As Press Freedom Slips Sharply in 2026 Index… SLAJ, Reporters Union and Media Freedom Coalition Demand Urgent Protection for Journalists

May 6, 2026

World Press Freedom Day 2026 poster showing three diverse journalists with camera gear and a microphone labeled Truth, advocating press freedom and truthful reporting.

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Sierra Leone’s media sector is facing renewed scrutiny and growing concern following a significant drop in the country’s global Press Freedom ranking, as key stakeholders including the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists, the Sierra Leone Reporters Union and the Media Freedom Coalition warn of increasing threats to journalism and call for urgent reforms to safeguard the profession.

The warning comes in the wake of the 2026 World Press Freedom Index released by Reporters Without Borders, which shows Sierra Leone dropping more than 20 places to approximately 79th position, with a declining score that reflects mounting challenges in journalist safety, economic stability and political tolerance. The development coincides with global commemorations of World Press Freedom Day, a moment traditionally reserved for reflection on the role of journalism in advancing democracy, peace and accountability.

At the international level, the Media Freedom Coalition has sounded a stark warning about the deteriorating conditions under which journalists operate. In a statement marking World Press Freedom Day, the Coalition stressed that journalism remains a cornerstone of democratic societies and global peace, even as it comes under sustained attack.

The Coalition highlighted that journalists working in conflict zones and politically volatile environments are increasingly exposed to violence, harassment and intimidation. Drawing on data from the Committee to Protect Journalists, it noted that at least 129 journalists were killed in 2025, making it one of the deadliest years for media professionals in decades.

According to the Coalition, the risks now extend beyond physical harm to include digital threats, misinformation, surveillance and economic suppression. It observed that symbols once associated with protection, such as “PRESS” identification, are increasingly becoming targets, reflecting a troubling shift in how journalists are perceived in crisis situations.

The Coalition urged Governments worldwide to end impunity for crimes against journalists, strengthen legal protections and ensure that media practitioners can operate freely and safely. It emphasized that protecting journalism is not only a democratic obligation but also a critical investment in global stability and peace.

Within this global context, Sierra Leone’s performance in the 2026 index has triggered widespread concern among media stakeholders. The country, once regarded as a reform success story following the repeal of criminal libel laws, is now facing a reversal that analysts say reflects deeper structural challenges.

Observers attribute the decline largely to worsening safety conditions for journalists. Reports of threats, intimidation and harassment, particularly during politically sensitive periods, have increased raising fears that journalists may resort to self-censorship to avoid reprisals.

The findings suggest that while legal reforms have improved the formal framework for press freedom, they have not fully translated into a safe and enabling environment for journalists. That disconnect between law and practice has become a central issue in discussions about the future of media freedom in Sierra Leone.

Economic vulnerability also remains a major concern. Many media houses operate under severe financial constraints, relying heavily on advertising from Government institutions and politically affiliated entities. That dependency creates pressure on editorial independence and limits the ability of journalists to pursue critical reporting without fear of financial consequences.

Responding to the index, the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has renewed its call for stronger and more durable protections for press freedom. The Association emphasized the need for constitutional guarantees that explicitly safeguard freedom of expression and the safety of journalists.

SLAJ acknowledged the progress made through the repeal of criminal libel but warned that such gains remain fragile without broader institutional support. The Association expressed concern over provisions in existing laws, including aspects of the Cybersecurity and Crime Act and the Counter-Terrorism Act, which it believes could be misused to restrict legitimate journalistic activity.

The Association also drew attention to the growing threat of digital harassment, particularly targeting female journalists and called for stronger measures to address online abuse and intimidation. It stressed that protecting journalists requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond legal reform to include enforcement, accountability and cultural change.

SLAJ further underscored the importance of strengthening the media ecosystem through capacity building, ethical standards and sustainable funding mechanisms. It highlighted the role of initiatives such as the National Fund for Public Interest Media in supporting independent journalism and urged continued commitment from Government and development partners.

The Sierra Leone Reporters Union (SLRU) has echoed similar concerns, emphasizing that press freedom is essential to national development, peace and democratic governance. In its World Press Freedom Day message, the Union warned that journalists continue to face multiple pressures that undermine their work.

The Union pointed to challenges including poor working conditions, limited access to information, economic hardship and rising threats against reporters. It noted that misinformation and emerging technologies are further complicating the media landscape, making it more difficult for journalists to maintain credibility and public trust.

SLRU maintained that a free press should not be seen as an adversary of the state but as a partner in nation-building. It called on Government institutions, security agencies and the public to respect the role of journalists and ensure their protection.

Reaffirming its commitment to defending the rights and welfare of reporters, the Union stressed that the future of Sierra Leone’s democracy depends on the ability of journalists to operate without fear or interference.

Adding to the national conversation, communication and media expert Dr. Tonya Musa has called for a fundamental reset in how journalism is supported and protected in Sierra Leone.

He described the current moment as a turning point shaped by both progress and persistent challenges, noting that the country’s decline in the press freedom index reflects deeper systemic issues. He highlighted the sharp drop in safety rankings as particularly alarming, pointing to increased risks faced by journalists covering sensitive topics.

Dr. Tonya Musa acknowledged the significance of past legal reforms but cautioned that they are insufficient without effective implementation and broader structural support. He warned that certain legislative provisions could be used to suppress dissent if not carefully managed.

A key concern, he noted, is the economic fragility of the media sector. According to him, sustainable journalism cannot exist without sustainable funding models, as financial vulnerability exposes media institutions to undue influence and compromises editorial independence.

He also addressed the impact of digital transformation, noting that while technology has expanded opportunities for journalism, it has also introduced new risks, including misinformation, surveillance and the erosion of traditional gatekeeping roles.

