IMC Holds Consultation on Draft IMC Elections Reporting Guidelines

July 6, 2022

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In a bid to enhance professional journalism and a more viable relationship with media readership, audiences and voters during elections in the country, the Independent Media Commission (IMC) has on Tuesday 5^th July, 2022 held a one-day Consultation meeting with stakeholders, Station Managers and Newspaper Editors in the Western Urban and Rural areas on the Draft Independent Media Commission (IMC) Elections Reporting Guidelines. The one-day Consultation session was held at Kona Lodge on King Street, Signal Hill in the West end of Freetown.

Present at the session were representatives of Station Managers and Newspaper Editors from different media houses, the Sierra Leone Police, Human Rights Commission, Office of National Security, Ministry of Information and Communications, Rights to Access Information, National Commission for Democracy etc.

In his statement, the National Coordinator of the Independent Radio Network, Ransford Wright, commended the Independent Media Commission for convening the Consultation session on the Draft Elections Reporting Guidelines.

He said the recommendations of the election observer mission highlighted some of the flaws and lapses related to media regulations disclosing how as a result of that the National Electoral Commission, now referred to as the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone, in putting together all their recommendations highlighted that the areas where recommendations relating to the media were made, the IMC needs to do something regarding those recommendations.

Ransford Wright pointed out that the consultation session on the Draft Elections Reporting Guidelines is done along that direction furthering how the IMC cannot put together the Elections Reporting Guidelines without holding such a session also adding that convening such a session makes the process inclusive.

The Chairman of the Guild of Newspaper Editors, Theo Harding, stated that the media is expected to set the highest standards in terms of accuracy, fairness, balance and impartiality of which he considered the consultation session as very important towards achieving that goal.

He said he is of the strong conviction that the set of Guidelines will help ensure professional journalism and a more viable relationship with media readership, audiences and voters.

Representing the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists, the Financial Secretary of the Association, Mohamed Konneh, maintained that the guidelines have been developed by the Independent Media Commission (IMC) and media stakeholders including SLAJ ,giving due regard to the important role that the media plays in promoting democracy, peace and good governance.

He informed all that the guidelines make provisions for fair, adequate and equitable media coverage during elections and called on journalists present to make meaningful inputs towards the Draft Elections Reporting Guidelines in order to have better guidelines at the end of the day.

Opening the session, the Chairman of IMC, Dr Victor Massaquoi said one of the central functions of the Commission is to professionally develop media practitioners in the country, adding that with the proliferation of Radio, TV stations and Newspapers, plus the social media, enhanced by the overabundance of accusations of character assassinations and hasty reporting with limited or concocted facts leveled at some media practitioners in the last 5 years, the need to develop, consult and produce election coverage guidelines is timely and relevant.

He pointed out that they want the guidelines to be steeped in context, rich in content and crystal in clarity, so that when journalists cover an election, they do so accurately and produce balanced, fair and credible reports and analysis, furthering that the Commission wants to assure all that the IMC believes in consultation, participation and quality result, which is going to be reflected in the final document.

The Chairman also used the opportunity to give the following assurances of which he said the IMC will ensure the media is monitored for quality content and efficiency, to ensure that the interest of the public is protected; ensure that the minimum wage and other legal obligations are complied with by media organizations but expressed hope that reporters are not conniving with Managing Editors to submit doctored documents to the IMC, that the IMC will ensure its independence is maintained and finally that the IMC will ensure the development of its staff and media practitioners

The Chairman stated that the Commission will continue to implement its four strategic objectives: monitoring, regulation; capacity building and resource mobilization, adding that they will continue to rebrand, improve on relevance and provide professional support to the media.

“So as you are here today, I crave your active participation, networking and ensure your contributions are meaningful and rich,” he concluded.

Soweis threaten to kill Amijata Fofanah for destroying their Shrine

July 6, 2022

Amijata Fofanah.jpg — The missing Amijata Fofanah

By Karifa Kello Thoronka

Female Circumcision, which is very dangerous to women’s health is a process of excision of the clitoris and labia minora with razor by a senior society member called Sowei, who has no medical training but believed to be spiritually powerful.

Soweis and some traditionalist have declared war against Amijata Fofanah a community activist working for Amazonian Initiative Movement in the Northern part of Sierra Leone for destroying their secret society bush (Bondo bush) whiles preaching against bondo society in the Country.

Whiles speaking with a close family member of Amijata Fofanah, who refused not to mentioned his name noted that Amijata has being living in Lunsar Town since childhood, he further by saying that Amijata always advocate against Female genital Mutilation (FGM). Despite his grandma being part of Bondo and his mum Madam Fatmata Fofanah, a decision-maker within the Bondo society and a practitioner of FGM, while he was growing up he never wanted his sisters to be initiated into the bondo society.

One of the renown Sowei by the name of Kulakoh Kamara in frustrating mood says that, its was a week after the initiation ceremony of Amijata’s Sisters Marie Fofanah and others in the bondo bush, we saw him coming with machete shouting release my sisters or I will kill someone, she maintained by noting that without hesitation Amijata destroyed the bondo bush and disappear with his Sisters in a thick forest.

