Netherland's Most Wanted Cocaine Kingpin Hiding in Sierra Leone
NAIROBI/THE HAGUE, Jan 24 - One of Europe's most wanted fugitives, convicted cocaine smuggler Jos Leijdekkers, has found refuge and high-level protection in Sierra Leone, according to three sources with direct knowledge of the matter as well as photos and video footage seen by Reuters. The images and accounts shed fresh light on the role of the West African nation, which international law enforcement officials say is a transshipment point for large volumes of Latin American cocaine headed to Europe. Leijdekkers, also known as ‘Bolle Jos’, is on Europol's list of most wanted fugitives.
Sources: ReutersUPDATED: 7 March 2025: Chief Immigration Officer Alusine Kanneh was sacked and replaced. Expand the article to read the updated information.
Jos Leijdekker
Convicted cocaine smuggler
“Chief Immigration Officer Alusine Kanneh was sacked and replaced. Kanneh is under scrutiny after being identified in a video alongside Jos Leijdekkers, the convicted Dutch drug lord believed to be operating a Narco Hub and Distribution Center in Sierra Leone. The appointment effectively terminates his services.”
The video footage captures a scuffle involving Jos Leijdekkers, also known as 'Bolle Jos,' at Freetown's Scarlet Nightclub in early 2023, alongside a businessman. Kanneh is also visible in the video.
LATEST: Sierra Leone Cocaine Saga: Umaru Fofanah ~ BBC News
“KEY UPDATE: Dutch Prosecution Office”
Jos Leijdekkers, aka Bolle Jos (chunky Jos)
The International Dragnet —WANTED
Dutch public prosecution office has confirmed that the Netherlands’ most wanted drugs criminal Jos Leijdekkers, aka Bolle Jos (chunky Jos), is hiding out in Sierra Leone following reports by investigative platform Follow the Money and the AD.
Leijdekkers (33), who is both on the national and the international Europol most wanted list, was sentenced to 24 years in jail in 2024 for organizing six drug transports comprising some 7,000 kilos of cocaine and for commissioning a murder.
He is also thought to be involved in the disappearance and murder of drug crime linchpin Naima Jilal, whose dead and tortured body was found on a phone impounded during the Marengo investigation.
Who is Jos Leijdekkers (Bolle Jos)
Meet Europe's most wanted drug kingpin and fugitive, Jos Leijdekkers, also known as 'Bolle Jos' (Chunky Jos).
During a recent press conference, Information Minister Chernor Bah indirectly acknowledged the presence of an individual known by the alias Umar Sheriff in Sierra Leone. This individual Jos Leijdekkers, a notorious drug kingpin and fugitive from Europe is also referred to as 'Bello Jos' or 'Chunky Jos' and is believed to have several other aliases. Private Investigative reports indicate that he first entered Turkiye on July 4, 2020, using a German passport under the alias 'Daniel Ernst.'
Multiple investigative agencies suspect that the wanted individual, Joseph Johannes Leijdekkers, possesses a German passport and a Turkiye ID under the name Daniel Ernst. The investigation has revealed that he has been in Sierra Leone since 2022.
The dragnet is tightening. Investigators are uncovering the various identities of Joseph Johannes Leijdekker, also known as 'Bolle Jos,' for a specific reason—the takedown.
REUTERS: Netherlands asks Sierra Leone to extradite cocaine kingpin
This is an ongoing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Exclusive: European cocaine kingpin has high-level protection in Sierra Leone-sources: Reuters
By David Lewis, Stephanie van den Berg and Reade Levinson | January 24, 20255:14 PM EST Updated 17 hours ago
Europol headquarters is pictured in The Hague, Netherlands, November 25, 2019. REUTERS/Piroschka van de Wouw/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
NAIROBI/THE HAGUE, Jan 24 - One of Europe's most wanted fugitives, convicted cocaine smuggler Jos Leijdekkers, has found refuge and high-level protection in Sierra Leone, according to three sources with direct knowledge of the matter as well as photos and video footage seen by Reuters.
The images and accounts shed fresh light on the role of the West African nation, which international law enforcement officials say is a transshipment point for large volumes of Latin American cocaine headed to Europe.
Leijdekkers, who is Dutch, was sentenced in absentia to 24 years in prison on June 25 by a Rotterdam court for smuggling more than 7 tonnes of cocaine. Dutch police have said he was believed to be living in Turkey until recently.
A spokesperson for the Dutch prosecutor's office told Reuters on Friday in response to questions about his whereabouts that he has been living in Sierra Leone for at least six months. Two of the sources who were aware of the situation said Leijdekkers had been in Sierra Leone since at least early 2023.
photos of a church mass in Sierra Leone on Jan. 1, 2025 show Leijdekkers, 33, sitting two rows behind Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio, next to a woman
"It is the highest priority of police and prosecutors to get him to the Netherlands to serve his sentence. We are doing everything we can in that regard," Dutch prosecutors' office spokesman Wim de Bruin said, declining further comment.
Reuters was not able to reach Leijdekkers. The Dutch judges who convicted him noted in their court ruling that he did not mandate an attorney to put forward a defense on his behalf in court. Guy Weski, the lawyer who last represented Leijdekkers in the Netherlands did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Videos and photos of a church mass in Sierra Leone on Jan. 1, 2025, show Leijdekkers, 33, sitting two rows behind Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio, next to a woman.
Reuters identified Leijdekkers by using five different facial recognition tools to compare the man at the church, as seen in a video and images on Facebook and in another video on YouTube, with photos of Leijdekkers released by Europol in 2022. The tools all determined they were a match, ranging between 82 - 98% confidence.
The three sources said the woman was Bio's daughter Agnes and that Leijdekkers was married to her. Reuters could not confirm the relationship. Agnes Bio did not immediately respond to requests for comment sent to her email and her social media accounts. The mass was held at St Joseph's Catholic Church in the president's hometown of Tihun, in southern Sierra Leone.
