Sierra Leone will host the Policy Conference 2025 in Freetown from 8–10 December, bringing together government ministers, development partners, private-sector leaders and policy thinkers to debate financing and reform priorities. The three-day forum, themed “Financing Sierra Leone’s Sustainable Future”, is designed to produce practical, solution-oriented commitments on resource mobilisation, technology and institutional strengthening. Organisers say the event will focus on actionable plans rather than purely rhetorical speeches, with a major keynote expected from the Chief Minister. Stakeholders see the conference as a chance to galvanise cross-sector collaboration for growth and resilience.

Chinese Anhui delegation meets Parliament to deepen bilateral links

A high-level delegation from China’s Anhui Province visited Sierra Leone’s Parliament to reaffirm ties and explore cooperation in trade, technology and governance exchanges. Delegation leaders invited Sierra Leonean lawmakers to Anhui for follow-up visits and discussions, signalling a desire to formalise partnerships and institutional links. The visit is being framed domestically as an opportunity to attract investment and technical cooperation that could support infrastructure, education and local industry. Officials emphasised mutual benefits and long-term engagement rather than one-off projects.

Freetown mayor pursues renewed sister-city cooperation with Hefei

Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr held talks with visiting Chinese officials to revitalise the sister-city relationship between Freetown and Hefei, stressing practical cooperation in urban development, trade and cultural exchange. Both sides outlined priorities such as municipal infrastructure, knowledge transfer and small-scale economic ties intended to deliver visible benefits for citizens. The initiative is part of Freetown’s strategy to leverage international partnerships for local development and to attract targeted investment into city projects. Observers note the move fits a broader pattern of Sierra Leone engaging Chinese partners at multiple levels.

SLPP secretary-general defends record amid funding allegations

Outgoing SLPP National Secretary-General Umaru Napoleon Koroma has publicly rejected recent claims that party funds were misappropriated during his tenure, describing the allegations as unfounded and asserting that all expenditures were properly documented. His statement comes as the party prepares for internal contests ahead of the 2028 leadership race, a period that has intensified scrutiny and internal tensions. Koroma insisted that transparency measures were observed and urged critics to consult the party’s accounts before drawing conclusions. The episode highlights internal party friction at a sensitive political moment.

First Lady Fatima Bio underscores the central role of the secretary-general

First Lady Fatima Maada Bio told an SLPP women’s council gathering that the party’s Secretary-General is often the most powerful administrative figure, stressing that no official communication is valid without the Secretary-General’s signature and urging better understanding of the party constitution. Speaking at the event, she highlighted the importance of the Secretariat for party cohesion and warned that leaders who neglect close collaboration with the Secretary-General risk internal failure. Her remarks were framed as counsel to strengthen party structures and to support newly elected women’s leaders within the SLPP.

The night ended in celebration as Adama Roy Kamara was crowned the new queen.

“I feel good about myself. Really, today is my happiest day,” Kamara said after receiving her crown. “Right now, the community feels good because I won this competition, and I am very happy,” she told Viory. 

The pageant, organised by the Dorwontony Organisation for the Aged (DOFA), is held every October to mark the Month of the Elderly. DOFA CEO Doreen Barrie explained that the event is meant to raise awareness about the value of senior citizens in society and combat the stigma surrounding ageing.

“Salt contains magnesium, and it has a positive charge component to it,” he explained. “Like a battery, you need the plus and the minus. For the positive side, you can use copper or aluminium, and for the negative side, carbon or other materials,” he told Global South World .

When both electrodes are placed in a cup of salt water, a reaction occurs that generates electricity. The process is similar to a conventional battery, where chemicals inside react with components to produce energy.

Dundas says the challenge lies in amplifying and converting the raw current into usable voltage through circuits. His team has been testing different elements to find the most effective combination.

Unlike acid-based batteries, he stresses that salt water is safe. “It does not affect the skin because we swim in the sea every day. Salt water doesn’t burn the skin like acid does, and it’s safe for the environment ,” he said.

Dundas believes salt water could one day provide a quick, reliable and eco-friendly power source for homes, hospitals, and schools.

“I could remember vividly the panic. That moment was something I don’t want to revisit,” Dundas said. “When the light went, he was struggling to breathe, and you could hear him struggle to breathe, just a two-month-old baby,” he told Global South World .

With no backup generator at the hospital, Dundas raced home to fetch an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) from his desktop computer. The small device kept the oxygen machine running long enough to stabilise his child. “We could have lost him,” he recalled. “Thank God he’s now six years plus.”

That terrifying night became the turning point. As a trained innovator with a passion for problem-solving, Dundas began asking himself questions like “what energy source is abundant, reliable, and accessible within seconds? As an innovator, I was always thinking, what can we use that is readily available, that in zero to ten seconds, you can have electricity, just like that?” His answer was salt water .

Dundas started experimenting with seawater, which makes up 70% of the earth’s surface and contains minerals such as magnesium. The principle, he explains, is not far from a battery. “You have the plus and the minus, and it creates charges,” he said.

Over several years of research, from 2018 through 2020 and beyond, he refined a system that uses salt water to generate safe, instant electricity. His goal was to create power that communities could depend on when the grid failed.

In countries like Sierra Leone, where Dundas lives, blackouts are common and hospitals often lack backup systems. His invention, still under development, is aimed at bridging that electricity gap, ensuring that no family experiences the terror he once faced with his son.

“We found this little chimp tied to a tree...very malnourished, dehydrated,” Amarasekaran recalls of the encounter in Matotaka village. “They asked if we were interested. At that time, we didn’t even realise it was illegal or anything,” he told the AFP. Without intervention, the animal would likely have died. He brought it home. That chimp was the beginning of the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary.

