Customers Laud NP-SL Operations as Second to None

May 15, 2020

By Amin Kef Sesay

This medium conducted an intensive random survey for close to two weeks targeting a large percentage of customers of the National Petroleum-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) with the avowed objective of sounding their views on the operations of the company in the country. The methodology utilized bordered on asking random questions in order to get their candid views.

When quizzed on how they view the way the company treats its numerous customers across the country, most of the respondents warmly reacted by stating that the Shareholders and Management of the company are doing extremely well in the directions of effective service delivery and giving utmost satisfaction to customers.

Abdul Aziz Koroma, a renowned Social Commentator maintained that when it comes to customer care, NP-SL Ltd is second to none within the business landscape of this country.

“From what I so far learnt in order to conduct sales in a very transparent manner and to give customers their money’s worth, the Shareholders of the company decided to procure and install modern calibrated pumping machines at their various Filling Stations that are capable to pump the exact quantity of fuel, at the same time display the price and quantity,” he pointed out adding that to even think that the pump attendants are cheating customers could only be a mere figment of one’s imagination as anything like that is farfetched.

A Development Specialist of long standing intimated that for the country’s economy to grow sustainably it is but important to deepen local content further arguing that it is only when we make meaningful use of both our human and natural resources that development could transpire.

“Instead of depending on the importation of certain consumable items and foreign expatriates it is but very significant and cost effective to make use of what we have at hand to produce goods and services,” Andrew Soluku, an Economist averred, also stating that for NP-SL Ltd to make it a laid down policy and put into practice to offer employment exclusively to Sierra Leoneans is indeed laudable and no mean feat.

He further underscored that by offering jobs to Sierra Leoneans is a way of empowering the citizenry to take care of daily responsibilities and live improved standards of living.

“I really doff my hat to the Shareholders of the company for actualizing such a high sense of patriotism,” he expressed admiration.

A vast majority of those interviewed revealed that they are using NP Gas for cooking purpose maintaining that it is very efficient and environmentally friendly. The NP Gas that they referred to is a cooking device which is manufactured in different cylinder sizes and sold at affordable prices at the company’s Filling Stations. “I discovered that this device is very fast in terms of performance and is now going like hot cakes as many are now going for it especially when the gas that is used to refill it could be easily secured at various Filling Stations ,” Memunatu Forna, a business woman selling cooking utensils on Sani Abacha Street informed.

With regards the use of NP Smart Card it is one that is now in vogue .Some personalities who are using it said they find it very useful and a convenient way of purchasing petroleum products. They added that they always ensure their NP Smart Cards are credited to be used to purchase fuel, be it petrol or diesel. “Sometimes I don’t have to go through the hassle of going to the Bank on a busy Friday afternoon to withdraw cash just for the purpose of purchasing fuel that will last throughout the weekend. I do procure petrol by using my Smart Card and it is working perfectly well,” Musa Kalokoh, an Engineer told one of our reporters.

Momodu Fofana stated that the company is really growing by leaps and bounds. “For NP-SL Ltd to successfully establish branches in neighboring Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia is indeed no mean feat especially when cognizance is taken of the fact that these branches are operating vibrantly,” he pointed out.

From what was so far gathered throughout the conducted random survey it can be safely concluded that NP-SL Ltd is indeed a living testimony of a successful and thriving business entity that is contributing significantly to the socio-economic development of the nation and worthy of emulation.

As Gento takes the lead in Road Construction… First Flyover Bridge Now Completed

May 13, 2020

By Amin Kef Sesay

Gento Group of Companies has been widely commended for being one of the indigenous road construction companies that has exemplarily impressed so many Sierra Leoneans for what many has described as the company’s execution of state of the art road construction works including Hill Cut Flyover bridge.

The company has been rated high for undertaking and finally completing the country’s first flyover bridge at Hill Cut Road amidst myriad of challenges it encountered during the construction phase.

On the 29th May 2019 the company erected 175 tons of iron (the heavy iron carriers of the flyover bridge) and when it was completed amounted to 200 tons.

The road construction company which is 100% owned by a young Sierra Leonean entrepreneur Mohamed Gento Kamara is also credited for creating job opportunities for many young people.

When we take into consideration the importance of infrastructure to the country’s development trajectory in terms of movement of people and goods, it cannot be overemphasized that there is the need to have well-constructed roads, bridges and flyovers.

