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

Zimbabwe 80-Year-Old President, Emmerson Mnangagwa

August 20, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tagged: Twitter

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

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

August 18, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tagged: #Sierraloaded

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

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

A Johannesburg Explosion That Killed 1, Injured 48

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Foreign Nationals Spotted Jumping Out Of A Moving Bus After Allegedly Being Deported

Extreme measures to avoid being repatriated to their homeland

Heist.money | Opera

The fear exhibited by these Nigerian immigrants is rooted in the harsh living conditions and limited opportunities that they perceive in their home country.

A distressing incident has come to light in South Africa, where Nigerian immigrants facing deportation resort to extreme measures to avoid being repatriated to their homeland. Reports suggest that some Nigerians have resorted to jumping out of moving buses while being transported to the airport for deportation. This desperate act reflects the immense fear and hardship these individuals associated with returning to Nigeria, a country struggling with various challenges. The incident has sparked concern and highlights the complexities surrounding migration and asylum-seeking in both South Africa and Nigeria.

Extreme measures to avoid being repatriated to their homeland

South Africa has historically been a popular destination for African immigrants seeking better economic opportunities and a safer environment. Among these migrants, Nigerians constitute a significant proportion. However, in recent years, the South African government has faced pressure to address immigration concerns and curb illegal immigration, leading to more stringent deportation measures.

The fear exhibited by these Nigerian immigrants is rooted in the harsh living conditions and limited opportunities that they perceive in their home country. Nigeria has grappled with political instability, widespread corruption, economic challenges, and security issues for many years. The lack of adequate infrastructure, high unemployment rates, and poverty further exacerbate the difficulties faced by its citizens.

The incident of Nigerian immigrants jumping out of a moving bus in South Africa highlights the complexities of migration and asylum-seeking.

For many Nigerians who have sought refuge in South Africa, the prospect of returning to their homeland means encountering these hardships once again. The fear of facing persecution, economic hardship, or even danger from criminal elements upon their return has driven some to take desperate measures to avoid deportation.

The incident also brings to light potential challenges within the asylum-seeking process in South Africa. Asylum seekers are individuals fleeing persecution or life-threatening situations in their home countries, and they have the right to seek protection by international law. However, the asylum process can be complex, often requiring individuals to provide substantial evidence of their claims, which may be difficult for some to obtain. Delays in processing applications can leave many uncertain of their fate.

Furthermore, it is essential to ensure that the asylum process is fair and transparent, free from prejudice or discrimination. Mistreatment or abuses faced by some asylum seekers may deter others from seeking legitimate protection.

To tackle the issue effectively, South Africa and Nigeria must work collaboratively to address the root causes of migration and hardships faced by Nigerian immigrants -It involves improving living conditions, economic prospects, and security in Nigeria; so its citizens are less compelled to seek refuge elsewhere.

On the other hand, South Africa needs to ensure that its immigration policies and deportation procedures align with international human rights standards. Treating all migrants, including those facing deportation, with dignity and respect is crucial to fostering an inclusive society.

The incident of Nigerian immigrants jumping out of a moving bus in South Africa highlights the complexities of migration and asylum-seeking in the region. It emphasizes the importance of addressing the underlying issues in Nigeria while ensuring fair and humane treatment of immigrants in South Africa. Collaboration between the two countries, with support from the international community, is vital in finding lasting solutions to these challenges. Ultimately fostering an environment of understanding and empathy can contribute to a more compassionate approach towards those seeking refuge and a better life.

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

ECSL Chief Mohammed Konneh

Sierra Leone Telegraph: 15 July 2023 — Abdul Rashid Thomas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SLPP—NGC Alliance

Dr. Kandeh K. Yumkella

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cabinet Ministers | Deputy Ministers | and Other appointments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella

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

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

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

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

Some of his specific areas of expertise:

• Private sector development

• Public-private sector dialogue and partnerships

• Small and medium enterprises (SMEs)

• Support systems

• Capacity-building in industry and business associations

• Trade capacity-building

• Agro-industry and rural development

• High-level policy dialogue and consensus-building

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

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Updated: July 20, 2023; 11:36 pm, EST

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

additional cabinet ministerial positions

Whatever Happened to The So-called Strategic Alliance?

