Osman Kargbo Escapes from Hospital After Police Arrest

August 22, 2022

By Millicent Senava Mannah

In a historic turn of events on August 10, 2022, Sierra Leone witnessed a pivotal moment as citizens across the nation took to the streets to protest against the Government, specifically targeting the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) led by President Julius Maada Bio. The protests initially rooted in grievances over rampant unemployment, economic hardships and perceived injustices, were not only confined to Freetown but rippled through Waterloo, Makeni, and Kamakwie.

While the demonstrations began as peaceful expressions of discontent with the high costs of living, they escalated into violent clashes between protesters and State Security Forces. The security forces, interpreting the protests as a direct challenge to the Government, responded with force, leading to casualties on both sides but more so on the side of the civilian population.

The protesters, calling for President Bio’s resignation over alleged economic mismanagement, in trying to defend themselves, braved it off against the security forces using improvised weapons such as stones, bottles, and sticks.

During the unrest, it was observed by our on-the-ground reporter that some protesters were affiliated with the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) Party. Among them was Osman Kargbo, identified as the son of a prominent APC Leader, residing at No 55 Smith Street, Portee in the far East End of Freetown.

Our reporter managed to interview Osman before witnessing his arrest. Osman expressed frustration over the deteriorating economic conditions in the country, emphasizing the incompetence of the ruling SLPP Government. Shortly after the interview, Osman, along with others, was harshly arrested and subjected to physical abuse by Police Officers. They were thrown into a van that sped away.

Hiring a motorbike, our reporter said he the van to see where they to be taken and what action would be instituted against them. He said, following the arrest, the van stopped at a Police Station, but upon realizing Osman’s severe injuries, among others that were arrested, the authorities decided to transfer him to a hospital for treatment on humanitarian grounds. The next day, our reporter, while making a follow-up investigation, discovered that Osman had escaped from the hospital, but details of his escape remained elusive saved only that he asked to be excused to use the toilet and never showed up again.

In a subsequent attempt to trace Osman, our reporter found that the Police had raided his residence at Portee, arresting family members in the belief that they might lead them to the fugitive. Additionally, fervent, young, irate supporters of the ruling SLPP Government issued threats against Osman’s family, vowing to intimidate them until Osman was produced. Despite persistent efforts, our reporter informed how he has been unable to locate Osman since his escape.

The unfolding saga highlights the challenges faced by young protesters expressing discontent amid inflation and economic hardships, where fundamental human rights are met with resistance, sometimes leading to tragic consequences. Instead of being deemed as sincere and genuine protests borne out of excruciating suffering and despair, the Government and the Security forces saw it as a blatant affront and a calculated sabotage aimed at toppling the Government which could only be quelled down by using maximum force and eliminate the perceived ring leaders.

The Sierra Leone Police have confirmed that the SLPP Government is actively seeking individuals involved in the August 10, 2022, protests, for them to face the full penalty of the law, further complicating the fate of Osman Kargbo and others who were caught up in this quagmire. The uncertainties surrounding their future remain deeply concerning not only to their family members but rights-activists in the country.

Police Declares Bamie Coker Wanted

August 22, 2022

Bamie Coker, a CCTV and Satellite installer, working for ITV le wireless Company has been declared wanted by the Sierra Leone Police in connection with the August 10 riot in Freetown, after escaping from custody of the Wellington Police station.

According to police sources, Bamie Coker and his Uncle were arrested from their wellington, bottom oku residence after on intelligence that they were part of the rioters of the August 10 riot that resulted in the death of 6 police officers and some 25 civilians. They are said to have been freed from custody when some opposition party thugs stormed the station, set vehicles on fire and damaged police property.

Speaking to residents at the wellington, Bottom Oku area, Constituency 114, it was disclosed that Bamie coker’s Uncle was the Constituency Chairman for the main opposition party (APC) and the entire family supported the party. It was further disclosed by one close family friend, who spoke to us on basis of anonymity, that Bamie coker was seen providing water for protesters who were suffering from tear gas fired by the police at the protesters. It was also confirmed that he took part in the protest, and as news of the killing of the police officers went viral on social media, the police stormed the homes of known supporters of the main opposition party, and Bamie coker and his uncle were arrested and taken to the police station.

