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After Commissioning a Peace Monument…   MRCG Engages Community Residents on Transitional Justice

By Amin Kef Sesay

The rehabilitated Kumrabai Ferry ‘Peace Monument’ ,which it is stated has a narrative relating to peacebuilding in Sierra Leone was commissioned by the  Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG) which also engaged the community residents on transitional justice issues on the 20th March 2022.

The community engagement raised the awareness of residents in Kumrabai Ferry and its environs on transitional justice issues to prevent conflict and provide an enabling peaceful environment.

The Africa Transitional Justice Legacy Fund (ATJLF) in Ghana provided the fund for the rehabilitation and community meetings facilitated by the MRCG.  The project is aimed at engaging the media and communities to increase public awareness on Transitional Justice (TJ) mechanisms and change the narrative on TJ issues in Sierra Leone.

The residents said on the 8 December 2000, Lieutenant General Daniel Opande, Force Commander UNAMSIL, Brigadier Alihasan, Commander Sector 4 and General Issa Sesay, Interim Chairman of the Revolution United Front (RUF), Ahmed Mucksoon Sesay and others met at the village.

According to the residents, the meeting was the first to discuss modalities for deployment of UNAMSIL troops throughout RUF controlled Northern and Eastern Region. Ahmed Thaimu Turay, Mohamed Sesay and Pa Mohamed Kuyateh said at that meeting, UNAMSIL and RUF leadership committed themselves to a peaceful resolution of the then civil conflict.

National Coordinator, MRCG, Dr. Francis Sowa, said the peace monument with the inscription ‘Peace was Born Here’ was pivotal to their work on transitional justice. He said the MRCG would continue to work with the community to continue to showcase the importance of peace within the discourse on transitional justice.

“The key problem the project seeks to address is the apparent low level of public engagements and discourse on TJ mechanisms and learning from the past experiences and recommendations. Most of the factors that took the country to war are still prevalent in most communities and the country’s hard earn peace continue to be labeled as a fragile one and there are concerns about the consolidation of the country’s peace processes and achievements,” said Dr. Sowa.

On 19 March 2022, the MRCG conducted a community engagement on TJ issues in Mile 91 as that place is a conflict prone community particularly during elections. The MRCG hopes that the community engagements will ‘bring to life’ the key issues in the country’s TJ mechanisms that would enhance the advocacy to prevent reoccurrence of incidents that may lead to conflicts by helping to promote peace and reconciliation. The community engagements were done together with a local radio station, Radio Gbaft, which has a history connected to the war and peacebuilding. The station will broadcast highlights of the community engagements. With the Radio Gbaft monthly TJ radio programs, Sierra Leoneans will be reminded of the atrocities committed during the civil war to help prevent reoccurrence.

The MRCG is the coordinating Secretariat for media reform, research and capacity building that seeks to strengthen democratic dialogue and accountability, consolidate peace and ensure development through professional, independent and sustainable media based on the right to freedom of expression and of the press.

It comprises  Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Independent Radio Network (IRN), Guild of Editors (GoE), Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL), Sierra Leone Reporters Union (SLRU), Sport Writers Association of Sierra Leone (SWASAL), Mass Communication (Fourah Bay College), Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC), Independent Media Commission (IMC) and the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC).

For Issuing Securitized ID Cards… NCRA to Commence Issuance of Securitized Identity Cards Soon

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By Amin Kef Sesay

The National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA), after a Cabinet approval on the 2nd March, 2022, has on the  22nd March 2022 secured a Parliamentary Ratification for the production of  Securitized Identity Cards (National & ECOWAS Compliant), ID Verification System and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI).

This medium was also intimated that access to secure the ID Cards will be decentralized across districts where citizens and other residents in Sierra Leone will have the opportunity to obtain their ID Cards from their respective Districts thus easing the burden of movement to Freetown on people.

The Parliamentary Ratification took place in the Well of Parliament and Agreement ratified reads as follows:

“Agreement for the production and issuance of securitized multipurpose identity cards(National, Non-National & ECOWAS), ID Verification System and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) between the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) and Constrat Systems Sierra Leone Limited”.

Presenting the Agreement, the Minister of Internal Affairs, David Panda Noah spoke about the mandate of the NCRA Act, in light of the production of identity cards and other important duties. He informed that the Institution has registered several people.

He also told Parliament that NCRA is building the capacity of personnel in order to meet the demand and other related required supports were on course. According to the Minister, the following identity cards would be produced: National, Non-National and ECOWAS identity cards.

The identity cards, he said, would serve many purposes including accessing banking, National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NaSSIT) amongst others.

According to him, the development would help the authorities to track criminals and help in resolving some matters further emphasizing that the identity cards would help in many ways.

With this identification and registration, the Minister said data management would be enhanced and informed that NCRA had registered 5.9million people on their data base. He also stated that the Agreement has no implication on the State and Government would also benefit.

