Executive Newspaper

05/03/2026

Parliament & NGOs Hold Dialogue for Strategic Collaboration
The Parliament of Sierra Leone, in observance of International NGO Week, on Tuesday 24th February 2026 hosted a high-level dialogue session with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) at the State Hall of Parliament.
The dialogue was held under the theme: “Bridging the Gap: Deepened Collaboration Between NGOs and the Parliament of Sierra Leone.”
The primary objective of the session was to establish a formal, structured, and continuous collaborative approach between Parliament and the NGO community. Discussions were focused on creating an enabling environment for NGOs, addressing legal and bureaucratic challenges, improving transparency through the Open Information Initiative, and institutionalizing NGO contributions to legislative processes beyond ad-hoc consultations. The engagement also aimed to enhance accessibility between NGOs and parliamentary leadership.
In her welcome address, the Director-General of Parliament, Madam Finda Fraser, underscored the importance of NGO Week as a milestone in strengthening partnerships. She reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to collaboration, research, and national development, noting that the doors of Parliament remain open to meaningful partnerships.
Delivering the declaration of purpose, the Hon. Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, commended Parliament for organizing the open dialogue session. He referenced previous engagements with NGOs, including discussions on human capital development, health, and education. He described the session as a continuation of earlier consultations aimed at mobilizing resources and fostering national development. The Vice President also spoke on the need for sustained collaboration for the general good of the country.

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05/03/2026

IMF Disburses $79.8 Million

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded a review mission on the progress of the IMF Extended Credit Facility Program in the country on Thursday, 26th February 2026, at the Ministry of Finance Conference Hall, George Street, Freetown.


This meeting attracted IMF Staff, Senior Government Officials from the Ministry of Finance, the Bank of Sierra Leone, the National Revenue Authority, and other government stakeholders.
The Mission Chief for Sierra Leone Christian Saborowski stated the focus of the mission is to assess progress on the structural benchmarks, implementation of Memorandum of Economic and Financial Policies (MEFP) Commitments, follow up actions on Governance and Corruption Diagnostics (GCD), Public Financial Management(PFM) Reforms including improvements in expenditure controls and budget transparency, domestic revenue mobilization with measures to broaden the tax base and enhance compliance, Public debt management, and steps to strengthen debt recording etc.
The Minister of Finance, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, thanked the Fund for the continuous support in strengthening the country’s economy, as he highlighted the progress in reducing inflationary pressure through prudent monetary policy coordination with the Bank of Sierra Leone, and strengthening governance and transparency in public financial management.
He added that the government is also following up on Governance and Corruption Diagnostics (GCD) report recommendations, with progress in enhancing asset declaration and publication compliance frameworks, and improving legal and institutional frameworks to promote accountability and reduce fiscal risks.
Mr Bangura reaffirmed commitment to meeting the remaining benchmarks in sustaining macroeconomic stability and continued technical support and policy coordination to maintain reform progress.
The Financial Secretary, Matthew Dingie, commended the team from the IMF and urged all sectors of governance to work together to implement the programme’s reforms.
The mission findings will inform the preparation of the formal review report for the spring meeting slated for April this year.
The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed the first and second reviews of Sierra Leone’s arrangement under the Extended Credit Facility Programme and the immediate disbursement of $79.8 million in December 2025.

05/03/2026

CFR, IPEN Raise Red Flag Over Trade Surge, Demand Immediate Treaty Reform


By: Mohamed Osman Bangura (Political)

