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The Nature Newspaper, 48 Siaka Stevens Street, Sierra Leone, West Africa, Freetown (2026)

15/08/2026

FRONT PAGE:

$18.85M CLIMATE BOOST: SIERRA LEONE MOVES TO RESTORE NATURE, PROTECT LIVELIHOODS

15/08/2026

Attorney General Meets UNFPA Country Representative, Reaffirms Commitment to Justice for GBV Survivors

By: The Nature Newspaper

The Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice on Thursday hosted the Country Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Mr. Kunle Adeniyi, for high-level talks aimed at strengthening collaboration on gender-based violence (GBV) response, health, and reproductive rights in Sierra Leone. The meeting, described as productive, brought together two institutions whose mandates intersect on some of the country's most pressing human rights concerns access to justice, protection of women, and the advancement of reproductive health services. Speaking after the engagement, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice reaffirmed the Office's commitment to strengthening the investigation and prosecution of gender-based violence cases.

The Office also pledged to expand access to justice for underserved communities across the country a long-standing concern for rights groups working in rural and hard-to-reach districts, where survivors of GBV often face significant barriers to reporting and pursuing legal redress. UNFPA has, over the years, positioned itself as a key partner to government institutions in Sierra Leone, supporting programmes that respond to gender-based violence while also promoting health and reproductive rights nationwide. Thursday's discussion is expected to build on this existing partnership. Beyond GBV response, the two officials also exchanged views on Sierra Leone's ongoing constitutional review process.

Discussions centred on the importance of strengthening human rights protections within the country's constitutional framework, with particular emphasis on women's health and reproductive rights an area that continues to draw national and international attention as the review process unfolds. The constitutional review has been viewed by many stakeholders as a critical opportunity to embed stronger safeguards for marginalized groups, including women and girls, into Sierra Leone's foundational legal architecture. Concluding the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to closer collaboration, with an emphasis on ensuring that the mandates of the Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice and UNFPA complement one another going forward.

The partnership, officials say, is geared toward advancing justice, equality, and human rights for women across Sierra Leone goals that remain central to both the government's justice sector reform agenda and UNFPA's country programme. No further details on specific timelines or joint programmes arising from the meeting have yet been made public. The Nature Newspaper will provide updates as more information becomes available.

15/08/2026

Amnesty Director warns Climate Change threatens Vulnerable Communities

By: Ivan Smith

The Country Director of Amnesty International Sierra Leone, Solomon M. Sogbandi, has warned that climate change and environmental degradation are increasingly threatening livelihoods, public health, access to essential resources and the well-being of vulnerable communities, describing climate justice as a critical human rights issue for the current generation. Sogbandi made the declaration while addressing young people during a youth engagement programme in Freetown, where he called for stronger youth leadership in the fight against climate change and greater accountability in environmental governance.

He said the effects of climate change should no longer be viewed solely as environmental concerns, stressing that the crisis has far-reaching implications for fundamental human rights and the ability of communities to live safely and with dignity. «"Climate justice is human rights justice," Sogbandi said, urging young people to place climate action at the centre of their human rights advocacy. » According to him, environmental degradation and climate-related challenges are placing increasing pressure on communities, particularly vulnerable populations whose livelihoods and access to basic necessities depend heavily on natural resources.

He noted that disruptions to livelihoods, health, food and water security can deepen poverty and inequality, leaving already marginalized communities more exposed to the consequences of environmental crises. Sogbandi challenged young people to move beyond awareness and become active champions of climate justice, environmental protection and sustainable development. He said young people possess the energy, creativity and influence required to mobilize communities, shape public debate and demand meaningful action from governments, institutions and other stakeholders.

He called for greater youth participation in climate-related policy discussions and decision-making processes, arguing that young people must have a meaningful voice in determining the environmental policies that will shape their future. «"Young people are at the forefront of demanding climate action and environmental accountability," he said. » The Amnesty International Country Director further encouraged youth organizations and activists to strengthen collaboration and make climate justice an integral part of the broader human rights movement. Sogbandi stressed that the consequences of climate change can affect a wide range of fundamental rights, including access to health, food, water, housing and livelihoods.