The NCRA, he said, is on massive awareness regarding same and went on to assure Parliament on the confidentiality and privacy of users.

Contributing to the debate, Chairman of Internal Affairs Committee, Hon. Alusine Kanneh said his colleague MPs were au-fait with the development regarding the identity processing adding that they have been waiting for the identity cards.

He informed that identification of this nature would help citizens to identify and curb out criminality as well as help people to travel across ECOWAS countries.

On his part, Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara said the identity cards would help the people to go through services. He recalled bad incidences related to criminal impersonation, adding that the Agreement would address some of the similarity problems.

“With this one, I am sure would address justice related issues,” he stated.

However, he raised concerns over the price of the National Identity Card, Le75, 000 as exorbitant for ordinary people. He also informed that the attachment of the National Identification Number would ease the process of passport issuance.

Hon. Sahr Charles said having a national identification card is prudent and recalled the process from the past Government and commended the current Government for continuity. He also told the Minister to look into the pricing for the people and spoke about the decentralization of the system to ease accessibility.

He also appreciated the production of the identity. He said they would want to see other features in the identity cards especially for students and ease tracking of criminals and other benefits adding that the country has been far behind for this kind of development.

Hon. Joseph William Lamin described the day as very important, relating to the identification to benchmarking. He informed that they are coming to have a reputable identification. He spoke about confidentiality of the process, in light of protection. The MP informed that NCRA has registered 5.9million people, adding that it was very significant and spoke about the uniqueness of the identity cards as well as duration and cost. He informed that the job was well done and it was a merit for the Government scorecard.

Hon. Wuyata Songa highlighted the inter relation between identification and security, referencing a recent incidence that affected her.

Leader of Opposition, Hon. Chernor R.M. Bah said the identification system had been a process from the past Government to present. He informed that Agreement is necessary but decried the huge cost of the transaction especially for the ECOWAS identity card and pleaded on the Minister to do the needful for the people of Sierra Leone.

Concluding the debate, the Acting Leader of Government Business, Hon. Bashiru Silikie said the Agreement is not controversial and supported the Opposition Leader’s submission for the fees for the National ID card and highlighted the other cost of national ID cards in the Sub-Region relating to pricing. The Acting Leader highlighted the importance of the National ID Card when it comes to operations .He called for decentralization of the production of the National ID Card.

In another development, Parliament has on the same date, 22/03/2022 ratified the following Agreements :

  1. Air services Agreement between the Government of Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone
  2. Bilateral Air Services Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone and Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
  3. Memorandum of Understanding between the Aeronautical Authorities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Sierra Leone
  4. Bilateral Air Services Agreement between Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone and Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and
  5. Memorandum of Understanding between the Republic of Sierra Leone and Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The various Agreements were presented by the Deputy Minister of Transportation and Aviation, Rex Bhonapha.

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ACC Updates the Public on its Actions & Interventions of 2019 & 2020 Auditor General’s Reports

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By Foday Moriba Conteh

In a Media Release dated 23rd March, 2022 in which the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) stated that it wishes to update the general public of the actions and steps it has taken so far  to address critical issues raised in the Audit Reports of Sierra Leone 2019 and 2020, it was underscored that the institution’s interventions focused on aspects of possible or alleged corruption and conducts inconsistent with the provision(s) in the Anti-Corruption Act of 2008 as amended in 2019.

The ACC continued that after a thorough review and analysis of the aforementioned Reports, the Commission initiated actions with a view to investigating, prosecuting or recovering public funds, public revenue, public property, as the case maybe, in accordance with Sections 7 and 48 of the Anti-Corruption Act of 2008 as amended in 2019, respectively.

It then went on to give the second set of issues and areas of its interventions and the outcomes of same:

The ACC said the 2019 Audit Report highlighted Five queries against the Makeni Government Hospital which include; Ninety Million Leones (Le90,000,000) paid for fuel that was not supplied; payment of One Hundred and Twelve Million, Six Hundred and Thirty Thousand, Four Hundred Leones (Le112,630,400) contract not fully executed; imprest of Thirty-nine Million, Four Hundred and Sixteen Million Leones (Le 39,416,000) not retired in 2019; payment of Three Hundred and Ninety-eight Million, Forty-seven Thousand, One Hundred and Fifteen Leones (Le398,047,115) without supporting documents; and withholding tax of Seven Million, Nine Hundred and Eighty-eight Thousand, Nine Hundred and Six-one Leones (Le7,988,961) deducted but not paid to the National Revenue Authority (NRA).

The ACC said after thorough investigation into the said issues, the Commission was able to establish that no act of corruption was committed, as all supporting documents in relation to the queries were presented to ACC Investigators.

