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“Peace Cannot Be Decreed” — ECOWAS Speaker Warns as Parliament Convenes in Abuja

Large legislative chamber with curved red seats, attendees seated at desks facing a central stage and podiums atop a long table.
ECOWAS Parliament

By Melvin Tejan Mansaray

Members of the Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have commenced their 2026 First Ordinary Session in Abuja, Nigeria, as part of their statutory mandate to advance regional integration and democratic governance across West Africa.

The session, which runs from May 4 to May 16, 2026, was disclosed by the Secretary-General of the ECOWAS Parliament, Dedou P. Hémou. It brings together representatives from member states to deliberate on key regional issues, including peace, stability and institutional reforms within the sub-region.

Established in 2000, the ECOWAS Parliament serves as a legislative assembly and consultative body of the regional bloc. Originally composed of 115 members representing all 15 member states, the Parliament plays a central role in promoting democratic values, human rights and regional cooperation.

However, the cohesion of the bloc has recently been tested. In early 2025, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger formally withdrew from ECOWAS following a series of military coups, raising concerns about the future of regional unity and cooperation.

According to Protocol A/P2/8/94 relating to the Community Parliament, the legislative body convenes at least twice a year in Ordinary Sessions, each lasting up to three months. These sessions are organized by the Bureau of Parliament and conducted in accordance with established Rules of Procedure.

In addition to Ordinary Sessions, the Parliament may hold Extraordinary Sessions to address urgent or specific matters. Such sessions can be initiated by the Chairman of the Authority or requested in writing by an absolute majority of Members. Proceedings during these sessions are similarly governed by procedural rules and conclude once the agenda has been fully addressed.

Addressing the opening ceremony, the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Hadja Memounatou Ibrahima, underscored the importance of stakeholder engagement in shaping the Parliament’s agenda. She noted that recent consultations across member states had provided valuable insights into local realities, which would inform deliberations during the session.

“These engagements enabled us to grasp local realities, listen to stakeholders, and prepare a coordinated parliamentary response. The reports from the meetings will be presented for your consideration and adoption during this Session,” she stated.

In her keynote address, Speaker Ibrahima delivered a strong message on the state of peace and security in West Africa, emphasizing that sustainable peace requires deliberate and collective effort.

“Peace cannot be decreed — it must be patiently built through dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect,” she said, highlighting the increasing militarization of democracies in the region and the growing number of conflict flashpoints.

She warned that no region is immune to instability, stressing the need for ECOWAS and its institutions to reinforce peacebuilding mechanisms and promote inclusive governance among member states.

Speaker Ibrahima also revealed that ECOWAS is undertaking a comprehensive reflection on its future direction. As part of this effort, a major summit is scheduled for May 21, 2026, in Lomé, Togo.

The summit is expected to accelerate the implementation of ECOWAS Vision 2050, a strategic framework aimed at repositioning the bloc to effectively respond to emerging political, economic, and security challenges.

“This summit will provide an opportunity to redefine how regional integration — at the heart of our ambition — can be achieved, strengthened, and adapted to new realities,” she noted.

The ongoing session in Abuja comes at a pivotal time for West Africa, as the region grapples with political transitions, security concerns, and shifting geopolitical dynamics. Observers say the outcomes of the deliberations will be crucial in determining the future trajectory of regional cooperation and stability.

With pressing issues on the table and growing calls for reform, the ECOWAS Parliament is expected to play a decisive role in shaping policies that foster unity, resilience, and sustainable development across West Africa.

Smiling woman in traditional patterned outfit with pink scarf, seated at a desk in an office setting.
Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Hadja Memounatou Ibrahima

THE INDUS WATERS TREATY

Infographic map of the Indus Water Treaty, showing India–Pakistan border with river lines and bold 'Indus Water Treaty' text on an orange background.

Asymmetric Obligations, Unequal Concessions and Pakistan’s Weaponisation

Part II: Obstruction, Exploitation and the Long-Overdue Reckoning

1. Pakistan’s Weaponisation of the Treaty

1.1 Systematic Obstruction of Indian Development

Since the Treaty’s signing, Pakistan has consistently used its dispute resolution provisions as a strategic tool to delay and effectively obstruct development rather than genuine dispute resolution. Virtually every significant hydropower project India has proposed on the Western rivers, even those explicitly permitted under the Treaty’s terms, has faced formal Pakistani objection, technical challenge, or referral to arbitration.

Projects including Baglihar, Kishenganga, Pakal Dul, and Tulbul have all been subjected to prolonged Pakistani challenges. In several cases, Pakistan has acknowledged the potential benefits of Indian projects for regulated water flow, including flood moderation, while simultaneously opposing them. This pattern reveals that Pakistani objections are not genuinely about Treaty compliance; they are about preventing Indian development in Jammu and Kashmir, regardless of the legal merits.

1.2 The ‘Water War’ Narrative and Its Deployment

Pakistan has simultaneously exploited India’s consistent compliance with the Treaty to construct and disseminate an international narrative portraying India as a potential ‘water aggressor’. Pakistani officials, academics, and diplomatic channels have repeatedly raised the spectre of India ‘weaponising water’ against Pakistan; citing the very Treaty that India has scrupulously honoured.

This narrative, posing the upper riparian as a threat, has proven remarkably effective with international audiences unfamiliar with the Treaty’s history. Pakistan has used it to generate diplomatic pressure, attract multilateral sympathy, and constrain India’s ability to assert its legitimate Treaty rights.

The singular irony of this strategy is that India has not committed a single violation of the Treaty—not during the 1965 war, not during the 1971 war, not during the 1999 Kargil conflict, and not at any other point in the sixty-five years of the Treaty’s operation. India has maintained compliance even as Pakistan has used its territory to conduct state-sponsored terrorism against India.

