Sierra Leone Unapproved Construction: Juba in Peril
The environmental impact of this uncontrolled growth is also evident. Plastic waste and blocked drainages paint a picture of growing neglect. Coupled with the chaotic atmosphere creates an unsettling environment and erodes the quality of life for all residents.
The illegal residents reportedly cut into the pipes for water access
We must act now before another preventable disaster strikes
The environmental impact of this uncontrolled growth is also evident. Plastic waste and blocked drainages paint a picture of growing neglect. Coupled with the chaotic atmosphere creates a chaotic and unsettling environment and erodes the quality of life for all residents
Juba, once a high-end neighborhood in Freetown, finds itself battling a complex and pressing issue: a dense network of unauthorized settlements encroaching directly onto critical infrastructure, including its vital water pipelines. These makeshift structures built on the city's main water pipe - the lifeline connecting the Guma reservoir to the wider community in Freetown - pose a significant risk to both the community and individuals, raising concerns about safety, sanitation, and environmental protection.
Unapproved construction can compromise the integrity of these vital pipes, leading to potential leaks, disruptions, and even contamination. Additionally, the settlements often lack proper sanitation facilities, raising the specter of hygiene concerns and disease outbreaks.
The environmental impact of this uncontrolled growth is also evident. Plastic waste and blocked drainages paint a picture of growing neglect. Coupled with the chaotic atmosphere, it creates an unsettling environment and erodes the quality of life for all residents.
The situation is further complicated by allegations of colluding between the residents, Freetown City Council (FCC) officials, and Members of Parliament. Bi-monthly payments to FCC officials from illegal settlers and claims of unauthorized electricity access through EDSA payments raise serious questions about the erosion of the rule of law, despite official regulations prohibiting such connections in unauthorized settlements.
Juba's predicament is not an isolated incident; it reflects a larger challenge faced by law-abiding residents in Freetown. This development is not simply about illegal settlements but the complex interplay between politics, governance, and the erosion of trust in certain institutions.
While the reasons for these irregular settlements might be multifaceted, their impact on the Guma pipeline and the wider Juba community is undeniable. The illegal residents reportedly cut into the pipes for water access, potentially compromising the entire system's integrity and jeopardizing the water supply. This raises questions about the long-term viability of such a development, for the community and the broader infrastructure network.
Finding solutions demands a comprehensive and unbiased assessment of the situation, a firm commitment to upholding regulations, and collaborative efforts from community members and relevant authorities like the National Disaster Management Agency, Guma Valley, ONS, FCC, EDSA, and Members of Parliament. Only through such collective action can Juba and other neighborhoods reclaim their communities, where safety, sanitation, and environmental well-being are not negotiable luxuries but fundamental rights for all law-abiding residents.
This is not a time for finger-pointing. We must act now before another preventable disaster strikes with potentially catastrophic consequences. Juba is a stark reminder of the human cost of inaction and the urgent need for responsible governance, community engagement, and a renewed commitment to the rule of law.
Bob Jusu reportingRelated
Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr on Facebook: Guma Valley Water Company communication unit reported
Sierra Leone Colonial Report for 1914 - Annual: compared to the present population.
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.
PCMH Extensive Hours of a Power Outage
Unfortunately, things have reached a point where people are resorting to social media to express their frustration. Dr. Jeredine George, a Specialist Obstetrician Gynecologist working at the National OBGYN hospital, PCMH normally called 'cottage' wrote about the extensive hours of a power outage.
There is no shame in this. There’s no hiding. We need help at PCMH
Dr. Jeredine George, a Specialist Obstetrician Gynecologist working at the National OBGYN hospital, PCMH normally called 'cottage' wrote about the extensive hours of a power outage
‘Ar ready for the on-call tiday: bring it on!’
April 23, 2024
Dr. Jeredine George, a Specialist Obstetrician Gynecologist working at the National OBGYN hospital, PCMH normally called 'cottage' wrote about the extensive hours of power outage.
She posted on her mobile status with the caption "Ar ready for the on-call tiday: bring it on!" She was ready, she said. What she wasn't ready for was the extensive hours of power outage that came with it.
If you don't know me, my name is Dr. Jeredine George, and I'm a Specialist Obstetrician Gynecologist working at the National OBGYN hospital, PCMH normally called 'cottage.'
My team is on call every Monday, and yesterday was no exception. There was a lights-out in the hospital from 9:15 PM yesterday until 8 AM today.
Let me give you scenarios of what this implies: Nurses and doctors examining patients with phone torches, patients who required oxygen did not get it, babies who needed oxygen while in their mothers' wombs did not get it, and as a result, we lost a baby immediately after surgery because it was in distress before delivery and some oxygen to the mother would have helped it.
Before you ask, the solar installed in the compound serving both hospitals can only last for a maximum of 5 hours in full capacity, and this was what was in operation till 9:15 PM.
The generator owned by the hospital can serve only the operating theatre.
Nurses had to admit, care for, and give medications to patients in the dark! if they're lucky, by the use of their phone torches or that of the patient's relatives.
'This is not an attack on anyone or anything in particular, but a desperate cry for help from a clinician who experiences daily what the average Sierra Leonean pregnant woman is facing just because the system is failing them.
Dr. Jeredine George
There are many issues at PCMH! and we need help.
I'm typing this and crying because we had a terrible night: my junior doctors and I have not slept a wink since 8 AM yesterday.
We are not complaining about the workload or salary but that the working conditions should be better and that the patients who are promised free health care receive it.
‘They come to the hospital with nothing expecting free treatment but lo and behold they have to purchase almost everything needed for their survival.’
Sometimes, we take from our meager salaries and purchase these consumables for them not because we have to spare but because we cannot sit down and watch patients die because they can't afford them.
There is no shame in this, there is no hiding. We need help at PCMH.
What pained us the most was that the children's hospital in the same compound had a generator that provided power throughout the night, at the time the "cottage" hospital was in darkness.
If you're reading this and are passionate about maternal health, please help us get the help we need. Not on paper but physically that patients can benefit from!
Do not ask whether the authorities know because they do and maybe there's nothing, they can do so we need much bigger help.
The issues are numerous at PCMH, but yesterday's duty brought to light the very sad conditions under which clinicians are forced to work.
I've never done this before; I had complained to different individuals but not on such a large platform.
Maybe it's about time we get help.
P.S.: We had two maternal near misses and many other incidents during the on-call; thankfully, we managed them and had no mortality.
Thanks to all the staff who worked during the night of Monday 22nd April 2024: you all are heroes. May God bless the works of your hands.
'Una bear me,' I'm crying as I'm typing this:
#e-mona
office of the minister: Ministry of health | Dated 24th April 2024
While no one takes responsibility at the Ministry of Health for the death of a child at the PCMH, the Ministry has acknowledged that health facilities across the country are faced with electricity challenges due to the ongoing electricity crisis.
