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SLCAA Strengthens Aviation Safety with ICAO Dangerous Goods Training for 14 Inspectors

A group of about 16 diverse professionals pose for a group photo in a conference room, seated in the front row and standing behind, with a projector screen and a logo in the room background.

The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) has strengthened the country’s aviation safety oversight following the successful completion of a specialized International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Dangerous Goods training programme for fourteen inspectors. The training, concluded on July 8, 2026, equipped participants with advanced knowledge and practical skills required to regulate the safe transportation of hazardous materials by air in accordance with international standards.

The capacity-building initiative forms part of SLCAA’s broader commitment to improving compliance with global aviation safety regulations and enhancing the country’s ability to identify, inspect and regulate dangerous goods transported through civil aviation. The programme also reinforces the Authority’s ongoing efforts to strengthen technical expertise and ensure safer air transport operations across Sierra Leone.

Speaking on the importance of the training, SLCAA Director General, Musayeroh Barrie, described investment in human capital as essential to maintaining high aviation safety standards. She noted that the specialized ICAO Dangerous Goods training had significantly strengthened the capacity of the fourteen inspectors to inspect, detect and regulate the safe transportation of dangerous goods by air.

Dangerous goods include substances or articles capable of posing serious risks to health, safety, property or the environment when transported by aircraft. Under ICAO’s Dangerous Goods Technical Instructions, internationally recognized procedures govern the classification, packaging, labelling, documentation and handling of such materials to safeguard passengers, crew members, aircraft and airport operations.

Facilitating the training, Dangerous Goods Instructor, Mustapha Abnael emphasized that safety must always remain the highest priority in aviation. He stated that whenever there is uncertainty surrounding the carriage of dangerous goods, delaying an operation is far preferable to compromising the safety of an aircraft or its occupants.

Mustapha Abnael explained that the course focused on ICAO Technical Instructions specifically designed for Civil Aviation Authority inspectors. Participants received intensive instruction on interpreting technical references, reviewing documentation and conducting inspections of dangerous goods consignments. He said the programme was intended to strengthen inspectors’ competence in enforcing international regulations governing the transport of hazardous materials by air.

He also commended the fourteen inspectors for their professionalism, dedication and commitment throughout the training, describing them as highly capable officers who demonstrated a strong understanding of the technical instructions and documentation required for effective regulatory oversight.

Participants also praised the programme, highlighting its practical relevance to their day-to-day responsibilities. One inspector said the training had significantly expanded his understanding of dangerous goods regulations, particularly in identifying prohibited and permitted items in passenger baggage and aircraft cabins. He noted that the knowledge acquired would greatly improve his effectiveness during inspections and expressed appreciation to the SLCAA management for providing the opportunity.

Another participant said the course had enhanced inspectors’ ability to identify dangerous goods in storage facilities, understand the proper segregation of hazardous materials and strengthen overall oversight responsibilities. He added that the skills gained would contribute significantly to ensuring greater compliance with international aviation safety requirements.

The successful completion of the ICAO Dangerous Goods training marks another important milestone in the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority’s efforts to build the capacity of its technical personnel and reinforce aviation safety oversight in line with international best practices.

With the newly acquired expertise, the Authority is expected to further strengthen its ability to ensure that dangerous goods are transported safely, securely and in full compliance with ICAO regulations, thereby enhancing the overall safety, security and integrity of Sierra Leone’s civil aviation sector.

QNET Clarifies No Affiliation with IGNITE Following Sierra Leone Arrests

QNET logo with a gray 'Q' and orange 'NET' on a white background

Reiterates that QNET does not offer overseas employment, migration or visa services and urges the public to verify all business opportunities through official QNET channels

Freetown, Sierra Leone, 6 July 2026 – QNET, a global wellness and lifestyle company, has taken note of recent media reports concerning the arrest of several individuals in Sierra Leone following investigations into alleged fraud, human trafficking, migrant smuggling and the operation of a purported fake Guinean embassy in Makeni.

While reports indicate that some of the suspects identified themselves as operating under an entity known as IGNITE, QNET wishes to categorically state that it has no ownership, business relationship, partnership, or affiliation with IGNITE. Any suggestion that the individuals involved were acting on behalf of, representing or were affiliated with QNET is false and entirely unauthorised.

