Finance Ministry Validates Standard Operating Procedures on Audit Follow-Up & Recommendations

August 8, 2022

By Abubakarr Harding

The Ministry of Finance, collaborating with development partners, on the 4th of August 2022 concluded a day’s Validation Workshop on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on ‘Audit Follow-up and Recommendations’ at the Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel at Aberdeen in Freetown geared towards improving accountability in public financial management and the country’s CPIA ratings.

The aforementioned SOPs on Audit Follow-up and Recommendations were designed to clarify and improve the audit follow-up process for all relevant stakeholders by detailing the follow-up procedures, responsibilities, and actions of concerned parties – the Auditor General (AG), Audit Committees, Internal Auditors, MOF, Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Local Councils and outline applicable sanctions – for failure to comply.

The objective of the validation workshop was to gather feedback from experts, practitioners, and relevant stakeholders on their various perspectives on the SOPs on the Audit Follow-up in the implementation of audit recommendations to finalize the same.

Speaking at the validation workshop, the Minister of Finance, Dennis K. Vandy, stated his delight for presenting the manual on SOPs for use and implementation of audit recommendations concerning public sector entities that are either audited by the Auditor General or the internal audit entity.

The Minister said the SOPs manual is an important aspect of their Public Finance Management reforms to appreciate the effectiveness of the manual and the context in which it is applied.

He furthered that the manual, which later will be translated into regulations, makes provision for punitive measures to ensure compliance, stressing that the punitive measures range from withholding of remunerations to administrative actions.

Dennis Vandy reminded vote controllers that their utmost cooperation is necessary to roll out the SOPs manual and that it is their responsibility to ensure they fully understand the audit issues raised and recommendations discussed for implementation.

The Acting Deputy Auditor General, Selvi Bell, reiterated that the audit queries every year are identical, including lack of payment vouchers, and asset registers among others.

He lauded the strides of the Finance Ministry for the SOPs manual to improve the governance of public finance among MDAs.

The Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Francis Ben Kelfala, underscored the importance of the manual and his Commission’s concern about transparency and accountability in the public financial system.

He assured all that the SOPs manual would eliminate the causes of non-conformity of the audit recommendations.

The Secretary to Cabinet and Head of the Civil service, John Sumaila alluded that the SOP would serve as a tool to eliminate the causes of the problems in the audit reports.

He noted that the recommendation had been a challenge in implementing financial management.

During different stakeholders’ participation, they strongly recommended that MDAs should put together finance for SOP in the upcoming budget process.

The Financial Secretary, who doubled as the Chairman of the program, said the country’s CPIA rating has moved from 31% to 32% which automatically earns the country additional resources.

He furthered that addressing the recommendation of the Audit report is essential in not only borrowing from the IMF but also from other bilateral partners and the country’s rating on accountable governance.

One of the recommendations was for a functional audit Committee from all MDAs to be set up to ensure that most, if not all, of the issues in the audit report are resolved.

The Ministry of Finance, collaborating with development partners, on the 4th of August 2022 concluded a day’s Validation Workshop on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on ‘Audit Follow-up and Recommendations’ at the Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel at Aberdeen in Freetown geared towards improving accountability in public financial management and the country’s CPIA ratings.

MPs Unflinchingly Endorse Sorie Fofana as Board Chairman of NCRA

August 8, 2022

By Amin Kef-Ranger

Members of Parliament of Sierra Leone, on the 5^th July 2022, unanimously endorsed the newly appointed Board Chairman of the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA), Sorie Fofana, the new Inspector General of Police, William Fayia Sellu and other appointees although initially there was an opposition of the nominee of the Deputy Director of the Sierra Leone Correctional Services, Colonel Sahr David Ngaujah.

Presenting the nominees, the Leader of Government Business in Parliament, Hon Matthew Sahr Nyuma, described Sorie Fofana as an outstanding and revered media practitioner who has proven to be trustworthy; adding that he has what it takes to serve in his new role.

