Visa Restriction Policy on Undermining the Democratic Process in Liberia

Statement by Secretary of State Anthony J. Blinken

September 27, 2023

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced visa restrictions for individuals who he said were 'undermining democracy' in Liberia ahead of the country's elections in October.

'The United States is committed to supporting and advancing democracy in Liberia and around the world. Today, I am announcing a new visa restriction policy under Section 212(a)(3)C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act for those undermining democracy in Liberia. This policy will take effect in advance of the upcoming election.'

The visa restriction policy announced today will apply to specific individuals and is not directed at the Liberian people or the Government of Liberia.

Video Captures TSA Agents Allegedly Stealing From Passengers' Luggage

Two Transportation Security Administration agents are facing charges for allegedly stealing from passengers' luggage

Miami-Dade State Attorney Office

They're supposed to be checking your bags for any forbidden objects, but two TSA agents have been accused of taking some passengers' most prized objects, too.

The two agents in question — Josue Gonzalez and Labarrius Williams — were allegedly caught in the act on camera, with the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office releasing surveillance footage of the crimes.

The video clips show the agents monitoring passengers' luggage at the Miami International Airport security checkpoint on June 29. Then they seemingly decide on some to unzip and pocket their findings straight from the conveyor belt.

Gonzalez, Williams, and a third agent, Elizabeth Fuster, were arrested on July 6 for the alleged thefts, though charges against Fuster have since been dropped.

Arrest records obtained by Scripps News alleged the trio were observed on several instances conspiring together to distract passengers as they were being screened to steal monies from their belongings.’

The arrest affidavit also said a detective researched theft reports from the checkpoint and found a recent one had been filed, pushing authorities to review surveillance video. This footage captured Williams and Gonzalez removing at least $600 from a passenger's wallet while they were in the screening process, the report said.

The suspects were charged with organized scheme to defraud. 

Gonzales's attorney told CBS News his client agreed to a deferred prosecution program. If he completes the program, his case will be dismissed.

Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts records show a trial date is set for Williams next month.

Credit Source: SCRIPPS News: By Alex Arger: Posted: 7:29 p.m. EDT Sep 15, 2023

The Rising Cost of Living, Especially Food and Energy

Tin tranga! 

That is the new national anthem as hardship grips the motherland.

Tin tranga! That is the new national anthem as hardship grips the motherland. The cost of essential commodities keeps soaring, making the cost of living unaffordable for many. 

Sierra Leone

From food to fuel and utilities to higher education, everything is going out of reach for the average Salone man. Even those with deep pockets (and there aren’t many) are feeling the pinch. What is the government doing?

According to Statistics Sierra Leone, Consumer Price Inflation stood at almost 45% in July this year. When you focus on food and non-alcoholic beverages alone, you get a staggering 59.93% for the same month. These figures are alarming, but the reality of people, as far as the cost of living is concerned, is even more terrifying, with high levels of hunger and food insecurity. According to the World Food Programme, 78% of the country’s population is food insecure.

The rising fuel prices and impending increase in EDSA tariff in Sierra Leone definitely put a strain on the finances of its citizens. The situation is going to be difficult for everyone, regardless. When fuel prices go up, so do the prices of goods and services transported. 

‘_slogans and gimmicks but no real solution.’ Hardship for the people of Salone.

In only a few months, there has been a significant increase in fuel prices. The cost of electricity is about to increase. Last year, the cost of telecoms services—calling credit and mobile data—also increased significantly. Whether eating at a cookery baffa or a posh restaurant, you will still pay a lot more today. Recreation is a pure luxury.

The rising cost of living, especially food and energy, is commonly attributed to global market forces and, more recently, to the coronavirus pandemic and the ongoing Russia-Ukrainian war. While all of this might make sense, it is helpful only to an extent and is irrelevant to the people who struggle to live day by day. 

While global food and fuel prices decreased in 2022, Sierra Leoneans experienced a steady hike as the Leone depreciated by 60% in 2022. The economy has been on life-support for the most part, and according to the World Bank, inflation and currency depreciation reached record levels. So, the ‘global’ argument passed on from government to government does not pass muster. 

It is hard to understand and accept this type of behavior. It is a state of austerity for everyone except the administration. It is business as usual with an expanding wage burden—new and additional appointees, new institutions and offices, new big cars, and over-the-top spending. 

Thanks to the ensuing pressure of Bretton Woods and a broke State that constantly needs money, subsidies are being removed on fuel. You struggle to see the effort the State is making to cut costs. Everyone else bears the biting hardship while political appointees get subsidized by the very State—that is taking away subsidies from the struggling masses. 

Teachers must hustle their way to work with high transportation costs of NLe600—NLe800 (mere US$40) monthly SALARY, while senior state officials enjoy the comfort of a chauffeur-driven guzzler, with fuel paid by taxes of the poor teacher. 

Government institutions have normalized renting private properties for office use at the taxpayers' expense, while many public buildings remain underutilized or neglected. No one is interested in cutting those costs while the poor have to pay for it. Government events continue to be held at luxury venues with overpriced catering. Constant supply of free fuel to officials at the expense of the taxpayer. Let us not even talk about the expensive trips on chartered planes. What happened to 'The Land That We Love, Our Sierra Leone.'

'Knowledge and truth our forefathers spread,

Mighty the nations whom they led;

Mighty they made thee, so too may we

Show forth the good that is ever in thee.'

Until radical cuts to wasteful spending are made, the government will have no ground to stand on to offer plausible explanations for the hardship. It is possible that such cuts would not solve the problem. Still, the people should be able to see that their government is not only using global cost of living excuses to justify the increasing poverty but also doing something about it.

We are at a point where it would make sense to declare a state of austerity and adopt comprehensive cost-cutting measures that start from the very top. With food inflation at almost 50% and a currency that is withering away, there is no shame in saying that we are in a terrible situation that warrants drastic cuts—not the unjustifiable and untimely removal of subsidies, but on wasteful spending that is avoided and there is a lot of it—from the V8 Landcruisers to the trips and unnecessary events and fuel.

It is getting to a point where the government needs to stop explaining why people suffer from a constantly increasing cost of living and start taking steps and doing what responsible parents do when things are hard in the home. 

The discussion must no longer be about what is causing the hardship. There has to be a shift towards government action to cushion the impact on its people.

No Immunity Could Justify Such Arrogance

Evariste Touadera

Son of the President of the Central African Republic Faustin-Archange Touadera

Evariste Touadera, the son of the President of the Central African Republic Faustin-Archange Touadera, was caught on video hitting two health workers in Kislovodsk, a town in southern Russia. He was recently admitted to a rehabilitation center in Kavminvody, Moscow, a decision made in response to his ongoing struggle with drug-related issues.

It reports that Evariste Touadera came to Kislovodsk for rehabilitation but tried to escape from the attendants.