But what started as a spontaneous act of compassion quickly turned into a life-changing discovery. “That’s when we started to realise this is not an ordinary monkey. They have jealousy, love, they get angry... just like us,” he said. The human-like emotional depth of chimps drew Amarasekaran deeper into conservation work. He eventually quit his job, intending to set up the sanctuary for “one or two years.” “That never happened,” he says. Decades later, he’s still there.

Today, Tacugama is home to over 100 rescued chimps and is one of Sierra Leone’s most relevant conservation efforts. Yet Amarasekaran admits the sanctuary is treating symptoms, not causes. “We are rescuing chimps, but why are they being poached? Why are their homes disappearing?” he asks.

Habitat loss, illegal pet trade , and bushmeat hunting continue to threaten wild chimpanzees across West Africa. Amarasekaran’s long-term goal is not to grow the sanctuary, it’s to make it obsolete. “Our mission is to stop them coming to Tacugama,” he says. “The moment they are left alone and are a free-roaming population in our forests, that’s the day I can say we’ve done something good for conservation.”

The partnership aims to reduce internet and data transit costs, enhance network reliability, and facilitate high-speed connectivity for telecom operators, public institutions, and businesses across both countries. Initial capacity is set at 42.5 Gbps, with plans to scale to 100 Gbps by 2026. The system uses secure IP/MPLS protocols and fibre technology to deliver robust digital services.

Officials from both countries say the initiative aligns with broader regional goals under ECOWAS and the African Union to build a unified African digital market.

"This project is a key component of the Guinea–Sierra Leone Digital Pact 2024, aimed at unifying digital markets and services," said Nouhan Traoré, Secretary General of Guinea’s Ministry of Telecommunications. Leoncom CEO Foday Rado Yokie added that, “our collaboration with SOGEB will improve broadband access in Sierra Leone and stimulate economic interaction with Guinea.

Mohamed Kourouma, Director of SOGEB, however, noted, “This agreement is a major milestone for Guinea, reflecting our commitment to building an open and interconnected national backbone that benefits operators, enterprises, and citizens alike.”

The agreement also supports the Guinea–Sierra Leone Digital Pact 2024 , a bilateral roadmap to foster digital inclusion and integration, combating cybercrime, and improving cross-border communication.

In early 2025, Guinea's internet penetration rate was 26.5%, with 3.96 million users, while Sierra Leone had a 20.7% penetration rate, with 1.80 million users, according to Datareportal . Telecom giants like Orange and MTN are expected to benefit from reduced operational costs, while citizens in border communities will gain better access to services such as e-learning, telemedicine, and remote work platforms. Discussions are already underway to extend this fibre corridor to Liberia, potentially anchoring a sub-regional digital backbone.

Disclaimer: The image for the article was AI-generated

“The United States is ranked 57th in the World Press Freedom Index, a decline for a country that has historically offered strong constitutional guarantees for press freedom and the work of journalists,” said Thibaut Bruttin, Director General of RSF. “Trump is acting across all these areas, perhaps in an attempt to implement a societal model with extensive freedom of expression but limited press freedom.”

RSF highlights what it sees as a deliberate dismantling of media -support mechanisms. Bruttin pointed to Trump’s decision to defund USAID, the U.S. development agency that has historically played a crucial role in supporting independent media in fragile democracies and conflict zones.

“USAID is now on the verge of disappearing,” Bruttin said. “It financed countless media outlets in countries where press freedom is already under threat. The implications of its loss are global.”

The report also raises alarm over the fate of USAGM, the agency that oversees America’s external broadcasting arms, including Voice of America, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, and Radio Free Asia. With an annual budget of $800 million, USAGM plays a critical role in delivering independent news to populations in autocratic or crisis-stricken regions, surpassing even the budgets of the BBC World Service, France Médias Monde, and Deutsche Welle.

President Julius Maada Bio has introduced the Safe Motherhood Bill, which would legalise abortion up to 14 weeks into pregnancy. The move aligns with global shifts in reproductive rights, particularly following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to roll back abortion protections.

Currently, an estimated 90,000 abortions occur annually in Sierra Leone, contributing to a high maternal mortality rate of 717 deaths per 100,000 births.

Healthcare professionals argue that restrictive laws force women to seek unsafe procedures, leading to severe medical complications.

Nurse Hawanatu Samura described cases where women suffered life-threatening infections and injuries due to illegal abortion attempts. Medical workers stress that legalizing abortion would ensure safer options for those in need.

However, the bill faces opposition from religious leaders and conservative groups. Archbishop Edward Tamba Charles has condemned the legislation as "ungodly" and accused supporters of exaggerating abortion statistics to push an agenda. Opponents also claim foreign influence is driving the reform, though the U.S. embassy in Sierra Leone has denied any involvement.

Women’s rights groups continue to push for the bill’s passage, arguing that it is a necessary step toward improving healthcare and gender equality. Last year’s ban on child marriage demonstrated progress in advancing women’s rights, but the fate of the Safe Motherhood Bill remains uncertain as debates intensify in parliament.

Authorities say the plane lacked proper landing permits and did not originate from any recognised airfield in Liberia.

It was also operating under a fake registration number and had parts of it scratched off.

Crew members were also found to be three Mexican nationals and a Spanish national after investigations.

The crew claimed a radio failure before landing but a technical inspection revealed otherwise.

The flight captain, who initially said he couldn’t speak English, later confessed to being paid $20,000 to fly the plane.

