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Down Memory Lane with NP Sierra Leone Limited

April 26, 2022

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By Amin Kef Sesay

NP Sierra Leone Limited has been rated as a business entity that is first in terms of customer care. Dealing in various petroleum products, the company has been widely acclaimed for the cordial, smart and efficient manner in how it is treating its numerous customers in different parts of the country.

The company has become very endearing simply because their dedicated staffs are trained to respond to the needs of customers. Giving satisfaction to customers forms a cardinal objective of NP and from what was learnt it has been maximizing that very well.

To set the records straight on how the company came into existence with avowed view to demystify misconceptions, it was thought worthy to just give a gist of how it all started for this sterling petroleum business entity that now stands tall within the petroleum landscape of this country and even beyond

In 1996 the Government of Sierra Leone sold its 60% shares in British Petroleum (BP) to some of the company’s members of staff. 55 % was paid upfront from the end of service benefits of the workers from BP and the 5% offered to all the other workers. Thus a new company known as LEONEOIL whose name later changed to NP started operations.
It was the World Bank that proffered advice for the privatization of the company. The 55% sale of Government shares to NP therefore came as a result of the World Bank’s admonition.

Four (4) companies took part in the bid, but it was LEONOIL that won the international competitive bidding that was conducted by Arthur De Little (a United States based Management consultancy firm). LEONEOIL later on metamorphosed into NP, meeting all the set criteria. It was understood that the members of staff were very serious and capable enough to properly manage the company to such an extent that, unlike others, it survived most of the challenges that it encountered.

This medium also gathered that the 40% PMMC’s stake in the company, owned by the late Jamil Sahid Mohammed and Tony Yazbeck, was given as collateral for a loan from a Bank by one of the parties.

Jamil Sahid Mohammed, later sold to Cape Oil PMMC’s 40% shares to offset a fidelity loan, but LEONE OIL, now NP, was not satisfied with that move and took the matter to court on the grounds that it was in violation of the Memorandum of Association, which dictates that the other side has the first option to buy. The outcome of the matter was that the High Court gave judgment in favour of LEONE OIL now NP-SL.

As a matter of fact the company now has what is known as NP-Smart Card which is a Card with a memory chip used in a cashless way to buy fuel by just slotting the card in a space of a pumping machine, with instruction of the amount of fuel required and as long as there is credit (money) in the NP Smart Card the command or instruction is automatically adhered to and the fuel requested for is released. It is very convenient and a secure way to procure fuel.

The company also has for sale NP Gas, which is a cooking device that is powered by gas. They come in different sizes and are marketed at various Filling Stations as well as by authorized dealers. It has been attested that it is environmentally friendly and not hazardous to users’ health.

It is on record that the company operates a policy of giving preference to locals in all the countries it has a presence in with regards to employment. Employment opportunities are solely reserved for nationals and it is only for rare technical jobs that require expertise knowledge that jobs are given to foreigners but most times on short contract basis. Such a policy helps in poverty reduction.

Besides, partnering with entrepreneurs to open Filling Stations in different locations helps also greatly in providing job opportunities. It also helps in eradicating Energy Poverty.

The company falls within the bracket of those that pay a colossal amount of taxes to the National Revenue Authority (NRA) within the country thereby helping in giving the Government the financial muscle to roll out development projects.

It will really surprise some to know that NP does not only exist in Sierra Leone but also in neighbouring Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia and more importantly it is an indigenously owned company.

It must be an onus, on the part of patriotic Sierra Leoneans, to always support our indigenous company to continue to impact development not only at home but within the West African sub-region as well.

Housemates Salone Season 3… Public Voting Intensifies for 22 to Enter the House

April 26, 2022

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By Amin Kef Sesay

The Reality TV Show, Housemates Salone Season 3, with the slogan “Di Game Get Yagba, If You Nor Able Na for Pull Hand, which will now commence on the 22nd May, 2022 in Freetown contrary to the previous date that was announced is still being eagerly looked forward by the vast majority, in and out of the country to start especially those within the youthful age bracket.

For now the organizers of the Reality TV Show, AYV Media Empire and Africell-Sierra Leone are trying to get the competent applicants, who have gone through the audition stage, specifically twenty-two (22) of them, out of about sixty (60), that were shortlisted after the audition.