Sorie Fofana was described by Members of Parliament as a fine gentleman that has demonstrated a high level of professionalism in journalism for decades by treating everyone evenly irrespective of their political affiliations.

Honorable Hassan Sesay, the Chief Whip of the main opposition All People’s Congress party, said that for Sorie Fofana to be appointed by His Excellency the President Dr. Julius Maada Bio for the second time as Chairman, shows that he has earned the respect of the President as a revered journalist that knows no boundary.

Hon. Bashiru Silikie, the Deputy Leader of the SLPP in Parliament said that Sorie Fofana’s loyalty to the President and the party is unquestionable for he has stood by the President and the party during crucial moments.

The Leader of the Opposition APC, Hon. Chernor Maju Bah hailed the new NCRA Chairman as a fine and cool gentleman that commands great respect among politicians.

In his summary, the Honorable Speaker of the House, Dr. Abass Chernor Bundu, commended the appointment of Chairman Sorie Fofana by President Bio as the right choice for the job. “Sorie Fofana has demonstrated a sense of professionalism in his career…This House wishes you well in your new endeavor as you go and serve the nation,” he said.

The Director-General of the NCRA, Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi and management were also in Parliament to grace the occasion.

However, the main Opposition APC party opposed the approval of Colonel Sahr David Ngaujah -Deputy Director General, Sierra Leone Correctional Services, citing that he is a Military Officer and should not be a Correctional Service Officer at the same time.

Congratulating the nominees after approvals, Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Dr. Abass Chernor Bundu said the nominees’ humility, honesty, and professionalism are credible to none. He expressed that, the nominees’ are expected to demonstrate the best performance in light of professionalism and praised the new IGP for claiming the ladder from a junior rank to the IGP. “We hope you will live to expectations of the House,” he concluded.

Seconding the motions, the Deputy Leader of Government Business Hon. Bashiru Silikie thanked President Bio for appointing qualified Sierra Leoneans to serve the State and went on to advise the nominees to sever diligently for the interest of the nation. He used the opportunity to outline the functions and responsibilities of Parliament, relative to law-making; representation, and oversight. He called on the nominees to serve well, adding, “in a not too distance future, we would be presenting our scorecard to the People of Sierra Leone”, he stated and went on to advise the nominees to deliver. He bestowed honour on the nomination of the Correctional Center Director General and other nominees.

He called on the IGP to work in consonance with the laws of the State and reaffirmed his historical service to the people of Sierra Leone and urged Senior Police Officers to support him to actualize his dreams.

Hon. Dr. Mark-Mahmoud Kalokoh in his submission, advised the NCRA appointee to work diligently and avoid the delay in the issuance of multipurpose identify cards to the people of Sierra Leone. He called on the IGP to do the needful in the execution of his mandate. He highlighted previous police incidents in the country and warned against police brutality.

Hon. Sengpoh Soloman Thomas, Deputy Speaker of Parliament said the nominees are hugely qualified and went on to advise them to go and do something different for the development of the nation. “We have a problem of mentality as a nation,” he noted and went on to plead on the nominees to sever in the best interest of the state.

On the incoming IGP, he caution him to do the needful and said “Any IGP that is popular among the people is not working”, and went on to state that, as a nation, lawlessness would not be tolerated. He said for any disruption of lawlessness, the politicians are the first to suffer and went on to congratulate the former IGP for serving Sierra Leone.

Hon. Hassan Sesay, Opposition Whip objected to the appointment of the Deputy Director General of the Correctional Center, citing that the latter is a military officer and not a prison officer. “Let a prison officer be given the appointment and not a military officer,” he reiterated and went on to state that, it is unfair to prison officers who wanted the position. On the incoming IGP, he acknowledged support for him relative to the good job he had been doing for Sierra Leone.

In rounding up the debate, the Leader of the Opposition Hon. Chernor RM Bah said lot has been said about the nominees and said he knew many of the nominees and their performances. He said Sorie Fofana is a fine gentleman and advised him to serve well in the NCRA position. On the other nominees, he expressed hoped that, they would deliver in the interest of the state. He said the incoming Director of Prison is a personal family member and encouraged him to deliver.