Secret Societies have used symbols of witchcraft to intimidate community members and has vandalized property and attacked families who refuse to participate in both poro and bondo society in the Northern part of Sierra Leone. There was a report that women were forcibly initiated into secret society. According to many, the forced initiation of women has resorts to lost of lives and serious bleeding.

Another obstacle, it makes travel very difficult for women who are not part of the society during initiation seasons, they are not allowed to move freely due to risk to be captured and forcefully initiated. Meanwhile, Successive governments have made little effort to change this picture either because the practice is so deeply embedded in the culture of the people or because politicians fear losing the votes of the people if they attempt to ban it.

For fear of death, Amijata Fofanah is still nowhere to be located, whiles the Soweis and some traditionalists are still searching for him.

Xi Jinping, the man who leads CPC on new journey

July 5, 2022

Xi Jinping boards the aircraft carrier Shandong and reviews the guard of honor at a naval port in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province

By Mr. Alpha Mohamed Jalloh

Director: China Africa Institute, University of Makeni

Few political parties worldwide could boast of such a long history and uninterrupted period of state governance. The Communist Party of China (CPC) has been China’s ruling party for 73 years. Presently, Xi is the core of the CPC leadership. Before him, generations of central collective leadership had spanned the decades with Mao Zedong, Deng Xiaoping, Jiang Zemin, and Hu Jintao as chief representatives.

Since being elected General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee in November 2012, Xi has been seen as a man of determination and action, a man of profound thoughts and feelings, a man who inherited a legacy but dares to innovate, and a man who has forward-looking vision and is committed to working tirelessly.

Under his leadership, China is becoming a powerful country, and is now entering an era of strength.

On the new journey, Xi is undoubtedly the core figure in charting the course of history. How will he lead the Party in the face of opportunities and challenges? How will he bring China back to the world’s center stage? Today, the world is watching Xi just closely as they did when he took office 10 years ago.

The year 2022 is the tenth year of Xi’s signature anti-corruption campaign, the most extensive in Chinese history. It shows no signs of letting up.

More than 20 high-level officials and executives in the financial sector have been punished or investigated last year. When Xi was elected General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, China was already the world’s second-largest economy. Yet, it faced challenges from within.

Facts prove that if corruption is allowed to spread, it will eventually lead to the destruction of a party and the fall of a government.

As General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, Xi has led efforts to formulate and revise around 200 intra-party regulations. He also launched five Party-wide education campaigns to firm up the ideals and convictions of Party members and ensure they act effectively and in unison.

Xi also attaches great importance to intra-party democracy. Solicited comments from CPC members are now incorporated into all Party national congress reports, documents reviewed at plenary sessions, and major Party documents, decisions, and reform policies.

Xi Jinping is enjoying greater support within the CPC now than ever.

Without a strong leadership core, the CPC would find it hard to unify the entire Party’s will or build solidarity and unity among people of all ethnic groups. It would not be able to achieve anything or carry out any of its “great struggles with many new historical features,” said Wang Junwei, a research fellow at the Institute of Party History and Literature of the CPC Central Committee.

In October 2017, Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era was officially instituted at the 19th CPC National Congress. The thought was enshrined in the CPC Constitution and China’s Constitution.

Like Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping, Xi has advanced the adaption of Marxism to the Chinese context and kept it relevant.

Xi believes that rejuvenation requires both strategic design and hard work. He took the lead by being a man of action. In 2019 alone, he took part in more than 500 important events. His working itinerary covered weekends of about 30 weeks in that year. He revised each draft of major reform plans.

When Xi took office as general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, China’s strength had significantly risen after more than 30 years of reform and opening up. Yet, it was not without problems, including downward pressure on the economy, wealth disparities, environmental damage, and social tension. Reforms also encountered some resistance. A more scientific top-level approach was needed.

Xi designed a Chinese model of modernization characterized by an innovative, coordinated, green, and open development path that is for everyone.

Xi has been at the forefront of China’s efforts to engage with and contribute to the global community.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, he had visited 69 countries in 41 tours and been the first Chinese head of state to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos. He has said that, while spending so much time on overseas visits might be deemed a “luxury,” he sees it as “worthwhile.”

“Everything we Chinese communists do is to better the lives of the Chinese people, renew the Chinese nation, and promote peace and development for humanity,” Xi said.

The world is too big, with too many challenges, to go without the voice from China being heard, without solution ideas from China being shared, without the involvement of China being needed.

A community with a shared future for humanity comes from an excellent pedigree. Political scientists have noted that the notion inherits the Marxist idea of “an association in which the free development of each is the condition for the free development of all,” and the Chinese ideal of “harmony.” It is the most recent proposition on foreign affairs floated by the CPC, following Mao Zedong’s “Three Worlds Theory” and Deng Xiaoping’s “peace and development as two main world themes.”

President Xi has proposed a new approach to international relations based on mutually beneficial cooperation and the principle of achieving shared growth through discussion and collaboration in global governance. The kind of international order and governance system best suits the world and best suits the people of all countries. This is something that should be decided by all countries through consultation, and not by a single country or a few countries.

The same year that Xi first called on the world to jointly build a community with a shared future for humanity, he also proposed the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). By August 2021, about 172 countries and international organizations had signed more than 200 cooperation documents with China under this framework. According to a report from the World Bank, BRI projects could help lift 7.6 million people out of extreme poverty and 32 million people out of moderate poverty globally.

