The notorious Sierra Leone Peoples’ Party (SLPP) politician, S.B Marah, who happens to be the Leader of the House of Parliament and Head of Government Business, is once more in the news for what many has described as using political influence to bulldoze the human rights of the downtrodden.
Marah, who hails from Kabala district, Northern Sierra Leone, is not in the least loved by his tribesmen simply because of his high handedness and his lust for cheap popularity tainted with his insatiable quest for financial exploitation.
His latest move was his attempt in engaging in illicit mining of gold within Mousara Village in Kabala, which in no way will benefit the residents in that part of the country but only himself. As a result of that, Paramount Chief Jawara resisted and he was supported by the majority. They insisted that they will not accept Marah’s move to do mining in what they consider to be their territory vowing how they will stoutly stand their ground.
To the utter surprise to most of the residents of Mousara, Marah hired thugs to invade the territory to tell the people that he is a powerful politician. Very quickly the whole situation degenerated into full-fledged chaos and anarchy during which some people were killed. What Marah subsequently embarked on was to eliminate the Paramount Chief, his brother and other members of his family to which he somehow succeeded.
It could be recalled that it was this same S.B Marah who at one point in time slapped a traffic Police Officer in Freetown simple because his car was stopped in traffic. In a crude manner he was trying to relay the message that he is above the law. His action drew widespread condemnation and flared up indignation from the public as well as denting the image of the SLPP Government, headed by President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah.
Matters became worse for others of the Jawara family who could not escape more so when Kaifala Marah, who also comes from Kabala, was appointed as a Minister. He too replicated what S.B Marah wanted to engage in, that is mining of gold, early in 2015. The people again resisted with the full support of the then Paramount Chief. Since the chieftaincy family is headed by the Jawara family they were therefore targeted and secretly eliminated. They died under mysterious circumstances instilling fear in the minds of those who survived the purge including a young boy by the name of Abdulai Jawara whose uncle helped him to seek refuge in neighboring Guinea.
Investigation mounted by this medium has revealed that the lives of prominent members of the Jawara family are under serious threat and jeopardy within the country more so in Kabala.
The two scenario narrated above are clear indications of how certain politicians do use their influences to lord it,with reckless abandon, over ordinary folks thereby violating their fundamental human rights. They care less about furthering the interests of their people but only interested in personal aggrandizement.

The African Young Voices (AYV) on Thursday 17th January 2019 hosted a Press conference at its Tower Hill headquarters in Freetown. It was organized by its Current Affairs Unit, where it vehemently condemned the attacks on its Northern Bureau staff by a group of persons clad in APC gears and believed to be supporters of the main opposition party, during a visit by the CID on the residence of former President, Ernest Bai Koroma, in a bid to take a statement from him in relation to a Press Release issued in December by the party, which the Police viewed as inciting.
Speaking during the briefing, the Northern Bureau Chief of AYV, Amadu Kamara, explained their ordeal with some alleged supporters of the APC on 16th January in Makeni.
He disclosed that prior to their arrival at the residence of the former President; they engaged the Deputy Organizing Secretary of the APC, Alpha Apazo Kamara, on their desire to cover the said visit. They were told by Alpha Kamara that they will not be allowed into the compound, but can hang around the vicinity of the gate and do their coverage. This, Amadu Kamara said they did. Whilst carrying out an interview with supporters of the APC on their reaction to the visit of the CID to their Chairman’s residence in his strong hold, they were approached by the Deputy Organizing Secretary, who then asked them what they were doing in the area and ordered them to leave.
Amadu said that Apazo then stated to the hearing of those supporters around that the journalists were SLPP and were forcing themselves on APC activities. Upon hearing the utterance of the Deputy Organizing Secretary, the crowd of supporters then pounced on them beating and physically manhandling them and their equipment. He stated that several of their equipment was damaged and phones missing, whilst 2 female reporters and a male camera man were beaten.
Amadu further disclosed how the former Ambassador to Iran in the last administration, Alimamy Kamara, prevailed on their assailants leading to their rescue from the mob. Amb. Kamara then escorted them to their offices in Makeni. Whilst at their offices, they were again attacked by some 50 Okada riders who threw stones at the office in the presence of the ambassador. At this juncture, the Northern Bureau Chief said that he advised his staff to go home for their own security as it was apparent that they were no longer safe there.
Amadu further explained that an official statement was made to the Makeni police and medical forms given to the victims for medical attention.
In his own contribution, the Head of Current Affairs Unit at AYV, Samuel Wise Bangura said that this attack on AYV staff has become the order of the day and must stop. He recalled during the elections when Mariama, another AYV reporter was attacked along Wilkinson Road whilst covering the elections, by people believed to be APC sympathizers and another incident at the APC headquarters in Freetown, where some members of their Press in AYV flash jackets clearly identifying their institution, were again attacked by APC supporters. This trend, he stressed, must stop. He underscored that today it is the AYV; tomorrow it could be another press house. Whilst today it is the APC, tomorrow it could be the SLPP or any other political party. The AYV, Samuel Wise pointed out is non-political and has no affiliation with any party. They are simply disseminating the news as it is happening across the country, he added.
Speaking on behalf of the President and CEO of AYV, Abdul Fonti said that the institution is pursuing 3 approaches namely; engaging the leadership of the APC on the incident, engaging the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) and if possible taking legal action against the party. He stated that they have in their possession video evidence of the whole attack. Finally, they are going to give the APC an ultimatum which may include a news blackout on their activities until a favorable outcome is arrived at.
Victims present at the Press Conference were shown to the public and a question and answer session climaxed the event.