In times past, this country depended exclusively on awarding contracts to foreign based construction companies. What that means was giving jobs to foreign nationals and taking monies overseas in the form of remittances. However, with the emergence of locally based companies like Gento Group of Companies, the narrative was completely changed as the company has now dominated the road construction landscape in this country. Through the operations of the company many have been provided jobs, skills have been learnt, lives have been improved and Government have been benefitting from the taxes that the company had been paying.

Gento Group of Companies has now taken the lead as the most incisive indigenous road construction company that is complementing the Government’s strides in achieving the construction of well-constructed roads and bridges. Sierra Leoneans both at home and abroad have heaped praises on the company for the qualitative work done so far on the Jomo Kenyatta, King Harman and Hill Cut Roads.

From a random survey conducted by this medium, most whom we talked with, stated that they are really impressed by the quality of the work. Some have expressed the view that currently, residents in the area can now move around with pride as they claim immediate ownership of the flyover saying it is in their backyard, whilst residents in other parts of the country feel proud to be identified as Sierra Leoneans.

During an inspection tour of the completed flyover bridge, the Minister of Works, Peter Bayuku Conteh and his Deputy, Philip Tondoneh, both praised the work of Gento Group of Companies saying they are extremely satisfied with the quality. They admonished road users, both pedestrians and motorists, to use the flyover with caution and respect all traffic rules and regulations.

It must be recalled that road engineers described the terrain where the flyover road was constructed as one of the most difficult terrains in Freetown because of its hills, rocks, and topography. However, the fact remains that Gento and his professionals were able to undertake solid construction work and such has been described as a testimony of the professionalism of the company’s workers.

Many are of the view that the completion of the flyover will ease traffic congestion in the far West End of Freetown.

Dilating on the challenges the company faced during the construction stage, Ing. Idrissa Koroma said they were facing serious challenges with some utility companies like Electricity Distribution Supply Authority (EDSA), Guma Valley Water Company (GVWC) and SIERRATEL.

He explained to this medium that the Gento Group of Companies is the only construction company that conducted hydraulic survey before construction, a professional move undertaken, in order to avoid overflow of water from the drainages unto the environs. He further explained that to access their quarry, they drive up to 45 km to collect granite and this entails time and money as fuel is heavily consumed.

To access water was another challenge and it was one of the factors that created delay during construction work. “We did all our best to do quality work and our CEO, Mohamed Gento Kamara, is very passionate about developing this nation” he said.

As part of rolling out its Corporate Social Responsibility, the company built a mosque and church for the residents living within communities very close to where the flyover passed.

The company is also hailed for providing humanitarian assistances to Muslims during this month of Ramadan as well as other gestures aimed at improving lives.

Institute for Governance Reform (IGR) Correlates COVID-19 & Violence

May 13, 2020

By Theresa Kef Sesay

There are clear signals that there could be more incidences of violence in communities as COVID-19 cases multiply and stringent restrictions disrupt people’s livelihoods and social anxieties rise.

The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) that is coordinating the COVID-19 response should therefore not miss out on the importance of a community-centred approach in fighting the disease. While there has been acknowledgement that communities should and must lead, in practice, the current militarisation of the government’s response is problematic on two levels. First, it is heightening stigmatisation, making it difficult for communities and households to fully support the fight against COVID-19, including co-creating solutions to proper enforcement of the measures, supporting affected family members and protecting livelihoods.

In preparing this brief, IGR spoke to five patients in three treatment centers who confirmed that they noted signs and symptoms of COVID-19 for days before they were tested. They were however afraid to call the emergency 117 line or report their symptoms due to the fear of facing similar stigmatisation that earlier patients and their family networks have faced. Second, it appears as if decisions about the response are being made from Freetown with communities simply expected to follow the pronouncements of national authorities, and most times without support or financial resources to adapt proposed measures to local community contexts.

Many players/partners including citizen groups, communities, households as well as aid agencies are yet to realise their rightful space to contribute to, as well as shape the response. All these complex relationships can be hard to forge if community stability and cohesion are further damaged. We therefore recommend short-term measures that can help refocus the country’s attention on the pandemic and the longer-term institutional reform and cohesion building objectives. IGR draws particular attention to the following:

1) GoSL and partners should consider establishing an all-inclusive conflict resolution taskforce within the social mobilisation pillar of the Emergency Operation Center (EOC) as part of a deliberate trust-building agenda throughout the COVID response.

