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 WAMZ Re-elects J.J Saffa as Chairman for the 3rd Time

By Amin Kef Sesay

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Finance, Jacob Jusu Saffa, has been unanimously re-elected to serve as Chairman of the Convergence Council of Finance Ministers and Governors of Central Banks of West Africa Monetary Zone (WAMZ) for the third time.

This re-election occurred during the 45th meeting (Virtual) of the Convergence Council held on 16th February 2021 to deliberate on the status of the macroeconomic convergence and policy harmonization issues under the ECOWAS Single Currency Programme.

Delivering his opening statement, Minister Saffa thanked his colleague Ministers of Finance and Governors of Central Banks for the continued confidence bestowed on him and his country Sierra Leone.

The meetings of the Technical Committee and Committee of Central Bank Governors preceded this meeting with the Convergence Council adopting the report and recommendation of the Committee of Central Bank Governors.

The report states that growth, which was anchored on the agriculture, extractive, and service sectors, was severely impacted by the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on production, construction, international trade, hospitality, etc.

The Convergence Council also adopted the recommendations of the Council of Governors which includes, sustaining the effort at curbing the spread and containing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on real sector activities and fast-track the implementation of reforms to address structural challenges and invest in social infrastructure while providing adequate social safety nets to enhance response and resilience to shocks.

The Chairman of the Convergence Council, Jacob Jusu Saffa, after listening to the reports, recommendations and comments from colleague Ministers and Bank Governors called for a more radical approach in addressing the issue of trade between and among WAMZ member States.

He continued that transportation is a key challenge in the region; therefore he called for the development of a framework to improve transport connectivity and thus trade integration among WAMZ countries. J.J Saffa also called for an experience sharing platform for member States on the role of banks in development financing.

The Council agreed to the call of their Chairman to work out the necessary arrangements to facilitate the development of the framework.

15 Traditional Leaders Capacitated on Transitional Justice by WANEP 

By Edward Vamboi

The West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) on Tuesday 16th February 2021 ended a day’s training for 15 traditional leaders from Grafton and surrounding communities at the Negus Nagas Entertainment Complex, Grafton outside Freetown.

The project, funded by Africa Transitional Justice Legacy Fund (ATJLF) and titled, ‘Join Han’ to supporting victims and community initiatives to access reparation and institutional reform and in the market place for justice and accountability as well as enhance cohesion in Sierra Leone, seeks to strengthen the use and application of alternative dispute resolution methods to enhance peace and local accountability at community level.

The project is for women not to waste time and money in court but to seek alternative redress mechanisms.

Giving an overview of the project, the National Coordinator of WANEP, Dr. Isata Mahoi articulated that the overall objective of the project is to enhance the capacity of victims of the civil war to engage the State in the implementation of a transparent and inclusive reparation program in the country and to ensure that the processes and procedures of traditional dispute resolution are complaint with basic human rights standards stressing that most of the laws in Sierra Leone are drafted by men and that traditional leaders represent the people and therefore the need for them to know and understand their roles and responsibilities need not be overstated.

Dr. Mahoi also highlighted the different types of conflicts-intra, inter and international.

She furthered that the project seeks to particularly contribute to establishing and expanding spaces for women, especially market women, to access gender-responsive needs in addition to ensuring that the processes and procedure of traditional dispute mechanism are complaint with basic human right standards using traditional dispute resolution systems through increased understanding and raising awareness by building the capacity of traditional leaders who are often caught up between being the perpetrator and the ones executing the laws as well as build on the capacity of war-affected and wounded victims to interact with the state and enable them participate in reparations programs.

Mr. Bami J. Sesay, Assistant Director, Gender, Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs, recalled the history of the civil war, that women and children are most affected by wars and disasters, citing the war during which they were raped and suffered heinous crimes in addition to the Ebola and Corona pandemics.

