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Inciters Must Be Warned that … Military Takeover in Sierra Leone is not Feasible

By Amin Kef Sesay

It is indeed quite disturbing that in the wake of the military coup, which took place on the 5th September 2021 in neighbouring Guinea, during which time President Alpha Conde was overthrown and arrested, some Sierra Leoneans are now expressing the negative notion or wish that the same must happen here.

Those wishing for such to take place here could best be described as saboteurs or enemies of progress as it is only such individuals who could wish doom for the country through the forceful removal of the democratically elected SLPP Government headed by President Julius Maada Bio.

For quite a considerable period of time now, military interregnum has not been fashionable within the West Africa sub-region as it used to be in the late 1950s and 60s. The mere fact that harsh sanctions were imposed on countries where military takeovers did occur by  certain sub-regional organizations and the International Community, military coups were no longer in vogue. Besides, the deepening of democratic credentials in some of the countries within the West African Sub-region has somehow made it possible for elections to be used as a conduit for a change of Government.

Based on an investigation mounted it came out glaringly that the restriction in the exercise of basic fundamental human rights and harsh economic times were factors that precipitated the overthrow of Alpha Conde by the military in Guinea.

However, it could be erroneous on the part of some to hold the notion and spread the view that whenever Guinea sneezes, Sierra Leone must catch cold.

In just less than two years from now, to be precise in 2023 the country will be going to the polls as it will be holding both Presidential and Parliamentary elections. It will somehow be fool hardy on the part of some to wish doom for the country because no matter how one looks at it one cannot rule out violent episodes or occurrences that are bound to materialize through the barrel of the gun as well as not ruling out looting and other forms of reprisals.

Guinea, unlike Sierra Leone, never tasted the bitter pill of war. For eleven years Sierra Leone was engulfed in one of the most brutal and senseless wars which led to the wanton destruction of lives and properties. Having being subjected to years of violent confrontations Sierra Leoneans are currently sick and tired of violent situations. One cannot obviously wish any form of violence that has the propensity of putting this country into the doldrums.

After the eleven years civil war officially ended in 2002, the Sierra Leone Army – both officers and men and women – have built a very enviable national and international reputation as a highly professional, disciplined, completely neutral depoliticized fighting force committed to one thing – their constitutional mandate to protect the integrity of the country from both internal and external aggression.

But for the military interregnum in 1997, Sierra Leone, since the war ended in 2002 has chosen to see power change hands from one President to the other, one party to the other not through the barrel of the gun but through the ballot box.

It must be taken into consideration that the Sierra Leone Army is fully cognizant of its major objective of defending the country to ensure national recovery and the reduction of poverty in a safe, secure environment and not meddling in politics.

It ensures such by having a well-trained, well-equipped and highly motivated security forces that are completely apolitical.

This medium will like to caution all those who are wishing for a coup to take place in this country to desist from wishing doom for the country regardless of our political differences. It must be noted that if a military takeover occurs it is not only the Government or public officials that will be affected but the entire country which at this material time the vast majority of the citizenry are against.

Therefore let us preach peace, work together to ensure development takes place and positively participate in pushing development forward as well as to  criticize the Government responsibly and hold them accountable.

Alusine Samura Escapes Lynching From Angry Youths

According to Investigation mounted by this medium in Calabatown, eastern Freetown, one Alusine Samura, residing at Calabatown, Freetown, narrowly escaped lynching from angry youths, after he was caught red-handed having sex with another male, Ibrahim Sesay.

According to eye-witness report, Alusine is said to have been in the company of Ibrahim Sesay for quite some time, with both of them seen on a regular basis attending clubs, bars, parties, and football matches. It was therefore shocking to discover that they were gay.

According to our source, Alusine Samura was living in a rented house in Calaba town, doing his job as a teacher and a businessman, and wash being visited regularly by his younger sister (Konie Samura). On that fateful day, his sister, Konie Samura came with her boyfriend to visit him and upon opening the door, she and her fiance caught Alusine and his male partner naked in the parlor, having sex. Shocked, her fiance raised an alarm for the youths to grab them.