2) The EOC should ensure that lockdowns are more predictable and clearly communicated at least a week to give ample time to communities, security forces and district response teams to

discuss and agree on coping and enforcement mechanisms.

3) The governing SLPP party should take deliberate steps to separate the party from the state to ensure that institutions are seen to serve everyone irrespective of party affiliation. In practical terms, at any time the SLPP issues public statements bordering on matters between the State and individuals and groups, it is seen as putting state institutions under undue pressure to act in a partisan way.

4) The media’s focus on pushing the narrative of an SLPP/APC divide is misleading and destructive especially in responding to this pandemic. By simplifying every problem in Sierra Leone to an APC/SLPP narrative, Sierra Leone misses out on addressing deep-rooted underlying drivers of conflict, including community tensions, corruption, poverty and bad

policies that transcend ethnicity and party politics. As a matter of urgency, the Independent Media Commission (IMC), Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) and their partners should take action to address extremism and fake news shared on local radios, TV shows, and social media including Facebook and WhatsApp.

5) In light of the claims and counterclaims currently at play, we urge all parties to respect the law and allow it to take its due course. No leader should be seen as above the law, neither the president nor opposition members. Being in office or in the opposition should not be taken as an opportunity to evade accountability for crimes committed. Opposition supporters should allow leaders who have been accused of crimes to answer to those charges in a court of law. The State should guarantee a fair trial to all accused persons.

6) Government should ensure a speedy trial of politically exposed persons and ensure that programmes are developed to promote stability and cohesion in communities to prevent vested interests from exploiting existing divisions.

RAIC Calls on Public Authorities to Document COVID-19 Related Decisions & Transactions

May 13, 2020

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The Right to Access Information Commission (RAIC) calls on all public authorities, including businesses and research institutions in the country to document their COVID 19-related decisions and transactions to ensure experiential learning on how to prevent and contain future public health emergencies.

“The ability to study the COVID-19 pandemic in order to prevent similar public health emergencies requires the existence of records management services and archives, otherwise records and data would not be generated and captured in ways that would enable their preservation and access, now, or in the future,” said Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw, Chairman and Information Commissioner of the RAIC.

The Commission emphasizes the need for decision-makers in the public and private sectors to recognize and uphold the value of records management and archives. With this, they can turn the threat of COVID-19 into an opportunity for greater support to documentary heritage.

Entrusted with the statutory responsibility consistent with Sections 27, 28, 29 of the Right to Access Information Act 2013 to, among other things, ensure that every public authority record, capture and maintain records of its activities in a manner that facilitates access to information, the Commission makes three calls to action consistent with those made in a joint statement released on Monday 4th May 2020 and signed by 8 international organizations, including the International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC), of which RAIC is a member, UNESCO and International Council on archives (ICA). These three calls to action to all MDAs, Businesses and Research Institutions are as follows:

(1) Documenting Decisions and Transactions

The Commission views that under the circumstance, sound records management is more important than ever given that various institutions on the frontline of the COVID 19 response are taking extraordinary steps to deal with the pandemic. Even though the pandemic is showing the benefits of access to large and small scale data to inform decisions-making, this does not reduce the need to contextualize records nor does it exempt relevant institutions from documenting their data analysis, processing and capturing critical information. It is critical to comprehensively document all decisions made and the senior decision-makers involved in the response, for accountability both during and after the pandemic, and for future generations to be able to learn from these actions. In these current circumstances records may be at risk. Thus, urgent steps should be taken to address recordkeeping.

(2) The Security and Preservation of Records and Data in all Sectors

The duty to document does not only rest with those institutions that receive monies on behalf of the people of Sierra Leone but also with commercial, research and educational institutions.

The impact of the pandemic will be far reaching, and all organizations need to be cognizant of the importance of proper data and records management. Commercial entities will need essential records to be maintained for the continuity of operations, to evidence rights and entitlements, but also to be able to apply for government supports. Research and educational institutions, especially those involved in tracking the disease, must ensure that their records and data are accurate and properly maintained. The existence of proper documentation practice will enable not only business continuity, research and innovation, but also the evidence of how this pandemic was managed for future generations. Archives are the custodians of the Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in 2014 and the Influenza pandemic in 1918 which are being studied by scientists and different stakeholders around the world and these organizations will eventually be the agents for records related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

(3) Evidence of Economic and Societal Impact of COVID 19.