The three sources said Leijdekkers has high-level protection in Sierra Leone, where they said he frequently spends time. The sources declined to be identified due to the sensitivity of the matter. Sierra Leone's Information Minister and Government Spokesperson Chernor Bah did not immediately respond to requests for comment sent to him via WhatsApp.
MOST WANTED
Leijdekkers is on Europol's list of most wanted fugitives. [click the most wanted to view Europol’s most wanted fugitive.]
In a Sept. 4 update on the wanted notice for him, Dutch police said he was "one of the key players in international cocaine trafficking." They said the 7,000 kg of confiscated cocaine shipments that were behind his 2024 conviction were likely a fraction of his business.
Citing intercepted communications, Dutch police said that Leijdekkers "has probably been laundering tens of millions of euros and hundreds of kilos of gold that may have been earned from the cocaine trade". Reuters has no independent evidence to confirm that.
Over the last two decades, West Africa has become a major transit point for large volumes of cocaine being smuggled from Latin America to Europe, recording a number of large seizures of the drug.
Last year, members of a UK-based crime group were imprisoned for trying to smuggle 1.3 tonnes of cocaine, worth 140 million pounds, into the UK from Sierra Leone. Reuters could not establish if Leijdekkers was involved in the deal.
Dutch prosecutors have offered a 200,000-euro ($210,000) reward for tips that lead to the arrest of Leijdekkers, the highest ever for any Dutch fugitive.
($1 = 0.9513 euros)
The Reuters Daily Briefing newsletter provides all the news you need to start your day. Sign up here.Reporting by David Lewis in Nairobi, Stephanie van der Berg in The Hague, Reade Levinson and Filipp Lebedev in London, editing by Silvia Aloisi and Philippa FletcherOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.Feel free to post your comments in the ‘Post Comment’ section.“Words of caution: Those traveling to/from Sierra Leone at any time. It’s a zoo out there. Be careful. Stay alert.”
“Bio’s administration through the Ministry of Information issued a statement regarding the Dutch cocaine kingpin, Jos Leijdekkers, also known as ‘Bolle Jos,’ who is in hiding in Sierra Leone.”
FREETOWN: Sunday, January 26, 2025 — Sierra Leone's Ministry of Information announced on Sunday that it is investigating media reports suggesting that European cocaine kingpin Jos Leijdekkers is present in the country and receiving high-level protection. The ministry also stated that the government has not received any formal communication regarding Leijdekkers from any state or institution. He further stated that they are committed to ensuring the country does not become a sanctuary for organized crime.
“Europol identifies Dutch Drug Kingpin Jos Leijdekkers, also known as ‘Bolle Jos’, with many aliases.”
Leijdekkers in Europol's list of most wanted fugitives [click the most wanted to view Europol’s most wanted fugitive.]
THE INVESTIGATION: A coalition of international crime agencies, including the Dutch Police, Europol, Interpol, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), is leading the investigation and uncovering the truth at every turn.
The crime agencies have expanded their dragnet to include officials and associates involved in the cover-up of the Bolle Jos case and Mr. Alimamy Bangura, the ambassador to Guinea implicated in diplomatic missions' cocaine trafficking.
Tag: #USEmbassyFreetown
In the words of President Bio: "Because of Democratic Principles..."
18 February 2025: In his remarks to a group of Sierra Leoneans, President Bio stated, "Because of democratic principles, the time wae ar get, ar nor go able change this country." A cross-section of Sierra Leoneans analyzing his comments has a range of differing opinions and perspectives.
Theo Edwards for YAME DigitalBecause of Democratic Principles… ~ President Bio
“In his remarks to a group of Sierra Leoneans, President Bio stated, “Because of democratic principles, the time wae ar get, ar nor go able change this country.”
This is a pivotal moment in history—the president of Sierra Leone is officially waving the white flag in surrender.
People who shut their eyes to reality simply invite their own destruction’ ~ James A. Baldwin.
Some analysts have observed that the President has acknowledged his failures in Sierra Leone, similar to many former presidents before him.
Corruption, Violence, and Division! How Sierra Leoneans Treat Their 'Mama'! Sierra Leone needs a clean start, a fresh beginning. Otherwise, the worst abuses during the past 63+ years would most certainly reappear in more vicious forms!
A shocking confession that he cannot change the country's course has left Sierra Leoneans stunned, as they view it as a public admission of his failure to lead the nation.
To truly grasp the meaning behind his words, it's essential to delve into the definitions of democratic principles. Understanding these core concepts will illuminate their significance and relevance to our society.
What are the definitions of democratic principles?
Democratic principles represent the bedrock of a just and equitable society. They are essential for guaranteeing fair and free elections, allowing every citizen to participate in shaping their government. These principles safeguard fundamental human rights, including the freedoms of assembly, association, personal property, religion, and speech. They uphold the essential tenets of citizenship and the consent of the governed, ensuring that voting rights are protected and that individuals are shielded from unjust governmental actions that threaten their life and liberty. Embracing these principles is vital for fostering a democracy where everyone’s voice matters and human dignity is respected.
So, is President Bio hinting at a different perspective? Take a listen to some analysis.
The country has experienced considerable economic challenges, emphasizing a crucial need for change and improvement.
President Maada Bio's admission revealed his inability to implement the transformative changes our country needs, instead promising to motivate future leaders to undertake this crucial task.
…but “will inspire so many people, and that inspiration will live on…” ~ President Bio.
Call things by their names.
How can someone truly and effectively inspire and motivate future generations while candidly expressing his own doubts about the path to change?
He who feels it knows it—the tiredness, the frustration. To my fellow countrymen, when we feel worn out and weary, remember that the Bible teaches that encouragement brings hope. The verse says, '... he makes everything beautiful in its time' (Ecclesiastes 3:11). So my words of encouragement do not give up. God is mindful of us all and our situation.