In order to make the process very democratic and transparent, AYV Media Empire and Africell-SL, decided to give members of the public the onus to do what is known as public voting.

Members of the public have been at liberty, since the voting process started ,to cast their votes via Afrimoney through the voters’ Africell lines by dialing *161*10#* plus the Nunbers of their favourite contestant from any Africell line.

Now the organizers have added a new online voting platform and a brand new website have been established for international voters across the world to vote using credit or debit cards by just visiting https://housematessl.com and/or visit: https://www.africell.sl.

At this juncture it must be mentioned that hence the twenty-two Housemates are in the House they will be keenly competing for a Star Prize of Two Hundred and Fifty Million Leones plus a round trip to Dubai.

Besides, it was latter learnt that one of the sponsors of the Reality TV Show ,Zarlux Car Rental, has revealed that a brand new car will be given to the winner of the Zarlux Car Rental task that will be performed by the Housemates in the House during the course of the show.

Once Housemates Salone Season 3 commences it will be shown live on AYV Entertainment Channel 34, 33 and AYV on DSTV Channel 399.

According to the organizers, the upcoming exciting Reality TV Show is put together against the backdrop of promoting Youth Empowerment. Better put into perspective, Housemates Salone encompasses providing mentorship for young aspiring Sierra Leoneans who believe that they have talents that they could showcase which will provide valuable insights as to the everyday behavioral patterns of young people living together.

However, the most important aspect of the Reality TV Show is that it will serve as a conduit through which the Housemates are taken through mental and physical exercises that will end up to mould and shape their characters.

They will benefit from being guided to be motivational speakers, to think critically as well as rationally, how to healthily interact, how to solve problems, to cook, to sing, dance, control emotions and stress.

These competitors will be given the opportunity to learn from what visiting guests from certain corporate institutions will teach them, learn how to play games and a host of other things that are aligned to coping mechanisms in life.

If it could be succinctly put in other words, Housemates Salone is a kind of refinery where the competitors will go through life overhauling experiences to an extent that life after Housemates Salone will be completely and positively different for them.

Housemates Salone Season 3 is indeed going to bring loads of smiles and evoke animated discussions among the young and old in various social circles.

United States Support of $76 Million Reduces Infant Malaria Infection from 40% to 22%

April 26, 2022

By Amin Kef Sesay

On Monday, the 25^th April 2022 was observed as World Malaria Day. It must be noted that during the past year, the United States and Sierra Leone together advanced the fight against malaria, despite immense challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Committed and courageous frontline health workers, especially nurses, midwives, and community health workers, across Sierra Leone went the extra mile to ensure essential malaria services were sustained. Their efforts saved lives and supported community resilience.

The U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) has partnered with Sierra Leone to fight malaria since 2017, contributing $76 million to date. The decline in malaria prevalence in children from 40% in 2016 to just 22% in 2021, showcases how the strong partnership between the United States and Sierra Leone enabled robust and effective malaria services to continue, even as COVID-19 caused enormous strain on the health system.

Through PMI funding and programs, 3.8 million insecticide-treated nets, 4.2 million tests, and 3.3 million fast-acting medicines were delivered to clinics and communities across Sierra Leone. In 2021 alone, over 670,000 people were protected from malaria through indoor residual spraying, and more than 2,300 health workers received training that amplified their ability to detect and treat malaria, while strengthening the health system overall and providing key skills to fight COVID-19 and future pandemics.

Assisted by PMI investments, Sierra Leone is progressing its fight against malaria using proven and cost-effective methods that save lives and promise a more healthy and prosperous future for families and communities.

In her 2022 World Malaria Day statement, Acting U.S. Global Malaria Coordinator Julie Wallace says, “With perseverance and strong global commitment we can end malaria in our lifetime. The United States is proud of our work with Sierra Leone in combating this deadly, yet entirely preventable, disease.”

About PMI: The U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) supports 24 partner countries in sub-Saharan Africa and 3 programs across the Greater Mekong Subregion in Southeast Asia to control and eliminate malaria. Led by theU.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented together with theU.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), PMI delivers cost-effective, lifesaving malaria interventions—such as insecticide-treated bed nets, indoor residual spraying, and essential medicines—and invests in health workers and health systems to accelerate the global fight against this deadly infectious disease. Thanks to the generosity of the American people, PMI benefits more than 700 million people at risk of malaria worldwide each year.