Upon arrival of the angry youths in the area, Alusine and his partner managed to escape through the back door of the house.

The angry youths threatened to kill them for demonic practice in the community.

According to our investigation, Alusine was disowned by his family for the same reason and droven away. Family members spoke to confirmed that he was droven away, but refused to discuss further about him, other than that he is a disgrace to the family. They wished that he had been killed by the youths, as that would mean good riddance.

Same sex practice in Sierra Leone is illegal and denounced by both religious faiths in the country as demonic and satanic. Often, people discovered to be inclined to such practices are taken into the bush away from Communities to be treated by spiritualists, often resulting in their deaths. No one has ever been brought to the police for such reprisals against those with such sexual orientation. In some communities, even advocates are targeted for advocating for the recognition of such practices, which are described as demonic.

As we go to press, since he (Alusine Samura) left on the 2nd September 2021, the whereabouts are still unknown, and a search by youths is underway for his possible elimination from society.

UN World Tourism Day Launched by Tourism Ministry and Its Sub-Vented Agencies

By Amin Kef Sesay

The Tourism Ministry has launched the United Nations (UN) World Tourism Day Celebration with the theme: “Tourism Inclusive Growth in Attaining the SDGs and Agenda 2030 in Post COVID-19 Era” at the Ministry’s Head Office on Kingharman Road in Freetown on the 2nd September, 2021. The launch was done with the Ministry’s sub-vented agencies, the National Tourist Board (NTB) and the Monument and Relics Commission (MRC).

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Andrew L. Sorie said that it is the time of the year when the tourism family meet to reflect on services delivered, celebrate achievements and declare plans for the programmes to be accomplished, saying that the sector has a whole month to accomplish these three broad generalities.

He stated that despite COVID-19 ravaging economies the world over, Sierra Leone still has to celebrate because the nation survived generally and specifically tourism as a sector broke new grounds in showcasing its potentials.

In his contribution, the Director of Tourism, Mohamed Jalloh, disclosed that World Tourism Day is celebrated on the 27th September and is the global observance day set aside to foster awareness of tourism’s social, cultural, political and economic values and the contributions that the sector can make towards reaching the Sustainable Development Goals.

He pointed out that since 2018, the Ministry and its agencies and stakeholders have consistently been organizing the celebration of the World Tourism Day in an effort to raise awareness of tourism’s contribution to livelihood, job creation, quality of lives of members of host communities, protection of the environment and revenue generation for Government.

It must be noted that this year’s observance of the World Tourism Day will be marked by the organizations of regional dialogues using the occasion to recognize the role tourism plays in their respective fields, from fair trade and climate action to gender equality, indigenous rights and opportunities for youth.

These, according to the Director, are pillars of most if not all the SDG’s, particularly Goals 1 (no poverty), 5 (gender equality), 8 (decent work and economic growth) and 10 (reduce inequalities) and most importantly, the theme will provide an opportunity to promote tourism’s role in inclusive growth and identify how further progress can be made.

In her keynote address, the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Memunatu Pratt said that tourism has proven to be a driver for many countries globally saying that Sierra Leoneans home and abroad are appreciating the strides that has happened in tourism three years on while appreciating the political will and leadership of President Bio’s Government in prioritizing the sector.

She said there is much differences in the sector today to how it was before as evident in the development of beaches, opening of new sites and the many reforms to name a few. She noted that the industry has catapulted itself to a better industry that is now contending with grade A industries and has contributed to over 4% of the economy before the outbreak of COVID-19.

She stated that the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in recognition of the propensity of positive contributions of the tourism sector towards achieving the SDGs, Sierra Leone set its theme as Tourism Inclusive Growth in Attaining the SDGs and Agenda 2030 in Post Covid-19 Era.

She mentioned the devastating effect COVID-19 has had on the sector, but that notwithstanding, the sector is celebrating the World Tourism Day with a host of activities with an involving theme that will take the conversation to another level to get people to know the importance of the sector and the SDGs in achieving agenda 2030. She commended the UNDP’s GEF Project for successively supporting the Ministry and its agencies in commemorating the World Tourism Day.