On the incoming IGP, he said the latter is a fine personality and hoped that he would succeed. He encouraged him to distinguish between a misdemeanor and felony. He encouraged the new IGP to work in line with the laws of the State “Let’s work on the positive”, and went on to state that, they would support him when needed.

Responding to MPs on Military officers heading public institutions, he said they resigned before serving. He said nobody is questioning the credibility of the proposed Deputy DG of the Sierra Leone Correctional Center, but questioned him as a military officer serving the Correctional Service.” He serves excellently in the Military both internal and external”, he informed and went on to state that as an opposition they are against his appointment because he is a serving military officer and not a prison officer.

In concluding the debate, Leader of Government Business Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma said they should not forget about their history and went on to highlight the recent laws enacted by Parliament, relative to the promotion of good governance and democracy. He said the Sierra Leone Police deserved respect and must be encouraged to implement law.

On the questions of the appointment of Deputy Director Correctional Center Services, he said the laws of land provide for the appointment of the military officer to the Correctional Center, referencing Section 61 of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone, relative to Presidential appointments.

He said the appointment of the military officer is not a de-motivation, but a motivation and noted that ‘secondment’ is allowed in the Civil Service.

He encouraged Sorie Fofana for the NCRA appointment to do the needful to serve the nation and for the other appointees he asked them to serve well.

Steadfastness in Optimal Service Delivery Makes NP-SL an Outstanding Business Entity

August 8, 2022

By Amin Kef-Ranger

Steadfastness in optimal service delivery has made NP Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL-Ltd) one of the most outstanding and vibrant companies that is steadily operating, in thick and thin, in this country. Such largely emanates from the dogged determination on the part of 35 former employees of the then British Petroleum company, which decided to fold up its operations and sold shares, which these workers bought out of their end of service benefits and used as seed capital to commence the running of the now renowned NP-SL –Ltd.

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

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

When the name NP is called, what immediately comes to mind is 1st for Customer Care and this is not a mere masquerading in borrowed robes, but rather a true accomplishment of what the company fervently believes in and is striving towards actualizing. To the shareholders and Management of the company, providing utmost satisfaction in its service delivery to its esteemed as well as numerous customers is just as important as importing petroleum products into the country. Keen consideration is given to marketing high grade products that customers utilize for the effective performances of vehicles and other gadgets.

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

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

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

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

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

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

NP-SL Ltd has, over the years, in its drive to roll out the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility complementing Government’s efforts to enhance improved standards of living. It has offered institutional capacity supports to vibrant entities as was recently done to the National Fire Force by facilitating the construction of a state-of-the-art water facility at the Force’s Kissy Branch, from which water could be sourced to respond to any fire emergency within that part of the country and even beyond to the entire Greater Freetown. This is just a microcosm of the kind gestures that the company has dished out, all with the objective to make lives better.

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

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

Sierra Leone’s leading oil marketing company, the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL-Ltd) has been very steadfast in its service delivery of high standard petroleum products, which it imports since this country is not an oil producing nation. All we need to do at this point in time is to give the company all the necessary support needed to make it become much stronger than it is at the moment.

Security Sector Denounces any Illegal Planned Demonstration

August 8, 2022

By Amin Kef-Ranger

The Security Sector, on the 6^th August 2022, in a Press Release signed by, Abdulai Caulker, as National Security Coordinator stated that it has been closely following social media audio, video, and text messages inciting the public to demonstrate against the State.

It continued that it wishes the public to know 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 adding how nobody has come forward as leader or organizer of such events.

In that regard, the security sector said it would like to advise all citizens to go about their normal business, and not to heed to calls for faceless demonstrations.

The security sector, assures that it is firmly in control and remains committed to its obligation to secure all citizens and their properties, and will ensure that all necessary actions to make the country stable are taken without fear or favor.

