Hawa Sally Samai Emerges as New President of Rotary Club of Freetown

July 15, 2022

By Amin Kef-Ranger

During an auspicious event that was held at the New City Hall in the central part of Freetown on the 1^st July, 2022, members of the Rotary Club of Freetown, inducted their new President, Rtn Hawa Sally Samai, who also happens to be the Executive Secretary of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC), as she gracefully succeeded the outgoing President, Alpha Tejan Jalloh.

Gracing the occasion were high profiled personalities including the British High Commissioner, Her Excellency Lisa Chesney, and other crème de la crème in the country.

The newly elected President, Rtn Hawa Sally Samai, in her induction speech, delivered succinctly and eloquently, holding the audience spellbound, maintained that it was someone, not Edmund Burke, who once said that the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.

She intimated how it is over 117 years now since Rotary was founded on 23rd February 1905 as, “a humanitarian service organization which brings together business and professional leaders in order to provide community service, promote integrity, and advance goodwill, peace and understanding in the world.”

The highly pragmatic and consummate Rotarian furthered that in the history that is evolving she is quite honored to serve as President of the Rotary Club of Freetown under the leadership of Rotary International’s first-ever female President, Jennifer Jones.

She recalled how in 1987, Dr. Sylvia Whitlock break the Rotary glass ceiling when she became the first woman member going further to point out that it was as recently as 1989 that the Council on Legislation voted to admit women into Rotary Clubs worldwide.

“Today, we celebrate this induction with a royal ball,” she disclosed proudly adding that royalty signifies status, respect, specialness, and above all, leadership.

Leadership, according to her, is selfless service to humanity also underscoring how service to humanity is the essence of Rotary.

The new Rotary Club of Freetown President, Rtn Hawa Sally Samai, informed the audience how they profoundly believe in giving without expecting anything in return maintaining how they are very committed to add value to society with a quest to leave the world in a better state than the way they found it.

“This is the gist of our four-way test,” she highlighted.

She continued that the theme for this year, “Imagine Rotary”, seeks to encourage Rotarians to dream big and take action. The new President quoted the Rotary International President by stating they all have dreams, but acting on them is a choice and to imagine a world that deserves their best where they get up each day knowing that they can make a difference adding how this should be a year of innovation and creativity.

Rtn Hawa Sally Samai called on members to provide service in Rotary’s seven focus areas: basic education and literacy, maternal and child health, peace and conflict prevention/resolution, disease prevention and treatment, water sanitation and hygiene, community and economic development, and support of the environment.

In disclosing what she and other Executive members intend to accomplish, she revealed that during her one-year tenure, she and her Executive will promote the legacy of the immediate past RI President’s Empowering Girls Initiatives by prioritizing women and girls in all their interventions for obvious reasons.

She also informed how they will also continue the focus on water and sanitation with the water is life project in focus and the basic education and literacy through their scholarship and mentorship program.

“As this is an election year we will also focus on peace and conflict prevention,” she stated, pointing out that it’s only when one is served with the Bill for the war that one realizes that no price was too high to pay for peace.

“In addition, we will also continue and build on some of the activities started by my predecessor, Rtn Alpha,” she assured.

Rtn Hawa Sally Samai stated that as a female President in this historical year in Rotary, she wants to encourage all Rotarians and non-Rotarians, to come on board directly or indirectly to support their cause of empowering deprived communities.

She challenged that it’s all about providing the gifts of “time, talent, and treasure.”

The new President enjoined all to provide their time, use their talents, to help them leverage and make donations to ensure they make a difference as a team.

“I urge all of us to bring out the leadership and service (Royalty) in us to make a difference to humanity,” she made a passionate plea ending up extending thanks to all the strong women in her life, her mom, her former Principal, her daughter, Rtn. Nemata, naming only few whom she said are her inspiration.

In her contribution, the British High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, Lisa Chesney stated that women can do better in leadership in any position they find themselves energizing members of the Rotary Club of Freetown that they can be what they want to be.

The highpoint of the event was the handing over of the mantle of leadership by the outgoing President, Rotarian Alpha Tejan Jalloh, to the newly elected President, Rtn Hawa Sally Samai, which was followed by a social interaction during which members and non-members gleefully socialized, chatting over drinks and food with soft music in the background.

It must be noted that of late women have really asserted themselves in leadership positions within the Rotary Club of Freetown as evident in the fact that out of Six Members of the Board only one is a male.