He warned that vulnerable communities are often disproportionately affected by environmental degradation and climate-related shocks, making climate justice an important component of the struggle against inequality and exclusion. He therefore urged young people to advocate for policies that protect vulnerable communities while promoting sustainable and environmentally responsible development. Sogbandi also encouraged young people to harness digital technology to promote climate awareness, environmental education and civic participation. He said social media and other digital platforms provide young activists with powerful tools for mobilization, advocacy and public education, but urged them to use those platforms responsibly.

He cautioned against misinformation, hate speech and online abuse, calling instead for digital spaces to be used to promote accurate information, constructive dialogue and collective action on climate and human rights. Sogbandi maintained that tackling climate change requires collective action involving governments, civil society organizations, young people, communities and development partners. He said meaningful climate action must place human dignity and the protection of vulnerable populations at the centre of environmental policies and development programmes. He reaffirmed Amnesty International Sierra Leone's commitment to supporting young people in defending human rights and advocating for climate justice.

«"Protecting the environment means protecting people's lives, livelihoods and future generations," Sogbandi emphasized. » His message places climate justice firmly within the wider youth leadership agenda and reinforces the call for a new generation of activists to connect environmental protection with the broader struggle for equality, dignity, accountability and human rights.

15/08/2026

Türkiye Hands Over 10 Motorbikes to Sierra Leone Police to Support Border Operations

The Government of Türkiye, through the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), has handed over 10 motorbikes to the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) to strengthen mobility and operational capacity at police border stations across the country. The handover ceremony, held today, was conducted by the Turkish Ambassador to Sierra Leone, H.E. Yusuf Burak Rende, who formally presented the motorbikes to the Inspector General of Police, Mr. William Fayia Sellu.

The donation forms part of an initiative titled “Enhancing the Mobility of the Sierra Leone Police Border Stations,” aimed at improving the ability of police personnel to effectively patrol and respond to security concerns in border communities. The provision of the motorbikes is expected to enhance the mobility of police officers, particularly in areas where difficult terrain and limited transportation can affect patrol operations and timely responses.

The support further highlights the growing cooperation between Sierra Leone and Türkiye in strengthening security and institutional capacity. The Sierra Leone Police is expected to deploy the motorbikes to designated border stations to support patrols, monitoring and other operational activities.

14/08/2026

$18.85M CLIMATE BOOST: SIERRA LEONE MOVES TO RESTORE NATURE, PROTECT LIVELIHOODS

By: The Nature Newspaper

Sierra Leone has taken a significant step forward in addressing climate change, environmental degradation and food insecurity through the Global Environment Facility Additional Financing 3 (GEF AF3) Project, aimed at strengthening climate resilience, restoring ecosystems and supporting vulnerable communities. The project was highlighted at the National Stakeholder M eeting held on 13 August 2026 at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Freetown, featuring key remarks from the Hon. Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Jiwoh Emmanuel Abdulai; Deputy Minister 1 of Agriculture, Dr. Isata Kamanda; and World Bank Task Team Leader, Dr. Adetunji Oredipe, who underscored the importance of strong coordination, sustainable agriculture, environmental protection and accelerated implementation for national development. The Global Environment Facility is an additional fund to FSRP which supports subcomponents within Component 2 and contributes to Component 5 (Project Management).

The AF will expand the project’s reach to an additional 30,000 people, bringing the total target beneficiaries to “973,200” (with 40% women). It will cover 7 districts, chosen for their vulnerability to climate risks, geographical conditions for CSA, and potential for impact. These districts include Moyamba, Port Loko, Tonkolili, Kailahun, Kambia, Falaba and Bo. The high-level GEF AF3 National Stakeholders Meeting, brought together Government officials, parliamentarians, development partners, environmental experts, civil society organisations and other key stakeholders under the theme “Strengthening Coordination and Accelerating Implementation of the GEF AF3 Project in Sierra Leone.” At the centre of the national conversation was Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Jiwoh Emmanuel Abdulai, whose leadership and advocacy have been instrumental in advancing major environmental and climate initiatives. Minister Abdulai used the occasion to place people and communities at the heart of Sierra Leone’s environmental agenda.

