US Marine Naval Vessel Docked at Freetown Port

July 29, 2022

By Abubakarr Harding

After twenty-five years since the US Naval vessel visited the Freetown Port, the Queen Elizabeth II Quay it once more berthed at the Port on the 24^th July, 2022.

The Vessel, according to officials onboard, is currently on a continental tour to Ports in the sub-region that have made tremendous gains in promoting International Port Security and Safety.

In a citation read by the visiting team onboard the Vessel, the Sierra Leone Ports Authority was commended, “…to have made considerable reforms in maritime security and safety, which has attracted both local and international accolades”. The reforms, among others, include : The Authority’s very recent pass mark in the International Ship and Port Facility (ISPS) code audit, installation of CCTV cameras with 24 hours surveillance, increased security personnel by training over forty security officers on advanced security at the Sierra Leone Police Academy in Hastings.

Speaking on the importance of the said visit, the General Manager of the Sierra Leone Ports Authority, Dr. Abdulai Fofana, intimated that the US Naval visit has restored the past glory of the Freetown Port as such visit confirms and enhances the safety and security integrity of the Port.

Dr. Fofana continued that the security and safety of the Freetown Port and other network ports of SLPA is key to national development. He added that “…since I (he) assumed office, considerable inroads have been made in safety and security. This development could not be unconnected to the following: The Authority’s coordinated security and safety plans with stakeholders in the port operations on maritime security and safety; and the review of the clearance processes at the Freetown Port taking into consideration physical safety and security.”

It is also reported that the Port Management has held series of consultative meetings with stakeholders including the National Revenue Authority (NRA), the Sierra Leone Police and the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) Naval Wing.

During the meetings, array of security issues were discussed including: operating procedures on the provision and management of security at the Port, entering of security personnel into the Port, security training for security personnel working and/or assigned to the Port, deployment of armed personnel on vessels amongst a host of others.

Incoming FAO Country Representative Meets with Finance Minister

July 29, 2022

By Abubakarr Harding

Sahid Abubakarr Bancie, the new Country Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to Sierra Leone on Wednesday 27th July 2022 paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Finance at his George Street Office in Fee town.

Welcoming the new Country Representative, the Minister of Finance, Dennis K Vandi thanked the Food and Agriculture Organization for their interventions over the years and expressed willingness to cooperate and support the work of FAO in the country.

Minister Vandi furthered that Sierra Leone can achieve food sufficiency if the Government ,especially the Ministry of Agriculture, development partners like FAO and the private sector collaborate in agricultural research, soil testing and value addition.

He, therefore, asked the new Country Representative to leverage the opportunities of the South-South Cooperation to achieve that.

In his statement, the New Country Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization Sahid Abubakarr Bancie thanked the Minister of Finance for his time and support to FAO both as Minister of Finance and Agriculture.

He continued that FAO activities in the country are guided by the Country Programme Framework that supports the Government of Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development plan priorities that are critical to agriculture and food security.

In his brief remarks, the Financial Secretary, Sahr L. Jusu, welcomed Mr Bancie, stating that the agriculture sector is one of the most financed sectors in Sierra Leone with several projects from development partners including FAO, World Bank, AfDB and others.

Sahr Jusu furthered that the Government is trying to bring all the partners together with the private sector together to discuss how to maximize food production.

He continued to state that apart from the direct support to the sector, the Government is losing about four hundred billion Leones on duty and tax waivers to agric. businesses

Mr Bancie who is moving from a similar position in Eretria is taking over from Ms Tipo as Country Representative of FAO in Sierra Leone.

President Bio Welcomes Home Pilgrims from Mecca at State House

July 29, 2022

By Abubakarr Harding

President Bio has, on the 27^th July, 2022 received at State House all 941 successful Sierra Leonean Muslim pilgrims who returned from performing this year’s pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, saying that they ensured cheaper ticket prices this year.

The President acknowledged that there were global challenges and things were hard but noted that his Government had the responsibility to get the best rate for flight tickets, when compared to other countries, and made sure his compatriots successfully performed one of the five pillars of Islam.

President Bio described this year’s Hajj process as very challenging but expressed appreciation, on behalf of the nation, for the successful pilgrimage of all delegates from Sierra Leone, who returned safely and healthy.