With regards the Falaba District Council the ACC stated that the 2019 Auditor General’s Report alleged that Council authorities failed to deduct and pay withholding tax to the NRA totaling Thirty-one Million, Seven Hundred and Ninety-Seven Thousand, Six Hundred and Forty-five Leones (Le 31,797,645).

The ACC continued that the Report further alleged that the Council failed to account for revenues collected as timer dues to the tune of Eighty-two Million, Six Hundred Thousand Leones (Le82,600,000), paid allowances to absentee councilors to the tune of Forty-three Million, Two Hundred and Seventy thousand Leones (Le43,270,000), and improperly used resources by some devolved sectors to the tune of Eighty-Seven Million, Six Hundred and Eighty Thousand Leones (Le87,680,000). The Report also claimed that the sum of One Hundred and Forty-two Million, Four Hundred Thousand Leones (Le142, 400,000) was revenue collected on receipt books but which the Council failed to account for.

In light of the aforementioned the ACC Investigations stated that however they found no evidence that may warrant a prosecution, due to the fact that, documents were produced to account for the said funds.

For the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority  (EDSA) the ACC said the 2020 Audit Report stated that EDSA was given a loan valued at Seven Million United States Dollars (USD $7,000,000), which was a clear liability of EDSA related to a revolving Letter of Credit to enable a steady supply of fuel for the Karpowership. But relevant documents for this loan were neither submitted to the Auditors nor disclosed in the General-Purpose Financial Statement.

The ACC stated that its investigations however show that, EDSA was not given a loan as mentioned in the Report. The Investigations show that the Letter of Credit remains a contingent liability yet to be utilized and that EDSA has so far been fulfilling its financial obligation under the contract. Therefore, this issue will be Kept in View (KIV).

In relation to the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA) the 2020 Audit Report alleged that SLRA paid untaxed allowances to the tune of One Hundred and Sixty Million, Nine Hundred and Sixty-five Thousand Leones (Le160, 965,000) to Board Members between 2016 and 2018.

The ACC investigations, however, showed that there was no direct/indirect fraud of embezzlement of public funds; rather it was negligence on the part of the authorities concerned. Therefore, ACC has recommended for the Management of SLRA to refund the full amount.

For the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration  (SLMA) the 2020 Auditor General’s Report alleged that on diverse dates between January 2019 and December 2020, SLMA failed to pay into the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) the total sum of Eight Hundred and Eighty-eight Thousand, Thirty-five United States Dollars and Twenty-six Cents (USD $$888,035.26).

The  ACC said  upon concluding investigation the amount of Eight Hundred and Seventy-two Thousand, Three Hundred and Forty-nine United States Dollars and Sixty-seven Cents (USD $$872,349.67) which was allegedly used to purchase Maritime items/equipment is owed to the Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL) by the Ship Registration Limited/SLMARAD.

It also found out that the then Executive Director single handedly took the decision to utilize the 3rd party money owed to GoSL without the approval of the line Ministry, Board of Directors of SLMA and Ministry of Finance. The ACC therefore asked him to refund the said USD $872,349.67.

With regards the Fifteen Thousand, Six Hundred and Eighty-five United States Dollars and Fifty-Nine Cents (USD $15,685.59) highlighted in the Audit Report as outstanding payment to be made by SLMARAD, the ACC has asked that the payment is effected and evidence of payment be requested.

That the agreement between SLMARAD, the GoSL and SLMA be revisited and for it to go through the Ministry of Justice, Cabinet and/or Parliament for ratification.

That the parties to the contract representing GoSL should be hiring external Auditors to audit the activities of SLMARAD every six months to ascertain detailed sales, Government shares, number and details of registered vessels, certified seafarers, technical statistics, legal and operational overview.

For Guma Valley Water Company the 2020 Auditor General’s Report highlighted that the total sum of Three Billion, One Hundred and Seventy-three Million, Five Hundred and Twenty-nine Thousand, Six Hundred and One Leones (Le3, 173,529,601) were deducted as Pay As You Earn (PAYE) taxes from staff salaries and allowances and not paid to the NRA by the Management of the Guma Valley Water Company (GVWC).

However, the ACC stated that its investigation confirms that PAYE for the years 31st December, 2018 and 2019 were not paid to the NRA by the Management of GVWC. The Commission therefore instructed the payment of the money due as PAYE to NRA and as of 23rd March, 2022, Five Hundred Million Leones (Le500, 000,000) has been paid to NRA.

It continued that the remaining amount of Two Billion, Six-hundred and Seventy-three Million, Five Hundred and Twenty- nine Thousand, Six Hundred and One Leones (Le2, 673,529,601) still remains as PAYE to be paid to the NRA by the GVWC.  GVWC has however committed to pay same over a period of time.

The ACC said it will continue to thank and appreciate Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL) for their diligence and cooperation in helping to combat corruption in Sierra Leone and Parliament for their support.