The Center for Female Researchers (CFR), with support from the International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN), have raised serious concerns over the two significant weaknesses in the Minamata Convention’s implementation, including ongoing legal trade in mercury to be used in artisanal and small-scale gold mining. The two partner organizations believes the treaty needs to be strengthened by amendments that:
• End the legal international trade in mercury
• Establish a phase-out date of 2032 for the allowable use of Mercury in artisanal small-scale gold mining
In a strongly worded briefing paper, CFR and IPEN argue that despite the global treaty aimed at protecting human health and the environment from mercury pollution, international mercury trade has increased rather than declined. According to available data, approximately 1,200 tonnes of mercury were legally traded worldwide in 2017. By 2022, that figure had surged to 1,700 tonnes, representing a 40 percent increase.
While mercury trade dropped significantly after the Convention was signed in 2013, much of that decline was attributed to the phase-out of mercury in industrial products and processes. Today, with most industrial uses already eliminated or nearing elimination, the organizations believe the rising demand is largely driven by artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM).
Mercury is commonly used in ASGM to extract gold from ore through amalgamation. Once used, large quantities of the toxic metal are released into rivers, soil, and the atmosphere, contaminating ecosystems and entering the food chain. This exposes communities, particularly children, pregnant women, and Indigenous populations, to serious health risks.
Data referenced in the briefing shows that mercury use in ASGM stood at about 2,059 tonnes in 2017. Five years later, estimates indicate 2,094 tonnes were still being used. CFR and IPEN stress that this shows no meaningful reduction, despite global commitments under the Convention.
CFR is calling on the government of Sierra Leone to support the call for the treaty’s two major weaknesses. Amendments: End the continued legal international trade in mercury and set a phase-out date for 2032 mercury use in ASGM.
They argue that most products and industries that previously relied on mercury, including chlor-alkali plants and several manufacturing processes, have already been phased out or are scheduled to end by 2025. With dental amalgam also being reduced globally, the residual demand for mercury in legitimate industries is minimal compared to the volume being diverted into small-scale gold mining.
Ending legal trade, they say, would significantly simplify enforcement. Customs authorities would no longer need to determine whether mercury shipments are intended for permitted or illegal uses.
Currently, ASGM is the only major mercury use under the Convention without a defined phase-out timeline. The elimination of mercury use remains voluntary and open-ended to countries.
By aligning the 2032 deadline with the scheduled phase-out of primary mercury mining under the treaty, governments would have a concrete target to accelerate the transition to safer, mercury-free gold extraction methods. The organisations emphasise that small-scale mining can continue using alternative technologies that do not depend on mercury.
For Sierra Leone, the issue carries immediate relevance. Artisanal and small-scale gold mining remains largely informal and unregulated in many parts of the country. Mercury amalgamation is widely practised, contributing to contamination of rivers and land degradation. According to the National Minerals Agency, land degradation linked to mining is advancing at a rate of at least 500 hectares per year.
Mining communities often face limited access to healthcare, sanitation, and clean water. Workers typically operate without adequate protective gear, increasing their exposure to toxic chemicals. Reported health problems in these areas include malaria, vomiting, intestinal worms among children, skin infections, sexually transmitted diseases, acute respiratory infections, and gastric complications.
CFR and IPEN maintain that without decisive reform, the objectives of the Minamata Convention will remain out of reach. They warn that as global gold prices rise, pressure on small-scale mining will continue, further fuelling mercury demand unless stronger controls are implemented.
The organisations are therefore urging treaty parties to act swiftly to end the global mercury trade, establish a binding 2032 phase-out date for mercury use in gold mining, strengthen enforcement mechanisms, and support countries in transitioning to safer alternatives.
Their message is clear: without immediate treaty reform, mercury pollution will continue to threaten ecosystems, public health, and future generations worldwide.

19/02/2026

Sierra Leone Marks 17th Armed Forces Day Celebration
Sierra Leone ON 18th February 2026, commemorated its 17th Armed Forces Day, marking another year of honouring the men and women of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) for their service, sacrifice and commitment to national peace and security.


Observed annually on February 18, Armed Forces Day has become a significant date on the country’s national calendar. The celebration pays tribute to the gallantry of soldiers who defended the nation during its darkest days and those who continue to safeguard the country’s territorial integrity and democratic order.
Armed Forces Day was instituted following the end of Sierra Leone’s brutal civil war in 2002. The date, February 18, commemorates the formal declaration of the end of the war, which lasted from 1991 to 2002. After years of conflict that claimed thousands of lives and displaced many more, the establishment of Armed Forces Day was seen as a symbolic step toward reconciliation, stability and national rebuilding.
Since its inception, the day has been marked with military parades, wreath-laying ceremonies, interdenominational thanksgiving services and public displays showcasing the professionalism and discipline of the armed forces.
The 2026 observance therefore marks the 17th celebration of Armed Forces Day since it was officially instituted.
Armed Forces Day serves several important purposes:
To honour fallen heroes who paid the ultimate price during the civil war and in subsequent peacekeeping missions.
To recognise the transformation of the military into a professional and democratically accountable institution.
To strengthen civil-military relations by fostering public appreciation and trust in the armed forces.
To celebrate peace and national unity, reminding citizens of the progress made since the end of the conflict.
In recent years, Sierra Leone’s armed forces have also gained recognition for participating in international peacekeeping missions, contributing to global peace efforts while enhancing the country’s image abroad.
As Sierra Leone celebrates its 17th Armed Forces Day, the occasion stands not only as a remembrance of the past but also as a reaffirmation of the country’s commitment to peace, stability and national development.
The day remains a solemn yet proud reminder that from the ashes of war, a renewed and professional armed force emerged—dedicated to protecting the Republic and its people.