Xi has described the CPC’s past century as “a historic miracle” and expressed confidence that the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is dawning. However, he also warned that this is no time for indecision. At this critical moment, they must not stop, hesitate or wait.

Last year marked the 100^thAnniversary of the Founding of CPC. Over the past 100 years, the CPC has adopted just two resolutions related to historical issues, in 1945 and 1981. They analyzed the causes and drew conclusions on important historical events and figures, through which the whole Party came to a clear consensus and thus grew stronger in unity.

History has emerged as something of a buzzword for all CPC members during 2021. A sweeping education campaign helped cadres recognize the Party’s history, and a new Museum of the CPC was inaugurated.

Xi once quoted Mao Zedong, saying that “after several decades, the victory of the Chinese people’s democratic revolution, viewed in retrospect, will seem like only a brief prologue to a long drama. A drama begins with a prologue, but the prologue is not the climax.”

History has not ended, nor can it possibly end, The CPC and Chinese people have every confidence in their ability to provide a Chinese solution to aid the exploration of a better social system for humanity.

Xi Jinping delivers an important speech at a ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China in Beijing, capital of China

UN Women Regional Director for West and Central Africa called on the Sierra Leone media to unstereotype gender narrative

July 5, 2022

Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations and Deputy Executive Director of UN Women, Asa Regner and UN Women Regional Director for West and Central Africa (RD), Ms. Oulimata Sarrwith the Sierra Leone Media post the official press conference Photocredit @EnvizageConcepts

Freetown, 1 July 2022: – Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and Deputy Executive Director UN Women (ASG/DED), Asa Regner, and UN Women Regional Director for West and Central Africa (RD), Ms. Oulimata Sarr have completed their first official mission to Sierra Leone.

At the official press briefing, RD Oulimata Sarr said the media is a critical ally of UN Women and called on them to unstereotype and help change the gender narrative in Sierra Leone. UN Women, she says, will share the knowledge, data, and advocacy papers for the media to play their critical role on gender equality and the achievement of Sustainable Development goals.

During their three-day visit in Sierra Leone, ASG/DED Regner and RD Sarr held strategic meetings with the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Brigadier (Retired) Dr. Julius Maada Bio, the Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, the Speaker of Parliament Dr. Abass Bundu, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs and Ministry of Finance, Speaker of Parliament, members of the Female Parliamentary Caucus, and the Statistician-General of Statistics Sierra Leone. ASG/DED Regner and RD Sarr also interacted with female organisations who exhibited some of UN Women interventions in Sierra Leone.

Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations and Deputy Executive Director of UN Women, Asa Regner with First Lady of Sierra Leone Fatima Maada Bio at the official dinner hosted by the first Lady during her visit in Sierra Leone Photo credit @UN Women

The visiting team also met with the UN Country Team and members of the Diplomatic Community and development partners.

Ms. Regner and team emphasized UN Women’s commitment in assisting the Government and people of Sierra Leone in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment; the enactment of the Gender Equality and Women Empowerment Act; support interventions aimed at eradicating sexual and gender-based violence; breaking the culture of violence, silence, and impunity and a peaceful 2023 electoral process.

She noted that Sierra Leone has made important strides in advancing the rights of women and girls through policies and legislation, but the resource challenge is real, and the UN will provide strategic support to close the gap on the effective implementation of these policies Ms. Asa Regner said that there is a huge gap between policies and reality, “most countries in the world have a gap between legislation and reality, and we’ve increasingly learned how to support the closing of that gap”.

Ms. Regner and team emphasized UN Women’s commitment in assisting the Government and people of Sierra Leone in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment; the enactment of the Gender Equality and Women Empowerment Act; support interventions aimed at eradicating sexual and gender-based violence; breaking the culture of violence, silence, and impunity and a peaceful 2023 electoral process.

She noted that Sierra Leone has made important strides in advancing the rights of women and girls through policies and legislation, but the resource challenge is real, and the UN will provide strategic support to close the gap on the effective implementation of these policies Ms. Asa Regner said that there is a huge gap between policies and reality, “most countries in the world have a gap between legislation and reality, and we’ve increasingly learned how to support the closing of that gap”.

Sierra Leone has made tremendous strides to achieve gender parity, the Gender Minister Manty Tarwallie said to the visiting UN Women team during a bilateral meeting at her office on Thursday 30^th June 2022. “A Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment policy (GEWE) is in place, however, more needs to be done to support the passing of the GEWE bill which has been tabled in parliament”.

Ms. Regner called upon the country leadership to foster a common agenda to promote women’s political participation and take advantage of the 30 percent gender quota for political party candidates, as Sierra Leone is preparing for the 2023 elections.

ASG/DED Regner said there is need to galvanise resources to meet the desired expectations of the Ministry of Gender and she is pleased that there is an increased in constructive thinking around Sierra Leone on Gender Equality.

ASG/DED Regner highlighted the challenges on maternal mortality, female genital mutilation, and high dose of poverty for many women, especially in remote areas.

Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations and Deputy Executive Director of UN Women, Asa Regner at the ACSHR forum during her visit in Sierra LeonePhoto credit @UN Women

Ms. Regner had an opportunity to visit the Commit and Act Foundation in Bo City, met with the National Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Response Coordinators, key SGBV service providers and victims. She also made a keynote address at the 10th Africa Conference on Sexual Health and Rights 2022 (ACSHR 2022) with a focus on the Generation Equality Forum and the European Union – United Nations Spotlight Initiative.

ASG/DED Regner said that there are great lessons in Sierra Leone in the engagement of boys and men, as well as whole families in the prevention, protection and providing justice on Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV). Sexuality Education is also an important tool for girls to know their rights, she concluded.

For more information, please contact:

Patience Ekeoba: UN Women Programme Coordination Specialist; ekeoba@unwomen.org; Cellphone +23276042732
Faisal Lewally: Assistant Coordinator; lewallyfais@outlook.com; Cellphone: +23299520730
Yeama Sarah Thompson: Commissioned Communications Consultant; thompson@gmail.com; Cellphone + 232 79107752

About UN-Women: UN Women is the United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. A global champion for women and girls, UN Women was established to accelerate progress on meeting their needs worldwide. UN Women supports UN Member States as they set global standards for achieving gender equality and works with governments and civil society to design laws, policies, programmes, and services needed to ensure that the standards are effectively implemented and truly benefit women and girls worldwide. It works globally to make the vision of the SDGs a reality for women and girls and stands behind women’s equal participation in all aspects of life, focusing on four strategic priorities

Man & Family Escape from Traditional Secret Society Practice; Community Seeks Their Return

July 5, 2022

Ernest O Kanu and Isatu Turay.jpg — Ernest O Kanu and Isatu Turay

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Recent reports have uncovered the escape of Ernest O Kanu, alongside his pregnant fiancée, Isatu Turay (commonly known as Mrs. Kanu), and their daughter, Alimatu Kanu, from the Fiancée Family Traditional Secret Society Cultural Practice, recognized as the Bondo/Sande Society in Sierra Leone. This society is notorious for its practice of female genital mutilation/circumcision (FGM/C), along with the transmission of traditional and cultural legacies through spiritual rituals.

Mrs. Mariama Sandi, a Sowei elder in the community, provided insight into the circumstances surrounding the escape, which the elders deemed disrespectful.

She highlighted a tragic incident that occurred on July 3rd, 2022, a day designated for significant traditional events, including the burial ceremony of the late Ya Koloneh Fatmata Turay De Sowei, the coronation of the new Sowei Isatu, and the circumcision ritual of Alimatu.

She brought insight into the esteemed title known as “The Ya Koloneh De Sowei”, which the deceased elder inherited from her late mother in 2015 after her mother’s tragic suicide by drowning in the Bankasoka River in Port Loko District. The deceased elder held this position until July 1st, 2022, when she was found dead, having drowned in a water well at her residence in 555 Waterloo. This title had been passed down through generations, signifying the moment for Isatu and her daughter to take on leadership roles; however, they chose to escape instead.

Mrs. Sandi mentioned that following the death of Ya Koloneh De Sowei, the traditional society elders in Kenema sought the immediate release of the deceased’s body for burial according to their customs and traditions. They also requested the presence of Isatu and her daughter, Alimatu, for additional traditional rituals.

During the burial ceremony held on July 3rd, 2022, which was conducted as a night ceremonial event to accommodate specific traditional rituals, Isatu attended with her fiancé, Ernest, and their daughter, Alimatu. In order to manage the crowd and maintain order, two police officers were invited to oversee the daytime proceedings.

Mrs. Sandi revealed that while in a secluded bush during the burial ceremony, Isatu was given traditional medicine in a calabash, causing her to lose consciousness. She added that after a while, the Soweis brought Isatu’s coronation items and Alimatu’s circumcision instruments. Isatu was instructed to retrieve her daughter from her father’s care, accompanied by an elderly Sowei.

Mrs. Sandi elaborated on the events unfolding during the retrieval of Alimatu from her father’s care. Ernest adamantly opposed the circumcision procedure for his daughter, expressing concerns about potential risks to her health and well-being. He also voiced apprehension about Isatu assuming the role of Ya Koloneh and fearing potential spiritual trauma for her in the future. The elderly Sowei promptly informed the other elders of Ernest’s objections. Upon their arrival, they discovered that Ernest had fled with Isatu and his daughter.

Since then, their whereabouts have remained unknown after the escape, with family members and secret society members collaborating to facilitate their return using traditional and spiritual methods.

Mrs. Sandi expressed disappointment, stating that Isatu and her daughter betrayed their ancestors, family, and society by rejecting their sacred responsibilities. The elders are seeking severe traditional consequences for Ernest, aiming to subject Isatu to public shame and stigmatization for not conforming to traditional expectations. Meanwhile, Alimatu will undergo traditional rituals as her mother’s heir, including a circumcision procedure.

The community elders have filed a complaint against Ernest for various crimes committed, including disrespect and interference in cultural practices. Additionally, the Kenema District Police have been informed about Ernest’s escape with their late revered Sowei child and grandchild. This police force has collaborated with other law enforcement agencies domestically and internationally to search for Ernest. They have shared the family’s details and photographs with various police units in their search efforts.