Commenting on the matter, Biram Fall, Deputy Chairman for QNET Sub-Saharan Africa, said: “QNET has absolutely no connection with IGNITE or the individuals implicated in these allegations. We wish to make it unequivocally clear that QNET does not recruit people with promises of overseas employment opportunities, migration pathways, visas, travel arrangements or any form of immigration services. Any person or organisation making such claims is acting independently and without any authority from QNET.”

Mr. Fall added that criminal syndicates frequently misuse the names of reputable international companies to create a false sense of legitimacy and deceive unsuspecting victims. Unfortunately, QNET has been among the international brands whose name has been misused without authorisation in fraudulent schemes.

As a legitimate direct selling company operating in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, QNET maintains a strict Code of Ethics and Policies and Procedures governing the conduct of its Independent Distributors. Indpendent Distributors are authroised only to promote QNET’s products and business opportunity in accordance with these policies and have no authority to offer employment opportunities, migration services, visas, overseas placements or any government-related services on behalf of QNET.

The company takes swift disciplinary action, including suspension or termination of distributorships where appropriate, against any Independent Distributor found to have engaged in misconduct, misrepresentation, or activities that violate its policies. QNET also takes appropriate legal action against any individual or organisation that misuses its name, brand or intellectual property, or falsely claims to represent or act on behalf of the company.

Across Sub-Saharan Africa, QNET continues to intensify its public awareness efforts through several awareness campaigns including the QNET Against Scams campaign, helping consumers recognise common fraud tactics and understand how criminals misuse the names if reputable companies to deceive the public. In Sierra Leone, the company has implemented a comprehensive awareness campaign across television, radio, online news portals, social media, print media, and outdoor advertising. As part of this initiave, anti-scam billboards were erected to educate the public on fraudulent schemes falsely linked to QNET. The company also continues to work closely with  law enforcement agencies, consumer protection institutions, and other stakeholders across the region to combat fraud, address misinformation, and protect the public from exploitation.

QNET remains ready to cooperate with relevant authorities should any information be requested in relation to the misuse of its name.

Members of the public are encouraged to verify any opportunity claiming to be associated with QNET through the company’s official channels and to report any suspicious activities involving misuse of the QNET name.

For verification or compliance-related enquiries, contact:

WhatsApp: +233 2566 30005

Email: network.integrity@qnet.net

 

About QNET

QNET is a prominent lifestyle and wellness company that uses a direct selling business model to offer a wide selection of exclusive products that enable individuals to embrace a healthier, more balanced life.

Since 1998, QNET’s innovative products and e-commerce-driven business model have helped build a global community of satisfied customers and micro-entrepreneurs, who are driven by the mission of RYTHM – Raise Yourself To Help Mankind. Popular product brands offered by QNET include the Bernhard H. Mayer range of luxury watches and jewellery, HomePure range of home care products, the Amezcua wellness range, Physio Radiance personal care range, and QVI branded holiday packages.

QNET proudly holds memberships in the Direct Selling Association in several countries, the Hong Kong Health Food Association, the Health Supplements Industry Association of Singapore, and more. QNET is also active in several global sports sponsorships including in its role as the official direct selling partner of the Manchester City Football Club and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), underscoring its commitment to excellence and global reach.  Discover a world of new possibilities with QNET by visiting www.qnet.net

 

Vice President Concludes High-Level France Mission, Strengthens Investment and Development Cooperation

Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, has concluded a high-level official mission to France aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, promoting investment opportunities, and advancing the Government’s economic diplomacy agenda.

The visit, which ended on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, brought together senior French government officials and leading private sector institutions to explore new avenues for cooperation in sectors critical to Sierra Leone’s socio-economic development.

During the mission in Paris, France, Vice President Jalloh held a series of strategic engagements focused on expanding collaboration in trade, investment, agriculture, infrastructure, energy, mining, innovation, and sustainable economic growth. The discussions formed part of the Government’s broader efforts to attract foreign direct investment and deepen partnerships that support national development.