In the aftermath of the withdrawal of the Sierra Leone Police security personnel that were detailed and securing the , sources close to the former VP have intimated this medium that he may take legal action against the Government of the New Direction for violating his right as a retired VP to be entitled to security as laid down in the constitution of the country.
In a letter written to President Julius Maada Bio by the lawyer of the former VP, Alhaji Chief Samuel Sam Sumana, Koighor Aloysious Foh Esq. of 4a Lightfoot Boston Street, captioned; REMOVAL OF STATE SECURITY GUARDS, His Excellency was informed that a letter dated 9th January 2019 was received by the former VP signed by the Inspector General of the Sierra Leone Police stating withdrawal of his security detail on grounds that he is not a retired VP and is not entitled to such privilege. The letter further reminded President Bio that on 27th November 2017, the ECOWAS Court sitting in Abuja ruled that the removal of the VP by the former President and the Supreme Court of Sierra Leone was unconstitutional and void. It also reminded the President that Sierra Leone is a signatory to all the ECOWAS protocols, including the establishment of the said court of justice. It further demanded that in the light of that ruling, all the privileges of a retired VP, including his security be accorded him continuously according to constitutional provisions. It also stated that if no compliance is observed in that regard, legal action will be taken to seek redress.
Meanwhile as political tension continues to rise in the country, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Jean Claude Bru and the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for West Africa, Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambers and the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Gen. Francis Behazin are due in the country to hold talks with President Bio and the Chairs of the Political Parties and Diplomats. They are expected to meet with key Civil Society Organisations and the Inter-Religious Council between the 17th and 18th January 2019.