The incident has sparked community-wide discussions on preventing such actions, highlighting the challenges in combating entrenched cultural practices like FGM/C.

The secrecy and rituals of societies like Bondo play a significant role in societal structures, influencing traditional women’s rights and political dynamics.

NP (SL) Ltd. Management Urges All Filling Stations to Serve the Public

July 4, 2022

By Amin Kef-Ranger

Investigations mounted by this press revealed that the Management of NP Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) has enough fuel to serve consumers and that more fuel is on its way to the country. An official source informed this press that the company wishes to inform the general public that those fuel dealers creating artificial scarcity are doing so on their own volition for selfish reasons and that there should be no cause for hoarding of fuel as the price remains at the stipulated Le22,000 or Le22.

It was also learnt that the NP Management is dismayed about alleged hoarding of petroleum product over the last two days at filling stations countrywide, thereby creating artificial scarcity.

According to an insider, NP-SL Ltd., has considerable amount of petroleum products, especially petrol and diesel. However, our investigation also revealed that the alleged action by certain defaulting Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) is as a result of their suspicion that there will be an increase in the fuel pump price by next week.

It was additionally learnt that because of this alleged hoarding and refusal to sell to consumers by certain corrupt petroleum dealers, this has resulted in the shutting down of retail outlets to consumers thereby causing artificial scarcity across the country.

Against this backdrop, this press was informed that NP-SL Ltd. is calling on filling stations to comply with the accepted price and show patriotism by selling petroleum products to the general public in order to cushion an already bad situation.

Meanwhile, the NP-SL Management is assuring that there is enough fuel and at the same time admonishing members of the public to desist from panic buying as there is no scarcity of the product. The management further called on all NP Station Managers to open their Filling Stations and continue to sell to members of the public at the official stipulated price of Le22,000 (twenty two thousand Leones or Le22 (new currency) until further notice.

In addition, any petroleum dealer or concerned citizen having any questions or concerns about petroleum products are encouraged to bring these concerns or questions to the management of NP-SL Ltd. as its doors are always open and its personnel always ready to provide the correct answers. This is according to the NP-SL Ltd. management.

Court of Appeal Reserved Judgement of Appeal Case of Erstwhile President Koroma

July 4, 2022

By Amin Kef-Ranger

The Court of Appeal, presided over by Hon. Justice Fatmatta Bintu Alhadi (JA), has reserved judgment on the appeal made by erstwhile President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma’s against recommendations by a Commission of Inquiry (COI) . The court arrived at that decision after listening to the closing arguments by the Counsels representing both the Appellant and Respondent.

The empanelled Judges that sat on the matter were: Hon. Justice Fatmatta Bintu Alhadi (JA), Hon. Justice Komba Kamanda (JA) and Hon. Justice Tonia Barnette (JA).

It could be recalled that in October 2020, Lawyers for the Appellant, (former President Ernest Bai Koroma) filed two Notices of Appeal challenging the ‘adverse findings’ of Hon. Justice Thompson and Hon. Justice Biobelle Georgewill seeking to set aside or quash the adverse findings against the former President.

They also sought a declaration from the court voiding the acceptance of the Government White Paper dated September 2020, on matters affecting the former President as a Person of Interest and enter a judgment in his favour.

On their first ground of appeal, the Lawyers for the Appellant argued that the Sole Commissioners; Hon. Justices Bankole Thompson Biobelle and Georgewill erred in law when they failed to consider and apply the Head of State Immunity clause as provided under Section 48(4) of the Constitution of Sierra Leone, which gives the President immunity against the commencement or continuation of civil or criminal proceedings against the person holding the office of President.

They went on to argue that the Sole Commissioners erred in law and acted in violation of Section 150 of the Constitution of Sierra Leone, Act No. 6 of 1991, when they proceeded to conduct the Commissions of Inquiry without the “rules regulating the practice and procedure” of all Commissions of Inquiry as prescribed by the Rules of Court Committee through a constitutional instrument.

As part of the former President’s defence, his lawyers further argued that the Sole Commissioners erred and without authority, indicted and tried the Appellant for the offence of Abuse of Office and corrupt acquisition of wealth, a power that was not conferred by the Constitutional Instrument 64 that established the Commission.

In addition, the lawyers stressed that the Sole Commissioner erred and misapplied the law to the facts when he opined that, “This Commission has critically reviewed, appraised and considered the totality of the evidence of the State against the Persons of Interest and finds that the unchallenged evidence of the State has made out a prima facie case against all of the Persons of Interest.”

They affirmed that the adverse findings against the Appellant, cannot be supported by the evidence presented and challenged.

In his final submissions on behalf of the State in response to the Appellant’s Lawyers, the Solicitor General, Robert Baoma Kowa argued that Section 48 (4) of the 1991 Constitution states that, “while any person holds or perform the functions of the office of the President, no civil or criminal proceedings shall be instituted or continued against him in respect of anything done or omitted to be done by him either in his official or private capacity.”