2. The Consequences for India

2.1 Unrealised Development Potential

The Treaty’s constraints have had measurable, lasting consequences for India’s development in the Indus Basin. Vast areas of Rajasthan and parts of Punjab that could have been irrigated remain arid or dependent on alternative, more expensive water sources. The agricultural productivity foregone over six decades represents an incalculable economic loss.

2.2 Jammu and Kashmir’s Suppressed Hydropower Potential

The impact on Jammu and Kashmir has been particularly acute. The Union Territory sits astride the Western rivers and possesses enormous, largely untapped hydropower potential. Development of that potential is constrained at every turn by the Treaty’s design restrictions, Pakistan’s systematic objections, and the perpetual risk of multi-tiered long drawn dispute resolution mechanism. Local populations have increasingly come to view the Treaty not as a framework for shared benefit but as an instrument of their own economic marginalization; an external imposition that prevents them from developing the natural resources flowing through their own territory.

2.3 Energy Security Implications

India’s inability to optimally develop the hydropower potential of the Western rivers has direct implications for national energy security. The Treaty’s restrictions mean that potential capacity, as a clean, renewable, and economically efficient energy source, has been sacrificed purely because of Pakistan’s strategic obstruction of even the limited rights India possesses in this asymmetric agreement.

3. India’s Case

The Treaty was intended achieve the “most complete and satisfactory utilization of the waters of the Indus system of rivers” in a “spirit of goodwill and friendship”; a context that no longer exists.

The treaties derive their legitimacy not merely from the force of law but from the good faith implementation of their terms by all signatories. Pakistan’s documented and persistent use of state-sponsored terrorism as an instrument of foreign policy against India, culminating in atrocities including the 2001 Parliament attack, the 2008 Mumbai attacks, and most recently the Pahalgam attack of April 2025, fundamentally challenges the premise upon which India’s continued compliance with the IWT rests. Bilateral agreements cannot be selectively honoured: a state cannot simultaneously breach the foundational norms of inter-state conduct while demanding that its negotiating partner fulfil treaty obligations that disproportionately benefit the norm-breaker. The Treaty cannot be an island of Indian compliance within a sea of Pakistani bad faith. India’s step represents an assertion long overdue;  that international agreements are a two-way street.

4. Conclusion

The Indus Waters Treaty has long been celebrated as a triumph of international diplomacy. This paper has argued that such a characterization fundamentally misrepresents what actually occurred: a negotiation process in which Pakistani intransigence was rewarded with concessions, and Indian goodwill was systematically exploited to produce an agreement that was inequitable from its inception.

Nevertheless, India surrendered 80 percent of the water, paid £62 million (approximately $2.5 billion in present value)  to facilitate that surrender, accepted one-sided operational restrictions on its own territory, and has maintained scrupulous compliance for sixty-five years—including through Pakistan inflicted multiple wars and sustained sponsoring of cross border terrorism. In return, India has received a Treaty agreed to in good faith that Pakistan uses as a tool of developmental obstruction, a ‘water war’ narrative it deploys internationally with no factual basis, and the permanent underdevelopment of vast tracts of Indian territory.

India’s step is to protect its legitimate interests in the Indus Basin. This is not aggression; it is the long-overdue correction of an asymmetric arrangement premised on a goodwill that was never reciprocated. To those who ask why hold the Treaty in abeyance now, it would be useful to remember that there is no wrong time for a right decision.

THE INDUS WATERS TREATY

Infographic map of the Indus Water Treaty, showing India–Pakistan border with river lines and bold 'Indus Water Treaty' text on an orange background.

Asymmetric Obligations, Unequal Concessions and Pakistan’s Weaponisation

Part I: The Architecture of Inequity — How India’s Goodwill Was Codified into Concession

1. Background: The Partition of a River System

The Indus River System comprises six major rivers—the Indus, Chenab, Jhelum, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej—flowing through the territories of both India and Pakistan. The system sustains drinking water, agriculture, and electricity generation across the Indus Basin, supporting hundreds of millions of people on both sides of the border.

When British India was partitioned in 1947, the Indus River System was also divided between the two successor states. The geographic reality was stark: India, as the upper riparian state, held the headwaters of most rivers, while Pakistan’s agricultural heartland, the heavily irrigated Punjab plains, depended critically on continued water flows from the east. India, for its part, required access to the system for its own development objectives in Punjab and Rajasthan, while seeking stability and normalised relations with its new western neighbour. Despite its own pressing domestic needs, India concluded this highly concessionary water-sharing pact with Pakistan on 19 September 1960, an agreement facilitated by the World Bank.

2.  Negotiations – India paid the price for rationality

2.1 Pakistan’s Strategy of Delay and the 1954 World Bank Proposal

The trajectory of the negotiations was shaped, from the outset, by the asymmetry between India’s reasonable and constructive approach and Pakistan’s maximalist, sometimes absurd, demands — an asymmetry that anchored outcomes far more favourably to Pakistan than equity would have warranted. The World Bank’s first substantive proposal of 5 February 1954 illustrates this plainly: even at this initial stage, it required significant one sided concessions from India:

·        All planned Indian developments along the upper reaches of both the Indus and Chenab were to be abandoned, with those benefits accruing to Pakistan instead

·        India was required to forgo diverting approximately 6 MAF from the Chenab River.

·        No Chenab waters at Merala (now in Pakistan) would be available for Indian use.

·        No water development would be permitted in Kutch from the river system.

Despite these considerable impositions, India accepted the proposal in good faith almost immediately, signalling its genuine desire for a speedy resolution. Pakistan, by contrast, delayed its formal acceptance for nearly five years until 22 December 1958. As a result of this goodwill gesture of India,  the restrictions were imposed on her while Pakistan continued developing new uses on the Western rivers without equivalent constraints. Pakistan absorbed the lesson that obstruction pays and cooperation costs and has applied this lesson consistently ever since.