During a ceremony held at its head quarter situated at Wilberforce on Wednesday 16th January 2019, Sierra Leone’s leading mobile operator, Africell, officially signed a Memorandum Of Understanding with Frederick Peters aka ‘Famous’ officially effectively making him the first Brand Ambassador of the institution for this year. The meeting was graced by staff of the company and members of the Press. On the high table were Africell’s Corporate Affairs Manager, Fatmata Sesay, Chief Corporate Affairs Manager, Joe Abass Bangura, John Konte the Station Manager of AI Radio and ‘Salone’s Baby Face’, Frederick Peters aka ‘Famous.’ The meeting was chaired by Abdul Aziz Kamara.
Giving a brief background to the act of signing the country’s artists as its Brand Ambassadors, John Konte, Station Manager of AI Radio, explained that Africell is passionate about promoting Sierra Leonean talents and by signing them as ambassadors, they are empowering and helping the entertainment industry to grow in the country. He further maintained that a decision was reached last year to be playing Sierra Leonean music on a 24 hour basis on AI Radio. Such, he continued, they have been doing to get citizens to identify with their own musical stars. This venture, he furthered, has paid off as many people have now developed interest in and listening to Sierra Leonean music.
Introducing the country’s music icon, Joe Abass Bangura, Chief Corporate Affairs Manager of Africell, said that this signing is a resigning of the artist as he has been long time with the company. Abass Bangura explained that music plays an important role in the lives of many people, as it reduces the stress of the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It is therefore necessary to embrace it, he added.
Frederick Peter aka ‘Famous’ in his statement highlighted that he has been with Africell for over 5 years expressing appreciation to the company for being there for him. He stressed that Africell is the only place that he could come for any kind of help to promote his show and get fast response. On his association with music, famous disclosed that he was born in a family of musicians, with uncles and others knee deep in music.
The musician disclosed that living at Berwick Street, where the popular entertainment band, Afro Combo was practicing, he was able to have access to the musical instruments of the band, which he made attempts several times to play. He went on to explain that during those early years, he would carry speaker boxes and instruments of the band from the house to vehicles and off load them at any arena that the band was scheduled to play and during those period, he had the opportunity to play with the instruments. In short, he met music at home.
Responding to a question as to where he got the name ‘Famous’ from, the music maestro said his grandfather was a popular and famous man around town for many reasons and he died when he was born. Thus his family members decided to call him the name his grandfather was popularly known of, which is ‘Famous’.
Famous expressed appreciation for the interventions of Africell in the entertainment industry, which he believes, makes it easier than before to stage concerts. He dismissed all suggestions that he is in fierce competition with any musician, but maintained that as musicians, they should all try to do their thing in their own little way, as competition will not make the industry grow.
The Brand Ambassador asserted that as a Brand Ambassador of Africell, he will woo more subscribers to the company, as his fans will enthusiastically follow him wherever he goes. He went further to disclose that his plans for this year are to hold a concert titled ‘Brighter future’ and feature several video shows. He is hopeful of forming a Foundation that will help (in his own little way) the less privileged in the country.
The meeting was climaxed by the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Africell and the Super Star, ‘Famous’ amidst cheers from the audience. Joe Abass Bangura officially declared him as Africell’s new signing as Brand Ambassador.

One of Sierra Leone’s important projects in the country, Bumbuna II hydropower has taken another dimension as Electrification Financing Initiative, ElectricFi, commits US$3.5 million of development capital to finance 50% of the external development expenses needed to reach financial close of the 143MW project.

Joule Africa, the project sponsor, signed a 25-year PPA with the Government of Sierra Leone in August 2017 and selected a preferred EPC contractor to construct the project in. Mandated Lead Arrangers for the debt finance will be selected by Joule Africa shortly and construction is scheduled to begin by the end of 2019.

“We are delighted to have secured the support of ElectriFI at this critical stage of development as we ramp up to finalise the financing and start construction. Our team is now focused on completing the remaining activities so that the construction of this important project can begin,” said Andrew Cavaghan, Founder and Executive Chairman of Joule Africa Limited. “When complete, Bumbuna II will provide much-needed, affordable, reliable and clean power for the masses where access to electricity is currently under 20%.”

“Bumbuna II is crucial for the Government of Sierra Leone to stimulate its energy sector and support its economic growth strategy,” added Dominiek Deconinck, ElectriFI Fund Manager. “Bumbuna II will double the national generation capacity; indirectly encourage investments in transmission and distribution network; and allow the Government to show it is capable of managing large international infrastructure investments such as this.

“Joule Africa has demonstrated its capabilities as a professional, dedicated project developer, taking its role seriously, in particular by urging the adequacy of capacity in the Government and by pursuing net gains for the communities and the environment affected by the Project.”