NP-SL Commands High Respect for Excellent & Qualitative Service Delivery

NP-SL: Held in Esteem for Being Foremost as a Resilient Company

By Amin Kef Sesay

It is strongly incontestable that the leading petroleum company in the country, the National Petroleum-Sierra Leone Limited, is highly known for being the first in the realm of customer care. This is indisputable when cognizance is taken of how Management is very keen on optimizing customer satisfaction in its service delivery on different fronts.

Members of staff of the company are very mindful of the fact that it is the customer that comes first and therefore needs the utmost attention always ensuring that transactions are conducted under a congenial atmosphere that result into a win-win situation. For this brilliant and managerial initiative the company has been making positive headways positioning to stand tall among other business entities in this part of the world.

With a capable and result-oriented Staff, working collaboratively and assiduously, where even the cleaner is regarded as highly relevant there is bound to be positive outcomes and the company has mastered this by ensuring that synergy is enhanced.

One admirable quality that NP-SL Ltd possesses is working tirelessly and effectively using its contacts with oil producing countries in order to ensure that there is timely purchase and delivery of petroleum products to avoid shortages. It goes without saying that fuel, for example, could be a political commodity in the sense that fluctuation in its price would make a Government likeable or unpopular. When the price goes up then people blame the Government for that but if it goes down it is kudos for the political administration.

Its timely importation of petroleum products has earned NP high commendations from various quarters simply because it helps to cushion unrest and other forms of disadvantageous effects one of which is increase in transport fares, increase in the prices of certain commodities. The pro-activeness of the company invariably has a direct impact on poverty reduction in variable ways.

Some who may not be aware of the fact that NP-SL Ltd is wholly owned by Sierra Leoneans vis-à-vis the visibility of the company and how it is remarkably striving could find it hard to believe that it a truly indigenous company.

However, that remains the plain truth when it is learnt that it was Sierra Leonean 35 workers formerly working for British Petroleum (BP) who pulled together their end of service benefits to purchase shares which were used to establish NP, which today is a success story of an indigenous company, having branches in various parts of the country and in other four West African countries namely Liberia, Guinea, Ivory Coast and The Gambia. The company’s operations right across the spectrum is contributing towards revenue generation and job creation for many.

With gas as one its marketable products it was thought wise to be producing gas cookers, popularly known as NP Gas, which could be access at their different filling stations. According to investigation conducted NP Gas is cooking-friendly, safe and long lasting. It is going at an affordable price and many are going for it.

The company, in line with matching with technology ,introduced the use of a Smart Card widely known as NP Smart Card which is a Card with memory chip imbedded that can be credited with money and debited when it is used during the purchase of fuel. The holder only slots the loaded card into the space on the pumping machine after commanding the amount of fuel to be pumped and the exact amount is discharged with the card ready for another recharge to be used for the next purchase. It has been acknowledged that it is a safe, cashless way of conducting transactions assuring greater security and budgetary adjustments.

When reference is made to the effective implementation of the Local Content Policy, then NP-SL Ltd stands tall within that realm as nearly all its members of staff are Sierra Leoneans thereby making use of local talents everywhere they are operating. The Local Content Policy is indeed an engine of growth and NP is making full use of it.
Although these are trying times for the company in terms of easily accessing petroleum products as a result of the war between Russia and Ukraine, however, Management is doing everything possible to ensure that these products are available and accessible.

 

Housemates Salone Season 3 Gains Sponsorship from Two International Companies

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By Amin Kef Sesay

During a brief Press Conference that was convened on the 23rd March, 2022 by the organizers of the upcoming Housemates Salone Season 3 Reality TV Show, AYV and Africell-Sierra Leone, on the 23rd March 2022,at the AYV Media Empire on Wesley Street in Freetown, it was disclosed to  those in attendance that two international companies have come forward to give their support  to  the social event that is slated to commence very shortly.

Present were the CEO of the African Young Voices Media Empire, Ambassador Anthony Navo Jr, Dr. Ezekiel Lakkoh, the General Manager of AYV, William Sao Lamin, a Civil Society activist, some members of staff of AYV, representatives of the two international companies and a cross section of media practitioners.

Giving an overview of Housemates Salone Season 3, Dr. Ezekiel Lakkoh informed that it is a Reality TV Show that is geared towards recreating the minds of young people in the country which he stated, for quite some time, was a dream nurtured by the Chief Executive Officer of AYV, Anthony Navo Jr, further maintaining that it was that dream that later on crystallized into Housemates Salone underscoring that this is now the third edition of the show which is why it is referred to as Season 3.

“The Reality TV Show is one that will provide some form of informal education for the Housemates while they are together under one roof as they interact on a daily basis which is why it is sometimes referred to as Edutainment,” he added. Dr. Lakkoh informed that Housemates Salone has now become an international brand name maintaining that the upcoming Season 3 will go beyond the jurisdiction of the country as opposed to the two Seasons that preceded it.