President Bio Commissions Ultra Modern Myohaung Officers’ Mess

April 26, 2022

By Foday Moriba Conteh

President Dr Julius Maada Bio, on the 25^th April, 2022 presented ultra-modern buildings to officers of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) at the Military Barracks on Wilberforce and the turned the sod to construct Warrant Officers and Sergeants’ Mess.

“But it does not end there. This building will only cater for the accommodation and social activities of Officers. But we also believe that other ranks of the force should have access to modern facilities. From this ceremony, I will move to the Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers’ ground to turn the sod for the construction of an ultra-modern Mess for their use,” he said.

It could be recalled that on 30 December 2019, as Commander-In-Chief of the armed forces, the President turned the sod for the construction of the buildings unveiled, adding that in record time, and in spite of the challenges of a global pandemic and other constraints, they reduced the old Myohaung Officers’ Mess to rubble and then transformed it into imposing edifices that would serve generations of fine officers.

“In 2018, President Xi welcomed me to the People’s Republic of China, and also discussed and concluded with me several agreements on areas of cooperation between our two friendly nations. This beautiful building is a result of that trip.

“My Government, through the Ministry of Defence, has procured a limited number of furniture while we await the full complement of customized furniture and equipment from the People’s Republic of China. Once that arrives and is installed, the building will be fully available for use,” he said.

President Bio also noted that he had always spoken about purposeful infrastructural development and that was why he was going to make sure that the officers must not access such magnificent buildings on pock-marked and dusty roads.

“I have, therefore, authorized funding to the Sierra Leone Roads Authority to pave the network of roads within the Wilberforce Barracks area. This will progress at the same time as other Western Area barracks roads.

“With respect to the Officers’ Mess, let me say that I am of these colours. This army taught me and groomed me to respect the values of patriotism, public service, and discipline. When I turned the sod for this Officers’ Mess, I argued that soldiering goes beyond mere soldiering skills. Regimentation, esprit de corps, and discipline are essential. This imposing Officers’ Mess is meant to promote those essential ingredients of morale and thus maintain the great traditions of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces,” he noted.

In a welcome address earlier, Brigadier General Dauda Fred Alpha, Commandant of Third Infantry Brigade and President of the Mess Committee, said he was profoundly honoured to be at the epoch-making event, and observed that the facility had been upgraded to a state-of-the-art complex.

He further noted that the Mess consisted of 104 self-contained rooms, fully furnished for young and single officers, adding that it had a 350-seater conference hall, a kitchen with a 90-seater dining hall, a classical gym, and an elevator.

“I would like to assure His Excellency and our audience that stringent measures have already been put in place to sustain this legacy through comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures, among others to emphasis a daily upkeep and periodic inspection of these magnificent structures,” he assured.

Minister of Defense, Brigadier General (Rtd), Kelly Hassan Conteh, said it was with a heart filled with joy and gratitude to God that he was a part of the commissioning of the newly built Single Officers’ Mess and the turning of the sod for the construction of the Warrant Officers, and Sergeants Mess, adding that it was a fulfillment of President Bio’s commitment to upgrading the RSLF into a professional institution.

He further noted that the work was completed in real-time, despite the disruption caused by the Coronavirus disease, saying that they at the Ministry of Defense were grateful to the President and the People’s Republic of China for the construction of the edifice.

“We are very grateful that you have kept your word as always. On behalf of the officer core, we want to assure you, Your Excellency, and that we will jealously guard, protect and utilize these edifices for the purposes for which they have been built,” he assured.

Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, His Excellency Hu Zhangliang, said the construction of the Myohaung Officers’ Mess was another concrete step to maintaining the China–Sierra Leone cordial relationship and was one of the priority projects of their cooperation. He noted that the project would not only contribute to the improvement and living conditions of the RSLAF, but it would also bring them a stronger sense of honour and mission and help boost their morale.

“This is a project that presents the full meaning of our genuine partnership. During this time, our two sides have been consulting each other on equal footing, sharing skills and expertise, overcoming difficulties hand in hand, and braving the wind and rain together.

