Magistrate Hadiru Daboh Refuses Granting Bail to 14 Accused Persons

September 21, 2022

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In a matter before the Magistrate Court No 3 on Ross Road in Freetown presided over by Magistrate Hadiru Daboh, in which 14 accused persons were standing trial for their involvement in the August 10 violent protest in Freetown, Prosecution Witness 2, on the 19^th September, 2022, completed his testimony in chief.

Magistrate Hadiru Daboh adopted an Affidavit in Opposition filed by the Prosecution thus refusing bail.

Defence Counsel R. S. Bangura-Esq, from the Legal Aid Board, in an application for PW2 to be confronted with the Caution Statement from the Police failed to properly refer Magistrate Hadiru Daboh to the right Section in the Criminal Procedure Act, No.32 of 1965.

Instead of referencing Section 190(2) of the Criminal Procedure Act, No.32 of 1965, R. S. Bangura wrongly preferred/ argued using Section 90 of the Criminal Procedure Act No. 32 of 1965.

However, the Magistrate cautioned that since the matter is of public interest/attention it will be expeditiously tried.

It must be noted that State Counsel P. A. J Williams-Esq is now the lead Prosecutor in the matter which was adjourned to the 23^rd September, 2022.

Peace Commission to Commemorate International Day of Peace Today

September 21, 2022

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC), in collaboration with the Talking Drums Studio, UNESCO will today Wednesday 21st September celebrate the International Day of Peace.

In a snap interview with this medium, the Executive Secretary of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC), Hawa Sally Samai, stated that Peace and Sacrifice are like two peas in a pod, they go together.

She furthered that great sacrifice includes truth-telling and forgiveness, two prerequisites for peace, national cohesion and development adding that when the citizenry is willingly sincere in telling the truth and at the same time is prepared to forgive past mistakes then there will be sustainable peace.

She said one of the key cankerworm that is eating at the fabric of peace and national cohesion is tribalism maintaining that if we are to progress as a nation we need to refrain from being tribal in discriminating against others saying we must be Sierra Leonean in our approach to certain issues.

Madam Samai denounced politicians who always try to whip up tribal sentiments to attain political power admonishing that we must not allow the politicians to play the tribal card.

“National cohesion and development can only be attained when we have peace and to achieve peace requires great sacrifice,” she underscored revealing together with other stakeholders they will preach peace in all the corners of the country.

She informed that as the country will soon go to the polls there is the need to uphold and maintain peace and national cohesion stressing that elections should be contested peacefully adding all must strive to be peaceful in their communities and anywhere else one finds him or herself.

“Violence always leads to destruction of life and property which is all the more reason why we must refrain from perpetrating it,” she underscored adding that violence only leads to more violence leaving sorrow and not happiness behind.

It must be noted that the International Day of Peace is a day set aside by the United Nations devoted to strengthening the ideals of Peace through the observance of 24 hours non-violence and ceasefire.

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.

This year the Commission will highlight the dangers of tribalism and to admonish Sierra Leoneans to desist from any act that might bring division in the country. It will rather promote peace and cohesion because without peace there can be no development.
A symposium on the theme, ” End Tribalism, Build Peace and National Cohesion” will be held at the Bintumani Conference Hall.

During the recent Peace Commission district engagement in four districts, Paramount Chiefs in particular condemned those using tribalism for political gains.

Sierra Leone’s First Lady Attends Queen Elizabeth’s Funeral in London

September 21, 2022

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio on the 19th September, 2022 joined over 2,000 specially invited guests from Great Britain and from all around the World to attend the Royal Funeral of the late Queen of Great Britain Her Majesty Elizabeth II of blessed memory. The funeral was held at the Westminster Abbey in London.

It was a day full of activities for the First Lady in London during which, whilst dressed all in Black, she spent a few moments to pay respects, stand and pray in front of the late Queen who laid in State on a purple catafalque at the 11th Century Hall of the Westminster Palace underneath its medieval roof.

Following that, the distinguished Sierra Leone First Lady moved to Lancaster House where she signed the Royal Book of Condolence on behalf of her husband and the people of Sierra Leone.

In her written words of consolation about the World’s longest reigning Monarch, the First Lady cited the profound impact of the presence of a female Queen as Head of State for a continuous period of over 70 years.

First Lady Fatima said that the graceful and efficient manner in which the Queen served Britain and the Commonwealth for over 70 years has significantly helped the journey of Women’s Advancement and Gender Equality across the World.

