CSOs Frown at Infinitesimal Revenue Generated from Passport Contract

August 26, 2022

By Abubakarr Harding

The entities that have the contracts of printing and marketing Sierra Leone’s passports, De La Rue and Netpage are currently picking up a battle with the Government of Sierra Leone.

A Civil Society Consortium on Justice and Development has stated recently that it has been keenly following the execution of the passport contract that was ratified by the Parliament of Sierra Leone about two years ago. “We note with dismay that both De La Rue and Netpage have not been helping the Government of Sierra Leone realize the much-needed revenue from the contract.”

Sources at the Finance Ministry confirmed that several correspondences sent to the two companies through the Ministry of Internal Affairs, calling for a thorough review and management of revenue accrued from the passport deal have not yielded any fruitful dividend.

Accordingly, the agreement is a joint venture between the Government and Thomas De La Rue, which is represented in the country by a company called Netpage (SL) Limited, headed by Jamal Shallop.

The Civil Society Consortium quoted the “2020 Performance Audit Report on the Management of Passports and Other Travelling Documents between the period 2015 and 2018”, which states “The National Revenue Authority (NRA) generated approximately Le20.7 billion (as per its cash book) from the sale of passport forms and other traveling documents at headquarters level for the review period. However, the pattern of recording revenue by streams in its cash book was not consistent and comparable to the payment method in the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF). As a result, it was difficult to ascertain whether that amount was accurately and completely paid into the CRF by the categories of collections stated in the NRA cash book.

It was against that backdrop that in June 2020 the Financial Secretary at the Ministry of Finance, Sahr Lahai Jusu, called for a review of the agreement which he said did not serve the interest of the Government.

Jusu, who served in the same position under the former regime of Ernest Bai Koroma, disclosed that the only money the Government was receiving from the processing of every passport was Le10, 000 (old notes), which is the cost of the sale of the passport application form.

The actual cost of the passport goes to De La Rue and its local partner, Shallop’s Netpage.

“We have realized that Sierra Leone as a nation is not realizing the much-needed revenue from the passport contract. We are therefore calling on the Government and Parliament, by extension, to investigate the implementation of the current passport contract,” says Ezekiel G. Lahai, Head of the Consortium.

It could be recalled that a Civil Society Organization, Right to Life Advocacy Network S/L, stated in a press release that it has been gauging the views of Sierra Leoneans both inside and outside the country on the imposition of an increase in the fees for obtaining a passport from nine hundred and fifty thousand Leones (Le 950,000) to one million three hundred thousand Leones (Le 1, 300,000) as announced by the Immigration Department without a thorough public sensitization.

According to the agreement signed by Jamal Shallop’s organization, a single passport is costing the average Sierra Leonean $100, equivalent to Le1, 300, 000. Ordinary citizens have said that amount is too much and prevents many citizens from acquiring their national documents.

Not more than 2 percent of Sierra Leoneans own a passport. The Finance Ministry has now realized that the agreement deprives the Government of making any money.

The Civil Society Consortium has established that Sierra Leone is currently back to its old days when foreign companies and their local representatives are not only stealing from the Government and people, but they are also seen remote-controlling business agreements signed to develop the country.

The 2020 Special Performance Audit report also states “It was also noted from the review of documents that NRA ceased to collect and make payment of revenue generated from the sale of Sierra Leone passports into the CRF on 31st August 2015. This was evidenced by a tripartite e-passport agreement between the Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL), De La Rue (DLR), and Netpage on 14th February 2014, giving DLR the right to print Sierra Leone’s e-passports, and Netpage the right to collect proceeds from the sale of same and settle payment with DLR until 18th December 2023. With such a contract in place, GoSL transferred the risk of ensuring that passports are available at all times to its citizens to DLR and Netpage until the 18th December 2023.”

QNET is using Technology to Help Build, Strong, Sustainable, Post-Pandemic Economies

August 25, 2022

The World Federation of Direct Selling Associations released its 2020/2021 Annual Report. In that Report, the Federation’s Chairman, Mr. Roger Barnett, calls on direct selling companies to reimagine, reinvent, and redefine the role and contribution of our industry for the next decade.