“My Lords, it is my submission that ground 1 of the Appellant’s appeal dealing with the immunity provisions of Section 48(4) of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone amounts to a question of interpretation of the said Constitution hence, it cannot be formulated by way of an appeal and brought before this Court for interpretation,” R.B Kowa Esq said, adding that, “Section 124 of the Constitution makes provision for the forum to which issues of interpretation of the Constitution should be directed.”

Meanwhile, the Court of Appeal had earlier ruled that a former President is not immune from prosecution, stating that Section 48 (4) is very clear on the issue of immunity for only serving President.

Lawyer R.B.Kowa called on the empanelled Hon. Justices to dismiss that ground of appeal and afford the Appellant the opportunity to proceed to the proper jurisdiction for adjudication and determination.

According to R.B.Kowa, the Chairman/Sole Commissioner was not given the mandate to interpret the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone. He submitted that he was only bound by the Terms of Reference stated in Section 4 of the Constitutional Instrument No. 65 of 2018, which was to investigate persons who were President, Vice President, Ministers, Ministers of State and Deputy Ministers within the period November, 2007 to April 2008.

He stated that the Constitutional Instrument No. 65 is not in any way inconsistent with the Constitution of Sierra Leone as Section 4(a)-(d) therein and the Instrument itself have not been found by any adjudicating authority in the country to be inconsistent with Section 48(4) of the 1991 Constitution, reaffirming that, “is therefore part of the Laws of Sierra Leone pursuant to Section 170 (1) of the 1991 Constitution.”

Referencing the submissions by the Appellant’s Lawyers (Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara, Ady Macaulay and others), R.B.Kowa pointed out that they have failed to substantiate “the ground of appeal with the relevant particulars and facts backed up with legal arguments. The arguments of the Appellant seem to be a drift as against his ground of appeal.”

He further submitted that the Commissions were set up to investigate whether persons who were in control of Government resources did act willfully, dishonestly, complacently or abused their offices for private benefits that caused financial loss or damage to the Government and people of Sierra Leone by their actions and inaction.

He said the Appellant (former President Koroma) did fall under the categories of persons that are to be investigated pursuant to Section 4 (a)-(c) of the Constitutional Instrument No. 65 of 2018.

He rebutted the position of the Appellant in respect of Section 150 of the 1991 Constitution and argued that the Sole Commissioners did not violate the said Section, stressing that the Appellant failed or reneged in his submission to direct the Court to any law or section of the provisions of Constitutional Instrument No. 65 of 2018 which has been found to be inconsistent with any provision of the 1991 Constitution that will necessitate the invocation of Section 171(15) of the 1991 Constitution.

Arguing against the claim of the Appellant that the Sole Commissioners erred to have tried or indicted their client for corruption offences, R.B.Kowa argued that the Appellant failed to show proof that he was tried for the offences stated in his appeal, rather than that he was investigated pursuant to Section 4 of the Constitutional Instrumental No. 65 of 2018. He therefore submitted that the Judges did not proceed to put the Appellant on a criminal trial and that the proceedings did not in any way constitute a trial nor, did they proceed with their investigations pursuant to the Anti-Corruption Commission Act of 2008.

He continued that the Commissioner was correct in his fact-finding and in law that the Appellant was in control of pecuniary resources of property disproportionate to his official emoluments and also maintained a standard of life above that which was commensurate to his official emoluments which is supported by evidence before the Commissioner in respect of property situate and being at Robureh, Makeni, Bombali District in the Northern Province of the country. The total cost of the said house only, they argued was USD 2,522,930 while the extra work costs USD 1,209,500.

The State canvassed the Court that the evidence before the Commissioners in respect of the allegations were uncontroverted which led to the publication of its complete report by the President pursuant to Section 149(2) of the Constitution of Sierra Leone, contrary to what the Appellant claimed.

At the close of their submissions, the Presiding Judge, Hon. Justice Fatmatta Bintu Alhadi in agreement with the other two Judges

informed both parties that notices would be sent to them on the final date for Judgement for the two Appeals.

Opposing Public Elections Act 2022. … Opposition Leader Warns Against Amending the Constitution by Ambush

July 4, 2022

By Elisha Harding

There was a serious standoff in Parliament last week over the Public Elections Act 2022.

It must be recalled that Parliament was set to debate the Public Elections Act 2022 but from the onset, the debate reached a deadlock as the main opposition APC Party was vehemently against debating the Act in its entirety seeing it as a calculated ploy on the part of the ruling SLPP to have an upper hand against all other opposing parties vis-à-vis the forthcoming Presidential and Parliamentary Elections slated to take place next year, 2023.

Leader of the Main APC Opposition Party, Hon. Chernor R.M. Bah, at the initial stage of the debate, noted that there are many portions of the Public Election Act 2022 that attempt to alter the constitution indirectly without the relevant Constitutional Instruments which, according to him is not the right procedure.

Along that line, he said the Main Opposition APC will not participate for the second time in a row in the debate maintaining how the main opposition party is fiercely against proposed changes that are to be made in the Public Election Act.

The key argument of the main opposition All Peoples Congress (APC) relates to concerns about attempts to amend the Constitution through the back door vis-à-vis the General Elections.