Dr. Tonya Musa emphasized the need for improved media literacy among citizens, warning that a poorly informed public is more susceptible to manipulation in an increasingly complex information environment. He called for greater investment in public education and community-based initiatives to strengthen critical thinking and civic engagement.

Raising broader questions, he challenged stakeholders to reflect on the contradictions within Sierra Leone’s media landscape, including how legal progress can coexist with declining press freedom and how journalism can remain independent amid financial dependency.

The combined responses from SLAJ, SLRU, the Media Freedom Coalition and media experts underscore the urgency of addressing the challenges facing journalism in Sierra Leone. While the country has made notable strides in reforming its media laws, the 2026 press freedom index highlights the need for deeper, more sustained action.

Stakeholders agree that protecting press freedom requires a holistic approach that includes legal safeguards, economic support, institutional accountability and cultural respect for the role of journalism.

As Sierra Leone navigates this critical moment, the choices made by Government, media institutions and society at large will determine whether the country can reclaim its progress or continue on a path of decline.

The message from all sides is clear: a free, independent and secure press is not optional; it is essential to democracy, peace and national development.

CSO Consortium Endorses Gento’s Banana Island Port, Predicts Massive Job Creation and Economic Growth

May 6, 2026

Man in a gray blazer and blue shirt reads from papers at a table with a purple cloth, speaking softly into a discussion. It appears to be a small meeting or presentation.

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

A coalition of Civil Society Organizations in Sierra Leone has publicly endorsed the proposed Banana Island and Kent Harbour Terminal project, describing it as a transformative investment capable of accelerating job creation and reshaping the country’s economic trajectory.

The Civil Society Consortium on Community Accountability and Service Delivery, led by its Chairman William Sao Lamin, announced its position during a Press Conference held on April 30, 2026, at the YACAN Conference Hall on Settra Kroo Street, off Kroo Town Road in Freetown. The Consortium’s statement, jointly delivered by Alphonso Manley and William Sao Lamin, highlighted strong support for the port development initiative and commended the leadership driving the project forward.

In its official communication, the Consortium expressed appreciation to President Dr. Julius Maada Bio and Members of Parliament for approving the Banana Island and Kent Harbour Terminal proposal. The group described the move as a demonstration of collective national leadership and bipartisan commitment to development, emphasizing the importance of effective collaboration between Government and private sector actors.

Central to the endorsement is the role of entrepreneur Mohamed Gento Kamara, Chief Executive Officer of the Gento Group of Companies. The Consortium credited his vision and investment drive as instrumental in positioning the project as a cornerstone of Sierra Leone’s economic transformation efforts, noting that private sector leadership remains critical in unlocking growth opportunities.

According to the Consortium, the project is expected to deliver significant employment benefits. During the construction phase, it is projected to create over 1,000 direct jobs, while long-term employment opportunities could exceed 10,000 once operations begin. Those figures, the group noted, represent a substantial contribution to strengthening the country’s labour market and improving livelihoods.

Beyond direct employment, the Consortium anticipates wider economic spillovers, estimating that between 50,000 and 100,000 indirect jobs could be generated across sectors such as transportation, logistics, trade and services. It added that such outcomes would align with national targets aimed at expanding job opportunities and reducing poverty.

The statement further underscored the project’s potential to reduce the cost of living by improving shipping efficiency and logistics systems. Enhanced port operations are expected to lower importation costs, which could ultimately translate into more affordable goods for consumers nationwide.

In addition, the Banana Island and Kent Harbour Terminal project is expected to deliver critical infrastructure upgrades, including a modern seaport, railway linkages to mining areas, logistics hubs and industrial facilities. The Consortium noted that those developments would ease pressure on road networks, improve supply chain efficiency and position Sierra Leone as a more competitive player in regional and global trade.

Describing the initiative as a “game-changing national asset,” the Consortium called for sustained collaboration among stakeholders to ensure successful implementation. It reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring the project and promoting transparency and accountability throughout its execution.

“The Banana Island Port Project presents a unique opportunity to transform the economy, create jobs and improve living standards,” the statement emphasized.

The Consortium concluded by urging Sierra Leoneans to support the initiative, which it described as a defining project for the country’s future. Chairman William Sao Lamin reiterated that civil society will continue to play an active role in ensuring that the anticipated benefits are delivered effectively.

With growing support from Government, civil society,and the private sector, the Banana Island and Kent Harbour Terminal project is increasingly being positioned as a flagship development with the potential to drive sustained economic growth and national progress.

Vice President Declares 2026 ‘Year of Execution’, Positions Workers as Architects of Development

May 6, 2026

Man in a light-colored traditional suit places his right hand over his heart while standing indoors. — Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In a powerful display of leadership at the 2026 National Labour Conference, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh signaled a decisive shift in Sierra Leone’s economic strategy, moving the nation from the era of blueprints to a relentless era of “action and proof.”

Addressing a packed hall of workers, union leaders and private sector employers on May 1, 2026, at the Miatta Conference Centre, the Vice President positioned the Sierra Leonean worker as the primary catalyst for the nation’s transformation. The event, themed: “Building Worker’s Power for Sierra Leone’s Transformative Agenda,” served as both a celebration of recent policy achievements and a bold roadmap for the country’s digital future.

In a stirring keynote speech, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh rejected the traditional view of labour as a passive recipient of aid, emphasizing instead its central role in national progress.

“The real engine of Sierra Leone’s transformation is not foreign investment or Government planning; it is the millions of workers showing up every single day to build this country,” he stated.

He further stressed that under the current administration, workers have been elevated to their rightful place in the national hierarchy.

“Workers are not beneficiaries; they are the architects of development,” he declared.

The Vice President highlighted a string of legislative gains that have directly improved livelihoods across the country since 2018.