“By setting this project as one of the top priorities in our cooperation, His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio and the Government of Sierra Leone demonstrated their firm commitment to the enhancement of the wellbeing of RSLAF men and women, while the Chinese Government and the people demonstrated full understanding and respect for that consideration,” he explained.

UN Resident Coordinator‘s Congratulatory Message on Sierra Leone’s 61st Independence Anniversary

April 26, 2022

By Amin Kef Sesay

On the occasion of the 61st anniversary of the independence of Sierra Leone attained on April 27, 1961, as Resident Coordinator and on behalf of the United Nations Country Team, I wish to send our sincerest congratulations to the Government and People of the Republic of Sierra Leone.

Throughout the past six decades, the United Nations and Sierra Leone have maintained a strong partnership and a strategic relationship that is bonded by the desire to maintain international peace and security, give humanitarian assistance to those in need, promote shared prosperity, protect human rights and uphold international law, fight pandemics and public health threats, and work against climate change.

Sierra Leone partners with the United Nations for realizing its Medium-Term National Development Plan (2019-2023) and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2020-2023), seeking to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all humankind as prescribed in the global 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

As an example of the strong collaboration between the UN and Sierra Leone, the UN Country Team and other stakeholders are helping boost food production in school settings, through a programme now piloted in 17 schools, even against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. Plus, more than 14 000 children can now access water and sanitation facilities in schools, and an additional 100 000 Sierra Leoneans have access to basic water and supply.

Furthermore, support from UN Country Team in 2021 contributed to a significant increase in children enrolled in basic and secondary education from 2020 to 2021, with specialized educational materials provided to 23 300 pre-primary school children and routine vaccines to 2 million children. The UN also contributed to improved access to renewable energy, building more than 80 mini-grids in rural areas benefiting nearly 300,000 people.

Even with these advances, as the country celebrates Independence Day 2022, efforts should be made to address long-standing weaknesses in the fundamentals of the national economy, to provide greater access to economic opportunity and empowerment for all Sierra Leoneans, regardless of region, gender, generation, or disability status.

Lastly, as Sierra Leone is now effectively into the 2023 elections cycle, it is my hope, and that of the entire UN Country Team, that the country will maintain the path of inclusive politics that builds bridges. Only with this approach will the country continue along a sustainable development trajectory of peace, inclusive economic growth, and social transformation.

Let me renew the UN’s commitment to working together with you and keeping focused on our shared priorities of peace, good governance, gender equality, environmental sustainability, and ensuring that no one is left behind in accessing basic services and economic opportunities.

Once again, I wish you all a happy Independence Day, and God bless Sierra Leone.

Illegal Search of the Chinese Fishing Vessel Condemned by the Chinese Embassy

April 26, 2022

By Amin Kef Sesay

In an interview that was recently conducted with the Spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone, Hu Aimin, related to the existing bi-lateral cooperation between China and Sierra Leone in addition to him making additional clarifications on some negative reports concerning that cooperation, The Calabash Newspaper started by raising the observation that since the beginning of this year, there seems to have been an increase of interaction between China and Sierra Leone, such as the signing of the Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation, the commencement of the rehabilitation of the National Stadium, the handover of a batch of vehicles, mobile clinics and solar lights.

The news medium continued that the China-aid Myohaung Officers’ Mess and Single Officers’ Quarters were commissioned yesterday and then asked: Why are the supports so massive and what is propelling them?

In his response, the Spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone, Hu Aimin, stated that China and Sierra Leone are time-honored reliable friends.

He furthered that the two countries celebrated the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations last year adding how during the past five decades, the China-Sierra Leone mutual cooperation has yielded remarkable fruits that can be seen everywhere.

“In recent years, this cooperation has been further expanded, enhanced and the projects you mentioned are some of the vivid examples of this cooperation,” he underscored.

Hu Aimin continued by stating that despite the negative influence caused by COVID-19, the Chinese side has been working hard with the Sierra Leonean side to actively implement the important consensus reached by H.E. Chinese President Xi Jinping and H.E. the Sierra Leonean President, Julius Maada Bio, during their meeting in 2018 and their phone conversation on May 7, 2021.

He said the projects mentioned in the interview are the practical results of the China-Sierra Leone friendship adding that the Chinese side will also hand over a batch of donated water bowsers and fire engines as well as a batch of agricultural machinery to the Sierra Leonean side very soon.