3. What India Lost: The Scale of Sacrifice

3.1 The Water Allocation

Under the Treaty’s allocation formula, India received exclusive rights to the three Eastern rivers—the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi, while Pakistan received rights to the waters of the three Western rivers, the Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum. India was permitted certain limited, non-consumptive uses of the Western rivers within its own territory, primarily for run-of-river hydropower generation, subject to extensive design and operational restrictions.

In volumetric terms, the Eastern rivers allocated to India carry approximately 33 million acre-feet (MAF) of annual flow, while the Western rivers allocated to Pakistan carry approximately 135 MAF—giving Pakistan roughly 80 percent of the system’s water. India received 20 percent, in exchange for relinquishing all claim to the vastly larger Western system. The critical point is that India did not gain new water from the agreement. What India received was formal acknowledgment of flows it already accessed, in exchange for relinquishing all claim to the far larger Western system. India was permitted certain non-consumptive uses of the Western rivers within its territory; primarily run-of-river hydropower generation.

3.2 The Financial Concession: Paying to Give Away Water

Perhaps the most striking anomaly of the Treaty is the financial provision. India agreed to pay approximately £62 million (approximately $2.5 billion in present value) as compensation to Pakistan to build water resources infrastructure in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. This payment represents a unique precedent in which the upstream country, which was already surrendering the majority of the system’s water, additionally paid the downstream country for the “privilege” of doing so. India essentially subsidised Pakistan’s acceptance of a deal that heavily favoured Pakistan on the fundamental question of water allocation.

  1. The Treaty’s Structural Unfairness

4.1 Unilateral Asymmetric Restrictions on India

The Treaty imposes a series of specific design and operational restrictions on India’s use of the Western rivers that have no corresponding obligations on Pakistan’s side:

·        India can develop only a limited Irrigated Cropped Area (ICA) in its territory.

·        India faces strict limits on the volume of water that can be held in any storage facility on the Western rivers.

·        India must comply with specific design criteria for any hydropower facilities on the Western rivers, including restrictions on pondage and storage capacity.

These restrictions are one-directional: they constrain India’s lawful development of resources within its own territory while imposing no equivalent transparency or restriction requirements on Pakistan. The result is a treaty that treats the upstream state—India—as the party requiring oversight and restraint, while the downstream state benefits from guaranteed flows.

THE INDUS WATERS TREATY

Infographic map of the Indus Water Treaty, showing India–Pakistan border with river lines and bold 'Indus Water Treaty' text on an orange background.

Asymmetric Obligations, Unequal Concessions and Pakistan’s Weaponisation

Part I: The Architecture of Inequity — How India’s Goodwill Was Codified into Concession

1. Background: The Partition of a River System

The Indus River System comprises six major rivers—the Indus, Chenab, Jhelum, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej—flowing through the territories of both India and Pakistan. The system sustains drinking water, agriculture, and electricity generation across the Indus Basin, supporting hundreds of millions of people on both sides of the border.

When British India was partitioned in 1947, the Indus River System was also divided between the two successor states. The geographic reality was stark: India, as the upper riparian state, held the headwaters of most rivers, while Pakistan’s agricultural heartland, the heavily irrigated Punjab plains, depended critically on continued water flows from the east. India, for its part, required access to the system for its own development objectives in Punjab and Rajasthan, while seeking stability and normalised relations with its new western neighbour. Despite its own pressing domestic needs, India concluded this highly concessionary water-sharing pact with Pakistan on 19 September 1960, an agreement facilitated by the World Bank.

2.  Negotiations – India paid the price for rationality

2.1 Pakistan’s Strategy of Delay and the 1954 World Bank Proposal

The trajectory of the negotiations was shaped, from the outset, by the asymmetry between India’s reasonable and constructive approach and Pakistan’s maximalist, sometimes absurd, demands — an asymmetry that anchored outcomes far more favourably to Pakistan than equity would have warranted. The World Bank’s first substantive proposal of 5 February 1954 illustrates this plainly: even at this initial stage, it required significant one sided concessions from India:

·        All planned Indian developments along the upper reaches of both the Indus and Chenab were to be abandoned, with those benefits accruing to Pakistan instead

·        India was required to forgo diverting approximately 6 MAF from the Chenab River.

·        No Chenab waters at Merala (now in Pakistan) would be available for Indian use.

·        No water development would be permitted in Kutch from the river system.

Despite these considerable impositions, India accepted the proposal in good faith almost immediately, signalling its genuine desire for a speedy resolution. Pakistan, by contrast, delayed its formal acceptance for nearly five years until 22 December 1958. As a result of this goodwill gesture of India,  the restrictions were imposed on her while Pakistan continued developing new uses on the Western rivers without equivalent constraints. Pakistan absorbed the lesson that obstruction pays and cooperation costs and has applied this lesson consistently ever since.

3. What India Lost: The Scale of Sacrifice

3.1 The Water Allocation

Under the Treaty’s allocation formula, India received exclusive rights to the three Eastern rivers—the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi, while Pakistan received rights to the waters of the three Western rivers, the Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum. India was permitted certain limited, non-consumptive uses of the Western rivers within its own territory, primarily for run-of-river hydropower generation, subject to extensive design and operational restrictions.

In volumetric terms, the Eastern rivers allocated to India carry approximately 33 million acre-feet (MAF) of annual flow, while the Western rivers allocated to Pakistan carry approximately 135 MAF—giving Pakistan roughly 80 percent of the system’s water. India received 20 percent, in exchange for relinquishing all claim to the vastly larger Western system. The critical point is that India did not gain new water from the agreement. What India received was formal acknowledgment of flows it already accessed, in exchange for relinquishing all claim to the far larger Western system. India was permitted certain non-consumptive uses of the Western rivers within its territory; primarily run-of-river hydropower generation.