In a related issue, the US Embassy in Sierra Leone stated that there is much chatter around town and on social media concerning Monday, August 8 and potential protests/demonstrations/strikes and cautioned its nationals to be wary of any untoward development.

“If you observe a crowd gathering or find yourself near one, the safest course of action is to depart the area and find a safe location,” the Embassy admonished.

The Sierra Leone Police (SLP), on its part, said it is deploying additional forces to strategic locations throughout Freetown on Monday maintaining how there have been no official demonstration requests submitted to the SLP and no specific locations have been identified for possible demonstrations.

As many awaits, Monday, August 8, the Sierra Leone Police which is charged with the responsibility to protect lives and properties have confirmed that it has not received any letter of permit to stage a demonstration from any organization or individual.

ACP Brima Kamara, the Police Media boss, said they are paying no credence to such an untrue statement adding how the Police are in readiness for any uproar which is part of their daily duties.

He urged all Sierra Leoneans not to countenance such plans and went on to assure all and sundry that everything is under control.

He said it should be noted that citizens have the right to stage demonstrations if they feel aggrieved or dissatisfied with a certain regime, but stated that it is also the norm that the Police should give clearance to the individual (s) or organization that wishes to take such ventures.

The Police Media Boss concluded that if there is no clearance from the Sierra Leone Police there would be no demonstration and all are urged to go about their normal daily activities.

SLAJ Convenes 2nd Cyber Security Consultation Workshop to Identify Gaps & Sections

August 8, 2022

Stakeholders call for public awareness and evidenced based advocacy around the Sierra Leone’s cyber law

By Amin Kef-Ranger

A 2nd Stakeholders Consultation Workshop on the Cyber Security and Crime Act 2021was held by the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) on Thursday 4th August 2022 to continue the discussion around the law under a project titled, “Cyber Safe Sierra Leone”. The first workshop was held on the 8th of February 2022.

The essence of the engagements, which brought together stakeholders from various sectors, including Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and MDAs at the Harry Yansaneh Memorial Hall, SLAJ Headquarters, 56 Campbell Street, was to again look at the Cyber security law and identify gaps and sections that could be open to abuse of the right to freedom of expression and to develop strategies for awareness raising targeting constituent members. Thursday’s meeting was to follow up on the recommendations made during the first workshop and develop advocacy strategies around them.

In his opening remarks and update on the project, SLAJ President Ahmed Sahid Nasralla recalled the first stakeholders’ engagement workshop and the training of journalists across the country on cyber law. He read out the many recommendations made at the first workshop and urged stakeholders to come up with ideas and suggestions for implementation.

“There are two aspects to what we are trying to do with this project. First, the law is the law and so we want to promote public awareness about the law so that people understand key provisions to help them avoid coming into conflict with the law. The second is to build advocacy around certain provisions in the law that have the potential to undermine fundamental human rights such as free expression, online freedoms, and data privacy rights,” said Nasralla.

He called on all professionals engaged in the art of expression- from journalists, bloggers, musicians, actors, artists, writers, poets, etc. to be aware of the law and abide by it.

The facilitator of the workshop, Dr. Francis Sowa, gave a brief recap of issues discussed and recommendations made during the first stakeholders consultative meeting and noted that SLAJ was not in any way saying that cyberspace should not be regulated since the same crimes that exist in the physical space also exist in the cyberspace.

“SLAJ and the Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG) were actively involved in consultations following the enactment of the Cyber Security and Crime Act 2021. Parliament accepted some of our recommendations and some were not accepted. Now, we want to raise awareness about the law and remind the Government about setting up the necessary structures provided for in the Act. And that we should do through advocacy,” said Dr. Sowa, and cautioned that if you create the law and don’t put the necessary structures in place, it will be left with the Police and the Judiciary to interpret and implement the law as they see fit.

Dr. Sowa cited the Copyrights Act 2011 as an example of a law that has been passed but has no established body to implement it.