The First Lady wrote that whilst the world has lost a great Role Model, the Inspiration of late Queen Elizabeth II will continue forever on earth.

She ended her written words by stating that whilst the world has lost an icon, Heaven has gained a beautiful Angel.

After signing the Condolence Book, the First Lady was asked by the Royal Protocol team to further say Spoken Words of Tribute to the Royal Video cameras. In so doing, H.E. Dr. Fatima Maada Bio verbally re-echoed her written sentiments for the Royal Video cameras to record her Tribute.

In the evening, the Sierra Leone First Lady was welcomed alongside other World Leaders and their Wives by His Majesty King Charles III and The Queen Consort Camilla for a reception given at Buckingham Palace.

As Demand Continues To Exceed Demand, The Leone Would Devalue Up To Le2 (000) To The $…

September 21, 2022

Central Bank Governor Professor Kelfala Kallon — Central Bank Governor, Professor Kelfala Kallon

By Ranger

Central Bank Governor warned last year that the Bank would not be able to control inflation and devaluation of the Leone against the World’s major trading currency, the Dollar, if macroeconomic fundamentals remained the same.

Governor Kallon said this when he announced that the Bank will sell Dollars in a bid to stabilize the value of the Leone. As a classical economist, Governor Kallon knows that the basic dynamics of the subject rest on the principle of demand and supply. So the Bank Governor’s dilemma in controlling inflation rested on his knowledge that demand for the Dollar for various purposes far exceeds its supply (availability).

Thus, under the law of demand and supply, if the demand for Dollars continues to exceed supply, then what will happen to the value of the Leone?

So prediction by The Calabash that if the country’s macroeconomic fundamentals are not reordered to either increase the amount of Dollars to meet demand, or reduce the demand for it, then by the laws of demand and supply, more Leones will be used to buy fewer dollars. Of course, the effect of this on the prices of all imported goods and services would go up, as they are doing now.

The Economics textbooks state that there is no quick fix to the problem of a country earning less foreign exchange than the amount it uses to import.

This is why low income countries like Sierra Leone which have very little to export in terms of value will continue to experience deficit balance of trade, devaluation and rising costs of all goods and services – both imported and local.

Selflessness & Steadfastness Remain Driving Forces in NP-SL’s Effective Service Delivery

September 21, 2022

By Amin Kef-Ranger

Steadfastness in optimal service delivery has made NP- Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL-Ltd) one of the most outstanding and vibrant companies that is steadily operating, in thick and thin, in this country.

Such largely emanated from the dogged determination on the part of 35 former employees of the then British Petroleum company, which decided to fold up its operations and sold shares, which these workers bought out of their end of service benefits and used as seed capital to commence the running of the now renowned NP-SL –Ltd.

Setting up the company was just one accomplished feat, but taking it from that level to where it is today, speaks volumes of the selflessness on the part of the shareholders, who were all Sierra Leoneans, to see their ‘baby’ grow and succeed up to an appreciable stage that they were yearning for. It is this selflessness on the part of the shareholders which eclipsed personal aggrandizement, misappropriation of funds and insincerity to such an extent that the resultant effect culminated into an overall success story.

At this material point in time the company has bagged a whole lot of recognition for its outstanding performances in the line of marketing qualitative petroleum products. It stands to be contested that NP-SL Ltd is the number one oil marketing company in this country, which is equal to none, as it continues to break new frontiers in its expansionist drive.

When the name NP is called, what immediately comes to mind is First for Customer Care and this is not a mere masquerading in borrowed robes, but rather a true accomplishment of what the company fervently believes in and is striving towards maintaining. To the Shareholders and Management of the company, providing utmost satisfaction in its service delivery to its esteemed as well as numerous customers is just as important as importing petroleum products into the country. Keen consideration is given to marketing high grade products that customers utilize for the effective performances of vehicles and other gadgets.

Besides, the company ensured that its pumping machines used in Filling Stations are modern and standardized in order to give customers their monies’ worth. These machines are very transparent, as it displays the number of litre pumped and the corresponding prices. Besides, customers concerns and suggestions are taken into consideration when policies are mapped out and Management decisions are arrived at, which makes it possible for various shades of opinions and inputs to be factored into how the company tailors its operations.