A member of the Sierra Leone Hajj Committee, Dr. Chernoh Ibrahim Bah, prayed for Allah’s blessings on the leadership and people of the nation. He also prayed for national cohesion, religious tolerance, and acceptance of all prayers offered by the pilgrims in Mecca.

Minister of Social Welfare, Madam Bendu Dassama, thanked President Bio for his show of leadership, responsibility, concern and commitment to the successful performance of the 2022 pilgrimage. She re-echoed the point that Sierra Leone was among the countries that sent the highest number of pilgrims for this year’s Hajj to Mecca.

She thanked the President and Vice President Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh for their demonstration of leadership. She joined the President and pilgrims to praise Allah and thank all other authorities for a peaceful and successful pilgrimage with no deaths recorded.

Haja Aminata Sheriff, on behalf of the pilgrims, thanked President Bio for demonstrating outstanding leadership and for serving as a responsible leader that was caring and listening.

She said they were worried that after the first and second batches of pilgrims had arrived in Saudi Arabia safely, their colleagues in the final batch were still at the Freetown International Airport in Lungi waiting for a flight.

“But we were pleased to later learn that the Government, through President Julius Maada Bio, had chartered a flight all in the name of ensuring that the final batch of pilgrims was able to perform Hajj,” she explained.

Haja Sheriff expressed their admiration for the leadership demonstrated by the President and joined all pilgrims in praying for a peaceful election and the success of President Bio at the polls in 2023.

DFC CEO Commends Africell Sierra Leone

July 29, 2022

By Foday Moriba Conteh

During a snap visit on Wednesday 27^th July 2022 at Africell Data Center on Lumley Beach Road in Freetown, the Chief Executive Officer of the United States International Development Finance Corporation, (DFC), Scott Nathan commended Africell Sierra Leone for its contribution to economic growth and social development in the country.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Managing Director of Africell Sierra Leone, Shadi Gerjawi, explained that the facility symbolizes Africell’s position at the forefront of telecommunications trends in Africa.

He pointed out that as part of their efforts in hosting third-party infrastructure and data, providing large storage capacity for disaster recovery, and redundancy for Government, Non-Governmental Organizations as well as for private entities requiring such services in the country, the company with support from the United States of America, turned the sod for the construction of the first Manor River Union State-of-the-Art Data Centre in Freetown.

He further noted that Africell is currently strengthening its network coverage in the country through investment in new sites, especially in rural and hard-to-reach areas.

Gerjawi concluded by arguing that societies and economies are becoming increasingly smart, mobile, digital, and highlighted the vital importance of Data Centres in that context.

In his response, the Chief Executive Officer of the United States International Development Finance Corporation, Scott Nathan commended Africell Sierra Leone for its contribution to economic growth and social development in the country through telecommunications.

He revealed that he and his colleagues at the DFC were impressed to see such significant investment, admiring Africell’s innovative team and clear strategy.

The DFC is Africell Group’ biggest external financier and Nathan said that Africell’s progress in Sierra Leone and elsewhere counted as a real “success story” in DFC’s mission to create economic growth in developing markets by encouraging private sector investment.

CEO Scot Nathan discussed the importance of telecommunications to West Africa’s economic growth as well as highlighting the telecommunications service provider’s work in reducing the “digital divide” in Sierra Leone and the wider region.

In an interview with AfriRadio, he outlined DFC’s objectives and explained why the institution’s partnership with Africell is delivering benefits in Sierra Leone and beyond.

According to Scott Nathan, all around the world, including in West Africa, telecommunications is vital for closing the “digital divide”. He furthered that having reliable access to the internet is key to economic growth in the twenty-first century adding how telecommunications is a critical piece of economic infrastructure and to have a company like Africell pushing it in Sierra Leone, while also being socially responsible and playing an important role in the community, is very valuable.

He disclosed that the US Government wants development impact to align with economic growth and the DFC helps achieve that through initiatives in healthcare, climate-friendly energy solutions, digital technologies, and more.

“We are always looking to add our financial support to elements of the economy that boost economic growth,” he revealed adding that economic growth leads to opportunity, employment and stability, all of which are in everyone’s interests.

He informed of how they want the economy to grow and for Sierra Leoneans to have more jobs and opportunities maintaining that they prioritize private sector partners because they believe that unleashing the private sector will attract even more private capital, which is the most sustainable model for growth.