A key highlight of the visit was the Vice President’s meeting with the Mouvement des Entreprises de France (MEDEF), France’s largest business federation. Addressing business leaders, Dr. Jalloh presented Sierra Leone as an attractive and emerging investment destination, highlighting the country’s ongoing economic reforms, improving business environment, rich natural resources, and growing opportunities in agriculture, mining, renewable energy, tourism, manufacturing, and value-added industries.

He encouraged French companies to invest in Sierra Leone, emphasizing the mutual benefits of stronger commercial partnerships that would create jobs, facilitate technology transfer, stimulate private sector growth, and contribute to long-term economic transformation.

Agriculture also featured prominently during the mission. The Vice President met with ALFA, a French association dedicated to promoting agricultural development and investment across Africa. Discussions focused on modernising Sierra Leone’s agricultural sector through mechanisation, agribusiness expansion, climate-smart agriculture, food security initiatives, and value-chain development.

In support of these efforts, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Agriculture also visited Paris and held separate discussions with ALFA officials to promote investment opportunities in the country’s agricultural sector. The talks explored cooperation in agricultural financing, research and innovation, technology transfer, capacity building, agro-processing, and sustainable farming practices aimed at increasing productivity and strengthening food security.

The visit concluded with both Sierra Leonean and French stakeholders expressing optimism about expanding cooperation through concrete initiatives that will enhance institutional partnerships, promote inclusive economic growth, and unlock new investment opportunities.

The Government described the mission as another important step in positioning Sierra Leone as a preferred destination for responsible investment and international partnership. Officials believe the engagements will strengthen commercial ties between Sierra Leone and France while contributing significantly to the country’s long-term development aspirations.

Sierra Leone Gears Up for Major ECOWAS Summit Under President Bio’s Leadership

Man in traditional white robe and tan cap sits in a red chair, speaking into a handheld microphone at a formal event.
President Dr. Julius Maada Bio

President Dr. Julius Maada Bio is set to host the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Sierra Leone, marking another significant milestone in the country’s growing leadership role within the West African regional bloc.

According to a statement issued by the Office of the Press Secretary at State House, the high-level summit will take place on 19 July 2026 at the newly constructed Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre in Lungi. President Bio, who currently serves as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, will preside over the regional gathering.

Ahead of the summit, Sierra Leone will host a series of statutory ECOWAS meetings in Freetown, bringing together Ministers, senior ECOWAS officials, delegates and development partners from across the region to deliberate on key issues affecting West Africa.

The meetings will begin with the 39th Meeting of the Administration and Finance Committee, scheduled for 12 to 14 July 2026 at the Bintumani New Hall. This will be followed by the 56th Ordinary Session of the Mediation and Security Council at the Ministerial Level on 15 July, alongside the Joint Mediation and Security Council/Council Meeting on the Compact of the Future.

The programme will continue with the 96th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, which is scheduled for 16 and 17 July 2026, also at the Bintumani New Hall.

On 18 July 2026, President Bio is expected to officially commission the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre and the ECOWAS Logistics Depot in Lungi ahead of the summit. The Government said the new conference facility will strengthen Sierra Leone’s capacity to host major international events, while the Logistics Depot will enhance ECOWAS’ operational and institutional effectiveness in the region.

State House noted that the hosting of the summit and accompanying meetings reflects Sierra Leone’s increasing prominence in regional affairs and President Bio’s leadership within ECOWAS.

The Government further stated that the events demonstrate President Bio’s commitment to promoting regional integration, strengthening peace and security, and advancing sustainable development across West Africa.

The 69th ECOWAS Summit is expected to attract Heads of State and Government, Ministers, diplomats and senior officials from ECOWAS member states, reinforcing Sierra Leone’s position as a key player in regional diplomacy and cooperation.

Tempered through 105 Years of Refinement and Forging Ahead: Reflections on the Journey of the Communist Party of China

Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, His Excellency Zhao Yong

On July 1, 2026, the Communist Party of China (CPC) celebrates its 105th founding anniversary. Over the past 105 years, the CPC has led the Chinese people to remarkable achievements in the new-democratic revolution, socialist revolution and construction, reform, opening-up and socialist modernization, and Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. In just a few decades, China has completed an industrialization process that took many developed countries several centuries, creating the twin miracles of rapid economic growth and sustained social stability. Behind these extraordinary accomplishments lies a set of enduring and incomparable fine qualities of the CPC—qualities that hold the key to understanding China’s development path and its development philosophy. I would like to share some thoughts on this with my friends in Sierra Leone.