Investigations are underway by the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), security forces and the Office of the National Security.

So far, six individuals including two Sierra Leonean air traffic controllers are being investigated.

Local reports indicate that the aircraft has been secured and declared safe with no suspicious items found on board. Sierra Leonean police and military personnel are currently guarding the aircraft while investigations continue.

Emergency services responded swiftly, but the extent of the damage made rescue efforts exceedingly challenging. Despite their best efforts, eight lives were lost, leaving the local community in shock and mourning.

Many residents expressed their grief and frustration over the tragedy. Safiatu Kargbo, a relative of six trapped victims, shared her harrowing experience:

"I was on public transport going to central Freetown when my friends told me to check social media. My mother informed me that some members of our family, my uncle and cousins, were under the rubble after a building collapse. I cancelled my journey and rushed to the scene. My uncle told me six of his children were trapped under the rubble. When we called their phone, they responded that they were under the veranda when the building collapsed."

The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) released a statement confirming the tragic toll:

"Thus far, six survivors have been rescued from the rubble, while eight victims have been confirmed dead."

The victims included three men, two women, two girls under five, and a boy under five, according to AFP.

Local authorities have vowed to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the collapse. Preliminary reports suggest that poor construction practices and lack of proper maintenance may have significantly contributed to the disaster.

Ballet dancer Michaela Mabinty DePrince, who immigrated to the US from a Sierra Leone orphanage, passed away at 29, as confirmed by her family. DePrince's inspirational journey, marked by perseverance through hardship, included being featured in a documentary and performing on "Dancing With the Stars." She overcame challenges, including a skin pigmentation disorder and a difficult upbringing, to become a principal dancer with the Dance Theatre of Harlem and the Boston Ballet. DePrince authored a memoir and a children's book, and she was also an ambassador for War Child, assisting children affected by armed conflict. Her family has requested donations to War Child in her memory, as reported by Euro News .

New justice reform strategy

On September 16, 2024, President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone launched the Justice Sector Reform Strategy 2024-2030 at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown. This strategy aims to transform the justice system by improving service delivery, enhancing transparency, and ensuring access to justice for all citizens. According to The Sierra Leone Telegraph , key stakeholders, including the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL), participated in the event, highlighting their role in promoting human rights within the judicial sector. President Bio emphasized the need for collaboration among justice institutions and civil society to successfully implement these reforms, which address long-standing issues in Sierra Leone's judicial system and reinforce the country's commitment to human rights and justice.

Harrowing experiences of sex workers

The BBC Africa Eye report highlights the harrowing experiences of sex workers in Sierra Leone, particularly focusing on Isata, a young single mother who has been kidnapped, trafficked, and abused repeatedly. The ongoing impact of the civil war, combined with recent crises like the Ebola outbreak and the COVID-19 pandemic, has pushed many women into sex work as a means of survival. Isata, who became addicted to a dangerous street drug called kush, eventually returned to sex work after struggling to support her children. The report illustrates the dangers that these women face, including violence, trafficking, and health risks. Many young girls, orphaned by the war, find themselves in similar situations with little support from society or the government. Charity organizations estimate thousands of women and children in Sierra Leone are trafficked annually, often lured by false promises of jobs. Despite the dire circumstances, some women, like Isata and her peers, continue to hope for a better future for their families amidst their suffering.

Lessons from Kenya's police chief's arrest

Kenya's acting chief of police, Gilbert Masengeli, was sentenced to six months in prison for defying court orders to disclose the whereabouts of three men allegedly abducted by police. The judge suspended the sentence for seven days, providing Masengeli one last opportunity to comply. As reported by The Sierra Leone Telegraph , the case arose from a lawsuit by the Law Society of Kenya concerning the men, who were outspoken supporters of anti-government protests earlier this year. This incident draws parallels to the situation in Sierra Leone, where dozens of youths protesting economic decline were arrested, with their current whereabouts unknown. Human rights abuses in both countries risk fueling further political instability.

UAE and Sierra Leone discuss enhancing cooperation

Dr. Sultan bin Ahmad Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State, led a UAE delegation to Sierra Leone to enhance bilateral cooperation. He conveyed greetings from UAE leaders to President Julius Maada Bio and highlighted the long-standing ties between the two countries, dating back to 1982. The visit aimed to explore new avenues of cooperation in various fields, including health, education, energy, agriculture, mining, and infrastructure, Emirates News Agency reports.

Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio has emphasised the importance of investing in agriculture to mitigate food price volatility in his State Opening of Parliament Address. He called for increased investment in the agriculture sector to create jobs, reduce dependency on food imports, and boost economic growth. President Bio detailed his government's accomplishments and ambitious plans for sustainable development, improved public services, and enhanced governance.

Freetown Mayor distributes 25,000 tree saplings

The Freetown council, headed by Mayor Aki-Sawyerr announced on August 6 that it will be distributing 25,000 tree saplings to households of the Sierra Leonean capital from 16th to 18th of August. Residents are to plant to improve environmental and climate resilience. The initiative aims to contribute to Freetown's green spaces and beautify the surroundings, the Sierra Leone Telegraph reports.

Sierra Leonean and Malawian drug smugglers sentenced in Seychelles

A Sierra Leonean, two foreign nationals and a Malawian have been sentenced to nine years in prison by the Seychelles' Supreme Court for drug smuggling. According to the Seychelles News Agency , Sierra Leonean Francis Williams was found with 453.4 grams of cocaine while Bashiru Chande from Malawi was caught with 4,953.2 grams of heroin. Their time spent in remand will be deducted from their sentences, and no remission will be given due to the gravity of the offence.