With the avowed aim of making their customers feel at home, NP-SL-Ltd has made the procurement of petroleum products very simple by introducing the use of NP Smart Card. NP Smart Card has unique embedded security features which cannot be easily faked by unscrupulous persons and the Card could be topped up to contain a considerable amount of money which a particular customer could use for purchasing purposes, with amounts deducted depending on the quantum of the products so far demanded. Indeed, it is a latest technological device and is becoming very trending.

For effective cooking purposes the company also has on offer for sale NP Gas, a device found in different cylinder shapes, that could be accessed at all the company’s Filling Stations as well as authorized dealers at affordable prices. Environmentally and medically certified as user friendly, NP Gas is presently going like hot cakes and there are energized workers in all the stations that readily offer tips or guidance as to how to optimally make use of this wonderful gadget. As a matter of fact a particular user can easily gain access to gas for refilling purpose.

A marked feature of the company has to do with its one hundred percent ‘Sierra Leoneaness’, having shareholders, Management and general staff who are all indigenes. Such a premium placed on making use of local talents and raw materials are parts of the core bedrock of the much talked about Local Content Policy.

Employing knowledgeable Sierra Leoneans to execute certain tasks has been a cardinal principle that has permeated the company’s existence throughout the periods it has been in active existence and such has been paying meaningful dividends. It also means offering various training opportunities to broaden the knowledge horizons of its members of staff for sound contributions to the company’s viability and buoyancy.

Bent on maintaining that stance, the company has been helping in poverty reduction because by offering job opportunities, either directly or otherwise, it is putting monies in the pockets of individuals to take care of responsibilities. Monies are spent internally as opposed to a situation where the company should have concentrated on importing foreign expatriates to do tasks that indigenes could do better.

NP-SL Ltd has, over the years, in its drive to roll out the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility complementing Government’s efforts to enhance improved standards of living. It has offered institutional capacity supports to vibrant entities.

To have branches in different parts of the country and going further to have presence within the West African sub-region tells of how the company is determined to grow. There are NP branches in Liberia, Guinea, Ivory Coast and The Gambia and the vibrant functioning of all those branches is a true testimony of how successful its shareholders and Management want to see customers enjoying qualitative petroleum products. The company is providing job opportunities in those countries and at the same time paying taxes, which form components of generated revenues that are used by the respective Governments to undertake the implementation of various development programmes and projects.

NP-SL is moving on the right trajectory and deserves all the necessary support it requires to move from one height to another. The company is poised to continue creating meaningful impacts and consciously moving towards the direction of always setting the pace for others to follow.

UNAIDS Executive Director Commends Pres. Bio for Commitment to Girls’ Education & Girls’ Safety

September 21, 2022

By Abubakarr Harding

The Executive Director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, UNAIDS, Winnie Byanyima, has on the 19^th September, 2022 praised His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio for his leadership and sought support to reduce mother-to-child transmission of HIV during a courtesy call on the margins of the Transforming Education Summit.

She commended the President for his commitment to girls’ education and girls’ safety and spoke about the importance of introducing core textbooks on sexuality education in schools as a way of addressing sexual violence out of school and introducing sexual reproductive services to support adolescent girls.

Winnie Byanyima expressed concern about the increase in the number of children living with HIV, adding that UNAIDS would be starting a programme to focus on increasing HIV treatment for children to reduce mother-to-child transmission. She also praised the First Lady, Madam Fatima Bio, for being a great champion in supporting girls in her country and the region.

“Our continent needs more leaders like you,” UNAIDS Executive Director told President Julius Maada Bio.

In response, President Bio said safety for girls in school was very important and that sex education should be part of the curriculum because it was very fundamental for girls.

He also highlighted his Government’s efforts at addressing sexual violence, including reforming the laws, establishing sexual model courts and the complementary actions being undertaken by the First Lady. He also stated that sexual reproductive service was very necessary for girls.

“We are looking at innovative learning methods and I want to encourage more role models for young girls,” the President stated, assuring the UNAIDS Executive Director of his support to increase treatment for children living with HIV, thereby reducing the mother-to-child transmission.

Caritas Freetown Organizes One Day Dialogue Session for Police Officers & Youth

September 21, 2022

By Millicent Senava Mannah

Caritas Freetown, with support from Trocaire, Gianondo and other sponsors, has on the 20th September, 2022, organized a one- day Police and Youth Dialogue Session on the theme: “Preventing and Managing Violent Election-Related Conflicts”, targeting personnel of the Sierra Leone Police Force and the Youth. The event took place at Kondi Hall, Yam’s Farm in the Western Rural District.

