August 10 Alleged Planner’s Life Threatened

August 15, 2022

By Amara Kanu

Information reaching this medium has it that Musa Kamara’s life has been targeted by irate youths of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) for his alleged involvement in organising the August 10 anti-government protest.

As luck would have it, Musa was away from the country to witness the Commonwealth games in Europe when his home was violently attacked by the SLPP youths, wreaking havoc on the entire premises.

Underground murmurs, however, confirmed Musa Kamara as one of the planners of the peaceful protest, ignited to draw the attention of the authorities to the economic hardship, gross human rights violation, and a perceived failure by the government to cushion the impact of rising prices amid the untold hardship the people contend with under the Maada Bio-led government.

Sources at Musa’s residence that begged not to be named for fear of dear life indicated that when the irate youths stormed the compound, they immediately darted the way to his room in search of him. And upon realising that Musa was nowhere to be found, the angry youths reportedly turned their search into every nook and cranny of the compound, while in the interim, got hold of his wife, beating her up mercilessly.
Property worth millions of leones was carted away by the assailants who reportedly vowed to burn down the house if Musa failed to surrender himself shortly.

The anti-government protests left dozens of Sierra Leoneans – protesters, onlookers, and police officers – dead, and as tensions clambered between the anti-government protesters and the combined police and military forces, there was a rising death toll, sending the citizens reeling in shock and terror indoors, especially in the capital city of Freetown.

Reports say six police officers and, at least, 21 civilians were killed, but more people, believed to be strong opposition activists are suspected to have been dragged from their homes and summarily executed in the immediate days that followed August 10th.

Amadu Kamara, a 17-year-old boy residing in east Freetown, marched briefly before police started firing teargas and said he later saw demonstrators getting shot at from his porch.
“I think people are shocked. It’s not Sierra Leone we used to know. Sierra Leone is a peaceful place,” he told this medium.

President Julius Maada Bio and his government authorities have said the circumstances surrounding Wednesday’s events would be “fully investigated”.

Meanwhile, as of the time of going to press last night, the whereabouts of Musa Kamara are still unknown.

Mariama Sandra Turay Declared Missing

August 15, 2022

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Various human rights activists in the country have seriously condemned the unlawful and wrongful arrests of young people identified as the real perpetrators of the August 10, 2022 violent protests that erupted in some parts of the country including Freetown, the capital city, as some social media posts have indicated.

However, when this medium decided to undertake a serious investigation into the issue it came out glaringly that in actual fact such false identifications are mainly politically motivated and perpetrated by supporters of the ruling SLPP Government against those considered to be against the political establishment.

What has made the situation become very alarming is the fact that there are certain vigilante groups, said to be made up of supporters of the ruling SLPP Government, going around and clandestinely killing those considered to be diehard supporters of the opposition APC Party.

These frightful extra-judicial killings have even become very fearful and dreadful to an extent that it has created panic in some communities especially when news break out that a fanatic supporter of the APC in the Northern Provincial City of Makeni was identified and shot dead amidst other unconfirmed incidences of similar nature.

The aforementioned Evangelist Samson was a well known, vociferous and ardent supporter of the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) Party, whose members were deemed and accused of being behind the violent protests that claimed the lives of Police Officers and civilians, some said to be innocent.

Evangelist Samson was known for his incisive and acidic criticisms against the governance policies of the ruling SLPP Government and has called on Sierra Leoneans to vote out the SLPP from power simply because of ineptitude and corruption.

Prior to the killing of Evangelist Samson Young people were seen violently protesting as they believe that the economic hardship has become really unbearable and therefore a political change must take place.

Mounting roadblocks, burning tyres and throwing various missiles against the Police, who in return retaliated by firing teargas to disperse the sporadic crowds that were converging or building up from time to time, the situation really got out of hand as the Police started firing live bullets with some fatalities taking place.

An investigation conducted by this medium asserted that one of the ardent supporters of the APC Party, a resident of the Willington City Road community by the name of Alhaji Lansana S. Turay Son was shot dead during the protest. Sources further revealed that the shot was as a result of his father name being linked by some irate youths, believed to belong to the ruling SLPP, as one of the ring leaders of the violent protest that called for the resignation of President Julius Maada Bio.