3.2 The Financial Concession: Paying to Give Away Water

Perhaps the most striking anomaly of the Treaty is the financial provision. India agreed to pay approximately £62 million (approximately $2.5 billion in present value) as compensation to Pakistan to build water resources infrastructure in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. This payment represents a unique precedent in which the upstream country, which was already surrendering the majority of the system’s water, additionally paid the downstream country for the “privilege” of doing so. India essentially subsidised Pakistan’s acceptance of a deal that heavily favoured Pakistan on the fundamental question of water allocation.

  1. The Treaty’s Structural Unfairness

4.1 Unilateral Asymmetric Restrictions on India

The Treaty imposes a series of specific design and operational restrictions on India’s use of the Western rivers that have no corresponding obligations on Pakistan’s side:

·        India can develop only a limited Irrigated Cropped Area (ICA) in its territory.

·        India faces strict limits on the volume of water that can be held in any storage facility on the Western rivers.

·        India must comply with specific design criteria for any hydropower facilities on the Western rivers, including restrictions on pondage and storage capacity.

These restrictions are one-directional: they constrain India’s lawful development of resources within its own territory while imposing no equivalent transparency or restriction requirements on Pakistan. The result is a treaty that treats the upstream state—India—as the party requiring oversight and restraint, while the downstream state benefits from guaranteed flows.

Advancing President Bio’s Legacy… Sierra Leone Labour Congress Applauds Gento Group for Driving Massive Job Creation Through Kent Seaport Project

Collage of a man speaking at a podium, a coastal construction site, and a construction worker in a yellow safety vest and hard hat.

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

A powerful convergence of labour leaders, Government officials, Civil Society actors and private sector stakeholders marked the 2026 International Workers’ Day celebrations with a resounding endorsement of indigenous enterprise, as the Sierra Leone Labour Congress singled out the Gento Group of Companies for its pivotal role in driving employment and national development through the proposed Kent Seaport project; a landmark initiative legacy of President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, which is his Government’s ambitious target of creating 500,000 jobs.

The May Day (International Labour Day) event, held on Friday, May 1, 2026 at the Miatta Conference Centre, brought together high-level dignitaries including His Excellency Julius Maada Bio and Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, alongside Ministers, Parliamentarians, members of the diplomatic corps, employers and workers from across the country. Under the theme: “Building Workers Power for Sierra Leone’s Transformative Agenda,” the gathering underscored the urgent need to strengthen collaboration between Government and the private sector to unlock sustainable employment opportunities.

In a detailed statement delivered on behalf of workers nationwide, the Sierra Leone Labour Congress emphasized that while Government policies are critical in shaping the labour landscape, the private sector remains the engine for job creation. Within that context, the Congress gave special recognition to the Gento Group of Companies, describing it as a shining example of a 100 percent Sierra Leonean-owned enterprise capable of delivering large-scale, high-impact infrastructure projects.

“We want to appreciate the Gento Group of Companies, a 100% Sierra Leone-owned company, for the construction of the Kent Seaport which will provide huge employment in Sierra Leone,” the Congress declared, drawing applause from attendees and reinforcing the company’s growing reputation as a national development partner.

The endorsement of Gento Group reflects a broader national narrative that places increasing confidence in homegrown businesses to drive economic transformation. The Kent Seaport project, spearheaded by the company, is widely regarded as a strategic investment with the potential to reshape Sierra Leone’s maritime sector, enhance trade efficiency and generate thousands of jobs across multiple sectors.

Labour leaders stressed that achieving the Government’s ambitious target of creating 500,000 jobs cannot be realized through public sector efforts alone. Instead, they highlighted the indispensable role of private enterprises like Gento in delivering employment at scale. By undertaking the Kent Seaport initiative, the company is expected to create immediate job opportunities during the construction phase while laying the foundation for long-term employment upon completion.

The Congress further urged the Government to strengthen the enabling environment for businesses by addressing key challenges such as inflation, high interest rates, exchange rate instability and heavy taxation. According to labour representatives, removing those barriers would empower companies like Gento to expand operations and maximize their contribution to national development.

Beyond the Labour Congress, strong backing for the Kent Seaport and related infrastructure initiatives has also emerged from Civil Society Organizations. A coalition led by William Sao Lamin, Chairman of the Civil Society Consortium on Community Accountability and Service Delivery, recently reaffirmed its support for the Banana Island and Kent Harbour Terminal project, describing it as a transformative investment capable of redefining Sierra Leone’s economic future.

Speaking at a press conference in Freetown, the Consortium commended both the Government and Parliament for their leadership in advancing the project, noting that it represents a model of effective public-private partnership. The group also highlighted the central role of Mohamed Gento Kamara, whose vision and entrepreneurial drive have positioned the initiative as a cornerstone of national development.

According to the Consortium, the economic impact of the project is expected to be both immediate and far-reaching. During construction alone, over 1,000 direct jobs are projected to be created, while long-term employment opportunities could exceed 10,000 positions. Even more significantly, the project is anticipated to generate between 50,000 and 100,000 indirect jobs across sectors such as transportation, logistics, trade and services.

Those projections align closely with the Government’s broader development agenda, which prioritizes youth empowerment, infrastructure development and economic diversification. Observers note that the Kent Seaport project directly supports those objectives by providing a platform for skills development, job creation and increased economic activity.

Economic analysts have also pointed to the project’s potential to reduce the cost of living by improving shipping efficiency and lowering importation costs. With enhanced logistics systems and modern port infrastructure, Sierra Leone stands to benefit from more competitive pricing of essential goods, thereby easing the burden on households and improving overall living standards.