Giving an overview of the event, the National Director of Caritas Sierra Leone National Office, Aloysius K. Kamara, stated that many a time there have been misunderstandings between the Youth and Police with the two often blaming each other.

According to him, they convened the dialogue for the two parties to have better understanding of themselves as the country is fast approaching the electioneering period.

He encouraged the youths to always maintain peace, national cohesion and to refrain from all forms of violence furthering that they should not allow themselves to be used by any set of people or individuals to perpetrate violence.

Aloysius K. Kamara also admonished the Police to carry out their duties responsibly stating that they should be in a position to manage conflicts amicably.

Rev. Father Peter A. Konteh, in his keynote address, noted that the dialogue is indeed timely as it comes during an important period, when the country is preparing for General Elections to be held in 2023.

He continued by stating that bringing the two sides together is geared towards promoting dialogue and greater understanding among the Police, the Electoral Commission and Youth on their roles and responsibilities to prevent and manage violent election related conflicts in order to ensure an enabling peaceful environment is achieved before, during and after the elections.

Rev. Father Konteh maintained that during electoral processes and elections, the security forces, especially the Police have a central role in providing security and ensuring safety during voter’s registration exercises, political rallies and events, transportation of election-sensitive materials and keeping peace on Polling day.

“The Youth also have an indispensable role to play in determining Sierra Leone’s progress towards a more peaceful, democratic and prosperous country,” Father Peter Konteh intimated.

“You will agree that violence and electoral politics are no strangers to one another on the African continent. Sierra Leone not been an exception is entering an important societal and political period. Tensions and stress are already on high levels due to the difficult economic situation and significant increases in living costs over the past year,” he stated.

Father Peter Konteh said out of experience over the past years, this is the time when tension and disagreement mount and competition for ideas and underlying conflicts can become violent.

“So it is during this time that dialogue, communication, patience, and empathy are paramount, ” Father Konteh stated.

He disclosed that the youths are the most affected when violence and conflicts related to elections erupt and according to him they are also the perpetrators of violence during elections.

“Conflict prevention is not a business for the faint hearted, those looking for quick returns or congenital pessimists,” he informed.

He recommended that it is essential for all to work together to ensure that the 2022 elections and democratic processes will be held in a peaceful environment.

Marie Bangura, Chairperson of the Western Area Rural District Youth Council commended the organization for organizing a dialogue session between the Police and the Youths adding that it is very timely after the August 10 violent protest.

She further admonished youth participants to deviate from violence and also cascade the information and knowledge gained to their colleagues back home.

Lansana Fofanah, Head of Operations of the Special Division of the Waterloo Police Station told the participants that Police are not their enemies, and should not be seen as targets.

He stated that they are carrying weapons as a protection for themselves and not to harm anybody but to serve the people underscoring at the end of the day they are all civilians maintaining that they and the Youth must come together to push the country forward.

Mohamed Turay, Chairman of the Bike Riders East said one of the causes of conflict between the parties is that the Police Officers see the Youths as a threat continuing that as riders they suffer too much harassment from the Police.

He revealed that as a leader he was able to mobilize his fellow bike riders to refrain from the violence that took place on August 10.

Rebecca Moseray, one of the participants, thanked the organization for such an educative dialogue and stated how she would go back to her community and pass on the message she has learnt.

The event was climaxed by a group work to come up with solutions related to how the two parties can be united to maintain law and order for the forthcoming elections to be violence-free and very peaceful.

Caritas Freetown

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights Report on Xinjiang Is Hypocritical

September 19, 2022

A Commentary By Amin Kef Sesay (Ranger)

In recent times there have been rising tensions between the United States of America and the People’s Republic of China as the US continues to contain China from rising. There is a school of thought that holds the notion that the West is jittery over the rapid development of China and therefore is bent on using various ways of weakening that nation.

On the 2nd August, 2022, the Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, paid a controversial visit to Taiwan amidst stiff protest from China, sending a wrong signal to the Taiwan separatist forces. Recently, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee is marking-up the Taiwan Policy Act of 2022, another serious hollowing of the one China policy. The world has clearly seen the hypocritical nature of the United States and some Western countries.

In the same hypocritical manner, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) recently released the UN Human Rights Report on China’s Xinjiang region in which it accuses China of gross human rights violations.

However, the “report”, which was compiled by certain people by the order of the US and some Western countries, has not got authorization from the UN Human Rights Council and has no credible basis. Therefore, it is a “product with no factual basis, no authority and no credibility”. This “report” and the so-called assessment in particular are merely a patchwork of disinformation and a political tool serving the US and some Western forces to contain China.