Furthermore, she appealed to all Sierra Leoneans to take the COVID vaccine noting that the country will be extremely limited if the number of people vaccinated is low  the higher the percentage of people vaccinated, the maintaining that the Budapest-Bamako Finish Line will take place if a good number of Sierra Leoneans are vaccinated.

The Chairman of NTB, Allieu Kokobay, the Principal of MMCETL/HTTC Brookfield’s Campus, Phillip Kanu, Deputy Chairman, Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Tourism and Culture, Emmanuel S. Turay, representatives from the Ministry of Planning, the Ministry of Environment, the hotel association and the Special Envoy for Entertainment & Investment, Amara Dennis Turay, (Kao Denero) all made statements towards the launch of the celebration of the UN World Tourism Day.

Education Ministers Update the Public about the Sector in Sierra Leone

Dr. David Moinina Sengeh the Minister of Basic Education and Professor Dr. Alpha Tejan Wurie, the Minister of Higher and Technical Education

By Amin Kef Sesay

Dr. David Moinina Sengeh the Minister of Basic Education and Professor Dr. Alpha Tejan Wurie, the Minister of Higher and Technical Education, have  on the 2nd September , 2021 briefed the public on progress in the education sector. The briefing took place at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Information and Communications.

Dr. David Moinina Sengeh intimated that the Basic Entrance Certificate Examination results were released in record time to enhance quality education. He stated that during the new academic year, SSS1 pupils will have the opportunity to start school in the first term.

He stated that the early release of BECE results will prevent teenage pregnancy maintaining how he has been committed in eliminating the slogan “after BECE na beleh” and give girls the chance to be educated and waste no time.

The Minister disclosed how the Ministry is putting together a syllabus for SSS pupils stating how he wants those pupils to complete their syllabus in time for the public exam.

He further revealed how the Ministry is working to enhance quality into the educational system stating that they have implemented radio teaching service and also embarked on training of teachers.

More schools had 100% pass rate while less schools got 0% pass rate in the BECE. Schools will reopen on Monday September 6, 2021.

Dr. David Sengeh said that the  Ministry has deployed technology to improve learning such as the *846# to check dictionary on your phone, the 468 SMS facility to check results and placement in school and also the 8060 toll free line to report and enquire on school activities.

He also divulged that the Ministry will launch sixty (60) Early Childhood Development (ECD) centers across the country. The Minister said the move is to make provision for early learning and prepare the kids before entering primary school.

On his part the Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Prof. Alpha Wurie, said about six thousand one hundred and twenty five (6125) students applied for the Sierra Leone Government Grant-in-Aid in all 16 districts but only two thousand seven hundred (2700) were awarded the scholarship.

He also disclosed that every district has a Scholarship Committee that includes ACC and CSO representatives adding that priority was given to students offering programs in the Sciences, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture, Mathematics (STEAM), Medicine, French and Tourism.

He also revealed that first year students are exempted from the Government scholarship but first year female students from STEAM were granted the scholarship.

STEAM applicants for the academic year were 520 and all were awarded the scholarship including 100 teachers who applied for the award and 90 were awarded.

The Minister of Technical and Higher Education also disclosed that the University Act 2021 has been signed by the President and therefore all universities will have their Chancellors as promised by President Julius Maada Bio.

Supreme Court Declares Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella Eligible to Participate in National Elections

By Amin Kef Sesay

In a Supreme Court ruling on the 3rd September 2021 a judgement was passed favoring Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella as an eligible citizen who was fit to contest the parliamentary and presidential elections of 2018.

After winning the case, the Honourable Member of Parliament for Constituency 062 and 2018 Presidential Candidate for the National Grand Coalition party (NGC), Dr. Kandeh Yumkella stated that he gives praise to the Almighty for His grace in making sure that his personal quest to open up the political space for Sierra Leoneans in general, and citizens in the diaspora, has received a resounding endorsement by the Supreme Court judges of the Republic.