According to Mr. Sesay, women must register their marriages with the Local Councils, dilated on the Devolution of Estate Act, Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Violence Against Women, the Child Rights Act, the 3 Gender Justice Laws, the Gender Offences Act 2012, appealed to them to sensitize others on the knowledge gained at the training and revealed that the Ministry has opened a One Stop Shop in six districts in the country for victims and survivors of sexual and gender-based violence with plans to open more in other parts of the country as well as involve men in the campaign to end sexual and gender-based violence and that there is also a special court for such offences.

The ATJLF project is being implemented in the Western Area Rural and Koidu City, Kono District and aims to strengthen the capacity of women leaders (including market women) to effectively dispense justice through alternative dispute resolution in their communities, enhance the capacity of victims of the war to engage the state in the implementation of reparations and develop the capacity of traditional leaders to effectively work with their communities in addressing grievances and promoting social cohesion.

Nineteen years after the official end of the civil war in Sierra Leone, its reparation program is in trouble. While the international community provided much of the support in the beginning, the program is now largely left to itself. The scale of suffering of the war victims has continued to escalate daily. Sierra Leone’s reparation program challenges those who pay attention to think about sustainability.

Government reluctantly agreed to implement the recommendations but failed to take any action for four years. It required pressure from the country’s largest survivor organization, the Amputee and War–Wounded Association for Government to among others provide pensions, free housing and healthcare, educational benefits and much more for victims.

Sierra Leone’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (CRC) and the Special Court for Sierra Leone were preferred transitional justice choices adopted to address the legacy of past human rights violations committed during the eleven years civil war. Two traditional justice tools emerged out of exhaustive nature of fighting between the Government of Sierra Leone and the Revolutionary United Front (RUF). This subjected the belligerents to grab the most comprehensive available alternative option that set the stage for transitional justice mechanisms after serious cost-benefit analysis. The country adhered to proponents’ claims that accountability measures are needed for societies to move on from violent past to begin rebuilding sustainable peace and development.

Furthermore, the TRC identified the lack of public access to justice as both a cause of the decade-long civil war and a factor that helped sustain it. This explains that Sierra Leone’s complex and difficult political history is reflected in its present ineffective justice system and lack of respect for the rule of law. Likewise, nineteen years after the end of the civil war and the closure of the accountability mechanisms, wounds are still fresh in the minds of victims, facilities underprovided; capacities are low, while the country is still confronted with several justice sector challenges.

There is also an overwhelming perception and expectation of the local populace regarding the political evolution that has taken place after the implementation of some of the imperative recommendations of the TRC.

There are several indications to also affirm that claim that Sierra Leone is still not fully recovered from the legacy of the civil war. This also implies that the country is also marked by a largely unaddressed legacy of violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. The country remains profoundly affected by its past, as well as deeply divided along and across community lines with mutually exclusive understandings and interpretations of the past. It is thus in need of a comprehensive, inclusive, gender-sensitive, victim-centered and consultative process of transitional justice.

Participants expressed thanks and appreciation to the organizers for the sensitization and promised to do same to others who were unfortunate to attend the training while the question and answer session, group work and presentations climaxed the interactive training.

Krio Descendants Commend New Lands Minister’s` Reconciliatory Move

By Amin Kef Sesay

On the 17th  February 2021 members of the Krio Descendants Association celebrated the new Minister of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, Dr. Turad Senesie for his first steps in ensuring land justice in the country.

The Minister played host to the group in his Youyi Building Office in Freetown as the first of series of national reconciliation engagements in the lands sector.

The ‘family meeting’ recorded emotional narrations from the membership of the Krio community who feels disadvantaged over alleged unfair treatment.

Minister Turad Senesie started off by reminding the Krios that their welfare concerns are at the heart of the President, thus the rationale to invite them to the meeting to map out the way forward.

“This is the first among series of national reconciliation engagements to restore law, order and calm in the country’s land administration and management system,” he disclosed, while assuring the visitors that he has assumed office with an open mind and a clear mandate to serve the interests of every Sierra Leonean irrespective of tribe, region or political affiliations.

“President Bio’s Government values and places human dignity and development above any other consideration,” the Minister noted, while stressing that the problems in the land sector can only be addressed with all hands on deck with a sincerity of purpose.