Nathan divulged that the DFC focuses on opportunities where there is a financing gap: situations where their involvement can provide a unique boost to private sector companies, entrepreneurs and those advancing financial inclusion.

“We are pleased to be in Sierra Leone to support Africell and other projects, and we will continue to explore opportunities to support economic growth here,” he assured.

He said Africell has an incredible team that is extremely innovative and with a plan.

“It is incredibly gratifying to see such a success story and I’m really pleased that US Government and DFC can be a part of the story through our financing relationship,” he concluded in an AfriRadio interview.

U.S. DFC CEO Discusses Investment Opportunities with the Public & Private Sectors

July 29, 2022

By Amin Kef-Ranger

The Chief Executive Officer of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), Scott Nathan, on the 27^th July, 2022 travelled to Freetown, Sierra Leone in order to highlight private sector-led development. He met with Government officials and discussed development as well as investment opportunities with the business community.

CEO Nathan also joined the U.S. Ambassador, David Reimer, in meeting with President Julius Maada Bio to discuss the country’s economic growth and development.

Scott Nathan expressed delight at the warm welcome they received at State House, adding that he had been in his new office for just five months and was visiting Sierra Leone and Africa for the first time.

He further stated that he was in the country to support the President’s idea of making Sierra Leone a middle-income country by 2035. He assured the meeting that they were already involved with investment partnerships in the country but were looking forward to identifying more opportunities.

“We have been involved in power and digital investment. We are now looking for future partners in the areas of healthcare, agriculture, and small to medium scale investments,” he said.

He referred to the long-standing working relationship between Americans, the United States Government, and the people and Government of Sierra Leone, which he said was founded on democracy, openness, and the rule of law.

“I am certain about an enabling environment for investment,” he said.

In his response, President Julius Maada Bio welcomed the CEO and team, saying that since he assumed office, he had been urging private sector investments to explore partnership and growth opportunities, adding that private sector investment should be used to stimulate economic growth.

He said his Government’s main initiative, the Human Capital Development, was proof of the huge investments he had made in education, a strong pillar under that initiative.

“My Government believes in education. So, we have made a huge investment in that sector by paying fees for all school-going children in Government schools, providing teaching and learning materials; providing meals for them in some parts of the country with the help of Catholic Relief Services. My Government also pays tuition fees for girls offering courses in the Sciences, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) in Government universities,” he explained.

President Bio also emphasized that his Government has been encouraging private sector involvement in agriculture by providing tractors and machines so that the pressure on the Government could be minimized. He said more support is needed to boost the energy sector, a sustainable stimulant of economic activities.

The Chief Executive Officer also met with the Minister of Finance Denis Vandy, the Minister of Energy Alhaji Kanja Sesay, and the Chairman of the Office of Presidential Infrastructure Initiative, Dr. John Edward Tambi, and discussed the U.S. commitment to private sector investment in health, energy, financial services, alongside food security and agriculture and critical infrastructure.

CEO Nathan toured DFC’s investment with Africell, a telecommunications facility which is expanding the availability and quality of affordable mobile connectivity and internet in West Africa. DFC’s work with Africell, part of a total $9.6 billion across Africa, highlights the corporation’s commitment to bolstering secure and reliable telecommunications infrastructure and services on the continent.

Fayai Sellu Replaces Ambrose Sovula as Inspector General of Police

July 29, 2022

By Amin Kef-Ranger

In a Public Notice issued by the Office of the President and dated the 27^th July, 2022 it was stated that it has pleased His Excellency, the President, Dr. Julius Maada Bio to appoint William Fayai Sellu as the new Inspector General of Police, Elizabeth Turay as Director of Police Affairs in the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Amadu Mannah, as Senior Technical Adviser in the same Ministry, Col. (Rtd.) Binneh Conteh as Commissioner of the Sierra Leone National Commission on Small Arms, Sahr Hemore as Deputy Minister (II) in the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, and Alhaji Dr. Alpha Bakarr Sahid Kanu as the Presidential Spokesman.

Indeed, there were indications that some kind of reformation was necessary to occur within the Sierra Leone Police Force as criticisms against the Police Force for its brutality and highhandedness were rife.