On his part, William Sao Lamin commended AYV Media Empire for the achievements the entity has made over the years especially in capacitating young people across the country. He informed all that he intends to combine his Civil Society activities with business adding that he will be playing an instrumental role in trying to get business entities and companies to come onboard in order to extend support to the Reality TV Show. Sao Lamin pointed out that the organizers of Housemates Salone have a lot in store for young people with the avowed objective of making their lives better.

In his statement, one of the representatives of the two international companies, Remi Okafor, intimated that he is a naturalized Sierra Leonean who has resided in this country for thirty years now and is the owner of Romez Commercial Enterprise. He said at his business place there used to be some young women plaiting hair close-by saying these women use to purchase Expression hair from him. Okafor said knowing what young people go through he decided that whenever there is an opportunity he would want to help young people.

He said no matter how bad young people are looked at if they are presented with opportunities that will positively impact their lives then they could be transformed to positively contribute to meaningful developments.

“When I learnt of Housemates Salone Season 3 I thought of how certain companies were supporting similar shows in Nigeria and challenged myself to convince some business entities to support the Reality TV Show in Sierra Leone,” he revealed furthering that he succeeded to get the consent of owners or dealers of Sara Cosmetics that markets STORM perfume and Expression to come on board in order to support the Reality TV Show.

“The Sara Cosmetics that markets the STORM brand of perfume even decided to support the Reality Show for three consecutive years and at the end of the day the company may sign one of the participants to be a Brand Ambassador of STORM perfume which has gained affection in various African countries as a classical perfume,” he also divulged.

He said the Expression hair is not strange in the country as it has been used by women for plaiting their hair maintaining that it is NO1 and a new definition of quality. According to him, during the course of the show Housemates who are good at braiding will be recognized via a competition for which various prizes will be offered for expressing their talents. He informed all that V-Pression Hair is Nigerian owned and Sara Cosmetics is located in Turkey.

The other representative, Jeremiah Johnson, stated that the greatest asset of any nation is young people adding that the latter are explorers who are always eager to know or learn new things. He said the duty of the older generation is to help young people navigate their ways through. He pointed out that  the huge turnout and the energies displayed by young people during the audition process were awesome and him in particular was highly impressed. Jeremiah stated after exploring to know the opportunities that AYV has to offer they were convinced that it is the right platform that they could support in order to arrive at a win-win situation.

Chief Executive Officer of AYV Media Empire, Anthony Navo Jr. said on behalf of AYV and Africell-Sierra Leone he is extending thanks to the two international business entities for coming onboard to support Housemates Salone Season 3. He informed all present that the Reality TV Show is going to be huge for young people and will be aired right across Africa via DStv as just recently AYV TV was linked to DStv Channel 399.

“ AYV going international could be one of the reasons why external big companies have shown interest in the upcoming Reality TV Show,” the AYV CEO averred adding that local companies had supported the past two editions but said with the interest now being shown by international business entities local business entities are now challenged.

He said what all are witnessing is the start of a journey of a thousand miles underscoring that with the view that more business entities would manifest interest that is why Sara Cosmetics decided to be in the queue by stating that they will support the Show for three years, thereby consolidating its position.

Anthony Navo Jr assured the representatives that they will be given a befitting platform to showcase their different products further expressing hope that the Reality TV Show will deliver the production value to be in tandem with DStv standards.

He concluded that the sponsorship packages of the two companies are very impressive.

The AYV Founder and CEO encouraged other business entities to come onboard in order to get more visibility.

The signing of a formal agreement or Memorandum of Understanding  by the representatives of the two companies and the CEO of AYV Media Empire, Anthony Navo Jr and witnessed by other personalities formed the highpoint of the event.

From 11th April to 13th April 2022…   Choithram Hospital Will Offer Free Urology & Orthopedic Screening, Treatment

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By Amin Kef Sesay

 In a new development, the Choithram Memorial Hospital will be organizing a free 2-day expert consultation commencing on the 11th April 2022 to the 13th April 2022 at the hospital premises on Hill Station in Freetown.

This medium was reliably informed that renowned doctors and specialists like Dr. Ruchir Maheshwari, Principal Consultant, Urology and Dr. Munish Chaudhary, Senior Consultant, Orthopedics and Joint Replacement from Max Healthcare in India will be on the ground to screen and treat individuals for free. They will be treating individuals suffering from Urology and Orthopedics.

However, it was made clear that for major cases diagnosed, during that period, treatment for such cases will be paid for on a discount basis and if surgery could not be done here then the patients will be referred to India. In the case of minor tests it was stated that such will be done free and for major ones like CT scanning, payment is required.

Max Healthcare is one of the leading healthcare networks in North India and will be now closer even during these challenging times of pandemics.