Dr Memunatu Pratt Continues to Bag Wide Commendations for Reforming Tourism

July 15, 2022

By Amin Kef-Ranger

It is an established fact that Tourism is a big economic game-changer or a booster which, if harnessed properly, can catapult any developing country from the lower rungs to become a very prosperous nation. The truism cannot be swept under the carpet that indeed the sector could make it possible for the provision of much needed foreign exchange that will enhance international trade, create job opportunities both in the formal and informal sectors, project the nation’s customs, traditions and as well provide the right platform for the flow and exchange of ideas, views, spur innovation, creativity among a host of the emergence of other significant gains or benefits.

Indisputably, Sierra Leone is endowed with rich touristic potentials evident in the geographical topography of the country as seen in our beautiful beaches, mountain landscapes, the peaceful nature of the citizenry, our rich cultural heritage, historical sites which are somehow unique and worth exploring.

In the 1980s, Sierra Leone was a popular tourism destination as year in and out there were visiting tourists from different parts of the globe. Those were the days when Tokeh was booming and the sector was contributing significantly to revenue generation, providing the necessary funds needed by Government to roll out certain development programmes.

During the ‘90s, which could be described as the dark days in the history of Sierra Leone, with the destructive ravages of an 11 years rebel war, the tourism industry took a steep dive nose or was plunged into an abyss or the doldrums. Lamentably, after the war it never picked up mainly as a result of the stigmatization attached to the country said to be where blood diamonds abound and largely because of insecurity. But what was also apparent was that the political will was indeed lacking to give the sector the needed impetus or injection for it to regain its past glory.

With the ascendancy of the current SLPP Led-Government, under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio, many amazingly saw the revival of the right political will. Indeed, having the political will was one thing but what was so much important was having someone at the helm of the Tourism Sector in this country who will pull the right strings to make the sector once more become buoyant and a complete positive game changer.

In that regard, it will never be an understatement to categorically state that President Julius Maada Bio made no mistake in appointing , the result-oriented and pragmatic, Dr Memunatu Pratt as the country’s Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs. Since her appointment this country has witnessed successful accomplishments within the Tourism sector to the admiration and commendation of many in and out of the country. With the injection of cutting edge initiatives within the sector, Dr Memunatu Pratt has indeed turned around a once moribund sector into one that is alive and kicking making it so envious and endearing to an extent that it gained the support of the country’s development partners, such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Bank.

Prior to her appointment as Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs by the Administration of H. E. Julius Maada Bio, Hon. Memunatu B. Pratt served in various capacities in the field of education, peace and security wherein she excelled and received several honours, awards and recognition for her work which prompted the President to appoint her to revive and reposition the auspicious but fledgling tourism industry in Sierra Leone.

Hon. Pratt pioneered the establishment of the Department of Peace and Conflict Studies at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, where she served as a Senior Lecturer and Head of the Department for close to 24 years. She was also a Visiting Professor to Hiroshima University and Hiroshima Peace builder’s Centre in Japan for over 7 years. She also served as a Visiting Professor and resource person to several universities in Africa, Asia, Europe and the United States. She has over 15 years’ experience in Peace, Conflict Gender, Security and International Studies. She has a number of publications to her name and she is a recipient of the National Prestigious Insignia Award as Grand Officer of the Order of the Rokel (GOOR) from the Republic of Sierra Leone.

As Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Madam Memunatu Pratt has been considered, by many, as one of best performing Ministers, an award which she won at the 2018 Annual Diaspora Focus Award.

She has and continues to spearhead several initiatives which have contributed to solving the perennial challenges of the tourism sector such as the high cost of travelling to Sierra Leone and the difficulty in accessing the destination. She also pioneered the establishment of the Entertainment Foundation to unite, consolidate the gains of the industry and ultimately maximizes its benefits.

Recognizing the negative perception of Sierra Leone as a destination, she managed to secure the support of Government to embark on a robust and aggressive marketing campaign which created considerable awareness of the immense potentials, natural beauty, stability and peace that prevails in the country.

Consequently, in an effort to promote domestic tourism and opening up of the vast prime coastal areas of the country, she spearheaded, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture the organization of the first ever Bonthe District Agro-Tourism Exhibition which attracted hundreds of people from across the country including H. E. the President, Julius Maada Bio.

During her few months in office (2018), the tourism industry experienced the highest growth rate in leisure visitors since the aftermath of the war. Today, her unique leadership style and competency has rendered Sierra Leone to be quoted by the most popular online publisher, ETurbo News as the must-visit emerging tourist destination.

Madam Memunatu B. Pratt indeed had a mass public vote and that was also demonstrated by the audience nonstop random applauses, as a signal of genuine win.

Dr. Pratt , it must be reiterated,since the inception of her appointment as Minister of Tourism, has been able to provide the correct leadership and strategic Tourism Governance by applying best practices for tourism sector.