In the video, Touadera punched one of the men and attacked a woman, the therapist accompanying him on the trip. The video soon went viral on social media.

Recently, Evariste was admitted to a rehabilitation center in Kavminvody, Moscow, a decision made in response to his ongoing struggle with drug-related issues. Touadera was caught on video hitting two health workers.

In the video, a health worker can be heard saying to Call the father.

According to information, the president's son has been in Russia for about two weeks, accompanied by a small delegation _a specially hired psychologist and therapist. However, Evariste did not want the help to rehabilitate himself and spent most of his time in amusements and pleasant fuss.

On August 28, Evariste was supposed to leave Kislovodsk to fly to Moscow. In the hours leading up to the flight, the president's son manages to slip away from the escort personnel accompanying him.

Found at the station, they tried to dissuade him from his intentions to escape and instead got angry and attacked the health delegation. However, despite the violent altercation, the victims refused to press charges. They eventually escorted him to Moscow, and he was handed over to the staff of the CAR embassy.

Visa Restriction Policy on Undermining the Democratic Process in Sierra Leone

Statement by Secretary of State Anthony J. Blinken

August 31, 2023

The United States is committed to supporting and advancing democracy in Sierra Leone and around the world.  Today, I am announcing a new visa restriction policy under Section 212(a)(3)C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act for undermining the democratic process in the June 2023 Sierra Leone election.

The visa restriction policy announced today will apply to specific individuals and is not directed at the Sierra Leonean people.  

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98.1 Radio Democracy Journalist Musa Kamara Receives Threat Over Interview With US Ambassador

“I have been dramatic in the last 24 hours since that my interview with the outgoing US Ambassador to Sierra Leone, David Reimer.”

— 98.1 Radio Democracy Journalist Musa Kamara

US Government Rejects Election Outcome in Sierra Leone as Mayor Aki Sawyerr Discloses Rigged Results

The US government published this statement: “The United States continues to be concerned about irregularities in the election results announced by the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL). Independent parallel vote tabulations and analyses by accredited national and international observation missions raise questions about the integrity of the official results.

See the Mug Shots in Trump's Georgia Case

Meadows, Giuliani, Powell, Ellis, Chesebro and others

Defendants who have been booked on charges connected with efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results in Georgia

"It is not a comfortable feeling — especially when you've done nothing wrong," said Trump, whose 2024 Republican presidential campaign quickly began selling merchandise featuring his mugshot to raise money.

Donald Trump

The former president was booked Thursday night and released on a $200,000 bond.

Charges: Thirteen counts — three of solicitation of violation of oath by public officer; two of conspiracy to commit forgery in the first degree; two of conspiracy to commit false statements; two of false statements and writings; one of violation of the Georgia RICO Act; one of conspiracy to commit filing false documents; one of filing false documents; one of conspiracy to commit to impersonating a public officer.

Image: Former President Donald Trump was booked at the Fulton County jail in Atlanta on Aug. 24, 2023. (Fulton County Sheriff's Office)

Mark Meadows

The former Trump White House chief of staff was booked Thursday and released on a $100,000 bond.

Charges: Two counts — one of violation of the Georgia RICO Act; and one of solicitation of violation of oath by a public officer.

Mark Meadows. (Fulton County Sheriff's Office)

Rudy Giuliani

The former Trump attorney was booked Wednesday and released on a $150,000 bond.

Charges: Thirteen counts — three of solicitation of violation of oath by a public officer; three of false statements; two of conspiracy to commit false statements and writings; two of conspiracy to commit forgery in the first degree; one of violation of the Georgia RICO Act; one of conspiracy to commit impersonating a public officer; one of conspiracy to commit filing false documents.

Rudy Giuliani. (Fulton County Sheriff's Office)

Jeanna Ellis

The attorney who advised Trump during his alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election results was booked Wednesday and released on a $100,000 bond.

Charges: Two counts — one of violation of the Georgia RICO Act; one of solicitation of violation of oath by a public officer.

Booking photo of Jenna Ellis released on Aug. 23, 2023. (Fulton County Sheriff's Office)ce.

Kenneth Chesebro

The lawyer associated with Trump's campaign who came up with the legal theory behind the so-called fake electors scheme was booked Wednesday and released on a $100,000 bond.

Charges: Seven counts — two of conspiracy to commit forgery in the first degree; two of conspiracy to commit false statements; one of violation of the Georgia RICO Act; one of conspiracy to commit filing false documents; one of conspiracy to commit impersonating a public officer.

Kenneth Chesebro. (Fulton County Sheriff's Office)

Sidney Powell

The former member of Trump's legal team was booked Wednesday and released on a $100,000 bond.

Charges: Seven counts — two of conspiracy to commit election fraud; one of violation of the Georgia RICO Act; one of conspiracy to commit computer theft; one of conspiracy to commit computer trespass; one of conspiracy to defraud the state; one of conspiracy to commit computer invasion of privacy.

Booking photo of Sidney Powell released on Aug. 23, 2023. (Fulton County Sheriff's Office)

Ray Smith

The attorney who represented Trump in 2020 election lawsuits in Georgia was booked Wednesday and released on a $50,000 bond.

Charges: Twelve counts — three of solicitation of violation of oath by public officer; two of false statements; two of conspiracy to commit forgery in the first degree; two of conspiracy to commit false statements and writings; one of violation of the Georgia RICO Act; one of conspiracy to commit filing false documents; one of conspiracy to commit impersonating public officer.

Ray Smith. (Fulton County Sheriff's Office)

David Shafer

The former Georgia state senator, allegedly a fake GOP elector, was booked Wednesday and released on a $75,000 bond.

Charges: Eight counts — three of false statements; two of forgery in the first degree; one of violation of the Georgia RICO Act; one of impersonating a public officer; one of criminal attempt to commit filing false documents.

David Shafer. (Fulton County Sheriff's Office)

Cathy Latham

The former Coffee County GOP chair was booked Wednesday and released on a $75,000 bond.

Charges: Eleven counts — two of conspiracy to commit election fraud; one of violation of the Georgia RICO Act; one of impersonating a public officer; one of forgery in the first degree; one of false statements; one of criminal attempt to commit filing false documents; one of conspiracy to commit computer theft; one of conspiracy to commit computer invasion of privacy; one of conspiracy to defraud the state; one of conspiracy to commit computer trespass.

Cathy Latham. (Fulton County Sheriff's Office)

John Eastman

The former Trump-allied attorney was booked Tuesday and released on a $100,000 bond.

Charges: Nine counts — two of conspiracy to commit forgery in the first degree; two of conspiracy to commit false statements; one of violation of the Georgia RICO Act; one of solicitation of violation of oath by a public officer; one of conspiracy to commit filing false documents; one of filing false documents; one of conspiracy to commit impersonating a public officer.