Theo Edwards for YAME Digital“Because of democratic principles, the time wae ar get, ar nor go able change this country.” What do you think President Bio is implying? His he simply asking for more time or what? What’s your take? Post your comments in the Post Comment section of the article.
Sierra Leone: A Narco State and Distribution Hub
Mr. Alimamy Bangura, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Guinea, has been declared ‘Persona non grata’ by the Guinean government for allegedly taking part in drug dealing. This comes despite the Ministry of Foreign Affairs denying the allegations and claiming that the diplomat was urgently summoned stateside to provide his account of the 7 suitcases of cocaine and thousands of US Dollars found in the official diplomatic vehicle belonging to the Sierra Leone Embassy in Guinea. West Africa is a major transit point for cocaine trafficked from Latin America to Europe.
Theo Edwards for YAME DigitalUPDATE: Expand and read the updated article for the latest information.
Mr. Alimamy Bangura, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Guinea, declared ‘Persona non grata’ by the Guinean government
“State House Press Release: 24 February 2025”
BREAKING NEWS: Thursday, February 6, 2025 | 5:14 PM EST.
The Guinean government intends to charge Mr. Alimamy Bangura, the Sierra Leone ambassador to Guinea, with operating drug trafficking activities and the disturbing potential involvement of diplomatic missions. His diplomatic immunity is being questioned.
Mr. Alimamy Bangura, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Guinea, has been declared ‘Persona non grata’ by the Guinean government for allegedly taking part in drug dealing. This comes despite the Ministry of Foreign Affairs denying the allegations and claiming that the diplomat was urgently summoned stateside to provide his account of the 7 suitcases of cocaine and thousands of US Dollars found in the official diplomatic vehicle belonging to the Sierra Leone Embassy in Guinea.
Watch the video: KUSH: Sierra Leone's new illegal drug. Contains upsetting scenes, drug use, and references to self-harm and suicide.West Africa is a major transit point for cocaine trafficked from Latin America to Europe.
It is not clear how much suspected cocaine was contained in the suitcases (file photo)
On January 13, 2025, Guinea's government alerted Sierra Leone's counterpart regarding the impounding of a diplomatic vehicle by Guinean authorities. The embassy utility vehicle, marked with diplomatic plates, was stopped in Conakry, the capital of Guinea, after driving from the Kambia border crossing raising suspicions with security officials. In the course of the search, authorities uncovered thousands of United States dollars and seven suitcases packed with cocaine, revealing a serious breach of diplomatic integrity.
Guinean authorities found a Laissez Passér travel permit signed and stamped by the Sierra Leone Embassy in Conakry authorizing the vehicle to cross the border of neighboring Guinea.
The Government of Sierra Leone confirms arrest of official vehicle with suspected Cocaine in Guinea.
The details provided by the Minister at a press briefing on Thursday indicated that the vehicle was intercepted on December 31st, with two occupants—the driver and a passenger.
Despite the ambassador's denial of involvement, his failure to stop the misuse of an embassy vehicle for drug trafficking casts serious doubts on his competence and ability to maintain proper oversight.
It also exposes a broader culture of impunity where those with wealth and connections remain untouchable, while the country’s institutions are weakened by corruption.
A significant threat to governance and security in the region: Credible sources linked to the diplomatic vehicle cocaine saga investigations in Conakry, Guinea, reveal troubling connections between high-ranking government officials and political associates in Freetown and international drug trafficking.
The traffickers and their accomplices must face the full force of the law.
An investigation is currently underway between the governments of Sierra Leone and Guinea to address the serious issue of drug trafficking operations and the troubling potential involvement of diplomatic missions. This effort underscores the commitment to tackle these criminal activities and ensure accountability.
Theo Edwards for YAME DigitalRELATED
“The Stench of Corruption”
If you follow corrupt leader's you become like them.
Corruption is a vile disease that sucks and drains the health out of something good. Corruption in society is an evil moral infection that keeps communities in a state of perpetual sickness. Corruption is a moral virus. It's so potent it leaves its hosts sick, lethargic, and unable to realize and accomplish all that a good person can. Where corruption thrives, poverty, not prosperity, prevails. Wealth is grabbed into the greedy, grubby hands of those who get fat on the toil and labor of good people.
Corruption benefits only temporarily those who participate in it. Everyone else is a victim of the theft, deceit, dishonesty, and lies that corruption feeds on. You need to know that a corrupt person is stealing from you. Corruption is filthy work and despicable acts of treachery done under the table and behind closed doors. It keeps a nation back from true development and progress. Wise investors steer clear of a corrupt environment; they would rather put their resources into a place where the playing field of opportunity is equal for all, not bent towards feeding the financial lust of corrupt members of society.
How many wonderful development projects have been lost because investors didn't want to do business in a swamp of evil? When those great projects go to another nation or place, we all lose. Believe me when I tell you that corruption steals from you. It steals from all of us. Corruption plunders the nation's wealth. People compromise on truth, equity, and fairness, choosing instead to feed off the short-term benefits of crookedness, exploitation, and financial perversion.
Corruption is not just a personal matter; it's a culture, a way of life not just for individuals but for companies, communities, governments, and nations. Corrupt nations hiding behind large companies will seek to invest in other weak nations to take over their assets. They will provide financial loans for much-needed infrastructure with assets they provide, signing contracts by lining the pockets of rotten government officials who participate in this kind of corruption.
Corruption is nothing less than theft and national robbery. A corrupt person steals from everyone in society. We all lose when corruption is rampant. Those who participate in corruption have chosen evil over good, lies over truth, and personal gain over the well-being of all. To be corrupt means to be rotten; when meat is corrupt, it’s rotten and it stinks, rotten meat can't be eaten.
When a person is corrupt, they're rotten and unfit for community membership. A corrupt person should be jailed to protect society from their vile deeds. The government should be protecting us from the foul results of corruption instead of being proponents and participants in it. When corruption becomes systemic, a culture and way of life, it destroys the health of both community and nation.