QNET is ready to meet this challenge. As millions around the world rebuild their livelihoods and economies after the devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic, QNET believes that the direct selling industry stands in a unique position to help communities not only recover from the damage of the past two years, but to build a stronger, more inclusive, and more sustainable post-COVID economy for us all.

One way or another, the entire world is feeling the adverse effect of COVID-19, and the West African sub-regional economies including Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Benin, Senegal and others, are not exempted.

A Digital Transformation

For many, the pandemic increased the presence of technology in their lives. Many turned to social media, video calls, and messaging apps to stay connected with friends and loved ones, while e-commerce provided access to goods and services as many bricks-and-mortar stores were forced to close.

From its founding as the first direct selling company to go 100% online in 1998, QNET has established a solid reputation as a digital pioneer. The company was an early adopter of digital currencies like Bitcoin, making its products and opportunities more accessible to more people. And it is a leading developer of online tools like its award-winning mobile app, which empowers its global community of entrepreneurs to run their businesses from anywhere, at any time.

As the pandemic forced millions to avoid person-to-person contact and go online to purchase the goods they needed, QNET embraced innovative technologies such as social and video commerce, enabling its independent representatives to continue providing their customers with the quality products they desired while maintaining the personalised service the direct selling model is well known for.

QNET provides its representatives with the latest tools, training, education, and support to help leverage their online presence, connect with more potential customers, and grow their businesses.

While QNET’s digital transformation enabled its entrepreneurs to thrive when many traditional retailers shut their doors, it also helped bring communities together virtually when many were experiencing unprecedented isolation and disconnection.

The company’s V-Convention Connect 2021 (VCC) brought more than 350,000 attendees together in a virtual space where they could stroll through a realistic exhibit hall, visit booths, and examine QNET’s range of high-quality lifestyle, wellness, and luxury products. The 3-day event proved so successful that CEO, Malou Caluza, announced the company would continue hosting virtual conventions even after pandemic-related travel restrictions eased.

At VCC2022, QNET used innovative tools such as Unreal Engine, a virtual production suite, to transport half a million virtual attendees into the metaverse, where they joined their fellow entrepreneurs in a virtual 3D stadium with a dazzling centre stage.

When many fear that technology is pushing us apart, QNET has shown how it can bring us together, inspire, and empower us to strengthen our connections.

As we return to in-person meetings, conferences, and training, our experience of the past two years has provided the direct selling industry with tools to build strong communities in both the digital and physical worlds.

Empowering Direct Sellers to Thrive in a Post-Pandemic Economy

Powered by mobile technology like ride-hailing, food delivery, and e-commerce apps, the gig economy is defined by independent representatives using the internet to sell goods and services and earn income according to their own schedules.

Whether using a PC, a laptop, or a mobile app, QNET’s website delivers a seamless experience regardless of location, language, or currency. It enables its IRs to run their businesses efficiently from anywhere in the world, at any time, providing them with the independence and flexibility they seek.

QNET is leveraging technology to bring more economic opportunities to the world’s emerging economies. In Africa, where direct selling serves as an entry to the gig economy for many entrepreneurs and more than 58% of the population now has access to 4G networks, QNET transformed the industry by adopting mobile payment systems such as Mobile Money.

Because these platforms link to mobile phone numbers rather than bank accounts, they make transactions much easier and more secure for the more than 57% of Africans who do not have access to traditional banking systems.

Building a Sustainable Future

For many, the loss and devastation caused by the pandemic gave us pause to focus on the things that matter most. QNET has always believed its innovative technological solutions should be a force for good in the communities in which it operates. Its Corporate Responsibility arm, RYTHM Foundation (Raise Yourself To Help Mankind), engages in projects at the community level to promote education for all, gender equality, and sustainable community development.

In one such initiative, in Ghana, RYTHM works with the ANOPA project to provide education through sports to children with visual and hearing impairment.

QNET believes that building strong communities means leveraging technology and innovation to put sustainability at the core of its operations, from when a product is developed to when it is delivered to the customer.

The company develops its products with a holistic, purpose-led strategy to minimise waste and promote efficient use of resources. For example, the company’s innovative HomePure line of purifiers uses little or no electricity to improve air and water quality and help reduce waste such as plastic bottles.