There was a leadership challenge at PCMH, also, according to MoH.
These challenges have only now been addressed after the unfortunate death of the child, with the posting appointment on Wednesday, the 24th of April the Acting Medical Superintendent, Dr. Amadu Sesay, with immediate effect.
Thanks to all concerned citizens who reached out to us to voice their level of frustration with the current state of affairs in the motherland.
#Don't-Be-Afraid-to-Speak-Out
Early Rainfall Causes Havoc at Portee: Freetown City Council Communication
The heavy rains in the early hours of this morning were accompanied by the return of an unfortunate habit – some Freetonians emptying their garbage into gutters and waterways during the rain.
April 23, 2024
Truly disgusting! This filth is a product of our attitude towards waste management.
The heavy rains in the early hours of this morning were accompanied by the return of an unfortunate habit – some Freetonians emptying their garbage into gutters and waterways during the rain.
The rains have come early and jumped ahead of our flood mitigation plans. FCC flood mitigation activities started at Juba Bridge on 3rd April.
After about five days we moved onto the canal at Lumley which had also become an illegal dumpsite last year. From there work began and is still ongoing at Kroo Bay.
The heavy rains in the early hours of this morning were accompanied by the return of an unfortunate habit – some Freetonians emptying their garbage into gutters and waterways during the rain.
As a consequence, we saw an overflow of several key drains and gutters across the city, including at Portee. This unfortunate practice is most often done by but is not limited to residents living in hillside communities that cannot be accessed by sanitation vehicles.
Speaking about the Council’s efforts, Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr said: ‘The Deputy Mayor, the Chief Administrator, the FCC team, and I were out on the streets until way after dark to ensure that we effectively addressed the situation at Portee and elsewhere. All roads were cleared, and residents were sensitized in the process.
FCC flood mitigation activities will continue for the next few weeks. We are confident that within a few days, the positive impact of the recently expanded public space cleaning and the continued flood mitigation activities will yield positive results.
Additionally FCC is in the process of strengthening our sanitation bylaws; we are hopeful that parliamentary approval for that will be granted soon.
In the meantime, a reminder to us all that garbage on the streets doesn’t fall from the skies. Freetonians please don’t throw your garbage in the streets, gutters, and waterways and please do not use ‘Clean Salone’ Please only use FCC-approved waste service providers who operate with tricycles or vehicles. Thank you!’
The cleanup effort
The people and central and local governments have to change their mindset.
Debris on the New Road at Portee was completely cleared. Flood mitigation work across the city continues.
Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr on 'X' formally Twitter
Foreign Airlines Conspiring To Cut Us Off Lagos—London Route
Allen Onyema, Chairman of Air Peace, has raised the alarm over the alleged conspiracy by foreign governments to frustrate his airline out of business. He alleged the airline was being segregated, calling on the Nigerian government to do more to ensure the operation is sustained.
Air Peace CEO Raises Alarm
Tuesday, April 9, 2024; 22:30:14 WAT | Abdulyassar Abdulhamid for Daily Trust
Allen Onyema, Chairman of Air Peace, has raised the alarm over the alleged conspiracy by foreign governments to frustrate his airline out of business.
Recounting his experience on the Lagos-London route during an interview on Channels TV’s ‘Politics Today’, on Tuesday, he said Air Peace commenced its London flight with special students’ fares to make traveling affordable for students going to study.
He alleged the airline was being segregated, calling on the Nigerian government to do more to ensure the operation is sustained.
“We are aware that there are devilish conspiracies. All of a sudden airlines are under pricing below the cost. One airline is advertising $100 and the other $350. If you peel up your entire aircraft and carry people on the wings it is not even enough to buy your fuel.”
Why are they doing that? Their government is supporting them because Nigeria has been a cash cow for everybody. The idea is to take Air Peace out and the moment they succeed in taking Air Peace out, Nigerians would pay twenty times over. It would happen, God, forbids it if they can take Air Peace out.
What is happening is scary. On the inaugural flight out of London 24 hours they moved us to another checking area. The place they gave us things was not working. When you are checking people you need to manually carry the load to go 50 metres and drop it. This was just 'to delay.' No other airline faced that. We were denied a slot. Festus Keyamo had to travel to London with us to warn them. He told them if they continued the foolish act, the Nigerian government would retaliate.
The government of Nigeria is behind Air Peace but the government has to do more now that there is evidence that unofficial statements are taking this airline.
Systemic Change and Greater Sovereignty
Bassirou Diomaye Faye, 44, the opposition candidate in the recent Senegalese election, was sworn into office on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, as the West African nation's fifth president. He's now also Africa's youngest elected president. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye will be succeeding Macky Sall who ruled Senegal since 2012.
Promises made by Bassirou Diomaye Faye during his inauguration on Tuesday, April 2, 2024
Bassirou Diomaye Faye, 44, the opposition candidate in the recent Senegalese presidential election, was sworn into office on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, as the nation's fifth president. He's now also Africa's youngest elected president.
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye will be succeeding Macky Sall who ruled Senegal since 2012.
“Before God and before the Senegalese nation, I swear to faithfully fulfill the office of President of the Republic, of the Republic of Senegal, to observe as well as to conscientiously abide by the provisions of the constitution and the laws, to devote all my power to defending the constitutional institutions, the integrity of the territory, national independence and to spare no effort to achieve African unity.”
Senegal's Newly elected President Bassirou Diomaye Faye addresses the audience after he took the oath of office as president during the inauguration ceremony in Dakar, Senegal April 2, 2024. Photo credit: REUTERS/Zohra Bensemra
More solidarity is also needed between African nations to tackle security threats, the freshly minted leader said to an audience of officials and African heads of state in Diamniadio near Dakar, the capital city.
Over a dozen heads of state and regional representatives attended the inauguration, including Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu, Ghana's President Nana Akufo-Addo, and African Union Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat. The military juntas of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger also sent representatives.
In Pictures | President Diomaye Faye of Senegal Inauguration
“The victory of President Diomaye Faye of Senegal is showing the world there is some hope in the African democracy.
May his presidency bring about the desired changes to the good people of Senegal & the entire West Africa.”
President Boakai Suspends FIA Director General Stanley Ford
Executive Mansion, Monrovia — The President of the Republic, H.E Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has suspended, with immediate effect, Mr. Stanley Ford, Director General of the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA), for allegations of financial and other malpractices at the institution.
EXECUTIVE MANSION
PRESS RELEASE - March 30, 2024
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has suspended, with immediate effect, Mr. Stanley Ford, Director General of the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA) for allegations of financial and other malpractices at the institution.
The President has made it clear that there is no tolerance for any form of malpractice and, as such, he has directed the Ministry of Justice to undertake a comprehensive investigation into the matter. He expressed confidence that the investigation will ensure that justice is served.
