SierraNews-sl

On September 12th, 2024, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) Aiah Edward Samadia was presented with a comprehensive report from an African Union (AU) delegation following a four-day oversight mission to the Sierra Leone Police (SLP). The mission focused on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) concerning the Sierra Leone Formed Police Unit (SLFPU) deployed in Somalia for peacekeeping operations. The three-member delegation, led by Jonathan Ndeto, Head of Peace Support Operations and Field Mission Unit in the AU’s Peace & Security Finance Division, and supported by Noufou Ouedraogo, Assistant Accountant in the same division, and Assistant Commissioner of Police Nancy Obekpa, reviewed key operational and financial components of the mission. Their focus included Contingent Owned Equipment (COE) reimbursements, payroll reconciliation for SLFPU personnel, and ensuring the timely submission of accountability documents. During the report handover, Ndeto expressed gratitude to the SL...

The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) has committed $40 million to support Sierra Leone's efforts in strengthening its livestock sector through the Feed Salone initiative. This fund is aimed at boosting domestic poultry production, significantly reducing the country’s reliance on imported chicken and eggs. Sierra Leone's Ministry of Finance has been actively collaborating with development partners like the IsDB to secure funding for priority projects. Deputy Finance Minister Kadiatu Allie expressed gratitude to the bank for its financial backing and pledged technical assistance to ensure the project's success. Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, described the livestock project as a cornerstone of the Feed Salone Programme. He emphasized the thorough groundwork, including feasibility studies and broad consultations with stakeholders. In addition, Kpaka mentioned that there are ongoing discussions to involve OPEC, which could potentially increase the total funding fo...

Following the death of Paramount Chief Ibrahim Baimba Kamara Koroma, Perri Chiefdom in Southern Sierra Leone has initiated the process for its paramount chieftaincy election. The preparations took a major step forward with the solemn declaration of rights ceremony held on September 20, 2024. This significant event was organized by the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL), in partnership with the Provincial Secretary South, Abu Bakarr Kamara, and assessor chiefs Foday Gidahun of Bongoh Chiefdom and Paramount Chief Lahai A.K. Sowa of Sowa Chiefdom, Pujehun District. The ceremony attracted a large gathering of indigenes from Perri Chiefdom, government officials, traditional and religious leaders, civil society members, security personnel, and the media. This pivotal moment aimed to ensure the continuation of the chiefdom’s traditional leadership practices, as nine aspirants stepped forward to contest for the vacant chieftaincy throne. Provincial Secretary Abu Bakarr Kamara began t...

Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister, Moinina David Sengeh, alongside senior government officials, is set to meet with key Congressional staff in Washington, D.C., in a vital lobbying effort aimed at securing the U.S. Congress’s approval for the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact Program. The program, which represents a significant US$480 million grant primarily focused on strengthening Sierra Leone’s energy sector, has encountered delays since July due to a Congressional hold on approval. The Sierra Leone government is committed to finalizing the Compact by September, demonstrating its dedication to implementing the recommendations outlined in the Tripartite Committee Report. This report, backed by the U.S. government and international partners, aims to address critical electoral reforms ahead of the 2028 elections. However, the approval process for the MCC program has been scrutinized, particularly following the contentious outcomes of the June 2023 multi-tier elections in Sierr...

Concerns are mounting over the transparency and fiscal responsibility of various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in Sierra Leone, as it has emerged that numerous board members whose terms have expired continue to receive salaries, sitting allowances, and influence key government decisions. This issue has surfaced at a time when Sierra Leone is grappling with significant economic challenges, leading to widespread calls for President Julius Maada Bio to take swift action. Recent reports indicate that board members in several MDAs have overstayed their legal tenures, with some terms expiring as far back as 2023. Despite clear statutory mandates limiting board tenures to three years, with a maximum of six years across two terms, these individuals remain in office, resulting in governance breaches and an unnecessary financial strain on the state. The issue has drawn criticism from citizens and political observers alike, who are calling for an immediate review and dissolution of...

In a momentous occasion for Sierra Leonean football, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed three top referees from Sierra Leone to officiate Match No. 62 in the 2024/25 CAF Confederation Cup. The match will be held on September 22, 2024, in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, where AS Vita of DRC will face Stellenbosch FC from South Africa. The Sierra Leonean officials entrusted with this prestigious task are: - Rashid Mohamed Conteh (Center Referee) - Ibrahim Bah (Assistant Referee) - Alhaji Musa Kabia (Reserve Referee) This appointment marks a major milestone for the individuals involved and Sierra Leonean football as a whole, underscoring the growing recognition of the country's refereeing talent on an international platform. As the highly anticipated match approaches, football fans across Sierra Leone and beyond are proud of Conteh, Bah, and Kabia, celebrating their representation in one of Africa's most prestigious football tournaments. Their partic...

  The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved a 38-month loan program for Sierra Leone under its Extended Credit Facility (ECF), valued at SDR 187 million (approximately US$253 million). This loan is designed to aid Sierra Leone in overcoming its economic challenges, stabilizing the macroeconomic environment, and promoting sustainable growth. This approval follows a staff-level agreement between the IMF and Sierra Leonean authorities on a set of key economic policies and reforms. These reforms focus on reducing inflation, addressing debt vulnerabilities, strengthening governance, and fostering inclusive growth. The loan will also provide essential funding for structural reforms and targeted social spending to reduce poverty, ensuring Sierra Leone’s development objectives, as outlined in its  Medium Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) 2024-30,  are met. During the loan discussions, Christian Saborowski, who led the IMF mission to Sierra Leone, commended the gover...