The desperate group of young irate SLPP supporters was seen violently moving towards Mr. Turay’s house, with some dress in full military uniform holding guns, sticks, machetes with the objective of physically manhandling him in order to teach him a lesson that he should learn to respect the President and Government of the day.

A reliable source intimated to this medium on the condition of anonymity, emphasized how strong the accused person Alhaji Lansana S. Turay is within the Willington City Road community when comes to politics especially within his party and at large.

He said that Alhaji Lansana S. Turay who lost his son and her daughter Mariama Sandra Turay got missing and up till date her whereabout is unknown due to the shock also pass away few days later.

He continued that Mariama Sandra Turay is lucky as she should have been dead by now because, it was stated that on three occasions strange voices have been heard, late at night, close to their family house where they were residing, speaking in low tones but upon thorough investigation in the morning hours the owners could not be identified. However, it has been speculated that the voices belong to those who are on the search for Mariama Sandra Turay who is the only family members that believed to have been alive even though her way about remains unknown.

Although some of those identified, arrested and charged to court for taking part in the August 10th violent protests have been tried in various Magistrate courts, heavily sentenced, there are, however, reports that some people have gone missing for days now.

Haja Bintu Daboh: An Actual August 10 Perpetrator or Just a Victim of an Unfortunate Circumstance?

August 15, 2022

By Moses Sesay

It has now become very apparent that some people that were arrested in connection to the August, 10, 2022 violent protests that took place in some parts of the East End of Freetown and some areas within the Northern Province were in actual fact not the real perpetrators as it has turned out that the Law Courts could not convict them simply because of lack of corroborative evidences of their involvement.

However, those who were actually involved, arrested, tried and convicted got both long term jail sentences and fines as penalties for staging an unlawful insurrection.

What also became apparent and glaring in the aftermath of the violent protests, that claimed the lives of Police Officers, civilians and led to the wanton burning down of Police Stations and vandalization of public properties, was that the SLPP Led Government has used the insurrection as a basis of clamping down on perceived opposition figures purported to have been involved in the protests that called for the sitting President, Retired Brigadier Julius Maada Bio to vacate the seat of governance.

Currently, there is a list of wanted persons published by the Sierra Leone Police and the search for them by both the Police and some key Government supporters is intensifying by the day. Since then there has been the random rounding up of suspected opposition figures who are said to be tortured at a detention centre, Benghazi, at the Headquarters of the para-military of the police where, it is mooted that because of the severity of the torture some of the detainees are forced to false confessions that they were associated only to be later on proved innocent by the courts in the lack of convincing evidences.

However, there are certain rights based groups that have been vociferously condemning such indiscriminate arrests of innocent people and they have been raising their voices in vehemently calling for fair trials.

This medium learnt that key amongst the wanted names recently published by the Police is a 32 year old lady by the name of Haja Bintu Daboh. She happens to the wife of a popular opposition youth activist, Mohamed Foday Daboh, formerly of Upper Looking Town in Kissy, East End of Freetown, who was reportedly brutally killed in the street by security personnel in military uniform for his alleged involvement in championing the protest.

It was also learnt that because of her being married to an opposition figure, the Police and especially Government loyalists or supporters are going with the notion that Haja Bintu Daboh was also involved in the violent protests and as such she must suffer the consequence.

Since then hell break lose for her as there has been a manhunt for her. Fearing for her life and safety she decided to go underground.

Since she got missing in August 2022, her house and that of her family members have been continuously raided by military personnel and Police Officers from the Operations and Support Division(OSD) in search of her, instilling fear and panic in her family members and also threatening her safety and that of her family members.

It could be recalled that the August 10, violent protests was led by faceless people, that is one cannot categorically identified those behind it , unless one Adebayor said to be residing in Holland that has been calling on Sierra Leoneans to protest against the Government to register their dissatisfaction over the astronomical rise in the prices of basic commodities and for the grueling hardship that they are going through.

Some people lost their lives, including six serving Police Officers that were on duty. Properties worth millions of Leones were destroyed and there was a standstill in Freetown and other affected areas which resulted in the declaration of curfew and deployment of Military Aid to Civil Power (MAC-P).