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

A Surreal Spectacle Unveiled!_ By Alan Luke

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tagged: #Comedy Central, Satirical

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

Sarah B H Ellis; MBA

Arden University, Birmingham, UK; Class of 2023

Congratulations, and we are so proud of you!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Appointment to The Cabinet

Bio's SLPP Administration Second Term

July 10, 2023

His Excellency Julius Maada Bio has announced the appointment of a new cabinet to his administration's second term.

In Video: Courtesy SLBC

The cabinet's role is to advise the President on any subject he may require relating to the duties of each member's respective office.

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In a July 5th release, President Bio sacked Nine High-ranking Advisers with immediate effect—the decision conveyed in a letter addressed to the Accountant General, Ministry of Finance. 

President Bio sacked Nine High-Ranking Advisers with immediate effect

These Ministers were also relieved from their cabinet posts.

Breaking news!! July 7, 2023

Minister of Information, sacked. 

Minister of Youth, sacked.

David Francis was replaced and sent to the UN as a Special Representative.

Minister of Trade, sacked.

Minister of Transport, sacked. 

Nine (9) Special Advisers to the President were sacked (as reported earlier.)

Ben Kaifala, re-appointed (Anti-corruption.)

Bank Governor, sacked.

Injustice Anywhere is a Threat to Justice Everywhere

Alhaji U Njai

Freelance writer and concerned Sierra Leonean

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

———-

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

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

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

All People's Congress (APC) 'Non-Participation' in Governance

Mayor-Elect Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr OBE

In Video

The APC Executive Branch has instructed its newly elected members of parliament not to participate in governance until its demands—in particular, a rerun of the recently concluded General Election, were met.

PUBLIC NOTICE from members of the ALL PEOPLE'S CONGRESS (APC) Party elected representatives for parliament are endorsing the Party's position of 'Non-Participation' in governance at a meeting held on Friday, June 30, 2023. 

The Sixth Parliament proceedings begin July 13, 2023, according to the Clerk of the Sierra Leone Parliament, Paran Tarawally. 

In the video, the Mayor-Elect, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr OBE, expresses her heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Freetonians for re-electing her as Mayor of Freetown. She also explains the APC party decision and concerns regarding their current non-participation in governance in The Sixth Parliament proceeding and the Local Council.

In Video: APC party decision of non-participation in governance in the Sixth Parliament and the local council.

Western observation teams, including the European Union (EU), accused the ECSL of inconsistencies and lack of integrity in key activities on electoral preparedness, including the tabulation of results.

The statement by the EU election observation mission (EU EOM) indicated procedures for tallying and results management came late in the electoral preparedness, clouding prospects of a transparent tabulation and results process.

Julius Maada Bio, the incumbent SLPP candidate, was declared the winner of Sierra Leone's presidential election.

The ECSL Chief Electoral Commissioner, Mohamed Konneh, said, Bio was re-elected with 56.17 percent of the votes on Saturday, June 24, 2023, and his top rival, Dr. Samura Wilson Kamara, came in second with 41.16 percent. 

APC elected representatives for parliament endorsed the Party's position of 'Non-Participation.'

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This statement from the National Democratic Institute (NDI) is worth reading in its entirety. ~ The Ambassador, US Embassy Freetown, in a tweet — 08 Jul 23.

NDI Statement on Sierra Leone PRVT

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Paran Tarawally, the clerk of Parliament, explained the ramifications of not taking oath on the first day of Parliament.

Sierra Leone 2023 Elections — Mayor

Freetown City Council (FCC)

Mayor-Elect

The Electoral Commission For Sierra Leone (ECSL) has announced Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, candidate of the All People’s Congress (APC), is the winner of the 2023 Freetown City Council elections.

