September 21, 2022

By Abubakarr Harding

A 5-day training session on the West Africa Police Information Systems (WAPIS) Data Quality for the Police, Immigration and Anti -Corruption Commission (ACC) Officers commenced on Monday 19th September , 2022. It was made possible through the collaboration among the Sierra Leone Police, the European Union (EU), and INTERPOL.

The training, which is held at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters on Pa Demba Road, in Freetown, will continue up to Friday September 23, 2022.

It could be recalled that in January this year, the West Africa Information System was launched in Sierra Leone as a National Crime Monitoring System to counter or combat perpetrators/activities of transnational organized crimes, terrorism and series of other heinous crimes.

Against that backdrop, it was deemed necessary by the aforementioned bodies (SLP, EU and INTERPOL) to train staff of law enforcement agencies, so as to capacitate them on the usage of WAPIS and data quality management systems in the fight against national, regional and global crimes.

According to the WAPIS Programme Coordinator Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohamed Yansaneh, the training is vital because security gaps at National, Regional and International levels have contributed to West Africa experiencing serious crimes such as drug trafficking, migrant smuggling and international terrorism. Without effective Police information exchange within the region, as well as between the regions and the rest of the world, no enforcement strategy can effectively tackle these crime threats, he noted.

The EU Ambassador to Sierra Leone, His Excellency, Manuel Muller who are the official sponsor of the WAPIS Programme Sierra Leone, said: “WAPIS is set to strengthen the security architecture of Sierra Leone and the whole sub-region. The WAPIS programme strives to enhance the capacity of West African law enforcement authorities, to combat transnational crime and terrorism through more efficient criminal data collection and information sharing.”

He concluded by wishing all participants on the training a fruitful session and the agencies participating on the WAPIS programme success in fighting national and international crimes. With this, he said, would ensure peace and stability for the people of Sierra Leone.

Before declaring the opening of the training, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), William Fayia Sellu extended his sincere thanks and appreciation to the EU and other partners for being the supporting pillar of the WAPIS programme in Sierra Leone.

He pledged, on behalf of the SLP and other law enforcement participating agencies, to work with INTERPOL and the EU, so as to make the WAPIS system effective for the protection of citizens of Sierra Leone, Europe and the entire West African region.

While concluding, the IGP noted that since the system is not deployed country wide, there could be major challenges in the collection of data and that it may have the tendency to make the programme ineffective.

He therefore pleaded with the supporting partners like the EU to consider supporting the extension of the WAPIS programme to all crossing borders across the country.

4 Chinese Donated Mobile Health Clinic Buses Receive Wide Commendation

September 21, 2022

Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MOHS)

By Abubakarr Harding

Sometime in the recent past the Chinese Government through its Embassy in Sierra Leone donated four Mobile Health Clinic Buses to the Government and People of this country geared towards beefing up the country’s health infrastructure.

The four Mobile Health Clinic Buses have been on the move to support the Hospitals on the Wheels initiative of H.E. President Julius Maada Bio.

All the vehicles have been used by the Ministry of Health and Sanitation of the Republic of Sierra Leone to provide vaccination & FREE essential healthcare services, eg. maternal & child health screening, general internal medicine, eye care & lab testing for people living in areas hard-to-reach or having limited medical resources.

It could be recalled that after the Chinese Government handed over the four sophisticated medical buses to the Sierra Leonean Government in March, 2022, the buses have been deployed to Port Loko, Bo, Western Urban & Rural Districts, Kambia, Kenema, etc. where they were heartily welcomed and served thousands of patients and citizens.

It is estimated that all four buses could serve a minimum of 2,000 visitors per day, 400-500 for each bus.

Indeed, many have commended the Sierra Leone medical staff and the campaign organizers for the tremendous work they have been doing.

It was welcome news to know that the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MOHS) is determined to promote the “Hospital on Wheels” program in the whole country by continuously sending out the medical buses to tour around different districts so that those who are in most urgent need yet lack access to good health facilities can benefit from the service.

Pres. Bio Reveals that Sierra Leone has been Aggressively Transforming the Education Sector

September 21, 2022

UNICEF, GPE, UNESCO and the Governments of Italy, France, United Kingdom, Germany and the European Union.

By Abuabkarr Harding

As a global champion, President Julius Maada Bio, on the 19^th September, 2022, addressed the Transforming Education Summit on the topic, “Towards Education Transformation”, and using the country’s examples to urgently address what has been aptly referred to as a learning crisis.

“In Sierra Leone, we have been aggressively transforming our education sector since 2018. We have done so in order to address questions around access, inclusion, quality, retention, completion, and transition to technical, vocational, and higher education.

“Improving educational outcomes in a country where there had been underinvestment in education and failing standards was clearly a challenge. School infrastructure, curriculum, policies, and governance had to be urgently addressed.

“Girls, pregnant girls, poorer learners, learners in rural areas, learners with disabilities had unequal access to the education that was on offer. Learners had uneven access to foundational learning, food, teaching and learning materials, WASH facilities, trained teachers, and more. More importantly, we did not have enough money to undertake the necessary reforms we had envisioned,” he said.

The President noted that because of a strong political will and a commitment to his people, four years later, his Government was able to increase enrolment across board by more than one million additional learners, adding that they had also achieved gender parity in enrolment.

“We have revamped our curricula at all levels to include critical thinking, comprehension, computational thinking, creativity and civic education. Girls studying STEM subjects can be educated from primary through university tuition-free. Pregnant girls can once again go to school, and we are supporting learners with disabilities with specialized teaching and learning materials. More students are sitting and passing exams than ever before in our country’s history.

“These are but a sample of the achievements we are proud to share as a nation. How did Sierra Leone do it? We focused on goals, investment and inclusive and innovative strategies,” he stated.

President Bio also emphasized that in the first place his Government was clear that their goal was to make education the main vehicle for national development, adding that by making basic and secondary education free, they had sent a message to every Sierra Leonean that they, too, deserved to be included.

“Secondly, we raised our domestic investment. We raised education’s share of the domestic budget to 20% – schools fees and exam fees are now a thing of the past in our Government-supported schools. We have expanded school feeding and hired thousands of new teachers and increased their salaries even during COVID.

“Thirdly, we innovated in our policies and technology tools, always with a view to improve inclusion and access. We adopted the Radical Inclusion policy to deliberately support those most at-risk of not reaping the benefits of an education,” he said.

It could be recalled that Sierra Leone, earlier this year, brought together the 14 countries that signed the Freetown Manifesto to make a commitment to Gender Transformative Leadership in and through education.

The 18-20 May 2022 gender-transformative leadership workshop was hosted by the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education and the Gender at the Centre Initiative, a programme implemented by UNGEI and UNESCO IIEP and supported by UNICEF, GPE, UNESCO and the Governments of Italy, France, United Kingdom, Germany and the European Union.

“But we are only getting started because I believe that SDG 4 is essential to achieving all other SDGs. We stand ready to work with partners to continue to develop this vision and improve education outcomes in Sierra Leone.

“Personally, I met with various stakeholders, including school children, in preparation for this summit. This is why today I am pleased to announce a new level of ambition to make education an even stronger driver of gender equity, inclusion and sustainable national development.

“Today, Sierra Leone commits to cutting in half the number of out-of-school children of primary school age by 2030, compared to today. We will launch an Alliance for Foundational Learning through which we further commit to cutting the rate of learning poverty in half or more by 2030,” he concluded.