Now let me tell you something: defeating corruption is very difficult. The love of money is the root of all evil; those who love money will do almost anything to get it. Those who choose to stand up against corruption need to know they will be involved in a war, they will be threatened, vilified, intimidated, marginalized, and ridiculed. These individuals often feel alone as if they are the problem instead of the solution.
Corruption can only be defeated when enough people have had enough and decide to take action against it.
~If the shoe fits, then wear it!
Feel free to post your comments in the ‘Post Comments’ section.
Sierra Leone Must Face Law Firm Jenner’s $8 Million Fee Lawsuit
Sierra Leone must face a lawsuit by U.S. law firm Jenner & Block seeking to recover more than $8 million in fees from the West African country for several years of legal work, a federal judge has ruled. U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan in Washington, D.C. on Thursday rejected Sierra Leone’s arguments for now that there was no valid contract between it and the firm and that the country was immune as a foreign sovereign. The case is Jenner & Block v. The Republic of Sierra Leone, U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, No. 1:22-cv-03599-TSC.
Sources: ReutersThe case is Jenner & Block v. The Republic of Sierra Leone, U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, No. 1:22-cv-03599-TSC.
Signage is seen outside of the law firm Jenner & Block LLP in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 30, 2020. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
Jan 24 (Reuters) - Sierra Leone must face a lawsuit by U.S. law firm Jenner & Block seeking to recover more than $8 million in fees from the West African country for several years of legal work, a federal judge has ruled.
U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan in Washington, D.C. on Thursday rejected Sierra Leone’s arguments for now that there was no valid contract between it and the firm and that the country was immune as a foreign sovereign.
Chicago-based Jenner sued Sierra Leone in 2022 to recover allegedly unpaid fees, arguing that the firm "vigorously" represented the country in a dispute with an iron ore contractor whose claims exposed the country to $1.8 billion in potential damages.
A lawyer for Sierra Leone, Paul Thaler, said he was disappointed Chutkan allowed the lawsuit to move ahead.
“It will be incumbent on Jenner & Block to substantiate the allegations in its complaint as the case proceeds,” Thaler said. “We remain confident in our position and the strength of the Republic’s case.”
A representative for Jenner did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Sierra Leone retained Jenner in 2019 to pursue claims against concessionaire Gerald International Ltd for allegedly breaching a contract to remove and sell iron ore from mines. Gerald subsequently brought claims against Sierra Leone.
Jenner said its work "turned out to be far more complex and voluminous than either party initially contemplated."
Sierra Leone paid Jenner $3.6 million in legal fees between 2019 and late 2021, the lawsuit said, leaving a balance of $8.1 million.
In seeking dismissal of the lawsuit, Sierra Leone said Jenner had not shown it was owed any additional fees. The country disputed the validity of an alleged oral contract for some work Jenner said it performed.
Chutkan said in her ruling that Sierra Leone waived immunity by accepting the terms of Jenner’s engagement letter.
The case is Jenner & Block v. The Republic of Sierra Leone, U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, No. 1:22-cv-03599-TSC.
For plaintiff: Michael Brody and Maria del Carmen Gonzalez of Jenner & Block
For defendants: Paul Thaler, Jackson Nichols, and Casey McKinnon of Cohen Seglias Pallas Greenhall & Furman
By Mike Scarcella for Reuters | January 24, 20251:55 PM EST 
Sierra Leone is an Open Casino Now
On Friday, December 20, 2024, our nation experienced a pivotal moment in its democratic journey. They [Members of Parliament] swore an oath to uphold the Constitution, promote democratic accountability, and safeguard the institutions vital for transparency. Yet, in a collective failure, members of parliament let down the people of Sierra Leone.
Theo Edwards for YAME
The removal of the Auditor General Mrs. Lara Taylor-Pearce
On Friday, December 20, 2024, our nation experienced a pivotal moment in its democratic journey. The Members of Parliament swore an oath to uphold the Constitution, promote democratic accountability, and safeguard the institutions vital for transparency, in a collective failure, they let down the people of Sierra Leone.
Governance in Sierra Leone is strongly influenced by political ideology and party loyalty rather than a strict commitment to ethical principles. Institutions are seen as tools for political agendas and lack the commitment to uphold democratic principles even amid challenges.
“A Tribute to Lara Taylor-Pearce: An Enigma and Role Model to Sierra Leone”
The two dominant pillars of our political framework have solidified ethno-regional divides, leading to political loyalty that prioritizes ethnicity and regional identity over the quality of policy and governance.
A proverb/parable in Krio ‘Yu fohdohn foh mi, a fohdohn for yu,’ in parallel.
If you are too afraid to call things by their real names, you should take a moment to reflect on why you lack the courage to do so. When injustices prevail in society, grievances become widespread and unavoidable. Those with reason and integrity must step forward and tackle these issues, shedding light on the manipulation of power that fuels them.
It would seem that government-appointed officials now have the winning hand. With oversight institutions weakened, corruption emboldened, and accountability sidelined, Sierra Leone risks sinking further into uncertainty.
Sierra Leone has become an open casino
Citizens must have the courage to question the fundamental credibility of their parliamentary representatives, without fear of political backlash.
How can we claim to value integrity and credibility when the very jurists and Members of Parliament—especially those entangled in serious corruption scandals—are the very ones positioned to dismiss the auditor general who bravely exposed misappropriations tied to travel expenses? This alarming reality calls into question their genuine commitment to accountability and justice.
Transparency is vital for maintaining trust in institutions and agencies. It serves as a strong deterrent against corrupt behavior. When processes are open and verifiable, they not only demonstrate institutional integrity but also strengthen public trust in these entities.
Lara, you've done SaLone well and made us proud. Your diligence has helped to further expose the ills of our elected government officials and entitled you to a crown from the Lord and the world at large. Go on and continue to conquer. YOU ARE A WINNER!