“We understand that our efforts to build strong and resilient communities today cannot succeed unless we leave a better, cleaner, healthier planet to future generations. The direct selling industry is vital in addressing the threat of climate change and other environmental issues”, says Biram, Regional General Manager QNET sub-Saharian Africa.

Because QNET is committed to leaving a green legacy, the company partnered with Certified B EcoMatcher to plant a global forest and fight the damaging effects of deforestation, starting with 3,000 trees planted in the United Arab Emirates, Kenya, and the Philippines. In addition, QNET has conducted reforestation efforts in Algeria, Indonesia, and Turkey, planting a total of 7500 trees planted worldwide through this initiative in the first half of 2022.

As the world recovers from the pandemic, QNET is leading the post-covid world to a stronger and more resilient future, building on its history of technological innovation to transform communities, conserve their natural resources, protect their livelihoods, and improve the quality of life for millions of people.

Pursued by Politically Motivated Youths… Alpha Sheriff and Family on the Run

August 25, 2022

Alpha Sheriff, popularly known as “APC Sheriff”

By Millicent Senava Mannah

It is indeed sad to note that in the wake of the 10^th August, 2022 violent protests that took place in parts of Freetown, Makeni and Kamakwie, which claimed the lives of serving Police Officers and civilians there have been reports of reprisals, said to be politically dictated or motivated.

There have been unconfirmed secret killings of individuals, whom it is believed are staunch supporters of the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) Party, whose operatives, it is mooted were behind the aforementioned violent protests.

One individual, whom this medium has confirmed has been under serious threat as well as his family members, is one Alpha Sheriff, who is popularly known as “APC Sheriff”, a very well known and instrumental member of that political party.

Alpha Sheriff, a Sierra Leonean, was a one-time US Marine who decided to settle in his home country in order to contribute to national development by establishing business enterprises and engage in agricultural projects, which included setting up a Security Agency, having livestock as well as cultivating a cashew farm. The security company, it was learnt, was employing over four hundred and fifty young people and was contracted by various public and private entities to provide security services.

However, in the wake of the violent protests, when Alpha Sheriff made various attempts to renew the licenses for the Security Agency his applications were turned down without any convincing reason or justification given.

Besides, all his previous contracts had been terminated which could only be better explained that the agency has been blacklisted. His investments in livestock and his cashew plantation are now left unattended as there is no one to give support to those that were giving helping hands and even to supervise.

According to independent accounts, Alpha Sheriff has been seriously pursued by irate young political stalwarts evident in threatening remarks that have been made against him and his family members, which many have attested to.

Many have expressed fear that because of his past and fierce criticisms against the current ruling SLPP Government, headed by President Julius Maada Bio, he is a potential target for elimination. Besides, it is said that because of him, his immediate family members, who are Musa Sheriff, Ibrahim Sheriff, Keifala Sheriff, Isata Sheriff, Mariam Sheriff and Chernor Sheriff, are now on the run but living in constant fear that if they return to the country they could be identified by overzealous SLPP supporters, who will live no stone unturned but to unlawfully take their lives.

From what this medium finally understood, Alpha Sheriff, narrowly escaped and is now residing in a neighbouring country. It was also learnt that some of his family members who could afford it have also fled the country.

August 10: A Clarion Call For All Sierra Leoneans To Respect The Law And Protect Our Shared Democratic Gains

August 24, 2022

By Mohamed Sheriff-Switzerland

The August 10, 2022 protests have reminded citizens again that we should respect the laws of the country, in as much as protests and social mobilization are the lifeblood of democracy.

The laws must be aptly followed to prevent the unfortunate situation, like the one that was orchestrated and planned by ill-motivated politicians that claimed the lives of dozens of fellow Sierra Leoneans including policemen on duty. Creating unrest would not solve the economic hardship rather it would weaken the democratic gains the country has made since the war ended in 2002.

To self-seeking politicians, violence would not give you power because if you choose the path of violence and destruction, it would harm your future. Some politicians believe and preach violence, and that is not healthy for any society. Using the appropriate mechanisms to channel concerns help to widen the conversation and influence Government decision.

Mobilizing organizing violence and unauthorized use of force can only be counterproductive. Add to this the opportunism of those who use protests as a cover to conduct criminal activities and it is not hard to imagine why protests can quickly go out of hand.