The President has further urged Mr. Ford to submit himself to the investigation and cooperate fully to make sure that the matter is resolved expeditiously.
This move by the Liberian Leader is a clear demonstration of his commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that public officials are held accountable for their actions.
Nigerian Woman Faces Seven Years in Prison For Writing a Damning Online Review of Tomato Puree
For writing an online review, Chioma Okoli faces up to seven years in prison for her views; she said a can of tomato puree was too sweet. The company asked Nigeria's police to arrest her and is suing her for £3 million (three million pounds.)
Chioma Okoli faces up to seven years in prison for her views; she said a can of tomato puree was too sweet
Perkin Amalaraj for DailyMail
For writing an online review, Chioma Okoli faces up to seven years in prison for her views; she said a can of tomato puree was too sweet. The company asked Nigeria's police to arrest her and is suing for £3 million (three million pounds.)
A Nigerian woman is facing up to seven years in prison for writing a damning review of a can of tomato puree after its maker accused her of damaging its business.
Chioma Okoli being criminally prosecuted and sued in a civil court after she made negative comments about a product made by Nigerian food maker Erisco Foods
Chioma Okoli, a 39-year-old businesswoman based in Lagos, the country's largest city, is being criminally prosecuted and sued in a civil court after she made negative comments about a product made by Nigerian food maker Erisco Foods.
She called on her 18,000 Facebook followers to share their thoughts about Ericso's Nagiko Tomato Mix, after sharing a picture of an opened can of the product and saying it was too sweet.
One commenter said: 'Stop spoiling my brother's product. If [you] don't like it, use another one than bring it to social media or call customer service.'
Okoli responded: 'Help me advise your brother to stop ki**ing people with his product, yesterday was my first time using it, and it's pure sugar.'
She called on her 18,000 Facebook followers to share their thoughts about Ericso's Nagiko Tomato Mix
The businesswoman, who's currently pregnant with her fourth child, was arrested by plainclothes officers from Nigeria's national police in September while she was in church and told CNN that she was made to stand around in a leaky cell for hours.
'There were no seats, so I stood all through till the next day. My legs were inside the water [that came in from the leaking roof]', she said.
'Sometimes, I squatted to reduce the pressure on my legs. I was thinking about my children who were at home. I was talking to myself. I would think, I would pray, I was messed up,' she added.
Okoli was criminally charged with two separate crimes, the most serious of which could land her behind bars for up to seven years.
She was charged with conspiring with two other individuals with 'the intention of instigating people against Erisco Foods Limited', and may have to go to prison for up to seven years.
Okoli was also charged with 'instigating Erisco Foods Limited, knowing the said information to be false', a crime that could end with her going to prison for three years, having to pay a fine of seven million naira (£3,950).
The company's CEO Eric Umeofia has come under fire in Nigeria for his threatening behavior against Okoli
He revealed her address to the nation during an interview about the ongoing legal battle
Erisco itself is also bringing a civil lawsuit against her, after claiming earlier this year that 'several suppliers' cut ties with the company following her remarks, and is seeking 5 billion naira (£2.8 million) in damages.
She has launched two countersuits against the police and Erisco, which her legal team has described as a David vs. Goliath battle, for their treatment of the businesswoman.
Amnesty International said: 'Harassment and intimidation of Chioma Okoli must end now.'
The company's CEO Eric Umeofia has come under fire in Nigeria for his threatening behaviour against Okoli.
He revealed her address to the nation during an interview about the ongoing legal battle, which her lawyer, Inhibehe Effiong, said was done 'without regard for the security and safety of Chioma, her husband, and her entire family.'
He also told broadcasters that he would 'rather die than allow someone to tarnish my image I worked 40 years to grow.'
The behavior of the police and Erisco has come under fire from groups across the world.
Amnesty International said: 'Harassment and intimidation of Chioma Okoli must end now.'
Senegal's Opposition Leader Bassirou Diomaye Faye Set to Become President
Senegal’s little-known, 44-year-old opposition leader Bassirou Diomaye Faye was named the country's next president on Monday, less than two weeks after being released from prison to run in the election. Faye’s victory reflected frustration among youth with high unemployment and concerns about governance in the West African nation. In his first speech delivered as president-elect late Monday, the former tax inspector promised a fresh chapter following the months of violence and many political arrests that led up to the election.
Senegal’s little-known, 44-year-old opposition leader Bassirou Diomaye Faye was named the country's next president on Monday, less than two weeks after being released from prison to run in the election.
By NEWS WIRES: Monday, March 25, 2024
Senegalese opposition presidential candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye addresses his first press conference after being declared winner of Senegal's presidential election in Dakar on March 25, 2024. © John Wessels, AFP
Faye’s victory reflected frustration among youth with high unemployment and concerns about governance in the West African nation. In his first speech delivered as president-elect late Monday, the former tax inspector promised a fresh chapter following the months of violence and many political arrests that led up to the election.
While official results of Sunday's vote were not yet available, the former prime minister who was the other frontrunner, and who was backed by incumbent President Macky Sall, conceded defeat based on preliminary results. Sall followed with congratulations, also naming Faye as the winner.
Faye’s victory reflected frustration among youth with high unemployment and concerns about governance in the West African nation. In his first speech delivered as president-elect late Monday, the former tax inspector promised a fresh chapter following the months of violence and many political arrests that led up to the election.
Youth unemployment a major issue in Senegal's presidential elections
“I pledge to govern with humility and transparency and to fight corruption at all levels. I pledge to devote myself fully to rebuilding our institutions," he said, restating promises made during his campaign.
Faye, who was backed by popular opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, has vowed to improve Senegal's control over its natural resources by promoting national companies to prevent the country from falling into what his campaign called “economic enslavement.” He ran in the place of his close ally Sonko, who was barred from running due to a prior conviction.
Sonko was also released on March 14 after months in prison to jubilant celebrations in the capital, following the president's announcement of a political amnesty.
The outgoing president Sall, who triggered violent protests earlier this year when he unsuccessfully tried to postpone the election until the end of the year, described the outcome of the vote as a victory for Senegal. His former prime minister and the loser in the race, Amadou Ba, wished Faye success in a statement shared by his campaign team.
The election on Sunday followed months of unrest ignited by Faye and Sonko's arrest last year, and concerns that the president would seek a third term in office despite constitutional term limits. The violence shook Senegal’s reputation as a stable democracy in a region that has seen a wave of coups. Rights groups said dozens were killed in the protests, while some 1,000 people were jailed.
The expected winner of the election, Faye is a former tax collector and was little known until Sonko named him as his heir.
His roots lie in a small town in central Senegal. He is a practicing Muslim, and has two wives. Ahead of Sunday's election, Faye published a declaration of his assets, and called on other candidates to do the same. It lists a home in Dakar, and land outside the capital and in his hometown. His bank accounts hold roughly $6,600.