A week after voting in the June 24, 2023, general election, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr defeated her main rival, Mohamed ‘Gento’ Kamara, a Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) candidate.

YVONNE AKI-SAWYERR RE-ELECTED MAYOR OF FREETOWN, DEFEATS MOHAMED ‘GENTO’ KAMARA

The Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) has announced Aki-Sawyerr, candidate of the All People’s Congress (APC), is the winner of the 2023 Freetown City Council elections.

The incumbent, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, emerged victorious in the Freetown City Council mayoral election, securing 51% of the votes with 288,683 votes. Mohamed Gento Kamara, her primary challenger, garnered 48% of the votes with 268,213 votes.

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ECSL Announces More Election Results — Parliamentary and Chairperson

ECSL 2023 Parliamentary and Chairperson |Local Council Results

ECSL Announces More Election Results - 2023 Parliamentary and Chairperson |Local Council Results.

Total Seats 2023 Parliamentary and Chairperson |Local Council

#SierraLeoneDecides2023

Sierra Leone 2023 Election: Provisional Results

Provisional results

Electoral Commission

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BREAKING NEWS: June 27, 2023: Bio (SLPP) Wins Second Term, Says' ECSL

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Provisional results from Sierra Leone's presidential election showed President Julius Maada Bio led the presidential election with 60% of valid votes counted, the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) has said.

The incumbent SLPP president, Julius Maada Bio, has so far polled over a million votes and currently leads his main rival, Samura Wilson Kamara of the APC, with over 200,000 votes, according to the provincial results sheet.

Some 3.4 million people registered to vote in 16 districts and 13 Registered Political Parties.

Presidential candidates must secure 55 percent of valid votes for a first-round win to avoid a run-off.

The electoral commission described the weekend poll as peaceful for the most part but acknowledged delays in some polling stations and pockets of violence.

The results detailed below are partial and do not represent the complete outcome of the Presidential election. 

The incumbent SLPP president, Julius Maada Bio, has so far polled over a million votes and currently leads his main rival, Samura Kamara of the APC.

The electoral commission says that Bio's SLPP has 56% of the vote. His closest rival Samura Wilson Kamara, of the All People's Congress (APC), is on 42%.

The final election results are due to follow, the ECSL commissioner said. 

Election update from the 60 percent provisional ballot released as reported by BBC Reporter Umuru Fofanah.

Display by State Security at Presidential Lodge

Display by State Security at Presidential Lodge.

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Updated: June 27, 2023; 12:41 pm EST

BREAKING NEWS: Bio and Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) Wins The Presidential Elections for Second Term

Julius Maada Bio, the incumbent SLPP candidate, was declared the winner of Sierra Leone's presidential election. 

ECSL Chief Electoral Commissioner, Mohamed Konneh, said on Tuesday, Bio was re-elected with 56.17 percent of the votes on Saturday. His top rival, Dr. Samura Wilson Kamara, came in second with 41.16 percent. 

The opposition presidential candidate Dr. Samura Wilson Kamara of the All Peoples Congress (APC), alleged that his electoral agents weren't allowed to verify the ballot counting and is disputing the results. 

'These results are not credible, and I categorically reject the outcome announced by the electoral commission,' he said. 

Bio, 59, ran for a second term against 12 opponents. His biggest rival is the All People's Congress (APC) candidate Dr. Samura Wilson Kamara, 72, who narrowly lost to Bio in the 2018 election.

The European Union (EU) elections observation team accuses the ECSL of inconsistencies and lack of integrity in key activities on electoral preparedness, including the ongoing tabulation of results.

The preliminary statement of the EU election observation mission (EU EOM) indicated procedures for tallying and results management came late in the electoral preparedness, clouding prospects of a transparent tabulation and results process.

The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) has been present in Sierra Leone since May 11, 2023, following an invitation from the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL).

The EU EOM is independent in its findings and conclusions and adheres to the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation endorsed at the United Nations in October 2005.