John Eastman mugshot released by the Fulton County Sheriff's Office on Aug. 22, 2023. (Fulton County Sheriff's Office)

Scott Hall

The 2020 Fulton County GOP poll watcher was booked Tuesday and released on a $10,000 bond.

Charges: Seven counts — two of conspiracy to commit election fraud; one of violation of the Georgia RICO Act; one of conspiracy to commit computer theft; one of conspiracy to commit computer trespass; one of conspiracy to defraud the state; one of conspiracy to commit computer invasion of privacy.

Scott Hall mugshot released by the Fulton County Sheriff's Office on Aug. 22, 2023. (Fulton County Sheriff's Office)

Harrison Floyd

The former leader of Black Voices for Trump was booked Thursday. No bond agreement has been set.

Charges: Three counts — one of violation of the Georgia RICO Act; one of influencing witnesses; and one of conspiracy to commit solicitation of false statements and writings.

Harrison Floyd. (Fulton County Sheriff's Office)

Jeffrey Clark

The former Trump Justice Department official was booked early Friday and released on a $100,000 bond.

Charges: Two counts — one of violation of the Georgia RICO Act; and one of criminal attempt to commit false statements.

Michael Roman

The former Trump staffer was booked early Friday and released on a $50,000 bond.

Charges: Seven counts — two of conspiracy to commit forgery in the first degree; two of conspiracy to commit false statements; one of violation of the Georgia RICO Act; one of conspiracy to commit filing false documents; one of conspiracy to commit impersonating a public officer.

Robert Cheeley

The Atlanta attorney was booked early Friday on a $50,000 bond.

Charges: Ten counts — two of conspiracy to commit forgery in the first degree; two of conspiracy to commit false statements; one of violation of the Georgia RICO Act; one of conspiracy to commit filing false documents; one of conspiracy to commit impersonating a public officer; one of solicitation of violation of oath by a public officer; one of false statements; one of perjury.

Shawn Still

The alleged fake GOP elector was booked early Friday and released on a $10,000 bond.

Charges: Seven counts — two of forgery in the first degree; two of false statements; one of violation of the Georgia RICO Act; one of criminal attempt to commit filing false documents; one of impersonating a public officer.

The following defendants have not yet surrendered

Stephen Lee

The Lutheran pastor from Illinois is expected to be booked by noon Friday and released on a $75,000 bond.

Charges: Five counts — two of criminal attempt to commit influencing witnesses; one of violation of the Georgia RICO Act; one of influencing witnesses; one of conspiracy to commit solicitation of false statements.

Trevian Kutti

The former publicist for Ye, the artist formerly known as Kanye West, is expected to be booked by noon Friday and released on a $75,000 bond.

Charges: Three counts — one of violation of the Georgia RICO Act; one of influencing witnesses; and one of conspiracy to commit solicitation of false statements.

Misty Hampton

The former Coffee County elections director is expected to be booked by noon Friday and released on a $10,000 bond.

Charges: Seven counts — two of conspiracy to commit election fraud; one of violation of the Georgia RICO Act; one of conspiracy to defraud the state; one of conspiracy to commit computer theft; one of conspiracy to commit computer invasion of privacy; one of conspiracy to commit computer trespass.

This article was originally published on

© 2023 NBCNews.com

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"It was always going to end this way, wasn’t it?" wrote Sykes, a frequent critic of the former president and the party that elected him. "If you elect a serial liar and conman, a narcissist, bully, wannabe mobster, with the vocabulary of an emotionally insecure 9-year-old, you can’t really be shocked at how it turned out, can you?"

Rented Crowds! Fried Chicken and Chips. How Rallies in Political Campaign in Africa Shaping Up

Zimbabwe 80-Year-Old President, Emmerson Mnangagwa

August 20, 2023

The convergence of free sustenance, repeated speeches, and the challenge of addressing essential needs like electricity in rural areas underscores the multifaceted nature of political events and their implications for the populace.

The candidate of the ruling Zanu-PF party, nicknamed 'The Crocodile,’ because of his callousness and more autocratic than his predecessor, analysts judge him as lacking Mugabes' intellectual flair and ideological vision, seek to cement his leadership on Wednesday, August 23, 2023; election few expect to be free and fair.

In a recent development from Zimbabwe, a journalist has taken to Twitter to share a revealing video that sheds light on an intriguing aspect of political rallies in the country.

The video, which was allegedly suppressed, captures a significant scene of multitudes of Zimbabweans leaving a speech by President Mnangagwa while he was addressing the public. 

This is the video they didn’t want you to watch;
Multitudes of Zimbabweans walking away as President Mnangagwa was speaking yesterday.

This video confirms what we have always known, these rural people who are bussed to these rallies go there for the free food being dished out.… pic.twitter.com/YyCPOaxVvE

— Hopewell Chin’ono (@daddyhope) August 20, 2023

After eating chicken and chips, they walk away and wait in the buses.

The journalist's tweet suggests that the video provides evidence for a long-held suspicion: the people attending these rallies, especially those from rural areas, are primarily motivated by the promise of free food. 

The scene depicted in the video portrays individuals partaking in a meal of chicken and chips provided at the event before subsequently departing from the venue. 

The claim is that these attendees, often transported via buses to these rallies, have possibly become familiar with the President's speeches due to repeated attendance at various rallies.

Interestingly, the journalist raises a poignant question in relation to the content of the President's speech. The question revolves around the paradox of celebrating the provision of electricity to rural communities that have previously lacked access to it. _a familiar talking point in African politics. 

This juxtaposition prompts contemplation on the significance of such speeches and the genuine impact of the announcements on the lives of the rural population.

The incident showcased in the video and; the journalists' commentary highlights a complex interplay of political engagement, socioeconomic factors, and public perception. The convergence of free sustenance, repeated speeches, and the challenge of addressing essential needs like electricity in rural areas underscores the multifaceted nature of political events and their implications for the populace.

Tagged: Twitter

98.1 Radio Democracy Journalist, Musa Kamara Receives Threat Over Interview With US Ambassador

“I have been dramatic in the last 24 hours since that my interview with the outgoing US Ambassador to Sierra Leone, David Reimer.” 

August 18, 2023

A senior journalist at Radio Democracy, Musa Kamara said he has received several threats following a controversial interview with the US Ambassador to Sierra Leone, David Reimer.

“I have been dramatic in the last 24 hours since that my interview with the outgoing US Ambassador to Sierra Leone, David Reimer,” Kamara said.

He added that he has received several threatening remarks on social media and personal text messages. He noted that the threats are a cause for concern and notified the radio station’s management and the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ).

“Going forward I feel scared to do the job I love,” Kamara said in an interview with Sierraloaded.

Kamara’s interview with Ambassador Reimer was leaked on Wednesday. In the interview, Reimer said the United States is concerned about the 24 June election results. He added that they want an independent institution to investigate the results.

