New Aviation Charges for International Passengers

Ministry of Transport and Aviation - Ref: MTA/SLCAA/19/4

December 28, 2023

In an agreement with FIA Ltd., previously Summa Airport (SL) Ltd., on implementing the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) regarding the Freetown International Airport, the following Airport Services and Charges are revised or introduced. They will be effective 1st March 2024 and beyond. See the 'Review of Aviation Charges’ item table.

Fees must be paid in USD $$ Currency directly to the USD Bank Account of FIA Ltd., formerly SUMMA Airport (SL) Ltd.

Review of Aviation Charges item table

Ref: MTA/SLCAA/19/4

Nightmare Before Christmas

A loaded container slides off a container chassis and crushes pedestrians to death

By Theo Edwards

The gruesome incident happened on the evening of December 21, 2023. At the time we went to press, there were 16 people in the hospital, 1 in critical condition, and two people lost their lives.

The Mayor of Freetown, Sierra Leone, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, on Facebook, expresses her thoughts and prayers with victims of the trailer accident at Eastern Police.

The gruesome incident happened on the evening of December 21, 2023, by Eastern Police.

Pretty Strong Uppercut Delivered to George Weah in Liberia’s Election

Liberia Presidential Election

PRESS STATEMENT

President George Weah accepts his electoral defeat. Mr. Weah congratulates former VP Joseph N. BoaKai as the Winner of the 2023 presidential run-off election. He called Mr. Boakai via telephone following the announcement of provisional results by the National Elections Commission.

Liberia Presidential Run-off Provisional Result

The United States congratulates the people of Liberia on holding a peaceful presidential runoff election. And call on all citizens to follow President Weah’s example and accept the results.  

Read the Liberia Presidential Elections Press Statement By The U.S DEPARTMENT of STATE

THE U.S DEPARTMENT of STATE PRESS STATEMENT

READ

Mom Who Spends 30 Years Working Abroad to Support Son Is Surprised by Him as Her Pilot on a Trip Home

This is certainly true for a woman who left Ethiopia for Lebanon, where she worked as a maid for 30 years.

October 24, 2023

Many immigrants have incredible stories of hard work, often times involving a parent moving to a place with more opportunities to give their kids a better life.

Certainly true for a woman who left Ethiopia for Lebanon, where she worked as a maid for 30 years. Back home, her son long wished to become a pilot, further inspiring her to work hard and support his dream. As a powerful tribute, the devoted mom got a special surprise on her grand return home. As she boarded the plane, a flight attendant pushed back a curtain to reveal her son was actually the plane pilot.

The touching moment is caught on camera. In the clip, which has since gone viral, the mom boards the plane as a regular passenger, unaware of the surprise to come. Once the team confirms it’s her, the big reveal is set in motion. The pilot greets his unsuspecting mom with a big flower bouquet under his arm, as well as a cake and a bottle of champagne.

Mom who worked as a maid for 30 years to support her son's long wish to become a pilot.

The gifts are nothing compared to seeing her son, and the mom breaks down in tears of joy. They then embrace and kiss each other's faces repeatedly—almost to make sure it's not a dream. Amid all the commotion, the mom also makes sure to thank those who helped with the surprise, bowing her head in gratitude to each of them.

The sweet video is a testament to the undeniable love between a mother and her son, as well as the pride that they feel for one another. Being away and working hard to provide for your kids is a highly commendable endeavor —it's scenes such that this reminds many of why it is done in the first place.

This article is by REGINA SIENRA. Regina Sienra is a Staff Writer at My Modern—Met. Based in Mexico City, Mexico, she holds a bachelor’s degree in communications with a specialization in Journalism from the National Autonomous University of Mexico. She has 10+ years of experience in Digital Media, writing for outlets in both English and Spanish. Her love for the creative arts—especially music and film—drives her forward every day.

Yumkella Shocks No One

Op—Ed Culled ‘Rasta Rambles

‘My late wife Philomena and I have always believed that the NGC Party was not meant to be “MY” party but rather a vehicle and an institution for change.'

Former Flag Bearer of the National Grand Coalition (NGC) Honorable. Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella finally resigned from the party and switched over to the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP).

The inevitable can’t be resisted, even in the best of faith. Yumkella formally resigned from the NGC to return to the SLPP. No one’s shocked. What alliances? It was always a game for him and those who did his maneuvering.

Yumkella played and disrespected his colleagues and supporters from start to finish. How can you resign from a junior partner you led into a coalition only to defect to the majority partner with such callousness?

Hurling further insult at those who were prepared to take bullets for him, he wrote, ‘My late wife Philomena and I have always believed that the NGC Party was not meant to be “my” party but rather a vehicle and an institution for change’.

What an ingrate. They sped up, almost put that thing together for him! Now he’s disowned it.

He not only undermined the NGC’s genuine momentum-building efforts but plotted its fatality. The final blow was joining it with the SLPP months before an election. The NGC got wiped out. Three months later, he resigned. He publicly humiliated those who stayed with him when Dr. Dennis Bright and others left the party in disgust at his selfishness.