South Korean rice donation

South Korea has donated 11,520 metric tonnes of rice to the World Food Programme for school meals and refugee support in Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, and Sierra Leone. The donation is crucial as millions in these countries face acute hunger, driven by climate crises, conflicts, and high food costs. The rice will be used to support school meals for 287,000 children and provide assistance to 81,600 Malian refugees. The donation is seen as a lifeline for those affected by multiple crises and economic challenges.

Debate on reforming UNSC

Sierra Leone plans to hold a debate on reforming the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) during its presidency in August. The country's Ambassador Alie Kabba said during a UN briefing on August 1. The debate will focus on the unfair representation of the African continent at the council and will be one of the signature events of Sierra Leone's presidency.

Factors contributing to stress include economic instability, political turmoil, social issues, and environmental concerns. Here, we explore some of the world's most stressed countries and the reasons behind their high stress levels according to data provided by Gallup.

Afghanistan tops the list as the most stressed country in the world. The nation has been struggling with the aftermath of political upheaval and conflict since 2001, leaving its people in constant worry and uncertainty. The 2024 Gallup Global Emotions Report , which measures life's intangibles like feelings and emotions, found that 68% of Afghans reported experiencing a lot of stress.

Following closely are Lebanon and Sierra Leone. These countries have also been through significant turmoil. Lebanon, in particular, has faced a severe economic crisis, leading to widespread stress among 65% of its population. Sierra Leone also records 61% of its population being stressed.

Other prominent countries on the list include Turkey, Liberia and Sri Lanka. These nations have faced unique challenges, from economic struggles to social and political unrest, contributing to the high-stress levels reported by their citizens. With 60%, 58% and 56% respectively, these countries have high levels of stress.

Interestingly, the report also highlights that stress is not always correlated with a country's wealth. For instance, Greece is noted as the most stressed European nation, despite being a part of the developed world with a 54% representation.

At the event, the First Lady also launched the WeAreEqual Campaign, an initiative aimed at closing the gender gap by focusing on health, education, gender-based violence, and economic empowerment for women and girls, Fatu Network reports.

"At the #WeAreEqual campaign launch today at the Freetown Conference Centre, I signed the Prohibiting Child Marriage Bill into law. Fatima @FirstLadyBio has always championed women's and girls' rights issues with a very special passion. Together, we want to build an empowered Sierra Leone where women are given an even platform to reach their full potential. I have always believed that the future of Sierra Leone is female. This and future generations of girls must thrive in a Sierra Leone in which they're protected, equal, and empowered," President Bio wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

First Lady Fatima Bio acknowledged the challenges in passing the legislation, a sentiment echoed by politicians and technocrats from both current and previous governments.  

"This is not about me, my husband the President, or politics. It is about our women, our girls, and the future of this nation. Yes, it is about all of us," First Lady Fatima Bio told lawmakers before the bill became law.

The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2024 imposes severe penalties on individuals who marry minors and those who arrange or participate in such marriages. Under the new law, marrying individuals under the age of 18 is classified as a criminal offence. Offenders can face up to 15 years in prison and substantial fines.

Nzigiyimana Zabron, a citizen of Burundi, and Dominick Damian, a Tanzanian national, have been incarcerated on death row at Mwanza's Butimba Central Prison for over a decade, awaiting execution for their convictions of murder . For the past 12 years, they have been living in limbo, with their fate hanging in the balance, as they await the carrying out of their death sentences.

Despite growing opposition , Tanzania has retained the death penalty, which is enshrined in the country's Penal Code, making it one of several African countries retaining it. In 1999, the African Commission for Human and People's Rights called on African Union member states to observe a moratorium on capital punishment.

Only eight countries including Rwanda and Burundi have abolished the death penalty in law and practice in the past 10 years, while others are considering formal abolition. Tanzania's last execution was in 1995, and Kenya, which still sentences people to death was executed in 1987.

However, by May 2023, there were 691 prisoners in Tanzanian prisons awaiting execution of their death sentences.

In February 2024, Zimbabwe became the latest African nation to join the death penalty abolition train. President Emmerson Mnangagwa who almost experienced such a reality during his youthful days describes the act as "cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment".

In 2023, Ghana eliminated the death penalty for all offences, with the sole exception being high treason. This move was part of a broader trend in the region, as Sierra Leone and the Central African Republic had already completely eradicated capital punishment in 2022. These nations are among the eight African countries that have fully abolished the death penalty since 2014, marking a shift towards more humane forms of justice.

The laser treatment offers significant benefits for glaucoma patients, potentially reducing or eliminating the need for long-term medication. “The laser can control glaucoma, allowing patients to either avoid medication for many years or reduce the number of eyedrop medications needed,” the report detailed.

Hall highlighted the severity of glaucoma in Africa, stating, “Glaucoma has an earlier onset in Africans and is more aggressive in its course. In most of Africa, only about one in 20 of those with the disease are aware, with over 50% being unilaterally blind on presentation.”

Access to eye health services in Sierra Leone is particularly challenging. "In Sierra Leone, access to eye health checks and treatment is challenging as the country is among the poorest nations in the world. Glaucoma is treated with eyedrop medication, but treatment is for life and the cost is out of the reach of most of the 8.6 million inhabitants of Sierra Leone,” Hall explained.

Through UK charity Vision Action, Hall has been actively involved in improving eye health and vision in West Africa. According to the report, he managed to secure a laser used for treating glaucoma from a private clinic in Ireland, which was no longer needed.