According to the Medical Superintendent of Choithram Memorial Hospital, Dr Gowrinath M. George, they are aware that it is not everyone in the country that is financially capable to travel to India for specialized treatment which is why they decided to bring experts in the country to offer their professional knowledge and services on a pro bono basis.

Interested persons must note that prior registration is mandatory and they must book an appointment at Choithram Memorial Hospital on the 10th April, 2022 as only limited spaces will be available. To book individuals must call +232-76-541-331.

A Migrant as Messenger Narrates Thrilling Awareness-Campaign in Falaba to Discourage Illegal Migration

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By Bilal Kamara (MaM Volunteer)

5 out of 10 families in Sulima Chiefdom have relatives who have gone on the ‘Temple Run’ journey. Families sold their cows to sponsor their sons’ journey overseas but only to get news that they died. Many young people from this part of Sierra Leone have abandoned their farms and trade for life abroad

On the 27thof February, a team led by IOM arrived in Sulima chiefdom Falaba district on a two-day awareness-raising campaign about irregular migration, human trafficking, and safe migration.  Falaba is one of the largest districts in Sierra Leone and with a population of little more than 200,000 that make up the confluence of a few minority ethnic groups in the country… that is the Kuranko, Yalunka, Fula, and Madingo. Falaba is an entirely rural and relatively underdeveloped district.  Its inhabitants are mostly farmers, livestock holders, traders, and commercial bike riders. Lately, many young people from this part of the country have incongruously abandoned their farms and sold their cattle to sponsor a journey abroad.

In early January, Migrants as Messengers (MAM) held its annual general meeting in Port Loko district.  Migrants as Messengers (MAM) is a peer-to-peer messaging campaign where returning migrants share with their communities and families the dangers, trauma, and abuse that many experienced while attempting irregular migration.  One of MAM’s volunteers named Mark got a moment of cynosure when he stood up and made an incisive proposal to the Migrants as Messengers network to organize an awareness-raising event in Falaba. A little blemish of awe bloomed on almost everyone’s face when Mark disclosed that Falaba district is losing a large number of her youths to ‘temple run’ journeys.

Mark is a resident of Falaba district and a returned migrant from Libya. Doctor Mark as he is fondly called palpably surprised many when he returned to the farm that he abandoned some years ago for a dream of a life abroad.  Even though being an agriculturist, Mark, however, managed to give his youthful energy effervescently to the mission of MAM. He has been sharing his stories in his home town to save his fellow youths from taking up the dangerous ‘temple run’ journey.   ‘Temple run’ is a slang used in Sierra Leone for irregular migration.

Mark’s proposal was approved and I was lucky to be part of the IOM-led team to Sulima chiefdom Falaba. IOM in collaboration with Migrants as messengers has been to almost all the 14 districts in Sierra Leone to raise awareness about irregular migration and help people to make an informed decision about migrations. For Falaba it was the first time, and Sulima chiefdom was the first targeted spot. Falaba is arguably the farthest part in Sierra Leone when coming from the capital Freetown.

This is because the road leading to Falaba is in very bad shape. It is the worst I have experienced in Sierra Leone. It was my first time to travel to Falaba as such; I was shocked to discover the unpaved, rugged and rocky brown dusted road that leads to one of the biggest districts in Sierra Leone. We spent four hours covering what is believed to be 34miles. The four hours of shaking, bouncing, and slaloming on the deplorable Falaba road sent me to a state of retch. I had to tame my nauseous situation asking the driver for a piss break again and again.

It was dark and quiet when we arrived in Falaba town. Doctor Mark welcomed us to his home. He served us dinner on two big shiny plates. We ate and talked about the roads. When Mark disclosed that there is no guest house or hotel in the entire Falaba town, I saw a frozen smile of incomprehension on the face of Abdulrahman Kays a civil society activist and fortunately a member of the IOM-led team to Falaba. “A lot about Falaba has impregnated my thoughts,” he said with a lopsided smile.  Mark has managed to organize some rooms for us in two small flats nearby. There is no electricity, so we had to use our phone’s light to illuminate the darkness in the rooms until we later arranged for a generator.

Our team Leader Mr. Barrie insisted that we held a short meeting before we said good night. He explained briefly our two days activities. “Gentlemen” his pizzazz voice alerted our attention. “Our mission here is to raise awareness about irregular migration’’. He paused for some seconds after the interruption of the mooing of a strayed calf. He continued “ We will provide information on misconceptions about living abroad… for many young people here are desperate to travel abroad and it seems the irregular means of traveling is the most common here’’.