If one could be sincere to measure the tangible performances of the Minister, it is of no doubt that indeed she has made a lot of correct and positive strides to keep the sector alert and proactive; among others she has been able to: introduce nation-wide sustainable beach cleaning exercises, Adopt the Beach Theory in order to keep the beaches clean, safe, establish an entertainment foundation, enhance massive ministerial support extended to entertainers, pioneer tourism diagnosis trip to Bonthe & Sherbro Islands, introduce the Bonthe Agro- Cultural and Tourism Festival and Kabala Fest, to rebrand and position Sierra Leone in the tourist generating regions, ensure a review of the Tourism Act and other related acts, provide strong advocacy for Visa Free and Visa on landing, strong and timely advocacy on reduction on Air tickets and negotiate Tourism studies program at Universities in Sierra Leone.

With supports from development partners such as the UNDP and World Bank the Tourism Ministry, under her leadership, has provided skills training for women living in coastal areas as a way of giving them alternative sources of income in order to make the sector relevant to development.

It, therefore, came as no surprise that in the recent past Dr. Memunatu Pratt, Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs was appointed by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) as Global Chairperson for Women in Tourism. As a specialized UN agency in the field of tourism, UNWTO is committed to enhancing the positive impact of tourism development on women’s lives and, in so doing, contributing to the development of the fifth sustainable development goal, “achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls”.

As recent as the 12th July, 2022, the British High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, Lisa Chesney played host to the Minister. The two deliberated on issues pertaining to the two countries on diplomacy, bilateral relations and development initiatives.

Lisa Chesney applauded Sierra Leone’s President, Dr. Julius Maada Bio for championing issues of women on the world stage, a step she said many leaders across the world are afraid to take.

She also commended Minister Pratt for the many developmental strides in the Tourism Ministry under her leadership.

On her part, Dr. Memunatu Pratt explained the many virtues Sierra Leone is enjoying ranging from religious tolerance to women involvement in the politics and the development of the nation. She appreciated the work of the British Commission in Sierra Leone and called for support to the Tourism Ministry.

The Minister also expounded on the timely reforms and the many programmes and activities implemented by the Ministry including the just concluded Tourism Parliamentary Governance Conference that took the whole of Parliament to Bo.

She mentioned the Ministry’s eco-tourism and domestic tourism drives which she said have yielded dividend and disclosed that she has been appointed by UNWTO to chair the global forum for women in tourism which she said was aimed at sharing the Sierra Leonean experience in women empowerment on the global stage.

No matter what could be said, the Minister, with the support of the Tourist Board of Sierra Leone under its General Manager, Fatmata Kromah and other stakeholders within the sector, has done so much to revamp the Tourism sector and if time and space could have permitted all could have been brought to the fore. Her engagements with other stakeholders within the sector have been very fruitful to say the least.

It will indeed remain a historical fact that Dr Memunatu Pratt has made and continues to make very impressive gains within the Tourism Sector of this country and indeed the accruing benefits are positively impacting the country, communities and individual lives. Her name will definitely go down the annals of history as one of the most development oriented female public figure that did so much, out of passion and patriotism, for her country.

QNET Dissociates itself from Overseas Migration Fraud

July 15, 2022

By Amin Kef-Ranger

In reaction to an article that was published by this medium on the 13^th July, 2022 captioned, “Alleged Qnet Overseas Travelling Scam Under Investigation by TOCU”, certain documentary evidence-based clarifications were convincingly made, with the primary objective of setting the record straight, in order for members of the public not to be misinformed.

According to the aforementioned article, published in print and online, “the Trans-National Organized Crime Unit (TOCU), which is based at one of the outskirts of Freetown, to be precise Hastings, is currently conducting investigation into a matter of alleged fraud in which it is said QNET International is involved.”

It was further stated that , “the investigation came in the heels of complaints made by some Sierra Leoneans, who are presently stranded at Lungi after they were scammed monies they paid ranging from eight million to thirteen million Leones each on the pretext of taking them to Malaysia to pursue higher education and to do menial jobs.”

The article continued that, “One of the victims by the name of Hawa Sannoh, in explaining her ordeal said one Foday Jayah, convinced them about the authenticity of the program adding how they then travelled to Lungi where they paid the money at the QNET International branch office to a Mr Maadason Vao, in the company of some of his colleagues.

She continued that they were informed that they would be recruited to sell food supplements which, according to her they detested and requested for a refund of their monies a situation that degenerated into a bitter argument and as a result, the workers then invited police personnel to caution them.”

From what this medium reliably learnt, QNET International is not registered in this country. What obtains is that there are various groups in this country that have marketers who are marketing the products and services of QNET International and are not officially known or called QNET. These marketers are rather doing so on the basis of commissions.