The 2023 elections are believed to be one of the most controversial multitier elections Sierra Leone has conducted in recent times.

The outcome of the elections currently harbors an impasse between the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party and the main opposition party, All People’s Congress (APC) The APC has boycotted government and governance citing statistical inconsistencies with the announced results.

Tagged: #Sierraloaded

Refer to the audio at https://yame.space/whats-up-africalinks/us-government-rejects-election-outcome-in-sierra-leone-as-mayor-aki-sawyerr-discloses-rigged-results

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U.S. Embassy Position on the Sierra Leone Election Results and the Country's Economy; Ambassador Reimers' announcement on Radio Democracy 98.1. (Last Updated August 16, 2023; 7:35 AM EST.)

Going to college? Here’s what you should know about student loans

Education Student Loans

BY ADRIANA MORGA; APNews, Updated 12:30 PM EDT, August 15, 2023

FILE - New graduates line up before the start of a community college commencement in East Rutherford, N.J., May 17, 2018. This summer, millions of Americans with student loans will be able to apply for a new repayment plan that offers some of the most lenient terms ever. Interest won’t pile up as long as borrowers make regular payments. Millions of people will have payments of $0. And starting in 2024, undergraduate loan payments will be reduced by half. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)

NEW YORK (AP) — If you’re heading to college or starting to think about where you’d like to apply, you’re probably considering options for funding your education. If you need to borrow money to pursue your dreams, you are far from alone.

According to the Federal Reserve, 30% of all U.S. adults said they incurred at least some debt for their education. Borrowers owe a collective $1.77 trillion in student loan debt, including federal and private loans.

“Borrowing is almost at the point where it’s a requirement,” said Dana Kelly, from the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators.

If you’re a high school senior or a college student, you’ll want to apply for federal student loans through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, also known as FAFSA, in December for the 2024-2025 school year. For private student loans, you can apply whenever you need the loan.

When you take out student loans, it’s beneficial have to have an idea of what professional field you want to pursue, calculate how much you need to borrow, and understand the basics of loan interest. If this sound like a lot, don’t worry — we’ll break it down for you. Here’s what you need to know.

WHERE DO I START?

ADRIANA MORGA (Morga covers financial literacy and personal finance.)

A Johannesburg Explosion That Killed 1, Injured 48

CCTV capture the moment the explosion happened on Lilian Ngoyi Street in Johannesburg

Johannesburg, South Africa: Wednesday, July 19, 2023: 

One man died, and at least 48 people were injured after a suspected underground gas explosion ripped open roads and flipped vehicles in the heart of South Africa's biggest city, authorities, and emergency services said Thursday.

The moment the explosion happened on Lilian Ngoyi Street in Johannesburg. Taxis' lifted into the air due to the impact of the blast, and chaos ensued as terrified pedestrians scrambled for cover

The City of Johannesburg has confirmed the CBD explosion was caused by gas. But they are yet to determine the source of that gas. The city has also ruled out illegal mining. 

Human rights lawyer Richard Spoor believes sewer gas is the cause of the explosion. He says this is likely due to poor tunnel ventilation and has significant consequences. 'These kinds of explosions only occur when you get an explosive mixture of gas in the tunnels,' he said. You get these kinds of mixtures if the tunnel is not ventilated correctly —the risks of explosions are well-known and well-understood.

Meanwhile, Johannesburg EMS spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi urges residents and motorists to avoid the area due to fears of a possible secondary collapse. 'We are concerned about people who might be tempted to come to the area,' he said.

US Government Rejects Election Outcome in Sierra Leone as Mayor Aki Sawyerr Discloses Rigged Results

ECSL Chief Mohammed Konneh

Sierra Leone Telegraph: 15 July 2023 — Abdul Rashid Thomas

The main opposition APC rejected the outcome of the results, demanding full disclosure of all polling station disaggregated results. The international community in the country also refused to accept the rigged results announced by the ECSL chief Mohamed Konneh. They are demanding transparency and referring to the elections as lacking integrity.

It is now three weeks since the results of the presidential, general, and local elections held in Sierra Leone were announced by the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL). And so far, there is no end in sight to the unprecedented political crisis in the country, created by the ECSL after declaring Julius Maada Bio as president for a second term and his ruling SLPP party as winner of the parliamentary election with a huge majority.

The main opposition APC rejected the outcome of the results, demanding full disclosure of all polling station disaggregated results. The international community in the country also refused to accept the rigged results announced by the ECSL chief Mohamed Konneh. They are demanding transparency and referring to the elections as lacking integrity.

The US government published this statement: “The United States continues to be concerned about irregularities in the election results announced by the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL). Independent parallel vote tabulations and analyses by accredited national and international observation missions raise questions about the integrity of the official results.

We call on the government to institute an independent, outside investigation of the elections process and integrate observer recommendations to improve the electoral modalities for future elections.

We are also disturbed by the reports of intimidation – including death threats – against domestic and international observers, civil society organizations, and ECSL personnel. We call on all actors to exercise restraint and engage in peaceful dialogue to resolve disputes.

evidence of serious-electoral malpractice revealed by Freetown Mayor-Elect Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr

The resolve and determination of Sierra Leoneans who went out to the polls on June 24 to make their voices heard was inspiring. Free and fair elections are essential for any democracy.

The government and political parties must commit to strengthening democratic institutions to better protect the rights and reflect the aspirations of the people of Sierra Leone.

The latest US government statement comes on the heels of evidence of serious-electoral malpractice revealed by Freetown Mayor-Elect Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr yesterday.

Mayor-Elect Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr said, 'Results and Reconciliation Forms (RRFs) are public documents that record the votes secured by candidates at each polling station. They are completed, signed, and stamped by the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) staff and also signed by the political party agents and independent observers present.

The RRFs are displayed at the polling stations so that the voting public can see the votes secured by all candidates at those polling stations, and voters can thus themselves follow the tallying element of the electoral process.

It has taken longer than 48 hours, but I am pleased to share with the voting public and all other interested stakeholders; the attached spreadsheet with links to uploaded copies of 1,289 RRFs from 226 (80%) polling centers. Please click on the blue hyperlink in column M for the polling center and polling station to access the relevant RRF.

These forms, completed and validated by ECSL staff, political party agents, and independent observers, allow the public to witness the tallying process and maintain trust in the electoral system. Providing transparency by uploading the actual RRF forms onto the internet, allowing anyone to review them by simply clicking the link as provided in the spreadsheet she circulated. This significant step strengthens the credibility of the data she shared, as it is not an opinion but a verified fact.

You can see the spreadsheet with links to uploaded copies of 1,289 RRFs from 226 (80%) polling centers here:

The results data from these uploaded 1,289 RRFs are summarized at the top of the spreadsheet and show 191,634 (66.1%) votes for Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr and 95,025 (32.78%) votes for Mohamed Gento Kamara.