The Spokesman maintained how these are the concrete measures taken by the Chinese Government and People to help and support the Sierra Leonean Government and people in promoting economic development and mitigating the impact of COVID-19.

The Calabash Newspaper noted that the China-Sierra Leone Cooperation has achieved tangible results and there are hopes that other development partners will do the same. The news medium further stated that it has also noticed that there are some unpleasant reports about China-Sierra Leone relationship, citing an example of some Facebook posts from a certain Embassy in Freetown talking about a joint operation to bring illegal fishing into justice. In a picture it posted there was an affected fishing vessel flying Chinese flag. Besides, occasionally there are also reports accusing Chinese fishing vessels, mining companies and timber dealers of exploiting the local resources or maltreating their local staff. The medium then asked what would be his comment on those allegations.

Hu Aimin responded by stating how the Chinese side attaches great importance to the development of mutually beneficial cooperation with Sierra Leone in various fields, including the mining, fishery and timber sectors which are also the main sources of income of the Sierra Leonean Government and People.

“The Chinese Government encourages and urges the Chinese enterprises and individuals in Sierra Leone to carry out win-win cooperation with their Sierra Leonean counterparts, abide by the laws and regulations of the host country and fulfill correspondent social responsibilities,” he said adding how the Chinese Government has zero tolerance to the acts and behaviors of any Chinese enterprises or national violating the laws and regulations of the host countries and supports the Governments of the host countries taking legal actions against any illegal activities.

He continued that the Chinese side has also put in place strict management measures to supervise the behaviour of the Chinese enterprises and nationals according to China’s laws and regulations.

“As far as I know, the overwhelming majority of Chinese enterprises and nationals here strictly abide by the laws and regulations of Sierra Leone,” he continued mentioning how many of the accusations or reports mentioned are either exaggerated or baseless furthering that some are hypothesis or even deliberately fabricated rumors.

He emphasized that of course, some are caused by ineffective communication and misunderstanding.

In relation to the fishing vessel mentioned, he said contrary to what was said in the Facebook post of the U.S. Embassy in Sierra Leone, it was not that the Chinese fishing vessel was conducting illegal fishing, but that the U.S. Navy forces conducted an illegal search and harassment on a Chinese flagged vessel which was operating with lawful permits from the Sierra Leonean Government in the waters of Sierra Leone.

“Some armed soldiers of the U.S. Navy under the excuse of joint military drill illegally boarded and searched the Chinese vessel,” he revealed stating how the Chinese fishing company suffered a heavy loss and the crew and staff of the vessel were put under gunpoint and suffered from physical and mental duress and impairment.

He continued that the action of the U.S. Navy personnel has not only violated the legal procedure and sovereignty of Sierra Leone as well as the international norms, but also severely infringed on China’s rights of jurisdiction over Chinese flagged fishing vessels.

The Chinese Spokesman intimated that their Embassy has lodged serious representations and a solemn protest to the U.S. Embassy in Sierra Leone.

“From this event, you can find that more than often, some people tend to call black white and use any opportunity to drive a wedge in China-Sierra Leone Cooperation,” he opined but said he believes that such acts will go nowhere.

According to him, the Chinese Government will continue to require and guide the Chinese companies and nationals in Sierra Leone to promote green and high-quality development cooperation.

He further highlighted how the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone will communicate and coordinate closely with the Sierra Leonean side in safeguarding the lawful rights of Chinese investors and punishing the wrong-doings of any Chinese companies or individuals should there be any.

When The Calabash Newspaper posed to him the question of: What is in the pipeline with regard to the next phase of China-Sierra Leone cooperation?

The Spokesperson stated that over the past 50 years, China-Sierra Leone mutually beneficial cooperation has made remarkable achievements. He said since 2018 alone, the Chinese side helped the Sierra Leonean side build or implement about 20 projects or programs, such as the construction of the second Juba Bridge, the Freetown 3.2 km Ring Road (from Limkokwing University to the Regent Village), the National Fiber Optical Transmission Backbone Phase II Project, the donation of 30 Garbage Trucks, the provision of around 9,000 tons of rice aid, the donation of agricultural machinery, the refurbishment of the Presidential Lounge at the Lungi International Airport, the donation of a VVIP convoy, the recruitment of hundreds of Sierra Leonean students under the Chinese Government scholarships programs and the persistent donation of urgently needed medical supplies, all of which brought substantial benefits to the Sierra Leonean Government and People.