Besides, it was clearly established that at no point in time in its existence has QNET International got involved in facilitating the travelling of people from one country to another. To corroborate that assertion, this medium conducted thorough research which revealed that overseas migration or travelling is not part of the business portfolio of QNET International.

However, what this medium understood is the fact that there are certain individuals who are using the name of QNET International to scam unsuspecting individuals and maybe the issue mentioned in the article published could be one of such.

For the sake of the victims mentioned in the previous article, this medium will continue its investigation until those that were involved in the Lungi scam are brought to the book.

Equality Now Believes there are Discriminatory Laws Denying Women Nationality Rights

July 13, 2022

By Amin Kef-Ranger

A quarter of countries still have discriminatory nationality laws that deny women the same nationality rights as men, reveals a worldwide report by the international human rights organization,

Equality Now expresses the view that a quarter of countries still have discriminatory nationality laws that deny women the same nationality rights as men, reveals a worldwide report by the international human rights organization,

Women are being prohibited from passing their citizenship onto their children and foreign spouses, and face restrictions on changing or retaining their nationality after marriage. Those affected are at higher risk of a range of human rights violations. Campaigners are calling on governments to dismantle sexist nationality laws and ensure full legal equality in citizenship.

In 28 countries, women are prevented from passing their nationality onto their children on an equal basis with men. While in 46 countries, women are barred from passing nationality to their spouses on an equal basis.

The report updates previous research released by Equality Now in 2016, and shows how despite repeated commitments by governments to make moves towards repealing such discriminatory laws, many have yet to translate policy into action, causing suffering to millions of women and their families.

On a positive note, some progress has been attained. Over the past decade, significant declarations have been made by various governments at the regional and global levels, and 19 countries have carried out partial or full legal reforms to achieve equality in nationality laws.

Discriminatory nationality laws stem from and reinforce harmful gender stereotypes based primarily on prescribed patriarchal roles assigned to women and men. This manifests in how women are the ones predominately excluded from the right to pass their nationality onto their child and spouse.

Ramifications can be grave and long-lasting. Individuals may encounter restrictions on their right to marry or be unable to obtain a birth certificate for their child, rendering their offspring stateless. Gender discrimination in nationality laws is a leading cause of statelessness, a status in which a person is not recognized as a citizen by any country and therefore cannot make legal claims to basic human rights, legal protections, and security normally provided by the state.

A woman can be trapped in an abusive or otherwise unhappy marriage when she or her child’s citizenship is dependent on her spouse. This applies in countries where women are stripped of citizenship acquired through marriage if that marriage dissolves, or when the citizenship of a mother’s child is tied to the status of the spouse. In addition, there are instances in which a person can lose their nationality upon their spouse’s death.

Discriminatory nationality laws can also make it difficult for a mother to claim child custody or gain access to her children if her marriage breaks up. And girls who do not have nationality in their country of residence are at greater risk of child and forced marriage as families may view this as a way to gain legal status.

People without citizenship are commonly not entitled to receive publicly-funded medical services or schooling. Access to jobs, economic opportunities, and financial services is curtailed, and in some countries, inheriting or registering personal property is disallowed.

Individuals can experience curbs on their freedom of movement and be ineligible to apply for a passport, making traveling abroad difficult. Many are subjected to the trauma of forced separation, and families frequently live with the fear of children and spouses being deported.

The COVID-19 pandemic has illuminated and exacerbated such problems, with those impacted by statelessness exposed to additional layers of exclusion, bureaucracy, and restricted movement. In some countries, children and spouses of women who are unable to pass on their nationality have been denied pandemic-related social welfare and medical aid.

The poor, disadvantaged and undocumented shoulder additional hurdles when attempting to navigate often complex legal systems that sometimes set narrow timeframes for claiming nationality.

Women from minority communities are saddled with compounded discrimination and are further marginalized by being denied citizenship rights. A 2018 report by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues noted that over three-quarters of the world’s stateless population belong to national, ethnic, religious, or linguistic minorities. This is underpinned by “deliberate policies and practices” within discriminatory nationality laws and discriminatory application of such laws against minorities.

Various countries discriminate against lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer individuals (LGBTQ+)regarding their ability to pass nationality to their spouse or child, whether biological or non-biological. This includes when the law does not recognize same-sex marriage, and even when it is recognized, nationality is not always automatically passed on.

Even in countries that legally recognize same-sex relationships, the lack of biological links to surrogate or adopted children can affect the ability of same-sex couples to pass nationality to their children, potentially causing statelessness.

Everyone has the right to be born with nationality and to be secure in their human right to equally acquire, change, retain or transfer it, as provided for under international law. And all women, no matter their gender identity, sexual orientation, marital or motherhood status, should be able to transfer nationality to their children and spouses equally.