As of today, we have obtained results data extracted from 1,778 RRFs from 272 (96%) polling centers in Freetown. This includes the 1,289 RRFs have been uploaded and data from 489 RRFs that have yet to be uploaded. It should be noted that several stations did not open on polling day, and there were stations at which the box for mayoral votes was missing.

The summary of the results data from the 1,778 RRFs shows 263,858 votes (66.07%) for Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr and 131,652 votes (32.97%) for Mohammed Gento Kamara.

It is the expectation of candidates, voters, and election observers that votes secured and recorded in the RRFs at polling stations are reflected in the official results announced by ECSL.

That is the reason why the All People’s Congress Party, the National Elections Watch (NEW,) and all the international observers are requesting that ECSL disclose the disaggregated results per polling station that were tallied to arrive at the published results for all levels of the 24th June 2023 Sierra Leone elections.

'We hope that this very reasonable request will be granted as it is the right of every citizen to have their vote counted and thus their voice heard in a democracy.'

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CBS Eye On The World with Greggory Copley, Defence & Foreign Affairs Editor and Publisher. 

U.S. Embassy Position on the Sierra Leone Election Results and the Country's Economy; Ambassador Reimers' announcement on Radio Democracy 98.1. (Last Updated August 16, 2023; 7:35 AM EST.)

SLPP—NGC Alliance

Dr. Kandeh K. Yumkella

Chairman Presidential Initiative For Climate Change, Renewable Energy & Food Security

President Julius Maada Bio announced a second set of cabinet posts.

Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella (KKY) was appointed Chairman of the Presidential Initiative For Climate Change, Renewable Energy & Food Security.

Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, until recently, was the Director General of UNIDO – United Nations International Development Organisation; presidential candidate in 2018 and leader of the National Grand Coalition (NGC) Party; Member of Parliament representing Kambia district during the fifth session of Parliament.

Regarded by many in Sierra Leone as one of the few principled politicians left in the country, Yumkella admitted months ago in a press conference that he was in talks with the SLPP to form an alliance with his National Grand Coalition (NGC) Party.

This decision by Kandeh Yumkella to enter into alliance discussions with the Bio, SLPP, was seen as a betrayal and a sell-out and did not go well with the rank-and-file of the National Grand Coalition as he was mocked ruthlessly by its members, with some in the executive resigning in protest. They view the Bio-SLPP as corrupt. However, Yumkella insisted he did it in the interest of Sierra Leone. He [Yumkella] believes that an alliance between the SLPP and his party, the National Grand Coalition (NGC), would help to unite the country and bring about change.

Ultimately: the decision to enter into an alliance discussion with the SLPP was a strategic one for Yumkella though there are both; risks and rewards associated with this decision.

Dr. Yumkella —Chairman Presidential Initiative For Climate Change, Renewable Energy & Food Security.

Cabinet Ministers | Deputy Ministers | and Other appointments

Some of Bio’s old guards have retained their ministerial portfolio, including Dr. Austin Dembi, who stays at the Ministry of Health with responsibility for sanitation removed from his portfolio.

Tamba Lamina stays at the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, while Mohamed Orman Bangura remains at the Ministry of Youths.

Kanja Sesay stays as Minister of Energy, and Dr. Turad Senesie continues as Minister of Lands and Country Planning.

Former Minister of Information and Communication Mohamed Rahman Swaray was sent to head the Ministry of Employment, Labour, and Social Security, replacing Alpha Timbo was sacked from the government. And former Press Secretary at the Office of the President — Yusuf Keketoma Sandi, now Deputy Minister of Information and Civic Education.

Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Memunatu Pratt, was sacked after failing to improve the country’s tourism industry. Replace by Nabeela F. Tunis. Adekunle King, formerly a Labour Minister, replaced Nabeela Tunis as Minister of Western Area with strategic responsibility for the development of Freetown.

Dr. Denis Sandy, sacked by President Bio in his first administration as a Minister of Lands, has made a comeback, now the new Minister of Works and Public Assets.

Kandeh Yumkella is expected to play a crucial role in the newly Bio-led government. 

About Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella

Dr. Kandeh Yumkella was an expert in development economics and agricultural economics. He had over 25 years of international experience and worked in various high-level policy positions in the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the United Nations (UN).

In UNIDO, he served as Director-General for two four-year terms (2005-2013). He was the first from Sub-Saharan Africa to have been appointed to the position. In this role, he led the organization's work promoting industrial development and technological innovation in developing countries.

He was also the founding Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Sustainable Energy for All (SE4All) initiative, launched by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in 2011. SE4All aims to ensure universal access to modern energy services by 2030.

Dr. Yumkella's expertise in development economics and agricultural economics made him a valuable asset to the UN. He was able to help the organization develop and implement policies that would promote economic growth and sustainable development in developing countries.

Some of his specific areas of expertise:

• Private sector development

• Public-private sector dialogue and partnerships

• Small and medium enterprises (SMEs)

• Support systems

• Capacity-building in industry and business associations

• Trade capacity-building

• Agro-industry and rural development

• High-level policy dialogue and consensus-building

He was also a member of the UN Secretary-General's High-level Advisory Group on Energy and Climate Change. He brought a renewed and vital focus to global energy issues and; led the coordination of the United Nations' response to renewable energy transformation.

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Updated: July 20, 2023; 11:36 pm, EST

With the cost and affordability questions being raised by concerned citizens, over the number of appointees, President Bio of the SLPP government has appointed additional cabinet ministerial positions—at a time when the country's economy is in its worst shape. These appointments brought the number of ministers, deputy ministers, and other appointees over the last weeks to surpass eighty (80) for his final term in office, as allowed by the constitution. 

additional cabinet ministerial positions

Whatever Happened to The So-called Strategic Alliance?

KKY; looking for his name in the cabinet ministers' list

A Surreal Spectacle Unveiled!_ By Alan Luke

KKY; looking for his name in the cabinet ministers' list. As the Chief Minister, Finance Minister, Foreign Minister, and Trade Minister positions swiftly filled by SLPP loyalists, one can't help but wonder if Bio has even spared a thought for any desperate NGC lackeys, even for the lowliest of roles.

These individuals, who once proudly represented the third largest political party in Sierra Leone, decided to ditch their principles in favor of hopping on the SLPP-led government gravy train.

Prepare yourselves for the grandest act of political betrayal Sierra Leone has ever witnessed! As President Bio triumphantly unveiled his questionable cabinet following the election coup, it became glaringly obvious; that Kandeh Yumkella, Jesmed F. Suma, Andrew Kemoh Kieli, Alhaji Amadu Sheriff, and their fellow NGC stalwarts have shattered all records when it comes to negotiating ineptitude.