Reflecting on the environmental changes he witnessed growing up, the Minister described the devastating cycle now affecting many rural communities, where declining agricultural productivity and climate pressures can push vulnerable households towards activities such as charcoal burning and deforestation simply to survive. He warned that environmental destruction and poverty can reinforce each other: as climate impacts undermine agriculture, communities become increasingly dependent on environmentally harmful activities, which further degrade the natural resource base and make agricultural production even more difficult. For Minister Abdulai, therefore, climate action cannot remain a policy discussion—it must produce tangible improvements in the lives and livelihoods of Sierra Leoneans. $18.85 million investment targets seven districts The GEF AF3 intervention is presented as a major opportunity to address interconnected challenges involving climate change, biodiversity, land degradation, agriculture and rural poverty.

The World Bank Group described the $18.85 million GEF AF3 project as critical seed funding for piloting transformative approaches that can strengthen sustainability, agricultural productivity and the adaptive capacity of Sierra Leone’s food systems. The programme will focus on seven targeted districts and is expected to link environmental restoration directly with economic opportunities for communities. Minister Abdulai stressed that the project must remain people-centred, with communities actively participating in decisions concerning how their land should be managed for agriculture, livestock production and conservation. WORLD BANK COMMENDS ENVIRONMENT MINISTRY The World Bank has particularly recognised the commitment of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change in preparing the project. World Bank Task Team Leader Dr. Adetunji Oredipe praised the Ministry’s hands-on involvement, noting that its leadership participated throughout the preparation process, from high-level engagements to detailed technical sessions.

Dr. Oredipe also issued a strong call for accelerated implementation, stressing that Sierra Leone “doesn’t have the luxury of time” and that successful development ultimately depends on national ownership of the interventions. The World Bank also emphasised accountability, procurement standards, Environmental and Social safeguards and the need to ensure that vulnerable groups are not left behind. AGRICULTURE AT THE HEART OF CLIMATE RESILIENCE Representing the Minister of Agriculture, Deputy Minister 1 of Agriculture, Dr. Isata Kamanda, underscored the importance of the project to Sierra Leone’s farmers. She explained that climate change is already affecting agricultural production through changing rainfall patterns, flooding and unpredictable weather conditions. Examples cited included challenges facing rice farmers in flood-prone areas such as Bonthe and Bo, while maize, soybean and cowpea farmers have also suffered losses because of changing rainfall patterns.

The intervention is therefore expected to promote climate-smart agricultural practices, including appropriate crop varieties, sustainable farming methods, agroforestry and other adaptation measures that can help farmers improve productivity despite increasing climate variability. restoring forests, wetlands and mangroves A key strength of the GEF AF3 project is its emphasis on Nature-Based Solutions. The programme includes agroforestry and forest protection, organic farming pilots, community-led wetland restoration, and integrated landscape and aquaculture management. Communities around protected areas such as the Mamunta Mayosso Wildlife Sanctuary are expected to benefit from sustainable timber and alternative livelihood opportunities designed to reduce pressure on forests. The project will also support wetland and mangrove restoration by involving communities as custodians of their natural resources. This approach aligns strongly with the concerns raised by Deputy Minister Kamanda about protecting biodiversity, habitats and endangered species, including species associated with the Gola Forest and other protected areas.