He went further to draw the attention of all stakeholders present to key areas in the Cyber Security and Crime Act 2018, which include: Part 1 which focuses on structure and infrastructure, Section 44- which is concerned with cyber bullying and stalking, Section 33-38 unauthorized use of a device and the Data Protection law and 44(3) which concerns Public Interest, even when no law defines what public interest is, not even the Interpretation Act.

Dr. Sowa mentioned the National Cyber Security Advisory Council which has the Vice President and other Government officials on the board noting that SLAJ had recommended for representatives from the media and civil society to be included.

Meanwhile, he cautioned participants to be mindful of the fact that the law still exists and until it is amended it remains the law. “This is why a forum for educating people about the law is necessary so that they do not fall short,” he said.

Sahr Kendema from Campaign for Good Governance called on stakeholders to ensure the advocacy of the law is evidence-based. He recommended mapping out a clear direction of what the advocacy is calling for and why, whilst ensuring it targets certain groups and has specific messages.

“Our key messages must target specific groups; we must ensure we embark on evidence-based advocacy whilst targeting specific groups with specific messages. We must also ensure we simplify the law so everyone understands it,” Kendema said.

The representative from the National Telecommunications Commission (NATCOM), Lamin Lahai, encouraged SLAJ and its partners to bring all parties together to ensure that advocacy is inclusive. On the part of NATCOM, he revealed that the establishment of structures in line with the Cyber law is ongoing.

The Deputy Director General of the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC), Alimamy Lahai Kamara, spoke about his institution’s concern about one of the country’s critical national information infrastructures at Leicester Peak. He said that the advocacy must call for that place (Leicester Peak), and other areas where critical information infrastructure are to be protected.

“It is a security risk allowing people to freely hang out at Leister Peak. It can affect all of us if anything happens to that critical national information infrastructure. We must engage the Government, consult with them and urge them to establish the necessary bodies to implement the cyber law,” Kamara said.

The Cyber Safe Sierra Leone Project, which is implemented by SLAJ with support from Internews SL, aims at supporting and defending rights online and free expression in Sierra Leone, while simultaneously bolstering digital literacy and improving the adoption of safe cyber security practices among Internet users in the country.

The next activity under the project, according to the SLAJ President, is engagement with bloggers to help them also understand the law and contribute to advocacy.

Govt. Must Commit to Uphold the Rule of Law in Sierra Leone

August 8, 2022

By Foday Moriba Conteh

It is evident that the people of Sierra Leone have suffered from unconstitutional abuses and sanctioned violence; Government must understand, in good faith, that the failure to accept legitimate criticism, underscores an unwillingness to make amends and do what is right and needed for a cohesive Sierra Leone. I herein urge, in the wider interest of peace, stability, and national cohesion, the Government to commit to upholding the Rule of Law in Sierra Leone.

The Government of Sierra Leone, under the leadership of His Excellency Julius Maada Bio, should prioritize the human rights of citizens and to work towards political stability in order to form a strong and stable Government that will effectively tackle issues that are currently confronting us as a nation.

Constitutional rights, such as freedom of speech and freedom of assembly, must be upheld and not sacrificed wantonly for political gains. The authorities, especially the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), must facilitate the exercise of those rights in a manner that complies with our 1991 Constitution. The rule of law and protection of the exercise of human rights are inextricably linked. A commitment to respect the rule of law is a commitment to respect and protect human rights.

It must be noted that Sierra Leone is a State Party to the 1966 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Article 21 grants the right of peaceful assembly. The right of peaceful assembly shall be recognized. No restrictions may be placed on the exercise of this right other than those imposed in conformity with the law and which are necessary in a democratic society in the interests of national security or public safety, public order (order public), the protection of public health or morals or the protection of the rights and freedoms of others.

Section 26(1) of the 1991 Constitution provides that: Except with his own consent, no person shall be hindered in the enjoyment of his freedom of assembly…

According to Freedom House’s 2019 report on Sierra Leone: While freedom of assembly is constitutionally guaranteed, the Sierra Leone Police have repeatedly refused to grant permission to organizers planning protests, and violently cracked down on a number of peaceful demonstrations in recent years. These actions have witnessed an unprecedented and dramatic decline in the country’s democratic, peace and human rights credentials.