Our source furthered that the police returned after some hours in the company of ruling party youths looking for Bamie coker and his uncle, in the process, shot dead two people in the area. It was then that they knew that both had escaped from police custody and were being sought after.

Bamie coker and his uncle and two family members are said to have been trying to leave the country, but were caught at the border with Guinea, as their pictures were on display as wanted persons. Whilst awaiting transportation to Freetown, Bamie Coker is said to have escaped leaving behind the other family members. A man hunt was mounted by the security at the border in the surrounding area, but to no avail, as there were many entry points that made any escape easier.

As we go to press, the whereabouts of Bamie Coker are unknown and the police have put a bounty on his head for any information that would lead to his arrest.

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

August 22, 2022

On August 9th, 2022, the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MOHS) of Sierra Leone held a handover and acceptance ceremony for the Chinese Government donated 300,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine and syringes which arrived at Freetown on July 22.

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

Mr. Li Xiaoyong reiterated that China will continue to fulfill its promise to aid Sierra Leonean government and people fighting 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. This special batch of vaccines 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.

Mrs. Dugba thanked the Chinese Government’s continuous commitment and support in helping Sierra Leonean people to combat COVID-19, especially for providing COVID-19 vaccines at the earliest availability, also for providing this new batch of 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. The MOHS will definitely strive to further boost vaccination using Chinese vaccines, especially among women, children, and youth.

Tragedy of August 10, 2022: Hawanatu Koroma’s Story of Pain, Survival and Political Persecution

August 22, 2022

By Francess Wright

Hawanatu Koroma’s name has become synonymous with courage, conviction and the high cost of political activism in Sierra Leone. Born on February 26, 1996, she was known among her peers as a hardworking and principled young woman whose passion for social justice inspired many. Balancing her professional duties as a Technical Support Specialist at Coastal Consultancy Services Sierra Leone Limited with her political role as Youth Liaison Officer for the East End region of Freetown Urban under the opposition All People’s Congress (APC), Hawanatu Koroma earned a reputation for her ability to mobilize and motivate young people toward civic engagement.

Her involvement in politics took a defining turn during the build-up to the August 10, 2022 nationwide protest, which sought to draw attention to the worsening economic conditions under the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) Government. On the night of August 9, 2022, Hawanatu Koroma appeared on Tumac Radio between 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., passionately urging citizens to participate in what she described as a “peaceful and lawful demonstration” to make their voices heard. Her message resonated widely, leading to a massive turnout, especially in the East End of the country capital, Freetown, the following day although there were other protesters in Makeni, Kabala in the provinces.

However, the peaceful protest in Freetown soon turned tragic. Security forces opened fire on unarmed demonstrators, leaving some dead and many others wounded. Among the victims were young people from the same communities where Hawanatu Koroma had been actively organizing. As the country mourned, the authorities began targeting individuals accused of instigating the protest and her name surfaced prominently among those labeled as “ring leaders.”

That night, according to multiple accounts, armed police officers stormed her residence in Freetown, arrested her and took her to an undisclosed location. Witnesses and family members later reported that she was subjected to severe beatings and sexual assault by four men. She was left bleeding and without medical care until the following morning. On August 11, 2022, she was released but warned sternly to abandon politics and to report daily at the nearest police station in her neighborhood. The warning, sources said, was chillingly clear; failure to comply could cost her life.

Traumatized and physically weakened, Hawanatu Koroma attempted to comply but, after reporting once to the police, she stopped out of fear for her safety. Her absence was quickly noticed and within days, the Sierra Leone Police declared her wanted for “failing to cooperate with ongoing investigations” related to the protest. The announcement not only heightened her sense of danger but also made her a visible target.