FROM ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TO ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY The project is not being framed simply as an environmental conservation programme. Minister Abdulai emphasised the importance of creating sustainable value chains, improved market access and private-sector investment in renewable energy, solar water pumps and modern irrigation. These interventions could enable rural communities to produce throughout more of the year while creating opportunities for income generation and reducing dependence on environmentally destructive practices. The Ministry of Agriculture similarly highlighted the importance of building the capacity of rural communities, changing mindsets and developing agribusiness opportunities so that farmers can earn sustainable incomes without depending on deforestation. Another significant feature of the initiative is stronger collaboration between Government institutions.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, which is leading the GEF component, and the Ministry of Agriculture, which is implementing the Food Systems Resilience Programme, are being brought together in direct implementation. The World Bank described this as an important step towards breaking traditional institutional silos and improving coordination. The project also brings together universities, civil society, communities and the private sector because, as Minister Abdulai stressed, environmental restoration cannot succeed in isolation. The significance of the GEF AF3 project extends beyond the funding itself. It represents an opportunity for Sierra Leone to demonstrate that environmental restoration, climate adaptation, food security and rural economic development can be pursued together. The World Bank has described the financing as “seed money” intended to develop successful models that can attract additional investment. Stakeholders are expected to measure results carefully, including restored hectares, farmers trained and resources committed. Minister Abdulai has similarly called for measurable impact within the targeted communities, stressing the need to build resilient communities that can become long-term stewards of their ecosystems.

For Sierra Leone, the challenge is no longer simply recognising the threat posed by climate change and environmental degradation. The challenge is translating national policies and international financing into visible improvements in communities. The GEF AF3 project provides an important platform to do exactly that. With strong leadership from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, support from the World Bank and other partners, and meaningful participation from communities, universities, civil society and the private sector, Sierra Leone has an opportunity to build practical models for a more resilient future. As the World Bank has emphasised, there is no time to waste. The success of this initiative will ultimately be measured not only by the amount of funding secured, but by the forests restored, wetlands protected, farmers supported, livelihoods strengthened, communities transformed and ecosystems preserved for future generations. Sierra Leone has one country, one environment and one opportunity to get this right. The national interest demands that every stakeholder plays a part.

12/08/2026

FRONT PAGE:

Sierra Leone takes Stronger Climate Action under Minister Abdulai

12/08/2026

World's oceans hit record-high July temperatures

By: Jessica Rawnsley

The world's oceans hit their hottest ever recorded temperatures for July, partly fuelled by developing El Niño conditions in the Pacific, according to the EU's climate monitoring service. The average sea surface temperature (SST) outside the world's polar regions - between 60 degrees north and 60 degrees south - was 20.96C last month, beating the previous high of 20.89C, set in 2023. Last month was the joint second-warmest July globally on record, with temperatures 1.47C above the estimated pre-industrial average, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service. Meanwhile, Western Europe experienced its hottest ever June and July, with prolonged hot and dry conditions fuelling extreme wildfires across the region.

Elsewhere, the UK is braced for its fifth heatwave of the year this week, as persistent dry weather puts further pressure on water supplies and could see more areas officially declared in drought. Around Europe, sea surface temperatures in July reached record highs along the Atlantic coast and in the western Mediterranean, contributing to widespread strong and severe marine heatwaves. Sea temperatures remained exceptionally high across much of the tropical Pacific, where El Niño conditions are developing and forecast to strengthen in the coming months. El Niño is a natural weather pattern in the Pacific that combined with human-driven global warming can cause temperature spikes and more extreme weather.

Oceans are a vital regulator of the climate, absorbing most of the excess heat generated by greenhouse gas emissions and producing half of Earth's oxygen. The greatest effect of ocean warming is on sea level rise. As seawater warms it expands, and this thermal expansion accounts for roughly a third of sea level rise recorded by scientists to date. That water encroaches on low-lying coasts and island nations. Hotter seas are also driving longer and fiercer marine heatwaves, which have bleached coral reefs on a mass scale and decimated kelp forests and fisheries. Warmer ocean surfaces also evaporate more heat and moisture into the air, intensifying tropical storms and loading them with heavier rainfall.

Western Europe is experiencing an exceptional run of extreme heat - with record-breaking temperatures in June and July, and some areas facing their third or fourth heat wave since May. The average temperature across western Europe for June and July was 21.62C - 2.79C above average and the highest for the two-month period. "July 2026 was the third consecutive month of exceptional heat in western Europe," said Samantha Burgess, strategic lead for climate at the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. Persistent high-pressure systems trapped heat over the region, she said, while dry soils reduced the ability to provide natural cooling. "This is a clear example of how climate change is intensifying heat extremes, with heat and drought increasingly reinforcing one another," she added.