Often accused on acting on behalf of the ruling SLPP Government in terms of subduing dissenting voices and suppressing political opponents, the Sierra Leone Police, under Ambrose Sovula, was allegedly said to be favoring every action and decision of the Government, good or bad and the then Inspector General, in the person of Ambrose Sovula, was seen as a mere puppet on the string who was remotely controlled and dictated to by influential political and public figures.

He was also accused of most times acting impulsively instead of rationally.

His tenure was marred by the perpetration of various human rights violations by the Police ranging from the Tombo killings, the Hastings land saga in which a prominent local figure, Wadada, was killed, the Makeni incidents in which five youth were said to have been shot to death by the police, the Pademba Road Maximum Prison incident during which inmates and prison officers were killed, the arbitrary arrest and detention of opposition leaders etc.

The incompetency of the then IG Sovula and the unprofessional ways he responded to certain situations became apparent and sickening to many who also ridiculed his inability to proficiently express himself in a coherent and convincing manner not only in our local parlance but the Queen’s Language.

Shortcomings of the Police, under the leadership of Ambrose Sovula, reflected negatively on the country’s human rights credentials and so it was high time that something should be done not to allow the situation to further degenerate into a worsening position. Indeed, it was necessary for action to be instituted in order to forestall any major blunder on the part of the Police in dealing with an emerging issue.

It, therefore, came as no surprise when on the 27^th July 2022 His Excellency the President, Dr. Julius Maada Bio relieved Ambrose Sovula from his position as Inspector General of Police and appointed, William Fayia Sellu, as the new Inspector General.

However, no reason was given for the President’s decision to relieve him but there is a school of thought that believes his clandestine involvement in the clearing of a container at the Queen Elizabeth11 Quay or Port was what led to his demise.

The said container generated so much suspicion after it was alleged that it contained drugs and contraband materials but only to be opened at Kingtom, in the West End of Freetown to discover that it contained food items. However, some are of the opinion that the container that was opened was not the one containing the drugs and other contraband items maintaining that the way the actual container was heavily guarded at the Quay up to how it was surreptitiously taken to Kingdom where it was opened, speaks volumes.

Others have expressed the view that the former Inspector General resigned from his position because he has attained the retirement age of 65 years.

Whatever the reason may be, whether he was sacked or retired the fact now remains that Ambrose Sovula is no longer the Inspector General of Police.

NP –SL’s Customer Care Touch Leaves Many Yearning for More

July 29, 2022

By Amin Kef-Ranger

It is an indisputable fact that NP-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) is synonymous with 1^st for Customer Care. As far as it is known, in that realm, no other indigenous business entity can come closer to the seasoned petroleum importing and marketing entity because in the first place the company identified it, nurtured it and streamed lined it in all its dealings with its numerous and esteemed customers. It worked and continues to work magic for the company.

For some, words cannot convey the meaning of NP-SL Ltd being 1^st in terms of Customer Care but as they say the taste of the pudding lies in its eating. For those in doubt, once NP-SL Ltd touches or treats them as customer they will instantaneously desire more of the company’s services.

Indeed, the National Petroleum Limited, NP (SL-Ltd) deserves praise as a resilient business entity that had been rated as the country’s foremost importer and dealer in petroleum products, which includes petrol, diesel, gas as well as lubricants of various types and is always poised to give its ubiquitous and esteemed customers the best in terms of giving them value in return for money.

The company’s competent and result-oriented Managerial think tank, currently headed by its indefatigable Chief Executive Officer, Kobi Walker, in tandem with the Board of Directors, have always endeavoured to be at the pinnacle of affairs within the petroleum landscape in this country, looking at best options, in order for effective service delivery to be executed timely, excellently, all geared towards enhancing good business relationships. If there is any outstanding feature for which the company is identified with then it is giving customers satisfaction to the fullest which is why it has earned the enviable reputation of ‘1^st for Customer Care’.

Prioritizing customer care is considered very paramount out of the strong conviction that the company will be nowhere without its cherished customers.

It is along that line that the company has a customer care unit that primarily interfaces with members of the public. Concerns and recommendations channeled through it are raised in certain management meetings, discussed and the way forward mapped out.