“I would even say that he is more honest than me. I place the project in his hands,” Sonko told supporters at a joint news conference in March of last year. Weeks later, Faye was arrested and jailed on various charges, including defamation.
Alioune Tine, founder of Afrikajom Center, a Senegalese think tank, said the outcome of the vote proved Senegal would survive after a difficult year that had undermined the population’s faith in democracy.
“From prison to the presidential palace,” said Tine. “The only country in Africa capable of withstanding a disease of its democracy that has shaken all its institutions, profoundly shaken its society, only to recover from it.”
International analysts said a change in leadership in Senegal would come as a relief after months of violence, but raised new questions about the foreign policy of the new government at a time when the coastal nation is becoming an oil and gas producer.
On Monday night, Faye outlined some early foreign policy priorities, which included reforming the troubled West African regional bloc known as ECOWAS.
“A win by the opposition also means major changes ahead in domestic and foreign policies,” said Rida Lyammouri of the Policy Center for the New South, a Morocco-based think tank, adding that a promise to move away from former colonial power France could define the foreign policy of the country’s new government.
Across neighboring countries in the Sahel, including Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, that recently experienced military coups, sentiment has turned against France. The ruling juntas have ended military cooperation with France while turning instead to Russia for support.
The vote was largely peaceful with a high turnout, observers said. Early counts showed voters turned out overwhelmingly in favor of the opposition. Sonko promised a resounding victory on his YouTube channel. By the evening in Dakar, Faye had been declared the winner, and celebrations erupted in Dakar.
In neighborhoods around the capital, supporters danced, played music, and set off fireworks until late at night.
“Our democracy will emerge stronger from these results,” said Ndeye Sow, 27. “We’re delighted, there was no violence here, serenity is the order of the day.”
More than 7 million people were registered to vote in a country of roughly 17 million. To win, candidates had to secure more than 50% of the vote. It was Senegal’s fourth democratic transfer of power since gaining independence from France more than six decades ago.
Time for a New Era
The call for change is not just a desire but a necessity if we're to break free from the shackles of the past and chart a new course for our nation. Let us heed this call and embrace the promise of a better tomorrow, with integrity and progress reigning supreme. In the heart of Sierra Leone's political landscape lies a deep-seated yearning for change. Far too long, our nation has been held hostage by the grip of aging politicians who have failed to deliver on their promises and have instead perpetuated a cycle of despair and disillusionment.
Op-Ed: Alpha Amadu Jalloh (The FOX: Sierra Leone Telegraph: 12 March 2024
Sierra Leone call to replace old politicians with fresh faces —
Op—Ed
The power to shape our destiny lies in our hands. Let us not squander the opportunity for change. But seize it with both hands and forge a path towards a brighter future for generations to come.
In the heart of Sierra Leone's political landscape lies a deep-seated yearning for change. Far too long, our nation has been held hostage by the grip of aging politicians who have failed to deliver on their promises and have instead perpetuated a cycle of despair and disillusionment.
Time for a new chapter, a chapter, written by the hands of the young and genuine, who possess the vigor and integrity to lead our country forward.
The Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) and the All Peoples Congress (APC), two pillars of our political framework, have long been dominated by the same faces. Faces that have become synonymous with stagnation and corruption.
Politicians, who have been entrenched in power for decades, have grown out of touch with the aspirations and needs of the people they are meant to serve. Their presence has stifled innovation and progress, leaving our nation languishing in the shadows of its potential.
As Sierra Leoneans, we must come to terms with the reality that the status quo is no longer acceptable. We cannot continue to allow our future to be dictated by those who have failed us time and again. The time has come for the old guard to step aside and make room for fresh perspectives and untainted ideals.
It is undeniable that Sierra Leone is blessed with a wealth of young talent and genuine individuals who possess the passion and dedication to bring about real change. These are the voices that deserve to be heard. The voices that can breathe new life into our political landscape and usher in an era of prosperity and progress for all.
However, the path to change will not be easy. The entrenched interests of the old guard will undoubtedly resist any attempts to loosen their grip on power. But we, the people of Sierra Leone, must stand firm in our resolve and demand accountability from those who claim to represent us.
We must reject the notion that politics is a game reserved for the elite few, and instead embrace a more inclusive and representative democracy. Every Sierra Leonean deserves a seat at the table, and only by working together, that we can overcome the challenges that lie ahead.
The time for complacency is over. We must seize the moment, as an opportunity to redefine our nation’s destiny and reclaim our rightful place among the community of nations. Let us come together, young and old, to build a brighter future for all Sierra Leoneans.
Finally, the call for change is not just a desire, but a necessity if we are to break free from the shackles of the past and chart a new course for our nation. Let us heed this call and embrace the promise of a better tomorrow, with integrity and progress reigning supreme.
Sierra Leoneans, the power to shape our destiny lies in our hands. Let us not squander this opportunity for change but rather seize it with both hands and forge a path towards a brighter future for generations to come.
Source: Op-Ed: Abdul Rashid Thomas | Alpha Amadu Jalloh (The FOX: Sierra Leone Telegraph: 12 March 2024
Related
“We asked for little, but so much is taken away from us. People had hopes ‘Here comes our Robin Hood,’ instead, it turned out to be Animal Farm.”
Now, these statements are more relevant than when he says them.
The Paran Affair
A Microcosm of Sierra Leone's Political Entitlement
How those in power—Napoleon and his fellow pigs—pervert the democratic process. An embedded narrative, in which the characters become the story. George Orwell, Animal Farm.
Animal Farm as Relates to Humans and Society
How those in power—Napoleon and his fellow pigs—pervert the democratic process. An embedded narrative, in which the characters become the story.
—power has swallowed politicians’ common sense
Mayor on The Front Line
Mayor on The Front Line documentary is not just about politics. It's a battle for the soul of democracy. Elections must be fair, credible, and transparent. Mayor on the Front Line follows Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr as she fights to win a second term in the midst of one of Sierra Leone’s most fiercely contested elections. She confronts the hard realities of politics in a country still scarred by the horrors of a bloody civil war.
Africa Eye brings you original investigative journalism revealing secrets and rooting out injustice in the world’s most complex and exciting continent. Nothing stays hidden forever.
Democracy in Crisis
BBC Africa Eye documentary
Mayor on the Front Line follows Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr as she fights to win a second term in the midst of one of Sierra Leone’s most fiercely contested elections. She confronts the hard realities of politics in a country still scarred by the horrors of a bloody civil war.
After filming this documentary, the Agreement for National Unity was signed, under the terms of which she assumed office on October 30, 2023, with other elected officials of the All People’s Congress (APC) Party. As the re-elected Mayor of Freetown, She is working with the central government, development partners, and Freetonians to continue the journey to Transform Freetown.
With unique access to Aki-Sawyerr, her team, and her family, the film offers insight not only into the highs and lows of Sierra Leonean politics but also the personal cost of a life in the political limelight.