Among the key achievements, he pointed to historic wage increases, noting that the national minimum wage has been raised to NLe 1,200, representing a significant 66 percent increase from previous levels.

He also underscored efforts to include the informal sector in national development policies. In what he described as a landmark move, the Government is extending social protection measures to market women, artisans and fishermen; groups he said have long operated outside the reach of formal economic systems.

On gender equity, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to enforcing equal pay for equal work and expanding financial access for women-led businesses, positioning gender inclusion as a cornerstone of sustainable economic growth.

Beyond traditional labour concerns, the Vice President outlined a forward-looking vision for Sierra Leone’s participation in the global digital economy.

He emphasized that technology is no longer a distant prospect but an immediate reality creating new opportunities, particularly for young people.

“Opportunity without protection is ‘cheap exposure,’” Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh warned, stressing that as Sierra Leoneans engage with global digital platforms, they must do so under conditions that guarantee fair wages and adequate protections.

He described the Government’s investment in vocational training and digital skills development as a “core economic strategy,” aimed at equipping the workforce with the tools needed to compete in an increasingly digital world.

Concluding his address, the Vice President called for a renewed sense of shared responsibility among Government, labour unions and employers.

He urged employers to see a skilled and empowered workforce as a long-term investment rather than a cost, assuring citizens that the Government remains committed to delivering on its promises.

“Sierra Leoneans are not waiting any longer,” he said. “2026 is the year we move from intention to execution and from promise to proof.”

President Bio Officially Launches Partnership with Africell to Relaunch Sierratel as MVNO

May 6, 2026

Officials in suits cut a blue ribbon at an outdoor ceremony, with onlookers and flags in the background.

By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has officially launched a strategic partnership between the Government of Sierra Leone and Africell to relaunch Sierratel as a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), marking a significant step in revitalizing the country’s telecommunications sector.

The launch, held on Tuesday 5th May, 2026 at the Miatta Conference Centre, formalizes a framework that enables Sierratel to return to the market by leveraging Africell’s infrastructure, technology and commercial strength, while maintaining full Government ownership.

Under the MVNO model, Africell will provide network coverage, technical backbone and sustained investment, while Sierratel focuses on service delivery, customer engagement and product innovation. The arrangement allows for immediate rollout of services without the need for heavy public sector capital expenditure.

Africell Chief Executive Officer, Shadi Gerjawi, described the agreement as a defining national milestone, stating that it reflects Africell’s long-standing commitment to invest in Sierra Leone and deliver world-class telecommunications services. He emphasized that the initiative provides a practical and sustainable pathway for Sierratel’s return, enabling full operations from the outset.

The Africell CEO reiterated that the partnership does not amount to privatization, stressing that Sierratel remains wholly owned by the Government. He noted that Africell’s role is to strengthen the company through modern infrastructure, operational efficiency and continuous commercial investment to ensure long-term competitiveness.

He further disclosed that Sierratel subscribers will immediately access voice, data and mobile money services, supported by a dedicated operational team established by Africell to ensure independence and market competitiveness. He said the initiative is expected to enhance nationwide connectivity, improve service reliability and introduce flexible, customer-focused offerings.

Addressing legacy challenges, the CEO confirmed that Africell will assume part of the financial liabilities owed to Sierratel staff.

The Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Salima Monorma Bah, in her statement, said the Government deliberately avoided both privatization and direct infrastructure investment, opting instead for a sustainable partnership that leverages private sector efficiency while preserving public ownership.

She noted that although Sierratel’s infrastructure had declined over time, its brand remained a valuable national asset. The MVNO model, she explained, provides a viable route for rapid market re-entry, enabling the company to generate revenue while delivering improved services.

The Minister added that the Government has committed an initial $2 million toward staff-related obligations and reaffirmed its commitment to settling all verified arrears transparently. She said the partnership is expected to increase competition, improve affordability and expand access to telecommunications services, particularly among underserved populations.

In his keynote address, the President of Sierra Leone, Rtd Brigadier Dr. Julius Maada Bio framed the initiative as a cornerstone of his Government’s broader reform agenda, stressing that countries seeking relevance in the modern global economy must prioritize connectivity. He said Sierra Leone’s decision to partner with Africell reflects a deliberate strategy to strengthen national systems, improve service delivery and position the country to compete both within Africa and internationally.

The President underscored the link between connectivity and human capital development, noting that improved telecommunications infrastructure would enable innovation, enhance productivity and create opportunities across sectors. He highlighted that young people, who make up the majority of Sierra Leone’s population, stand to benefit significantly from increased digital access, describing them as central to the country’s transformation.

Reflecting on Sierratel’s legacy, the President recalled its historic role as the backbone of national communication, connecting institutions, businesses and families across the country. He stated that the company’s revival goes beyond commercial considerations, representing the restoration of a strategic national asset with deep social and economic relevance.

President Bio acknowledged that years of structural inefficiencies and outdated technology had weakened the company, but maintained that the Government remained committed to finding a responsible and sustainable path to recovery. According to him, the partnership with Africell demonstrates a shift toward practical, results-oriented solutions that align with current industry realities.

He also addressed concerns around staff welfare, commending the resilience of Sierratel employees who remained committed despite prolonged challenges further assuring that all verified obligations would be settled through a transparent and accountable process as well as reaffirming his Government’s commitment to fairness.

The President intimated how the collaboration with Africell would expand access to reliable communication services across both urban and rural communities, improving opportunities for traders, students, farmers and entrepreneurs. He added that enhanced connectivity would support critical sectors such as education, healthcare and agriculture, while strengthening national security systems.

He also described the partnership as a clear sign of rising investor confidence in Sierra Leone, highlighting that credible international partners are becoming more willing to engage with the country as reforms continue to take shape. Emphasizing the need for progress, he added that embracing innovation and adaptability remains essential for Sierra Leone to stay competitive in an increasingly dynamic digital landscape.