Some of the specific sticking points raised by the opposition include the following: First, while Section 32 (8) of the Constitution provides that the Chief Electoral Commissioner (CEC) could be removed due to misconduct, the Public Elections Bill, which seeks to “Repeal and Replace the Public Elections Act 2012”, in Clause 5 (1a), wants the removal of the CEC to be done for “gross misconduct” but without any definition of what that means.

Secondly, that Section 76 (1b) of the 1991 Constitution provides that public officers should resign twelve months before an election. The Bill, according to a PowerPoint presentation to the Pre-legislative Committee, reduces the length of time from twelve to six months.

It is worthy to note that several elements of the proposed Public Elections Act 2022, relate to voter registration. Clause 13(1)(a)(i) states that, “There shall be a national register of voters to be known as the “Register of Voters” which shall contain national identification numbers….”

Some members of the public, civil society, the media and APC MPs, have expressed concern that such a requirement will disenfranchise a considerable number of voters.

Such is in view of the fact that majority of Sierra Leoneans did not register with the National Civil Registration Commission (NCRA). Given the limited time between now and the June 2023 General Elections some observers believe that NCRA doesn’t have the capacity to conduct such a nationwide registration to allow for the critical voter registration to be generated by the Electoral Commission.

Also, in Clause 57(b) of the same proposed Bill there is an attempt to reintroduce the Proportional Representation (PR) or Block District System by extrapolating Section 38A of the Constitution as amended in (2001). It is said such is done in a way that favours the PR system even when constituencies exist. The said provision in the extant Constitution provides that:
“Whereas under any law for the time being in force, a date for a general election of Members of Parliament has been appointed but constituencies have not been established in accordance with Sub-Section (3) of Section 38 for the purpose of such election, the President may, after consultation with the Electoral Commission, direct that such election shall be conducted on the basis of the existing districts in a manner to be known as the district block representation system instead of constituencies.”

It is said that the operative clause to note in that provision is, “whereas under any law for the time being in force, a date for a general election of Members of Parliament has been appointed but constituencies have not been established in accordance with Sub-Section (3) of Section 38…”

In the view of the APC, at this material moment, constituencies do exist and so, consideration of the PR or district block system is superfluous and totally irrelevant.

Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Hon. Chernor Maju Bah, therefore insisted that if the SLPP led political administration wishes to amend the Constitution they should come before Parliament with the appropriate instrument insisting that such an important instrument must be exhaustively dealt with before proceeding with the proposed Bill which is attempting to amend some critical constitutional provisions.

On that basis, Hon Chernor Bah urged the Speaker not to allow the House to proceed with the Second Reading of the controversial Bill saying that to proceed would amount to putting the cart before the horse, as well as an attempt to amend the constitution through the back door.

However, the Leader of Government Business in Parliament, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma stated that the House should proceed with the Second Reading of the Bill because the specific Bill to amend the 1991 Constitution will be tabled in Parliament soon.

At the same time, the Leader of Government Business and other SLPP Members of Parliament made a dramatic U-turn regarding the presentation of the bill by the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone. Nyuma told Parliament to discountenance the NEC presentation because the clause about the length of time public servants are required to resign before an election is not included in the proposed bill.

Reacting to that serious inconsistency, Hon. Chernor Bah said: “… it means that the House was misinformed and misled by NEC through that presentation to the Pre-legislative Committee.” The opposition leader further asserted that, “this is even the more reason why we should deal with the instruments before coming to the Second Reading because this Bill is a suspect”.

According to a school of thought, the main opposition APC is not alone in its opposition. On the 13th January 2022, during the launch of the Government White Paper on the Constitutional Review Process to President Julius Maada Bio at State House, Speaker of Parliament, the Rt. Honourable Abass Chernor Bundu, emphasized that it was best for Sierra Leone that recommendations relating to amendments to the Constitution be deferred until after the 2023 general elections.

The thrust of the Speaker’s statement then was that constitutional amendments of provisions such as the ones being proposed in the Bill under review would require a Two Thirds majority. For the Speaker, given the chasm between the opposition and the ruling party, it is farfetched to assume that such a consensus could be achieved.

He said then, that “even if all the 58 members of the SLPP, all the 8 members of the Coalition for Change (C4C), all the 4 members of the National Grand Coalition (NGC), all the 3 Independents and all the 14 Paramount Chief MPs were to vote in favour, that would still not amount to Two Thirds” .

“The Constitution cannot be amended indirectly, there has to be a bill whose purport should be for that purpose,” the Speaker said at that time.

According to Hon Chernor Bah, Leader of the Main Opposition, proceeding with the Second Reading of a Bill, which will potentially modify certain provisions of the extant constitution, without procedurally exhausting the debate on the instruments relating to the Bill which the Leader of Government Business promises to bring to Parliament, will bring back bad memories of the passing by ambush of the COVID -19 State of Emergency Bill. That Bill, Hon. Bah argued, was passed into law without the rules and procedures relating to that emergency.

“We are allowing that to happen again,” the Opposition Leader raised a cautionary voice.

President Bio Opens a Session at the UNESCO Transforming Education Pre‐Summit

July 4, 2022

By Elisha Harding

President Dr Julius Maada Bio, in his capacity as Co-Chair of the SDG 4 High-Level Steering Committee, on the 29^th June 2022 opened a session of the Transforming Education Pre‐Summit alongside UNESCO’s Director-General, Madame Audrey Azoulay, during which period he made a case for long-term returns.