In addition to its economic benefits, the project is expected to deliver significant infrastructure upgrades, including modern port facilities, logistics hubs and integrated transport systems. Those developments are likely to ease congestion, boost supply chain efficiency and position Sierra Leone as a regional hub for trade and investment.

Growing public discourse around the Kent Seaport initiative has further amplified calls for sustained Government support. Stakeholders across various sectors have urged President Julius Maada Bio to fully embrace the project as a flagship component of his administration’s legacy, noting that timely intervention could accelerate implementation and attract additional investment.

Many view the project as a defining opportunity for Sierra Leone to harness its untapped economic potential. By supporting a locally driven initiative of such magnitude, the Government would not only reinforce confidence in indigenous businesses but also signal its commitment to fostering a conducive investment climate.

At the same time, the Labour Congress used the May Day platform to highlight pressing challenges facing workers, including rising living costs, increasing fuel prices and the need for stronger enforcement of labour laws. While acknowledging Government efforts in reviewing labour legislation and improving minimum wage standards, the Congress emphasized that more must be done to protect workers’ welfare and ensure inclusive growth.

Despite those challenges, the spotlight on Gento Group during the celebrations served as a powerful reminder of the role that visionary private sector leadership can play in shaping the nation’s future. As a wholly Sierra Leonean-owned company, Gento’s involvement in such a transformative project underscores the capacity of local enterprises to deliver complex infrastructure and drive sustainable development.

Sierra Leone commemorated another International Workers’ Day with a strong and unified message from labour leaders, Civil Society actors and key stakeholders: meaningful progress depends on sustained collaboration.

Across the country, voices from the labour movement and development space emphasized that partnerships between Government and the private sector remain essential to driving economic transformation and improving livelihoods.

At the centre of those expectations is the Gento Group, whose flagship Kent Seaport project continues to generate national attention. The initiative has been widely viewed as a major step toward unlocking economic opportunities, expanding infrastructure and creating much-needed employment for Sierra Leoneans.

Stakeholders noted that projects of that scale demonstrate the critical role of private sector investment in complementing Government’s development agenda. They stressed that sustained cooperation will be vital in ensuring that such initiatives deliver long-term benefits, particularly in job creation, trade facilitation and national growth.

With momentum building, expectations remain high that the private sector will continue to work closely with Government to unlock opportunities, create jobs and contribute to building a more prosperous and inclusive future for all Sierra Leoneans.

The Labour Congress concluded by reaffirming its commitment to advocating for policies that promote decent work, protect workers’ rights and support responsible investment, while urging continued backing for private sector champions like Gento that are helping to drive Sierra Leone’s transformation.

Central University Concludes Students’ Week with Academic Excellence and Social Awards Night

Woman in a red off-shoulder dress holds a framed certificate, standing beside a smiling man holding an envelope at a ceremony.

By Ibrahim John Sesay

Central University has successfully concluded its 3rd Edition of the highly anticipated Students’ Week celebration with a vibrant Academic Excellence and Social Awards Night, bringing together students, lecturers, administrators and members of the university community, on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at the University’s campus in Mile 91, Tonkolili District, to honor outstanding students with excellent performance in the 2025-2026 academic year.

The Students’ Week celebration is an academic-social activity organized by the Students’ Union Government (SUG) in collaboration with the Office of the Dean of Students’ Affairs; allowing students to display pride, unity, talent, culture and creativity as students proudly celebrated the week with grand academic-social activities.

The 3rd Edition of the Students’ Week, which started from 20 April 2026 to 25 April 2026, with the following academic-social activities – Monday: Rep Your School; Tuesday: Rep Your Department & Inter-Departmental Debate Competition; Wednesday: Career Day; Thursday: Oldies D’ Goodies; Friday: Cultural Day and Saturday: Academic Excellence and Social Awards Night.

The Academic Excellence and Social Awards Night is a colorful ceremony served as the grand finale of the week-long activities and recognized students who have demonstrated academic excellence as well as those who have made remarkable social contributions within the university community.

In the academic excellence awards category, students were celebrated for their exceptional performances during the 2025-2026 academic year. Those who attained a Grade Point Average (GPA) between 4.30 and 4.69 were inducted into the prestigious Dean’s List, acknowledging their dedication, consistency, and commitment to excellence.

Students who achieved a GPA ranging from 4.70 to 5.00 were honored under the distinguished Vice Chancellor’s List, one of the highest academic recognitions at the institution. The award highlighted students who have maintained extraordinary standards in their studies.

In the social awards categories are students who have positively influenced their colleagues within the university community. Amongst the categories are: Best Lecturer, Best Head of Department, Best Society, Most Influential Student, Best Dressed Student Male and Female, Best Class Representative Female and Female, Best Social Media Influencer, Best DJ, Best Soccer Player, Best Basketball Player and several others honors.

Speaking during the event, the Students’ Union President, Abu Johnson Sankoh, commended the awardees for their hard work and perseverance, noting that academic excellence remains one of the pillars of Central University’s vision.

He stated, “These awards are not just symbols of recognition, but evidence of the discipline, determination, and excellence that define our student body.” Sankoh further emphasized that the Students’ Week celebration remains a strategic platform for fostering unity and holistic development among students.

The Registrar of Central University, Maligie Sesay, in his remarks, underscored the importance of balancing academic rigor with social engagement. He noted, “At Central University, we remain committed to help students with our extracurricular activities.”

The Registrar added that such initiatives strengthen institutional culture and reinforce the values of excellence and integrity. He urged students to take their academic work more seriously to get more awards in the next academic year.

The Vice Chancellor and Principal of Central University, Prof. Bob Karankay Conteh, delivered a keynote address highlighting the university’s vision for academic distinction. He remarked, “We take pride in nurturing students who consistently push the boundaries of excellence, and tonight’s honorees exemplify that standard,” he stated.