Friends say that by the time the police declaration became public, her face and name were being circulated among certain groups of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) supporters, some of whom viewed her as a traitor and one of the masterminds behind the August 10 protest. “If she had been spotted in the wrong place, she would have been lynched,” said a friend who helped her escape.

Fearing for her life, Hawanatu Koroma fled to Magburaka Town in the Northern Province, where she lived in hiding for some time, moving from house to house to avoid being discovered. Those who later met her said the once vibrant and outspoken young woman had become withdrawn and fearful, yet still clung to her belief in peaceful change and justice.

Her ordeal, observers say, reflects the growing risks faced by politically active citizens, particularly women, in Sierra Leone’s volatile political climate. “Hawanatu never called for violence,” one associate recalled. “She only wanted leaders to hear the people’s cry. But instead, she was hunted as an enemy of the state.”

For many, the events of August 10, 2022 remain a dark moment in the nation’s democratic journey; a day that exposed how fragile the line between civil activism and persecution can be. Today, the story of Hawanatu Koroma stands as a haunting reminder of what happens when citizens, especially the youth, dare to demand accountability in a system where dissent can mean danger. Hers is not just a story of suffering but of unbroken faith in the power of the people’s voice; a voice that, despite fear and silence, refuses to be erased.

Chinese Embassy & UNFPA Officials Tour Cervical Cancer Screening & Treatment Facilities

August 22, 2022

By Millicent Senava Mannah

Some officials of the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone and the UNFPA Representative, on the19th of August 2022, undertook a conducted tour of the King Harman Road Government Hospital Cervical Cancer Screening and Treatment One Stop Health Centre geared towards having first hand information of the facilities that will be factored in efforts to improve them with the avowed objective of ending the first phase of the project in order to pave way for the second phase to commence.

The Deputy Chief of Mission, Gender Affairs at the Chinese Embassy, Li Xiao Yong, expressed delight for undertaking the tour disclosing that for several years the Chinese Government has been donating money to establish the Cervical Cancer Screening and Treatment facilities

He noted that the facilities are meant for the treatment of women suffering from Cervical Cancer saying treatment is totally free furthering how they are encouraging more women to come for screening and treatment as cervical cancer is a deadly disease.

The Deputy Chief of Mission maintained that such is in line with the First Lady’s initiative to provide sanitary pads and vaccines to prevent cervical cancer, stating how proud they are for the efforts they have been making in order to complement the First Lady’s work.

Li Xiao Yong asserted that it is equivocal for women to try to know what their conditions are and work towards preventing themselves also encouraging women who are diagnosed to be positive not be scared as they will continue to improve their treatment.

He disclosed that the project started in 2018 but will renew it in order to continue to expand treatment to other parts of the country.

Li Xiao Yong revealed how they supported the opening of nine Centres within Freetown, and according to him, they want to reach out to women in deprived communities who lack access to such facilities.

He intimated that they want to bring more health care to local people, furthering that recently they donated four Mobile Clinics to the Ministry of Health Sanitation that are providing health treatments directly in remote areas of the country and according to him their aid to the health sector is continuous.

Nadia Rasheed, the UNFPA Country Director, revealed that Cervical Cancer is the second leading cause of deaths among women of reproductive age. She furthered that it is very important for them to address the disease and raise awareness of the risks and make sure they are expanding detection and treatment of cervical cancer to prevent the death of vulnerable women in the country.

She revealed that, with support from the Government of China, UNFPA is providing treatment for cancer detection and treatment for hundreds of women further stating that with partnership from the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, through their nine centres they have been able to reach out to more than one thousand eight hundred women.

Madam Rasheed told journalists that upon their visits to the centres they always realize how really important the centres are stating how the facilities have really helped to identify a large number of women who are suspected to have contracted the aforementioned disease.

Dr. Sarah Conteh, the Medical Superintendent at King Harman Road Government Hospital said cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix of a woman, the lower part of the Uterus that connect to the Vagina.

She also revealed that the One Stop Centre is meant to screen women and give them an immediate result of their status, continuing that if found positive, they receive prompt treatment and refer them to come for screening again after three years.