Glaucoma remains a significant health concern in Africa, with a higher prevalence compared to other regions. A 2017 study estimated that 8 million people in Africa suffered from open-angle glaucoma , with the number expected to double by 2040. The rate of vision loss and blindness due to glaucoma in Africa is twice the global average, the study indicated.

President Julius Maada Bio unveiled 10 diesel locomotives supplied by CRRC Ziyang for a 197 km railway linking an Iron Mine in Mafuri, located in the northern province with the port of Pepel, located 24km away from the nation’s capital Freetown. The 1,067 mm gauge locos have a 3,680 kW medium-speed diesel engine and AC transmission and can haul 10,000-tonne trains, according to the Railway Gazette . CRRC stated that the delivery of the locos is an example of China’s high-end equipment going global and assisting China-Africa to jointly build the Belt & Road Initiative with high quality.

Partnership with Michigan National Guard

Sierra Leone's Armed Forces are joining the State Partnership Program with the Michigan National Guard and the Armed Forces of Liberia, according to the US Army . This trilateral partnership aims to address security challenges in West Africa. “This expansion is good news for each of our organisations. Welcoming Sierra Leone to our partnership in West Africa will provide new opportunities to address security challenges through a trilateral approach. Michigan sees this as a new chapter in the history of one incredibly meaningful regional partnership,” said Michigan National Guard adjutant general Major General Paul Rogers. According to the US Army, the partnership will focus on defence and security cooperation, with a signing ceremony planned for late 2024.

US, Sierra Leone joint naval exercise

The US, Sierra Leone, and partner nations completed the joint naval exercise, Obangame Express 2024. The exercise aims to improve maritime security and cooperation in the Gulf of Guinea to counter piracy, illicit trafficking, and illegal fishing, and ensure freedom to navigate the seas, the Sierra Leone Telegraph reports. The US Navy worked closely with the Sierra Leone Navy and other national agencies to train and evaluate their forces. According to the Sierra Leone Telegraph , the exercise also enhanced interoperability and collaboration among national agencies and the sub-region.

Diabetes care

The Diabetes Specialist Nurse (DSN) Forum UK has raised over £3,000 to improve diabetes care in Sierra Leone . During a recent visit, they provided healthcare teams with resources and education, dispelling myths about diabetes. The money raised will fund a diabetes nurse in Madina, where cases of diabetes are rising. People can still donate to the fundraiser.

Cooperation agreement with Egypt

Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Public Administration and Political Affairs, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Central Agency for Organisation and Administration (CAOA) in Egypt to strengthen cooperation. According to Egypt Today , the MoU signed by Egypt's Prime Minister, Mostafa Madbouly aims to build upon recent positive developments in bilateral relations and support Sierra Leone's public administration through relevant Egyptian institutions.

Sierra Leone's minister in charge of energy, Kanja Sesay resigned on Monday, April 29 after an end to the electricity crisis that lasted in Freetown and other cities for almost a month. The blackout was caused by the non-payment of $48 million owed to Turkish electricity provider Karpowership. APA reports that An outstanding $18 million has been paid, prompting the energy minister to resign. The situation is now under the president’s office.

Sexual violence

In 2019, President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone made a decisive move by declaring a national emergency to address the pervasive issue of rape and sexual violence. Now, five years later, BBC Africa Eye delves into the question of whether survivors of these heinous acts are receiving the justice they deserve. The national emergency declared in Sierra Leone aimed to address the widespread issue of sexual violence. The government implemented measures such as creating special police units and fast-tracking court cases, but it's unclear if the emergency declaration made a significant impact. The issue of sexual violence in Sierra Leone remains a complex and deeply rooted problem.

Cybercrime instrument

On April 19, 2024, the Embassy of Sierra Leone in Brussels officially submitted the instrument of accession to the Convention on Cybercrime (ETS 185). With Sierra Leone's accession, the total number of Parties to the Convention rises to 71, while two states have signed it, and 20 others have been invited to accede. The Council of Europe and Sierra Leonean authorities pledge ongoing cooperation to ensure the thorough implementation of the Convention on Cybercrime.

Malaria vaccines rolled out

Liberia, Benin, and Sierra Leone have rolled out a malaria vaccine targeting millions of children, announced on World Malaria Day. According to The Standard , the vaccine rollout aims to scale up vaccine deployment in the African region, with several other countries scheduled to roll it out in 2025. Liberia's Minister of Health, Louise Kpoto, emphasised the impact of the vaccine in protecting children from malaria. Liberia is set to benefit from 112,000 doses of the vaccine, with at least 45,000 children expected to benefit.

Human rights breaches

The US Department of State has issued a damning human rights report on Sierra Leone, citing arbitrary killings, political prisoners, and government corruption. Atlas News explains that the report details repressive activities by the ruling party, abuses by security forces, and limitations on media freedom. The US has provided millions in aid to Sierra Leone, but the country still faces high maternal mortality rates and widespread poverty. Despite this, the US continues to train Sierra Leone's armed forces and a former US Green Beret serves as the country's National Security Advisor. The appointment of the former Green Beret as National Security Advisor raises concerns about US engagement with the government. The US policy in Sierra Leone may also be focused on preventing increased authoritarianism and promoting democratic practices.

Nigerian medical professional and health influencer, Dr Olusina Ajidahun, when describing the new drug mix said, “This drug, even though it is called 'kush', is different from the street kush. For now, the big market is in Sierra Leone, even though it has infiltrated some parts of Nigeria, but I cannot really say for some other countries. The components of the kush ... are a mixture of tramadol, fentanyl, and cannabis, and what they do is exhume human corpses, especially the bones; they dry them, grind them into powder, mix them, and smoke.”