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Updated: June 30, 2023: For Immediate Release

The United States Senate Committee On Foreign Relations 

Statement by Committee Ranking Member U.S Senator James Risch of Idaho

Risch on the recent Election in Sierra Leone, particularly the lack of transparency and escalating harassment, defaming, and targeting of citizen observers.

Risch on the recent Election in Sierra Leone, particularly the lack of transparency and escalating harassment, defaming, and targeting of citizen observers.

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Updated: July 1, 2023; 9:30 am EST

The Electoral Commission For Sierra Leone (ECSL) has announced Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, candidate of the All People’s Congress (APC), is the winner of the 2023 Freetown City Council elections.

Contested Mayoral Election

Mayor-Elect Freetown City Council

A week after voting in the June 24, 2023, general election, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr defeated her main rival, Mohamed ‘Gento’ Kamara, a Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) candidate.

Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr Re-Elected Mayor of Freetown, Defeats Mohamed ‘Gento’ Kamara

The Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) has announced Aki-Sawyerr, candidate of the All People’s Congress (APC), is the winner of the 2023 Freetown City Council elections.

The incumbent, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, emerged victorious in the Freetown City Council mayoral election, securing 51% of the votes with 288,683 votes. Mohamed Gento Kamara, her primary challenger, garnered 48% of the votes with 268,213 votes.

Sierra Leone High-Stakes General Election - Update

High voter turnout recorded in many areas

Amid a cost-of-living crisis

People wait to cast their votes for the national elections at a polling station in Freetown, Sierra Leone, on June 24, 2023 

Freetown, Saturday, June 24 - amid a cost-of-living crisis, polling stations for the fiercely contested presidential, parliamentary, and municipal elections opened later than the 7 am scheduled time in the capital, Freetown. They were due to close at 5 pm local time, and vote-tallying commenced. Provisional results are expected within 48 hours, according to the information ministry. According to the Electoral Commission Sierra Leone website, some 4 million people registered to vote in 16 districts, with 11,832 polling stations. 13 Registered Political Parties. Both sides have called for calm.

The general election is the fifth since the country’s brutal civil war ended more than two decades ago.

ECSL - electoral act no 6 of 1991

2023 Presidential Candidates

Presidential candidates must secure 55 percent of valid votes for a first-round win to avoid a run-off. Voters will also elect members of parliament and local councils in a proportional representation system after a last-minute switch from a first-past-the-post system.

Voters have said they want to see real change in the country against the high cost of living, youth employment, and a decent way of life

From the backdrop of the election on Saturday, though peaceful for the most part, instances of fraud, voter suppression, and electoral irregularities were observed and demonstrated the vulnerabilities in the election.

The main opposition APC also said their election representatives were attacked and intimidated.

In Video:

From the backdrop of the election on Saturday, instances of fraud, voter suppression, and electoral irregularities were observed.

Council of Churches in Sierra Leone

Preliminary Statement from CCSL based on reports received from its Observers and Supervisors - 24th June 2023.

CcSL June 24, 2023 General Election Statement

In the lead-up to the June 24 election, the United Kingdom, the United States, Ireland, Germany, France, and the European Union issued a joint press release reminding all political parties of their pledge to commit to nonviolence and to conduct themselves peacefully following reports of election-related violence.

police officers fired rubber bullets and teargas at supporters of the opposition party, All People’s Congress (APC), during a protest in the capital Freetown calling for the Chief Electoral Commissioner, Mohamed Konneh, to step down after allegations of electoral fraud.

Last August, riots left at least 27 civilians and six police officers dead as anti-government protests turn deadly.

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Timeline:

Updated: June 25, 2023; 12:36 pm, EST

Polling closed late into yesterday evening in Sierra Leone across many areas due to delays in the delivery of ballot papers in several polling stations.

Millions of people had queued up outside polling centers well before 7 am when voting should have commenced.

The official results of the election will not be declared until all the votes are tallied.

