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  An estimated 77,000 people in Sierra Leone are currently living with HIV/AIDS, according to the National AIDS Secretariat (NAS). Of this number, approximately 70,000 individuals are actively receiving treatment. Speaking at a press conference on Friday, NAS Director General Abdul Rahman Sesay emphasized that HIV/AIDS is no longer a death sentence but a manageable condition. He urged Sierra Leoneans to undergo HIV testing and initiate treatment early to suppress the virus and prevent its transmission. Sesay highlighted the country’s significant progress in combating the epidemic and expressed optimism about achieving the 98/98/98 treatment target by the end of 2025. This ambitious goal aims to ensure that 98% of people living with HIV are diagnosed, 98% of those diagnosed receive treatment, and 98% of those on treatment achieve viral suppression. However, challenges persist, particularly the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS. Sesay stressed the importance of addre...

 In a decisive move to uphold accountability, the Sierra Leone Parliament’s 2024 Sub-Appropriation Committee Group Six, chaired by Hon. Ambrose Maada Lebby, stood down the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources and the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs on Thursday, December 5, 2024. The action was taken after both ministries appeared before the committee with incomplete documents during a session held at the Parliament Administrative Building’s conference room. The two ministries, crucial to Sierra Leone’s economic and cultural development, were sent back to reorganize and instructed to reappear on Monday. Hon. Lebby criticized their failure to meet the November 11 deadline for document submission, stating that their late and incomplete documentation demonstrated a lack of respect for parliamentary processes. “They were sorting through their documents in front of us this morning. That is unacceptable and an affront to Parliament. We cannot entertain such behavior,” Hon. ...

The Campaign for Good Governance (CGG), in collaboration with Trocaire and backed by Irish Aid, has launched the Network of Female Councillors Sierra Leone at an event in Freetown’s New Brookfields Hotel, representing a pivotal moment for female leadership in Sierra Leone. This network is designed to empower female councillors, providing a vital platform for shared learning, advocacy, and growth in governance. Marcella Samba Sesay, CGG's Executive Director, opened the ceremony, emphasizing the importance of this initiative in promoting gender equality and reinforcing women’s role in governance. Acknowledging the support of various stakeholders, she noted that the network will strengthen female councillors’ capacities to influence change at the local level. Councillor Salamatu Koroma of Jui highlighted how the network offers a unique opportunity for councillors to exchange experiences and advocate collectively on issues affecting women in their communities. This collaborative space ...

The All People’s Congress (APC) has formally issued guidelines for organizations interested in becoming associate members, a step that aligns with the party's 2022 Constitution. Released by the APC National Secretariat and overseen by the National Advisory Committee (NAC), these guidelines establish the procedural requirements, fees, and membership dues for Sierra Leonean organizations aiming to align with the APC’s mission and objectives. Per Article 9(b) of the APC Constitution, associate membership is available to any Sierra Leonean organization that subscribes to the APC’s goals, policies, and programs. This framework applies equally to existing affiliates and to new groups interested in affiliating with the party. To ensure that member organizations remain engaged and actively support the APC's goals, the guidelines specify that applicants must meet certain application criteria and make financial contributions, including an application fee and recurring membership dues. AP...

The Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MoHS), in partnership with the National Public Health Agency (NPHA) and the Ministry of Social Welfare, has launched a targeted health awareness initiative featuring Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials aimed at helping individuals with disabilities stay informed about the health risks of Lassa fever, Ebola, and Mpox. This initiative, designed to enhance public health inclusivity, ensures that essential information on disease symptoms, transmission, prevention, and treatment is accessible and tailored to meet the needs of disabled individuals. The materials, developed with support from Breakthrough ACTION, incorporate diverse accessible formats—large print, braille, simplified language, audio recordings, and visual aids—ensuring that information reaches individuals with varying types of disabilities. This inclusive approach was developed in consultation with disability advocates, ensuring that the content addresses real-world ...

On November 1, 2024, at the Freetown City Council Hall, the Sierra Leone Immigration Department (SLID) marked a historic occasion with the launch of new security uniforms and a milestone announcement—the decentralization of passport processing services across the country. Chief Immigration Officer (CIO), Hon. Alusine Kanneh, unveiled the initiative, which will allow passport processing in key district headquarter towns, significantly improving accessibility for Sierra Leoneans. By the end of November, citizens in Kenema (Eastern region), Bo (Southern region), and Bombali (Northeastern region) will no longer need to travel to Freetown for passport services, addressing longstanding accessibility challenges for rural residents. "The decentralization of passport services is part of our broader strategy to modernize and improve the efficiency of the Immigration Department,” Hon. Kanneh stated, emphasizing the financial and logistical relief this change brings to many Sierra Leoneans. L...