Antonia Kirkland, Equality Now’s Global Lead on Legal Equality, says, “Governments have affirmed the fundamental right to sex equality in international treaties, declarations, and domestic constitutions. Denying women equal nationality rights to men is a clear form of discrimination based upon sex, and is a human rights violation that contravenes international law.”

“All women and men should be equally able to pass citizenship onto their children wherever born and to their spouse whether they married at home or abroad. This is irrespective of whether the parental relationship is heterosexual or same-sex, and a child is born in or out of marriage, or is or is not adopted.”

“Equality Now is calling for all governments with sex discriminatory legal provisions on nationality to review, amend and harmonize their legislation by 2030 to ensure consistency between relevant laws and regulations, with all women and men treated equally and fairly.”

Equality Now is an international non-governmental human rights organization that works to protect and promote the rights of women and girls around the world by combining grassroots activism with international, regional, and national legal advocacy. Our international network of lawyers, activists, and supporters achieve legal and systemic change by holding governments responsible for enacting and enforcing laws and policies that end legal inequality, sex trafficking, online sexual exploitation, sexual violence, and harmful practices such as female genital mutilation and child marriage.

What does international law say about nationality laws?

The fundamental right to sex equality has been affirmed and reaffirmed repeatedly by governments in international treaties, declarations and conferences, as well as in domestic constitutions. At the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995, 189 governments pledged in the Beijing Platform for Action to “revoke any remaining laws that discriminate on the basis of sex.” In 2000, the UN General Assembly established a target date of 2005 for revocation of all sex-discriminatory laws.

The basic right to nationality has also been established by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, in the Convention on the Rights of Child, and reinforced by the Beijing Platform for Action. The Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination calls for the right to nationality “without distinction as to race, color, or national or ethnic origin,” and the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination has urged States Parties “to refrain from applying different standards of treatment to female non-citizen spouses of citizens and male non-citizen spouses of citizens.”

Article 9 of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women prohibits discrimination in the conferral of citizenship on children and foreign spouses as well as discrimination in the acquiring, changing and retaining of nationality.

Despite this, numerous laws that explicitly discriminate against women, including in the area of nationality, are still in force. Governments should prioritize the elimination of all discrimination on the basis of sex to comply with their international legal obligations as well as their own national obligations to ensure equality.

The Global Campaign for Equal Nationality Rights (GCENR) was established in 2014 by Equality Now, Equal Rights Trust, the Institute for Statelessness and Inclusion, the Office of UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and Women’s Refugee Commission, dedicated to the eradication of gender discrimination in nationality laws worldwide. The current Steering Committee members also include Family Frontiers, Nationality For All, and Women’s Learning Partnership.

The GCENR coalition advocates for international action to reform laws in countries where women are prevented from passing their nationality to their children or spouses on an equal basis with men. With our partners in the campaign, we raise awareness about nationality rights, publicize research, and advocate for legal reform.

The GCENR has undertaken substantial outreach and engagement at the international, regional, and national levels, to raise the visibility of the need to ensure equal nationality rights and the serious costs of gender discrimination in nationality laws to both affected persons and their families and society as a whole.

ACC Alerts the Public to be Wary of Criminal Syndicate Posing as Senior Public Officials

July 13, 2022

By Amin Kef-Ranger

In a Press Release dated 7th July, 2022 issued by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), it was stated that the Commission has been investigating multiple criminal syndicates that have been scamming some members of the unsuspecting public in and outside Sierra Leone, using the names of highly placed public officers.

The ACC said by that criminal enterprise, they have been successfully extorting huge sums of money from innocent people by making false claims to assist them or their loved ones travel overseas.

As an anti-graft body, the ACC pointed out that an investigation was necessitated by many members of the public filing complaints against unsuspecting public officers and they have been claiming that the officers have fleeced them.

According to the institution, preliminary investigation has established that, the criminal gang is peddling the names of; the Hon. Chief Minister, Jacob Jusu Saffa, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mohamed Lamin Tarawally Esq., the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Professor David J. Francis, the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Timothy Kabba, and the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, Lahai Lawrence Leema.

Furthermore, the ACC said its investigation has established that, members of that criminal enterprise contact members of the public (their victims) through WhatsApp phone calls or Facebook, and represent themselves as one of the aforesaid persons, or their close associates, and narrate false plans or programs, to assist them, such as, that there is a Free Government Scholarship which one can benefit from by making payments for passports, accommodation, visas and tickets fees, and that once they make payments to cover the costs of the passports, visas, etc., they or their loved will get the scholarships.

The institution added that once payment is made, the victims

would then realize that the recipients are either any longer responsive or they become aggressive and start issuing threats or invectives against the victims.