But, of course, the plan played out as he wanted. He’s got a job in government. The NGC is deceased, and therefore sod his supporters and those who tied their political ambitions to what they thought was a credible party.

To think that a lot of people saw Yumkella as a positive departure from the rotten political class is perhaps the greatest misplacement of trust in Sierra Leone’s politics. 

Suddenly, the realization couldn’t be more pronounced: Yumkella is the archetype, the sample of the Sierra Leonean politician: prioritizing himself and the cult of personality ahead of building and operating within institutional integrity. 

Just like a common sycophant, ‘Enti Fos Lady dae for witness,’ he sought validation from the president’s unelected missus while addressing the party faithful in rhetoric. He knows too well, that the people he’s talking to, out of desperation for better lives, would cheer anything but have zero stake in government. But he’s fooling them anyway. Telling them the government is answerable to them. Until a sentence later, the mask slipped. He title-checked the real boss, the person those in the current government are under oath to submit to: Bio’s wife.

Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella (KKY) returns to his roots

Even the visually impaired and the cognitively challenged can read Yumkella’s simplistic rationale for destroying the NGC. He thinks he’s Bio’s successor in the SLPP’s next leadership race and as president after 2028. In his thinking, even the opposition does not exist. Somebody should read him something about Hilary Clinton’s arrogance against Obama and her eventual defeat by Donald Trump. If that’s pushing it, he can read the story leading up to the 2018 elections, where he was a Major protagonist.

But it’s Sierra Leone. The government is the judiciary, the police, the army, and most importantly, the electoral commission.

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Sierra Leone 2023 - Final Report on General Elections June 2023

European Union Election Observation Mission Sierra Leone 2023

Dated 10.10.2023

Tabulation and announcement of results proved to be the tipping point for the credibility of the elections. The entire process was opaque, meaningful observation was impeded and the declaration of winners was not followed by the publication of disaggregated results per polling station. On 27 June, the ECSL declared Julius Mada Bio of the Sierra Leone Peoples’ Party (SLPP) elected for a second term, passing the constitutional threshold of 55 percent in the first round by 1.17 percentage points. Following the declaration of the results of the parliamentary elections a few days later, it was clear that result totals published by the ECSL showed several statistical inconsistencies and mathematical improbabilities. 

These included notable discrepancies in the number of average valid votes per polling station between the first and second batch of presidential results, varying from a decrease of 75 percent to an increase of 31 percent per district; a difference of up to 23 percentage points per district between the turnout for the presidential and parliamentary elections, with some districts registering substantially lower parliamentary turnouts and others showing significantly lower presidential turnouts; turnout above 90 percent in five districts; and only 0.4 percent of invalid votes nation-wide. These inconsistencies, combined with the ECSL’s decision not to publish disaggregated results, undermined the credibility of the tabulation process and voters’ confidence in the outcome of the polls.

Overall, the 2023 general elections underscored a clear commitment among Sierra Leoneans to the democratic processes, while also proving an urgent need for further reforms focusing on transparency, trust-building, and inclusion. The EU EOM is offering 21 recommendations for improving the way elections are organized, managed, and conducted and for upholding regional and international commitments. 

There are seven priority recommendations:

1. Publish the final voter register per polling station and per polling center in a timely manner and allow voters to verify and correct all their details.  

2. The ECSL to establish and publish detailed procedures for the tabulation and announcement of results, as well as put in place a robust, transparent, and easily verifiable results processing system well ahead of elections. 

3. Publish on the ECSL website comprehensive election results data by polling station, including results per candidate and per party, the number of registered voters, and of valid and invalid votes, in a timely manner and in an easily trackable and downloadable database format. 

4. Ensure safety and security for all candidates through a timely conclusion of investigations, holding perpetrators of violence accountable, and enabling the PPRC to act effectively upon violations of campaign rules. 

5. Ensure enforcement of legal restrictions on the misuse of state resources and explicitly prohibit the use of official functions, as well as government websites and social media accounts for campaign purposes. 

6. Ensure transparency in campaign finance by introducing caps for campaign revenues and expenses and clear rules of reporting and public disclosure before, during, and after the elections, including by the media, and by implementing robust sanctions for noncompliance. 

7. Protect freedom of expression by clearly aligning the definitions of “cyber-terrorism”, “cyber-stalking”, “cyber-bullying” and “incendiary information” with relevant regional and international standards. 

Click to see the full document

Visa Restriction Policy on Undermining the Democratic Process in Liberia

Statement by Secretary of State Anthony J. Blinken

September 27, 2023

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

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

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

The Rising Cost of Living, Especially Food and Energy

Tin tranga! 

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

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

Sierra Leone

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

'Knowledge and truth our forefathers spread,

Mighty the nations whom they led;

Mighty they made thee, so too may we

Show forth the good that is ever in thee.'

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

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

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

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

No Immunity Could Justify Such Arrogance

Evariste Touadera

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Visa Restriction Policy on Undermining the Democratic Process in Sierra Leone

Statement by Secretary of State Anthony J. Blinken

August 31, 2023

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

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

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

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

— 98.1 Radio Democracy Journalist Musa Kamara

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

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

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.