The President concluded by describing the Africell–Sierratel partnership as more than a corporate agreement, characterizing it as a transformational step toward national development, grounded in performance, accountability and measurable impact.

As part of the relaunch, Joe Abass Bangura was appointed Managing Director of the Sierratel MVNO, tasked with overseeing its operations and market positioning.

The event also recognized long-serving Sierratel staff for their loyalty and dedication, including Ibrahim Mansaray (Driver), Edward Yarrimeh Kamara (Workers’ Representative), Issa Bangura (Director of Engineering), Kandeh Mansaray (Office Assistant) and Mariama Olu-Williams (Customer Care Manager), some of whom have served the company for over three decades.

Africell confirmed that the network is now fully operational, supported by a 24/7 customer care system. The company stated that the partnership is designed to restore public confidence, enhance service quality and drive financial inclusion through expanded mobile money services.

The relaunch of Sierratel under the MVNO framework underscores a shift toward public-private collaboration in Sierra Leone, positioning the telecommunications sector for greater efficiency, sustainability, and growth.

President Bio Holds Productive Talks with All People’s Congress Leaders, Reaffirms Commitment to National Unity

May 6, 2026

Group of dignitaries posing for a formal photo in a conference room, with the Nigerian flag in the background behind them. — President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, alongside Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh pose for picture with senior members of the opposition APC party after high-level meeting at State House

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, alongside Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, held a high-level meeting at State House with senior representatives of the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC), in what has been described as a constructive step toward strengthening political dialogue and national cohesion.

The engagement brought together key figures within the APC, including Acting National Chairman, Amb. Alhaji Osman Foday Yansaneh, Opposition Leader in Parliament, Abdul Kargbo, Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, Chairman Kasho Holland-Cole, and other representatives from various organs of the party.

According to the President, the discussions were “productive,” reflecting a shared commitment among political stakeholders to prioritize the interests of the nation above partisan considerations. In a statement following the meeting, President Bio emphasized the importance of sustained dialogue and collaboration in addressing the country’s challenges.

The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering continued engagement across political lines, stressing that inclusive governance remains central to Sierra Leone’s democratic progress. He noted that cooperation between the ruling government and opposition parties is essential for promoting peace, stability, and national development.

“Working together in the service of our people and our nation is not optional—it is necessary,” the President stated, highlighting the need for unity in advancing the country’s broader development agenda.

The meeting, held at State House in Freetown, is part of ongoing efforts to maintain open channels of communication between the government and opposition, particularly in a political landscape where dialogue is increasingly seen as vital to democratic consolidation.

Observers note that the presence of senior APC figures signals a willingness on both sides to engage constructively, with the aim of strengthening democratic institutions and fostering mutual understanding.

The discussions also underscored the importance of prioritizing peace and national cohesion, especially at a time when collaborative leadership is required to navigate economic and social challenges.

The meeting comes amid ongoing efforts under the post-election national unity agreement and tripartite process aimed at easing political tensions and strengthening democratic governance.

The APC leadership has publicly endorsed Vice President Juldeh Jalloh to continue engagements on behalf of government, signaling a willingness from both sides to sustain dialogue and implement agreed reforms.

“Peace Cannot Be Decreed” — ECOWAS Speaker Warns as Parliament Convenes in Abuja

May 6, 2026

Large legislative chamber with curved red seats, attendees seated at desks facing a central stage and podiums atop a long table. — ECOWAS Parliament

By Melvin Tejan Mansaray

Members of the Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have commenced their 2026 First Ordinary Session in Abuja, Nigeria, as part of their statutory mandate to advance regional integration and democratic governance across West Africa.

The session, which runs from May 4 to May 16, 2026, was disclosed by the Secretary-General of the ECOWAS Parliament, Dedou P. Hémou. It brings together representatives from member states to deliberate on key regional issues, including peace, stability and institutional reforms within the sub-region.

Established in 2000, the ECOWAS Parliament serves as a legislative assembly and consultative body of the regional bloc. Originally composed of 115 members representing all 15 member states, the Parliament plays a central role in promoting democratic values, human rights and regional cooperation.

However, the cohesion of the bloc has recently been tested. In early 2025, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger formally withdrew from ECOWAS following a series of military coups, raising concerns about the future of regional unity and cooperation.

According to Protocol A/P2/8/94 relating to the Community Parliament, the legislative body convenes at least twice a year in Ordinary Sessions, each lasting up to three months. These sessions are organized by the Bureau of Parliament and conducted in accordance with established Rules of Procedure.

In addition to Ordinary Sessions, the Parliament may hold Extraordinary Sessions to address urgent or specific matters. Such sessions can be initiated by the Chairman of the Authority or requested in writing by an absolute majority of Members. Proceedings during these sessions are similarly governed by procedural rules and conclude once the agenda has been fully addressed.

Addressing the opening ceremony, the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Hadja Memounatou Ibrahima, underscored the importance of stakeholder engagement in shaping the Parliament’s agenda. She noted that recent consultations across member states had provided valuable insights into local realities, which would inform deliberations during the session.

“These engagements enabled us to grasp local realities, listen to stakeholders, and prepare a coordinated parliamentary response. The reports from the meetings will be presented for your consideration and adoption during this Session,” she stated.

In her keynote address, Speaker Ibrahima delivered a strong message on the state of peace and security in West Africa, emphasizing that sustainable peace requires deliberate and collective effort.

“Peace cannot be decreed — it must be patiently built through dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect,” she said, highlighting the increasing militarization of democracies in the region and the growing number of conflict flashpoints.