Electoral Commission in a statement:

The Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) like to inform the public, Elections Stakeholders and Political Parties that the tallying of the 24 June 2023 Multitier Election Results will commence Sunday, 25 June 2023, in the respective Regional Tally Centres —Locations:

Political parties, interested national and international observers, and the media were invited to observe the tallying process — Time 8:00 am. Two (2) persons per institution (media, Domestic/International Observer) will be allowed only.

Western Area National Data Centre, 15 Industrial Estate, Wellington, Freetown

South Region ECSL Regional Office, Reservation Road, Bo City

East Region ECSL Regional Office, Reservation Road, Kenema City

North Region ECSL Regional Office, Azzolinni Highway, Makeni City

Northwest District Council Hall, Port Loko City

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Joint Post-Election Press Statement by Ecowas and African Union Election Observation Missions To The 2023 General Elections in Sierra Leone

Joint Post-Election Press Statement by Ecowas and African Union Election Observation Missions To The 2023 General Elections in Sierra Leone

Sunday, June 25, 2023, police opened fire and teargas at the main opposition APC headquarters in Freetown as voters await the results of the fiercely contested general election.

police opened fire and teargas at the main opposition APC headquarters in Freetown as voters await the results of the fiercely contested general election

The opposition’s presidential candidate Dr. Samura Wilson Kamara of All People’s Congress (APC) said on Twitter that live bullets had been fired at his office inside the party headquarters on Sunday.

According to an eyewitness, APC member Matron Mahawa Dumbuya was hit by a bullet inside the APC party office.

Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr (YAS), also, a prominent APC member bidding for a second term as Freetown mayor, tweeted photos from inside the building showing people taking cover on the floor.

“I am in the APC Party office and we are under fire,” she wrote.

APC member Matron Mahawa Dumbuya

Police, in a statement, said members of the APC had paraded through Freetown — announcing to the public that they had won the election.

They attracted a large gathering of supporters outside the headquarters, who started harassing passers-by, the force said. They had to fire tear gas canisters to disperse the crowd 'when the situation became unbearable.'

Dr. Samura Wilson Kamara On Twitter

Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr On Twitter

The Electoral Commission is yet to officially announce the June 24 general election results.

REEL — RAW VIDEO

Sunday, June 25, 2023, police opened fire and teargas at the main opposition APC headquarters in Freetown as voters await the results of the fiercely contested general election.

Statement from Dr. Samura Wilson Kamara - June 24, 2023, All Peoples Congress party (APC) Presidential Candidate.

Statement by Dr. Samura Wilson Kamara - June 24, 2023, All Peoples Congress party (APC) Presidential Candidate.

Press Release: Lead Up to Sierra Leone General Election

The International Community issued a Joint Press Release

Wednesday, June 21, 2023

In the lead-up to the 24 June presidential, parliamentary, and municipal elections, the international community is concerned about the recent incidents of violence and reminding all political parties of their pledge to commit to nonviolence and to conduct themselves peacefully. 

JOINT sTATEMENT BY UK, U.S., IRELAND, GERMANY, FRANCE AND EU DELEGATION

Idris Elba Appeals for Young Sierra Leoneans to Exercise 'None Violence' During the General Election

"This election, please let it be peaceful"

By Theo Edwards; Updated June 19, 2023

Idris Elba passionately appeals for young Sierra Leoneans to exercise 'None Violence' during the general election for president and parliament that will take place on Saturday, June 24, 2023.

IDRIS ELBA PASSIONATELY APPEALS FOR YOUNG SIERRA LEONEANS TO EXERCISE 'NO VIOLENCE' DURING THE PRESIDENTIAL AND PARLIAMENTARY ELECTION SLATED FOR JUNE 24, 2023.

Idris Elba has called for a peaceful general election in Sierra Leone, which will take place on Saturday, June 24, 2023. 

"This election, please let it be peaceful," he said in a message in Pidgin English - 'other African nations and the world will be watching us.' On the same day, the Commonwealth Observer Group in Sierra Leone, led by former Nigerian Vice-President Professor Yemi Osinbajo, called for peaceful elections to reflect; the will of the people.