— The dedication to the pursuit of truth that ensures it always advances in the right direction. The CPC embraces Marxism as a powerful ideological weapon for changing both the subjective and the objective world. We remain committed to freeing our minds, seeking truth from facts, advancing with the times, and taking a pragmatic approach. We constantly guide new practice with evolving theory, ensuring that the cause of the Party and the people always stays on the right path.

— The deep bond with the people that ensures it always enjoys a solid foundation. The CPC keeps firmly in mind that the country is the people, and the people are the country. We remain committed to serving the public interest and exercising power for the people, and faithfully uphold the fundamental purpose of serving the people wholeheartedly. We stand with the people, think with them, and work with them.

— The determination to shoulder historic missions that ensures it always holds the strategic initiative. The CPC is dedicated to the enduring cause of the Chinese nation. It firmly shoulders the great responsibilities entrusted to it by history and by the people, maintains coherence between long-term and phased goals, and formulates and implements sound line, principles, and policies, ensuring that the Party always leads and holds the initiative in advancing its cause.

— The readiness to follow the trend of development that ensures it alwaysstays at the forefront of the times. The CPC maintains a high degree of historical consciousness and a broad global vision. It has a clear understanding of China’s national conditions and the defining theme of our times. It actively identifies, adapts to, and shapes change, and forges ahead with unwavering resolve. It makes sure that its work is relevant to the times, grounded in objective laws, and innovative.

— The courage and capability to fight that ensures it always maintained unwavering confidence in victory. The CPC upholds and carries forward the spirit of dauntless and heroic struggle. For the people, the country, the nation, and for our ideals and convictions, no matter how powerful the enemy, how arduous the road, or how severe the challenges, we have never flinched or retreated. With an iron will that remains unshaken in the face of all storms, we inspire the people to march from victory to victory.

— The commitment to self-strengthening that ensures it always keeps its vitality. The CPC is fully aware that it takes a good blacksmith to make good steel. It excels at examining itself against the demands of the times, keeping itself alert with a keen sense of urgency, and improving itself through self-revolution.

From achieving national independence to building national prosperity, from meeting basic needs to realizing moderate prosperity in all respects, the CPC has grown from a party with just over 50 members at its founding in 1921 to a party of over 100 million members and more than 5.4 million primary-level party organizations today. In 105 years, the CPC has proven that a political party that always breathes the same air as the people and shares their fate, a political party that continuously pursues self-revolution and always strives for progress, can not only lead China toward its great rejuvenation, but also contribute China’s wisdom and solutions to the cause of human progress, offer new options for developing countries in their pursuit of modernization, and continuously inject China’s strength into building a community with a shared future for mankind.

UBA Announces Retirement of Group Chairman Tony Elumelu, Appoints Emmanuel Nnorom as Successor

Newly Elected Group Chairman of United Bank for Africa, Mr. Emmanuel N. Nnorom

United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has on Monday July 6, 2026 announced the retirement of its Group Chairman, Mr. Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, and the appointment of Mr. Emmanuel N. Nnorom as his successor, effective August 21, 2026.

The bank disclosed that Elumelu will retire from the Board of Directors upon completing the 12-year tenure limit for non-executive directors of banks as prescribed by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

At its meeting on July 6, 2026, the UBA Board accepted Elumelu’s retirement and unanimously elected Nnorom, currently a Non-Executive Director of the bank, to assume the position of Group Chairman from August 21, 2026.

In a statement, the Board expressed profound appreciation to Elumelu for what it described as his visionary leadership and outstanding contribution to the bank’s strategic growth and institutional development.

According to the Board, Elumelu’s tenure marked a defining era in UBA’s history, during which the bank strengthened its position as a leading pan-African financial institution. Today, UBA operates in 20 African countries and four global financial centres, serving more than 50 million customers.