“Education is a driving force for sustainable development. It is a powerful lever for responding to some of the most pressing challenges faced by humanity, including climate change, migration, youth unemployment, healthcare, and peaceful and just societies,” he noted.

The President emphasized that the most vulnerable, most marginalized, and most disadvantaged learners would count on the committee to deliver on implementing SDG 4, which is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all by 2030.

“It is my great pleasure to open this milestone event for education alongside the UNESCO Director-General, Madame Audrey Azoulay. I thank her for UNESCO’s exemplary leadership and tireless efforts in advancing Sustainable Development Goals. I count on the full support of each and every one of you. As Co-Chair of the SDG4 High-Level Steering Committee, I wish to assure you that the Steering Committee stands ready to fully support, monitor, and carry forward the impetus created by the Summit,” he said.

When he addressed a separate SDG 4 High-Level Steering Committee meeting earlier in the day, President Bio made a case for recognizing the considerable long-term social returns of education.

“Let me also recall that beyond the September Summit, the HLSC is expected to play a leadership role in ensuring that we maintain the impetus for education and diligently monitor progress. Thus, we will hold ourselves accountable for the actual delivery of all commitments made.

“Let us use the momentum from this Pre-Summit to push for every learner to acquire the necessary skills to navigate an increasingly complex, fast-moving world; master his or her own destiny; and, become a responsible global citizen. I count on your unconditional support to convey this message of urgency to the highest political levels,” he stated.

Delivering a statement, Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, also Co-Chair of the HLSC said that the pre-summit had given everyone a great opportunity to share their experiences, talk about priorities and set a joint cause. She thanked President Bio for accepting to co-chair the HLSC with UNESCO.

“Education is a public good. It is delicate and fragile but the best possible investment we can make,” she said.

The Transforming Education Pre-Summit, which was organized at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Headquarters, on 28‐30 June 2022, sought to harness the evolving discussions on transforming education, elaborate initial content and establish a shared vision while suggesting actions and generating greater momentum ahead of the actual summit in September.

New Leone Notes Now in Circulation but with the Same Value

July 4, 2022

By Elisha Harding

At the Bank of Sierra Leone, on the 1st July 2022, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio launched the much talked about redenominated Leone notes during which he urged financial institutions in the country to extend loan facilities to citizens with low-interest rates.

“The technical experts have made a strong case. There will be a simplification of accounting records and a significant reduction in cash volumes needed for transactions. The inconveniences and inefficiencies of using the old notes will be a thing of the past. We have removed three zeroes, but the money yesterday is of the same value as the money today,” he said.

President Bio said those in the informal economy might struggle with transactions, using the new notes, adding that he is encouraging the bank to intensify its sensitization campaigns in the transition period and beyond further calling for more people to access low-interest credit that would lead to inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

“Reach out to the ordinary citizen in the markets, places of worship, their communities, in the rural areas, in their villages and towns. Citizens must be informed fully about the new currency. It is only fair that citizens receive the correct exchange and transaction values for the old notes as we use them alongside the new Leones. This is also a civic duty of all of us to help our fellow citizens to get it right.

“Clearly, our politicians and self-righteous pundits will soon flood social media, radio, and TV programmes with all manner of negative noise about the new note and the intention behind introducing it. They will conjure conspiracy theories, doom and gloom stories, and some downright amusing explanations,” he said.

President Bio also used the occasion to advise some people against attempting to spread falsehoods about the value of the new note, clarifying further that the Le5 of the new notes would pay for the same goods and services that Le5, 000 of the old notes were able to buy yesterday.

“As the Bank of Sierra Leone people have said, it is ‘New Money Same Value. New Notes; Same Value.’ The value of your pension, your debts, your rent, and your salary remain the same. I am honoured, therefore, at this time, to officially launch the New Leone, our new currency and legal tender in Sierra Leone,” he concluded.

Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone, Professor Kelfala Kallon, on his part, said he was greatly honoured to have been a part of the redenomination process of the currency, saying that the relative strength of a country’s currency is the most important means through which its economic health would be measured. He added that the reason three zeros had been reduced from the old Leone notes is to make it easier to compete with other currencies.

He maintained that redenomination might not solve the country’s economic problems but, through proper macroeconomic policies, it could reset the country’s currency to change the public perception about the country, providing another starting point for the country through economic reforms that address factors that led to the depreciation of the currency.

“We hope that as we do this, we will bring together macroeconomic policies, structural changes to the economy that will make this the last time of denominating the currency of this country,” Professor Kallon noted.

Minister of Finance, Honourable Dennis K. Vandi thanked the Board of Governors of the Bank of Sierra Leone, their staff and other development partners who stood by the country throughout the process. He referred to the event as a landmark occasion that would present the country with another opportunity to grow its economy.

He further noted that extreme care and great efforts were put into the redenomination process with sensitization of the public in every part of the country on facts that the new Leones would enhance transactions for businesses, individuals, private sector, and public sector players.

“Your Excellency, ladies, and gentlemen, I am truly happy about this achievement. I appeal to you all to support this redenomination process. Thank you very much,” he concluded.