He commended the Judges for their courage and vision maintaining that the landmark judgment by the country’s highest court will benefit over a quarter million Sierra Leoneans living in the diaspora and their descendants.

Dr. Kandeh Yumkella added that though the Judiciary does not make laws, the Judgement by the Supreme Court constitutes a law which  Parliament can now reinforce and complement by passing the omnibus bill they, as a party,  submitted to guarantee greater inclusivity and equity for women and the youth in national suffrage and governance.

He called on the Government and NEC in particular to ensure diaspora voting also becomes a reality in 2022 and 2023.

Yumkella ended up thanking his gallant legal team for their professionalism and efficacy in presenting their case further expressing deep gratitude to their many legal friends who weighed in on the side justice.

Owned By Musa Tarawally… TEES is the Latest State of the Art Garment Factory in Freetown

By Amin Kef Sesay

A former Government Minister, Alhaji Musa Tarawally has been widely commended for establishing an ultra-modern garment factory on Wilkinson Road which is known as TEES.

The company, it is expected, when it should be fully operational will employ 250 staff some of whom are currently receiving training from 10 experts he brought in from India and Pakistan.

According to Alhaji Musa Tarawally, the products that will be produced at the factory will not only cater for the local Sierra Leone market but also for exportation out of the country. It is also expected that with time the company will be having contractual businesses from countries in the West African sub region.

During a fact finding mission it was discovered that TEES is equipped to do suits,   dresses, shirts and African for all occasions, wedding inclusive.  There is another section within the factory that does printing of banners and name on caps, T shirts etc.

It was also learnt that TEES has the capability to handle and execute huge contracts like sewing of police, military, Prison, Fire Force and nurses uniforms.

Based on an assessment done by this medium it was discovered that some of the above costs the Government huge sums of money to import and line the pockets of contractors most of whom have fallen short of  supplying sub-standard products that would fade at the first wash.

Impact of Covid-19 restrictions…. China House runs low in revenue generation -Manager says

By Diana Coker

It is an undisputed fact that COVID-19 is having a negative toll on different facets in society. The Acting Manager of the popular China House in Freetown has recounted that before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, business was booming, with the turnout of customers being quite encouraging.

“Now the situation is completely different compared to what used to obtain before the outbreak in terms of sales,” Acting Manager Mohamed Bawoh said.

He said, “We have to put our staff on monthly rotation on duty in order to cut down on administrative cost, as the business is no longer making profit like before”.

COVID -19, he went on, has greatly affected the smooth operation of the business. “Our total sales now is about Le 800,000 (Eight Hundred Thousand Leones) per day, which is less than a $100,” he said adding that, “We used to sell millions of Leones before, but now we are merely managing to survive”.

Mr. Bawoh referred to China House as one of the most popular entertainment centers in Freetown, situated in the west end of the city and easily accessible from different routes.

“It was the best place to be on a Friday evening to dance and listen to live band musical performance during the pre-COVID era,” he said.

Speaking on the various facilities available, he said the complex is hosting a restaurant, cinema and a conference hall, all of which used to generate the necessary funds to run the day-to-day affairs as well as seeking the welfare of workers.

As a result of Government’s COVID-19 response and restrictions, he said the weekly Friday live band show and other commercially viable activities like showing football games, hosting of married receptions and renting out the conference facility for workshops and other social events, have been put on hold indefinitely.

Princess Kawa, the Chairperson of the China Friendship Society, also confirmed that sales were fine before COVID, but have dropped drastically.

She stated that before COVID, the food, especially the fried fish and hot goat pepper soup as well as assorted drinks, used to sell very fast.

“We had a 100 % sales in almost all the items sold, but things have taken a U-turn as a result of the pandemic,” she said rather frustratingly.

She went on to say that, “We have stopped selling fried fish and hot goat pepper because fish and meat have become very expensive in the market”.

According to Francis Kallon, one of the traditional customers, he has stopped going physically to the restaurant for fear of contracting the virus.