As the economic impact of COVID-19 is felt around the world, it will also be critical to secure, capture and preserve the records of defunct companies and/or private entities. This way, the social, cultural and even economic significance of former undertakings can live on. Also, immediate and accurate response to post COVID 19 needs at all levels in Sierra Leone by building community resilience through social mobilization and adequate service delivery, promotion of participation, civic, engagements, social inclusion and other social protection activities will be possible.

Le 57m Worth Of Covid-19 Items Provided by credit Unions

May 13, 2020

(Left) Mr. Solomon Mwongyere handing over the items to Mrs. Lillian Songo

By Fatmata Jengbe

In its efforts to mitigate the spread of the corona virus pandemic (COVID-19) in Sierra Leone, the Irish League of Credit Union Federation (ILCUF) Limited in partnership with the National Cooperative Credit Union Association (NaCCUA) on Friday 8^th May 2020 donated facemasks, Veronica buckets, containers of liquid soap, hand sanitizers, assorted materials on COVID-91 and 5 Android mobile phones all estimated at Le57 million to various Credit Unions in Sierra Leone under the National Cooperative Credit Union Association of Sierra Leone at an impressive ceremony at ILCUF’s 45 Fort Street headquarters in Freetown to be distributed to over 5,000 of their committed/active members nationwide. This is in accordance to some of the cooperative principles which talks about Cooperation among cooperatives and concern for the community.

The items were distributed to among others Bayconsfield, Local Food Sellers, Mount Auroel, Yams Farm, Goderich, Passionate Progressive and Tawopaneh Credit Unions. Other items are for Credit Unions outside Freetown.

Handing over the items to the Chairperson of the National Cooperative Credit Union Association of Sierra Leone, Mrs. Lillian Songo, the General Manager of ILCUF, Mr. Solomon Mwongyere revealed that ILCUF and the National Association are concerned about the welfare of their members and the communities in which they operate underscoring that members of Credit Unions must abide by the mandatory government law to wear facemasks in public and appealed to them to use the items to prevent the spread of the pandemic in the country.

According to Mr. Solomon Mwongyere, the coronavirus pandemic is a global concern that has affected the entire world, that they are looking at ways to prevent it, that Credit Unions are financial institutions working continuously in spite of the outbreak and promised to monitor the beneficiaries to ensure that the items are judiciously utilized recalling that Credit Unions in the provinces are sending pictures of their members’ compliance with the preventive measures.

The General Manager also encouraged all to abide by the preventive measures issued by the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, to contact his office in case they need help as well as to call and make suggestions through the program Talk Your Mind initiated by ILCUF with NaCCUA and to remain safe revealing that members send daily reports of their financial transactions through the Android phones donated by the ILCUF to ensure the safety of their members’ savings and even themselves.

He also sensitized the people about the prevent measures of the corona virus pandemic like frequent washing of hands with soap and clean water, to avoid crowded places, wearing of facemasks in public, encouraging the sick to go to the hospital, to stay at home stressing that the donation is a little support to Credit Unions to give to their members.

Receiving the items, the Chairperson of the National Cooperative Credit Union Associations of Sierra Leone, Mrs. Lillian Songo, on behalf of her members, said they are highly delighted to receive the items even in these trying times all over the world, expressed thanks and appreciation to the donors and their partners in Ireland and observed that only one who loves you can make such a donation during this global pandemic to prevent the spread of the virus and promised to sensitize her members about the preventive measures of the pandemic.

She furthered prayed for the a swift end to the pandemic for people to return to their normal lives, that most of her members are illiterates for which she commended ILCUF for producing and distributing posters of the preventive measures that her members better understand and underscored that they are concerned about the communities in which their members operate.

Representatives of the different Credit Unions expressed appreciation and similar sentiments to the donors. The Chairperson of Tawopaneh, Mr Issa Bangura, mentioned that this is a big boost to their Credit Unions and he pledged that members would always wear facemasks each time they coming to their Credit Unions and public as per government directives.

The facemasks were locally produced by S.A. Sports Wear of 4 Sanders Street in Freetown.

Omrie Golley Boosts YKK Chiefdom with Donated Items

May 13, 2020

Ambassador of the Republic of Sierra Leone to the Republic of Korea, Ambassador Omrie Golley

By Abdul Malik Bangura

On the 9th May 2020 a consignment of food items and sanitation products was delivered to the people of YKK Chiefdom, Pujehun District, Southern Province of Sierra Leone, on behalf of the erstwhile Ambassador of the Republic of Sierra Leone to the Republic of Korea, Ambassador Omrie Golley, whose ancestors originally hail from that district.