During her bid for re-election for a second term, she finds herself on the front line of a democratic crisis. As election season ramps up, her campaign faces intimidation, violence, and international concerns over the integrity of the election process.
Watch the full BBCAfricaEye documentary
Mayor on the Front Line follows Aki-Sawyerr as she confronts the hard realities of politics in a country still scarred by the horrors of a bloody civil war.
Since being elected in 2018, Freetown mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr has won international plaudits for her commitment to fighting the myriad challenges facing the capital of Sierra Leone, one of Africa’s poorest countries.
Credit: BBCAfricaEye: Africa Eye brings you original investigative journalism revealing secrets and rooting out injustice in the world’s most complex and exciting continent. Nothing stays hidden forever.
Twisted Situation
The Court granted an order for the boy to be taken away from his parents and put in a foster home — the challenges of raising children in our African context away from Africa.
By Angela Brooks
The challenges of raising children in our African context away from Africa
The Court granted an order for the boy to be taken away from his parents and put in a foster home — the challenges of raising children in our African context away from Africa.
A mother scolded/punished her 10-year-old son, and the son probably told an outsider.
It got to the Police and then to Court.
The Court granted an order for the boy to be taken away from his parents and put in a foster home.
The boy now realizes his mistake and wants to go back home.
The Court granted an order for the boy to be taken away from his parents and put in a foster home —the challenges of raising children in our African context away from Africa.
Video Courtesy
He then ran away from his foster home and went back home.
Unfortunately, the Court order still stands, and the Police came and picked up the boy.
Zoo Lifestyles
What is this about my people? I am curious to know! Is this the way genuine, hard-working Businessmen spend money? Ozo Enyi Okunaenyeife of Abagana, lavish parties to welcome a one-year-old child to life's tortuous and elaborate journey.
Ozo Enyi Okunaenyeife of Abagana
Lavish parties to welcome a one-year-old child
What is this about my people? I am curious to know! Is this the way genuine, hard-working Businessmen spend money?
Ozo Enyi Okunaenyeife of Abagana—as he Celebrates his son's 1st Birthday on January 28, 2024.
It was reported to the media as a total shutdown.
See what people are doing with money in this present condition of the country (as the saying, 'Life has no balance at all.')
Tell me! What is this about my people? Is this the way genuine hard-working Businessmen spend money? I'm just curious.
Ozo Enyi Okunaenyeife of Abagana—as he Celebrates his son's 1st Birthday on January 28, 2024.
Video Courtesy
I am very curious to know what type of business can yield this type of money that is squandered with reckless abandon here.
How come Nigerians have not been able to get to the secret of how these youths make such humongous money?
All these lavish parties to welcome a one-year-old child to life's tortuous and elaborate journey?
There is something they are not telling us.
Related
Corruption! The saddest thing in Africa is that you see those who are living in extreme poverty, and yet defending those same criminal politicians that have destroyed their children's futures. That is why we are not yet ready to move forward as a continent.
Liberia: 14 New Appointments to Security Sector, Economy, Ministry of State
(L-R) Maj. Gen. Prince Charles Johnson, Minister-designate, Ministry of National Defense, Brig. Gen. Geraldine Janet George-Johnson, Deputy Minister, Ministry of National Defense, Col. Davidson T. Forleh, COS-designate, AFL (upper right), Col. Theophilus A. Dana, DCOS-designate, AFL.
Thursday, February 1, Boakai nominated fourteen additional officials—consistent with his priority pillars—affecting the Ministry of Defense, the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), the National Port Authority, the National Investment Commission, the Ministry of State, and the Office of the President.
Credit Source
Security Nominees
(L-R) Maj. Gen. Prince Charles Johnson, Minister-designate, Ministry of National Defense, Brig. Gen. Geraldine Janet George-Johnson, Deputy Minister, Ministry of National Defense, Col. Davidson T. Forleh, COS-designate, AFL (upper right), Col. Theophilus A. Dana, DCOS-designate, AFL.
— AFL Chief of Staff is the Defense Minister-designate
The pace at which President Joseph Nyuma Boakai is setting up his cabinet may appear rather tedious to some, but, true to his sense as a farmer, there’s no sweetness in forced ripeness. There’s a lot to unpack from this parable, but suffice it to say, that those who feel he’s going too slow with his appointments will be just fine.
However, the order of his appointments so far is a rather solid indicator of what his priority pillars have been from the start—and in this order—National Security, the Economy, the Office of the President, and then everything else.
The good news is that the list is getting longer each time, which perhaps suggests he’s hopefully picking up the pace.
On Thursday, February 1, Boakai nominated fourteen additional officials—consistent with his priority pillars—affecting the Ministry of Defense, the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), the National Port Authority, the National Investment Commission, the Ministry of State, and the Office of the President.
There are four new security sector appointments. Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief of Staff of the AFL, Major General Prince Charles Johnson, III, and Brigadier General Geraldine George-Johnson, respectively, have both been retired and appointed as Minister and Deputy Minister (respectively) of the National Defense.
With the change of guard in the AFL top brass comes Col. Davidson T. Forleh, promoted to the rank of Brigadier General and nominated for Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia, succeeding Maj. Gen. Johnson. Meanwhile, Col. Theophilus Dana has been nominated as Deputy Chief of Staff, succeeding Brig. Gen. George.
The transition from the AFL to the Defense Ministry may appear to be a natural career shift for those with leadership acumen in the national army. After all, it’s the most obvious transition. However, given the more diverse opportunities for professional development offered by the AFL, Liberian soldiers who excel could see themselves transitioning to other areas than the Ministry of Defense.
For example, Liberians were quite impressed at various road and sidewalk construction works neatly and professionally done by soldiers. Could we soon see a soldier appointed to the Ministry of Public Works? The idea is not far-fetched, since Cllr. Tiawan Gongloe, a candidate in the October 2023 presidential election, pledged to appropriate military manpower to the agricultural sector. In fact, trailblazing the path is none other than the outgoing Minister of Defense, retired Maj. Gen. Daniel D. Ziankahn, who is being nominated for an ambassadorial post.
So there are five from the security sector out of this list of 14 appointments.
Economy
Pushing his economic agenda, President Boakai has made two appointments to the National Port Authority — Sekou Dukuly, Managing Director, and James Bernard, Deputy Managing Director for Administration. Dukuly holds a Master of Business Administration degree in Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations from Augsburg University, Minneapolis, Minnesota. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from the University of North Dakota.
At the National Investment Commission (NIC), the President has appointed Jeff Blibo, Chairman, and Melvin Sheriff, Executive Director. Blibo is probably best known as the CEO of Union Strong, a well-known solar energy dealer in Liberia for more than 20 years. Sheriff has worked at the NIC for more than 13 years and, up to the time of his appointment, served as Director of Concessions and Public-Private Partnerships. He holds a BSc in Business Management and Accounting from AME Zion University (Liberia) and a Master of Science Degree in Economics with an emphasis in International Finance from Shanghai University.