“The time to find a lasting solution to land issues, especially in the Western area, without resorting to litigations is now,” he pointed out, adding: “It’s also high time we prioritized country planning and housing issues as major components in the sector.”

According to him, the moratorium on land sale and allocation in the Western area is a first step to return normalcy to the sector that has been marred by controversies for several years.

“The report and recommendations that will emanate from the complaints committee will form the basis for future actions in land administration and management,” he outlined.

Minister Senesie stated strongly that he will not tolerate any indiscipline or unprofessionalism from staff in the discharge of their duties, while outlining his zero tolerance policy against corruption and professional misconduct.

Vice President of the Krio Descendants Association, Ambassador Haja Alari Cole alongside other members including politician Femi Claudius Cole, all described the move of the Minister as a step in the right direction, while congratulating him on his appointment.

They assured the Minister that he will remain in their prayers and receive unflinching support to ensure land justice in Sierra Leone.

They expressed how they feel neglected, disadvantaged and embarrassed, while embracing the olive branch extended to them by the Minister.

According to them, they were at the verge of dragging the Government of Sierra Leone to the ECOWAS Court to seek justice for their members whose lands have been retrieved from them in a manner they deem illegal.

They advised the Minister to rid the Ministry of what they described as ‘bad apples’ if only he wants to achieve a meaningful change.

In commemorating late Ex-Pres. Kabba’s Birthday… Tejan Kabba Foundation & DOFA Render Support to the Aged 

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In commemoration of the birthday of late Ex-President Dr. Ahmed Tejan Kabba, The Tejan Kabba Foundation in collaboration with Dorwontony Organization for the Aged (DOFA) has on Tuesday 16th February 2021 donated food items and cash to the aged. The donation took place at the Dorwontony Organization Office on Pademba Road in Freetown.

Presenting the items, Isata Jabbie Kabba, who happens to be the wife of the late President, Dr. Ahmed Tejan Kabba cum Chief Executive Officer of The Tejan Kabba Foundation expressed appreciation to Dorwontony Organization for the Aged (DOFA) for their strides in supporting the aged in the country.

She noted that as a responsible Foundation they thought it fit to dish out the aforementioned donation to the aged on behalf of the Foundation in commemorating the late President’s birthday saying they decided to do so with the strong conviction that such would be helpful to the recipients especially at this decisive moment in the country when we are battling with COVID-19.

On her part, Chief Executive Officer of the Dorwontony Organization For the Aged (DOFA), Doreen Barrie, expressed gratitude to The Tejan Kabba Foundation for the kind gesture which she described as not only welcoming but very timely.

She noted that one of the most sensitive stages in the life of any person is old age and that at that stage everything becomes quite delicate and individuals tend to become more dependent on other people for survival even against their own wishes further stating that care, support and comfort are very essential factors elderly people need for survival and to live healthy life styles.

Doreen said it was against such a backdrop that DOFA was founded with the objective to serve as the voice for the needs and rights of the aged across the country, She called on every Sierra Leonean to join the moving train in looking after the Aged,” maintaining that old age is gold.

She called on the Government, the private sector and non-governmental organizations to support them in order to secure a Home for these vulnerable people some who are homeless, adding that the aged are very important people in society and should not be neglected.

Abu Kanu, a beneficiary, expressed gratitude to The Tejan Kabba Foundation and Dorwontony Organization for the Aged for the gesture, adding that with such support will be helpful to them as old people in the country.

He called on other organizations to follow the footprints of both Organizations in supporting the aged with food and other basic necessities, with the thought that they too are very important in society and they should be cared for.

Over Standard of Demeanor… Cassandra Garber Calls for First Lady to be Cautioned  

By Foday Moriba Conteh

One of Sierra Leone’s outstanding female personalities, Cassandra Garber, who happens to be a former Principal of the Freetown Secondary School for Girls has, in a stunning article addressed to the leaders of women-led organizations in the country, urged those organizations to address the negative utterances of the country’s First Lady, Fatima Bio saying that her elevated position in the country demands exemplary behavior to all ranks and levels of the citizenry.