He continued that besides, more than 10 other projects such as the Foreign Service Academy, the overhaul of the National Stadium, the upgrading of the China-Sierra Leone Friendship Hospital, the donation of more COVID-19 vaccines etc. are in good progress or in earnest discussion.

The Spokesman disclosed how the Chinese side will work closely with Sierra Leone to implement the outcomes reached in the 8th Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and actively promote cooperation with Sierra Leone under the Belt and Road Initiative.

He said the focus of the future cooperation will be on agriculture, health, education, capacity building, trade and investment, etc.

“We firmly believe that such cooperation will continue to enrich the cordial relationship between our two countries,” he asserted bringing the interview to an end.

Issa Kalokoh: Missing & Declared Wanted by the Poro Secret Society

April 25, 2022

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In the field of journalism sometimes one thing leads to another thing or issue and that was exactly what transpired when this news medium honoured an invitation to cover the commissioning of a school that was constructed by a philanthropist in one of the deprived communities in the rural setting in the outskirts of Makari Village, Makari Gbanti Chiefdom, Bombali District, Northern Province of Sierra Leone to be precise.

As a reporter who was designated to cover the event I also filed in a story which I deemed is news worthy within the category of human interest stories. The issue bothers around an attempted violation of the Freedom of Association of one Issa Kalokoh, who was forced to become a member of a highly secret society for young boys and men, the dreaded Poro Secret Society as a rite of taking over his father Mohamed Kalokoh who was a senior member of the society, occupying the position of “Gbanabom”, which is a powerful position in the society.

The said practice is said to be a tradition in the chiefdom that every male child whose father is part of the secret society once he passed away his male child becomes an heir to take over his father’s position as “Gbanabom”, of which every family in the community is expected to comply, as deviating from it is tantamount to disobedience to the gods of the land and is seen as a sacrilege.

It was also revealed that Issa Kalokoh has reached the age to be initiated; therefore, he is expected to voluntarily report to the Poro Society elders for the due ceremony. But certainly, he is not interested to join the Poro Society because it’s not morally decent and unethical for his health and the Islamic religion which led him not to cooperate with the process.

As he became eligible for initiation, our source disclosed, he simply declined their invitation, and it became apparent that the society is poised to abduct him and forcefully initiate him, since he had shown unwillingness to join the secret society and to take over his father. It was at the point that a friend of Issa Kalokoh, Joseph S. Kanu decided to aid the escape of his friend out of the country for his safety.

According to our investigation, it was revealed that the members of the society had raided the family home of Issa Kalokoh on several occasions, and are currently offering a reward for information leading to his location whenever he visits Sierra Leone.

According to sources close to the Secret Society hierarchy, the penalty of betrayal (refusing to comply with the tradition of the community) is death through unconventional means that leave no room for police investigation.

Up to this moment of going to Press the whereabouts of Issa Kalokoh is not known. But what is certain is that the members of the Poro Society are desperately searching for him vowing that if he is seen they will kill him and sacrifice him to the Poro gods.
For now Issa Kalokoh has been declared wanted in the country by the Poro Society members because they believed he has committed treachery especially for adhering to the dictates of tradition.

From what this medium learnt there are other young boys and girls in the country who are forced to associate themselves with certain traditional practices, some very harmful, against their wishes all in the name of preserving traditions or customs.

In reality their basic fundamental human rights are violated with impunity which is why it is important for Human Rights Based Organizations in the country to step advocacy and raise their voices against those harmful traditional practices otherwise young people will continue to suffer in silence.

Alhassan Mansaray Narrowly Escapes Death At Hands of Angry Youths, Police And Muslim Community

April 25, 2022

Lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgenders, and intersex activities are considered to be forbidden in both the Holy Quran and the Bible, it are prohibited by Muslims and Christians in Sierra Leone and Africa as a whole.

In Sierra Leone LGBTI activities are considered to be state crime, so practitioners have little or no protection from the law, despite pressure from few Civil Rights Activists and Media Houses, practitioner, including activists, are targeted by communities for their stance.