Speaking on the health implications of the new mixture on users, Dr Ajidahun said, “Bones are rich in sulphur, which can release some toxic gases, many of which can damage the lungs, brain, and many important organs in the body.  It is not uncommon to say that people who take things like this usually come down with issues like liver problems, kidney problems, and brain problems," he told Global South World.

For a while in Ghana, tramadol abuse ravaged the country’s youth populace. The country’s drug regulatory body was faced with the daunting task of ensuring an end to the abuse of the drug, which was alleged at the time to be smuggled into the country, local media GhanaWeb reported.

In 2019 in Nigeria, there had been an increase in the prevalence of unconventional mixtures, such as combining cough syrup with tramadol. Additionally, some young adults were resorting to primitive concoctions as substitutes, which involved the use of unconventional substances like smoking lizard parts and dung, as well as inhaling glue, petrol, sewage, and urine. This alarming trend includes the illicit distribution and blending of codeine-based cough syrups for drug users, Quartz reported.

In a more disturbing development, the increasing use of scorpions for recreational purposes ravaged parts of South Asia . The resulting "high" is reported to be exceptionally potent, surpassing even the effects of heroin and lasting anywhere from 10 hours to 3 days. However, individuals engaging in this practice often endure the initial six hours in considerable pain as their bodies acclimate to the toxins, posing a potential risk of fatal consequences. 

In the United States, the Council on Foreign Relations reported in 2023 that the country was grappling with its most severe drug crisis, largely fuelled by fentanyl and other opioids, resulting in over 1,500 American deaths per week.

Watch the interview with Dr Olusina Ajidahun below.

The newly elected members are assuming the seats of Albania, Brazil, Gabon, Ghana, and the United Arab Emirates after their two-year mandates came to a close on December 31.

Algerian Ambassador Amar Bendjama at a flag installation ceremony for the newly elected Members on January 2 in New York said, “The plight of the Palestinian people will be high on our agenda. We will not give up our demand for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and for a just and lasting solution to the Palestinian question, based on the fulfilment of the legitimate right of the Palestinian people to establish its independent State with Al-Quds as its capital.”

Ambassador of Sierra Leone Michael Imran Kanu also said, “Sierra Leone will pursue its priorities based on paArtnership and a representative approach to sustain global peace and security and to make the council take meaningful action and timelessly in maintaining international peace and security, underlining the utility of regional arrangement and regional ownership.”

The UN Security Council is made up of 15 members with China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States making up its five permanent members. The remaining 10 members are non-permanent members elected for two-year terms by the General Assembly.

Japan, Malta, Mozambique, Ecuador and Switzerland will conclude their tenure as members in 2024.

A convoy of twenty trucks carrying armed army officials and OSD officers conducted a raid on the residence of Freetown's Deputy Mayor Kweku Lisk in the early hours of Monday at Hill Top South Ridge, off Hill Station. The security forces searched Deputy Mayor Lisk's residence upon suspicion related to ammunition and escapees from an alleged recent coup and prison break, Cocorioko has reported.

Chief Justice replaced

Sierra Leone's Chief Justice, Babatunde Edwards, has reportedly been asked by President Maada Bio to proceed on immediate leave. While the reasons for this impromptu action remain undisclosed, Justice Nicholas Brown–Marke, the most senior judge of the Supreme Court, has been appointed in an acting capacity,  Cocorioko reports. Renowned analyst and lawyer, Sorie Sengbe Marrah, expressed concerns about potential compromises within the judiciary, lamenting that it seems to have conceded its independence to the executive branch. “The judiciary sadly appears to have sold its birthright to the executive for the proverbial porridge (coco-ebeh). It would take a legal Moses to lift the Executive’s knees off the neck of our justice system,” he wrote.

Former President Koroma grilled by CID

Former Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma, in office from 2007 to 2018, faced questioning at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Freetown. The police inquiry revolved around an armed attack suspected by the government to be linked to an attempt to overthrow the Bio-led government on November 26, 2023, the Sierra Leone Telegraph reports. Accompanied by legal representation, including former Attorney General Joseph F Kamara, Koroma emphasized an open-minded approach, trusting in due process and the rule of law to prevail. “As a follow-up to the regrettable and tragic events of November 26, which I vehemently condemn, I travelled to Freetown last evening in response to a police invitation . This morning, I reported to the Criminal Investigation Department for interrogation. I have returned home after the interview with the police, who were professional in their interaction. The interview is set to continue tomorrow. As expressed in my public statements, I maintain an open mind, place my trust in due process and the rule of law to prevail. Profound thanks to all well-wishers for their support,” Koroma wrote on his X account.

Funeral for soldiers killed in attempted coup

President Julius Maada Bio joined mourners at the inter-faith funeral service for 18 security personnel killed during the purported attempted coup in Freetown on November 26, 2023. Addressing the nation, President Bio expressed profound grief and unity, highlighting the bravery of the fallen officers who stood against treachery, The Sierra Leone Telegraph reports . He pledged that their sacrifice would not be in vain, acknowledging the pain felt collectively as a nation. “Today, we stand united in grief. We stand not just as mourners but as bearers of a sacred duty, a solemn responsibility to honour our fallen comrades. Their attackers, in their cowardly and selfish acts, sought not only to subvert our democracy but to shatter the trust of our people, the trust in our Military and Police Officers, and the trust in our nation…As your Commander-In-Chief, I feel this tragedy’s weight, burden, and sorrow. These Officers were my responsibility, my brothers in arms, my family in service. The pain of losing these brave officers is our collective pain as a nation. It is the pain of a mother losing her son, a sibling losing a brother, a child losing a father, a wife losing a husband, and a friend losing a dear friend,” the president said.