Regarding their customers as priceless jewels, NP-SL Ltd always ensures that to give them optimal satisfaction, the value must be derived from their monies spent. It was thinking along that line that prompted the shareholders of the company to replace their old fashioned pumping machines to calibrated pumping machines of high standard which transparently pump the requisite quantity of petrol or diesel demanded for. Confidence is now high among its customers that they are getting exactly what they are paying for.

Still within the domain of 1^st for Customer Care, the company is always in position to enter into payment plans with its reliable and dependable customers including Ministries, Departments and Agencies for fuel and lubricants supplies as long as all the necessary modalities have been put in place. When cognizance is taken of the fact that some of these institutions receive intermittent budgetary allocations then such an arrangement is very significant. Its significance in real terms borders on functional continuity of those institutions as they will be assured of supplies of petroleum products in as much as they keep honouring their obligations.

In this country today, for one to see a successful business entity that is owned mainly by Sierra Leoneans and having a maximum number of indigenes as members of staff is like trying to find a lost needle on the beach, although there are some that could be identified.

For NP-SL Ltd this has been a big achievement as the company is strongly adhering to the country’s Local Content Policy. Making use of local brains has been identified as one of the conduits through which developing countries like Sierra Leone could attain economic empowerment. Correspondingly, if there is a continuation of the colonial mentality that it is only by importing foreign ideas and skills that we will get there then such could be a very sad mistake.

By providing job opportunities for hitherto jobless Sierra Leoneans, NP-SL Ltd continues to help in alleviating poverty by putting monies into pockets that could be utilized to take care of responsibilities.

For those who have not tried NP Gas for the first time, it is now time to give it a try. Designed in sizable varying cylinders and sold at various NP Filling Stations, this cooking device has been rated as one of the best that is on offer for sale. NP Gas is safe, user-friendly, and portable. Trying it will spur you to recommend it to others.

NP Smart Card is now in vogue and is one of the latest technological devices used to purchase petroleum products. Using it has attendant advantages as evident in procuring fuel at any time of the day even during times when monies could not be accessed from banks. It is secured, easy to use, and very quick. It is now trending.

To crystallize proposed projects into tangible realities on the ground, Government needs the requisite financial resources to effectively do so and one sure way is from the collection of taxes which is the mandate of the National Revenue Authority (NRA). NP is indeed one of the big-time taxpayers in the country and it is very compliant in that direction.

From all indications, it is crystal clear that NP-SL Ltd is here to stay in order to give the best and contribute tremendously to the socio-economic development of the country. Indeed the company is passionate and committed towards attaining those objectives.

CSOs Engage the Public on the New Notes & Assure of no Shortage

July 27, 2022

By Abubakarr Harding

A nationwide sensitization to various communities and institutions on the newly printed banknotes was undertaken by members of the Civil Society Consortium on Community Accountability and Service Delivery have on Monday, July 25th 2022.

Engaging business people, various Civil Society Organizations at Congo Market in Freetown, Chairman of the Consortium, William Sao-Lamin said they discovered that there are still some gaps regarding the new currency notes that were recently released by the Bank of Sierra Leone.

He said some people don’t really understand the figures and there are others who are going to the various Commercial Banks to withdraw money but could not get what they want.

As CSOs, he said they engaged the Governor of Bank of Sierra Leone on the rationing of the new notes but said the Governor emphasized that there is enough cash in the banks and that there is no need to ration it.

He said the sensitization seeks to allay the fears of the public that there is not enough cash in the banks maintaining that any bank that fails to give customers the money they want should be reported to the relevant authorities for action to be instituted.

He admonished the people to take good care of the money and accused some of the banks of undermining the process to paint the Government in a bad light.

In his contribution, Alphonso Manley said they want to discard the misinformation that is being peddled that there is no money in the banks. He said CSOs welcomed the printing of the new notes as it will save many from holding huge amounts and accused some people of withdrawing huge amounts of money but failing to deposit them again which he noted is not good for the country.

He called on business people to abide by the laws of the State and on the people to have confidence in the money and the system further urging them to use the banking system.

On his part, Hassan Jonathan Kamara admonished all Commercial Banks to abide by the policy of the Central Bank accusing some commercial banks of making things difficult for customers which he said will not be accepted.