The rule of law also includes democratic reforms. Principles of legality, equality, accountability, and transparency similarly apply to Parliamentary procedures and practices. Respect for citizens requires respect for the citizen’s representatives in Parliament. Voices of the minority and views of the Opposition must be accorded their rightful place in the halls of democracy and corridors of power.

My hope for Sierra Leone is the same as those of Sierra Leoneans for the nation to heal from political crisis, rebuild confidence in our political system, recover economic growth and for the shared and inclusive prosperity for all.

I am very much concern on issues bordering on constitutionality, legality and serial procedural breaches by the Government and having serious aftermaths on the health of the country’s democracy and has shabby the trust and confidence that citizens had in the operability and independence of key institutions of State like the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) which many has alleged that they do not have the independence to serve Sierra Leone and its existential threat to democratic good governance, peace and national cohesion.

As citizens we concern that the Sierra Leone Police Force have become willing partners in eroding the fundamental human rights of citizens, and they have formed a conveyor belt of human rights abuses where they continue to intimidate, unlawful arrests and detention of citizens and opposition members, many times on alleged legal violations. As a Sierra Leonean we need to commit ourselves to harness my collective strength to defend our country’s democracy, oppose, and discard all violations of the Rule of Law and of the rights of citizens of Sierra Leone.

I want to conclude by reaffirming my commitment to work with Government, institutions, and political parties, to uphold democracy and the rule of law, and to tirelessly protect and defend the fundamental freedoms and rights of the people of Sierra Leone.

At a time like this, I want to urge the Government of Sierra Leone to commit itself to uphold the Rule of Law in Sierra Leone, and to engage opposition parties in honest and productive dialogue which is very crucial as the country’s is gearing up for the next general elections in 2023.

G7 Foreign Ministers’ Statement on Preserving Peace and Stability Across the Taiwan Strait

August 5, 2022

Media Note
Office of the Spokesperson
August 3, 2022

We, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union, reaffirm our shared commitment to maintaining the rules-based international order, peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and beyond.

We are concerned by recent and announced threatening actions by the People’s Republic of China (PRC), particularly live-fire exercises and economic coercion, which risk unnecessary escalation. There is no justification to use a visit as pretext for aggressive military activity in the Taiwan Strait. It is normal and routine for legislators from our countries to travel internationally. The PRC’s escalatory response risks increasing tensions and destabilizing the region.

We call on the PRC not to unilaterally change the status quo by force in the region, and to resolve cross-Strait differences by peaceful means. There is no change in the respective one China policies, where applicable, and basic positions on Taiwan of the G7 members.

We reiterate our shared and steadfast commitment to maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and encourage all parties to remain calm, exercise restraint, act with transparency, and maintain open lines of communication to prevent misunderstanding.

Joint Statement to Condemn Nancy Pelosi’s Visit to Taiwan

August 5, 2022

We, Sierra Leone China Friendship Association (SilCHA), Sierra Leone China Foundation and Sino-Sierra Leone Alumni Association (SISLAA), are shocked by and strongly condemn the visit by Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi to China’s Taiwan region on the 2nd and 3^rd August and hereby make the following statement.

There is but one China in the world, Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory, and the Government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China. This has been clearly recognized by United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 of 1971. The one-China principle is a universal consensus of the international community and a basic norm in international relations.

In 1979, the United States made a clear commitment in the China-U.S. Joint Communiqué on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations. Congress, as a part of the U.S. Government, is inherently obliged to strictly observe the one-China policy of the U.S. Government and refrain from having any official exchanges with China’s Taiwan region. Since Speaker Pelosi is the incumbent leader of the U.S. Congress, her visit to and activities in Taiwan, in whatever form and for whatever reason, is a major political provocation to upgrade U.S. official exchanges with Taiwan and is seriously undermining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

The Taiwan question is purely China’s internal affair. No other country, including the US, has the right to act as a judge on the Taiwan question. There is no doubt that the US side is using Pelosi’s visit to meddle in China’s internal affairs and connive “Taiwan independence” separatist forces. And it is also distorting, obscuring and hollowing out the one-China principle.