Today, the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) advanced its initiative to strengthen local human rights oversight, delivering a focused two-day training for District Human Rights Committees (DHRCs) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in the northern region. Held at the Bombali District Council Hall in Makeni and backed by funding from UNDP and Irish Aid, the training emphasized the application of human rights indicators for effective monitoring and reporting on international standards. This program, led by the Directorate of Treaty Bodies Reporting and International Mechanisms, aimed to equip local advocates with skills in human rights monitoring and documentation. Key areas covered included data collection techniques and verification, both essential for ensuring the reliability of reports on human rights abuses. Adama B. Sesay, Vice Chairperson of the Bombali District Human Rights Committee, highlighted the workshop’s significance, stating, “It will be difficult to repo...

In a significant move for Sierra Leone’s sports sector, the National Sports Authority (NSA), under the leadership of Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai, has officially certified ten recent law graduates in recognition of their contributions toward drafting new sports regulations. This certification ceremony, held at NSA headquarters on Signal Hill Road, underscores the nation’s commitment to strengthening the legal foundation for sports governance. Dr. Abdulai praised the graduates for their dedication and service, emphasizing that their work holds enduring national importance. “This is a national sacrifice that won’t be forgotten,” he noted. “Your reward is both tangible and everlasting, as your efforts will benefit Sierra Leone’s sports community for generations.”  These regulations, developed over a three-month internship, address five core areas in sports governance. Among these are the creation of a Sports Development Fund, the establishment of an Anti-Doping Authority, and a Court of...

In a press briefing on November 4, leaders from Sierra Leone’s healthcare associations voiced mounting frustration over the unequal distribution of fuel allowances, which they argue unfairly benefits medical doctors while excluding other healthcare professionals. Represented at the event were the Pharmaceutical Society of Sierra Leone (PSSL), the Sierra Leone Association of Community Health Officers (SLCHO), the Sierra Leone Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists (SLAMLS), the Sierra Leone Nurses Association (SLNA), and the Sierra Leone Midwives Association (SLMA), all of whom warned of possible strike action should the government fail to address these disparities. The core grievance centers on the allocation of fuel allowances—45 liters weekly—provided to medical doctors under a government agreement. Other Grade 9 healthcare professionals, such as pharmacists, nurses, midwives, and laboratory scientists, receive no such benefit, despite their critical roles in the healthcare sys...

At the inaugural National Dialogue on Climate Resilience and Energy Transition, President Julius Maada Bio emphasized Sierra Leone’s dedication to renewable energy and climate resilience, sharing updates on the country's progressive energy investment roadmap. This event, organized by the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy, and Food Security (PI-CREF), brought together key stakeholders to discuss critical issues related to Sierra Leone’s energy infrastructure and renewable energy challenges, while aiming to rally international support for sustainable initiatives. Jointly chaired by Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh and Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, Chairman of PI-CREF, the dialogue centered on the theme “From Commitment to Action.” The event addressed core areas such as long-term energy investments, climate finance, off-grid energy solutions, and enhancing resilience within food systems, aligning with Sierra Leone’s Feed Salone initiative. In his keynote addre...

Thousands of dedicated grassroots supporters of the All People’s Congress (APC) in Sierra Leone and its diaspora are showing strong allegiance to Dr. Samura Mathew Wilson Kamara, the APC’s presidential candidate in both the 2018 and 2023 elections. This movement of support comes as a response to what they view as the APC leadership’s efforts to marginalize Dr. Kamara. Supporters have issued a stern warning to the party's leadership, suggesting that if Dr. Kamara continues to face exclusion, he should consider establishing a new political party.  Supporters argue that sidelining Dr. Kamara could jeopardize the APC’s 2028 election chances, potentially giving leverage to the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP). Many party members are advocating for a shift in the APC's stance, concerned that isolating a respected figure like Dr. Kamara could push the APC into a longer period in opposition. Political analysts acknowledge Dr. Kamara’s potential to unify voters across party lin...