Prof. Conteh further encouraged students to maintain high academic standards, by submitting assignments on time, prepare presentations, and work towards the 40-60 assessment grading system; while actively contributing to the university community.

Students described the awards night as memorable and motivating, stating that it not only celebrated achievements but also encouraged others to strive for success in academics and extracurricular activities.

The event was marked by music, entertainment, applause, and moments of celebration as awardees proudly received their awards before an excited audience.

The successful conclusion of Students’ Week once again demonstrated Central University’s commitment to promoting academic excellence, leadership, talent development, and student engagement.

With the curtain now drawn on this year’s Students’ Week, students expressed appreciation to the Students’ Union Government and university administration for organizing a memorable celebration that balanced education, fun, and recognition.

 

World Bank Endorses Manowa Bridge Progress, Highlights Impact on Farmers and Trade

Group of construction workers and officials wearing hard hats and high-visibility vests listening to a briefing at a site.

By Ibrahim Sesay

A high-level mission from the World Bank has expressed satisfaction with ongoing construction works on the Manowa Bridge in Kailahun District, describing the project as a critical investment in rural connectivity and agricultural transformation in eastern Sierra Leone.

The assessment followed an inspection tour conducted on Sunday, April 26, 2026, during which a delegation led by World Bank Executive Director, Zarau Kibwe, visited the project site. The team, comprising more than nine representatives, was joined by officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the Ministry of Finance, the Sierra Leone Roads Authority and the Project Coordination Unit overseeing implementation under the Smallholder Commercialization and Agribusiness Development Project (SCADeP).

During the visit, the delegation examined progress on the 180-metre bridge and its accompanying 250-metre approach roads. Once completed, the modern structure will replace the existing manual cable ferry system, which has long posed safety risks and logistical challenges for residents and traders in the area.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, welcomed the World Bank team and underscored the strategic importance of the bridge to agricultural productivity. He noted that improved infrastructure will significantly ease the movement of farm produce to markets, thereby increasing efficiency, reducing post-harvest losses and enhancing incomes for smallholder farmers across the district.

According to project data shared during the visit, the initiative has already impacted 155,632 direct beneficiaries, including 67,717 women, representing 44 percent of participants. That figure exceeds the project’s initial gender inclusion target of 40 percent, reflecting deliberate efforts to empower women within the agricultural value chain.

Community leaders in Kailahun also lauded the development, describing it as a long-awaited solution to persistent transportation challenges. Foday Musa Nyandebo Gbogboto Gahn, Chiefdom Secretary of the Kailahun Paramount Chiefs Council, emphasized that the bridge will transform access to essential services, including healthcare and education, while reducing travel time and associated costs for residents.

He further highlighted that the elimination of ferry crossings would greatly enhance safety, particularly for schoolchildren, farmers and traders who have long depended on the unreliable and often hazardous river crossing.

While commending the overall quality of work and project management, Executive Director Zarau Kibwe encouraged implementing agencies to address concerns raised by local communities regarding the condition of approach roads. She stressed that ensuring full accessibility to the bridge is essential to maximizing its impact and delivering long-term benefits to the population.

Funded by the World Bank and implemented with technical support from the Sierra Leone Roads Authority, the Manowa Bridge project is widely seen as a transformative intervention. Upon completion, it is expected to strengthen economic linkages between Kailahun and neighboring Kenema District, facilitate trade and unlock new opportunities for thousands of Sierra Leoneans engaged in farming and small-scale commerce.

The project forms part of broader national efforts to modernize rural infrastructure and support inclusive economic growth, particularly within the agricultural sector, which remains a cornerstone of Sierra Leone’s economy.

Sierra Leone’s Mining Sector Hits USD 1.3 Billion in Exports, Signals Strong Economic Transformation

Professional portrait of a smiling Black man in a brown suit, white shirt, and blue tie, against a dark background.
Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Julius Daniel Mattai

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Sierra Leone’s mining sector has recorded a significant milestone in national economic performance, with total mineral exports reaching USD 1.3 billion in 2025, reflecting a 16 percent increase compared to 2024. The latest performance report, presented by the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Julius Daniel Mattai, paints a picture of a resilient and rapidly evolving sector that is increasingly central to the country’s economic stability and long-term growth ambitions.

The growth, which represents an additional USD 180 million in export earnings within a year, underscores the mining sector’s role as Sierra Leone’s largest source of foreign exchange. It also reflects a broader transformation underway, as the country shifts from heavy dependence on diamonds toward a more diversified mineral economy anchored by iron ore, bauxite, gold and mineral sands. Over a three-year period, the sector has recorded cumulative growth of 44 percent, demonstrating its capacity to withstand global commodity price fluctuations and adapt to changing market conditions.

Iron ore continues to serve as the backbone of Sierra Leone’s mining exports, accounting for approximately 69 percent of total export value. Major operators, including Kingho Mining Company Limited and Marampa Mines Limited, have maintained consistent production levels, ensuring stable revenue flows despite volatility in international prices. The strategy, according to sector authorities, has been to prioritize production stability and sustain export volumes while global prices gradually stabilize.

While iron ore remains dominant, the most notable developments have occurred in other mineral segments, particularly bauxite and gold. Bauxite production is projected to increase significantly, rising from 6.3 million tonnes in 2026 to 11 million tonnes by 2027. That expansion is largely driven by the Mokanji Development Project, which is expected to play a transformative role in boosting output, creating jobs and increasing export earnings.

Gold production is also set for remarkable growth, with projections indicating a surge from 16,000 ounces in 2026 to approximately 380,000 ounces by 2027 as underground mining operations reach full capacity. This sharp increase represents one of the most dramatic shifts in Sierra Leone’s mining history and positions gold as a major future contributor to national revenue.