Theo Edwards for YAME
Sierra Leone: 63 Years of Abject Failure and the Endless Cycle of Loans
A legacy of visionless leadership and perpetual dependency. Another loan. Another press release. Another moment for Sierra Leone’s so-called leaders to pat themselves on the back while the nation sinks deeper into poverty. The World Bank just approved an $80 million financing package for Sierra Leone — $60 million for budget support and $20 million to prepare for natural disasters. And we’re supposed to celebrate? —enough is enough.
By Reggie Cole — December 14, 2024
A legacy of visionless leadership and perpetual dependency
—enough is enough
By Reggie Cole | December 14, 2024Another loan. Another press release. Another moment for Sierra Leone’s so-called leaders to pat themselves on the back while the nation sinks deeper into poverty. The World Bank just approved an $80 million financing package for Sierra Leone — $60 million for budget support and $20 million to prepare for natural disasters. And we’re supposed to celebrate?
No, this is an indictment of 63 years of abject failure, incompetence, and corruption by both the APC and SLPP.
In a country with 44 minerals, 7 rivers, and arable land that could make us the breadbasket of West Africa, we are borrowing to pay wages.
This is the legacy of these two political parties — a legacy of visionless leadership and perpetual dependency.
Let’s not pretend that natural disasters or pandemics are the root cause of our economic misery. The real culprits are the policy missteps, corruption, and lack of innovation from those in power.
I started a business from my children’s bedroom with a £100,000 loan. Within 36 months, I paid back the lender £1 million, and that business grew to a valuation of £120 million. That’s called vision, hard work, and accountability. Meanwhile, Sierra Leone — a nation blessed with immense natural wealth — has leaders who can’t even keep the lights on without running to the World Bank or IMF, cap in hand.
What kind of foolishness is this?
How can a country with so many resources and potential be reduced to begging for $80 million to survive? This isn’t just incompetence; it’s a national disgrace. While our politicians hoard wealth in foreign mansions and send their children to elite schools overseas, the average Sierra Leonean endures misery, poor infrastructure, and a stagnant economy. The people are robbed blind, yet still wave flags for these failed parties.
APC and SLPP supporters, listen up
If you continue to endorse these thieves, you deserve every struggle you face. Your loyalty is being weaponized against you. Your future is being auctioned off to international lenders who care nothing for your well-being. This is what happens when visionless leaders are allowed to rule unchecked — they trade your prosperity for their personal comfort.
Sierra Leone’s potential is limitless, but until we reject this cycle of corruption, tribalism, and short-term thinking, we will remain beggars at the global table. The answer isn’t another loan or another IMF program. The answer is visionary leadership that can turn our resources into wealth, our potential into prosperity, and our struggles into success.
It’s time to say enough is enough. Sierra Leone doesn’t need another loan — it needs leaders with courage, integrity, and a plan for genuine growth. Until then, expect more loans, more poverty, and more disappointment.
#Lonta!
Auditor-General Responds to Tribunal Report, Raises Concerns Over Findings and Process
The Tribunal’s interpretation of these drafts as separate reports reflects a lack of understanding of standard audit procedures. She described the Tribunal's fundamental misunderstanding of the audit processes within the Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL). The Tribunal claimed two separate reports were prepared for the same audit, a conclusion Taylor-Pearce refuted as misleading. She explained that draft reports are typically prepared by audit teams and reviewed by the Deputy Auditor-General before the final report is signed off.
Article by @sierraeyesalone
The Tribunal’s interpretation of these drafts as separate reports reflects a lack of understanding of standard audit procedures.
Mrs. Lara Taylor-Pearce
She described the Tribunal's fundamental misunderstanding of the audit processes within the Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL). The Tribunal claimed two separate reports were prepared for the same audit, a conclusion Taylor-Pearce refuted as misleading. She explained that draft reports are typically prepared by audit teams and reviewed by the Deputy Auditor-General before the final report is signed off.
Article by @sierraeyesaloneIn a detailed statement dated September 3, 2024, suspended Auditor-General Mrs. Lara Taylor-Pearce has raised significant concerns regarding the findings of the Tribunal that investigated her and former Deputy Auditor-General, Mr. Tamba Momoh. The report, which was circulated on social media on August 29, 2024, has prompted Mrs. Taylor-Pearce to clarify several key points related to the audit process and the Tribunal's conclusions.
Mrs. Taylor-Pearce expressed surprise and disappointment over the Tribunal's handling of the evidence and the conclusions drawn. She highlighted that the audit of the Office of the President was a compliance audit, not a financial statement audit, and that the third-party confirmations referenced by the Tribunal were misapplied. According to Taylor-Pearce, the standards for compliance audits differ from those for financial audits, a distinction that the Tribunal seemingly failed to appreciate.
She pointed out that the Tribunal preferred the testimony of a state witness, despite the lack of supporting evidence or regulatory basis for his assertions. In contrast, the Tribunal dismissed the testimony of an international public sector audit expert, whose credentials and experience far exceeded those of the state’s witnesses. This expert's testimony, which was central to the defense, was largely ignored in the Tribunal’s final report.
Mrs. Taylor-Pearce also addressed what she described as a fundamental misunderstanding by the Tribunal of the audit processes within the Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL). The Tribunal claimed there were two separate reports prepared for the same audit, a conclusion Taylor-Pearce refuted as misleading. She explained that draft reports are typically prepared by audit teams and reviewed by the Deputy Auditor-General before the final report is signed off. The Tribunal’s interpretation of these drafts as separate reports reflects a lack of understanding of standard audit procedures, she asserted.
Regarding the performance audit of the Freetown City Council (FCC), Mrs. Taylor-Pearce described the evidence presented by state witnesses as "baseless, unfounded, and untruthful." She criticized the Tribunal for accepting a narrative that contradicted the established chain of command and procedures within the ASSL, noting that the correct communication channels were bypassed in the witness testimonies.