She warned that no region is immune to instability, stressing the need for ECOWAS and its institutions to reinforce peacebuilding mechanisms and promote inclusive governance among member states.

Speaker Ibrahima also revealed that ECOWAS is undertaking a comprehensive reflection on its future direction. As part of this effort, a major summit is scheduled for May 21, 2026, in Lomé, Togo.

The summit is expected to accelerate the implementation of ECOWAS Vision 2050, a strategic framework aimed at repositioning the bloc to effectively respond to emerging political, economic, and security challenges.

“This summit will provide an opportunity to redefine how regional integration — at the heart of our ambition — can be achieved, strengthened, and adapted to new realities,” she noted.

The ongoing session in Abuja comes at a pivotal time for West Africa, as the region grapples with political transitions, security concerns, and shifting geopolitical dynamics. Observers say the outcomes of the deliberations will be crucial in determining the future trajectory of regional cooperation and stability.

With pressing issues on the table and growing calls for reform, the ECOWAS Parliament is expected to play a decisive role in shaping policies that foster unity, resilience, and sustainable development across West Africa.

Smiling woman in traditional patterned outfit with pink scarf, seated at a desk in an office setting. — Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Hadja Memounatou Ibrahima

THE INDUS WATERS TREATY

May 6, 2026

Infographic map of the Indus Water Treaty, showing India–Pakistan border with river lines and bold 'Indus Water Treaty' text on an orange background.

Asymmetric Obligations, Unequal Concessions and Pakistan’s Weaponisation

Part II: Obstruction, Exploitation and the Long-Overdue Reckoning

1. Pakistan’s Weaponisation of the Treaty

1.1 Systematic Obstruction of Indian Development

Since the Treaty’s signing, Pakistan has consistently used its dispute resolution provisions as a strategic tool to delay and effectively obstruct development rather than genuine dispute resolution. Virtually every significant hydropower project India has proposed on the Western rivers, even those explicitly permitted under the Treaty’s terms, has faced formal Pakistani objection, technical challenge, or referral to arbitration.

Projects including Baglihar, Kishenganga, Pakal Dul, and Tulbul have all been subjected to prolonged Pakistani challenges. In several cases, Pakistan has acknowledged the potential benefits of Indian projects for regulated water flow, including flood moderation, while simultaneously opposing them. This pattern reveals that Pakistani objections are not genuinely about Treaty compliance; they are about preventing Indian development in Jammu and Kashmir, regardless of the legal merits.

1.2 The ‘Water War’ Narrative and Its Deployment

Pakistan has simultaneously exploited India’s consistent compliance with the Treaty to construct and disseminate an international narrative portraying India as a potential ‘water aggressor’. Pakistani officials, academics, and diplomatic channels have repeatedly raised the spectre of India ‘weaponising water’ against Pakistan; citing the very Treaty that India has scrupulously honoured.

This narrative, posing the upper riparian as a threat, has proven remarkably effective with international audiences unfamiliar with the Treaty’s history. Pakistan has used it to generate diplomatic pressure, attract multilateral sympathy, and constrain India’s ability to assert its legitimate Treaty rights.

The singular irony of this strategy is that India has not committed a single violation of the Treaty—not during the 1965 war, not during the 1971 war, not during the 1999 Kargil conflict, and not at any other point in the sixty-five years of the Treaty’s operation. India has maintained compliance even as Pakistan has used its territory to conduct state-sponsored terrorism against India.

2. The Consequences for India

2.1 Unrealised Development Potential

The Treaty’s constraints have had measurable, lasting consequences for India’s development in the Indus Basin. Vast areas of Rajasthan and parts of Punjab that could have been irrigated remain arid or dependent on alternative, more expensive water sources. The agricultural productivity foregone over six decades represents an incalculable economic loss.

2.2 Jammu and Kashmir’s Suppressed Hydropower Potential

The impact on Jammu and Kashmir has been particularly acute. The Union Territory sits astride the Western rivers and possesses enormous, largely untapped hydropower potential. Development of that potential is constrained at every turn by the Treaty’s design restrictions, Pakistan’s systematic objections, and the perpetual risk of multi-tiered long drawn dispute resolution mechanism. Local populations have increasingly come to view the Treaty not as a framework for shared benefit but as an instrument of their own economic marginalization; an external imposition that prevents them from developing the natural resources flowing through their own territory.

2.3 Energy Security Implications

India’s inability to optimally develop the hydropower potential of the Western rivers has direct implications for national energy security. The Treaty’s restrictions mean that potential capacity, as a clean, renewable, and economically efficient energy source, has been sacrificed purely because of Pakistan’s strategic obstruction of even the limited rights India possesses in this asymmetric agreement.

3. India’s Case

The Treaty was intended achieve the “most complete and satisfactory utilization of the waters of the Indus system of rivers” in a “spirit of goodwill and friendship”; a context that no longer exists.

The treaties derive their legitimacy not merely from the force of law but from the good faith implementation of their terms by all signatories. Pakistan’s documented and persistent use of state-sponsored terrorism as an instrument of foreign policy against India, culminating in atrocities including the 2001 Parliament attack, the 2008 Mumbai attacks, and most recently the Pahalgam attack of April 2025, fundamentally challenges the premise upon which India’s continued compliance with the IWT rests. Bilateral agreements cannot be selectively honoured: a state cannot simultaneously breach the foundational norms of inter-state conduct while demanding that its negotiating partner fulfil treaty obligations that disproportionately benefit the norm-breaker. The Treaty cannot be an island of Indian compliance within a sea of Pakistani bad faith. India’s step represents an assertion long overdue; that international agreements are a two-way street.

4. Conclusion

The Indus Waters Treaty has long been celebrated as a triumph of international diplomacy. This paper has argued that such a characterization fundamentally misrepresents what actually occurred: a negotiation process in which Pakistani intransigence was rewarded with concessions, and Indian goodwill was systematically exploited to produce an agreement that was inequitable from its inception.