Based on the Press Release the investigation has also established that a good number of persons living in and out of Sierra Leone, particularly the United States of America (USA), have been scammed by these criminal operators, by promising to unite them with family members

and those victims living overseas cooperate and have paid to them huge sums of money believing that such nefarious activities are being carried out by the afore-named Government Officials.

The ACC revealed how the public officers’ photos are used on their profiles and social media handles and the impersonators find ways to be convincing in their communication and manipulation.

It was revealed that several Scorpion squad raids across Freetown has led to various arrests ,confessions and some are currently in custody helping the Commission with the investigation.

The ACC says it is informing and advising the Public that such criminal activities are being perpetrated by a known scammer who is currently residing in Nigeria and directs every move from there.

“We therefore advise members of the public, in and out of Sierra Leone, to be careful and mindful of such scammers and make sure that they verify anything whatsoever they intend to engage in and avoid making payments to alleged public officers using social media platforms or even through direct calls,” the ACC admonished adding how there are legitimate means to verify such claims and they should be instead used.

Chief Justice Babatunde Addresses 16th International Maritime Seminar for Judges in Abuja

July 13, 2022

By Abubakarr Harding

His Lordship, the Chief Justice Desmond Babatunde Edwards, the Chief Justice of the Republic of Sierra Leone, who doubles as a Judge of the Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone (RSCSL), on the 5^th July, 2022 delivered a Goodwill message at the 16th International Maritime seminar for Judges organized at the Sheraton Hotel in Abuja, Nigeria.

In his goodwill message, His Lordship Justice Babatunde Edwards stated that, he was delighted for the invite extended to the Judiciary of Sierra Leone by the Nigerian Judicial Institute and the Nigerian Shipper’s Council as one of the focal countries to attend the seminar in order to receive insight in what he described as ‘the specialist area of law.’

“Throughout my tenure as Chief Justice I have held capacity building as one of the hallmarks for an effective, efficient and developing Judiciary. Our participation here at your invitation falls within this remit and strategic priority,” Justice Babatunde added.

He stated that the selection of Sierra Leone among other countries was timely and appropriate, adding that Sierra Leone and Nigeria as English-speaking countries have similarities in their legal systems and the common law system of practice in terms of admiralty law and Maritime law.

Justice Babatunde Edwards underscored that sharing experiences from the same legal systems will bring about significant changes in which both countries could learn from or even work together for progress.

He continued that at the end of the seminar they must have gained sufficient knowledge that would help build on the jurisprudence of Sierra Leone.

He commended the National Judicial Institute under the chairmanship of His Lordship the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the Nigerian Shipper’s Council for, according to him, the opportunity to benefit from continuing professional development and acquisition of specialist knowledge and skills will be enhanced.

The Chief Justice hopes to replicate a similar seminar in Sierra Leone in the near future, reaffirming that he would always seek multiple experts from Nigeria to help transform the trajectory in the legal system of Sierra Leone.

Representatives from the Judiciary of Ghana, Gambia and Kenya also delivered Goodwill messages.

The keynote speech was delivered by the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria Honourable Justice Olukayode Ariwoola who was the Special Guest of honour for the ceremony.

Also in attendance at the seminar, were Honourable Justice Jamesina Essie Leonora King and Honourable Justice Komba Kamanda of the Court of Appeal as representatives from the Judiciary of Sierra Leone.

MRCG Commends Ministry of Defence & Clerk of Parliament for Expressing Remorse

July 13, 2022

By Amin Kef-Ranger

The Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG) has stated that it welcomes the move made by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to launch an investigation into the allegations concerning the attack of journalist, Maada Jessie Jengo of the Voice of Peace and Development (VOPAD) radio by soldiers of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces.

The Office of the Directorate of Defence, in a press release issued on the 8th July 2022 stated that “the MOD regrets the unfortunate occurrence which does not represent the RSLAF core values of good discipline and selfless service.”

It continued that the MOD notes that its attention was drawn to the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) press release of 4 July 2022 reporting the alleged assault of the journalist.

The MOD further added that, “the soldiers have been identified and an investigation into the allegations is ongoing in accordance with military procedures.” It assured SLAJ of RSLAF’s commitment for mutual cooperation and cordial relationship in the discharge of their duties.

Meanwhile, the MRCG also welcomes the move by the Clerk of Sierra Leone’s Parliament to constitute a committee to investigate an alleged ‘physical assault’ on journalist Abdulai Gbla and make recommendations.

The MRCG stated how it is also delighted that even before the Committee commences investigation, the Clerk of Parliament, according to a press release, issued by SLAJ had apologized to Mr. Gbla.