Elba reminded young Sierra Leoneans that they have the 'power' in this vote and that if the country is destroyed due to violence, it will be down to us Sierra Leoneans to have to build it back up again.

The votes on Saturday will be the country's sixth presidential vote since a military takeover in 1992. It will see the incumbent, President Julius Madaa Bio of the Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP), go up against Dr. Samura Kamara of the All People's Congress (APC) _the main opposition party. 

There have been arrests of critical opposition voices in the run-up to the general election.

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Related Share

A native of Sierra Leone, Idris Elba, arrived in Freetown for the first time. Elba was born and raised in London; his mother, Eve, is from Ghana, and his father, Winston, is from Sierra Leone, where he has expressed interest in investing in eco-tourism. Mr. Elba’s visit to Sierra Leone had been long-awaited.

Idris Elba arrived in Sierra Leone on Wednesday, December 18, 2019. Elba’s visit to Sierra Leone had been a long-awaited _article by Theo Edwards.

Fatherland

Uncle Owusu; the sad truth

A True Story

The real-life story of Uncle Owusu, after living in the UK for 38 years and at the age of 71, finally relocated to Ghana this year—to live in his 6-bedroom mansion which took him nine years to complete.

Now in Ghana and his mansion, Uncle Owusu lives in the living room of his house while his caretaker lives upstairs in his master bedroom. Because Uncle Owusu cannot climb the stairs without the help of another person —it will take him 15 minutes to make the climb.

As such, Uncle Owusu decided to stay downstairs of his mansion (in the living room) as all six bedrooms were upstairs. The house has a living room, toilet, and kitchen downstairs, three rooms on the first floor, and another 3 (including the master bedroom) on the second floor.

Not how Uncle Owusu anticipated his retirement. But that is the reality of his journey. Yet, this will be the life of so many of us.

The lives of many other Africans living abroad building mansions back home without caring about their old age.

If you are building a dream house for yourself to live in and by age fifty years and the house is not done might as well forget it.

Uncle Owusu almost wasted 38 years of his life doing menial jobs abroad, hoping for his retirement back home in his Mansion and enjoying life. Now, he has no life; to enjoy. Someone is enjoying his Mansion.

How is this life and the great retirement?

The solution is to take mini-retirements and enjoy your life and luxury now.

Like most aged persons, Uncle Owusu is unable to even enjoy a bottle of malt beverage at his age—because that will shoot his sugar level up. Yet, he said he was working hard all his life to enjoy his best life which included eating and drinking the finest when he retires. Now, he only eats salads—and even that, without dressing. He can't chew on any of the product lines of the finest meat out there without his cholesterol sending him warning signs.

So, how is this life and the great retirement?

Presidential Candidates Summary Profile

Explainer: Politics of Sierra Leone

By Theo Edwards; Powered by BARD, a Google AI Software

Here is a closer look at the profiles of each candidate and their respective parties in the upcoming Sierra Leone presidential elections on June 24, 2023.

Dr. Samura Wilson Mathew Kamara, APC

An economist who served as a candidate for the All People’s Congress (APC) Party in the 2018 Sierra Leone presidential election. Before his candidacy, Kamara held several prominent positions, including Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Sierra Leone from 2012 to 2017, Minister of Finance and Economic Development from 2009 to 2013, Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone from 2007 to 2009, and Financial Secretary in the Ministry of Finance during President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah’s administration. Although unsuccessful in his bid for the presidency, Kamara’s political experience and economic expertise be influential within the APC.

Dr. Julius Maada Bio, SLPP _ Incumbent

A retired brigadier in the Sierra Leone Army has served as the President of Sierra Leone since April 4, 2018. He rose to prominence as the military head of state of Sierra Leone from January 16, 1996, to March 29, 1996, during his tenure as part of the National Provisional Ruling Council (NPRC). As the candidate of the main opposition Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) during that time, Bio emerged victorious in the runoff vote of the 2018 Sierra Leonean presidential election, defeating Samura Mathew Kamara of the ruling All People’s Congress (APC) with 51.8% of the votes. Both international and local observers declared the election to be free and fair. Bio succeeded Ernest Bai Koroma as president, taking on the responsibility of leading the nation forward.