Ministry of State
Coming in at the Ministry of State are Madam Mamaka Bility and Mr. Samuel A. Stevquoah, both serving as Ministers of State Without Portfolio. Stevqoah will also be in charge of special services under his designation.
Working directly with the Minister of State for Presidential Affairs will be Attorney Cornelia Kruah Togba as Deputy Minister for Administration. Kruah Togba’s appointment brings a youthful gender balance to her Minister-proper, Amb. Sylvester Grigsby, Minister of State for Presidential Affairs. As a licensed lawyer and a politician in her own right, she’s one to watch as an understudy for much bigger assignments.
Also coming to the Ministry of State will be Madam Ora Richards, as Deputy Minister for Budget and Finance.
Last but not least on this list is Ms. Morie Yaude Nemah, Executive Assistant, Office of the President. Nemah has served as Boakai’s Executive Assistant for several years and will continue in this capacity at the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs.
According to a release from the office of the Presidential Press Secretary, Ministry of State, these nominations, where applicable, are subject to confirmation by the Liberian Senate. Meanwhile, the Liberian Leader, Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia, hereby directs the Ministry of Defense and Chief of Staff to conduct the appropriate procedures consistent with established military protocols.
Also on the news!
“President Boakai Makes Additional Appointments in Government”
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has nominated additional officials to positions in government affecting the Ministry of State, the National Port Authority, the National Investment Commission, the Ministry of Defense, the Armed Forces of Liberia, and the Office of the President.
The nominees include:
Madam Mamaka Bility, Minister of State Without Portfolio, Ministry of State
Mr. Samuel A. Stevquoah, Minister of State without Portfolio/Special Services, Ministry of State
Attorney Cornelia Kruah Togba, Deputy Minister for Administration, Ministry of State
Madam Ora Richards, Deputy Minister for Budget and Finance, Ministry of State
Mr. Sekou Dukuly, Managing Director, National Port Authority
Mr. James Bernard, Deputy Managing Director for Administration, National Port Authority
Mr. Jeff Blibo, Chairman, National Investment Commission
Mr. Melvin Sheriff, Executive Director, National Investment Commission
Major General Prince C. Johnson retired and was nominated as Minister of the Ministry of Defense
Brigadier General Geraldine George, retired and was nominated as Deputy Minister for Operations, Ministry of Defense
Major General Daniel D. Ziankahn, nominated as Ambassador-Designate
Col. Davidson T. Forleh was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General and nominated for Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia
Col. Theophilus Dana, nominated as Deputy Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia
Ms. Morie Yaude Nemah, Executive Assistant, Office of the President, Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs
These nominations, where applicable, are subject to confirmation by the Liberian Senate.
Meanwhile, the Liberian Leader, Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia hereby directs the Ministry of Defense and Chief of Staff to conduct the appropriate procedures consistent with established military protocols.
Related
Liberia's New President Joseph Boakai
Takes office with a promise to unite and rescue Africa’s oldest republic
The Paran Affair
The investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission into allegations against Hon. Paran Tarawally and his wife, Abibatu Paran Tarawally, has uncovered a staggering misuse of public funds. The recovery of Le 151 million Old Leones, paid as salary to Mrs. Tarawally for nineteen months without her presence in Parliament, not only exposes the dubious conduct of a public official but also sheds light on the larger problem of entitlement within Sierra Leone's political family.
By Basita Michael (Lawyer, Former ICL Lecturer FBC, Founder Sierraeye Magazine and Sierraeye Debate, Former President SLBA, Governing officer ILRAJ)
A Microcosm of Sierra Leone's Political Entitlement
By Basita Michael (Lawyer, Former ICL Lecturer FBC, Founder Sierraeye Magazine and Sierraeye Debate, Former President SLBA, Governing officer ILRAJ)
The investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission into allegations against Hon. Paran Tarawally and his wife, Abibatu Paran Tarawally, has uncovered a staggering misuse of public funds. The recovery of Le 151 million Old Leones, paid as salary to Mrs. Tarawally for nineteen months without her presence in Parliament, not only exposes the dubious conduct of a public official but also sheds light on the larger problem of entitlement within Sierra Leone's political family.
The Parans' case is not isolated; it is emblematic of a larger problem within our political system. It reflects a prevailing attitude of over-entitlement among politicians and their families across successive regimes.
The Pervasive Indifference to corruption and abuse of office
As the investigation unfolds, it becomes increasingly clear that the Parans of our political landscape are symptomatic of a deeper malaise—a pervasive indifference to corruption and an acceptance of abuse of office as a norm.
At a recent meeting with SLPP Parliamentarians, members chanted, "We want we clerk!" "Paran!" "We want we clerk!" "Paran!" This underscores the alarming degree of indifference within our political society. The delayed response from the State House to the issue, followed by the deafening silence of the opposition and civil society, highlights a lack of urgency in addressing corruption concerns. Even the Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Dr. Abass Bundu, made a candid admission, acknowledging the presence of corruption within the administration of Parliament. Subsequently, he offered apologies, signaling a rare moment of transparency and accountability within our political institutions.
The word is the Paran case only surfaced because he dismissed staff and stepped on the toes of others in Parliament. This further suggests that corruption might have persisted undetected without such events and that accountability is driven not necessarily by ethical considerations but by revenge and anger.
A damning indictment of our nation
The Paran Tarawally affair is not just a scandal involving a single public official; it is a mirror reflecting the wider malaise afflicting our political family and that, as a society, we have become immune to the corrosive effects of corruption and abuse of office.
For far too long, the fight against corruption and abuse of office has been reduced to mere campaign slogans. The apparent ease with which individuals exploit their positions for personal gain suggests a systemic failure in our political culture, where accountability takes a backseat to self-interest.
Whether the Parans are indicted or not, the affair serves as a damning indictment of our country's political class and our nation as a whole.
Beyond investigations and apologies
The rot within our political institutions demands more than just an investigation into specific cases or an apology. The pervasive issues within our political institutions necessitate a comprehensive overhaul.
We must initiate systemic changes and reforms within Parliament, aiming for a complete transformation that bolsters transparency, accountability, and efficiency. While Parliament serves as an oversight body, there is an imperative need for an external entity to act as a check on parliamentary activities—a mechanism to "police the police."
On a societal level, the prevailing acceptance of corruption as a viable recourse must be addressed. We have a collective responsibility to safeguard the integrity of our public institutions. This requires a departure from entitlement-driven behaviors that compromise the proper functioning of these institutions and a conscious effort to refrain from incessantly exerting pressure on them, seeking undue favors, contracts, or employment opportunities based on personal connections, such as spouses, friends, relatives, or constituents.