Nevertheless, India surrendered 80 percent of the water, paid £62 million (approximately $2.5 billion in present value) to facilitate that surrender, accepted one-sided operational restrictions on its own territory, and has maintained scrupulous compliance for sixty-five years—including through Pakistan inflicted multiple wars and sustained sponsoring of cross border terrorism. In return, India has received a Treaty agreed to in good faith that Pakistan uses as a tool of developmental obstruction, a ‘water war’ narrative it deploys internationally with no factual basis, and the permanent underdevelopment of vast tracts of Indian territory.

India’s step is to protect its legitimate interests in the Indus Basin. This is not aggression; it is the long-overdue correction of an asymmetric arrangement premised on a goodwill that was never reciprocated. To those who ask why hold the Treaty in abeyance now, it would be useful to remember that there is no wrong time for a right decision.

THE INDUS WATERS TREATY

May 6, 2026

Asymmetric Obligations, Unequal Concessions and Pakistan’s Weaponisation

Part I: The Architecture of Inequity — How India’s Goodwill Was Codified into Concession

1. Background: The Partition of a River System

The Indus River System comprises six major rivers—the Indus, Chenab, Jhelum, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej—flowing through the territories of both India and Pakistan. The system sustains drinking water, agriculture, and electricity generation across the Indus Basin, supporting hundreds of millions of people on both sides of the border.

When British India was partitioned in 1947, the Indus River System was also divided between the two successor states. The geographic reality was stark: India, as the upper riparian state, held the headwaters of most rivers, while Pakistan’s agricultural heartland, the heavily irrigated Punjab plains, depended critically on continued water flows from the east. India, for its part, required access to the system for its own development objectives in Punjab and Rajasthan, while seeking stability and normalised relations with its new western neighbour. Despite its own pressing domestic needs, India concluded this highly concessionary water-sharing pact with Pakistan on 19 September 1960, an agreement facilitated by the World Bank.

2. Negotiations – India paid the price for rationality

2.1 Pakistan’s Strategy of Delay and the 1954 World Bank Proposal

The trajectory of the negotiations was shaped, from the outset, by the asymmetry between India’s reasonable and constructive approach and Pakistan’s maximalist, sometimes absurd, demands — an asymmetry that anchored outcomes far more favourably to Pakistan than equity would have warranted. The World Bank’s first substantive proposal of 5 February 1954 illustrates this plainly: even at this initial stage, it required significant one sided concessions from India:

· All planned Indian developments along the upper reaches of both the Indus and Chenab were to be abandoned, with those benefits accruing to Pakistan instead

· India was required to forgo diverting approximately 6 MAF from the Chenab River.

· No Chenab waters at Merala (now in Pakistan) would be available for Indian use.

· No water development would be permitted in Kutch from the river system.

Despite these considerable impositions, India accepted the proposal in good faith almost immediately, signalling its genuine desire for a speedy resolution. Pakistan, by contrast, delayed its formal acceptance for nearly five years until 22 December 1958. As a result of this goodwill gesture of India, the restrictions were imposed on her while Pakistan continued developing new uses on the Western rivers without equivalent constraints. Pakistan absorbed the lesson that obstruction pays and cooperation costs and has applied this lesson consistently ever since.

3. What India Lost: The Scale of Sacrifice

3.1 The Water Allocation

Under the Treaty’s allocation formula, India received exclusive rights to the three Eastern rivers—the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi, while Pakistan received rights to the waters of the three Western rivers, the Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum. India was permitted certain limited, non-consumptive uses of the Western rivers within its own territory, primarily for run-of-river hydropower generation, subject to extensive design and operational restrictions.

In volumetric terms, the Eastern rivers allocated to India carry approximately 33 million acre-feet (MAF) of annual flow, while the Western rivers allocated to Pakistan carry approximately 135 MAF—giving Pakistan roughly 80 percent of the system’s water. India received 20 percent, in exchange for relinquishing all claim to the vastly larger Western system. The critical point is that India did not gain new water from the agreement. What India received was formal acknowledgment of flows it already accessed, in exchange for relinquishing all claim to the far larger Western system. India was permitted certain non-consumptive uses of the Western rivers within its territory; primarily run-of-river hydropower generation.

3.2 The Financial Concession: Paying to Give Away Water

Perhaps the most striking anomaly of the Treaty is the financial provision. India agreed to pay approximately £62 million (approximately $2.5 billion in present value) as compensation to Pakistan to build water resources infrastructure in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. This payment represents a unique precedent in which the upstream country, which was already surrendering the majority of the system’s water, additionally paid the downstream country for the “privilege” of doing so. India essentially subsidised Pakistan’s acceptance of a deal that heavily favoured Pakistan on the fundamental question of water allocation.

The Treaty’s Structural Unfairness

4.1 Unilateral Asymmetric Restrictions on India

The Treaty imposes a series of specific design and operational restrictions on India’s use of the Western rivers that have no corresponding obligations on Pakistan’s side:

· India can develop only a limited Irrigated Cropped Area (ICA) in its territory.

· India faces strict limits on the volume of water that can be held in any storage facility on the Western rivers.

· India must comply with specific design criteria for any hydropower facilities on the Western rivers, including restrictions on pondage and storage capacity.

These restrictions are one-directional: they constrain India’s lawful development of resources within its own territory while imposing no equivalent transparency or restriction requirements on Pakistan. The result is a treaty that treats the upstream state—India—as the party requiring oversight and restraint, while the downstream state benefits from guaranteed flows.