As Sierra Leone-China friendship organizations, we hereby reaffirm our strong support to the one-China principle and to the legitimate and necessary responses of China regarding this visit. We also urge the US and other forces to stop playing the Taiwan card and not go further down the wrong and dangerous path.

Sierra Leone China Friendship Association (SilCHA), Sierra Leone China Foundation and Sino-Sierra Leone Alumni Association (SISLAA)

MMTU Supports Metchkem Women Stone Breakers with Le50M out of Research Grant

August 5, 2022

DVC, Staff of MMTU and cross section of the Metchem Women Stone Breakers

By Abubakarr Harding

The sum of Fifty Thousand Leones (Old notes fifty Million Leones), a research grant, was donated by the Milton Margai Technical University on Friday 29 July 2022, to the Metchkem Women Stone Breakers Association during an event which took place at the Metchkem Community as a boost or help for them to start small businesses.

The research was done by Dr. Juta, a Lecturer at the University, who looked at the Livelihoods and Women Economic empowerment: A Case Study of Stone Breakers in Post-War Sierra Leone, its Effects and Ways How to Transform the Lives of the Miners.

The project started with a research class led by the American Fulbright Scholar at the University, Professor Brown. He encouraged the lecturers to research issues affecting the community around the University.

Dr.Juta decided to research stone miners around Goderich Campus. With the help of the Chairman of the stone miners’ association, she was able to talk to the women and men stone breakers. Realizing their predicament, she decided to contact SowHope for assistance.

SowHope is a 501(c)(3), tax-exempt, non-profit, international, charitable organization based in Michigan, USA whose mission is: “To inspire women around the world by promoting wellness, education, and economic opportunities”.

It is one of the few global organizations focusing exclusively on the holistic needs of women living in extreme poverty. The organization has partners in 23 countries. The grant given was to be used to start a microcredit group among the women stone breakers.

This move is an example of the work of Universities around the world to help solve the needs of communities through research.

Dr.Juta, making a statement during the donation(Lecturer at MMTU)

On behalf of the Vice Chancellor and Principal at the Milton Margai Technical University, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Director of Academic Affairs, Alhaji Dr. Mohamed Ali Jalloh noted that, the institution is moving away from the other traditional universities whose purpose is largely banked on training professionals rather than impacting the lives of the ordinary people, noting that, with all these professionals we are still as a country struggling to solve our problems, so we think if this country is to develop; we have to pay attention to the middle-level manpower, those young women and men without formal but have skills which can be tapped in for development, we hold the view that everyone is important, he added.

“As an institution, we are focusing more on research that solves societal problems, and if these problems are not addressed that means we have failed as a Technical University, we believe we should create an impact in the lives of everyone,” Alhaji Jalloh registered.

Money donated to the Stone Breakers (Le50.000)

He advised the beneficiaries to protect the grant and work towards sustainability; thanked Dr. Juta, Dr. Sankoh, Prof. Brown and Papa N’jai for working very hard towards the progress of the institution.

The community people expressed gratitude for the gesture noting that, this is the first time a university has come to the community to address their problems practically, and they promised to work hard to sustain it.

The university is also working on other research areas like “Investigating the Use of Strategic Human Resource Management in Hospitality Industry in Sierra Leone, the Impact of Customer Service on Guest Satisfaction in Selected Hotels in the Western District of Sierra Leone, Sand Mining in Coastal Areas: A Threat to the Sustainability of Beach Tourism in Sierra Leone, Food Safety and Hygiene Practices among Street Food (“Cookery”) Sellers in Freetown, The Use of Aphrodisiac and its Health Effect from the Perspective of Tourists and Locals, and The Impact of Micro Credit on Small and Medium Enterprises Operated by Women in Sierra Leone.