The killing of civilians and policemen and the destruction of property on August 10, 2022 in Freetown, Waterloo and other parts of the country, should be condemned in the strongest terms by every peace-loving citizen. Not long ago, Sierra Leone was voted the 4th peaceful country in Africa. The August 10 violent protests are therefore not a representation or reflection of our country’s peaceful posture since the war. Building on the fundamental tenets of democracy within the ambit of the law is critically important; embarking on insurrection would shatter our shared values and rich culture as a peace-loving people. For the perpetrators of violence to behave in a manner that explicitly undermines our collective peace and security resulting in the loss of lives and property is both irresponsible, reckless and dare I say unpatriotic.

Violence undermines and erodes the legitimacy of protests. It creates the opportunity for Police and security forces to respond with authorized force and when used proportionately, force can be justified to protect lives and property.

President Julius Maada Bio in his State broadcast on August 12 stressed that the August 10 protests would be fully investigated, and anybody found wanting will face the full force of the law.

Communicating discontent to the Government should not be through violence rather it would lose it efficacy. The protests were characterized by violence and young people were in the forefront destroying Government property and ambushing police officers leading to the brutal murder of some officers and civilians. The Government of President Bio takes very seriously its responsibility to provide for its people including the youth. In response, all Sierra Leoneans including the youth must act as change agents not as hoodlums, destroying lives, Government and private property.

Our people do not need and must not listen to a dummy who does not contribute to the development of the country or its people. What we all need is to come together as a nation, to continue to promote peace, democratic values, tolerance, respect for the law and the rights of every citizen including the right to protest peacefully.

SiLCHA & Deputy Director General of Asian and African Affairs Meets

August 24, 2022

By Abubakarr Harding

Executive members of the Sierra Leone China Friendship Association (SiLCHA) met with the new Deputy Director General of Asian and African Affairs for Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), Ji Yongjun.

The meeting, which was held virtually on Monday, August 15, 2022, was one of the first tasks of the newly appointed DG of Asian and African Affairs.

Huang Xiaowei (Vivian), Director, Department of Asian and African Affairs (CPAFFC)disclosed that the meeting was intended to introductory affair, as Ji Yongjun just took office this year. He used to be in charge of people-to-people exchanges with Latin American countries, but he is now head of the department of Asian and African Affairs, CPAFFC.

Vivian pointed out that Ji Yongjun was yearning to meet with friends from African friendship associations because he wants to learn about SiLCHA’s current key programs that are enhancing China-Sierra Leone friendship, such as Small Small Chinese and to discuss on future cooperation in post COVID-19 era among others.

Participants from the CPAFFC side were:

Ji Yongjun, Deputy Director General of Asian and African Affairs, CPAFFC
Huang Xiaowei, Director, Department of Asian and African Affairs, CPAFFC
Tu Lili, Deputy Director, Department of Asian and African Affairs, CPAFFC
Jiao Tianjiao, Staff member, Department of Asian and African Affairs, CPAFFC

Participants from SiLCHA side were:

Mariatu Kargbo Founder SiLCHA SSC
Onike King Chairperson SiLCHA
Mr Ibrahim Joenal Sesay Secretary General SiLCHA
Ibrahim Bangura Public Relation Officer and Coordinator SSC
Eugenia Metzger

Founder of SiLCHA and SSC, Ms. Mariatu Kargbo spoke about the establishment of SiLCHA some years back and how they are pleased with the relationship between the two countries.

She advised Mr Ji to remember the grassroots friendship association as they have been doing a great work for China pointing out that they should be direct beneficiaries of projects/development that will remain in their communities a legacies.

SiLCHA’s Chairperson, Onike King said they have longed for such a meeting as they wanted CPAFFC to know about the relationship between Sierra Leone and China. She disclosed that SiLCHA prioritizes education, agriculture and health.

She emphasized that they always stand with China in all aspect and give support as and when necessary.

SiLCHA also reiterated its support for the One-China principle to Ji Yongjun.

Ji Yongjun, in his keynote address, described themselves like a big family just like President Xi stated. He expressed joy for the meeting and also spoke of the need for cultural exchanges between the two countries.