Ombudsman, Leon Jenkins-Johnson, on Tuesday 15th January 2019, released statistics for the year 2018 at their office on Howe Street in Freetown. Doing so he revealed the theme for the statistics which is, “Improving the Delivery of Service, to Enhance Administrative Justice and Safeguard Human Rights.”
It was reported that the Office of the Ombudsman received 519 complaints from across the country furthering how the Freetown office received 264 complaints of which 143 were mediated, investigated and resolved. Fifty complaints were transferred to the appropriate institution, and 71 cases are still under investigation. In Kenema, there were 47 complaints and nine of those complaints were mediated, investigated and resolved.
19 complaints were transferred to the appropriate institution and 19 complaints are still under investigation. In Bo, there were 111 complaints of which 53 were mediated, investigated and resolved. 37 complaints were referred to the appropriate institution and 21 complaints were still being investigated.
In Makeni-Northern Region, there were 52 complaints of which 23 were mediated, investigated and resolved, and 20 complaints were referred to the appropriate institution. In Port Loko, North West Region, a total of 45 complaints were received with 25 mediated, investigated and resolved. 20 of those complaints are still under investigation.
The complaints ranged from non-payment of salaries or benefits, late payment of gratuities and pensions from NASSIT, wrongful dismissal, bias and unfair treatment, harassment, and other issues relating to “maladministration.” The Ombudsman said for 2019 he plans effective prison and correctional center monitoring. The Ombudsman said prisoners across the country are being mistreated. Unlawful arrest and detention of persons across the country, he said, has become the norm. He said the Police have to realize that Section 23(1) of the 1991 Constitution is very clear on the freedom of citizens that should be guaranteed. He also mentioned the poor attitude by MDAs in not responding to letters written on behalf of complainants. He also said he wants to monitor “some of the ugly things that are happening at the higher institutions of learning”.

The National Assets and Government Property Commission was at State House the 16 January 2019 to present its Status Report for 2018 to His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio in accordance with Section 6 of the Commission’s Act of 1990.

Chairman of the Commission, Abu Hindolo Moseray, said the 2018 report covered major activities the Commission had undertaken since his appointment six months ago. He said the Commission had tried to improve on the corporate image of the Commission through public sensitisation and collaboration with other Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAS).

He said the first phase of the report would provide an overview of the existing situation of the management of assets by MDAs for the period under review, with the implementation of a proposed project. He added that they had been working with MDAs to develop a National Assets Policy and compile a comprehensive National Assets Register with an integrated software.

“The Commission is collaborating with line Ministries to develop a national data-base of Government Vehicles and Real Estate. This is to establish mechanisms for the responsible use of government vehicles and transparent leasing of state lands, allocation and acquisition of real estate. The report also details the prospects and challenges facing the need to collaborate with these MDAs.

“The Commission believes that with this proposed project and the strengthened collaboration with MDAs, transparency and accountability in the handling of government’s assets and properties will considerably improve in the years ahead. The misuse, abuse and the seeming impunity with which government’s properties and assets are being abused will be a thing of the past,” he assured.

In his brief response, President Bio thanked the leadership of the Commission for their hard work and for putting the report together, saying that there had been challenges in accounting for what belonged to the State. He stated that with the confidence reposed in him, the leadership of the Commission was expected to provide a comprehensive national asset register so that government could properly account for state properties.

“I want to encourage you together with all the other MDAs to cooperate so that we can have the National Assets Register as soon as possible. As a Government that is particularly interested in probity, accountability and transparency, we want to be able, at the end of the day, to account for what belongs to the State, manage and account for everything that belongs to the state,” he said.