“I come here mainly because of the friendly atmosphere of relaxation and networking. It is not only for the food or to watch football match,” Kallon emphatically stated.

He described China House as his go-to place in terms of preference, noting that he has missed lot of fun and is therefore looking forward to witness the end of COVID-19.

In the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, Government in its efforts to checkmate the spread of the virus, instituted measures such as a ban on public gatherings and social events, partial lockdown, ordering social distancing and hygiene practices, as well as promulgating a state of public emergency.

There is so far no credible data to show the extent to which businesses have been impacted, but what is clear is that should the situation continue as it is especially with the perpetual night time curfew, many businesses in the entertainment industry in particular, are bound to fold up, leaving thousands without job.

This story was put together with support from journalists for human rights (JHR) and the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) human rights fellowship.

 

Dr. Sylvia Blyden Calls for Immediate Release & Popularization of the APC 1991 Constitution

By Amin Kef Sesay

In a letter dated the 3rd September 2021 and written by Dr. Sylvia Olayinka Blyden OOR addressed to the Secretary General of the All Peoples Congress (APC) Party, Ambassador Osman Yansanneh, with a letter head captioned, “Request for Immediate Release and Popularizing of the 5th October 1991 Constitution of the All Peoples Congress”, it was stated that  exactly 30 years ago on September 3rd 1991, late Speaker of Parliament, William Niaka Stephen Conteh, submitted Sierra Leone’s brand new Multi-Party Democratic Constitution (Act No.6 of 1991), with Section 35 included therein, to H.E. President Major-General (rtd) Dr. Joseph Saidu Momoh GCRSL; according to the wishes of the people of Sierra Leone in a referendum conducted on 23rd, 26th, 28th and 30th days of August 1991 – following Parliament passing the Bill on 1st July 1991 after its introduction by the then Attorney-General Hon. Dr. Abdulai Osman Conteh.

She stated that H.E. President J.S. Momoh then appended his signature to assent to the new Sierra Leone Constitution on 24th September 1991.

According to Dr. Blyden, in cognizance of Section 35, the APC Leader of blessed memory, President J.S. Momoh, immediately set in place the motions to call up an APC National Delegates Conference with a primary agenda being to re-write the then-extant APC Constitution so APC’s internal organization shall conform to democratic principles; which was a prerequisite for APC to continue to exist and not become de-registered or declared unfit for existence under Act No.6 of 1991.

She highlighted that 30 YEARS AGO, the APC became the first political party to have its Constitution brought in line with the dictates of Section 35 of the new Sierra Leone Democratic Constitution which reflects the aspirations of the membership of APC at a duly constituted National Delegates Conference.

Dr. Sylvia Blyden mentioned that is how the APC party, on October 5th 1991, adopted a “more democratic” Constitution by APC delegates in their FULL NUMERICAL COMPLEMENT.

She furthered that as the APC now proceeds to hold a LIMITED NUMERICAL COMPLEMENT delegates’ conference in two weeks’ time to adopt a purportedly “more democratic” Constitution, she is once again reminding him of  the imperative need to restore the dignity of the history of their glorious party by releasing for public consumption the legitimate, 30 years old, democratic APC Constitution of October 5th 1991.

She stated that the APC Secretary General will recall that, for over two years now, she had been urging the National Chairman & Leader Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, members of the National Advisory Committee and himself as Secretary General on reasons for the imperative need to publish the October 5th 1991 Constitution; not least because of great urgency to ensure pertinent records – including at the Law Courts – reflect APC is an innately democratic political party that, at its own normal state of existence, abides by dictates of Section 35 of the 1991 Sierra Leone Constitution although APC may currently find itself buffeted by a dictatorial, shortsighted Leadership placing APC at risk.

According to her, in exactly two weeks’ time, the APC party will be holding a National Delegates Conference to adopt what has been described by him the Secretary General in court papers as a “more democratic” Constitution for their great APC party.