The items consisting of 30 bags of rice, bags of Onion, salt, cooking oil, together with Veronica Buckets and additional sanitation products were presented to the Chiefdom by a representative of the Ambassador, Mr Abdul Karim Turay, to Paramount Chief Madam Matilda Yayo Lansana Minah V who is also the sitting Paramount Chief Member of Parliament (PCMP) representing Pujehun District .

Making the presentation, in a short ceremony, in Karlu Town, Mr Turay indicated that Ambassador Golley was very keen for the items to be delivered to support the people of his Chiefdom on the fight against the deadly virus during the Muslim Holy Month of Ramadan, and also assist in his own small way with shielding the people from the corona pandemic which had now affected almost every part of the world.

Paramount Chief Madam Lansana Minah V accepting the items extended her profound gratitude to Ambassador Golley who she termed “a great humanitarian”, who despite being in lockdown in the United Kingdom due to restrictions caused there by the Coronavirus, had nevertheless manifested love for his people by arranging for the items delivered to be presented at the earliest opportunity to the Chiefdom.

The Paramount Chief also admonished other family members from the chiefdom who were in a position to assist, to follow the footsteps of the Ambassador.

VP Jalloh Receives Anti-Covid 19 Medical Supplies from UAE

May 13, 2020

By Edward Vamboi

It has been confirmed that President Dr Julius Maada Bio has received confirmation from Sierra Leone’s Ambassador in the UAE, Rashid Sesay, of 7-tons of Anti-Covid-19 medical supplies. The consignment arrived in Freetown on Monday 11 May 2020.

President Bio enjoys a cordial and fraternal relationship with His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of the UAE.

On Wednesday 6 May 2020, the two leaders had a virtual meeting where they discussed the donation.

A note verbale of 9 May 2020 conveys details of the dispatch of a special aircraft containing the donation to the esteemed government of President Julius Maada Bio. All necessary clearances from the Sierra Leone Aviation Authority were in place for the landing of the Etihad Airways special aircraft.

Vice President Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Nabeela Tunis, officially received the medical supplies at the Lungi International Airport.

It was understood that seven metric tonnes of aid were sent to Sierra Leona to help 7,000 medical professionals, while a further six metric tonnes was sent to both Niger and Mali each, to help 6,000 medical professionals in both of those countries.

Omar Al Meheiri, Charge d’Affaires of the UAE Embassy in Senegal, said, “The UAE is committed to assisting its partners throughout Africa in their relentless fight against COVID-19. Today’s provision of aid will boost medical professionals’ ability to combat this virus with the necessary protection and equipment to ensure their safety.”

Amer Al Menhali, Charge d’Affaires of the UAE Embassy in Chad, said, “Aid to Niger comes as part of the UAE’s efforts to ensure that medical professionals throughout Africa, especially those in the Sahel region, have access to the necessary personal protective equipment to enable their critical work on the frontlines of fighting COVID-19.”

Yousef Saif Al Ali, UAE Ambassador to Algeria and Non-Resident Ambassador to Mali, said, “Mali is an important partner to the UAE in efforts to strengthen the fight against COVID-19 throughout Africa. Today’s delivery of medical aid to Mali will help protect medical workers who are leading the campaign against the virus’ spread.”

“The UAE stands with Mali in this difficult moment and is confident that the world can overcome this crisis through cooperation on all fronts,” Al Ali added.

To date, the UAE has provided more than 479 metric tons of aid to over 44 countries, supporting nearly 479,000 medical professionals in the process.

APC Calls for Impartial Investigation

May 13, 2020

All People's Congress Party.jpg — Ambassador Dr. Alhaji Osman F. Yansaneh, APC National Secretary General

By Foday Moriba Conteh

On Sunday 10th May 2020 the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) party reacted to a statement that was delivered by His Excellency, The President Julius Maada Bio on the 8^th May 2020. In its reaction, the leadership of the APC expressed great disappointment over the President’s speech which it says borders on the current security situation in the country.

According to the APC, the President wrongfully referred to their Party leadership and membership as “terrorists” and threatened that his Government will “hit hard and it will continue to hit even harder until this fight is won”.

The APC lamented over the fact that His Excellency the President could use the national address to denigrate a legitimate political institution which existence is in accordance with the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone and the Political Parties Registration Act of 2002.