What the All Political Parties Association has observed about the nation’s politics is the hard fact – nothing but the whole truth – Salone is not peaceful; Salone is not united; Salone is at war with itself politically.
We agree with President Bio that we have a collective responsibility to maintain the peace and stability of our great nation.
However, we do not believe that setting up a Peace and Reconciliation Commission is the answer to the problem. Did former President Koroma not set up an Attitudinal and Behaviorial Change Commission to actualize his vision of a cultured, progressive Salone? What did it achieve?
What is known is that everything starts in the mind. Any move towards bringing peace and unity into the nation has to start with the mind. Totangi’s Commission was set up to be the harbinger of a new thinking Salone. He is yet to get his head around the problem and devise an active well-articulated approach to the problem of getting Sierra Leoneans across the board beyond tribe, region and traditional prejudices about each other talking sincerely and openly about their defects as a nation and how they can go about building a more constructively engaged nation of people that truly believe that they are, indeed, ONE COUNTRY, ONE PEOPLE.
Agreed, that as President Bio said in his New Year’s Day message to the Nation: “The aim is to promote cross-community and cross-regional unity, and consensus building for sustainable peace and development.”
Let us be honest: how can we achieve that when both APC and SLPP continue to hold doggedly to their traditional belief that North/West and South/East should never sit at the same table to dine and wine without trading evil looks, “mammy cuss” and blows?
The traditional and religious leaders and the institutions of enculturation, that is the schools, colleges and universities stand to play a vital transformational role in creating a new Sierra Leonean mentality and mindset that will bring us closer together in understanding and sympathy if they too had not become part of the problem by identifying themselves as either pro-APC or pro-SLPP.
Call a spade a spade: there is no true national dialogue going on in this country. We all continue to occupy different sides of the stadium looking menacingly at each other through tribal, regional and political binoculars with no fair independent minded referee watching keenly for fouls and other violations of the rules of the game and willing to punish players accordingly for flagrant violations.
Look for example at what happened in Parliament during the debate for setting up the COIs which one side hypocritically says it supports but fought tooth and nail to prevent it from becoming a reality. How then, for example, can we say that as a nation we are united in the fight against corruption and bad governance when some wholeheartedly believe in its opposite – and at that, a significant proportion of the population as witnessed to be the representation of APC in Parliament.
As such, the first step towards creating the atmosphere for genuine national peace is constructive political engagements among and between all the country’s political Parties with a view to truly identifying what our core values as a nation are.
We do agree that in this quest for true national peace that is the precondition to enhancing national development that benefits every citizen, we must dig deep into our cultural past to discover what our true human and social values are and beyond that communicate it to each and every Sierra Leonean as the Chinese did in the process of discovering themselves and coming together for attaining of the common good of freeing themselves from poverty, illiteracy, etc.
In which light, the search for national peace is not so much about preventing violence; it is most importantly about stopping us seeing ourselves suspiciously and prejudicially. It is about identifying what strong bonds we can share as human beings beyond tribe, race, region and politics – these are the things that make for peace and nationhood. That is what Botswana identified long ago, and what Rwanda identified after the genocide and incorporated into their DNAs and social makeup that make them stand out now today to the rest of the world as beacons of patriotism and progress.

It has been well confirmed by the Sierra Leone diplomatic mission in Nairobi, which also serves as permanent representative to the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) has that its staff and all Sierra Leoneans based in the Kenyan capital are safe and sound.
This confirmation was made by His Excellency Peter Joseph Francis- Sierra Leone High Commissioner to Kenya and Permanent Representative to the UNON, UNEP and UN-Habitat, during an exclusive phone call interview in the evening hours of Tuesday 15th January 2019.
The confirmation of the HE Peter Joseph Francis of the safety of Sierra Leonean diplomats and Sierra Leonean citizens in Nairobi comes as Kenyan authorities mounted massive security in its capital- Nairobi after suspected al-Shabab militants attack at Dusit D2 Hotel, 14 Riverside Drive, Westlands, Nairobi, killing five (5) people and three (3) causalities currently admitted at the Age Kahn Hospital in Nairobi.
Meanwhile, according to a Kenyan Nation Police Service release dated Tuesday 15th January 2019, and signed by the Inspector General, Joseph Boinnet, at about 3pm EAT (12pm GMT) “a group of armed assailants attacked the Dusit complex in a suspected terror attack.”
On his efforts thus far in checking on and ensuring the safety of Sierra Leoneans in Nairobi, HE Peter Joseph Francis said sooner he got the information of the attack; he got the entire staff of Sierra Leonean High Commission in Nairobi in a single building that is electronically protected.
HE Peter Joseph Francis further confirmed that the Deputy Sierra Leone Special Representative to the United Nation (UN) in New York, Madam Victoria Sulaiman who was attending the UN meeting on the Environment, was in his residence at 158 Mimosa Drive off Mimosa Road, Runda, Nairobi, doing fine.
HE Peter Joseph Francis said, however, he was worried about the welfare of a single Sierra Leonean whose office is said to be in the same building that was attacked. Upon reaching the family of the man, HE Peter Joseph Francis said the family assured him that the Sierra Leonean is currently out of Nairobi and is currently in Uganda on another assignment.
Thus he said, so far every Sierra Leonean in Nairobi is safe and sound and that the Sierra Leone High Commission, situated at 57 Gigiri Court off UN Crescent, Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya, has already resumed operation.
So far, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta during a statement relating to the attack on the morning hours of Wednesday 17th January 2019 from Nairobi said 14 people were killed and about 75 others rescued from the hotel. He said, the operation is over and that the militants have been neutralized.
President Uhuru Kenyatta during his televised broadcast thanked all Kenyans and international community for the robust and prompt action and the solidarity they show in combating the attack. He assured of safety for all.