He furthered, “We will achieve this through, holding meetings with some family heads, influencers, and community stakeholders, and we will do a film show and organize a football match between two chiefdoms”. I was sitting there trying to keep my tired lackluster eyes open. On the next day, I was half woken up to the sound of the town crier. His voice blared through the megaphones forcing everyone to get the message. In the Yalunka language, he announced to the people our visit and reminded everyone about our meeting with them in the town hall. As the sound of the town crier faded, then the terrifying sound of chainsaw roared. I finally woke up and murmured, “Oh humanity is taking the chainsaw again to the tree of life”.

Our meeting with stakeholders, influencers, youths, and community heads attracted a large turnout. The town hall was flooded with people as there were not enough chairs to seat them all. The steam of the day’s heat and red dust wafted in the town hall. Mr. Barrie frequently mopped the perspiration on his forehead with a white handkerchief he clutched in his right hand. Families gave testimonies of how many cows they have sold to sponsor their children’s journey to Europe but only to get informed that they died on the journey. Others grieved that they have not heard from their sons and brothers since they left. Ibrahim Samura a returned migrant from Morocco wiped the water welling up in his eyes with the tail of his t-shirt as he recounted his ordeals.

Before the meeting at the town hall, we visited the Falaba secondary school and gave a short awareness-raising message to the pupils about the dangers surrounding irregular migration and advised them to always ask questions before making any traveling decisions. Mr. Barrie asked the pupils, “Who wants to go overseas?”All hands were raised. Mr. Barrie continued “but if you all decide to leave, who will stay behind to be our doctors, teachers, nurses, lawmakers, and farmers?’’ No reply!  They all shook their heads gloomily as if they regretted raising their hands to the first question.

Mr. Barrie concluded by saying that “We are not here to discourage you about traveling; the work of IOM is to make migration safe and orderly”. This time a relieving expression settled down on the faces of the children.

Another activity that attracted the turnout of almost the whole of Sulima chiefdom was the night film show. The kids ebulliently jumped around and jostled for front seats. The honorable paramount chief of Sulima chiefdom, Dr. Salifu Samura graced the event with his warm exuberance. The film showed migrants suffering and perishing in the Sahara desert and scenes of black African migrants locked up in inhumane Libya prison. A loud cry rose from the crowd of viewers when the film rolled a scene where a plastic boat crammed with migrants capsized in the rough sea.

A lady in the front seat sobbed as she stared at the big projector screen. An aged man whined unceasingly as he watched the film revealing pictures of the derelict state of migrants. After the film, as we were packing out our gadgets and equipment, two young men walked up to us gushing with reverential courage and confessed that they have been saving money for traveling to Europe through the irregular way, but the film documentaries they had just watched has changed their minds and decisions.  I was left bewildered…..wondering what if we had not come to Falaba earlier than now?

Judiciary of Sierra Leone Validates its 2022 to 2026 Strategic Plan at Sierra Palms Resort

Chief Justice, His Lordship Justice Desmond Babatunde Edwards.jpg

By Elkass Sannoh

Chief Justice, His Lordship Justice Desmond Babatunde Edwards has during the validation of the Strategic Plan {2022-2026} held at the Sierra Palms Beach Resort at Aberdeen in Freetown on the 21st March 2022 stated that the Judiciary needs a clear direction for the next five years to fully achieve its priorities.

“We need a clear direction for the next five years,” said Chief Justice Edwards, adding that, “everyone should be aware of these goals, strategic priorities and key activities.”

He continued that the Judiciary’s Strategic Plan is also tied to the country’s Medium Term National Development Plan, noting that everyone should be brought onboard in rolling out the Strategic Plan to achieve its desired objectives. According to him, the purpose of the validation conference was to validate and adopt the document to be used as an operational instrument.

In his power point presentation, the Lead Facilitator-Ousman Barrie, said the Government of Sierra Leone recognizes the Judiciary and the justice sector reforms being critical to promote justice and advance the rule of law. He said before now, the justice delivery services remained inadequate to meet the growing demand, especially for the most marginalized and deprived persons or groups in the country. He continued that amidst the overarching challenges, the Government of Sierra Leone has now identified the justice system as a key priority and has expressed a strong commitment to advancing the rule of law and promoting justice for all.

He said the 2022-2026 Strategic Plan aims at increasing access to fair and expeditious justice through effective and efficient case management and to also restore public trust and confidence.

The Principal Accountant-Alpha Charles explained that the establishment of the Communications Department has brought visibility to the Judiciary, stating that the Government of Sierra Leone will now be able to pay more attention to those priorities through regular news reports.

In his cost presentation on the fiscal year under review, Alpha Charles revealed that one of the challenges is limited funding to carry out the Judiciary’s activities.