Immediately after the incident, the Government set up a Special Committee to look into the violence and bring all perpetrators to book.

It can be recalled that the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, Lahai Lawrence Leema, was alleged to have been behind the house to house raiding of key opposition figures in the name of arresting the August 10 protesters.

Police say their investigations have proved that Haja Bintu Daboh’s husband, Mohamed Foday Daboh, was one of the senior executive members of the ‘People’s Power in Politics’ (PPP), the main opposition group said to have funded and championed the August 10 protests.

According to our investigation, the Police say they have got intelligence that the fugitive, Haja Bintu Daboh, is in possession of vital documents or information in relation to the protest that will be of help in their investigations.

As a result, the search for her intensifies on a daily basis and some have expressed fear that if caught she will be seriously maltreated in an attempt to force information from her about her husband’s and others involvement in the protest.

The story of Haja Bintu Daboh mirrors the plight some Sierra Leoneans are going through simply because of their political affiliations. Some have been falsely accused on political grounds for trying to create national unrest when in actual fact they were only expressing dissenting views or had only being victims of unfortunate circumstances.

HRCSL Condemns Violent Protest & Calls for Perpetrators to be held Accountable

August 15, 2022

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) in a Press Statement signed by its Chairperson, Patricia Narsu Ndanema, stated on the 12^th August,2022 that it came to its notice through a Press Release from the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) and various social media platforms, that a group of people wanted to stage a protest against the Government of Sierra Leone within the period 8th-10th August 2022.

HRCSL stated that in light of the above, the Commission continuously monitored the situation nationwide and also observed messages from some social media enthusiasts and bloggers at home and abroad.

It revealed that additionally, a real time monitoring by two Commissioners and staff who were in Makeni City on official assignment was also done and consequent on the above, it observed and noted the following: That during the said period the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) informed the public by a Press Release dated 6th August 2022 noting that “no group or group of persons have requested for permission as required by law, either verbally or in writing, from the police to hold such demonstrations. Nobody has come forward as leader or organizer of such events.”

The Commission said despite the Press Release by the Sierra Leone Police, it was observed that some people insisted in carrying out the protest even without police permission.

That the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) further deployed strategic commanders in different locations within the country for an operation titled; “Operation Calm Nation” from 8th – 11th August 2022;

It also stated that despite the said Press Release and the deployment of strategic police commanders, both identifiable and unknown bloggers and enthusiasts continued writing and sending audio messages and videos on social media calling on citizens to take to the streets in protest or identify a place where they could assemble without procession in protest of their rights;

That the result of the build-up and enduring incitement culminated into a violent riot on 10th August 2022 in the Eastern part of Freetown (the capital city), Makeni City and Kamakwei Township both in the North Eastern Region; and Lungi Township in Kaffu Bullom Chiefdom, Port Loko district in the North Western Region adding that despite the cited locations, the rest of the country was peaceful.

The Commission also said it observed that on the third day of the protest i.e. 10th August there were killings of security personnel who were hacked in the most gruesome way, the death and wounding of civilians, blocking of roads, and the destruction of properties including Government and private vehicles and the burning of police stations.

It added that guns, sticks, cutlasses, stones, tyres and other arms were seen brandished by violent crowds during the protests.

That during the violent protests the Honorable Vice President declared a nationwide curfew from 3pm-7am on 10th August which was not observed in some of the chaotic areas and that the curfew was extended from 7pm-7am.on subsequent days.

HRCSL stated that in light of the observations and findings, it would like to make the following statements and clarifications: That the right to Freedom of Assembly and Association is guaranteed under Section 26 (1) of the Constitution of Sierra Leone 1991 which stipulates as follows: Except with his own consent, no person shall be hindered in the enjoyment of his freedom of assembly and association, that is to say, his right to assemble freely and associate with other persons and in particular to form or belong to any political party, trade unions or other economic, social or professional associations, national or international, for the protection of his interests.

That while HRCSL has persistently called for the fulfillment of the right to peaceful and organized assemblies and associations to be backed by police protection/security, it has always equally reminded citizens that the right to freedom of assembly and association has conditions and that it is worthy to note that there are always exceptions provided under the laws.