Yongjun was impressed with the Small Small Chinese teaching project among other projects of SiLCHA and shared the Mexico experience with them for the project to become more successful.

Church of Latter-Day Saints Undertakes Cleaning Exercise at 34 Military Hospital

August 24, 2022

Photo(L-R): Deputy Matron Stephanie H: Fofanah, Mark Ngegba and other brothers brushing

By Abubakarr Harding

Stephanie Hawa Fofanah, Deputy Matron of 34 Military Hospital, on Saturday, August 20, 2022 commended members of Freetown Sierra Leone Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for cleaning the hospital through its All Africa Service Project.

The All Africa Service Project is a one-day activity undertaken by members of the Church in every August. As part of this year’s activity, the Freetown Sierra Leone Stake organized the cleaning of 34 Military Hospital and its surrounding. Some of the places cleaned include: Accident and Emergency Department and its environment, Male Medical Ward, Female Surgical Ward, Male Surgical Ward, and the surrounding of Maternity Ward.

“We really appreciate the Church for cleaning the hospital,” the Deputy Matron said.“This service means that the Church is glad for the impact the hospital is creating in the country which made them to select it for the cleaning exercise.”

She added that even the patients were happy for the cleaning because they know that “cleaning is next to godliness”.

“We know that this Church is our Number one neighbor because you have left your busy schedules to come and help us clean,” she commended adding that they will not forget such a selfless service.

The President of Freetown Sierra Leone Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Kenneth Pambu, explained that they choose once a year for the members of the Church to render volunteering service to the community where they live, noting that they will choose a project based on the needs of the community or sometimes based on request or what the leadership has agreed. “This year, we chose 34 Military Hospital because we value the services the Hospital is providing,” President Pambu said. “We focused more on mopping the Wards and corridors including brushing the frontages of the Wards.”

Speaking on the purpose of cleaning, he stated that they are providing an All Africa Service for the hospital which, according to him, will not only be beneficial to the patients, but to the entire staff and community as a whole, noting that the clean service that the Church is rendering is in consonance with the example of the Saviour, Jesus Christ.

“We provided the cleaning materials and tools. But because of our numbers were large, the cleaning materials were not enough so the hospital management provided some cleaning materials for us including machetes,” he added.

Salamatu Milton, a member of the Church said that she participated in the cleaning exercise because she wants to live a Christ-like life, adding that if one wants to live a Christ-like life, one should live by example. “In the Scriptures we read were Christ washed the feet of His disciples which is a very good example and a sign of humility,” she said pointing out that “she is delighted to have participated .”

The Freetown Sierra Leone Stake comprises nine Wards and a Branch.

Health Minister Interacts with Health Reporters Network

August 24, 2022

By Abubakarr Harding

Fruitful discussions were held on Friday 19^th August 2022 between the Minister of Health and Sanitation, Dr. Austin Demby and Executive members of the Health Reporters Network Sierra Leone (HRN-SL) at the Minister’s Youyi Building Office in Freetown.

The meeting was for HRN-SL to acquaint themselves with the Minister and for them to chart the way forward for better reporting on health as the media have the tools to do so.

HRN-SL National Coordinator, Swahilo Vandy, pointed out that HRN-SL is poised and determined to see that the right messages are taken to the people but stressed such could only be achieved through effective collaboration with the Ministry.

He underscored that the HRN-SL is a non-profit making media organization that promotes health issues in the country and with the mission of reaching out to every community in Sierra Leone with key health and safety messages that will positively change behaviours and lives as well as report health issues affecting them.

Swahilo informed the Minister about HRN-SL’s plans for an annual national health festival and the opening of a Trust Fund Account for health journalists to specifically report emergencies and outbreaks while commending media houses managers and editors for their support to health journalists to cover health stories under limited resources.

“The trust fund account will support our members, mainly media practitioners, to undertake investigative assignments across the country geared towards promoting the health sector,” he stated and sought the consent of the Minister to do the official launch of the trust fund.

The Minister of Health and Sanitation Dr. Austin Demby, in his response, expressed delight for meeting with the Executive of HRN-SL stating that the Ministry is ready to partner with them to share information describing Public Health as one that has a capital P in it which, he said, is a symbol of partnership between the provider and the recipients.