Alhassan Mansaray and his friends, according to our correspondence in Yealh Chiefdom, Gbonkokaleken, are the latest victims of physical attacks and have been declared wanted by the Sierra Leone Police, on allegation that he was one of the key players to the incident on the 7th and 8th April 2022.

It was disclosed that Alhassan and his gay friends were having a sendoff party for one of their friends, who is traveling to the United States of America when news broke out that gays were having a party at the said location.

Angry youths then descended on the party and attacked the guests. According to our source, Alhassan Mansaray quickly fled the scene, but on the following day, 8th April 2022, a Friday, whilst Alhassan was at the central mosque (Masjid), performing his usual role as interpreter for his father, Alhaji Foday Mansaray, who is the Chief Imam, angry youths then stormed the Masjid, demanding that Alhassan be relieved of his role as interpreter in the mosque, and explained to stakeholders what happened on the previous night.

Though his father pleaded to the youths to wait after the Juma Prayers, but they insisted that Alhassan should step aside. An argument then ensued, resulting in an open confrontation between Alhassan, his elder brother Mohamed Mansaray, his father, and the angry youths, resulting in a fight where his father was beaten, but Alhassan and his brother were said to have escaped the attack.

But an incident that took place shortly after their escape from the mosque, in which the ‘poro’ society (a male secret society) shrine was set ablaze, saw residents and the angry youths accusing Alhassan and his brother of being responsible for the carnage, a claim their father had denied .

His brother was later apprehended by members of the secret society, while Alhassan was chased from a local health facility, where he went to seek medical treatment after the attack at the mosque. Sources say that he was able to escape through the help of the health workers. Further investigations on the sexuality of Alhassan revealed that at an early age, his father discovered that his son was slowly getting into the practice of homosexuality, and he is said to have taken him to an herbalist to treat him, as such an act is a taboo, and could result in death of the suspect.

It was also disclosed that in the light of this development, Alhassan was hurriedly married off at an early age so as to end his desire for the same sex. As this information becomes increasingly widespread, members of the masjid demanded that Pa Mansaray, the chief Imam should relinquish his position, because he had an idea that his son was a gay but failed to take the necessary steps as a true Muslim.

This medium tried to reach Pa Mansaray, but was told that he is responding to treatment at an undisclosed health center, while one of his sons was detained at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) helping the police in their investigations. Alhassan is said to have gone into hiding, and his whereabouts are yet unknown.

Issa Kalokoh: Missing & Declared Wanted by the Poro Secret Society

April 25, 2022

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Alusine Conteh flees out the Country to avoid Secret ceremonies and rituals

April 25, 2022

Karifa Thoronka

Poro secret society in Bambukuro Village in the Northern part of Sierra Leone is becoming major issues, as many young men have been intimidated whiles some have lost their life during the initiation ceremony in the last five years. Alusine Conteh who lost his both parents in 2014 have been staying with the chief in Bambukuro Village whiles attending Catholic School before he disappeared as result of intimidation and harassment in the society bush.

From a reliable source, the caretaker of Alusine who happens to be the town chief appointed Alusine with one other boy to be initiated as that been the tradition for chief to appoint two people in every initiation ceremony. Unexpectedly for Alusine, on the 24 day of April 2022 a group of society members descended on Alusine and dragged him into the society bush for initiation ceremony, the eyewitness revealed that Alusine manage to escaped after seeing some rituals ceremony been display with the first initiates.

Both the Chief and the traditional leaders have declared Alusine wanted for disappearing from the society bush without been initiated, the man who helped Alusine to escaped has been arrested by the traditional leaders and he is nowhere to be found. Moreover, since Alusine Conteh have already seen what they do in the society bush, the traditional authorities are after him in order to kill him for exposing their secrete.

In an inclusive interview with the head teacher for the Catholic School which Alusine was attending, Pastor John Okafor noted by saying that Secret societies pose a number of problems for young people in the communities, he further by saying that the very concept of a secret society is extra-biblical at best, and anti-biblical at worst. Pastor John described the story of Alusine as unfair as the boy never wanted to be part of any secret society because of his believe and what his late father told him about the effects of the society, ‘’The boy is very brilliant in School and never wanted to join any secret society’’ he says.

What is more of concern in Alusine’s case is the fact that some of the State holders are part of this Poro Society in the Country which includes Politicians, and the Police, who are still serving as active members.

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