These individuals, who once proudly represented the third largest political party in Sierra Leone, decided to ditch their principles in favor of hopping on the SLPP-led government gravy train. They conveniently turned a blind eye to the Bio government's laundry list of excesses, including extrajudicial killings, mammoth-scale fraud, and a knack for sowing division and chaos. It seems personal interests trumped any concerns for the public's welfare, as they shamelessly abandoned everything they once claimed to believe in. 

It's safe to say; we will need a superhighway on Damascus Road to prevent a traffic jam as NGC executives and members scramble to join the bandwagon.

During the elections, the NGC leaders were not content with being ordinary supporters; they practically transformed into the SLPP's cheerleading squad, rooting for SLPP candidates for the presidency and Freetown. NGC aspirants were even obliged to campaign for SLPP candidates wherever the NGC failed to field a representative. The 'NGC- vuvuzelas,' the likes of the clueless DJ Million, went out of their way to justify this bizarre alliance. 

They claimed it was all for 'the sake of securing SLPP's unwavering support for Yumkella in the 2028 elections.' What a load of hogwash! The reason behind the alliance was that Yumkella deemed it beneath his distinguished self to do what any other grubby politician would do—cross carpet.

As the Chief Minister, Finance Minister, Foreign Minister, and Trade Minister positions were swiftly filled by SLPP loyalists, one can't help but wonder if Bio has even spared a thought for any desperate NGC lackeys, even for the lowliest of roles. Meanwhile, Yumkella and his cronies stood idly by as they witnessed the loss of four MPs, one District Chairman, and the control of Kambia District Council. To add insult to injury, the NGC's vote share nosedived from a measly 6% to less than 1%. With public trust eroded, remaining members disillusioned by the web of lies spun by their leaders, and the party teetering on the brink of bankruptcy, one can't help but wonder: what's next for the NGC leadership, if none of them get a job in government, that they are so desperate for? 

Perhaps a career in stand-up comedy would be a fitting alternative.

Tagged: #Comedy Central, Satirical

Congratulations on Your Graduating with a Master of Business Administration—MBA!

Sarah B H Ellis; MBA

Arden University, Birmingham, UK; Class of 2023

Congratulations, and we are so proud of you!

We're so proud of you for all your hard work and dedication. An incredible achievement to earn an MBA, but it is even more impressive to do so while juggling work, studies, and family responsibilities.

Congratulations on Your Graduating with a Master of Business Administration—MBA!

I know that it was not easy, but you never gave up. You worked hard, stayed focused, and never let anything get in your way —an inspiration to many, and we are so grateful to have you as a family.

Your MBA is a testament to your intelligence, drive, determination, and commitment to excellence. We know you have big plans for the future, and we're excited to see your accomplishment; with your skills and knowledge, you can make a difference in the world. 

We wish you all the best in your future endeavors. Congratulations again, Aru, and we are so proud of you! Continue to do amazing things.

Tagged: #Arden University, Birmingham, UK | #StageClip | #ClassOf2023

Injustice Anywhere is a Threat to Justice Everywhere

Alhaji U Njai

Freelance writer and concerned Sierra Leonean

When we do the right things with integrity, fairness, and transparency, peace is assured at all times in society.

Everyone is crying out for peace in Sierra Leone: yet no one is crying out for social justice and equity, which are fundamental for creating and maintaining peace. —Crying out for peace when that peace based on our neighbors’ oppression will not bear good fruits or lead to a healthy and progressive peaceful society.

Telling people to move on after an incident without healing is simply telling them to accept wrongful acts in society and normalize those behaviors.

From Independence in Sierra Leone to war, ebola, and landslides to our present debacle, we seemingly normalize wrongful acts with a ‘how for do, na for biya’ mentality. Each time we have the opportunity to make things right, nothing is done—we move on without addressing the problem or root cause analysis; no deep healing occurs, and lessons remain unlearnt.

Hence, we keep developing a society with deep wounds and emotional and mental scars or trauma with no support, healing mechanisms, or therapy in place. We are simply left to cope with the mental or psychological trauma of our social ills, with substance abuse becoming a favorite mechanism for a large segment of society.

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. Unfortunately, our Sierra Leonean society is now one of too many compromised people and no statesmen or institutions serving as moral guarantors. When we do the right things with integrity, fairness, and transparency; peace is assured at all times in society.

As Sierra Leone Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) post-war found injustices, human rights abuses, greed, corruption, bad governance, lack of accountability and transparency, and leadership failures as the roots of the war; we must never forget the things that led us to years of brutal war.

The lessons of the war must serve as our daily reminder to work assiduously towards developing a thriving, socially just, and equitable Sierra Leone. Upholding the truth, fairness, integrity, and transparency at all times thus matters. 

———-

Alhaji Umar N’jai is a Ph.D. Senior Scientist, Associate Professor, Panafrican Scholar, Founder & Chief Strategist of Project 1808, Inc., and Freelance writer ‘Roaming in the Mountains of Kabala Republic.’

Project1808 is a Madison, Wisconsin-based nonprofit organization dedicated to improving community livelihood and technical capacity through school, university, and community projects and global partnerships in Sierra Leone. Project1808 was founded in 2009 by Sierra Leone native Dr. Alhaji N’jai and became an official 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization in the United States in 2011.

Project1808 is committed to optimizing partnerships between educational institutions locally, within Africa, and overseas, particularly with the involvement of other African countries.

Bill Barr Ramps Up His Showdown With ‘Troubled Man’ Trump in Stunning CBS Interview

He is Like ‘A Defiant 9-Year-Old’ kid who’s always pushing the glass toward the edge of the table

Bill Barr, former Attorney General

Bill Barr, Attorney General during the Trump administration in a CBS interview with Robert Costa on Sunday, June 18, 2023, unload on his former boss.

Former Attorney General Bill Barr has been the talk of the political world for the past week — after his stunning proclamation that former President Donald Trump is “toast” if half of the 37-count indictment against him is true. Now, after a week of personal insults from the former president, Barr is fighting back with an utterly brutal assessment of his old boss.

In a stunning CBS interview on Sunday with Robert Costa, Barr doubled down on his opinion that Trump has only himself to blame for his current predicament.

Bill Barr, Attorney General during the Trump administration in a CBS interview with Robert Costa on Sunday, June 18, 2023, unload on his former boss.

‘This is not a circumstance where he’s the victim or this is government overreach,’ Barr said. 

‘He is a consummate narcissist, and he constantly engages in reckless conduct that puts his political followers at risk and the conservative and Republican agenda at risk,’ he said. 

Asked if he believes Trump lied to the Justice Department, Barr said, ‘Yes, I do.’

He then added this jaw-dropping postscript:

‘He will always put his interests and gratifying his own ego ahead of everything else, including the country’s interests. There’s no question about it. This is a perfect example of that. He’s like a 9-year-old — a defiant 9-year-old kid who’s always pushing the glass toward the edge of the table, defying his parents to stop him from doing it. It’s a means of self-assertion and exerting his dominance over other people. And he’s a very petty individual who will always put his interests ahead of the country’s, and the personal gratification of his ego. But our country can’t be a therapy session for a troubled man like this.’