IOM Capacitates Border Related Entities with Bikes to Strengthen Border Security

August 22, 2022

By Abubakarr Harding

A hand-over ceremony of 30 motorbikes to Sierra Leone’s Immigration Department, Port Health Division of the Ministry of Health, and the Office of National Security (ONS) was held by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

The ceremony was held on the 17 August 2022 at the IOM Office in Freetown, under the Africa Regional Migration Programme implemented by IOM in Sierra Leone with funding from the United States Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (BPRM).

The donation of motorbikes was geared towards supporting the Government’s capacity to enhance border patrols, monitoring, and security along the Sierra Leone-Guinean and Liberian borders.

“The donation of motorbikes to Government border management units is being made possible thanks to the funds that we received from the United States. With PRM support, we have been able to deliver several activities related to counter trafficking and border management,” said Christos Christodoulides, Head of Office a.i at IOM Sierra Leone.

“Since 2018, IOM has supported the country’s anti-trafficking taskforce to strengthen the identification and screening of victims of trafficking and to increase their access to protection services. We supported the development of the National Anti-Human Trafficking Action Plan, training of anti-trafficking taskforce members and border officials, facilitate the establishment of districts anti-trafficking task forces, and supported the development of the National Migration Policy among others,” Christos added.

The Director of Border Security at the Office of National Security (ONS), Samuel AJ Bullie, stated that ONS has enjoyed a good working relationship with the IOM, which spans over ten years, in migration, including border security. Therefore, they valued their relationship with IOM and hoped for continued collaboration.

Bullie further said that, “the donation of motorbikes is an important contribution that will strengthen border security. The bikes will be useful to support the operations of security personnel to conduct border patrols at different land border areas in the country.”

In his brief statement, the Political Counsellor at the United States Embassy in Freetown, Paul Stucky reaffirmed the Embassy’s continued commitment to work with IOM in addressing migration-related challenges. “I am pleased to be here today to witness the donation of motorbikes to border units of Government agencies. I hope this will go a long way to help these units deliver important work in border management. I am looking forward to continuing our partnership with IOM”.

The Africa Regional Migration Programme, Paul said, promotes best practices relating to supporting migration management in supporting countries to promote safe, orderly and dignified migration and reduce migrant vulnerability.

Foika Alusine and Others Declared Wanted in Connection with August 10 Protests

August 22, 2022

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Human rights activists have condemned the alleged wrongful detention of young individuals accused of orchestrating the violent protests that erupted across Sierra Leone, including Freetown, on August 10, 2022. Social media posts have identified certain individuals, including Foika Alusine, as being involved in the unrest. However, investigations suggest that these accusations are politically motivated, aimed at silencing perceived opponents of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) government.

The situation has worsened with reports of vigilante groups, allegedly aligned with the SLPP, targeting supporters of the opposition All People’s Congress (APC). Unverified reports of extrajudicial killings have spread fear across the nation. Among these incidents, a well-known APC supporter in the Northern city of Makeni was allegedly shot dead, sparking concerns over political violence.

One of the flashpoints of the August 10 protests was Peacock Farm, located in the Wellington area on the east end of Freetown. The area witnessed intense confrontations between demonstrators and law enforcement. Young protesters, voicing frustration over economic hardships and calling for political change, erected roadblocks and set tires ablaze. In response, police fired tear gas and, in some cases, live bullets, leading to several fatalities.

In the aftermath of the violence, a resident of Peacock Farm, Foika Alusine, was accused by a group of SLPP supporters of leading the protests and calling for the resignation of President Julius Maada Bio. Armed with sticks and machetes, these irate youths attempted to storm Alusine’s residence with the intent to harm him.

The Sierra Leone Police have since declared Alusine and others wanted, accusing them of being among the ringleaders of the August 10 protest. A confidential source disclosed that suspicious activity has been reported near Alusine’s home on three occasions, fueling fears that vigilante groups may be searching for him and two others accused of killing a police officer during the unrest.