Assurance of fuel availability during Christmas

The Petroleum Regulatory Agency (PRA) reassured the public of ample petroleum product stocks extending beyond the festive season. In a press release, PRA dismissed speculation or panic buying tendencies, affirming that pump prices would remain unchanged at SLL 30 per litre throughout Sierra Leone, Politico SL reports. The agency attributed queues at some retail outlets to routine pipeline maintenance, assuring the public that the situation had been addressed, and petroleum products were being efficiently distributed. PRA has further warned against illegal hoarding activities threatening potential license cancellations for offenders.

President of Sierra Leone Julius Maada Bio delivered his second address to the citizens of the West African nation following the alleged coup attempt on November 26. President Bio in his address promised to uphold the rule of law. “No matter the provocation, our response to the events of November 26 will be measured and determined along only one parameter – the rule of law, nothing more, nothing less…Therefore, let all be rest assured that we will follow the evidence wherever it leads us, and all those found culpable – no matter their status, shall be held fully to account for their actions within the confines of the law,” Bio in his address said.

Opposition arrests for alleged coup

The Sierra Leone police force has carried out a series of arrests of senior members of the main opposition political party All People’s Congress (APC) following the government’s claim of an attempted coup, local media the Sierra Leone Telegraph reports. According to the publication, the security personnel searched the residence of the former president of Sierra Leone Ernest Bai Koroma on November 30. The former president until 2018 was also the leader and chairman of the APC.

Attempted coup casualties

The government of Sierra Leone has announced that fourteen Sierra Leone Armed Forces personnel lost their lives during the recent coup attempt. In a press briefing on November 28, the Sierra Leone minister of information told reporters that in addition to the fourteen soldiers that were killed, one police officer, one correctional officer and a private guard were also killed. He added that military officers and civilians have been arrested." The security situation is under control and we continue to pursue those who attempted to unseat a legitimate government by use of force," the minister is quoted by local media Politico .

ECOWAS delegation

A delegation from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Nigerian government visited Freetown, Sierra Leone, to address the coup attempt in the West African country. The delegation met with Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio on November 27 a day after the coup attempt. “A High-level delegation from ECOWAS Commission and the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has visited Freetown, Sierra Leone following a plot by certain individuals to acquire arms and disturb the peace and constitutional order in the country,” the ECOWAS in a statement said.

People living with HIV

Approximately 76,000 people in Sierra Leone are living with HIV. The key demographic of people living with HIV in the West African country are female sex workers at 11.8%, homosexuals at 3.2%, syringe drug users at 4.2% and prisoners at 3.7%, Politico reported. The director of the Aids commission in Sierra Leone has said that women are more affected by the disease. " For men, the HIV prevalence rate is 1.1% and for females 2.2%...The numbers of HIV patients have not been increasing," he is quoted by Politico.

This latest disbursement of SDR 15.555 million brings the total disbursements under the arrangement to SDR 124.44 million, approximately US$165.6 million.

Finance Minister Sheku A.F. Bangura, while reaffirming the government’s vision of transforming the economic situation in the country through the implementation of crucial fiscal reforms and prudent debt management, said that the IMF move would complement the efforts of Bank of Sierra Leone in adopting a proactive monetary policy stance .

This, according to him, will positively impact the economic indicators including inflation and exchange rates in the country.

“The combination of these policies will promote macroeconomic and financial stability and lay the foundation for inclusive green and sustainable growth as we look forward to further engagements with the Fund on the successor program,” Minister Bangura was quoted by Awoko Newspaper .

The government of Sierra Leone aims to address macroeconomic issues the country is currently facing through such moves.

Sierra Leone’s ECF program aimed at reducing inflation among other financial repairs, was initially approved on November 30, 2018, for SDR 124.44 million (about US$172.1 million at that time), covering a period of 43 months.

With the successful completion of the eighth, Finance Minister Bangura announced the commencement of discussions on a successor programme with the IMF in 2024 .

Meanwhile, the IMF Board has stressed the need for continued efforts toward restoring the country's macroeconomic stability.

A group of unknown soldiers and police officers broke into Sierra Leone’s main ammunition stores at the Wilberforce Barracks on November 26, 2023. The Sierra Leone Telegraph reports that gunshots were fired near the presidential Lodge. The unidentified men then went to Pademba Road prisons where they freed some prisoners who had been locked up without trial.

Sports and basketball

The son of a former prominent football and sports promoter, Sullay Hijazi is contesting to become the President of the Sierra Leone Basketball Federation, local news outlet Globaltimes has reported. The businessman and sports enthusiast sees this as a step in the right direction.

Beauty Pageants

Sierra Leone’s Daisy Princess Abdulai has been crowned 2023 Miss Sierra Leone, according to local news outlet Awoko Newspaper . Her win puts her in the position to represent Sierra Leone on the international stage for the Miss World Pageant. Her coronation took place at the Bintumani Conference Centre on September 21st, 2023.

Murders

Former President, Ernest Bai Koroma has condemned the sickening and violent events that led to the killing of his military guard, Corporal Eddie Conteh. Corporal Conteh was killed at point-blank range at the former President’s Goderich residence in Freetown. The former President has since expressed profound disappointment about the resurgence of insecurity within the nation, local news outlet Cocorioko reports.