Emmanuel N. Nnorom, a chartered accountant with more than four decades of experience in banking, finance and auditing, is expected to bring extensive leadership experience and deep institutional knowledge to his new role.

Reflecting on his retirement, Tony Elumelu described serving UBA as one of the greatest privileges of his career.

“Serving United Bank for Africa has been one of the great privileges of my career. UBA has established a unique competitive position across Africa and globally and I leave the Board with great confidence in UBA’s future. Emmanuel Nnorom is a leader of integrity, experience and sound judgement and I am confident that the Bank will continue to thrive under his leadership,” he said.

Responding to his appointment, Emmanuel N. Nnorom expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him by the Board.

“I am honoured by the trust the Board has placed in me and deeply conscious of the legacy I inherit. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Board, Management and our staff across all our markets to sustain UBA’s momentum and continue delivering long-term value to our shareholders, customers and stakeholders,” he said.

United Bank for Africa Plc, popularly known as Africa’s Global Bank, operates across 20 African countries as well as in the United Kingdom, the United States, France and the United Arab Emirates. The bank provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services and is one of Africa’s largest financial sector employers, with about 25,000 employees serving more than 50 million customers worldwide.

Sierra Leone Moves to Ratify Key ILO and UN Labour Conventions to Protect Workers’ Rights

Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swaray

 

The Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security, in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO), has launched a three-day capacity-building workshop aimed at strengthening Sierra Leone’s labour governance through the proposed ratification of six priority ILO conventions and the United Nations Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families.

The workshop, which runs from July 6 to 8 in Freetown, has brought together Government officials, employers’ and workers’ organizations, development partners and labour experts to build consensus on the proposed international labour instruments and enhance the country’s labour reform process.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, described the workshop as a major milestone in Sierra Leone’s ongoing labour reform agenda. He said the initiative demonstrates the Government’s commitment to aligning national labour laws and policies with international labour standards while supporting the implementation of the Medium-Term National Development Plan (2024–2030) and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 8, which promotes decent work and sustainable economic growth.

The Minister noted that since becoming a member of the ILO in 1961, Sierra Leone has ratified 45 ILO conventions, including all ten fundamental conventions, two governance conventions and 33 technical conventions. He explained that 32 of those conventions remain in force, while four have been denounced and nine have been abrogated.

According to the Minister, the six conventions under consideration address key labour issues, including occupational safety and health, maternity protection, workplace violence and harassment, chemical safety, biological hazards and the protection of migrant workers. He said ratifying those instruments will strengthen the country’s labour legislation, improve workplace conditions, increase productivity and reinforce Sierra Leone’s commitment to promoting decent work.

Mohamed Rahman Swaray stressed, however, that ratification alone would not be sufficient to achieve meaningful reforms. He emphasized the importance of promptly domesticating the conventions into national law, ensuring effective implementation, strengthening monitoring mechanisms and maintaining continuous social dialogue among all stakeholders to guarantee practical impact.

He also announced that the Ministry, in collaboration with the ILO, will convene the Decent Work Country Programme Committee meeting from July 9 to 11, 2026. The meeting will review progress made under the programme, assess existing challenges, strengthen tripartite cooperation and agree on priority actions to further advance decent work across the country.

Representing the ILO Country Director, Chinyere Emeka-Anuna commended the Government of Sierra Leone for demonstrating strong political commitment to promoting international labour standards and social justice.

She explained that the workshop is focusing on six priority ILO conventions: Convention No. 170 on Chemicals, Convention No. 174 on the Prevention of Major Industrial Accidents, Convention No. 184 on Safety and Health in Agriculture, Convention No. 183 on Maternity Protection, Convention No. 190 on Violence and Harassment in the World of Work and Convention No. 192 on Biological Hazards in the Working Environment. Participants are also examining the United Nations Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families.

Emeka-Anuna described Conventions 183 and 190 as particularly significant, noting that their ratification would strengthen gender equality, improve maternity protection, safeguard workers against discrimination and violence and promote safer and more inclusive workplaces.

Speaking on behalf of the Sierra Leone Employers’ Federation (SLEF), Project Officer, Yvette Kargbo, said the proposed conventions have the potential to promote safer working environments, improve productivity and strengthen business resilience. She, however, urged that implementation should take into consideration the realities facing employers, particularly micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, through practical policies, increased awareness and sustained capacity-building programmes.