The Supreme Court Master-Lansana Kotor-Kamara highlighted the four key priorities of the Judiciary of Sierra Leone, among them are effective, efficient and expeditious case management including the automation of systems and processes to make justice more accessible and affordable; Expansion of access to justice through improvements in the human and logistical capacities and physical infrastructure of the Judiciary, including court buildings, judges and judicial support services and logistical resources;  Taking justice closer to the people by strengthening the local courts system, thereby increasing access to justice; Provision of judicial training and continuing professional development to expedite justice and facilitate the expansion of access to fair, impartial and effective justice; Improving on the institutional transparency and accountability of the Judiciary to restore public confidence in its independence and impartiality and finally to cross-cutting all strategic priorities.

 

Dr.David Sengeh & Deputy UN Sec. Gen. Set Core Agenda Items for   Transforming Education Summit   

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By Amin Kef Sesay

Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary School, Dr. David Sengeh  held  a review  and reflection meeting in Paris, France with Ms. Amina Mohamed, Deputy UN Secretary-General,  to  set the core agenda items for the Transforming  Education Summit  (TES) to be held in June this year.

The TES Advisory Committee is established to provide strategic guidance on the substantive focus and preparations for the Summit. Its members represent States and a wide range of education partners. The meeting was attended by the UNESCO Assistant Secretary General of Education, Stefanie Giannini and Ambassador Samuel Tamba Musa, Permanent Delegate to UNESCO.

The Minister extended courtesies to the Deputy Secretary-General and commended her for the leadership in the field of education and for efforts undertaken to rally Member States and the international community more broadly behind the organization of the TES.

The two dignitaries reflected on the numerous information gathering meetings organized to define the key elements of the preparatory process, which play a central role in securing active engagement as well as in mobilizing support for the summit.

Minister Sengeh underscored his commitment to engage Member States and Key stakeholders throughout the preparatory process and beyond to ensure ownership and to draw on the expertise of all partners.

Both Minister David Sengeh and DSG Ms Amina Mohamed reiterated the importance of building on the partnerships forged in the education response to the COVID crisis and the “reset” of the global cooperation in education.

In this regard, they stressed in particular the importance of embedding the TES and its preparatory process within the framework of the Global Cooperation Mechanism to prevent parallel processes.

Further in the discussion, they emphasized the importance of making use of existing structures, platforms and initiatives, referring in particular to the GCM platforms-the Multilateral Education Platform (MEP), the Global Education Forum (GEF), the CCNGO and the SDG 4 Youth Network (SDG4Youth).

They also underlined the importance of using the first TES Advisory Committee meeting to foster strong support for the proposed action tracks among the Committee members, who will also play a pivotal role in rallying their respective constituency groups behind them.

The meeting was concluded on a note underscoring the importance they attach to ensuring that the TES Advisory Committee members have regular dialogue and consultation in their respective constituency groups to foster ownership. In this regard, Minister Dr David Sengeh gave his commitment to align his participation with the Deputy SG Ms Amina Mohamed in her capacity as both Co-chair of the TES Advisory Committee and the SDG 4-Education 2030 High-Level Steering Committee.

Kingho Railway & Port Company Offers Kamasondo Chiefdom a new Court Barray

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By Abdul Malik Bangura

Kingho Railway and Port Company, on the 18th March 2022, handed over a newly constructed Regent Chief Court Barray to residents of Kamasondo Chiefdom in Pepel Town.The construction of the Court Barray in Pepel Town falls under the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and the handing over ceremony saw stakeholders from various sectors graced the landmark event.

Chairman of the ceremony Osman Fofanah, Speaker of Kamasondo Chiefdom, emphasized the relevance of the occasion which he described as unprecedented in the Port Loko District and as an historic event. He admonished all present to desist from taking the law into their hands crying down the razing of the Court Barry by a disgruntled youth a few months ago.

Speaking on behalf of Kingho Railway and Port Company, the Community Manager, Mr. Wu praised the people of Kamasondo for their support to the company and their participation in the company’s activities. He informed the people of Kamasondo that the company did a lot of things the previous year and assured them of doing more this year.

Also speaking on behalf of the company was the National Community and Security Manager, Mohamed Turay extended to the people of Kamasondo on behalf of the CEO and COO and the Director of Community Relations Department who were unavoidably absent.

He elaborated on the projects so far implemented by Kingho Railway and Port Company through the active support of community stakeholders.

On his side, the National Minerals Agency (NMA) representative at the ceremony, Osman Koroma while appreciating the company for its CSR activities in Kamasondo Chiefdom, expressed admiration for its earlier contribution in the area of giving out scholarships.

Delivering his vote of thanks, the Regent Paramount Chief, Pa Komrabai Lawyer Kabia thanked the Kingho Railway and Port Company for supporting him in his time of distress. He thanked all those who supported him when his Barray was burnt and all who stood by him to make his Regency respected.

He concluded by reiterating the need for unity and respect for civil authorities in the chiefdom.

The ceremony was climaxed by the cutting of tape to the new Barry by Moses Kamara, Madam Fatmata Conteh and the Regent Paramount Chief followed by refreshment.

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