Against that backdrop, the APC said it is important for the general public to note that the APC is not in any ‘’fight’’ with the Government.

The leadership of the party says it is dismayed that the Party has been wrongly implicated when the President asserted emphatically that: “Evidence emerging from investigations have named known local leaders and members of the APC as being responsible for inciting, planning, financing, mobilising, and in some cases actively participating in violent terrorist attacks against the people of this country”.

In that light, the APC Party said it wishes to make it known that they are a law abiding Party and since 4th April, 2018 when President Bio was sworn into office, they have kept within the confines of the law and have resisted all forms of provocation and intimidation.

They continued by stating how APC Party Offices were vandalized country wide, party loyalists brutalised, raped and killed and many of their members had their houses burnt down and some were forced to seek refuge in strange lands where they continue to languish in misery and squalor.

They said the APC would like to bring to the attention of the International Community and the nation that the statement of the President of 8th May, 2020, describing the leaders and members of the APC Party as ‘’terrorists’’, could serve as a precursor for lynch mobs to go after peaceful citizens of the country. They therefore called for their assistance in reminding the President of his commitment to be a President for all Sierra Leoneans and for the sustenance of the security of the State.

The APC said Sierra Leoneans may also recall that in response to certain unfortunate incidents, the APC Party sent a high powered delegation to meet with President Bio and his team in a bid to seek an amicable settlement in the best interest of peace and stability in Sierra Leone. It disclosed that the APC delegation included the Deputy Chairman and Leader, the National Secretary General, the APC Leader in Parliament and his Deputy, and the 2018 Presidential Candidate.

Leadership of the APC pointed out that President Bio was gracious enough to set up a Cross-party Committee to address the concerns the APC Party brought to his attention in that meeting saying that at the end of the day, despite all the efforts of traveling all over the country, gathering evidence of violent incidents and the report was presented to him the President, through the Director of the Office of National Security, nothing was done about it up to date.

They said the International Community and development partners would also note that even though they had serious reservations about the outcome of the 2018 Presidential and Parliamentary elections results, they did not resort to violence but rather they went to court to seek redress but regrettably their cases are yet to be listed or addressed over two years on.

The APC highlighted that the SLPP Government sent in the Police to beat up their Members of Parliament (MPs) and brutally chased them out of the Well of Parliament to pave the way for the imposition of a Minority Speaker. They said with all these the APC did not resort to violence but instead they issued several press releases calling on the Government and the International Community to intervene.

The leadership of the APC said on the 31st May, 2019, two important events took place that breached the Constitution and statutory provision of the country:

They mentioned how the Judiciary ruled to kick out ten (10) duly elected APC MPs from Parliament and ordered the swearing in of non-elected SLPP candidates who had lost the elections in outright contravention of the 1991 Constitution and the Sierra Leone Public Elections Act of 2012;

The APC also revealed how the SLPP Government attacked their Party headquarters, brutalised their members and detained 146 of them in custody and some of them are still languishing in the courts to this day but yet their party did not resort to violence.

They recalled the blatant display of thuggery and rigging in recent by-elections but most especially in Thonko-Limba and Constituency 110 in the Freetown Peninsular. The party said they all witnessed how the SLPP Government used the Sierra Leone Police, State functionaries and thugs including the Minister of Transport and Aviation to violently disrupt the elections and deprive the APC of their much deserved victory.

According to them one life was lost in Thonko-Limba and during that time the International Community urged the Government to setup an inquest into the death of the 14-year old school boy. “All of these cases have been taken up with the Judiciary for redress but regrettably, no action has been taken but yet the APC did not resort to violence,” they bemoaned.

The party says their revered development partners would recall the widespread sacking of thousands of Sierra Leoneans, including some with security of tenure as provided for in the 1991 Constitution adding how they were all perceived as having some links with the APC also underscoring how they are now jobless and languishing at home but yet, the APC did not resort to violence.

According to the APC the fight against corruption is one that the party is on record as championing making reference to how they strengthened the powers of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) maintaining that they are therefore not averse to the setting up of Commissions of Inquiry (COI) that are consistent with the provisions of relevant portions of the Constitution and which do not infringe upon the fundamental rights of its citizens.

“We raised concerns that the COI were set up in contravention of the Constitution. The APC took the matter to the Supreme Court for interpretation. The matter is yet to be listed. Two years since, the APC did not resort to violence,” the party argued.