The diversification of the mining sector has become even more evident as diamond exports continue to decline due to a downturn in global luxury markets. Several major diamond mining operations are currently on care-and-maintenance status, preserving infrastructure and workforce capacity while awaiting improved market conditions. Despite this setback, gains in bauxite, gold and mineral sands have effectively offset the decline, ensuring overall sector growth remains strong.

In addition to export performance, the mining sector’s contribution to Government revenue has shown steady improvement. Non-tax revenue, which includes license fees and royalties, rose to USD 55.8 million in 2025, representing a 13 percent increase from the previous year. Projections indicate that this figure could rise to USD 65 million in 2026, with the possibility of reaching between USD 70 million and USD 75 million if key expansion projects progress as planned.

The increase in revenue has been supported by improved regulatory efficiency and enhanced compliance measures. In 2025, the Government issued seven large-scale mining licenses, eight small-scale licenses, and twenty exploration licenses, signaling strong investor confidence in the country’s mineral potential. More than 1,000 artisanal mining licenses were also granted, with improved monitoring systems contributing to a 31 percent increase in revenue from this segment despite a reduction in license numbers.

Employment within the mining sector continues to expand, with more than 15,500 workers currently engaged in formal operations. Notably, over 92 percent of those jobs are held by Sierra Leonean nationals, highlighting the sector’s contribution to local content and workforce development. Projections indicate that employment could rise to over 20,000 jobs by 2027, driven by expansion activities in bauxite, gold and mineral sands operations.

The impact of that growth extends beyond direct employment, as mining activities stimulate local economies, support supply chains and improve livelihoods in mining communities. Increased purchasing power among workers has contributed to growth in sectors such as retail, transportation and agriculture, reinforcing the mining industry’s role as a key driver of inclusive economic development.

Despite the positive outlook, the report identifies several challenges that must be addressed to fully unlock the sector’s potential. Those include gaps in inter-agency coordination, inconsistencies in legal frameworks and the absence of international pricing benchmarks, which can affect revenue transparency and efficiency. Authorities have emphasized the need for urgent reforms, including the establishment of a coordinated institutional framework and the deployment of digital systems to improve monitoring and compliance.

The Government has already begun implementing measures to strengthen oversight, including the rollout of the Mines and Minerals Management System, which is expected to enhance real-time tracking of production and exports while reducing revenue leakages. Additional reforms aimed at harmonizing mining laws and improving payment efficiency are also under consideration.

Looking ahead, Sierra Leone’s mining sector is poised for significant expansion, supported by an investment pipeline exceeding USD 500 million between 2026 and 2028. That influx of capital is expected to drive large-scale projects in gold, bauxite and mineral sands, while maintaining steady output in iron ore production.

Projections indicate that total mineral exports could nearly double, reaching between USD 2.0 billion and USD 2.5 billion annually by 2028. That anticipated growth is expected to strengthen the country’s macroeconomic position, increase Government revenues and create additional employment opportunities across the value chain.

Minister Julius Daniel Mattai emphasized that while the sector’s performance is encouraging, sustained growth will depend on strategic policy decisions and effective coordination among key institutions. He noted that the Government remains committed to ensuring that the benefits of mining are translated into tangible improvements in the lives of citizens, including investments in infrastructure, education and healthcare.

The report also highlights the importance of inclusive growth, particularly the need to increase female participation in the mining workforce to meet national gender equality targets. Current levels remain below the 30 percent benchmark, prompting calls for targeted interventions to promote greater inclusion in the sector.

As global demand for minerals continues to evolve, Sierra Leone’s focus on diversification, value addition and investment in infrastructure positions it well to compete in international markets. The transition from a diamond-dependent economy to a diversified mineral portfolio represents a critical step toward long-term economic resilience.

The mining sector’s performance in 2025 reflects a broader narrative of transformation and opportunity. With strong export growth, rising revenues and expanding employment, the industry is increasingly seen as a cornerstone of Sierra Leone’s development agenda.

Looking ahead, the country faces the critical task of sustaining that momentum, strengthening governance frameworks and ensuring that its mineral wealth delivers inclusive and sustainable growth. The trajectory outlined in the latest report indicates that Sierra Leone is steadily advancing toward that goal, with the mining sector at the forefront of efforts to build a more prosperous and resilient economy.

With global demand for minerals continuing to evolve, particularly in emerging markets, Sierra Leone’s strategic focus on diversification and value addition is expected to strengthen its resilience and enhance its competitiveness. The coming years will be critical in determining whether the country can fully capitalize on that momentum and translate its mineral wealth into broad-based prosperity.

The story unfolding within Sierra Leone’s mining sector is one of resilience, innovation and ambition. It is a story that reflects not only the strength of the industry but also the determination of a nation striving to turn its natural resources into lasting economic opportunity for all.

Njala University Hosts Nigerian Monarch as Academic–Traditional Partnership Deepens

Graduating speaker in red and black gown delivers a speech at a wooden lectern, holding a microphone and tablet.

At a colourful and dignified ceremony held on April 29, 2026, at Njala University’s Bo Campus in Towama, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Rashid Ansumana, underscored the significance of the visit of His Royal Majesty, Professor Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, describing it as a milestone in strengthening bilateral relations between Sierra Leone and Nigeria.

Delivering his remarks during the official welcome ceremony, Professor Rashid Ansumana noted that the presence of the Asagba of Asaba symbolized a powerful convergence between academic excellence and traditional leadership, adding that such engagements are essential in fostering regional unity and intellectual collaboration across West Africa.