Cassandra Garber noted that as Sierra Leone clocks 60 years of political independence this year, 2021, she is thanking God for His mercy, adding that it is a blessing for her to be one of the few Female Senior Citizens to be alive.

She pointed out that she honours her responsibility as a citizen of Sierra Leone and that the State has likewise recognized her contributions and has twice awarded her National Honours or Awards, furthering that she therefore regards it as a national obligation to voice her disappointment and displeasure at the new and repulsive habit of exchanging coarse language on social media platforms especially at the level of the country’s leadership.

Cassandra revealed that globally, the spouse of the Head of State is instinctively accorded respect and courtesies by all nationals and non-nationals within a country and that correspondingly, that spouse is expected to exhibit the highest Code of Conduct.

She categorically stated that ever since the country gained a Republican Status in 1971, all former First Ladies, including Mama Rebecca Stevens, Hannah Momoh, Patricia Tejan-Kabba, all of blessed memory, and Sia Koroma, behaved with the dignity expected of their position.

“I therefore lament the present scenario in which Sierra Leone has a First Lady whose general approach is unbecoming, and whose language is very often not only offensive but also unprintable (by acceptable decent standards). I recently became aware of verbal tirades conducted by the First Lady. Sadly, she appears to relish taking on citizens; the practice of retort and exchanging ‘un-pleasantries’ by the First Lady has now become quite commonplace! In addition, she seems to revel in the use of filthy expressions! Her description of the proposed punishments for rapists will go down in the history of her very own project ‘HANDS OFF OUR GIRLS’. It is a pity that people in the Corridors of Power do not perceive this behavior as undermining the country’s level of international respectability,” she lamented.

She revealed that she had lived through the dawn of independence and witnessed the elegance and elocution of First Ladies of Sierra Leone and other countries in the West Africa sub-region and she cannot help but recall the outstanding wife of the late Ivorian President, Felix Houphouet-Boigny, Marie-Therese, a fittingly pioneer First Lady, adding that she married in 1951 at the young age of 21; an inexperienced debutante but she went on to perform her state duties so magnificently that she was dubbed by the White House in 1962, “Africa’s Jackie Kennedy”.

Cassandra furthered that another First Lady, equally young and inexperienced, Njaimeh Jawara of the Gambia, maintained the remarkable standards expected of her position. From the legacies of these women, it is clear that age is not the determinant of Good Performance, according to her.

It is against such a background that she stated that it is time the various strata of Women’s Forum in the country must address the negative utterances of the country’s First Lady and that her elevated position in the community demands exemplary behavior to all ranks and levels of the citizenry.

She said with the customary display of Pride shown by their respective Ex-Pupil Associations, she do hope her alumnae co-members will take this as a wake-up call to rescue the reputation of their Alma Mater.

“The First Lady has abundant energy for directing her many projects. We welcome a change in her behavior and approach,” she concluded.

The article was addressed to women leaders of female organizations which includes Coordinator, Campaign for Good Governance, President, 50/50 Organization, Centre for Public Enlightenment & Dialogue for Peaceful Conference, President, Sierra Leone Association of University Women, President, Zonta International Sierra Leone, President, Business and Professional Women of Freetown, President, Sierra Leone Mothers’ Union, President, Sierra Leone Muslim Women’s Network, President, Women’s Network of the Methodist Church Sierra Leone, President, Soroptimist International of Freetown.

New UNFPA Officer-in-Charge Meets Minister Kai Kai

By Edward Vamboi

On the  17 February 2021 the new Officer-in-Charge for the United Nations Populations Fund (UNFPA) Sierra Leone, Dr. Nestor Azandegbe, paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Francis Kai-Kai, at his Tower Hill Office, in Freetown.

Dr. Azandegbe, in his statement, expressed his delight at the engagement, noting that he was happy to realize that the Ministry was leading aspects of population in the country, especially with a former UN colleague in-charge.

He said the UNFPA is fully committed to supporting the upcoming Mid-Term Population and Housing Census, especially in terms of providing funding and the necessary technical expertise to ensure the Census becomes successful.