Charles Francis Margai, PMDC

A prominent figure in Sierra Leonean politics and leader; of the People’s Movement for Democratic Change (PMDC) _he previously ran as a candidate for the presidency in the August 2007 elections, where he secured third place with 10% of the vote. Margai is the son of Albert Margai, a former Prime Minister of Sierra Leone, and the nephew of Milton Margai, the country’s first Prime Minister. Although he received less than 3% of the votes in the 2012 and 2018 presidential elections, Margai continues to play an active role in shaping the political landscape of Sierra Leone.

Abdulahi Dougakoro Saccoh, RUFP

He brings a unique blend of political and professional experiences. Before being selected as the flag bearer for RUFP, Saccoh served as the party’s spokesperson. The RUFP, emerged in the aftermath of Sierra Leone’s decade-long civil war, has been active in the country’s political landscape for several years.

Saccoh’s professional background includes being a fellow of the Gemological Association and Gem Testing Lab of Great Britain. He pursued his studies in Gemology and Diamond Grading in England and later worked in the United States before assuming his position in the RUFP. Beyond his political and professional commitments, Saccoh is actively involved in various organizations, including the N’Ko Movement of Sierra Leone, which advocates for preserving local languages and learning with African alphabet. He also serves as the Deputy Chair of MANDEN N MAYA BOLON, an organization dedicated to upholding ancient ancestral values, beliefs, and religion. Additionally, Saccoh leads Sierra Leone for SANUN JARA (Golden Lion), an organization comprising 14 African countries.

Mohamed Chernoh Bah, NDA

The chosen presidential candidate for the Democratic Alliance (NDA) will represent the party in the upcoming elections. Bah previously led the NDA during the 2018 elections, where the party secured 17,748 votes, equivalent to 0.96% of the total votes. This year, he has selected Madam Saudatu Turay as his running mate.

Nabieu Musa Kamara, PLP

Development and maintenance of peace in Sierra Leone. With his running mate, Saidu A.K. Mannah. Musa aims to address issues that are facing the nation and promote a peaceful and prosperous future.

With a commitment to development, Musa envisions a future where the country experiences substantial growth and progress. His party, the PLP, has laid out comprehensive plans to address the key sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, and the economy. Musa believes that investing in these areas not only improves the lives of citizens but also; propels the nation toward prosperity.

Prince Coker, PDP

A seasoned politician and influential figure assume the role of Chairman and Leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the upcoming elections. With his running mate, Ibrahim Jalloh, by his side, Coker aims to build on the party’s legacy of progress and unity.

Having been formed in the 1990s, the PDP established itself as a significant political force with notable achievements. Coker played a pivotal role in the party’s rise to prominence and continues to advocate for its core values of democracy, inclusivity, and social justice.

Coker’s experience extends beyond the PDP. He also served as the Chairman of the All Political Parties Association (APPA), demonstrating his ability to bridge the gaps between political factions and promote collaboration for the greater good.

Saa Henry Kabuta, UNPP

With Gabriel Samuka as his Vice Presidential Candidate. Kabuta, a Senior Advisor/Specialist in Water Quality and Nature Management at the Ministry of Infrastructure & Water Management in the Netherlands, has been involved as a board member of Holland-Sierra Trading, promoting trade connections between the Netherlands and Sierra Leone.

Mohamed Sowa Turay, UDM

Turay currently; serves as Chairman and Leader of the United Democratic Movement (UDM) Party, joined by Madam Olivette Walker as his running mate. Turay’s extensive background includes working at the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA), and he previously held positions as a Social Worker at Catholic Relief Services and a CLTS facilitator with Help Salone. His involvement with the National Agency for International Migration and Development focused on the topics such as youth empowerment, employment security management (ESMS), and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) initiatives.