Also highlighted by the MRCG in its monthly Media Freedom Review has been following the matter. It pointed out that Abdulai Gbla, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of #Gbla TV Online on 28 June 2022 wrote a letter of complaint to the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) regarding an alleged ‘physical assault’ on him by a Member of Parliament (MP), Hon. Abdul Muniru Lansana of Constituency 121. Hon. Abdul Muniru Lansana in response told the MRCG that he ‘did not assault’ the journalist as he had alleged, but rather ‘hit his phone to stop filming the incident’ after he had previously asked the journalists not to film since the parliamentary sitting had been adjourned.

The MRCG commended the actions of the MOD and the Sierra Leone Parliament to investigate the matters, and looks forward to speedy investigations.

It particularly notes the interventions of SLAJ into the matters and views the steps taken by the institutions as indicative of the fact that the culture of impunity is no longer tolerated in a democratic society like Sierra Leone where the rule of law must prevail.

RSLAF Media Team Holds Fruitful Discussions with SLAJ

July 13, 2022

By Amin Kef-Ranger

Led by its Director, Colonel Abu Bakarr Bah, the Media Wing of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) on the 7th July 2022 paid a courtesy call on the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), at the Association’s Headquarters on 56 Campbell Street in Freetown, with an objective to discuss emerging issues and to map out ways of strengthening the relationship between the two institutions.

Accompanying the Director were Major Jacob Bassie, Major Hassan Kamara, and Lt. Nahota Jenneh Bah.

According to Col. Bah, the media is very vital in nation-building maintaining that both the media and the military perform similar roles in serving public interest and are accountable to the public but said their responsibilities are different.

He disclosed how the purpose of their visit is to congratulate the newly-elected national and regional Executives of SLAJ and to start engagement on how the two institutions can build on their already existing cordial relationship toward nation-building and development.

Col. Bah also called on SLAJ to see how best the Association can accommodate the RSLAF media team who are graduates from the Faculty of Communication and Media Development at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, as members of SLAJ. He also requested capacity-building opportunities for his team to perform their roles and responsibilities effectively.

Col. Bah took the opportunity to comment on the issue of the unfortunate assault of journalist Maada Jessie Jengo of VOPAD Radio FM in Waterloo by soldiers and apologized on behalf of the RSLAF.

He disclosed that they have identified the alleged perpetrator who he claimed has shown remorse and visited the journalist and his family, and the radio station management. He said both parties are looking at ways of resolving the issue while the Military continues with its investigation to ensure such altercation does not repeat as both the media and the military need each other for better performance of their respective responsibilities.

Col. Bah further said the RSLAF is currently trying to build on the confidence of the public to earn the people’s trust particularly so when the country is preparing for the 2023 general elections, which success he noted depends on the support and collaboration of the media and security sector.

The Director of the RSLAF Media Unit said both RSLAF and SLAJ need to sensitize their members on how to treat and relate with one another and how best they can understand their roles and responsibilities while performing their various functions as the media need security to do their work effectively likewise the military need the media to inform the public about its operations and promote the image of the force.

“People should know what and what not to do,” he said, explaining that such will help both parties work effectively moving forward. He assured they will cascade the information at all levels within the RSLAF on how to treat members of the public and the media, and the need for the media to educate the public about the roles and responsibilities of the military.

In response, SLAJ President Ahmed Sahid Nasralla said the Association is honoured to receive the RSLAF media team on a courtesy call and stressed the need for such meetings to strengthen cordial relations, cooperation, and support between the institutions.

“There is every need for us to work together, the Army, the Police, and the Media, and support one another in the interest of our nation. I want to see a situation where the public will see us working together amicably with respect and a shared goal to ensure the safety and security of the electorate, including politicians generally, on the one hand, and free, fair, non-violent, transparent, and credible elections come 2023,” said Nasralla.

The SLAJ President noted there is a need for both institutions to continue to support one another as the elections are coming closer, and cited the assault of the journalist as unfortunate in light of the Memorandum of Understanding SLAJ signed with the Security Sector in November 2021.

“The MoU with the security sector is a huge step towards strengthening media-security relations and promoting cooperation and coordination. It’s a big opportunity that is not common in most African countries, and even the world. What we have not yet done, however, is to ensure every member of our institutions is aware of the content of the MoU, its objectives, and the relationship we are trying to forge to prevent conflict and promote both our images and the work that we do. I think that should be the next step we should take, and then organize continuous training sessions to build our capacities and address emerging issues,” said Nasralla.

On the requests of the RSLAF team, Nasralla said another membership drive will begin in the next couple of months and it is open to media practitioners who meet the criteria. He said membership in SLAJ is voluntary and encouraged the RSLAJ media officers to apply when the process opens.