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The Department of Justice made history on Friday, June 9, 2023, unsealing a 37-count indictment against former President Donald Trump related to his handling of classified documents after leaving the White House.

No other president has ever faced federal charges, let alone the prospect of a lengthy prison sentence if convicted (an aide, Walt Nauta, was also charged with helping Trump conceal records).

A View of a Part of Freetown

The City is a Market

Freetown the F-R-E-E T-O-W-N: A sprawling slum from east to west

Leaders need to think less politically and stop seeing people as mere 'constituencies' and votes. Because it is those political calculations that are responsible for the inaction of the leaders on many of these issues.

The capital, Freetown, has turned into a sprawling slum. From east to west, it has lost shape, looking less and less like a nation’s capital. What used to be a small, beautiful city on the coast has become extremely busy and overpopulated with no Law and Order. Freetown needs to be free from its freeness; that is what this piece is about.

Establishing the problem here can be done quite effortlessly.

You only need to step out —and are met with a frenzy from virtually all directions and sources.

The city is a market. And it is looking like a slum too. Everyone is selling everywhere. In fact, the norm now is that every new building must have a shop on the ground floor, regardless of the location —commercial or residential zone.

Commercial motorbikes (Okadas) and their cousins’ three-wheelers (kekehs) scattered like an upset swarm of bees crisscrossing the roads with passengers whose life expectancy drops every time they get on one of them.

They make their own rules. In fact, they have no Rules. They can choose to drive in the opposite direction without any consideration for the law or other road users. There are Okada and Kekeh stations everywhere.

Okada and Kekeh stations everywhere

People who own restaurants and bars can install the loudest speakers and play their music way into the night without consideration for anyone or any rules. The churches and mosques are no different.

They use religion to take advantage of communities that are overly respectful of anything that carries the name of God.

Street workshops/garages are popping up everywhere, and you wonder how this is even allowed to happen when there is someone somewhere paid to stop it. Abandoned vehicles? All over the place.

There is filth everywhere. It's either piles of garbage at street corners or litter all over. Communal garbage disposal sites have all disappeared and huge new buildings have popped up where they used to be. And in Freetown today, you have no chance of shielding yourself from this disorderliness, regardless of where you live. Everyone in the city and its neighbor, the rural district, lives in a slum by default. You have no choice. Sad! but this is our reality.

How did we get here?

We inherited a beautiful city from our ancestors, and instead of improving on it and keeping what deserves preservation, we have basically undone Freetown.

We have turned it into an eyesore, and the destruction goes on as we turn Lumley Beach into a massive colony of 'baffas' and as we continue to build into the hills, leaving the landscape looking patchy -increasing the pressure on the environment, contributing to the deadly floods and mudslides that we have been seeing.

Its Citizens and, Everyone with authority should take responsibility for this mess.

Politics would not allow the leaders to make decisions that are in the interest of everyone.

They would rather let dangerous bikes take over the City. Allowing traders turn the City into a market and leave everyone to build where they want _instead of taking action to protect the residents and maintain order and peace in the nation’s capital.

The central Government introduced decentralization but has been unprepared to let go, and it seems to be locked in a perennial war with the current administration of the city. Reason? Politics.

Whether this is true or not does not really matter. What is important is that the Government and Freetown City Council have not been able to work together for the good of ‘Freetonians,’ to borrow a word from Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr.

The Mayor has recently been concentrating on a lot of environmental projects. She is working hard on heat and climate adaptation. This is important considering how fast the globe is heating up and how climate change is impacting the lives and livelihoods of ordinary people. However, we seem to have dropped the ball on the basics, including sanitation; and law and order. The Council has a set of clearly written bylaws. If we enforce half of those laws, the city would not be in this ‘dorti-kata’ and ‘chaka-chaka’ slum state.

The transport authorities and the police are also complicit because they have turned law enforcement into an enterprise. No one is safe on the roads. Police officers and road safety personnel are busy chasing bike riders all day, not to stop them from breaking the rules but for extortion. The sight of police chasing Okadas and hassling them resembles scenes from Tom and Jerry. Jokes!

All of this goes back to some very unfortunate Sierra Leonean peculiarities. We usually have zero consideration for the other person. As long as ‘ar don get sai for pak me motor car, na go ar go so.’ Whatever happens after that is somebody else’s problem. We have lowered the standards on everything—from food and quality of life to development projects and even politics. No standards. So, we could all be sitting on filth in the city and everyone—the Government, the Council, and all the authorities would be fine with it, and they would tell you, ‘We don try’. This national laisser-faire attitude affects the way we the people appreciate and appraise leadership and also influences the leaders’ behavior in office.

A lot of these issues have socioeconomic roots. People are desperate to make a living. So, they sell everything, everywhere.

There are too few jobs and opportunities for young people in the country. So, a lot of them see Okada or Kekeh as employment.

Housing is a massive problem. It is a crisis that we have not acknowledged. Everyone is desperate to build everywhere either; to escape predatory house owners or the well-to-do building of more properties. These are real everyday issues affecting working people. They are also signs that things are becoming extremely hard for people. But there has to be a balance between livelihood and sanity in the city. There also has to be due consideration for the safety and well-being of everyone living in the city. We cannot turn the Capital into a state of anarchy just because the government has failed to look after its citizens and guarantee a life of dignity.

What is the future of Freetown? Should we give up and start thinking of a new capital? Or, can we, and should we try to salvage what's left of Freetown?

Whatever course we choose as a nation, it would require bold, visionary leadership at both central and local government levels to make any changes. Leaders need to think less politically and stop seeing people as mere 'constituencies' and votes. Because it is those political calculations that are responsible for the inaction of the leaders on many of these issues.

If other small countries and cities can get it right, why can’t we?

Original Publication February 11, 2023

Caps Off to You, Graduate!

Estelle Nyandah Edwards

LaSalle University Class of 2023

Congratulations to Estelle Nyandah Edwards on her four-year journey at LaSalle University. We're so proud of you and honored to celebrate graduation day with you! As an Explorer, you never lost. You value the pursuit and exploration of knowledge and faith. 

It finally paid off after years of hard work and sacrifice— a degree in Forensic Psychology and Criminal Justice. Your program of study allowed you the opportunity to excel in the Judiciary Field. Your future is beyond bright.

May 13, 2023 Commencement

La Salle News

Click or Tap to Take a Look Back: La Salle graduates across all 3 schools reflect on their journeys

Highlight reel - Commencement 2023: Prepared for whatever comes next

“Classmates, when you enter the world, continue to remind yourself about how powerful the education is that you received at La Salle. Believe in how much you can accomplish, and if you are ever in doubt, bet on yourself. Use the tools in your toolbox and apply them to every situation you face.”