He described the visiting monarch as a distinguished scholar, eminent legal authority and revered traditional ruler whose journey to the throne reflects years of discipline, scholarship, and dedicated service. According to the Deputy Vice Chancellor, the Asagba’s remarkable contributions to law and academia before ascending to kingship stand as an inspiring testament to the fusion of knowledge and leadership.

Professor Rashid Ansumana emphasized that the visit transcended ceremonial significance, highlighting its deeper implication as a bridge between two critical pillars of society; education and tradition. He stated that Njala University was honoured to host not just a royal figure, but a symbol of intellectual and cultural synergy.

“Today, Njala University receives not only a King, but a meeting point where knowledge and tradition recognize each other and stand as partners,” he declared, drawing applause from students, faculty and invited guests.

Reflecting on the broader impact of the visit, the Deputy Vice Chancellor said the life and career of the Asagba exemplify how wisdom, cultural authority and academic excellence can collectively contribute to societal development. He stressed that Africa’s future depends on leaders who can harmonize modern education with rich cultural heritage.

Professor Rashid Ansumana also used the occasion to spotlight ongoing developments at Njala University, noting that the institution continues to make significant strides in advancing higher education in Sierra Leone. He disclosed that efforts are underway to strengthen the College of Medical Sciences, expand the Department of Law and deepen investments in research and innovation.

He maintained that universities must remain at the forefront of national transformation by generating solutions to societal challenges, contributing to justice systems and amplifying African narratives through research and scholarship.

In a call for sustained collaboration, Professor Ansumana urged stronger institutional ties between Njala University and the Asaba Kingdom, noting that both entities share a common purpose of serving their people while preserving invaluable cultural heritage.

“We receive you not only as a guest, but as a partner in raising minds, preserving what must not be lost, and building bridges between Sierra Leone and Nigeria,” he stated.

Addressing students directly, the Deputy Vice Chancellor delivered a message of inspiration, encouraging them to prioritize preparation, discipline and personal development over the pursuit of instant success.

“The world does not remember those who arrive quickly. It remembers those who arrive prepared,” he advised, urging students to remain focused on long-term excellence.

The ceremony concluded on a high note, with participants expressing optimism that the royal visit would leave a lasting legacy within the university community while reinforcing the enduring bonds of cooperation, knowledge exchange and cultural diplomacy between Sierra Leone and Nigeria.

Orange Foundation Rolls Out First Digital Learning Kits to Regent Square School in Freetown

Woman in a blue floral dress speaks at a podium during a school event, with a large group of students holding tablets in the background.
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By Ibrahim Sesay

Orange Foundation has reinforced its commitment to advancing digital inclusion and improving the quality of education in Sierra Leone with the donation of Digital School Kits to pupils of Regent Square Primary School and Regent Square Municipal Primary School in Freetown.

The presentation ceremony, held on Thursday, April 30, 2026, brought together education stakeholders, pupils and representatives of Orange Sierra Leone, marking a significant step toward bridging the digital divide in the country’s education sector.

The donated kits comprise laptops, iPads and tablets, headphones, speakers, Wi-Fi devices, routers, digital cameras and modems, all designed to facilitate access to digital learning and enhance classroom instruction.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of Orange Sierra Leone, Aicha Toure, underscored that the Digital School Kits initiative is aimed at addressing the lack of access to digital tools and internet connectivity among millions of children across Africa. She noted that the programme has already been implemented in 16 African countries, reaching approximately 1,400 schools and benefiting over 500,000 pupils.

“In Sierra Leone, the Orange Foundation has proudly donated 44 sets of Digital School Kits over the past year, benefiting more than 30,000 pupils in six districts nationwide,” she disclosed.

Aicha Toure described the kits as more than just technological devices, emphasizing their transformative potential in shaping the future of young learners. She encouraged pupils to take full advantage of the resources to expand their knowledge and explore new opportunities.

“These Digital School Kits are more than devices; they are gateways to knowledge, imagination and the future,” she stated, adding that the tools will also support teachers in delivering more engaging and interactive lessons.

During an interactive session with pupils, the Director of Orange Foundation, Annie Wonnie Katta, engaged the children on their career aspirations, with many expressing ambitions of becoming nurses, lawyers and doctors. She highlighted the importance of integrating digital literacy with traditional education to prepare pupils for future demands.

“We understand that in the future, digital skills will be very important for children moving into tomorrow. That is why we are here today to donate digital school equipment that will give you the opportunity to explore, think, build and be successful,” she said.

Madam Annie Wonnie Katta further encouraged pupils to see the equipment as tools for building their futures, urging teachers to incorporate the kits into daily teaching methods to enhance learning outcomes. She also reminded the children that success is not defined by their background but by access to opportunities and dedication to education.

Delivering his remarks, the Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Conrad Sackey, reflected on his personal connection to Regent Square Municipal Primary School, describing himself as a proud former pupil.

“Right here on this very school ground, a small boy once sat wide-eyed, uncertain and full of questions. Today, that same small boy stands before you as a man,” he said, recounting his journey from humble beginnings to national leadership.

The Minister emphasized the transformative power of education, noting that access to learning opportunities remains key to personal and national development.

“Education transforms lives and because it transforms lives opportunity must be shared,” he stated.

He described the Digital School Kits as modern tools that will equip pupils with essential digital skills required in today’s world and urged them to remain focused on their studies while aspiring to become future leaders, professionals and innovators.

Conrad Sackey also commended the Orange Foundation for its continued investment in education and its role in promoting digital inclusion across Sierra Leone.

In her remarks, the Headmistress of Regent Square Municipal Primary School, Madam Fatmata Keister Kamara, expressed appreciation to the Orange Foundation for the timely intervention. She assured that the donated equipment would be effectively utilized to support teaching and learning within the school.

The donation forms part of the Orange Foundation’s broader mission to expand access to digital education and ensure that children across Sierra Leone are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

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