He called on customers to go to the banks to collect their monies disclosing that there is another container of money is on the way for Sierra Leone and called on the Bank Governor to make sure they pump additional money into the banks to avoid mistrust.

Several people commended the CSOs for educating and assuring them.

Finance Ministry Spearheads 5-Day Debt Sustainability Analysis Workshop

July 27, 2022

By Abubakarr Harding

The Annual National Debt Sustainability Analysis (DSA) workshop spearheaded by the Ministry of Finance commenced on the 25^th July 2022 at the Leisure Lodge, Off Cape Road, Aberdeen in Freetown and will last for five days.

The exercise is an almanac requirement to assess the country’s level of debt distress in the medium-to-long term in order to provide appropriate policy advice to the Government on the status of borrowing following the Public Debt Management Act 2011.

The DSA team was drawn from various institutions of Government including Ministries, the Bank of Sierra Leone, Statistics Sierra Leone, the National Revenue Authority, the University of Sierra Leone, and Non- State Actors.

In his statement, Chief Economist, Alimamy Bangura on behalf of the Financial Secretary stated that the workshop is to inform policymakers of the risk of debt distress and take appropriate fiscal decisions and policy actions to minimize the risk.

He continued that Sierra Leone is using the revised low-income country Debt Sustainability Framework (LICs DFS) excel based template, which was developed by the IMF and World Bank to assess the level of risk of debt distress in developing countries.

Alimamy Bangura added that the DSA is a scientific and pragmatic approach to assessing whether or not a country’s public debt is sustainable along a given macroeconomic path.

He asserted that the global crisis of both COVID 19 and the Ukraine-Russian War has triggered Global shocks and exacerbated macroeconomic and debt vulnerabilities.

The Chief Economist disclosed that this situation has worsened the outcome and outlook of key macroeconomic variables which includes GDP, Inflation, revenues, exports, and foreign reserves, which are fundamental in promoting public debt sustainability.

He explained that amidst the challenges, the country has improved on its debt management strides with an overall PEFA score of D+ TO B+. This he said is anchored on the preparation of the domestic suppliers’ Arrears Strategy and Medium-term Debt Management Strategy as approved by Cabinet and published.

He added that it is important for the country to continue reforms in public financial management, deepen domestic revenue mobilization, rationalizes expenditure, support growth-enhancing sectors, prioritize grants and highly concessional financing, and pursue innovative financing such as Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) to reduce the high risk of debt distress in the country.

Alimamy Bangura urged all participants to take the exercise seriously as it is critical to promote transparency and accountability.

In his technical presentation on the debt situation in Sierra Leone, Deputy Director of Public Debt, Dr. A Thullah outlined the Public Debt portfolio and profile for 2017-2021 stating that the Debt burden has increased significantly and the real GDP growth projection for 2022 is 3.6 with steady growth.

He added that the total public debt trends which comprise external and domestic moved from 16 trillion in 2017 and went high to 30 – 35 trillion in 2020 to 2021 with a huge domestic disbursement in 2021 of 2.013 trillion as compared to the external disbursement of 1.99 trillion.

He enclosed that there has been a huge Total debt service move from about 846 billion in 2017 to 2.2 trillion in 2022. The total principal has moved by 13.8% and the interest rate by 4.8%.

He added that 91.2% of the external debt portfolio in 2021 is concentrated in the long end while 86.6% is concentrated in the short term.

Deputy Director of Public Debt, Charles Santigie Conteh, said the exercise is a form for learning and to also underscores the openness of the public debt situation in the country has included the Press and Non-state actors to be part of the process.

He furthered that the country is not in debt distress at the moment as compared to other African countries in the sub-region.

Celebrating 51 years of China-Sierra Leone Diplomatic Relations

July 27, 2022

By Mr. Li Xiaoyong (Chargés d’affaires ad interim of the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone)

On July 29th, 1971, the Joint Communiqué between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations assured that the Chinese Government and people support categorically the Government and people of Sierra Leone in its struggles against imperialism, colonialism, and neo-colonialism, in its efforts to safeguard national independence and sovereignty. In the meantime, the Government of Sierra Leone recognized that the Government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal Government representing the whole of China. Both Governments agreed to develop diplomatic relations and friendly cooperation on the basis of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, of mutual non-aggression and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, and of equality and mutually beneficial peaceful co-existence. 51 years later, we can look back at the successful development of our bilateral ties with pride and determination, as shared prosperity and a brighter future await our two nations.