While some individuals involved in the August 10 protests have been arrested, tried, and sentenced, there are reports of others who have mysteriously disappeared. A relative of Alusine expressed concern about the rising political tensions in the country, especially as the 2023 general elections approach. The family member advised that those accused, including Alusine, may need to consider leaving the country for their safety.

As of this report, the whereabouts of Foika Alusine remain unknown.

Commercial Agricultural Producers and Processors Provide over 12,300 Jobs Nationwide

August 22, 2022

By Abubakarr Harding

The Commercial Agricultural Producers and Processors Association (CAPPA), is an entity that was formed in 2016 by a group of Commercial Agricultural Companies operating in various areas within Sierra Leone.

Since its inception, the Association has provided over 12,300 jobs nationwide of which 25% of the beneficiaries are women. CAPPA members now have Sierra Leoneans in senior management teams with over 30 Sierra Leoneans employed in management positions which will grow as more experience and skills are developed.

It must be noted that the Commercial Agricultural Companies are operating in various areas within Sierra Leone with some in the business of producing and others in processing process of produce or products such as palm oil, timber, pineapples & agricultural crop seeds.

CAPPA’s membership is open to all commercial Agri-business and Agro-processing Companies with the aim of acting as the Principal Coordinating Body representing all Commercial Agricultural Producers and Processing Companies in Sierra Leone.

The membership of CAPPA comprises Socfin Company, Miro Forestry Company, Sierra Tropical Company, Goldtree Company, Sierra Tropical, Sunbird Company, and Bengal Agro SL Limited which continue to invest considerable sums of money into Sierra Leone’s agricultural industry.

During 2021, 60,000 tonnes of palm oil were produced by Socfin and Goldtree for the local market; two refineries in downstream processing were established in 2019.

It must be highlighted that the dependence on palm oil produced by CAPPA companies for the production of cooking oil, soap and margarine to the Sierra Leone market saves millions of dollar by reducing the importation of those commodities. The production of utility poles by Miro Forestry Company for the local market saves the country foreign exchange which could have been used to purchase them abroad. Miro also exports Edge Glue Board which also improves the country’s balance of trade.

In the area of inclusive business model, several of the CAPPA’s members have embarked on out-grower programs. Goldtree has supported over 10,000 smallholders to gain EU organic certification. The smallholders have benefitted immensely from over 200ha of high-yielding varieties as well as training in sustainable farming as well as improved livelihoods. Miro Forestry Company has supported 10 farmers to establish 130 hectares of woodlot with an off-take agreement to buy the timber products from them when the trees are due for harvest.

Further to all of these achievements, the membership of CAPPA also prioritizes livelihood support to inhabitants in their localities. To start with, all of CAPPA members have Community Development Action Plan (CDAP) and CSR projects as part of their commitment to improve community living standards. Many of these include interventions in health, education, water & sanitation and livelihood development schemes.

Many improvements to road networks, creating new roads, upgrading and building new schools and clinics, scholarships, electrification of clinics, providing mechanical cultivation for larger rice farming areas, micro finance, provision of education materials, improved sanitation, wells, well-pump repairs etc have been rolled out.

Additional economic opportunities are being created by supporting local artisans and utilizing local contractors to carry out plantation operations.

CAPPA members also place great importance on food security with over 25,000 families benefiting in a range of different interventions such as seeds for planting, mechanical cultivation and harvesting equipment. It membership works towards the improvement and development of Sierra Leone and is an important Association driving commercial agriculture in Sierra Leone.

ICPNC Kick-Starts Engagements with Various Interest Groups

August 22, 2022

By Abubakarr Harding

The Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) kick-started engagements with various stakeholders in Freetown on how to collaborate to promote sustainable Peace in the country.

On Monday, 15th August 2022 the Commission met with the Executives of the transport sector including the Motor Drivers and General Workers Union, the Bike Riders, and Kekeh Riders Unions.