She highlighted that her attempt to CONTEST to be ELECTED as a delegate from Kailahun’s Constituency 002 to that conference, was blocked by him the Secretary General under the guise of what his representative at the Venue said that him, the APC Secretary General had not “ordained” her to contest.

Dr. Blyden said, however, it is with the above reference of a “more democratic” Constitution that she is writing to formally draw his attention, alongside that of the general APC membership and the entire Sierra Leone polity, to what transpired in their great party exactly 30 years ago under the leadership of the blessed late APC Leader H.E. the President Major-General (rtd) Dr. Joseph Saidu Momoh GCRSL.

She stated that as they approach this month’s court-ordered National Delegates Conference, the urgent need to immediately popularize the October 5th 1991 APC Constitution cannot be over-stated urging the Secretary General whom she refers to as Uncle Osman, to please release and popularize the said constitution NOW concluding by reminding him of her fully paid, card-carrying membership status.

Copies of the letter were sent to Members of National Advisory Committee of the APC, all APC Party Members through Branch Secretaries, the Master & Registrar of the High Court of Sierra Leone, members of the Political Parties Registration Commission, citizens and friends of Sierra Leone in and out of the Diaspora and the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps (for re-distribution to all Diplomatic Missions).

Exorbitant Admission fees defeating Purpose of FQE

By Amin Kef Sesay

Education is a fundamental human right and a major driver of human and economic development for Sierra Leone. It strengthens personal integrity and shapes the country in which we live.

The access component of the Free Quality Education (FQE) enforces that all Sierra Leonean children must have uninterrupted access to free quality school education in the country.

It also emphasizes that education in Sierra Leone is no longer a privilege but a right to all Sierra Leonean children. The component emphasizes that no Sierra Leonean child must be left behind.

As such, the attention of reformist minded Dr. David Sengeh, the Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education and the ACC to the fact that highly unscrupulous money finding school heads are defeating the purpose and intent of the free quality education by charging between Le1 million and Le2.5 million for pupils seeking to enter into junior secondary school or that have passed BECE and want to enter into SSS.

The cries of poor parents whose children have passed but cannot attend the schools of their choice because of the exorbitant admission fees can be heard very loudly in the Western Area. The Calabash has not heard such reports yet from the provinces.

Another form of naked exploitation is schools forcing parents to buy uniforms at their own highly fixed prices, even when these can be sewn cheaper.

Other unexplained school charges are still being imposed on parents.

To combat corruption, there is a need for clear norms and regulations, transparent procedures and an explicit policy framework specifying, for each of the steps involved, the distribution of responsibilities between different stakeholders in the setting up of fees for Government and Government assisted schools; as well as the allocation, distribution and use of educational resources.

The Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) believes that improving skills in management, accounting, monitoring and audit are basic requirements for reducing corruption in education.

In which regard, in 2019, the Head of the Anti- Corruption Commission (ACC) in the North- West Region, Al-Hassan Sesay told school authorities, teachers and pupils that schools are not commercial enterprises wherein monies should be demanded regularly.

It could be recalled that following series of complaints from members of the public, the ACC issued out a press release on the 28th August 2019 warning school authorities against extortion and illegal charges.

He stated that the drop in the standard of education was as a result of the sustained presence of corruption in the sector adding that the Commission is concerned and committed to bringing sanity to the education sector.

The Regional Manager said in as much as the ACC recognizes the role of teachers and values their contribution to nation building, he noted that in the fight against corruption, the Commission will leave no stone unturned.

He cautioned school authorities and teachers to refrain from involving in corrupt practices and always endeavor to work in consonance with the dictates of the education policy. He also encouraged both staff and pupils to resist, reject and report any attempt or suspicion of corruption and corrupt practices to the ACC.

The Senior Public Education officer Sahid Mohamed Kamara highlighted various corrupt practices in schools which they said have eaten deep into the educational sector.

He also explained the importance of integrity to staff and pupils and encouraged both to inculcate the virtues and values of integrity as well as building a nation that is corrupt free.

He underscored the significance of hard work and commitment and to desist from examination malpractices, bribery and anything that contravenes the ACC Act and the education policy.