Every Sierra Leonean Government since then, no matter which party is in power, has always put a priority on strengthening the country’s relations with China. In December 2016, President Ernest Bai Koroma visited China and met with President Xi Jinping in Beijing where both sides agreed upon elevating the bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership. Two years later, in September 2018, President Julius Maada Bio attended the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and held a fruitful discussion with President Xi Jinping. The important consensus reached by the two Heads of State during this meeting and on other occasions has paved the way to further strengthen our cooperation in the new era.

The past 51 years have witnessed the long lasting friendship between China and Sierra Leone in the process of supporting each other and safeguarding international justice and fairness. On 25th October, 1971, Sierra Leone, together with other friendly countries, voted in favor of restoring China’s lawful seat in the United Nations. The late Chairman Mao Zedong pointed out, “It was our African brothers who carried us into the UN”. For a long time, China had been firmly supporting Sierra Leone within its utmost capacity when Sierra Leone was in difficulties, especially so during the Ebola epidemic and the Covid-19 pandemic. By forming Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships, giving each other concrete support on core interest and major concerns, ensuring the multilateralism and central role of the United Nations in international relations, and boosting developing countries’ strengths overall, the two countries have truly become worthy of each others’ trust. We work closer now than ever before, and the developing countries are having a louder say on global issues because of it, contributing significantly to the stability and prosperity of the world.

The past 51 years have witnessed the notable results of cooperation between China and Sierra Leone, including the construction of the Youyi Building, the National Stadium, Mange Bridge, the Magbass Sugar complex, and the RSLAF headquarters in the 1970s and 80s; the China-Sierra Leone Friendship Road, Bo Stadium, Jui Hospital, the China-Sierra Leone Friendship Primary, and Middle Schools, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Office Building from the 1980 to 2000; and the second Juba Bridge, the Limkokwing-Regent Road, Myohaung Officers’ Mess and Single Officers’ Quarters, the National Optical Fiber Backbone Network Phase Two, as well as the Foreign Service Academy etc. up to 2018.

The past 51 years have witnessed the expansion of our trade and economic cooperation. Our bilateral trade volume has now reached over 500 million US Dollars, and the accumulated direct investment from China to Sierra Leone has reached 3 billion US Dollars . Since 1973, the Chinese Government has dispatched more than 500 Chinese medical personnel to Sierra Leone under the health assistance program, and since 1976, China has provided Government scholarships for over 1000 Sierra Leonean students to study in China. China has also dispatched about 100 agricultural experts to Sierra Leone since 1991 to provide technical training.

The relationship formed between China and Sierra Leone is a microcosm of the relationship at large between China and Africa as a whole. 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. China will also continue to implement the Nine Programmes announced by President Xi in the Opening Ceremony of the 8th Ministerial Conference of the FOCAC last year, including: providing an additional 1 billion doses of Covid-19 vaccines to Africa, providing 10 billion dollars in funding towards African trade financing, 10 billion dollars to promote China’s investment in Africa, and 10 billion dollars to support small and medium-sized African enterprises and to construct a “Green Passage” for African agricultural exports to China. Through these projects, China and Africa will expand their fields of cooperation, innovate existing cooperation methods and promote further common development.

In 2021 we celebrated the centenary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) along with our Sierra Leonean brethren. During the 2nd half of 2022, the 20th Congress of the CPC will be held, and the Chinese Embassy will keep our Sierra Leonean friends posted on the development of this important meeting.

The world today is undergoing major changes unseen in a century, and the inherent strength of developing countries and emerging markets will shine through as trailblazers of this new era. As the world’s largest developing country, China will always stand along with Sierra Leone and other African countries, so as to inject more stability into the world at large. When faced upon all sorts of unilateralism, power politics, and bullying, China and Sierra Leone both have the responsibility to practice true multilateralism and to maintain international justice and fairness. China appreciates Sierra Leone’s unique and influential role in regional and international affairs and is ready to work together with Sierra Leone to protect the interests of all developing nations, promoting a fairer and more rational international order. With our joint efforts, we will achieve the goal of building an even stronger China-Africa community of shared future.