France, Spain, parts of Germany and the UK recorded exceptionally low rainfall and/or soil moisture, while soil moisture levels across much of western Europe were significantly lower than in 2022, when the region experienced severe drought. River levels have been much lower than average - in some places exceptionally low -with the Seine, Rhine and Danube among those particularly affected. Low flows exacerbate pressure on water supplies and irrigation, aquatic ecosystems, river transport and energy production. The prolonged hot and dry conditions have created favourable conditions for wildfires, with massive wildfires raging across western Europe last month and "exceptional activity" in terms of the area burned and smoke and emissions generated.

"Climate change is increasingly bringing the kinds of hot and dry conditions that favour large, high-intensity wildfires in southern Europe while extended the fire season northwards," said Laurence Rouil, director of the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service. Larger fires produce more smoke and inject it higher into the atmosphere, allowing it to travel much further, he said. That means countries that experience relatively few wildfires could be increasingly affected by smoke traveling long distances. In the UK, meanwhile, the prolonged dry spell is increasing pressure on already-stretched water supplies. England and Wales recorded their driest July since records began 190 years ago, according to the Met Office, while large parts of England and all of Wales have already been officially declared in drought.

The Environment Agency has warned that more areas of England could be declared in drought if dry conditions persist. Weather that was once considered extreme is becoming the "new normal", according to the latest Met Office report on the UK's climate. Its latest assessment found that the hottest day of the year in southern England is now 4.5C warmer than it was between 1961 and 1990. "We are right now living in a time of historic and unprecedented change," said Mike Kendon, Met Office climate information scientist, adding that "evidence shows the climate of the 20th century has now gone". Scientists say El Niño may temporarily push global temperatures even higher. Its effects are being felt against a backdrop of man-made warming, particularly the burning of fossil fuels. The world is now about 1.4C warmer on average than it was in the late 19th Century.

12/08/2026

Typhoon Dolphin hits eastern China, more than one million evacuated

By: AFP, AP and Reuters

Dolphin, the most powerful tropical cyclone to hit China this year, made landfall with hurricane-force winds. Typhoon Dolphin has made landfall on China’s eastern coast, bringing torrential rain and hurricane-force winds with more than one million people evacuated. Dolphin, the most powerful tropical cyclone to hit China this year, made landfall near Yuhuan in eastern Zhejiang province at about 5:30pm (09:30 GMT) on Sunday, according to China’s meteorological authorities. The storm packed maximum sustained winds of 151km/h (93mph) near its centre as it came ashore, equivalent to a Category 1 hurricane. Authorities have warned of severe flooding and landslide risks as the storm moves inland and continues to bring heavy rain to densely populated areas of eastern China. Transport was widely disrupted across the region. Shanghai evacuated at least 30,300 people and cancelled about 1,400 flights.

In neighbouring Zhejiang province, the city of Wenzhou relocated more than 900,000 residents and opened more than 1,000 emergency shelters. Authorities had also evacuated about 390,000 people in the Zhejiang city of Taizhou by Saturday evening. In Fujian province, about 98,900 people were evacuated from high-risk areas after authorities raised their typhoon emergency response to Level III, state news agency Xinhua reported. Authorities moved offshore workers to safety, ordered vessels back to port and stepped-up inspections of reservoirs, mountain streams, landslide-prone areas, construction sites and tourist locations. Flood and landslide warnings Torrential rain is forecast through August 10 across Zhejiang, Shanghai, northern Fujian, northeastern Jiangxi, central and southern Anhui, and much of Jiangsu.