THE INDUS WATERS TREATY

May 6, 2026

Asymmetric Obligations, Unequal Concessions and Pakistan’s Weaponisation

Part I: The Architecture of Inequity — How India’s Goodwill Was Codified into Concession

1. Background: The Partition of a River System

The Indus River System comprises six major rivers—the Indus, Chenab, Jhelum, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej—flowing through the territories of both India and Pakistan. The system sustains drinking water, agriculture, and electricity generation across the Indus Basin, supporting hundreds of millions of people on both sides of the border.

When British India was partitioned in 1947, the Indus River System was also divided between the two successor states. The geographic reality was stark: India, as the upper riparian state, held the headwaters of most rivers, while Pakistan’s agricultural heartland, the heavily irrigated Punjab plains, depended critically on continued water flows from the east. India, for its part, required access to the system for its own development objectives in Punjab and Rajasthan, while seeking stability and normalised relations with its new western neighbour. Despite its own pressing domestic needs, India concluded this highly concessionary water-sharing pact with Pakistan on 19 September 1960, an agreement facilitated by the World Bank.

2. Negotiations – India paid the price for rationality

2.1 Pakistan’s Strategy of Delay and the 1954 World Bank Proposal

The trajectory of the negotiations was shaped, from the outset, by the asymmetry between India’s reasonable and constructive approach and Pakistan’s maximalist, sometimes absurd, demands — an asymmetry that anchored outcomes far more favourably to Pakistan than equity would have warranted. The World Bank’s first substantive proposal of 5 February 1954 illustrates this plainly: even at this initial stage, it required significant one sided concessions from India:

· All planned Indian developments along the upper reaches of both the Indus and Chenab were to be abandoned, with those benefits accruing to Pakistan instead

· India was required to forgo diverting approximately 6 MAF from the Chenab River.

· No Chenab waters at Merala (now in Pakistan) would be available for Indian use.

· No water development would be permitted in Kutch from the river system.

Despite these considerable impositions, India accepted the proposal in good faith almost immediately, signalling its genuine desire for a speedy resolution. Pakistan, by contrast, delayed its formal acceptance for nearly five years until 22 December 1958. As a result of this goodwill gesture of India, the restrictions were imposed on her while Pakistan continued developing new uses on the Western rivers without equivalent constraints. Pakistan absorbed the lesson that obstruction pays and cooperation costs and has applied this lesson consistently ever since.

3. What India Lost: The Scale of Sacrifice

3.1 The Water Allocation

Under the Treaty’s allocation formula, India received exclusive rights to the three Eastern rivers—the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi, while Pakistan received rights to the waters of the three Western rivers, the Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum. India was permitted certain limited, non-consumptive uses of the Western rivers within its own territory, primarily for run-of-river hydropower generation, subject to extensive design and operational restrictions.

In volumetric terms, the Eastern rivers allocated to India carry approximately 33 million acre-feet (MAF) of annual flow, while the Western rivers allocated to Pakistan carry approximately 135 MAF—giving Pakistan roughly 80 percent of the system’s water. India received 20 percent, in exchange for relinquishing all claim to the vastly larger Western system. The critical point is that India did not gain new water from the agreement. What India received was formal acknowledgment of flows it already accessed, in exchange for relinquishing all claim to the far larger Western system. India was permitted certain non-consumptive uses of the Western rivers within its territory; primarily run-of-river hydropower generation.

3.2 The Financial Concession: Paying to Give Away Water

Perhaps the most striking anomaly of the Treaty is the financial provision. India agreed to pay approximately £62 million (approximately $2.5 billion in present value) as compensation to Pakistan to build water resources infrastructure in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. This payment represents a unique precedent in which the upstream country, which was already surrendering the majority of the system’s water, additionally paid the downstream country for the “privilege” of doing so. India essentially subsidised Pakistan’s acceptance of a deal that heavily favoured Pakistan on the fundamental question of water allocation.

The Treaty’s Structural Unfairness

4.1 Unilateral Asymmetric Restrictions on India

The Treaty imposes a series of specific design and operational restrictions on India’s use of the Western rivers that have no corresponding obligations on Pakistan’s side:

· India can develop only a limited Irrigated Cropped Area (ICA) in its territory.

· India faces strict limits on the volume of water that can be held in any storage facility on the Western rivers.

· India must comply with specific design criteria for any hydropower facilities on the Western rivers, including restrictions on pondage and storage capacity.

These restrictions are one-directional: they constrain India’s lawful development of resources within its own territory while imposing no equivalent transparency or restriction requirements on Pakistan. The result is a treaty that treats the upstream state—India—as the party requiring oversight and restraint, while the downstream state benefits from guaranteed flows.

Advancing President Bio’s Legacy… Sierra Leone Labour Congress Applauds Gento Group for Driving Massive Job Creation Through Kent Seaport Project

May 4, 2026

Collage of a man speaking at a podium, a coastal construction site, and a construction worker in a yellow safety vest and hard hat.

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

A powerful convergence of labour leaders, Government officials, Civil Society actors and private sector stakeholders marked the 2026 International Workers’ Day celebrations with a resounding endorsement of indigenous enterprise, as the Sierra Leone Labour Congress singled out the Gento Group of Companies for its pivotal role in driving employment and national development through the proposed Kent Seaport project; a landmark initiative legacy of President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, which is his Government’s ambitious target of creating 500,000 jobs.

The May Day (International Labour Day) event, held on Friday, May 1, 2026 at the Miatta Conference Centre, brought together high-level dignitaries including His Excellency Julius Maada Bio and Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, alongside Ministers, Parliamentarians, members of the diplomatic corps, employers and workers from across the country. Under the theme: “Building Workers Power for Sierra Leone’s Transformative Agenda,” the gathering underscored the urgent need to strengthen collaboration between Government and the private sector to unlock sustainable employment opportunities.