Mrs. Taylor-Pearce addressed the Tribunal’s findings on conflict of interest and breach of confidentiality, both of which she categorically denied. She clarified that no conflict of interest existed, as she had no close or immediate family relationships with any parties involved in the audits in question. Regarding confidentiality, she explained that the third-party authentication requests were handled in accordance with professional standards, and there was no breach of confidentiality as the letters did not disclose any specific details of the auditee.
In closing, Mrs. Taylor-Pearce questioned the Tribunal’s overall conclusions, given that no direct evidence of wrongdoing or misconduct on her part was presented during the hearings. She reiterated her commitment to upholding the highest standards of public sector auditing and expressed concern that the Tribunal’s findings could undermine the future of independent public sector auditing in #SierraLeone.
Taylor-Pearce also thanked her legal team, led by Mr. Rowland S. V. Wright, as well as her colleagues, family, and supporters for their continued support throughout the process.
From Council Flat to Chaos: How a Londoner Became President of Sierra Leone, and Why It Was Doomed from the Start
A Disconnect from Sierra Leone's Reality. A man who lived in a London council flat for 22 years, unemployed and seemingly disconnected from the everyday struggles of making ends meet, somehow rises to become the President of Sierra Leone. You cannot lead a country into prosperity with a complete disconnect from its history and problems.
By Reggie Cole | 24th August 2024"Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown."
Who the cap fits, let HIM/HER wear it!
By Reggie Cole | 24th August 2024
A Disconnect from Sierra Leone's Reality. A man who lived in a London council flat for 22 years, unemployed and seemingly disconnected from the everyday struggles of making ends meet, somehow rises to become the President of Sierra Leone.
Imagine this: a man who lived in a London council flat for 22 years, unemployed and seemingly disconnected from the everyday struggles of making ends meet, somehow rises to become the President of Sierra Leone.
At first glance, it sounds like a modern fairy tale—a story of unlikely triumph. But what has followed is anything but a fairy tale. Today, the country finds itself in chaos—economically crippled, politically fractured, and socially volatile. How did we get here, and why was this outcome so predictable?
A Disconnect from Sierra Leone's Reality
Sierra Leone Political Map — Dstrict and Chiefdoms — Source: Statistics SL
For over two decades, this individual was living far away from the streets of Freetown, instead experiencing life in London—specifically, in a council flat funded by the UK welfare system. Now, this is not to undermine the struggles of anyone who has faced unemployment or economic hardship. However, governing a nation like Sierra Leone demands more than sympathy—it demands acute, hands-on knowledge of the country’s unique struggles.
The Sierra Leonean people suffer daily from failing infrastructure, chronic poverty, and a devastating history of corruption and tribalism. How can someone who spent years unemployed in a foreign country, insulated from these issues, have any real understanding of the realities facing the ordinary Sierra Leonean? Leadership isn’t something you can grasp from afar. It requires being on the ground, living the struggles, and engaging deeply with the people. This individual’s detachment from these issues left him unprepared to govern effectively.
Lack of Leadership Experience
Leadership, especially on a national level, requires years of experience, decision-making skills, and the ability to navigate complex and sensitive issues. For someone who has been unemployed for over 20 years, the lack of experience in managing even small teams or resources should be a red flag, let alone handling a nation. Running a country like Sierra Leone demands a grasp of everything from economic policy to social justice, international diplomacy to healthcare reform. This role is no place for someone learning on the job. Yet, here we are, watching the country spiral into chaos because of a profound lack of preparedness in the highest office.
Misalignment with the People
Being detached from Sierra Leone for so long, this individual could not possibly understand the heartbeat of the nation. Sierra Leone is a complex country with deep-rooted tribalism, economic hardships, and a fragile political structure. The people’s needs are diverse and urgent: better healthcare, education, reliable infrastructure, and jobs. A leader without intimate knowledge of these realities is bound to be misaligned with the needs of the people. Governance requires connection and empathy—qualities best fostered by living among and understanding the people you aim to serve. In this case, living abroad for decades only created a massive gulf between the leader and the nation.
National Stability Requires Expertise
The truth is simple: governance requires expertise, not just in politics but also in economics, law, and social reform. An inexperienced leader is bound to make critical missteps. Running a country is not like running a household—it requires a strategic approach to problem-solving, international diplomacy, and an understanding of complex systems. When someone with little to no relevant experience steps into such a role, chaos is inevitable. And today, that chaos is Sierra Leone’s reality.
The Predictable Downfall
In the end, Sierra Leone’s current predicament was predictable from the start.
You cannot lead a country into prosperity with a complete disconnect from its history and problems, nor can you tackle tribalism, poverty, and corruption without a deep understanding of the fabric of the nation. Sierra Leone deserved better leadership—leadership rooted in knowledge, experience, and a genuine connection with its people.
What we are seeing today is the consequence of placing an unprepared individual in a position of immense power. The lesson for all of us is clear: leadership matters, and in a country as fragile as Sierra Leone, it’s not something we can afford to get wrong.
A Few More Points on Africa And The Rotating Presidency of The United Nations Security Council
Being on the UN Security Council has nothing to do with any so-called unique status that Sierra Leone holds at the UN, neither has it anything to do with Maada Bio and SLPP’s leadership credentials. Maada Bio and his brigade wanted to pretend that Sierra Leone was the first African country to be at the UN Security Council.
By Chernoh Alpha M. Bah — Africanist Press
August 2024
"Being on the UN Security Council has nothing to do with any so-called unique status that Sierra Leone holds at the UN, neither has it anything to do with Maada Bio and SLPP’s leadership credentials" ~ Chernoh Alpha M. Bah — Africanist Press.
The presidency of the Council is held by each of the members in turn for one month, following the English alphabetical order of the Member States names.
By Chernoh Alpha M. Bah — Africanist PressHere are the points:
A few days ago, we published historical data showing that being on the Security Council and sharing the one-month presidency of the Council is a normal ritual among UN member states. Being on the UN Security Council has nothing to do with any so-called unique status that Sierra Leone holds at the UN, neither has it anything to do with Maada Bio and SLPP’s leadership credentials.