Curfew

Sierra Leonean authorities have lifted the curfew that was declared on November 26, 2023, after unidentified men attacked key military armouries and barracks in the country. This was declared by President Julius Maada Bio. The information ministry said that major detention centres were attacked with some prisoners released, the Sierra Leone government website, statehouse.gov.sl reported. The assailants were however pushed out to the outskirts of the city by the country’s security service.

An estimated 4.5 million Sierra Leoneans, approximately 55 percent of the population have limited dietary consumption, according to a new World Bank Sierra Leone Economic Update. The report launched late October in Freetown also indicates that 3.9 million, representing 48 percent of the population have beyond-emergency-level food-related survival strategies. This, according to local news outlet Cocorioko , is impacting negatively on the livelihoods and incomes of farmers and exacerbating food security risks.

Economic woes

Citizens of Sierra Leone are blaming the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) government for mismanagement leading to economic challenges. The Sierra Leone Telegraph reports that the government is withholding information about the current state of the economy from its citizens while failing to pay public sector workers and utility institutions among others.

Calls for ceasefire

Sierra Leone has voted in the United Nations (UN) Security Council for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. This was revealed by the Minister of Information for Civic Education, Cheror Bah during a press conference. According to Politicos , the country wants both Israel and Hamas to live ‘side by side’.

Health talks

Sierra Leone’s President, Dr. Julius Maada Bio has held talks with former Vice President of The Gambia and Envoy of the Uniting to Combat Tropical Diseases, Isatou Touray over neglected tropical diseases. The Envoy, according to Statehouse revealed among other things that Sierra Leone is one of other countries including Tanzania and Senegal which have been identified for tangible partnerships to help combat tropical diseases in Africa.

Democracy and governance partnership

The United States of America has pledged commitment to continue to work with Sierra Leone to foster democracy and good governance through citizens’ participation. This was confirmed by U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Sierra Leone, Bryan David Hunt during the launch of the Empowered Communities (BASE) partnership. According to news outlet Cocorioko , this forms part of efforts to hold Sierra Leone’s president Dr. Julius Maada Bio and his Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) Government accountable for the failure of democracy and good governance in the country.

Many African countries have been characterized by power struggles, and an insatiable thirst for power sometimes even to the detriment of their citizens. These have led to coup d’états and upheavals that have occurred successively. 

While some of these were to protest mismanagement and unequal development, others were to overthrow leaders who overstayed their terms of office.

Past leaders who clung on to power

Togo’s Gnassingbé  

The Gnassingbé family has held on to power going on to over 55 years. From Étienne Eyadema Gnassingbé who was installed by the military after a takeover, to his son Faure who took over immediately after his father’s death. The family has been described widely as one of the longest-serving families in West Africa.

Eyadema is known to have ruled the country with an iron fist for 38 years under the Rally of the Togolese People until his demise in 2005. After highly contested election results, his son, Faure, took over power under the Union for the Republic (UNIR) and has been ruling Togo since 2005, raising concerns about a dynasty and undermining the democratic principles of the country.

Sierra Leone’s Siaka Stevens

Former President Siaka P. Stevens is credited with being one of 4 African leaders during his era to relinquish power after ruling Sierra Leone for 17 years.

He attained the position of a leader after a coup and later formed his party, the All People’s Congress (APC). He ruled as prime minister until later becoming president. Under his rule, he introduced the one-party system in 1978 marking the end of opposition party politics in the country and the beginning of all the economic and political instabilities in Sierra Leone. 

He ruled from 1968 to 1985 under a regime that was described as manipulative, corrupt and repressive.

Yahya Jammeh of The Gambia

Until 2017 when he was replaced by the current president, Adama Barrow after losing the 2016 elections and fleeing to Equatorial Guinea, Yahya Jammeh had ruled Gambia for 22 years. Jammeh’s rule was fraught with accusations of killings and rapes.

He is known as one of the world’s most unconventional and ruthless leaders. Jammeh is reported to have said in a BBC report, “I will deliver to the Gambian people and if I have to rule this country for one billion years, I will, if Allah says so”.

He won four multi-party elections before his loss in 2016 which he disputed before his expulsion by a joint West African force.

Contemporary leaders who are continuing the trend

Paul Biya of Cameroon

The oldest leader in sub-Saharan Africa, Paul Biya of Cameroon is still ruling the country after 41 years - since 1982.

The 89-year-old under his People’s Democratic Movement appears to have continuously won the votes of Cameroonians to remain in power. His reign is fraught with repression of freedom of expression and violence among others.

In 2022, Biya marked 40 years in power. Despite this, opposition parties have accused him of rigging elections for decades with the aim of staying in power till he dies; they want electoral reforms introduced.

Alassane Ouattara of Cote d'Ivoire

Ivory Coast’s elections in November 2020 were characterized by violence and clashes during the election period. Alassane Ouattara won a third term in office amidst much controversy. Opposition figures argued that Ivory Coast’s constitution has a two-term presidential limit, citing illegalities in Ouattara’s bid to run for a third term.

This was after he rescinded a previous decision to step down from the presidential race after the previous presidential nominee, Prime Minister Amadou Gon Coulibaly, died of a heart attack.

Alassane Ouattara became president in 2011 under the party, Rally of Houphouëtists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP).

Motivation

One thing runs through all of these instances where leaders stayed long in power; they assumed power after military takeovers.

In most of these cases, prolonged leadership has led to instability, human rights abuses, and chaos.

One thing is certain, democratic institutions need to be strengthened, constitutions need to work, and term limits need to be enforced to ensure peaceful leadership transitions, transparency, and diversity.