19/02/2026

Confucius Institute SL Celebrates 2026 Spring Festival Gala

The Confucius Institute at Fourah Bay College (FBC) in Sierra Leone on Friday, 6th February 2026, hosted its Spring Festival Gala in celebration of the Chinese New Year at the Taiji garden, Kort-right 22 Fourah Bay College, Freetown.


This event brings together Chinese nationals and Sierra Leoneans in a vibrant display of culture, friendship, and unity. The event aimed to strengthen cultural exchange and deepen the long-standing relationship between China and Sierra Leone.


The colourful ceremony was marked by striking decorations in red and yellow colours that symbolize prosperity, success, and power in Chinese culture. The atmosphere reflected festivity and cultural pride as guests gathered to witness a well-coordinated programme of performances and goodwill messages.
The gala opened with an energetic Lion Dance by the Martial Arts Club, featuring two lions in red and yellow costumes. The performance immediately set a lively tone for the evening and drew enthusiastic applause from the audience.
Proceedings were steered by four Masters of Ceremony two Chinese women and two Sierra Leonean men who welcomed guests and highlighted milestones in China Sierra Leone educational cooperation, including recent Chinese scholarship successes and increased participation of Chinese students in international competitions.
Delivering the first formal address, Mr. Zhang Dianbin, Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone, noted that the year marks the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, describing the partnership as strong and mutually beneficial.
Vice Chancellor and Principal of the University of Sierra Leone, Mr. Aiah Lebbie, in his remarks, emphasized the value of cultural collaboration and educational partnerships. He noted that the New Year celebration symbolizes unity, mutual respect, and shared growth between the two nations.

Also speaking, Mrs. Wu Cui highlighted the steady expansion of Chinese language teaching sites and cultural programmes across Sierra Leone. She described the Spring Festival Gala as more than a celebration, calling it a platform for memory making, friendship, and continued cooperation.
The entertainment segment featured diverse performances, including Chinese songs by students of the Ballanta Academy, traditional Chinese instrumental music, poetry recitals, and cultural dances. Interactive question and answer sessions and lucky draws kept the audience engaged throughout the evening, while discussions on Chinese cultural symbols added educational value to the festivities.
The programme concluded with a series of musical performances and a final martial arts display, followed by a group photograph that captured the spirit of unity and celebration shared by all attendees.

19/02/2026

Africell Launches 2026 Ramadan Bonanza with Le1 Billion Giveaway

Africell Sierra Leone has launched its 2026 Ramadan Promotion Show, titled “Gentri PaLamp,” with a prize pool exceeding Le1 billion in cash and other rewards, as part of its annual Ramadan engagement campaign for subscribers nationwide. The launch took place on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, at Africell’s headquarters in Wilberforce, Freetown.


The 2026 edition is positioned as a multi-platform entertainment and reward program combining live television and radio broadcasts, digital engagement, community outreach activities, and AfriMoney-powered promotions. The show is designed to run throughout the holy month of Ramadan, featuring interactive gameplay mechanics, audience participation via short codes, and social media challenges, alongside nationwide promotional activations and community-based engagements.
In his welcome address, Africell Media Manager Abdul Karim said the 2026 Ramadan Show was developed with heightened creativity and a stronger subscriber-centric focus. He said the program aims to provide an enhanced viewing and participation experience for subscribers during Ramadan and to demonstrate Africell’s appreciation for its customer base across the country.
Africell’s Marketing and Communications Manager Kamanda Koroma said the 2026 Ramadan Show will be larger in scale compared to previous editions, with increased AfriMoney cash winnings and a broader prize portfolio including cash, smartphones, airtime, and other gifts.
He explained that participants will enter by calling or sending SMS to short code 777, purchasing Africell scratch cards, or through AfriMoney-linked participation. Selected participants will interact with a multiplier system, where visual outcomes determine prize multipliers such as ×1, ×2, or ×3, applied to cash prizes, alongside other reward categories.
AfriMoney Marketing Manager John Konteh outlined financial and consumer-focused promotions linked to the Ramadan campaign. He announced the deployment of three branded rice trucks nationwide, with one serving Freetown and the Western Area and two rotating across regional locations including Bo, Kenema, Makeni and others. He said the AfriMoney Ramadan Bundle, priced at Nle10, includes three cups of rice redeemable via a voucher at the rice trucks, 2 minutes of on-net talk time, 250 MB data, 250 SMS, valid until midnight.
Konteh also announced the Ramadan "Sunakati" initiative for AfriMoney subscribers, allowing users to request from them by dialing *161*13 # and selecting the appropriate option. He said AfriMoney will select 10 recipients daily throughout Ramadan, with winners announced on radio and AfriMoney’s page.
Africell Digital and Social Media Manager Fatmata Jaria Bah detailed the digital engagement component of the campaign, which will include daily keyword challenges announced during live broadcasts on Africell’s page. Participants must comment on the daily keyword and compile weekly sentences to qualify for weekly prizes of Nle2,000. She said the keyword announcements can occur at any point during the show to encourage continuous viewing.
She also announced that customers who purchase data bundles via the MyAfricell app during Ramadan will receive a 50 percent bonus, with additional seasonal packages available. She encouraged subscribers to follow Africell’s social media channels for real-time announcements and additional promotional activities.
The show will be air Monday to Friday across television, radio, and Africell’s digital platforms, starting around 7:45 p.m., with an approximate runtime of 1 hour 15 minutes. And articipation is open to all subscribers regardless of religious affiliation.
The “Gentri PaLamp” Ramadan Show is scheduled to commence on Wednesday, 18 February 2026, as Africell continues its annual Ramadan promotional campaign combining entertainment, financial incentives, and community outreach initiatives across Sierra Leone.