Basita Michael: Lawyer, Former ICL Lecturer FBC, Founder Sierraeye Magazine and Sierraeye Debate, Former President SLBA, Governing officer ILRAJ
Sierra Leone attorney Basita Michael has continually challenged the government on grounds of unconstitutionality, violations of democracy, and breaches of the rule of law. She has been insulted, harassed, and threatened by the male-dominated government, but she continues to speak out in favor of her fellow citizens’ rights and support of the disadvantaged and marginalized.
Basita Michael Profile
Lawyer, Former ICL Lecturer FBC, Founder Sierraeye Magazine and Sierraeye Debate, Former President SLBA, Governing officer ILRAJ
Related
The SLPP Clerk of Parliament and His Wife on Alleged Corruption
Paran Umar Tarawally, the Clerk of Parliament, employed ghost workers, including his wife, and since the said employment, Mrs. Abibatu Tarawally has not been reporting for duties but received salaries.
Word on The Street !!
ACC BOSS TURNS SHIELD FOR CORRUPT PAOPA's
Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. Representative to the United Nations, Arrived in Freetown
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas Greenfield, wheels down in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
U.S.Embassy, Sierra Leone
Lungi International Airport
January 24, 2024
U.S. Embassy in Sierra Leone posted on X, formerly Twitter, that the ‘U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas Greenfield, wheels down in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
Over the next two days, she will have the chance to meet with civil society, young leaders, and government officials. Follow along!’
She had stops in Guinea Bissau and Liberia, leading the U.S. Presidential Delegation to the Inauguration of President-elect Joseph N. BoaKai in Liberia as outlined in a Press Release issued by the U.S. Embassy in Freetown on 20th January 2024.
Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield’s trip to Sierra Leone will advance the Biden Administration’s goals for Africa by reinforcing commitments to democracy, empowering women and youth, promoting regional peace and security, and promoting inclusive and sustainable development.
Follow along!
A moving visit to the Sierra Leone Peace Museum, which honors the victims of the country's decade-long conflict - and works to promote lasting peace.
“The U.S. Government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), will provide US$1.5 million to support electoral reforms in Sierra Leone.”
The support for electoral reforms in Sierra Leone will focus on technical assistance, funding for domestic and international legal analysts, and engaging citizens through civil society.
left to right: Alpha Sesay, Deputy Minister of Justice; Dr. Samura Kamara, APC 2023 presidential candidate; Seraphine Wakana, U.N. Resident representative; Dr. Kaifala Marah; Linda Thomas Greenfield, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations; and Bryan David Hunt, U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Sierra Leone
The visiting United Nations Ambassador, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, announced at the U.S. Ambassador's residence in Freetown.
Present was Dr. Samura Kamara, of the main opposition APC and the 2023 presidential candidate. Deputy Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay. The Tripartite Committee Chairs for Electoral Reforms, Dr. Emmanuel Gaima, Dr. Kaifala Marah, and the U.N. Resident representative, Seraphine Wakana.
“Highlights of today’s events:”
'Appreciated the chance to meet with Sierra Leonean President Bio.' Linda Thomas Greenfield posted on X, formally Twitter.
The visiting U.S. Representative, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, met with President Maada Bio, and she congratulated the president on Sierra Leone’s first term on the UN Security Council.
They also discussed the government’s continued efforts to uphold the National Unity Agreement.
Readout of Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield’s Meeting with Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio
For Immediate Release
A great event in Freetown!
She met with an incredible group of young women leaders including alumni of U.S. education exchange programs to discuss the transformative role women play in Sierra Leone.
At Fourah Bay College and Tombo Fishing Village, she heard from people whose livelihoods were threatened by the climate crisis. She acknowledged that the crisis is already impacting food and health security and that the United States is committed to supporting Sierra Leone and other countries on the frontlines.
She is grateful for the opportunity to strengthen the United States' ties with Guinea Bissau, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, and five days, three countries later, she is heading back to New York.
Liberia's New President Joseph Boakai
‘Liberia exemplified the ideal functioning of democracy as a former President and the outgoing President raised hands together with the elected President in a show of unity for the country’ ~ Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
President Joseph N. BoaKai
January 22, 2024
“Liberia exemplified the ideal functioning of democracy as a former President and the outgoing President raised hands together with the elected President in a show of unity for the country.”
The 79-year-old, who defeated George Weah in a runoff election in November, was sworn in during an outdoor ceremony in sweltering heat in the West African nation's capital, Monrovia.
The Image of the former and outgoing president raising hands with the elected president shows unity and commitment to progress.
Don in traditional Liberian attire, the new president takes office with a promise to unite and rescue Africa’s oldest republic.
In his speech, “Partisanship must give way to nationalism,” Boakai told citizens and foreign delegation members who attended his inauguration ceremony in Monrovia, Liberia’s capital. He listed improving adherence to the rule of law, fighting corruption, and renewing “the lost hope” of citizens as his priorities.
The ceremony, however, was cut short while he was delivering his inauguration speech as BoaKai began to show signs of physical distress due to the sweltering heat.
The 79-year-old since has been declared 'perfectly fine' by his doctors, his office says.
Mr. Boakai already had been sworn in as Liberia's oldest-ever president. He was delivering his inauguration speech when it became clear that he was having difficulty continuing.
Boakai has dismissed concerns about his age, arguing that it came with a wealth of experience and achievements that would benefit the country.
He was vice president under Liberia’s first female president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf from 2006 to 2018 before being beaten by George Weah in the 2017 election.
Related
Pretty Strong Uppercut Delivered to George Weah in Liberia’s Election
“PRESS RELEASE”
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has appointed Ms. Kula Bonah Nyei Fofana as Presidential Press Secretary.
The appointment made on Thursday, January 25th, 2024, takes immediate effect. Ms. Fofana comes to the position with deep knowledge of public relations and communication.
Ms. kULA Fofana
Kula Fofana Profile
Kula Fofana is Assistant Dean of Student Affairs at David A. Straz Technical and Vocational College of the University of Liberia and a student of the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law. She currently serves as the President of People’s Foundation Africa (PFA), an organization working for marginalized and hard-to-reach communities in Liberia and across Africa.
Before co-founding the PFA, she served the Liberian government as Assistant Minister for Youth Development, Co-Chaired Liberia’s Vision 2030, and headed the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MGCSP) Adolescent Girls Division. She has also consulted with several agencies of the United Nations including UNFPA and UN-Habitat, among others. For many years she worked in civil society organizations on issues related to young women and girls, youth, and vulnerable populations. Kula was a 2019 Senatorial Candidate for the Grand Cape Mount County Senatorial By-Election in Western Liberia.
She holds a Graduate Certificate in International Affairs from American University in Washington, D.C., and a BA in Mass Communications, graduating cum-laude from the African Methodist Episcopal University in Liberia.