The Sierra Leone Muslim Congress and the Forum of Islamic Organisation for Peaceful Coexistence have commended His Excellency, President Julius Maada Bio, on his pledge to fight corruption.

Secretary-General of the Congress, Professor Babatunde Karim, said they were pleased with the initial steps to move the country forward by the New Direction government. He pointed out that the free quality education initiative was a testament to the Government’s commitment to improving the lives of every Sierra Leone child.

He commended the President for his steps in unifying the country as well as his determination to ending corruption in the country, adding that they were fully in support of the Commission of Inquiry. He noted that the Commission was actually meant to recover stolen government monies and assets and encouraged the Government to remain focus and avoid being distracted by sycophants.

“We are particularly delighted for all the strides you have made in this short time in office. We are happy with the management of the 2018 Holy Pilgrimage, which is the best we have seen so far and we hope that the years to come will be better. We are also grateful for your prompt actions taken on Muslim holidays.

“We are again excited about the ban on parading of masquerades not only on Muslim holidays but also on all Holy days. There is also an urgent need for more cemeteries within Freetown so it will be good to engage the Ministry of Lands to provide land to reduce the pressure on the already saturated burial sites within Freetown.”

Chairman of the Forum of Islamic Organisation for Peaceful Coexistence, Justice Abubakarr King, said the forum was ready to supplement the efforts of the Government to positively transform the country. He said, as Muslims, they were pleased with the level of tolerance between the two main religions in the country.
He also lauded the President’s readiness to fight corruption and expressed their excitement for the ban on all non-Islamic activities on the streets of Freetown, especially stopping masquerades on Muslim holidays. He said he was particularly happy with Government’s uncompromising position against rape and violence against women.

“We are happy for the Commission of Inquiry and believe that there is no element of a witch-hunt in it. We are fully behind it and our entire membership will support the process until the end. We commend you for the free quality education which is an initiative no one has thought of. Before now, quality education was for the rich. Under your leadership, it is now affordable,” he said.

In his response, President Bio said it was great meeting with members of the Muslim community. He said Muslims were in the greater majority in the country and that it was needful to provide them with the conducive environment to carry out their practice freely. He added that he was able to organise a successful Pilgrimage because of the credible people who were assigned to lead the process.

“We have to celebrate our religious tolerance because it contributes to the peace and security of the world. We need to live in peace and the Government will support your organisation to promote peaceful coexistence. We have to work with other religions for the peace of our nation. We should discourage any group of individuals that will want to bring chaos in our religions,” he said.

On the Commission of Inquiry, the President added that: “Before now, we had been rated as one of the most corrupt nations in the world. Now, that is beginning to change. The Commission of Inquiry is a way of cleaning our image and it will serve as a deterrent to even some of us in government now. So, we want the support of all because we cannot do it alone,” he urged.