Parts of central and eastern Zhejiang could receive 250mm to 500mm (9.8-19.7 inches) of rain, according to forecasters. China’s Ministry of Water Resources warned that the Qiantang, Yong, Jiao and Shuiyang rivers could experience major flooding, while smaller rivers in the hardest-hit areas could rise above warning levels. Authorities also warned of a high risk of geological disasters in parts of Zhejiang, with residents in areas under a red mountain-torrent warning told to follow local evacuation orders. After making landfall, Dolphin is forecast to track westward before slowing over central and southwestern China and gradually losing strength, Wang Haiping, chief forecaster at the National Meteorological Centre, told state broadcaster CCTV. The slower movement could prolong heavy rainfall and increase the threat of flooding and landslides, particularly in mountainous areas and along smaller rivers.

Fujian maritime authorities suspended 55 coastal passenger ferry routes, halted 115 offshore construction projects and moved 290 construction vessels to sheltered waters. Shanghai’s Yangshan port also cleared ships from its berths and moved more than 500 small and medium-sized vessels to shelter ahead of the storm. Disruption across the region the outer bands of Dolphin brought heavy rain to northern Taiwan, including the capital, Taipei, from Saturday. Dozens of ferry services were suspended and more than 180 flights were cancelled as the storm brought strong winds and downpours. In the Philippines, Dolphin intensified seasonal monsoon rains that triggered flooding and landslides across parts of the country. Five people were rescued and seven remained missing after a landslide struck three houses in the northern mountain resort city of Baguio on Sunday, according to officials.

Flooding also affected large parts of the main northern island of Luzon, including the densely populated metropolitan Manila region, displacing more than 12,000 people and forcing several northern cities and towns to close schools on Friday and Saturday. The monsoon rains followed a tropical storm that left at least six people dead last week, including four people killed in a landslide and rockslide in the provinces of Benguet and Rizal, Philippine officials said. Dolphin had earlier swept through Japan’s southern Okinawa prefecture over the weekend, injuring at least six people and cutting power to more than 50,000 buildings.

12/08/2026

No Report, No Oversight, Speaker Warns Committees

By: Mo Hamad Kargbo

The Right Honourable Speaker of Parliament, Segepoh Solomon Thomas, has warned Parliamentary Committees that failed to submit and lay reports on oversight activities conducted during the last session that they will not be permitted to undertake oversight activities in the current session. The Speaker issued the warning on Monday, 10th August 2026, in the Well of Parliament, while addressing Committee Chairmen and Clerks on the procedures for conducting committee activities. Speaker Thomas urged all eligible Committee Chairmen to ensure that their concept notes for proposed committee activities are submitted to the Leader of Government Business for vetting before receiving his final approval.

“Committee chairmen, with the exception of those committees that went on oversight during the last session but did not lay their reports, make sure you submit your concept note to the Leader of Government Business for vetting and for my final action,” the Speaker stated. He further reminded Members of Parliament that he had previously given committees two separate deadlines to submit reports from oversight activities conducted during the previous session. According to the Speaker, despite those deadlines, some committees failed to lay their reports before Parliament.

He therefore declared that such committees would automatically be excluded from conducting oversight activities during the new session. “I indicated clearly to those committees to submit their reports, to lay their reports in this Well. Those committees did not lay their reports. So those committees are automatically out. They cannot go on oversight anymore,” Speaker Thomas warned. However, committees that did not conduct oversight during the previous session, as well as those that conducted oversight and properly laid their reports before Parliament, have been directed to submit concept notes for their proposed activities.

The Speaker said the concept notes must first be submitted to the Leader of Government Business for inspection before they are forwarded for his final action. Parliamentary committees play a critical role in exercising oversight over Ministries, Departments and Agencies, public institutions and other entities. Their oversight activities are intended to enable Members of Parliament to obtain first-hand information, assess the implementation of programmes and projects, and hold institutions accountable.

The Speaker’s directive therefore places greater emphasis on the need for committees to complete the reporting process after conducting oversight, ensuring that findings and recommendations are formally brought before Parliament for consideration and debate. The move is also expected to strengthen accountability within Parliamentary Committees and ensure that oversight activities are followed by proper documentation and reporting.

The Nature Newspaper

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