Kula is an activist with interests in social and transitional justice, diversity, and feminism. She is also a farmer.
The United States Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas Greenfield, to visit Sierra Leone
The United States Embassy in Sierra Leone confirmed in a statement that Linda Thomas Greenfield, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, will be visiting Sierra Leone this week.
U.S Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas Greenfield
January 21, 2024
The United States Embassy in Sierra Leone confirmed in a statement that Linda Thomas Greenfield, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, will be visiting Sierra Leone this week.
In the statement, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield will hold talks with Julius Maada Bio, the President, as well as engage with the country’s opposition leaders and the international community to discuss progress in the delivery of the National Unity and Peace Accord signed by the government, the main opposition APC and the African Union following the June 2023 post-elections standoff between the government and the opposition APC party.
u.s. embassy, sierra leone - Press Release
She also will discuss the Biden Administration's goals for Africa's commitments to democracy, promoting regional peace and security, inclusive and sustainable development, and empowering women and youth.
Sierra Leone allows ex-president Koroma to leave country on medical grounds
The magistrate overseeing the case on Wednesday ruled in favor of Koroma's lawyers, who had asked the high court to grant Koroma a trip abroad for medical reasons.
The ex-president will be allowed to travel to Nigeria for no more than three months, the magistrate said before adjourning the case to March 6.
Reuters: Updated Wed, January 17, 2024 at 1:23 PM EST
FREETOWN (Reuters)
Updated Wed, January 17, 2024 at 1:23 PM EST
FREETOWN (Reuters) -A Sierra Leone high court on Wednesday allowed ex-president Ernest Bai Koroma, charged this month with treason, to travel abroad on medical grounds.
Koroma, 70, was charged with four offenses for his alleged role in a failed military attempt to topple the West African country's government in November.
There are concerns Koroma's indictment could stoke tension brought by a contentious election in which President Julius Maada Bio was reelected for a second term in June 2023. The main opposition candidate rejected the results and international partners questioned the vote.
Months later, on Nov. 26, gunmen attacked military barracks, a prison, and other locations in Sierra Leone, freeing about 2,200 inmates and killing more than 20 people.
The government said afterward that it was a foiled coup led mostly by Koroma's bodyguards. They summoned the ex-president for questioning at the start of December.
Koroma condemned the attacks shortly after they happened. His lawyers have called the charges "trumped up" and part of a "political vendetta".
The magistrate overseeing the case on Wednesday ruled in favor of Koroma's lawyers, who had asked the high court to grant Koroma a trip abroad for medical reasons.
The ex-president will be allowed to travel to Nigeria for no more than three months, the magistrate said before adjourning the case to March 6.
Sierra Leone's attorney general declined to comment.
Koroma was not in court on Wednesday, a Reuters reporter said. He was granted bail when the court indicted him on Jan. 3 and has since been confined to his home in the capital Freetown.
Nigeria had previously offered to host him temporarily, which he had accepted, according to a letter from West Africa's main regional bloc, the Economic Community of West African States, seen by Reuters.
According to Sierra Leone's penal code, a person found guilty of treason could face imprisonment for life.
Twelve other people also have been charged with treason in connection with the failed coup, including ex-police and correctional officers and a member of Koroma's security detail.
(Reporting by Umaru Fofana Writing by Sofia Christensen Editing by Nick Macfie and Toby Chopra)
Related
Sierra Leone Failed Coup
Information Minister commented on Al Jazeera on the court's ruling granting ex-president Bai Koroma permission to travel to Nigeria on medical grounds.
Chernor Bah, the Information Minister, commented on Al Jazeera on the court's ruling granting ex-president Bai Koroma permission to travel.
Former President Ernest Bai Koroma Formally Charged With Treason
NGC Accuses Dr. Abass Bundu, Speaker of Parliament, of Aiding and Abetting Corruption in Parliament
The NGC calls on Dr Abass Bundu, as the Speaker of Parliament, to demonstrate decisive leadership and uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability. Immediate, transparent, and impartial investigations into the allegations against the Clerk of Parliament must be conducted, and appropriate disciplinary actions, if warranted, should be taken.
National Grand Coalition (NGC) Party, Press Release
National Grand Coalition (NGC) Party, Press Release
14th January 2024
The NGC finds it appalling that despite the serious allegations against the Clerk of Parliament, no concrete steps have been taken by the Parliament’s leadership to address the issue.
Dr. Abass Bundu, Speaker of Parliament, Sierra Leone
NGC believes that corruption should be treated as a criminal offense. Part of the problem in our enforcement effort is the need for adequate, fair, and consistent punitive measures proportional to the crime's nature, extent, and monetary value.
National Grand Coalition (NGC) Party Press Release
National Grand Coalition (NGC)
The SLPP Clerk of Parliament and His Wife on Alleged Corruption
In a troubling revelation, Paran Umar Tarawally, the Clerk of Parliament, employed his wife, Mrs. Abibatu Tarawally, as a Human Resource Officer in Parliament.
The Parliamentary Commission is investigating abuse of office allegations that the Clerk of Parliament employed ghost workers, including his wife, without due process and that since the said employment, Mrs. Abibatu Tarawally has not been reporting for duties but received salaries.
Paran Umar Tarawally, the Clerk of Parliament, Sierra Leone
Reports indicate that Abibatu Paran Tarawally never reported for duty. Mrs. Tarawally's employment as a Human Resources Officer at Parliament, a role she purportedly obtained through her husband's influence, received a substantial gross salary of Le31,735,839 (Old Leone) and additional allowances for medical, rent, and utilities. This amounts to around US$7,000 monthly.
The Bonnie and Clyde Duo: The Clerk of Parliament Paran Tarawally and his wife, Abibatu Paran Tarawally.
The wife has agreed to pay back the money she received as a salary, having hired as a Human Resources Officer at Parliament, and the Commission confirmed they recovered about ninety percent of the money from her so far as the [Parliamentary Commision] continues with its investigations.
It is sad for us as a nation. Concerned citizens are asking why he [Paran Tarawally] is still in an official position.
Greed and Corruption in Leadership!
Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Investigation of Allegations Against The Clerk of Parliament and His Wife
ACC Investigation of Allegations Against The Clerk of Parliament and His Wife
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is accused of double standards when dealing with corruption involving SLPP government officials and party members by misrepresenting the facts to minimize the severity of the crime(s).
A pay stub shows the wife of the Clerk of Parliament had been a ghost employee in parliament and receiving state funds from at least 2021 and not the ten (10) months as stated by the ACC.
A Pay stub for Mrs. Abibatu Tarawally, wife of the Clerk of Parliament, Paran Umar tarawally
Critics say that corruption perpetrated by officials and subordinates is a direct reflection of the SLPP leadership.
Sierra Leone is bleeding cash. Much of the corruption under the SLPP-led administration is highlighted in SL News print.
Theo Edwards for YAME