According to analysts, the “assessment” is neither objective nor professional and it is totally made to cater for the anti-China forces’ needs to further hype the topics on China’s Xinjiang region.

The report downplays how badly the Xinjiang region had suffered from terrorism and extremism maintaining that any Government in the world should take responsibility in fighting against terrorism to protect local residents.

The “report” was based on testimony from a carefully-selected 40 “interviewees” to jump to the “conclusion” that there are serious human rights violations in Xinjiang. Experts have pointed out that the US and some Western forces offered fund to the OHCHR to deploy remote “monitoring” on some developing countries and made “reviews” or “assessments” on these countries or some regions’ human rights situation by interviewing “victims” or “survivors” or taking dubious pictures.

Therefore, such a “report” seriously violates the mandate of the OHCHR, infringing on the non-political and objective principles. It once again proved that the OHCHR has descended into an enforcer and accomplice of the US and some Western forces against the developing countries.

It has been established that the Xinjiang region has enjoyed economic development with local residents living a happy and stable life in recent years. Foreign diplomats and visitors who visited the Xinjiang region also pointed out that the real Xinjiang is opposite to what the Western media have described.

However, the vicious political scheme by the US and some Western forces to contain China by using the Xinjiang topic is doomed to fail as the Chinese are determined to counter Western propaganda. China stands resolute and will continue to pursue its political and socio-economic policies which it believes have catapulted it to a great nation with shared prosperity.

While China will never succumb to those antics and will continue to resist them with all its might and right, the vast developing countries need to realize that they must stand with China to resist such smearing campaign against China. If some Western powers achieve their goal of humiliating and subjugating China, then they will do whatever they can to bully smaller countries in the future.

Peace Commission Engages District Stakeholders

September 19, 2022

By Fatmatta Kamara Jalloh

The Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) has commenced its district engagements targeting various districts in the country.

The district engagements are part of efforts to formally introduce the Commission to the people at district level and to brief them about the Commission’s undertakings since its inception, it plans and to discuss how as a people can be part of the Commission’s goal of ensuring peace and national cohesion.

In attendance during the meeting held at the Kambia District Council Hall were the Paramount Chiefs from Magbema, Masumgbala, Mambolo and Gbinle, Chiefdom Speakers, youth and women’s groups, students, civil society, bike riders and motor drivers unions, the disabled and war wounded and other community stakeholders.

The Director of Conflict Resolution and Management, Charles Lahai, did a short presentation on the background to the formation of the Commission, the 20th anniversary of the Peace in Sierra Leone as well as the International Day of Peace which will be commemorated by the Commission and it partners on the 21^st September on the theme: “End Tribalism, Build Peace and National Cohesion”.

He also spoke about the 11-year war, its consequences on the country and the structures put in place thereafter to address some of the causes that led to the war, including the setting up of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

He said that the Peace Commission, whose main objective is to develop strategies for conflict resolution, prevention and management will also address some of the recommendations of the TRC in order to promote lasting peace and national cohesion

Charles Lahai also informed the meeting about the development of the Commission’s 3-year strategic plan, a blue print for the implementation of the Commission’s objectives and called on the people to support the Commission in its work underscoring that without peace there can be no development.

The host Paramount Chief and Paramount Chief Member of Parliament for Kambia district, Pc Bai FaramaTass Bubu Ngak11 lauded the decision by the Management to take the Commission to the districts as well as engaging the people, which he said is long overdue.

He commended the Commission for the work done so far despite being in existence for a short time and reiterated the importance of peace to the development of the country.

The Chief told the meeting that Kambia has been one of the most peaceful districts in the country, because they as chiefs from the various chiefdoms have always endeavored to work as one, putting the interests of their people and the country first.

PC Farama Tass said that despite the cosmopolitan nature of the Kambia the district has remained united with inter-marriages and even people from other parts of the country well integrated into the community, making Kambia a model when it comes to national cohesion.

Speaking on the theme of this year’s International Day of Peace, the Paramount Chief Member of Parliament said the problem in Sierra Leone is not tribalism, but politics, which according to him has been the main cause of our problems.

“Let people put politics at the backseat of this country because it is the main driver of conflict in the country,” he admonished and reiterated his commitment and willingness to work with the Commission whenever called upon.