According to the HRCSL, Subsection (2) of the same Section 26 of the Constitution provides as follows; Nothing contained in or done under the authority of any law shall be held to be inconsistent with or in contravention of this section to the extent that the law in question makes provision which is reasonably required in the interest of defence, public safety, public order, public morality, public health, or provision for the maintenance of supplies and services essential to the life of the community; or for the purpose of protecting the rights and freedoms of other persons;

These exceptions and circumstances as contained in the Constitution, the HRCSL stated, are the same under the law that makes specific provisions and procedures for public processions.

It said Section 17 of the Public Order Act, 1965 (POA) provides thus: Any person who intends to take part or takes part in organizing or holding any procession shall first notify the Commissioner of Police in writing of his intention to do so and any person who fails to give such notification as aforesaid shall be guilty of an offence.

That the Commissioner of Police shall by order in writing addressed to such persons giving notice, disallow the holding of any procession or impose such conditions as he shall think fit on any procession where in his opinion the interests of defence, public order, public safety or public morality so require.

HRCSL states that Articles 21 and 22 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, 1966 and Article 11 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, 1986 are instructive regional and international legal instruments on the right to freedom of assembly and association to which Sierra Leone is a signatory.

That having reviewed the laws both, national, regional and international instruments, HRCSL is of the view that the right to freedom of association and assembly is not a non-derogable right or an absolute right and therefore reasonably restricted by law. It should be further noted that there is no provision in these laws guaranteeing protest; instead peaceful assemblies and processions are what the law guarantees.

In view of the above, the HRCSL said it considers the violent protests of 10th August 2022 as unlawful and illegal.

The Commission stated that it is hereby STRONGLY and ROUNDLY condemning the brutal killing of police officers and the loss of lives of innocent citizens owing to the said violent protests.

To that end, the HRCSL made the following recommendations; That the Security Sector should immediately arrest, investigate and prosecute all those who incited and those who were directly involved in the said violent and unlawful protest in accordance with relevant laws without any exceptions; that the Security Sector should do all it can to recover arms and ammunition that are in the wrong hands as was observed during the protests maintaining that such arms pose a threat to the enjoyment of the rights to life and security of persons, that the Cyber Security Unit of the Sierra Leone Police continue to track down all persons perpetrating hateful messages that will lead to riots, social disorder and subsequently eroding the security of the State.

The HRCSL also recommended that citizens be law abiding in line with the provisions stipulated in Sections 13 (a-j) of the Constitution of Sierra Leone 1991, respect authorities of the State and resist any form of lawlessness and incitement howsoever.

The Commission reiterates that it deeply expresses its condolences to the families of all Sierra Leone Police Officers and other families who lost their relatives during the dreadful incident stating that it is taking the opportunity to assure the general public of its unwavering commitment to the protection and promotion of the Human Rights of all in Sierra Leone.

YaDA-SL Urges Govt. & Opposition Parties to Engage in Meaningful Dialogue

August 15, 2022

By Abubakarr Harding

In a Press Statement dated 12^th August, 2022 the Youth Alliance for Democracy and Accountability Sierra Leone (YaDA-SL), a registered youth-led civil society organization working towards the promotion of human rights, democracy, accountability, good governance in the country has called on the Sierra Leone People’s Party Leadership & the opposition parties to engage in meaningful dialogue.

The organization strongly condemns the violence that erupted on Wednesday 10^th August, 2022 in Freetown and different parts of the country which resulted to the loss of lives and properties.

YaDA-SL believes that Peace is very key towards the development of any nation. It is no secret that Sierra Leone, as a nation , has witnessed political tensions among politicians in the country which many have described as not good for the peace, stability and development of the nation even as the country is gearing up for the next general elections in 2023.

It is against such a backdrop that the organization urges President Bio, his administration and the SLPP leadership to engage in meaningful dialogue with the opposition parties especially the leadership of the Main Opposition All Peoples Congress (APC) Party, in order to consolidate peace and enhance national cohesion in our beloved nation.