The Public Education Officer, Mohamed Thullah, spoke on the importance of integrity in public life adding that the ‘Meet the School Campaign’ was designed to teach pupils and school authorities to imbibe the values of integrity and to help address corrupt practices prevalent in schools (of which charging exorbitant admission fees is part of), broaden pupils understanding about corruption and its effects and to encourage them to resist and report all forms of corrupt practices in schools.

Ex-Military Officer Jailed for Manslaughter

By Elkass Sannoh

Justice Monfred Sesay, a Court of Appeal Judge, has sentenced one Lamina Mansaray, an ex-military officer to 5 years for killing his wife. The convict was before the court on one count indictment of manslaughter contrary to law.

The particulars of offence stated that the convict on the 14th day of December 2016, at Wilberforce Barracks in Freetown, unlawfully killed his wife, Mabinty Mansaray.
After spending 4 years and 9 months at the Male Pademba Road Correctional Center, convict Lamina Mansaray pleaded guilty to the offence of manslaughter.

While addressing the court on what transpired between himself and his wife, Mansaray told the court that he was a serving member of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces at the time of the incident and he was residing at Wilberforce Barracks together with the deceased, his wife.

He said on the 13th December 2016, the deceased left the house for a week only to return home to request for money from him to take care of the house, which he refused.

He continued that while he took out money from his pocket to buy the requested items himself, an argument ensued between them which resulted in him beating her with his military belt.

The convict said she (Mabinty) became unconscious and was rushed to the 34 Military Hospital where she died the next day.

He said he was arrested by the Military Police and later handed over to the Sierra Leone Police for further investigations.

The convict pleaded for mercy, adding that the deceased was his wife with whom he had lived for the past 30 years.

The plea in mitigation was done by Lawyer Komba Kanu from the Legal Aid Board.

In delivering his judgement, Hon. Justice Sesay said that having heard the passionate plea of the convict and the Defence Counsel, the convict will run a 5-year jail term including time spent.

He said the decision was in consideration of the welfare of the two children the convict has to fend for as the breadwinner and the fact that he didn’t waste the court’s time.

In another matter, Honourable Justice Monfred Sesay sentenced one 26-year-old Mustapha Massaquoi to ten (10) years imprisonment for the offence of manslaughter.

The convict Mustapha Massaquoi was before the Court on a one count indictment of manslaughter brought up against him by the State.

Upon his arraignment, he pleaded guilty to the offence as charged.

The particulars of offence stated that Massaquoi on the 22nd day of April 2018, at Dwarzark Community, in the Western Area of the Republic of Sierra Leone, unlawfully killed Lamin Kanu.

State Prosecutor Joseph A. K. Sesay had applied for the murder charge to be reduced to manslaughter, adding that the said application was made for speedy and fair trial and in the interest of justice.

The Prosecution cited Section 148 Sub Section (1) of the Criminal Procedure Act of 1965 Act No 32 of 1965, which he said will cause no injustice to the accused.

The application was granted by Hon. Justice Sesay and the jurors discharged accordingly.

After the murder charge was replaced with manslaughter, Justice Sesay asked the Clerk to read the charge again to the accused person, who pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

The convict Massaquoi had told the court that the deceased was his friend.

He said that on 22nd April 2018, they were at the Dwarzark playing field when the deceased asked him to visit a Musical festival.

He explained that while they were at the festival, an argument degenerated into a fight between him and the deceased, and later he mistakenly stabbed the deceased which led to his death.

Delivering his judgement, Hon. Justice Sesay said he found him guilty of manslaughter.

In his allocutus, the convict referred to the deceased as his intimate friend, adding that his act did not intend to kill him, as it was the deceased who first broke a Stout bottle on his head.

In sentencing the convict, the Honourable Justice Sesay said that because the convict didn’t waste the court’s time and further made a remorseful plea mitigation, he will only sentence him to ten years imprisonment including the time already spent.

Justice Sesay used the occasion to warn against any form of violence against women and girls.

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