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  Eustace Connel, a Forest Guard employed by the National Protected Area Authority (NPAA), has been remanded in prison following serious allegations of assault. Connel was brought before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at Magistrate Court No.2 on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, to answer charges stemming from an incident that occurred earlier this year. The accused is facing two grave charges: malicious wounding  under Section 20 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm under Section 47 of the same Act. These charges relate to an incident that took place on Saturday, April 13, 2024, in Charlotte Village, Freetown, where Connel is accused of wounding and assaulting a teacher, David Joseph Kemoh Williams. The first count of the indictment alleges that Connel maliciously wounded Williams on the said date and location. The second count asserts that Connel assaulted Williams in a manner that resulted in actual bodily harm. These charges are p...

   In a significant diplomatic and military development, a delegation from the Michigan State National Guard, accompanied by the U.S. Ambassador to Sierra Leone and Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Defense, paid a courtesy visit to President Dr. Julius Maada Bio at State House on Tuesday. The visit marked a pivotal moment in the formalization of the State Partnership Programme (SPP) between the Michigan State National Guard and the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), highlighting the strengthening ties between the two nations. Deputy Minister of Defense Col (Rtd) Muana Brima Massaquoi introduced the delegation, expressing profound gratitude to President Bio for his leadership and hospitality. He disclosed that the visit was aimed at solidifying a partnership that has been meticulously planned since 2019. This long-awaited collaboration culminated in the signing of a letter of consent, formalizing cooperation between the two military forces and paving the way for fu...

  In a compelling interview with Radio Democracy, Garie Rashid A. Conteh, the Chief Executive Officer of Sierra Bo, underscored the critical need to ramp up cassava production in Sierra Leone as part of a broader strategy to enhance the nation's food security. This appeal is in alignment with President Julius Maada Bio's ambitious **Feed Salone Program**, which is designed to reduce dependency on imported food staples, particularly rice, and promote self-sufficiency. Cassava, a staple in Sierra Leonean diets, plays a pivotal role in the country's food ecosystem. Conteh highlighted its potential in reducing the nation's reliance on imported rice, a goal central to the government's agricultural policy. He pointed to the garie production facility at Mano River Union in Bo District, which stands as the largest of its kind in the region. This factory processes cassava into garie using state-of-the-art technology and is responsible for producing 10% of the garie available...

In an incredible feat that underscores her growing influence in the Afrobeatz scene, Boii, the sensational female artist, has reached a remarkable milestone with her latest track, *Feel Alright*. Released just seven weeks ago, the song has now surpassed one million streams on Spotify, a testament to her captivating voice and the infectious rhythm that has resonated with fans worldwide. Boii’s ascent in the music industry has been nothing short of extraordinary. Her unique blend of Afrobeatz, combined with her powerful vocal delivery, has allowed her to carve out a niche for herself in a competitive market. *Feel Alright*, with its uplifting melody and relatable lyrics, has become an anthem for many, reflecting the joy and positivity that Boii brings to her music. The track's rapid success on Spotify is not just a win for Boii but also a significant moment for Sierra Leone’s music industry. It highlights the potential for Sierra Leonean artists to make a global impact and reach list...

The Sierra Leone Police have launched an investigation into the tragic death of Lebanese businessman Salim Alie Dayeck, who was found dead at his residence along Hangha Road, Kenema, in the early hours of Wednesday, September 11, 2024. The incident has sent shockwaves through the Kenema community, where Dayeck was a well-known and respected figure. Sub-Inspector Brima James Musa confirmed that a suspect is currently in custody, providing assistance with the investigation. However, Musa refrained from confirming widespread rumors that the perpetrator may have been an employee of the victim. He emphasized the importance of avoiding speculation, stating, “We are still investigating the matter.” This disturbing event marks the second alleged murder in Kenema within a single month, heightening concerns about public safety in the area. Authorities have reassured residents that they are diligently working to uncover the facts, and that additional information will be released as the investigat...

  A Nation's Integrity at Stake: Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara’s Fierce Defense of Transparency Amidst Auditor General Suspensions In the midst of the recent and highly controversial suspensions of Auditor General Mrs. Lara Taylor-Pearce and Deputy Auditor General Mr. Tamba Momoh, Sierra Leone's political landscape has been thrust into uncertainty. These suspensions, which came just before the anticipated release of critical audit reports on state resource management, have sparked a wave of anxiety and suspicion across the nation. Many citizens are now questioning the true motives behind these actions, fearing a calculated move to undermine transparency and weaken the pillars of good governance. Opposition Chief Whip, Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara, has emerged as one of the most vocal and resolute critics of the government's decision. His response has been nothing short of a clarion call for the preservation of the nation’s integrity and the independence of its key oversight institutio...

Anticipation Builds as The Kabaka Teases Major Announcement This Friday Abu Bakar Turay, popularly known as The Kabaka, a distinguished leader in Sierra Leone's entertainment industry, has sparked widespread intrigue with a recent Facebook post hinting at a "Big Announcement" scheduled for this Friday. The post has ignited a wave of speculation and excitement among fans and industry insiders alike, eager to learn what this major revelation could entail. While the specifics remain shrouded in mystery, it has been made clear that the announcement will not pertain to Kabaka’s personal life or his marriage to the renowned Hawa Kamara. This has only fueled further speculation, with many suggesting that the news might involve the highly anticipated return of ECOFEST—Sierra Leone’s premier annual entertainment event. Known for its celebration of the country's rich musical heritage and its ability to attract both international and local artists, ECOFEST has become a cornersto...

Empowering Local Governance and Transparency: The Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs’ Pioneering Role in the USAID-Funded BASE Project The Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs (MLGCA) is spearheading the USAID-funded BASE project, a transformative initiative aimed at strengthening local governance, transparency, and citizen engagement across six councils in Sierra Leone, including Kono, Moyamba, Karene, Falaba, and the Western Area Rural District Council (WARD-C). This ambitious project underscores the Ministry’s commitment to fostering accountable and participatory governance, a cornerstone for sustainable development in these regions. In a strategic partnership with prominent local Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) such as the Institute for Governance Reform (IGR), the Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law (CARL), the Independent Radio Network (IRN), the Budget Advocacy Network (BAN), and the 50/50 Group, the BASE project is designed to enhance dece...