Following recent comments from Sierra Leone's entertainment ambassador, Kao Denero, during a concert, Alhaji Amadu Bah—popularly known as Boos La—has responded not with confrontation, but with a dignified message of peace and unity. Rather than engaging in divisive rhetoric, Boos La demonstrated leadership by addressing his fellow Sierra Leoneans in a call for collective harmony. In his statement, Boos La emphasized the importance of values such as peace, tolerance, and understanding in strengthening the social fabric of Sierra Leone. “Dear Fellow Citizens,” he began, “in our pursuit of a harmonious nation, I urge you to embrace the values of peace, tolerance, and understanding. The fabric of our society is woven with the threads of diversity; it is our collective responsibility to nurture respect for one another.” Highlighting that true peace encompasses justice, compassion, and open dialogue, Boos La urged citizens to be "bridge builders" and voices of reason, fostering...

  On October 10, 2024, Honourable Chernor Ramadan Maju Bah, popularly known as Chericoco, officially stepped down from his position as Deputy Leader of the All People’s Congress (APC) party, in accordance with Article 47 of the APC’s 2022 Constitution. The handover ceremony, held at the party’s headquarters, marked the conclusion of Chericoco’s tenure as a key figure in the party's leadership. During the symbolic event, Chericoco handed over the keys to the office suites of the Deputy Leader to Secretary General Lansana Dumbuya. The ceremony took place in the presence of the National Chairman, Hon. Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray, and senior members of the party’s National Advisory Council (NAC). Notable APC figures in attendance included Dr. Samura Kamara, Ambassador Osman Foday Yansaneh, National Publicity Secretary Sidi Yayah Tunis, Deputy Organising Secretary Cherno C.S. Kamara, and other prominent members of the party. In his farewell address, Chericoco expressed profound gratitude t...

Sierra Leone is on the brink of a major advancement in healthcare with the establishment of a $50 million oxygen factory, thanks to an agreement with a Turkish company. Set to be located on a four-acre site in Kerry Town, near Waterloo in the Western Rural District, the factory aims to significantly enhance the nation's capacity to meet both medical and industrial oxygen demands. The project includes the installation of state-of-the-art gas and liquid oxygen production plants. Operating under a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) technical agreement, the arrangement will ensure that the factory is efficiently managed and operated, securing a continuous and reliable supply of oxygen for critical healthcare services as well as industrial applications.  Sources reveal that the oxygen factory is expected to generate hundreds of jobs for local communities, offering training and skill development that will uplift the surrounding areas. In addition to boosting employment, the project will contri...

The Youth Envoy of Sierra Leone, Ambassador Yulisa Ahmadu, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and the Sierra Leone High Commission in the UK, is set to host the second edition of the Sierra Leone Diaspora Youth Summit on November 14th, 2024, in London.  Following the resounding success of the inaugural summit in the United States earlier this year, the upcoming event aims to deepen engagement with Sierra Leonean youth in the diaspora. It will create an important platform for growth, collaboration, and inspiration, particularly for young Sierra Leoneans aspiring to make a mark in business and development. This year's summit, expanding to the United Kingdom, will offer Sierra Leonean youth an invaluable opportunity to engage with the international business community. The focus will be on educating participants about business prospects in Sierra Leone, connecting them with potential investors and mentors, and encouraging entrepreneurial ventures that can contribute to...

In a decisive response to the growing demand for educational space, Prof. Alieu Mohamed Bah, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Njala University, officially launched the construction of four new classrooms on Tuesday. This strategic initiative is aimed at addressing the university’s pressing challenge of accommodating its increasing student population. Speaking at the sod-turning ceremony, Prof. Bah emphasized that this two-story classroom project is more than just an infrastructural development; it is the realization of a long-standing vision held by the university administration under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Bashiru Mohamed Koroma. "With enrollment surging year after year, our limited classroom space has hindered effective learning. This project represents a critical step in overcoming that obstacle," Prof. Bah remarked. The new classrooms are designed to hold up to 1,000 students at any given time, a solution that will significantly reduce overcrowding during peak c...

  Chief Minister David Sengeh has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Mary Yongai, a young Sierra Leonean who has made history as the first individual from Sierra Leone to win a Guinness World Record. Yongai, a final-year student at Fourah Bay College and an alumna of Methodist Girls High School, achieved this extraordinary milestone by breaking a 19-year record for the most make-ups done in 24 hours. In his message, the Chief Minister lauded Yongai’s remarkable accomplishment, praising her determination, resourcefulness, and perseverance. Reflecting on his meeting with the record-breaker, Sengeh highlighted how Yongai’s inspiring journey is a powerful testament to the potential of Sierra Leonean youth. “Mary Yongai is Sierra Leone’s first individual winner of a Guinness World Record. She’s just an everyday girl, a final-year student who may sit next to you on a Waka Fine ride, but her story is far from ordinary,” Sengeh remarked. He noted that what sets Yongai apart is her i...