— Leah Brown, ’23, Student Commencement speaker

Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr End Of Tenure Message

Freetown City Council

March 1, 2023

Dear Freetonians 

Pursuant to a letter from the Minister of Local Government dated 8th February 2023 instructing all Mayors, Chairpersons, and Councillors to “vacate” the Local Councils on 1st March 2023, I write to inform you that my tenure as Mayor of Freetown ends today. (For the record, this directive is in contravention of Section 137 of the Local Government Act 2022 which provides for local councils to be dissolved at the earlier of the dissolution of Parliament [25th April 2023] or the fifth anniversary of the first council sitting [30th May 2023]).

I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to serve Freetonians and to embark with you on our collective journey to #TransformFreetown. Yesterday, in a Press Conference at the Freetown City Council, I presented the Transform Freetown Four-Year Report which details our interventions and progress made between January 2022 and January 2023. A copy of the report is attached and copies of the First Year, Second Year, and Third Year Transform Freetown Reports can be accessed here https://fcc.gov.sl. I am excited about our achievements over the course of my tenure despite the many challenges I encountered personally and by the Freetown City Council as an institution. 

#TransformFreetown is about transforming lives. Yesterday I was grateful to receive surprise visits and gifts from ordinary Freetonians, market women, and street sweepers, who gave moving testimonies about the 1000s of jobs created during my tenure and their own experiences of personal economic empowerment, growth, and development. 

Yesterday afternoon was spent in a fun-filled farewell event with the FCC Staff during which I handed over to Chief Administrator Festus Kallay the 3 decorative mayoral chains as a symbol of the authority of the office of the mayor. It was wonderful to use that opportunity to inform FCC staff that after over 3 years of working on this, the FCC salary harmonization process had finally been completed, and a transparent system of salary bands that objectively reflect qualifications, experience, and length of service was being implemented for all staff from February 2023! 

yvonne aki-sawyerr, OBE: mayor of freetown from May 2018 to February 2023

Celebrations of the end of my tenure continued in the evening with a cocktail event. I was so pleased to share the celebrations with All People’s Congress (APC) Party Flagbearer Dr. Samura Kamara, US Ambassador David Reimer, UK High Commissioner Lisa Chesney, Irish Ambassador Claire Buckley, World Bank Country Manager Abdu Muwonge, Tony Blair Institute Country Lead Mariama Anthony-Williams, EU Delegation Representative Serena Bertaina and many others development partners and stakeholders. 

One of the highlights of the evening was a performance by the children from the FCC Congo Water Market Early Learning Adventure Center. These bright, confident, and assertive children of the Congo Water market women warmed my heart and are themselves a true representation of the work we have done to #TransformLives!

Yesterday was also an opportunity to thank God and to thank my family who have been incredibly supportive of me and without whom I could not have hoped to succeed. I was pleasantly surprised and deeply moved by a video that was shown at the event in which my mother shared her perspectives on the work that I have done and the impact it has had on the lives of others. (The video is attached below.)

Thanks must also go to the APC party and particularly to Former President HE Ernest Bai Koroma for entrusting the APC Mayoral symbol to me in 2018. I am grateful to the APC not only for the symbol but also for their support throughout my tenure.

#TransformFreetown is a collective action so my deepest thanks are extended to the FCC Councillors and Staff, members of the Mayors Delivery Unit (past and present), our development partners both in the country and abroad, to the central government, and most of all to Freetonians. 

I leave office today grateful to have had the opportunity to serve, impact lives, raise awareness about climate change and design and implement interventions to address this major risk and other challenges in our city, and develop and embed systems and processes at the Freetown City Council that provide a foundation for sustainable development.

May I use this opportunity to wish Freetonians and all Sierra Leoneans a peaceful and democratic 24th June 2023 elections and a bright and prosperous future for our beloved city and nation. May God bless us all.

©️Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr OBE

Sierra Leone: Devastation After Fuel Tanker Collision

Around the Wellington PMB area

By Theo Edwards

A fuel tanker exploded following a collision in the capital of Sierra Leone, Freetown, killing at least 99 people and injuring a dozen others, officials said.

The explosion took place late on Friday, November 5, 2021, after a vehicle struck the tanker in Wellington, a suburb east of the capital, Freetown.

Fuel spilled before igniting, and the resulting inferno engulfed bystanders, those trying to scoop fuel from the tanker, and vehicles at a busy intersection.

Several badly burned victims lay on the streets as flames blazed through shops and houses nearby. The extent of property damage was as yet unknown. Several eyewitnesses narrated in a video. Dozens of people are feared dead.

President Julius Maada Bio, who was in Scotland attending the United Nations Climate Change Conference in a Tweet, said he was “deeply disturbed by the tragic fires and the horrendous loss of life.”

People survey the extent of the damage

Charred Motorcycle

In pictures (Courtesy BBC): Sierra Leone devastation after Freetown fuel tanker collision

Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr said she saw “harrowing” photos, according to the BBC Africa.

After visiting the scene, Vice-President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh said it was a "national disaster."

Doctors and nurses were doing their best under very difficult conditions with limited resources and equipment to provide care

President Julius Maada Bio on Sunday declared three days of national mourning following the death of over one hundred people. He promised to set up a Presidential Task Force that will investigate the causes of the disaster and make recommendations for change.

Mass Burial in Freetown. Many of the victims burnt beyond recognition - will be buried in the same cemetery as victims of the 2017 landslide

Mass Burial in Freetown. Many of the victims burnt beyond recognition will be buried in the same cemetery as victims of the 2017 landslide.

Last updated: 11/13 - 06:56 EST.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in a statement issued by his Spokesperson on Saturday, that he was “deeply saddened by the extensive loss of life”, resulting from the crash, when the tanker collided with a lorry at a busy junction in the suburb of Wellington, spilling fuel, before igniting.

“The Secretary-General extends his deep condolences to the people and Government of Sierra Leone, and wishes those injured a speedy recovery”, said the statement.

Support on-going

“The United Nations is prepared to provide the necessary support in the aftermath of this tragic incident”, it continued.

The UN Office in Sierra Leone also issued a statement, wishing “fortitude and peace to the bereaved families, and the Government and people of Sierra Leone, in this period of grief.”

“Furthermore, as partners in the country’s development aspirations”, the UN family in the West African nation said it was closely monitoring the situation and would work with the Government to overcome what the country’s Vice-President, Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, reportedly described as a “national disaster”, after visiting the scene of the crash.

Specialized support

The World Health Organization (WHO) tweeted on Saturday that it was “mobilizing specialized supplies.”

“We are working to deploy burnt-patient care experts. We will provide more support as needed, at this terrible time for the people of Sierra Leone.”

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Stay on top of Sierra Leone's latest developments on the ground with YAME (pronounced yuh-may) fact-based news and exclusive video footage.