It says the APC said it believes in free speech and the defence of fundamental human rights pointing out that the track record of former President Ernest Bai Koroma in that sector is very apparent. They said regrettably, the APC leaders and members have come under incessant attacks, harassment and intimidation and many of their members have been arrested and detained on trumped up charges stressing how the APC is seeking redress through the courts, yet, they have not resorted to violence.

The APC told the nation that the SLPP Government chose to unilaterally terminate existing contracts of investors, increase taxes and make it increasingly impossible for the private sector to flourish in Sierra Leone. It says such naturally has attendant implications for the economy but yet President Bio blamed the APC Party for the mass closure of big corporations and enterprises the APC Government had attracted.

They said they note the reference to contributions he ,President Bio made in the fight against Ebola when the APC Party was in governance while the APC appreciates his sacrifice, saying they shall restrain themselves from delving into the nitty-gritty of President Bio’s involvement in the fight, and how it was facilitated by the goodwill of former President Koroma and the Government of Sierra Leone.

They said even in the absence of any goodwill from the Government, the APC has reached out to communities, developed sensitization messages, distributed food and other essential items to the needy and played their part (which they will continue to do) in the fight against Covid-19.

According to them the APC further notes, with deep curiosity, President Bio’s comments on efforts made by the Government, including dispatching a delegation headed by the Honourable Vice President Juldeh Jalloh to Former President Koroma in Makeni and leading to a meeting between President Bio and former President Koroma at State House.

Based on what the APC pointed out ,the meeting was intended to promote peace and foster national cohesion and admittedly, those steps are quite laudable going further to establish that during those engagements, a joint-communique between the SLPP Government and the APC Party was signed which was expected to serve as the basis for continued dialogue between the parties – APC/SLPP.

The party added that a joint- meeting co-chaired by the Vice President and their Deputy Leader and Chairman took place over six months ago and the Vice President promised to bring the outcome of that meeting to the attention of His Excellency.

They lamented that unfortunately, however, the Government showed little or no commitment to translate the content of the communique into reality stating that nothing has happened since then in spite of their continued calls on the Vice President to reconvene the meeting.

Leadership of the party expressed hope that the Government will focus on pursuing genuine peace and national cohesion through meaningful dialogue saying describing a significant percentage of the citizenry as ‘terrorists’ is certainly not how to keep Sierra Leone united and peaceful.

It also furthered that the APC Party wished to make it known that they remain committed to peace and stability in Sierra Leone adding that they however believe that there can never be genuine peace without justice. “We therefore call for peace and justice in Sierra Leone. We therefore insist on an independent investigation into the 29th April, 2020 alleged ‘prison break’ at the Male Correction Centre, Pademba Road, and the unfortunate incidents at Lunsar, Tombo and other areas in a bid to bring to book all those involved in perpetrating violence,” the APC furthered.

Concluding, the APC said they want to take the opportunity to reiterate and pledge their loyalty and support to the peaceful people of the nation and pledged again all their endeavours to improve the long-term welfare of all Sierra Leoneans.

The party said they are also herby registering their heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives on the 29th April 2020 at the Pademba Road Male Correctional Centre as well as to those who lost their lives in the violent disturbances in Lunsar and Tombo.

To Ensure Peace And Cohesion… There Should Be A Credible Platform For APC/SLPP Dialogue

May 13, 2020

By Amin Kef Sesay

Based on the spirit of the Bintumani III, National peace and cohesion conference that was called for by His Excellency President Bio in May 2019, political dialogue, which refers to a wide range of activities, from high-level negotiations to mediation to community attempts at reconciliation, has to take place between the country’s two main political protagonists – APC and SLPP – on a regular, consistent basis in order for the peace and development of the country not to continue to stand on shaky grounds.

The parameters are that the dialogue must be political in nature and aimed at addressing threats in a society which can cause a lapse or relapse into violent conflict as has been seen frequently in some parts of the country where political tensions run high since the end of the March 2018 elections.

In the APC/SLPP context, the objective of political dialogue is to achieve practical and peaceful solutions to problems.

At a deeper level, the aim is to address conflict drivers and foster reconciliation, build a greater national consensus and social cohesion, and define a shared vision of the future.

What makes genuinely political dialogue difficult in this country is mainly because regular State institutions are not functioning properly because they have been compromised by political bias, corruption, and inefficiency.

The role of political dialogue in such contexts is to strengthen the legitimacy of institutions by building consensus on and trust in their proper functioning.