The presidency of the Council is held by each of the members in turn for one month, following the English alphabetical order of the Member States names.
Since 1946, African countries have served as presidents of the UN Security Council for a total of 141 times. This includes countries that are led by dictators of all descriptions. Mozambique is the latest African country that recently served a term in May 2024. They presided over Security Council meetings with a monthly program that had far more events than the current August program that Sierra Leone is moderating.
You didn’t get to hear any noise about Mozambique at the Security Council in May 2024 from Maada Bio and his brigade because they wanted to pretend that Sierra Leone was in fact the first African country to be at the UN Security Council. They also want you to believe that Maada Bio is the only African president that is presiding over a UN Security Council meeting. All the propaganda and deception around the UN Security Council is being executed by the Bio brigade and its allies in a desperate effort to legitimize Bio’s already troubled hijacking of state power in Sierra Leone following the controversial June 2023 elections.
In fact, in the 141 times that African countries have been on the Security Council, the meetings were MOSTLY and ALMOST always chaired by either the designated Permanent Representatives to the United Nations of the said countries, or in certain cases, the countries are represented by their foreign ministers. The presidents of such countries seldomly attend these ritualized rotating proceedings.
Over the years, a few African dictators (mostly politicians with troubled political situations in their countries) have in some cases hijacked the rotating UN Security Council presidential role from their Ambassadors or foreign ministers, and choose to play president of the Security Council for one session or more sessions of talk shows during the tenures of their countries at the Security Council. These African dictators that joined Security Council talk shows in recent years include Alassane Ouattara of Ivory Coast in December 2018, Equatorial Guinea’s Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo in February 2019, and Blaise Campaore of Burkina Faso in September 2008. Maada Bio of Sierra Leone is the latest African politician with a questionable presidential legitimacy to join this list of African dictators who likewise trooped to the Security Council with the intent of laundering soiled presidential legitimacies.
Chernoh Alpha M. Bah — Africanist Press
To further illustrate this, let us take the case of Ivory Coast’s Alhassane Ouattara who presided over the Security Council talk show in December 2018, and in December 2020, he enthroned himself as a third term president in Ivory Coast. His colleague and friend, Blaise Campaore had earlier led the Security Council talk show in September 2008, and in 2010, he also controversially declared himself president following a sham of an election. Few years later, Campaore then tried to amend the country’s constitution to extend his 27-year dictatorship but he was eventually kicked out of power by the young people of Burkina Faso in 2014.
These are just the few examples of the handful of African dictators who saw the Security Council rotating presidency as a launchpad to legitimize and advance authoritarianism in Africa.
But among the few African dictators who hijacked the roles of their foreign ministers or ambassadors to play the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council, Maada Bio of Sierra Leone is the least developed by all standards of measurement. Maada Bio can’t fluently read a written script; Bio is the least sophisticated among Africa’s dictators; and Bio is also the least exposed intellectually and politically.
I will stop here for now until there is a need to further correct the amateur propaganda of the Maada Bio brigade and it’s vacillating allies within the rank opportunists of the compromised opposition in Sierra Leone.
Few days ago, we circulated the list of African countries that have presided over the Security Council since 1946. The list includes the names of people who represented their individual countries during the one month presidential tenures of their countries.
We encourage you to read the list and check the records to see who among Africa’s presidents have used their tax-payers money to blow the loud empty trumpets at the UN Security Council over the years. Then also check the political and economic records of those politicians in their countries, and the political and social upheavals that followed their tenures at the Security Council.
Knowing the past is essential to knowing the present, and to potentially plan for the future.
The list of African countries at the UN Security Council has been circulated on the Africanist Press WhatsApp Forums. Feel free to circulate the list.
Sierra Leone: Small Country, Massive Suffering
Bad economy, no electricity, poor water supply, youth unemployment, the rampant abuse of KUSH, and the rise in crime rate. How did it all fall apart?
We cannot allow the future of our generation to be sacrificed for the sake of those driven by their pursuit of wealth and political ambition.
By Theo Edwards
How did it all fall apart?
Bad economy, no electricity, fraud and corruption, poor infrastructure, poor water supply, youth unemployment, the rampant abuse of Kush, and the rise in crime.
Every blessed day, you will find something to be outraged about.
It pains like-minded Sierra Leoneans to see the stark contrast between the envisioned utopia and the grim reality in Mama Salone, a land abundant with many God-given natural resources.
Our so-called educated elite, leaders, traditional rulers, and religious figures have all become agents of our demise, poisoning the well of our collective aspirations.
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States once said, ‘…nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s true character, give him power.’ Power reveals dishonesty, greed, corruption, and unqualified functionaries in us.
Power consumes one’s ability to use common sense
Sierra Leone has manifested itself into tribal and regional affiliations that have become barriers to meaningful collaboration.
Regrettably, these divisions of tribalism extend to the leadership and various governmental institutions. The specter of politics and political affiliations looms large and appears more important than national interest.
Positions on national issues are based entirely on convenience and not deeply on how things appear good or bad or how we want to hold people in power accountable but on who we try to protect based on affiliation or connections.
Politicians don't give a dam! Not until we Sierra Leoneans treat each other with dignity and value the life of everyone nothing will ever change.
No transparency or accountability oversight. The very essence of democracy
The two sides of our political framework follow the same road. And they both wind up in the same place every single time.
Transparency is an absolute necessity for achieving accountability in any democratic system. It is only when those in power are held responsible for their actions that trust can exist between the government and its citizens. Without transparency and accountability, the government can easily become corrupt and abuse its power, leading to a breakdown of trust and a loss of faith in the entire system.
The pursuit of power has blinded many politicians to the basic needs of humanity, leading to a decline in the quality of life for the general public. The obsession with gaining and maintaining power has consumed the ability to use common sense and make decisions that benefit constituents. As a result, basic needs like access to clean water, healthcare, education, and infrastructure are being neglected, while those in power focus on their self-interests.