19/02/2026

LEOCEM Produces 42.5R and 32.5R Quality Cement in Sierra Leone

LEOCEM, a leading cement manufacturing company located in Cline Town, Freetown, continues to strengthen its position in Sierra Leone’s construction sector with the production of high-quality 42.5R and 32.5R grade cement.


The company manufactures two flagship brands — Lion PRO (42.5R) and Lion Super (32.5R) — both of which have gained strong presence and acceptance on the local market. These products are designed to meet varying construction needs, from heavy structural works requiring high early strength to general building projects demanding durability and reliability.
Industry observers note that LEOCEM’s grinding plant, the only large-scale cement manufacturing facility of its kind in the country, plays a vital role in ensuring steady production and supply. The plant is capable of producing significant quantities of cement to meet growing national demand, helping to stabilise the market and support infrastructure development across Sierra Leone.
The company prides itself on delivering fresh, high-quality cement that meets standard specifications, giving builders, contractors and individual homeowners confidence in their projects. By maintaining consistent quality control and investing in modern production processes, LEOCEM continues to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s construction and development drive.
As Sierra Leone’s infrastructure expansion accelerates, stakeholders are encouraged to support local industry. Choosing LEOCEM products, many believe, is not only a commitment to quality construction but also a contribution to national economic growth and industrial development.
With Lion PRO and Lion Super cement steadily making impact in the market, LEOCEM remains committed to building stronger structures and a stronger nation. For any enquiry, kindly contact this number:+23234999823

19/02/2026

Deputy Speaker Exposes MDAs

The Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, has announced significant financial recoveries secured by the Committee from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) during the Public Accounts Committee’s public hearings on the 2023 Auditor-General’s Report.


He made these statements on recoveries for the period under review as the Acting Speaker of Parliament after the Reports were tabled by the Deputy Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, Hon. PC Desmond Kargobai in Parliament on Tuesday 17th January 2026.
Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh is also the Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee in Parliament.
Hon. Conteh disclosed that, as a direct result of the PAC’s scrutiny and enforcement actions, the Committee secured total domestic recoveries amounting to NLe 24,025,499.86, which have been paid into Government-designated accounts. He further confirmed that the PAC also resolved outstanding obligations to the Government of Sierra Leone, including a USD 760,000 royalty settlement from Zoodlabs, relating to the management of the fibre landing station.
The Deputy Speaker noted that the Committee recorded substantial progress in addressing audit findings, with over sixty per cent (60%) of audit issues reviewed across MDAs either resolved or substantially resolved during the PAC process. With respect to Local Councils, he stated that thirty-four (34) audit issues, representing 42%, were fully resolved through documentary submissions, corrective actions, and compliance by Council Managements.
Hon. Conteh commended the Committee Membership for what he described as the outstanding performance of the Sixth Parliament in enforcing accountability and recovering public funds. He emphasised that these achievements were the result of a deliberate and collaborative approach, with the PAC working closely with the Finance Committee and the Transparency and Accountability Committee to advance the national interest.
The Chairman further called on the Finance Committee and the Transparency and Accountability Committee to sustain engagement on unresolved matters and to produce reports on negotiated settlements, stressing that the values and ethos of the Sixth Parliament must translate into tangible improvements in public financial management and service delivery across the country.
Hon. Conteh also expressed profound appreciation to the Rt. Hon. Speaker Segepoh Solomon Thomas, the Leadership of Parliament, Honourable Members of Parliament, and particularly Members of the Public Accounts Committee for their unwavering support throughout the oversight process.
He underscored that the PAC’s work demonstrates the Sixth Parliament’s firm commitment to accountability, transparency, and sound public financial management. According to him, the public hearings on the Auditor-General’s Report reaffirm the critical role of parliamentary oversight in promoting good governance and safeguarding public resources.
The PAC’s Reports, he added, are expected to provide a comprehensive assessment of the financial performance of MDAs and Local Councils, while clearly identifying systemic weaknesses and areas requiring corrective action, with the overarching aim of strengthening fiscal discipline and improving the management of public funds for national development.