Dr. Demby, while supporting the need for the Health Reporters Trust Fund, also spoke about the need for HRN-SL to collaborate with the Ministry to organize the National Health Awards come April 2023 maintaining that the first award ceremony served as a motivating factor to all individuals and institutions who are contributing to Sierra Leone’s health sector to do more.

He spoke about the 5-point strategy for reducing maternal mortality from 717/100k live births to 300/100k by 2025.

The strategies are: 1. Reducing Teenage Pregnancy (currently accounting for 14% of all MM – sexuality education and FP Commodities). 2. Improved Access to Quality Primary Health Care, (1,500 PHUs, community workers, blood, pregnancy App). 3. Improve Ambulance Service (Re-capitalization, digitization, decentralized maintenance and fuel supply). 4. Improved Secondary and Tertiary care services for complications (infrastructure, higher OB Care, blood service, equipment, HRH, drugs). 5. Real-time Granular Data (national/provincial/district/chiefdom/ward/locality).

He went on to say the foundation for effective health service delivery comprise trained and responsive health workforce, functional ambulance service, supply chain system, equipment, infrastructure and maintenance, research, data and information system, health security and drug and regulation.

All the above, he added, will be based on strong leadership, partnership and collaboration.

LAKE Production &Eminence Africa Entertainment Seal Partnership

August 24, 2022

By Abubakarr Harding

Two of Sierra Leone’s respectable and notable entertainment brands, At the Eminence Africa Office on Pademba Road in Freetown, LAKE Production and Eminence Africa Entertainment on the 15th August 2022 signed a partnership agreement for the country’s biggest beauty pageant event.

In a statement he delivered, Josephus Raymond Allie, Director of Entertainment at Eminence Africa, expressed how excited he is for the move made by both companies and further stated that the Sierra Leone Entertainment industry needs more such collaborations to foster growth. “We have to create a friendly atmosphere where entertainment brands would take such an opportunity to collaborate and work on projects that will give birth to incredible achievements. Let me also assure all that by twinning with Lake Production, together we will actualize this,” he maintained.

On her part, Esther .Y. Kamara, Executive Director of Miss Freetown Beauty Pageant on behalf of LAKE Production, disclosed that Sierra Leoneans should expect nothing but the best for this year’s Miss Freetown Beauty pageant as both companies think alike and stressed that, having two bright minds working together, it’s quite impossible for one not to expect getting a reward for something worthy of the cause.

LAKE Production has been into entertainment for years, hosting mega shows and believing in collaborations. They believe this will be an exceptional case as both companies value mutually beneficial partnerships that will enhance growth in the entertainment industry.

In the same vein, Eminence Africa is a household name in Sierra Leone. It is known for event management, branding and marketing, photography, videography, graphics design, live band, Artiste management and a whole lot more.

The fourth edition of Miss Freetown is scheduled to take place on the 26th of December 2022 at the Family Kingdom. (More details to follow)

The signing ceremony was attended by staff of both companies and the press.

Sierra Leone High Commissioner to Nigeria Plays Host to ECOWAS Speaker

August 24, 2022

By Abubakar Harding

The Sierra Leone High Commissioner to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Rupert Sydney Dowu Davies, also accredited to ECOWAS PRC, hosted the Honourable Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament Dr. Sidie Mohamed Tunis, on Monday 22nd August, 2022 at the Sierra Leone High Commission located on Plot 308, Diplomatic Drive in Abuja, when the latter paid a courtesy visit.

Welcoming Dr. Sidie Mohamed Tunis, H. E. Rupert Davies stated that, he was excited to have received the Speaker not as guest but a brother to the Sierra Leone High Commission as part of his first official visit to meet with all staff for better acquaintances.

“We want to assure you that the Sierra Leone High Commission here in Nigeria will always collaborate with you in the exchange of views and ideas aimed at bringing laurels to Sierra Leone,” H.E. Rupert Davies stated.

He informed the ECOWAS Speaker of Parliament that since he arrived in October 2021, to serve as High Commissioner to the Federal Republic of Nigeria also accredited to ECOWAS and six other regional countries, he has been working hard to further strengthen the historically strong bilateral ties between Sierra Leone and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

H.E. Rupert Davies then went on to express confidence that in the wake of his presentation of credentials in the Republic of Cameron, he would soon be able to present his letters of credence to Benin and Equatorial Guinea as all the preparations leading towards that presentation are now in their final stages.