Dr. Azandegbe said plans are also on the way to enhance the popularization and dissemination of the National Population Policy, across the country, even though the COVID-19 pandemic continued to affect progress in every sphere of development. He also reminded the Government of its commitments made at the 25th anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD25) held in Nairobi, Kenya on the 12th November, 2019.

In his response, the Minister welcomed the new Representative Ad-Interim in supporting Government, noting that the UNFPA had been an important organization to work with, which was why, the Ministry had created a population desk that would look into all population related issues.

He said the Government had started implementing the commitments made at the ICPD25 Summit in Nairobi and that the respective Government Ministry’s, especially the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs were fully supporting the process in achieving these commitments.

Commenting on the Mid-Term Housing and Population Census, Dr. Kai-Kai noted that it is a critical activity for Government and also called on partners, especially the UNFPA to continue supporting the process.

“We are very happy that the Census is a primary activity for the UNFPA and you coming is something I expect, and you should come in a big way, especially supporting technically and also helping to source funding for this activity. That is our expectation,” said Minister Kai-Kai.

Armed Forces Day Celebrated

By BS Conteh (SL 300): Col (RTD)

Many sovereign nation States including the US, UK, India, Egypt, Nigeria, Ghana among others celebrate Annual Armed Forces Day in order to recognize and honour personnel (both living and late) of their respective Armed Forces for the selfless services and sacrifices.

Sierra Leone selected February 18th as its Armed Forces Day because it was on that Day, February 18 in 2002 that Sierra Leone President Alhaji Ahmad Tejan Kabbah officially declared the End of the Sierra Leone Civil War of 1991 to 2002.

The RSLAF had fought bravely in the 1st and 2nd World Wars as part of the Royal West African Frontier Force in India, Burma and the Cameroon.

This country used to celebrate in recognition of those victories achieved on the 24th January as Myohaung every year, but the country has now moved from that.

RSLAF also fought as part of the ECOMOG Force in Liberia in order to restore Law and Order in that sister State.

RSLAF also participated in Peacekeeping Operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the 60s. RSLAF was also engaged in Peace Support Operations in East Timor, Syria and Lebanon.

Currently, RSLAF is engaged in Peace Support Operations in Sudan, Somalia, Mali and the Central African Republic (CAR).

Amb. Rashid in Dubai Warmly Welcomes 2020 Housemates Salone Winner

By Amin Kef Sesay

On the 17th February 2021, the Sierra Leone Embassy in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) played host to the winner of the 2020 “Housemates Salone”, Ms. Saraih Conteh Roberts, who is on a week-long visit to the beautiful and touristic city of Dubai.

Organized by the African Young Voices (AYV) and Africell Sierra Leone, the popular reality television show which attracted huge following across the globe, among other things sought to empower young Sierra Leoneans with a view to market them to the world.

Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the UAE, Rashid Sesay, said that he was pleased to welcome Ms. Conteh Robert and congratulated her on the landmark achievement. He said that the “Housemates Show” was a great initiative which aligned with the vision of the New Direction Government to empower young Sierra Leoneans and to rebrand the image of the country.

While commending the organizers for putting together a very successful show, he also encouraged the winner to serve as a vehicle for positive change and a model among other young Sierra Leoneans.

“I urge you to always put on the best and never drop off your guards. We want to encourage you to continue to shine and project the good image of the country,” Ambassador Sesay said.

Ms. Saraih Conteh Robert, who recently got engaged at the prestigious and famous Burj Khalifa in Dubai to Victor Onie Williams, one of twenty-two other contestants, said that she was honored to be hosted by Ambassador Sesay and team and commended the Sierra Leonean Envoy for the warm reception accorded her. She also expressed great excitement that the Embassy was providing care and support for all Sierra Leoneans in that part of the world.

The star-price winner noted the contest was a very rigorous one which taught them the value of living together despite the differences and encouraged her compatriots to emulate same, while assuring that she would put into good use her achievement to make the desired effect back home.