Jonathan Patrick Sandy, URP

Jonathan P.J. Sandy, the presidential candidate for the National Unity and Reconciliation Party (NURP), boasts an extensive career spanning over 25 years in promoting democratic and economic governance, justice, human rights, and the rule of law. Sandy has held various positions within the Government of Sierra Leone, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)/UNDP, the African Union, and the UN/World Bank. His expertise has focused on crisis and stabilization interventions in conflict and fragile states-across Africa, with recent involvement in the South African Development Community (SADC). Sandy’s vast experience positions him as a candidate well-versed in regional and international affairs.

Iye Kakay, ADP

She made history by becoming the first woman to be selected as the ADP’s presidential flagbearer since its establishment in 2015 by its founder, Mohamed Kamarainba Mansaray. With her running mate, Franklyn Kobi, Kakay aims to bring about positive change and progress in the country.

Beresford Victor Williams, ReNIP

Beresford Victor Williams has garnered attention for his vocal criticism of the government's various economic and social issues. Williams assumed leadership of the Revolutionary National Independent Party (ReNIP) on January 7th, 2018, after the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) granted the party clearance to contest the 2018 elections. Although ReNIP secured 2,555 votes nationwide, representing 0.10% of the total votes. The party did not secure any seats in Parliament.

Mohamed Jonjo, CDP

Run alongside him as his Vice Presidential Candidate is Madam Kaday Johnson. Jonjo brings valuable experience, having previously served as a Senior Advisor/Specialist in Water Quality and Nature Management at the Ministry of Infrastructure & Water Management in the Netherlands. Moreover, he played a vital role as a board member of Holland-Sierra Trading, fostering trade links between the Netherlands and Sierra Leone.

A View of a Part of Freetown

The City is a Market

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

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

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

Establishing the problem here can be done quite effortlessly.

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

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

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

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

Okada and Kekeh stations everywhere

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

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

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

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

How did we get here?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Original Publication February 11, 2023

Sierra Leone Breaks Under the Strain

Cotton Tree: A Landmark of Freetown

By Theo Edwards

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“On March 26, 2025, what remained of Freetown’s Cotton Tree was engulfed in flames.”

— UPDATED Video: 26 March 2025

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The Tree's exact age is unknown, but it is known to have existed in 1787. It is the oldest cotton tree in Freetown, Sierra Leone. It stands near the Supreme Court Building, Music Club, and Sierra Leone National Museum. 

The Cotton Tree was a Ceiba pentandra, also known commonly as a kapok tree, a historic symbol of Freetown, the capital city of Sierra Leone.

Formerly enslaved people who won their freedom fighting on the British side of the American War of Independence prayed beneath the Tree when they arrived in West Africa.

The cotton tree is a historic symbol adorned with Sierra Leone banknotes and postage stamps. Visited by Queen Elizabeth II in 1961 and had remained a popular attraction.

The country has suffered several climate-related and environmental disasters in recent years.

The capital city Freetown over the past weeks, was inundated with rainfall. A heavy downpour a week ago caused one of the Tree branches to fall, but it thought it would survive. However, in another storm on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at around 9 PM local time, the entire Tree came down, leaving just part of the Ceiba pentandra trunk still standing.

Only the thick base of the towering Ceiba pentandra tree trunk was left standing after a heavy wind and rainstorm

Correspondence from Freetown suggests no one was injured, the government added, though the ripped branches damaged some nearby buildings and cars. President Bio and other officials are expected to visit the site.

Only the thick base of the towering Ceiba pentandra tree trunk was left standing after a heavy wind and rainstorm on Wednesday, May 24, 2023

“Deeply saddened to learn that the iconic symbol of our city, the Cotton Tree, has fallen in tonight’s storm. Freetown was founded 231 years ago and many believe that the tree was already here then. A major part of our city’s identity is no more...”

— Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr; Mayor of Freetown, 2018 - 2023

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Shared Topic

Gullah Nation of North America (GNONA) in an Exclusive Journey