The Executive Secretary of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC), Hawa Samai, informed members of the various Executive bodies that the meeting was geared towards discussing and mapping out strategies to consolidate peace, national cohesion and how they could work together to uphold them underscoring the important roles played by drivers in the country.

She continued by telling them of ICPNC’s intention to work with them with the objective of promoting peace in the country and to ensure that their members don’t get involved in conflicts or disturbances that have the potential of derailing the progress of the country.

The Executive Secretary admonished them to come up with suggestions on how the various Unions could collaborate and work with the Commission to be peace agents to their passengers, within their communities and even families.

On their part, the Union representatives expressed their willingness to work with the ICPNC, saying they already have existing structures at National, Regional, District and Park levels that are fully operational and through which they will channel their messages in partnership with the Commission.

The various Executive members underscored the importance of rolling out peace education right across the country, pointing out that war does not only lead to loss of lives and properties but also erodes donor confidence and forestalls job creation.

Kainnamu Kumabeh11 of the Motor Drivers’ Union said the activities of drivers border on the security of the country suggesting that peace messages to be developed should be apt and must appeal to their constituents. He also spoke of the need to involve boat owners whom he noted also are part of the transportation sector and are active in cross-border activities.

Madam Nassu Yarjah of the Bike Riders Union called on the Commission to also target owners of ghettos and Ataya bases.

Ibrahim Serry of the Kekeh Riders Union said they are ready to work with the Commission as Peace Ambassadors, adding that the process should start now to pave the way for peaceful elections next year.

The ICPNC on Tuesday met with the Executive body of the Market Women Association led by its Chairperson, Haja Marie Bob-Kandeh.

The importance of women generally and how market women, in particular, could promote peace in the country were discussed.

The Market Women Association also disclosed having existing structures across the country and expressed their readiness to work with the Commission to ensure lasting peace in the country.

The women highlighted a number of issues facing them which officials of the Commission said will be further discussed bringing other stakeholders on board.

Sierra Leone Urges G7+ Members to Reaffirm their Commitments to its Mandate

August 22, 2022

By Mohamed Massaquoi – Information Attache United Nations, New York

Since its inception in 2010, member States of the G7+ have been scaling up efforts at addressing gaps associated with conflict-affected States toward resilience and the achievement of sustainable Development Goals and effective service delivery.

Against that background, the Permanent Mission of Sierra Leone to the United Nations in New York, in its capacity as Chair of the G7+, has been championing the cause of the Member States of the group with a view to ensuring that conflict-affected States are best positioned to learn from one another about these hard-won experiences.

These States collectively advocate for contextually tailored development policies.

On the 16th of August 2022, the Permanent Mission of Sierra Leone in collaboration with the Timor Leste-based G7+ Secretariat invited Permanent Representatives of member countries to an experience-sharing meeting.

The objective of the meeting was to develop consensus among member countries on the agenda and outcome of the planned High-Level summit during the upcoming UN General Assembly in September 2022 and to also agree on coordination for optimizing the Observer Status of the G7+ at the United Nations.

In his presentation, the Chairperson of the group, the Permanent Representative of Sierra Leone to the United Nations, H.E. Alhaji Fanday Turay reiterated that as the Member States of the G7+, it is significant to reaffirm their commitments to the mandate of the group which is to advance the common vision of global solidarity, voluntarism, and cooperation.

He further advised that during the High-Level Summit, they should consolidate their perspectives and views on how best to safeguard conflict-affected countries from the impact of the recent crises that has affected the whole world.

“Even though it has almost become a norm for the g7+ to regularly engage at the United Nations during the High-Level week of UNGA, this year should be an epoch-making one, as our collective advocacy is crucial in identifying with the world’s farthest left behind countries,” he said adding that having achieved Observer Status at the UN, the platform could be used to advocate and speak with one voice for their common needs and priorities.

Ambassador Turay concluded by assuring members of the group that Sierra Leone will remain committed to providing leadership that will build on the gains made and develop consensus in coordinating the next steps necessary to enhance the Observer Status of the G7+ at the United Nations.