Measure for Impact to Launch Initiative for Better Data Collection

By Mary Kabay

In an engagement with the Press on the 17th February 2021 it was revealed by an organization known as Measure for Impact (MFI) that it will be launching an initiative for better data collection and system in Sierra Leone on the 24th February, 2021 at Shangri La at Aberdeen in the West End of Freetown.

The MFI ,it was stated, is centered on monitoring and evaluating Government institutions as well as Non-Governmental Organizations with the aim of ensuring that they create a reliable data system in the country.

During the engagement it was further disclosed that it is factual that developing nations, like Sierra Leone, are indeed struggling to make available credible and timely data which can be easily accessed neither have they succeeded in ensuring that data remain at the center of socio-economic development decisions and planning.

It was also stated that during that event, which will be held on the 24th February, 2021 data users and donors will discuss data procedures, data sources/generators, data availability and access.

Mustapha Kanu, the Chief Executive Evaluator of Measure for Impact intimated that they are also placing focus on how they can increase data availability and access at a time when data has proven no less important.

He also said they want to create a way of gapping the data status of the country as Sierra Leone out of 187 countries is ranked 128 and for West Africa 10 which is 41% in a bid to help mirror the United Nations 17 Sustainable Goals saying in 2030 data is needed for effective and efficient work.

Mustapha Kanu also disclosed that the MFI will be launching a 5 year strategic plan for donors like UNFPA and others that need data for their work and even the Government especially the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies that need accurate data.

He said as innovators and evaluators their struggle is more evident as most monitors and evaluators are foreigners and Universities in the country are not offering such courses so it is high time for consideration to be given on offering such courses.

Timeliness, he underscored, has also been a key issue to them stating how they are ready to empower the youth on data collection and the use of other technologies that will help them get their job done accurately and transparently.

The Chief Executive Evaluator of Measure for Impact said they are ready to engage the media on data collection and processing as well as how they can technically transform data to important information stating that data are stories and the people that love telling stories are journalists.

“So we are ready to work with the media in order for their information to cut across the country,” he informed.

He pointed out that the MFI is asking Governmental and Non-Governmental Organizations and other sectors to be the actors and must be ready to work with them for quality and transparency.

Mustapha Kanu said because of the COVID-19 restrictions few people will be invited but the link below can connect anyone on zoom where he or she can connect, learn, make contributions and ask relevant questions. www.MFI Salone .org.

US Ambassador Maria Brewer Bids Farewell To President Bio

By Theresa Kef Sesay

Maria Brewer, the outgoing United States Ambassador, has on the 18 February 2021 ended her second tour of 3 years in Freetown and bade farewell to His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio at the Presidential Lodge, where she recalled fond memories of her stay, expressed love for Sierra Leone and conveyed her respect for the President.

“His Excellency, this is to mark the end of my tour of 3 years. I am sorry to leave but I have to, having contributed in my own way to the country. Thank you for all that you have done and I will be in touch,” Madam Brewer said.

The President thanked the US Ambassador and said she is going with fond memories of her stay during her two tours of Sierra Leone, adding that she has a better story to tell having served during the war period and when the country was transitioning.

“You have been part of both histories of the war and of peacetime in the country. We are very pleased that we have a renewed interest in the African Union by the US Government. You have made friends in and out of Government because it is not often that you find a diplomat who drills deep down and be part of the grassroots,” President Bio said.

He added that Ambassador Brewer had also strengthened the Government’s relationship with the US Government and supported the country in many ways, including sensitising and helping during the Ebola and COVID-19 pandemics.

“You have done very well, but securing the Compact deal with Millennium Challenge Corporation, (MCC), was the climax of your efforts. Today, we have been recognised because of the MCC win, and that signal is sent to the whole world about a country that is rising again,” he said, adding that it was not only about the money but also about the confidence it would build in investors.

The brief ceremony also saw the exchange of gifts between President Julius Maada Bio and Ambassador Maria Brewer, some of which included gift bags full of picture books from Indiana, USA and frames with historic images like the only remaining photo of Bai Bureh of 1898 Hut Tax War fame.

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