As a result, political dialogue in all its forms plays an indispensable role in efforts by national actors and the international community to respond to violent conflicts and to build national vision in fragile contexts.

It must take place among national actors at all levels of society; among international actors; and between the international community and national actors. Four main types of dialogue have been identified:

High-level or summit dialogues involving the top leadership of contending sections of the population. These dialogues are often initiated or mediated by the international community. These are high-risk events, with much at stake.
(ii) Track Two interventions by civil society organizations that provide discreet and relatively low-risk opportunities to explore options, build trust and skill in the process of dialogue.
(iii) Political dialogue that takes place as an indispensable aspect of planning for peacebuilding, State-building and development. It is increasingly, but not yet sufficiently, understood that such planning has to be driven by political dialogue.
(iv) Multi-level dialogue, where dialogue takes place at various levels of society in an effort to engage citizens in building sufficient national consensus on critical challenges.

These four approaches are not mutually exclusive, rather complementary. Each type has its advantages and limitations. It is often advisable to pursue different types of dialogue in parallel, on the condition that they pursue the same overall objectives and are not contradictory.

The preconditions for successful dialogue are:

Adequate preparation:

− Conducting an objective, reliable analysis of the conflict and parties’ interests and fears.

− Learning lessons from past experiences, particularly the reasons for past failures.

− Designing an appropriate process; clarifying and allocating roles of different support actors.

− Setting up a support structure to deal with funding, logistical arrangements and financial management.

− Pre-mediation consultation to ensure sufficient buy-in of all parties into the process.

− Planning an appropriate communication strategy with the Press.

Credible facilitation. It is crucial to have a skilled facilitator that all parties accept and feel comfortable with in order to make the process as fair and even-handed as possible.
Sufficient political commitment. Political will is important for the dialogue to reach inclusive agreements; and for effective implementation. Political commitment is influenced by internal and external political pressure; but is strongest when participating parties enjoy a sense of ownership of the dialogue process.
Collective leadership capability. A critical factor determining the success of dialogue is the capability of leaders to form coalitions across political and social divides in order to implement decisions that have been made through the dialogue process. Where the capability to form such coalitions does not exist, little can be expected from dialogue in terms of lasting results.
Adequate inclusion. The aspect of inclusion is of critical importance because exclusion is often a major cause of conflict. It is in most cases a contentious issue; and in reality difficult to satisfy all. It is, however, necessary to be “inclusive enough” to safeguard the legitimacy of decisions. The inclusion of women is crucial as the political dialogue process can be a window of opportunity for addressing structural inequalities.

High Court to Open on May 18

May 13, 2020

Hon. Chief Justice of the Republic of Sierra Leone Hon. Justice Desmond Babartunde Edwards

By Theresa Kef Sesay

In order to adjudicate cases that emerged during the recently spate of violence incidents across the country the Chief Justice of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Justice Babatunde Edwards, has stated that the High Court will open on Monday, May 18.

The latest move came after President Julius Maada Bio said in his broadcast address on the 8^th May 2020 that, “there had been unrelenting barrage of attacks against the State, State officials, public, private persons and properties.”

The President later made an appeal to the Chief Justice to consider appropriate measures to adjudicate the cases that emerged from the “widespread insecurity.”

In response, the Chief Justice said with effect from Monday 18^th, May 2020, “the May criminal sessions of High Court will commence in Freetown, Makeni, Bo, Kenema and Kono.”

He added that “To contain the spread of COVID-19, only a limited number of persons will be allowed to attend Court sittings at any specific time.

Justice Edwards says “all other protocols which had been put in place in the High Court, in terms of Social Distancing, Wearing of Face Marks, Number of persons permitted into Court rooms etc, remain in place.”

He had earlier on said that “Magistrate Courts No.1 and 2 on Pademba Road and Ross Road and other big Magistrates Court nationwide should hold not more than 20 persons, inclusive of lawyers and litigants.

Justice Edwards said “Smaller Magistrate Courts nationwide should hold no more than 10 persons at any given time.” He furthered that “in all Civil and Criminal proceedings, High Court which has a capacity of hosting 200 persons each, should not accommodate more than 40 persons, including judges, lawyers and litigants.”

He emphasized that High Courts No. 3, 4, 5 & 6 (Anti-Corruption Courts) must not hold more than 15 persons during proceedings and also its High Courts (No. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13) should only take in 10 persons.

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