Also addressing participants, the Secretary-General of the Sierra Leone Labour Congress, Marx Conteh, welcomed the initiative and observed that many of the proposed standards have already been incorporated into Sierra Leone’s labour legislation. He called on the Government to expedite the passage of the remaining labour bills before Parliament in order to complete the country’s ongoing labour law reform programme.

The workshop is expected to strengthen collaboration among Government, employers, workers and development partners while laying the foundation for the successful ratification and implementation of key international labour conventions that will enhance workers’ rights, improve workplace safety and support sustainable economic development in Sierra Leone.

Gender Ministry Condemns Circulation of Explicit Images, Urges Public to Stop Sharing Harmful Content

Woman with braided hair and glasses speaks into a handheld microphone at a panel desk, wearing a pink traditional dress.

The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs has stepped up efforts to protect a teenage girl at the centre of a widely circulated explicit video, announcing a series of interventions aimed at safeguarding the survivor, supporting ongoing investigations and preventing the further spread of harmful online content.

The Ministry on Monday 6 July 2026 disclosed that it responded immediately after becoming aware of the circulation of explicit images and videos involving the teenager by launching public awareness campaigns, notifying law enforcement authorities, providing psychosocial support to the survivor and issuing a strong public condemnation of the incident.

According to the Ministry, its first intervention was the release of a nationwide public awareness flyer condemning all forms of cyberbullying and warning the public against downloading, sharing, forwarding or circulating explicit images and videos involving the survivor. The awareness campaign emphasizes that the production, possession, distribution and sharing of such materials are criminal offences under Sierra Leonean law and that offenders face prosecution.

The Ministry also confirmed that it promptly notified the Family Support Unit (FSU) of the Sierra Leone Police, which has since launched an official investigation into the matter. Authorities are expected to identify and prosecute individuals responsible for the alleged abuse, as well as those involved in distributing the explicit content online.

Beyond engaging law enforcement, the Ministry said it has made direct contact with the family of the teenage girl. A senior Director from the Ministry, alongside a professional social worker, has been assigned to provide psychosocial support and ensure the survivor receives appropriate care, protection, counselling and referral services.

Officials stressed that the welfare and dignity of the survivor remain their highest priority, noting that victims of sexual exploitation require comprehensive support to aid their recovery while protecting them from further trauma.

The Ministry further announced that it had issued an official public statement strongly condemning the incident, describing the circulation of the explicit material as a serious violation of the rights, dignity and privacy of the child. It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting children from all forms of abuse, exploitation, violence and online harm.

The statement reminded the public that Sierra Leone’s legal framework, including the Sexual Offences Act, the Cyber Crime Act and the Child Rights Act, provides strong protections for children against sexual exploitation and cyber-related offences.

The Ministry warned that sharing explicit content involving minors not only constitutes a criminal offence but also causes lasting emotional, psychological and social harm to survivors while potentially compromising ongoing criminal investigations.

It therefore urged members of the public to refrain from making offensive comments, sharing harmful content or engaging in any online behaviour that could further traumatize the survivor or any other child.

According to the Ministry, every citizen has a responsibility to uphold the dignity, privacy and rights of children by refusing to circulate exploitative material and by reporting suspected cases to the relevant authorities.

The Ministry also appealed to families, community leaders, religious institutions, schools, Civil Society Organisations and the wider public to remain vigilant in protecting children from abuse and exploitation, particularly in digital spaces where harmful content can spread rapidly.

As part of its public protection measures, the Ministry encouraged anyone with information relating to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, child abuse, exploitation or cyber-related offences to report such cases immediately through the national toll-free Child Protection Hotline 116, available across all mobile networks.

Members of the public may also report cases directly to the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs at No. 6 Big Waterloo Street, Freetown or through any of the Ministry’s district offices nationwide. Family members and community residents are equally encouraged to report any suspected cases of sexual abuse, exploitation or cyberattacks affecting children without delay.