The Release pointed out that it could be recalled that on Friday 13th September, 2019 His Excellency, President Julius Maada Bio and the leadership of the All People’s Congress party signed a Joint Communiqué in order to consolidate peace and enhance national cohesion in the country furthering that the signing of the Joint Communiqué came after President Bio met with the leadership of the All People’s Congress (APC) party including the former Chairman and Leader of the party, former President Ernest Bai Koroma at State House on the 12th September, 2019 during which they deliberated on issues relating to peace, good governance, national cohesion, the rule of law, human rights, the economy and State Security.

It added that during their meeting both personalities agreed that democratic institutions, including the Judiciary, National Electoral Commission, the Police, Anti-Corruption Commission and the Political Parties’ Registration Commission should assist in promoting peace, stability and democracy by dealing with all parties fairly and transparently. They also recognized that because Parliament is the foundation of our democracy, all stakeholders should revisit grey areas in its standing orders procedures of which they further agreed that more dialogue and engagements should be continued in order to build trust and deepen mutual confidence between the Government and the opposition parties and that it must be noted they agreed to refocus and resume the work of the Post-Election Cross-Party Committee on sustaining heightened engagements and resolving the triggers of conflicts.

YaDA-SL maintains that regrettably, it is now over two (2) years since both parties signed that joint communiqué but we are yet to see the sincere implementation of it. On the contrary, things are getting worse every day creating the impression that the progress that was made so far has been destabilized.

In that regard, they as young people of Sierra Leone, through the Youth Alliance for Democracy and Accountability Sierra Leone, want to plead with His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio and the leadership of the All People’s Congress (APC) party, including the former Chairman and Leader of the APC party, former President Ernest Bai Koroma and their followers to engage in meaningful dialogue in order to restore peace and stability in the country.

“Interestingly, in the wake of the recent August 10^th hullabaloo we have been seeing the issuance of press releases and statements byvarious people in authority casting blames and making negative as well as inciting statements that are not in the best interest of promoting peace and stability in the country. We believe that, at a moment like this, what should be the utmost priority is how to join hands together in order to unite our beloved nation” the release lamented.

The organization also used the opportunity to call on Sierra Leoneans in the Diaspora to stop spreading inciting and hate messages but rather preach peace among Sierra Leoneans because as the saying goes, “United we stand divided we fall”. In conclusion, on behalf of their organization also extended our sincere condolence to the bereaved families; and pray that the souls of the departed will rest in peace.

YaDA-SL Urges Govt. & Opposition Parties to Engage in Meaningful Dialogue

Stalls on Sani Abacha Street Completely Demolished

August 15, 2022

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

This medium was reliably informed on Friday 12th August 2022, that market stalls on Sani Abacha Street were demolished overnight with the objective of forestalling any future business activity taking place there henceforth ceasing to be one of the famous street markets in Freetown.

Some of the traders who turned up on that day to carry on their usual trading activities were seen, standing in groups, shell shocked not knowing what should be the next move as some of them were criticizing the action that was taken.

Meanwhile, the Mayor of Freetown City Council (FCC), Yvonne Aki-Sawyer has refuted Social Media claims of not participating in the demolition of market stalls at Sani Abacha Street in Freetown.

Mayor Aki-Sawyer in her tweet post denied that FCC is not responsible and didn’t partake in any overnight operations during the curfew.

“Learnt, via photos on social media, that market stalls at Abacha Street Market were destroyed overnight and I have also seen posts that FCC is responsible. Would like to inform the general public that FCC is not responsible & did not participate in this night operation during curfew”, she said.

Some have called on the FCC Mayor to use the opportunity in beautifying that part of the city. One of them is Bockarie Sama Banya, a popular social media user, who urged the Mayor to transform the city to a better position.

He made that call during a reply to the tweet of the Mayor: “May be you should use this opportunity to transform Freetown in deed and not just words. Under your watch street trading has quadrupled. Use this opportunity to make use of Sewa grounds and clean the city,” he replied.

Others have argued that Abacha Street is a strong political base which any political party that wants victory in any public election must embrace.