In a detailed statement delivered on behalf of workers nationwide, the Sierra Leone Labour Congress emphasized that while Government policies are critical in shaping the labour landscape, the private sector remains the engine for job creation. Within that context, the Congress gave special recognition to the Gento Group of Companies, describing it as a shining example of a 100 percent Sierra Leonean-owned enterprise capable of delivering large-scale, high-impact infrastructure projects.

“We want to appreciate the Gento Group of Companies, a 100% Sierra Leone-owned company, for the construction of the Kent Seaport which will provide huge employment in Sierra Leone,” the Congress declared, drawing applause from attendees and reinforcing the company’s growing reputation as a national development partner.

The endorsement of Gento Group reflects a broader national narrative that places increasing confidence in homegrown businesses to drive economic transformation. The Kent Seaport project, spearheaded by the company, is widely regarded as a strategic investment with the potential to reshape Sierra Leone’s maritime sector, enhance trade efficiency and generate thousands of jobs across multiple sectors.

Labour leaders stressed that achieving the Government’s ambitious target of creating 500,000 jobs cannot be realized through public sector efforts alone. Instead, they highlighted the indispensable role of private enterprises like Gento in delivering employment at scale. By undertaking the Kent Seaport initiative, the company is expected to create immediate job opportunities during the construction phase while laying the foundation for long-term employment upon completion.

The Congress further urged the Government to strengthen the enabling environment for businesses by addressing key challenges such as inflation, high interest rates, exchange rate instability and heavy taxation. According to labour representatives, removing those barriers would empower companies like Gento to expand operations and maximize their contribution to national development.

Beyond the Labour Congress, strong backing for the Kent Seaport and related infrastructure initiatives has also emerged from Civil Society Organizations. A coalition led by William Sao Lamin, Chairman of the Civil Society Consortium on Community Accountability and Service Delivery, recently reaffirmed its support for the Banana Island and Kent Harbour Terminal project, describing it as a transformative investment capable of redefining Sierra Leone’s economic future.

Speaking at a press conference in Freetown, the Consortium commended both the Government and Parliament for their leadership in advancing the project, noting that it represents a model of effective public-private partnership. The group also highlighted the central role of Mohamed Gento Kamara, whose vision and entrepreneurial drive have positioned the initiative as a cornerstone of national development.

According to the Consortium, the economic impact of the project is expected to be both immediate and far-reaching. During construction alone, over 1,000 direct jobs are projected to be created, while long-term employment opportunities could exceed 10,000 positions. Even more significantly, the project is anticipated to generate between 50,000 and 100,000 indirect jobs across sectors such as transportation, logistics, trade and services.

Those projections align closely with the Government’s broader development agenda, which prioritizes youth empowerment, infrastructure development and economic diversification. Observers note that the Kent Seaport project directly supports those objectives by providing a platform for skills development, job creation and increased economic activity.

Economic analysts have also pointed to the project’s potential to reduce the cost of living by improving shipping efficiency and lowering importation costs. With enhanced logistics systems and modern port infrastructure, Sierra Leone stands to benefit from more competitive pricing of essential goods, thereby easing the burden on households and improving overall living standards.

In addition to its economic benefits, the project is expected to deliver significant infrastructure upgrades, including modern port facilities, logistics hubs and integrated transport systems. Those developments are likely to ease congestion, boost supply chain efficiency and position Sierra Leone as a regional hub for trade and investment.

Growing public discourse around the Kent Seaport initiative has further amplified calls for sustained Government support. Stakeholders across various sectors have urged President Julius Maada Bio to fully embrace the project as a flagship component of his administration’s legacy, noting that timely intervention could accelerate implementation and attract additional investment.

Many view the project as a defining opportunity for Sierra Leone to harness its untapped economic potential. By supporting a locally driven initiative of such magnitude, the Government would not only reinforce confidence in indigenous businesses but also signal its commitment to fostering a conducive investment climate.

At the same time, the Labour Congress used the May Day platform to highlight pressing challenges facing workers, including rising living costs, increasing fuel prices and the need for stronger enforcement of labour laws. While acknowledging Government efforts in reviewing labour legislation and improving minimum wage standards, the Congress emphasized that more must be done to protect workers’ welfare and ensure inclusive growth.

Despite those challenges, the spotlight on Gento Group during the celebrations served as a powerful reminder of the role that visionary private sector leadership can play in shaping the nation’s future. As a wholly Sierra Leonean-owned company, Gento’s involvement in such a transformative project underscores the capacity of local enterprises to deliver complex infrastructure and drive sustainable development.

Sierra Leone commemorated another International Workers’ Day with a strong and unified message from labour leaders, Civil Society actors and key stakeholders: meaningful progress depends on sustained collaboration.

Across the country, voices from the labour movement and development space emphasized that partnerships between Government and the private sector remain essential to driving economic transformation and improving livelihoods.

At the centre of those expectations is the Gento Group, whose flagship Kent Seaport project continues to generate national attention. The initiative has been widely viewed as a major step toward unlocking economic opportunities, expanding infrastructure and creating much-needed employment for Sierra Leoneans.

Stakeholders noted that projects of that scale demonstrate the critical role of private sector investment in complementing Government’s development agenda. They stressed that sustained cooperation will be vital in ensuring that such initiatives deliver long-term benefits, particularly in job creation, trade facilitation and national growth.

With momentum building, expectations remain high that the private sector will continue to work closely with Government to unlock opportunities, create jobs and contribute to building a more prosperous and inclusive future for all Sierra Leoneans.

The Labour Congress concluded by reaffirming its commitment to advocating for policies that promote decent work, protect workers’ rights and support responsible investment, while urging continued backing for private sector champions like Gento that are helping to drive Sierra Leone’s transformation.