His sentiments were re-echoed by the other Paramount Chiefs and local authorities who also urged the Commission to continue its engagement noting that the people have a key role to play in the work of the Commission for it to succeed.

As custodians of peace, the Chiefs spoke of their common aspirations to bring development to their districts and pledged to continue working together to maintain peace in Kambia district, as well as consolidating peace in the entire country.

They admonished the Commission to remain independent pointing out that it is only when the Commission is independent and approaches issues independently that it can gain the confidence of the people.

Representatives of women, youth, civil society, the transport sector and students groups, while stressing the importance of the Commission, spoke on the need for them as key stakeholders to be involved in the work.

A representative of the war wounded called for more attention to be paid to them as well as for the full implementation of the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Hawa Samai, while commending the Chiefs and other stakeholders for responding to the Commission’s invitation assured that the Commission will ensure that the people are part of its activities pointing out that the staff cannot do it alone.

She disclosed plans for the creation of the “Most Peaceful District”, where prizes will be given to the most peaceful district in the country, which is also part of efforts to promote a culture of peace in the country.

The Director of Communications in her welcome address earlier said the large turnout of especially Paramount Chiefs was a clear manifestation of their commitment to the peace and stability of the county. She acknowledged the importance of local authorities to the sustenance of peace saying she looks forward to their continued support for the work of the Commission.

The Deputy Executive Secretary, Moses Margo, the Director of Conflict Prevention, Philip Bona and the Director of Monitoring , Evaluation and Learning at the Peace Commission, Lilian Wilberforce, made meaningful contributions during the programme.

A Similar engagement was held in Port Loko district on Thursday which was day 2 of the district engagement.

The meeting at the Red Cross Hall in Port Loko city was also graced by a large number of local and traditional leaders from Maforki, Bakeloko, Sanda Magbolontor and Marampa chiefdoms and other stakeholders.

The Chiefdom Speaker of Bakeloko, M A Tarawally, reiterated the timeliness and importance of the Commission and appealed for the commission to be given the necessary support to make it effective. The district engagements continued in Bo and Moyamba.

A key highlight of the engagement was the identification of key Civil Society Organizations in the various districts for the setting up networks/coalitions which the Commission can work with, leveraging on their expertise and understanding of the issues in their respective districts.

Information Minister Commends Ambassador to Saudi Arabia for Newsletters

September 19, 2022

By Abubakarr Bah, Information Attaché Saudi Arabia

Dr. Ibrahim Jalloh, Ambassador Extra-ordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Sierra Leone to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dr. Ibrahim Jalloh on September 15, 2022, during a courtesy called on the Minister of Information and Communications and presented copies of two editions of the Embassy’s newsletter.

Ambassador Jalloh, while presenting copies of the newsletter of the Sierra Leone Embassy in Saudi Arabia, said the first edition gives a detailed account of the bilateral relations between Sierra Leone and Saudi Arabia, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and Oman. He said it also features the visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Professor David John Francis, to the Kingdom.

The second and latest edition, he said, gives a comprehensive coverage of the 2022 Hajj and an insight into the differences between Hajj and Umrah. He said other issues covered include the recent visit of the Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Osman Alpha Timbo, meant for the signing of two Labour Agreements between the two countries.

The Ambassador commended the Government and Minister of Information for assigning Abubakarr Bah as Information Attaché to the Sierra Leone Embassy in Saudi Arabia, describing him as a very hardworking staff.

Responding, the Minister of Information and Communications, Hon. Mohamed Rahman Swaray, commended the Ambassador for the courtesy call. He said he was very pleased to receive the copies of the newsletter. The Minister also commended the Information Attaché Abubakarr Bah and encouraged him to keep up the good work.

Copies of the newsletter were also presented to the Deputy Minister of Information and Communications, Solomon Jamiru Esq.

Ambassador Jalloh earlier this week presented copies of the newsletter to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Professor David Francis, and top officials of the Ministry, the Minister of Social Welfare, Madam Baindu Dassama, her Deputy, Mohamed Kella, as well as the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

Ambassador Jalloh was accompanied by the Information Attaché of the Embassy, Abubakarr Bah.

In another related development, the Information Attaché of the Embassy, Abubakarr Bah on behalf of the Ambassador presented copies of the Newsletter to the Chairman of the Independent Media Commission (IMC), Dr. Victor Massaquoi and the Sierra Leone Library Board in Freetown.

The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), the Universities and the Library of the Sierra Leone Parliament would also be given copies of the two editions of the Embassy newsletter.