However, there is a school of thought which holds the firm conviction that those who converge there most times do not actively participate in political activities claiming that since Freetown is a stronghold of the main opposition party it will make no positive difference if the SLPP led Government do not allow street trading to continue taking place there

Mohamed Gento-Kamara Boosts Leone Stars B Team with $8,100 ahead of match against Mali

August 15, 2022

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Sierra Leone’s National Homebase (Leone Stars B) Team, ahead of their double qualifying matches against Mali, has received moral and cash support of $8,100 (NLE 115,000) from the CEO of Gento Group of Companies – Mohamed Gento Kamara.

The presentation of the money was done at the Secretariat of the Sierra Leone Football Association, at Kingtom, Freetown on Thursday,11^th August 2022, in the presence of the Deputy General Secretary – Mohamed Benson Bawoh, Leone Stars B Team Coordinator – Victor Lewis and several others.

The Leone Stars B squad is currently in camp in Kenema in preparation for the final qualifying phase of the African Nations Championship in Algeria.

Last month, the team qualified from the preliminary qualifying rounds after securing a 3-2 aggregate in Marrakech, Morocco. They still need to beat Mali in the final qualifying phase in order to make it to the tournament.

Sierra Leone will play host to Mali between the 26 and 28 August, 2022 at the MK Stadium in Monrovia, Liberia, and a return-leg in early next month in Bamako, Mali.

According to Gento, the cash support is to boost the team in camp, motivate and inspire them to victory.

Deputy General Secretary Mohamed Benson Bawoh receiving the donation from Mohamed Gento Kamara expressed gratitude for his goodwill in supporting football in Sierra Leone.

Mohamed Gento Kamara is also the Deputy Chairman of one of Sierra Leone’s greatest football clubs, East End Lions FC, and he has been a strong football fanatic who has invested a lot in the game.

It’s High Time We De-Escalate Politically and Focus on Our Development Agenda Collectively

August 15, 2022

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In a Press Release dated 13th August, 2022 the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) stated that it is deeply perplexed by the recent violent protests in the country that claimed the lives of innocent civilians and security service personnel, and the destruction of public property reminiscent of the country’s 11 years of civil war (1991-2002) further conveying it sincere condolences to the bereaved families also praying for their souls to rest in peace.

SLAJ also underscored that it is further concerned about the trend of happenings in the country showing deep hate and division along tribe, region, and politics, leaving little or no room for healthy dialogue, and well-meaning engagement and consultation on national issues.

It continued how the debates and interactions on the newfound social media space are full of those divisions which, it says, are permeating our homes, communities, places of worship, educational institutions, public and private offices, the media, civil society organizations, the security forces, professional associations, unions, social and cultural groupings, among young people, adults, the aged, etc.

SLAJ maintains that it is deeply worried that if we continue on that path there is every possibility that our dark history will revisit us and when that happens, all, including our children and future generations, will lose.

The President of SLAJ, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, said: “We are a nation apparently on the brink, and we must work together to return to the center. We need to de-escalate the rhetoric, hypocrisy, hate, and politics so that we can dialogue in a respectful and patriotic manner on national issues in the interest of the public good cautioning that it should never be an issue of THEM vs US or vice versa.”

SLAJ said to address impunity for heinous crimes against innocent civilians and security personnel; it is calling for justice and accountability in a fair, transparent, and impartial manner, with respect for fundamental rights and freedoms.

The Association concluded that meanwhile, SLAJ is reminding journalists about their responsibility to promote peace, stability, and national cohesion and to inform the public accurately on issues.

4th Chinese Information Salon Updates on Recent Bi-Lateral Development & Publication of White Paper

August 15, 2022

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The 4^th Information Salon organized by the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone, was held on the 12^th of August 2022 at the Embassy in Freetown and graced by public and private officials, representatives of various interest groups and members of the Fourth Estate.

The main objective of convening the “Information Salon” was to brief those present about the recent development of the cooperation between China and Sierra Leone and the publication of a White Paper titled, “The Taiwan Question and China’s Reunification in the New Era”.

The Chargé d’affaires of the Chinese Embassy, Li Xiaoyong said he was pleased to see new progress in the China-Sierra Leone cooperation further disclosing that a large number of construction machinery and a modern naval patrol ship have arrived in Freetown.

