Sierra Leone State House in Flames
FREETOWN, SIERRA LEONE: State House Inferno. On April 12, 2025, the last bastion of Sierra Leone civilization was up in smoke. The State House is the official residence of the president of Sierra Leone. It is home to the offices of the president, senior presidential staff, and associate aides. The State House is located at State Avenue, Tower Hill, in central Freetown.
State House | April 12, 2025
FREETOWN, SIERRA LEONE: State House Inferno. On April 12, 2025, the last bastion of Sierra Leone civilization was up in smoke.
Situated in the heart of Freetown on State Avenue in Tower Hill, the State House serves as the official residence of the president of Sierra Leone. It also houses the offices of the president, senior presidential staff, and associates.
The fire broke out at approximately 4:00 p.m. today on the 4th floor of the West Wing, engulfing the offices of Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella and Press Secretary Yusuf Keketoma Sandi, according to initial reports.
The National Fire Force and law enforcement agencies were notified. Four hours later, the fire was brought under control and an investigation is currently in progress. The exact cause of the fire remains unknown. Please refresh the page later for more updates.
The Ministry of Information and Civic Education issued a statement and urging the public to remain calm.
“The Ministry of Information and Civic Education.”
Ironically, Julius Maada Bio, the President of the Republic, was abroad attending a three-day forum from April 11 to April 14. This forum, the 4th Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF2025), was organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye.
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“The rampant vandalism of government infrastructure in Sierra Leone has led to the ‘Adopt a Community’ initiative: Neighborhood Crime Watch.”
As the fires sweep through Sierra Leone with increasing intensity, it is alarming to see the absence of any effective safety measures and public awareness to protect communities and prevent further devastation.
A preliminary investigation has revealed that the reckless behavior of certain individuals led to the death of one person and property damage at the Shalimar Building Fire in Waterloo, located on the outskirts of Freetown. This incident occurred around 1:00 AM on the night of Sunday|Monday, April 13-14.
The Video and Interview, the morning after:
Then, on the morning of Tuesday, April 15, 2025, a fire occurred at the complex of the 34 Military Hospital Medical Store — The Video.
In the early hours of Tuesday, April 15, 2023, a fire gutted the medical facility of the government '34 Military Hospital,' which is currently undergoing an upgrade. The facility houses medical supplies.
Information reaching this outlet is said to be under investigation.
This incident underscores the alarming rise in fire outbreaks throughout Sierra Leone, highlighting critical concerns about public safety, infrastructure resilience, and emergency preparedness.
“Information and Civic Education Minister Chernor Bar provided an update on the State House fire that occurred on Saturday, April 12, 2025.”
Theo Edwards for YAME Digital
Sierra Leone on TIER 2 Orange — Travel Visa Sharply Restricted Visa — Draft List
"Affluent business travelers could be permitted entry, but not individuals traveling on immigrant or tourist visas, according to The New York Times. Citizens from these countries must also undergo mandatory in-person interviews” ~ New York Times.
Theo Edwards for YAME Digital‘Affluent business travelers could be permitted entry, but not individuals traveling on immigrant or tourist visas, according to The New York Times. Citizens from these countries would also be required to undergo mandatory in-person interviews’ ~New York Times.
The list is subject to change and requires approval from the Trump administration, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The draft visa ban reflects the executive order known as the Muslim ban issued during Trump's first term. This order restricted travel and refugee resettlement from several predominantly Muslim countries.
The draft list categorizes countries into three distinct groups, each with varying levels of restrictions:
The first level, 'Red', faces a full visa ban affecting 11 countries.
The second level, labeled 'Orange,' has strict visa restrictions, which affect tourists, students, and other visa categories.
The third-level 'Yellow' countries have 60 days to address all concerns raised by the United States.
How did Sierra Leone end up in the orange category of restricted visas?
Reasons can be found in the US State Department 2023 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices in Sierra Leone, and the current state of affairs.
READ US State Department 2023 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Sierra Leone
It provides a thorough analysis of human rights issues, including credible reports of arbitrary or unlawful killings, harsh and life-threatening prison conditions, and arbitrary arrests or detentions, among others.
The government took some steps to identify and punish officials who may have committed human rights abuses, but impunity persisted.
WATCH: The analysis, the reasons for the ranking, and potential remedies for Sierra Leone!
“USA To Impose Travel Ban on Sierra Leone: Is Sierra Leone the Worst African Country?”
Liberian Authorities Intercepted Drug Trafficking From Sierra Leone Worth About $77k
Liberian authorities intercepted drug trafficking from Sierra Leone worth about $77k.
Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency – Public Relations Office | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | 17 March 2025At approximately 10:45 PM. on March 17, 2025, Joint Security received a tip-off regarding a black pickup truck with Liberian license plate A533348 transporting narcotics. The vehicle was reportedly traveling from Sierra Leone to Monrovia through Lofa County.
Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency – Public Relations Office | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | 17 March 2025
LDEA FOYA DISTRICT INTERCEPTS MAJOR DRUG SHIPMENT WORTH OVER $77k
Foya District, Lofa County - March 17, 2025 – The Joint Security of Foya District, led by the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) Lofa County Commander and the team has successfully intercepted a significant drug shipment valued at USD 77,200.
At approximately 10:45 PM. on March 17, 2025, Joint Security received a tip-off regarding a black pickup truck with Liberian license plate A533348 transporting narcotics. The vehicle was reportedly traveling from Sierra Leone to Monrovia through Lofa County.
Acting swiftly on the intelligence, the Joint Security team headed by the LDEA intercepted the vehicle and escorted it to the Foya Police Station for a thorough inspection. The driver, identified as Fayiah Lamie, a 43-year-old male from the Mandi tribe and a resident of Monrovia, initially claimed to be transporting only clothes and slippers for sale.
Upon conducting a detailed search of the vehicle, authorities uncovered 772 plates of high-grade marijuana - Estimated street value of(USD 77,200) seventy-seven thousand, two hundred United States dollars (equivalent to 14,668,000 LRD) Fourteen million, six hundred sixty-eight thousand Liberian dollars. 8 boxes of Tramadol estimated street value of (USD 842) eight hundred forty-two United States dollars (equivalent to 160,000 LRD) one hundred sixty thousand Liberian dollars.
Suspect Fayiah Lamie was immediately arrested and is currently undergoing investigation. He is expected to be formally charged and sent to court.
The LDEA remains committed to combating drug trafficking and ensuring the safety and well-being of Liberians. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
“Drug Bust: In Video”
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Visa Restriction Policy on Undermining the Democratic Process in Sierra Leone
Today, we are announcing a new visa restriction policy for individuals involved in undermining democracy in Sierra Leone. This decision reflects the commitment of the U.S. to support Sierra Leoneans’ aspirations to have free and fair elections.
Statement by Secretary of State Anthony J. Blinken
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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