As part of the challenges facing the High Commission, High Commissioner Davies indicated that the availability of utility vehicles is a major challenge adding that the mission only has one utility vehicle, which he said is not enough to run the Mission smoothly.

In closing, High Commissioner Rupert Davies assured the ECOWAS Speaker of Parliament of his active collaboration and support in whatever programs the ECOWAS Speaker of Parliament may be championing on behalf of Sierra Leone.

“This is home, you don’t need any protocol to visit the High Commission,” H.E. Rupert Davies assured Honorable Sidie Mohamed Tunis.

On his part, the Honourable Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament Dr. Sidie Mohamed Tunis thanked High Commissioner H.E. Rupert Davies, and the Diplomatic and local Staff of the Sierra Leone High Commission in Nigeria for their inexorable services on behalf of the people of Sierra Leone.

Honorable Sidie Mohamed Tunis said his courtesy call visit was timely and appropriate adding that he would use it as an opportunity to update the High Commissioner, Rupert Davies, on what happened on August 10th regarding the insurrection in certain areas in Sierra Leone.

“On August 10th some unpatriotic Sierra Leoneans decided to go on a violent protest, looting, killing civilians and security personnel, fortunately for our country the security forces were able to put everything under control,” he stated.

The ECOWAS Speaker assured all that, the situation in Sierra Leone is now calm and quiet and that the Government of President, Julius Maada Bio, is currently engaging various stakeholders at all levels, in a spate of serious national dialogue, discussing possible pathways to sustain the peace and national cohesion in the country.

Honorable Sidie Mohamed Tunis further stated that President Julius Maada Bio has always followed the pathway to peace and national cohesion referencing the National Dialogue Forum in May 2019, dubbed ‘Bintumani III’ which was called to bring Sierra Leoneans together but unfortunately the main opposition members boycotted the event.

He described the High Commission in Nigeria as strategic and referred to it as “a major diplomatic mission in the sub-region”.

The ECOWAS Speaker, Honorable, Sidie Mohamed Tunis and H.E. Rupert Davies bilaterally discussed other issues deemed important and related to the development of Sierra Leone.

As part of the programme of activities for his visit, H.E. Rupert Davies presented two copies of a maiden magazine of the Sierra Leone High Commission to the ECOWAS Speaker of Parliament Honorable Sidie Mohamed Tunis.

The magazine catalog activities undertaken by the High Commission in Nigeria and the Government of President Julius Maada Bio.

Sierra Leone High Commissioner to Nigeria Plays Host to ECOWAS Speaker

Chinese Government Donated 300,000 Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine & Syringes to Sierra Leone

August 24, 2022

The Chinese Government has donated 300,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine and syringes which arrived at Freetown on the 22^nd July 2022 during a handover and acceptance ceremony held by the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MOHS) on August 9th, 2022.

Li Xiaoyong, the Charge d’Affaires ad interim of the Chinese Embassy, and the honorable Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Health, Princess Dugba, the Permanent Secretary, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer of the Ministry attended the ceremony.

The Charge d’Affaires reiterated that China will continue to fulfill its promise to aid the Sierra Leonean Government and people fight COVID-19. China is the largest provider of vaccines to foreign countries and has provided a total of 2 billion doses of the Covid-19 vaccine to more than 120 countries and international organizations, accounting for one-third of the total amount of vaccines used worldwide outside of China.

China will donate another 2 million doses of vaccine to Sierra Leone in 2022 on top of the 1 million doses promised in 2021. That special batch of vaccine is provided under an initiative made by Professor Peng Liyuan, wife of H.E. President Xi Jinping, to improve vaccination among women, children and youth.

Princess Dugba thanked the Chinese Government’s for its continuous commitment and support in helping the Sierra Leonean people to combat COVID-19, especially for providing COVID-19 vaccines together with an aiding fund to activate the previous donated four mobile medical clinics to bring fundamental medical services including COVID-19 vaccination to people living in remote areas.

She stated that the Ministry will definitely strive to further boost vaccination using Chinese vaccines especially among women, children and youth.