READ: ‘Absolute disgrace:’ State institutions are not working as they ought
This selfish behavior not only harms the nation but also weakens the fabric of society as a whole.
It's been sixty-three long years since our independence on April 27, 1961, and yet we still find ourselves trapped in the shackles of mental slavery. Corruption, ignorance, and mismanagement continue to plague our society, serving as the hallmarks of power and control.
It is the sad reality, that despite our freedom, we have failed to break free from the chains that bind us and prevent us from reaching our true potential as a nation.
The people of Sierra Leone have long been asking for very little, but unfortunately, so much is taken away from them. The realities on the ground are all too real and paint a very sad picture
In societies that meet the academic definition of 'good governance,' the government is supposed to meet the needs of the people. However, in Sierra Leone, this is often not the case. Despite the best efforts of some, the needs of the people are often ignored, and their basic rights are frequently violated.
The Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) and the All Peoples Congress (APC), the two pillars of our political framework, have long become synonymous with stagnation and corruption. The level of corruption runs in both directions creating an environment where crime and bribery flourish.
READ: When humanity succumbs to acts of greed and oppression, they are even less than animals
It's a tragic state of affairs and time for a change. We need leaders who are committed and committed to reforms such as taking a harder line against party leaders who've been implicated in corruption and state capture.
The time for our leaders to prioritize the needs of the people they serve, and work together to create a better future for all.
Poverty and Uncertainty occupying the mind! In poverty-stricken societies, people are forced to make desperate choices just to survive. They are willing to eat from any plate, regardless of the source, because hunger knows no boundaries. They are willing to dance for political t-shirts not because they desire them, but because they need clothes to wear. It is appalling that we have allowed these issues to persist, ignoring them until election season when politicians use them to gain leverage. Let us not forget that these are real people with real struggles, not just pawns in a political game. Through effective management of resources and eliminating corruption, Sierra Leone can chart a sustainable path toward a brighter and more prosperous future.
It is time to take action and address these issues with urgency and compassion.
KUSH: Is not only the new face of Sierra Leone but also the new mineral of Sierra Leone. Disheartening!
Because of the enduring impact and the self-interest of our politicians, Sierra Leone has slid into a more dangerous territory due to the rampant abuse of KUSH. A drug that is quickly becoming the new face of addiction in the country. Those who turn to KUSH in search of relief are often met with devastating consequences leading to even worse problems than those it was intended to solve.
Leadership
‘For, it would be useless to chase out the colonial rulers if the Africans who replaced them are just as greedy and ruthless ~Kwame Nkrumah.
As citizens, we only need to look around us to know where we are as a nation. We cannot allow the future of our generation to be sacrificed for the sake of those driven by their pursuit of wealth and political ambition.
Yumkella Shocks No One
Former Flag Bearer of the National Grand Coalition (NGC) Honorable. Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella finally resigned from the party and switched over to the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP).
He wrote, ‘My late wife Philomena and I have always believed that the NGC Party was not meant to be “MY” party but rather a vehicle and an institution for change.'
(C) Culled; Monday, October 16, 2023
Op—Ed Culled ‘Rasta Rambles
‘My late wife Philomena and I have always believed that the NGC Party was not meant to be “MY” party but rather a vehicle and an institution for change.'
Former Flag Bearer of the National Grand Coalition (NGC) Honorable. Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella finally resigned from the party and switched over to the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP).
The inevitable can’t be resisted, even in the best of faith. Yumkella formally resigned from the NGC to return to the SLPP. No one’s shocked. What alliances? It was always a game for him and those who did his maneuvering.
Yumkella played and disrespected his colleagues and supporters from start to finish. How can you resign from a junior partner you led into a coalition only to defect to the majority partner with such callousness?
Hurling further insult at those who were prepared to take bullets for him, he wrote, ‘My late wife Philomena and I have always believed that the NGC Party was not meant to be “my” party but rather a vehicle and an institution for change’.
What an ingrate. They sped up, almost put that thing together for him! Now he’s disowned it.
He not only undermined the NGC’s genuine momentum-building efforts but plotted its fatality. The final blow was joining it with the SLPP months before an election. The NGC got wiped out. Three months later, he resigned. He publicly humiliated those who stayed with him when Dr. Dennis Bright and others left the party in disgust at his selfishness.
But, of course, the plan played out as he wanted. He’s got a job in government. The NGC is deceased, and therefore sod his supporters and those who tied their political ambitions to what they thought was a credible party.
To think that a lot of people saw Yumkella as a positive departure from the rotten political class is perhaps the greatest misplacement of trust in Sierra Leone’s politics.
Suddenly, the realization couldn’t be more pronounced: Yumkella is the archetype, the sample of the Sierra Leonean politician: prioritizing himself and the cult of personality ahead of building and operating within institutional integrity.
Just like a common sycophant, ‘Enti Fos Lady dae for witness,’ he sought validation from the president’s unelected missus while addressing the party faithful in rhetoric. He knows too well, that the people he’s talking to, out of desperation for better lives, would cheer anything but have zero stake in government. But he’s fooling them anyway. Telling them the government is answerable to them. Until a sentence later, the mask slipped. He title-checked the real boss, the person those in the current government are under oath to submit to: Bio’s wife.
Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella (KKY) returns to his roots
Even the visually impaired and the cognitively challenged can read Yumkella’s simplistic rationale for destroying the NGC. He thinks he’s Bio’s successor in the SLPP’s next leadership race and as president after 2028. In his thinking, even the opposition does not exist. Somebody should read him something about Hilary Clinton’s arrogance against Obama and her eventual defeat by Donald Trump. If that’s pushing it, he can read the story leading up to the 2018 elections, where he was a Major protagonist.
But it’s Sierra Leone. The government is the judiciary, the police, the army, and most importantly, the electoral commission.
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