In addition he said a new batch of Covid-19 vaccines was handed over just 3days ago, that new agricultural equipments, donated by China, have been delivered to the warehouse of the Ministry of Agriculture, that the construction of the Foreign Affairs Academy is nearly completed and 4 mobile clinics buses have departed to provide services in the provinces.

He said that China will continue to uphold the principles of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith and the principle of pursuing the greater good and shared interests in its cooperation with Sierra Leone.

Mr. Li said recently, China published a White Paper titled, “The Taiwan Question and China’s Reunification in the New Era”.

The White Paper, according to him, reiterates the fact that Taiwan is part of China, it demonstrates the resolve of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Chinese people and their commitment to national reunification and to emphasize the position and policies of the CPC and the Chinese Government in the new era.

Mr. Li stated that peaceful Cross-Strait reunification is of benefit not only to the Chinese nation, but to all peoples and the international community as a whole.

He pointed out how China and Sierra Leone are time-honored friends maintaining that China highly appreciates the Sierra Leonean Government’s long-time support for the one-China principle furthering that the Embassy is thanking all sectors of the Sierra Leonean society for their understanding of China’s position.

The Director General of Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Madam Victoria Sulimani, on behalf of the Government expressed firmed commitment towards the One-China Principle as enshrined by the UN Resolution 2758. She emphasized that Sierra Leone has a strong and long standing relationship with the People’s Republic of China dating beyond the 1970s.

She revealed that recently the Foreign Ministers of both countries expressed satisfaction on the relationship between China and Sierra Leone noting that the Government of Sierra Leone appreciated the support of China on the construction of the Foreign Service Academy, the renovation of the National Stadium and other projects that have been funded by the Chinese Government.

The program was climaxed by the question and answer session wherein journalists asked questions in relation to the history of the Taiwan question, the influence brought by Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan, the differences between the Ukraine crisis and the Taiwan question, the absurdity of G7’s statement on the Taiwan question and etc.

Involving in & Aiding Cyber Terrorism are Punishable by Law

August 15, 2022

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre, on the 11th August, 2022 stated in a Public Notice that, in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Communications and the Security Sector, it wants it to be known that according to Section 51 Subsection 1 of the Cybersecurity and Crime Act, 2021 any individual or group of individuals who engage in acts related to cyber terrorism, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a term of imprisonment not less than 10 years and not exceeding 20 years.

It continued that Section 49 (1) also indicates that anyone who aids in such an act, which in this instance is the spreading of incendiary information on social media platforms to destabilize the State also commits the same crime.

The National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre maintained that in view of the above, Government has now put mechanisms in place for a robust monitoring of the social media spaces and platforms that can be accessed by Sierra Leoneans adding that the Government therefore wishes to draw the public’s attention to that and is warning the public that anyone who is caught in the sharing of such information shall face the full consequence of the law.

It could be recalled that, in a similar cautionary way, the Government of Sierra Leone through the Director of Communications in the Ministry of Information and Communications on the 18th November 2016 stated that the Government has noticed that there has been the rampant misuse of the opportunities offered by Social Media platforms maintaining that while the development of New Media provides unprecedented opportunities, its misuse and vulnerabilities has the ability to create serious threats to the country’s national security.

It continued that a huge quantity of the content disseminated via WhatsApp, Facebook and related microblogs clearly lack ethical regard for any social or security consequence adding that in as much as it serves as a very quick means of information dissemination, Social Media carries with it an expanse of security issues that can sometimes defeat its good purpose.

Highlighted was that much as Government remains committed to protecting the fundamental human rights with particular reference to the Freedom of Expression and the Press as enshrined in the 1991 constitution, measures shall in addition to NATCOM’s effort be put in place to protect citizens’ rights in the wake of the recent surge in social media abuse through propagating falsehood, deformation, character assassination and national security threats.

Government pointed out that to that end, WhatsApp Group Administrators (Admins) are encouraged to regulate the content of posts on their respective platforms as they would be held wholly responsible for creating and hosting a platform that does not only run contrary to the country’s values as a society but also threatens the stability of the nation.