“In SLAJ we have lawyers, police, MPs, academics, teachers, accountants, footballers, musicians, religious leaders; in fact, all walks of life. And so we will welcome military members with a media background,” said Nasralla, adding that once you are a member, and you are committed, and up-to-date with your dues you are eligible to benefit from training opportunities.

CSOs Calls on SLRSA for Post-Crash Fund to Respond to Victims of Road Crashes

July 13, 2022

By Abubakarr Harding

In a new development, members of the Civil Society Consortium on Community Accountability and Service Delivery have called on the Government to set aside a statutory post-crash fund that will be used to speedily respond to victims of crashes within record time.

William Sao-Lamin , Chairman of the Consortium, during a news conference held at the YMCA Hall on Fort Street in Freetown on July 7th, 2022, stated that road safety has been a serious challenge for road users.

He continued that they are calling on all insurance companies to pay ten percent of the money they are receiving as vehicle, Kekeh and Okada insurance fees to the fund maintaining how failure to adhere to road safety measures often result to fetal crashes on the road.

“Road crashes statistics are unbelievable and these crashes are caused for poverty disability and fatality. They most often leave the traveling public with injuries that normally affects them for the rest of their lives,” Sao-Lamin said adding that it impacts on the country’s development agenda, the loss of lives, the degree of injury inflicted on victims, financial loss relating to medical and maintenance cost associated with accidents are enormous.

He said it is due to these factors that they have decided to engage the SLRSA, the Sierra Leone Insurance Company and the insurance industry to establish strategic partnership to mitigate human suffering on the roads.

“We are calling on Government through SLRSA to establish, sustain and equip post-crash care units to mitigate the sufferings of accident victims and minimize crash fatalities. We are calling on SLRSA to coordinate all stakeholders including the Sierra Leone Insurance Commission to come together to achieve greater synergy in establishing the Unit,” he emphasized.

In his contribution, SLRSA Research Manager, Ambrose Tucker lauded the Consortium for the initiative that seeks to reduce deaths during accidents. He said the Authority was established to regulate and coordinate development in the road sector adding how they have established several Units including fitness test for vehicles before licenses are issued, inspect and supervise vehicle repairs among others. He called for the development of pre-hospital care system including the extraction of victims from a vehicle after an accident. He said there is need to establish a hospital trauma system and evaluate quality care, provide early rehabilitation support to injured patients among others.

“There is need to establish an insurance scheme to finance the rehabilitation for crash victims,” he recommended.

Mabang Bridge Now Reconnects Northwest & Southern Sierra Leone

July 13, 2022

By Abubakarr Harding

President Julius Maada Bio has on the 8^th July,2022 commissioned the newly constructed Mabang bridge across the Ribbi River, reviving major commercial activities and reconnecting Koya Chiefdom in Port Loko, Northwest, and Ribbi Chiefdom in Moyamba, South, after 9 years.

“I would like to start with a minute of silence for the departed souls of people who have died crossing the Ribbi River since 2013 when the bridge collapsed with a truck. May the souls of the faithful departed rest in perfect peace.

“The immense financial losses, when citizens have lost their goods and possessions; when boats capsized in the currents of the Ribbi are truly regrettable,” he noted, adding that the bridge opening to the public was ending many years of using dug-out canoes as the means of crossing and accessing other towns and villages in that part of the country.

“It is in that spirit that I want to thank the European Union that has provided finances and worked very closely with my Government. As has been indicated, my Government paid compensation of hundreds of thousands of dollars to striking workers, provided billions of Leones worth of duty-free waivers, provided security at work site and the right leadership and work environment to deliver this project.

“This is the spirit of cooperation between my Government and the European Union that is transforming infrastructure, communities and lives. Coming at a time when there is a seeming petering away of international development assistance, Sierra Leone truly appreciates this intervention from the European Union,” he concluded.

Director of the National Authorizing Office, Ambrose James, gave a background to the major infrastructural development, describing the event as a huge milestone in the history of the country.

“This is a manifestation of President Bio’s wish to deliver for his people,” he noted, adding that he was grateful for the conducive working environment and political will to ensure the completion of the bridge.

EU Deputy Head of Delegation, Juan Antonio Frutos, emphasized that they had a longstanding, committed and reliable political and development partner in Sierra Leone that was encouraging and supporting the consolidation and progress on peace, stability, democracy, governance and human rights in the country.

“Please allow me to express my gratitude once more to all who have helped build this bridge. I am grateful to witness today that His Excellency the President will commission this EU-funded bridge to the people.

“Together with its ‘sister’ in Magbele, this bridge is part of a package of road infrastructure projects that Sierra Leone and the European Union intend to round off before the 2023 rainy season. Other key parts of that road infrastructure package are the road links from Moyamba Town to Moyamba Junction and from Bandajuma to the Liberian border,” he ended.