Alhaji Amadu Sesay’s Escape from Tradition’s Grip

August 5, 2022

By Muctarr Jay

Alhaji Amadu Sesay, a farmer from the small village of Mafunthorh in Tonkolili District, Sierra Leone, was born into a deeply rooted cultural and religious community. Raised in an extended Muslim family, he respected and embraced his faith but was also surrounded by the traditions and expectations of his village. However, these cultural ties would soon become the source of a harrowing ordeal, thrusting him into a conflict he had never anticipated and ultimately forcing him to leave his homeland in search of safety.

The turning point in Alhaji Amadu Sesay’s life came on February 14, 2022, with the passing of his father, a respected leader in the local Poro secret society—a traditional institution with strong cultural influence in his village. As per village customs, when the leader of such a society passes, the role is often inherited by his son. Alhaji Amadu, being the only son remaining in the village, was expected by the community’s traditional leaders to take his father’s place. However, he did not want to be initiated into the Poro society, as it conflicted with his personal beliefs and values.

Upon refusing the position, Alhaji Amadu found himself increasingly alienated and under pressure from the society’s members. What began as verbal insistence turned into relentless harassment and intimidation, as the society’s members were determined to initiate him into their fold. They saw his refusal as a rejection not only of his father’s legacy but also of their cultural values. For Alhaji Amadu, this decision represented a stand for his personal freedom and a refusal to engage in practices he didn’t support.

As days turned into weeks, Alhaji Amadu’s defiance sparked anger within the community. The situation escalated quickly; he began facing verbal abuse, threats, and acts of intimidation. The society’s members would often confront him, demanding that he submit to the initiation rites. He was not only harassed but also physically threatened, with warnings that his continued refusal could bring harm to him and his loved ones.

According to family sources, the breaking point arrived one evening in June while Alhaji Amadu was at his farm with his wife and children. A group of society members appeared, intending to forcefully initiate him into the society. He was assaulted, beaten, and dragged toward the society’s shrine for the ceremony. However, in a desperate struggle for freedom, he managed to escape their grasp and fled the scene. Fearing for his life, he sought refuge, realizing that staying in the village was no longer an option.

Alhaji Amadu ultimately decided to leave Sierra Leone to protect himself and his family from the persistent threats and dangers. After fleeing, he learned through a trusted friend that his situation was even more precarious than he had anticipated. According to his friend, since he had already been taken into the shrine without undergoing the full initiation, the society viewed him as having broken a sacred boundary. This, in their eyes, justified severe repercussions if he were to return.

Alhaji Amadu’s decision to escape was also driven by concern for his family members who remained in Sierra Leone. He feared that if the society members couldn’t find him, they might turn their anger toward his family, especially his dependants, Alhaji Alieu Sesay, Adnan Latif Sesay, and Hawanatu Sesay. As his immediate family, they were at risk of being harassed, intimidated, or even harmed as a means of punishing Alhaji Amadu for his defiance.

Alhaji Amadu’s departure didn’t end his worry; instead, his concerns shifted to the safety of his loved ones. His dependants now faced the threat of harassment and persecution in his absence. The society members were likely to search for them, using them as leverage to locate Alhaji Amadu or to express their anger over his refusal to comply. He feared that Alhaji Alieu Sesay and Adnan Latif Sesay, as well as Hawanatu Sesay, could face serious harm, including physical and emotional abuse, as retribution for his actions.

Alhaji Amadu Sesay’s story highlights the clash between personal beliefs and traditional obligations, illustrating the difficult choices faced by individuals who find themselves at odds with powerful cultural institutions. Forced to abandon his home and community, he now seeks safety, hoping that his family will also be spared from the persecution he endured. His journey underscores the resilience needed to stand up for one’s principles, even when it comes at a great personal cost.
Due to this, his wife and children were forced out of the village and only able to reach them through his brother’s effort who visited an unknown village to see them.