Reaffirming its commitment to child protection, the Ministry pledged to continue working closely with the Sierra Leone Police, Government institutions, development partners, Civil Society Organisations and communities to strengthen child protection systems, enforce existing laws and promote safer online environments across the country.

The Ministry concluded by emphasizing that protecting children is a shared national responsibility and called on every Sierra Leonean to help end abuse by respecting the rights and dignity of every child, supporting survivors and refusing to tolerate any form of exploitation or violence.

Planning Ministry Suspends Seven NGOs Over Non-Compliance

The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) has announced the immediate suspension of the operations of seven Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) found to be operating in violation of the country’s established regulatory requirements.

The announcement was made in a Press Release issued on July 6, 2026, following what the Ministry described as a comprehensive review of the operational landscape of NGOs across Sierra Leone.

According to the Ministry, the review revealed that several organizations were operating without fully complying with the standards outlined in the national NGO policy framework. Among the key requirements highlighted is the obligation for every registered NGO to maintain an identifiable office within Sierra Leone.

The Ministry stated that compliance with those regulations is essential to ensuring accountability, transparency and the effective use of resources entrusted to NGOs for development purposes.

“As custodians of public trust and resources, it is imperative that NGOs adhere to the prescribed requirements to fulfil their missions effectively while ensuring that resources are judiciously used,” the statement noted.

Based on the findings, the Ministry directed the following organizations to cease operations with immediate effect:

  1. Paida Foundation
  2. Activate Hope Sierra Leone
  3. Women’s Association for National Development
  4. Stichting Wango Sierra Leone
  5. Fama Women’s Programme
  6. Hakeen and Hakeema Charity Organisation
  7. Assembly of God Development Agency

The Ministry emphasized that the enforcement action is intended to strengthen regulatory compliance within the NGO sector and ensure that organizations operate in accordance with national laws and policy guidelines.

Officials further clarified that the decision should not be interpreted as an attempt to discourage or undermine the important contributions made by NGOs to Sierra Leone’s development.

Instead, the Ministry described the move as a proactive measure aimed at enhancing the integrity of the NGO sector, promoting greater accountability and reinforcing public confidence in organizations operating throughout the country.

The press release was signed by Usman C. Conteh, Acting Development Secretary at the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development.

Yenga Border Reopens as Sierra Leone, Guinea Renew Bilateral Cooperation

A delegation of officials walking outdoors, led by a man in a white suit, with soldiers nearby, at a Yenga border site in Sierra Leone.

The Governments of Sierra Leone and Guinea have officially reopened the Yenga border crossing following months of sustained diplomatic engagements aimed at restoring cross-border movement, trade and cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.

According to a public notice issued by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education on 6 July 2026, the border crossing at Yenga village along the Makona River resumed operations on 24 June 2026 at the Koindu-Nongoa crossing point in Kissi Teng Chiefdom, Kailahun District.

The border had remained closed since 28 April 2025, disrupting the movement of people and goods while causing significant humanitarian and economic challenges for residents of Yenga, Koindu and surrounding communities.

Government said the reopening follows a series of diplomatic engagements between Sierra Leone and Guinea, which ultimately paved the way for the restoration of normal border activities.

During the period of closure, the Government of Sierra Leone provided support to affected residents while continuing discussions with Guinean authorities to find a peaceful and lasting solution to the impasse.

The Ministry stated that the reopening was implemented under the directive of His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio and followed engagements between the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) and the Guinean Armed Forces, with support from political and administrative authorities from both countries.

As part of the agreed arrangements, the National Revenue Authority (NRA) will continue collecting revenue within Sierra Leonean territory, including Yenga, while the Sierra Leone Immigration Department will maintain its presence in the area.

The agreement also provides that the Government of Guinea will give Sierra Leone at least 48 hours’ notice before any future closure of the border, a move aimed at preventing unnecessary disruption to border communities and commercial activities.

Both Governments reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peaceful coexistence, strengthening bilateral relations and pursuing continuous dialogue to achieve a lasting resolution to the Yenga issue and other boundary-related matters.

The Ministry further disclosed that discussions are continuing regarding the safe return of displaced Yenga residents, underscoring the commitment of both countries to ensuring stability, security and the well-being of affected communities.

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