17/02/2026

Why APC Needs Strong Leadership

By Emmanuel Kpaka United Kingdom (UK)

Given the current political climate in Sierra Leone, the All People’s Congress (APC) stands at a defining crossroads. To effectively navigate mounting internal and external challenges, the party requires strong, credible, and visionary leadership—leadership capable of restoring unity, rebuilding trust, and repositioning the APC as a formidable force ahead of 2028.

1. Standing Firm Against External Pressure
The APC has faced sustained political pressure from the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), including what many supporters perceive as the politicization of state institutions such as the judiciary, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), and elements of the security sector.

In such circumstances, the party needs leadership that is legally astute, courageous, and strategically composed someone who understands governance, constitutionalism, and the rule of law, and who can robustly defend democratic principles while maintaining national stability.
2. Healing Internal Divisions and Restoring Unity
Internal fractures, factional distrust, and damaging accusations have weakened the APC’s cohesion. Allegations of “sell-outs,” leadership rivalries, and ideological differences have diverted energy away from constructive opposition politics.
A strong leader must rise above factionalism, inspire reconciliation, and foster collective purpose ensuring that loyalty to the party’s vision supersedes individual ambition. Unity is not optional; it is foundational for revival.
3. Rebuilding Public Confidence
Public perception is central to political success. Many supporters have grown concerned about the APC’s effectiveness as an opposition party. Re-engaging disillusioned voters particularly young people, requires a leader who is accessible, reform-minded, and forward-thinking.
Rebuilding trust demands integrity, consistency, and a clear roadmap for national development. The electorate seeks credibility and competence, not rhetoric.
4. Modernizing Strategy for a New Era
Politics today is increasingly shaped by digital communication, economic complexity, youth engagement, and global interconnectedness. The APC must modernize its strategy, messaging, and organizational structure to remain competitive.
Leadership must reflect adaptability, policy depth, and an understanding of emerging economic and technological realities that resonate with a new generation of voters.
5. Reorganizing and Strengthening Party Structures
For the APC to regain electoral competitiveness, it must reinforce its grassroots base, improve internal democracy, and promote inclusivity in decision-making processes. Strategic reorganization, disciplined coordination, and transparent leadership selection processes will be critical for long-term resilience.
Why Hon. Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara Represents the Moment
Hon. Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara brings a rare combination of legal expertise, governmental experience, political maturity, and national appeal. As a former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, he understands statecraft, institutional governance, and constitutional order.
His leadership style—measured, principled, and reform-oriented—positions him as a unifying figure capable of bridging divides within the party while articulating a compelling national vision.
At this critical juncture, the APC needs not only a leader, but a statesman, one who can defend democracy, restore confidence, inspire unity, and chart a credible path toward victory in 2028.
The future of the APC depends on decisive leadership. The moment demands strength, integrity, and vision.

17/02/2026

IMATT College Makes History

By: Usman Fambuleh

In a groundbreaking achievement for legal education in Sierra Leone, IMATT College has become the first university in the country to participate in the prestigious Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot.

The global competition, widely known as the “Vis Moot,” brings together law students from across the world to foster the study and practice of international commercial sales law and arbitration. This year alone, students from over 80 countries are participating, placing IMATT College firmly on the international legal stage.
The Willem C. Vis Moot focuses on disputes arising from international commercial sales contracts governed by the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG). The dispute is resolved through arbitration in a fictional country that has adopted the UNCITRAL Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration and is a party to the Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards.
The competition is designed to provide practical legal training. Students draft written memoranda for both claimant and respondent and later present oral arguments before panels of seasoned arbitration practitioners and academics from both civil law and common law backgrounds.
IMATT College’s participation signals a major leap forward for legal scholarship in Sierra Leone. It demonstrates the institution’s commitment to producing globally competitive lawyers equipped to handle cross-border commercial disputes.
Representing Sierra Leone on this international platform is a dynamic team of four outstanding law students:
Cecilia Alice Sesay Gustavus Cilmond Betts
Mariama Bah
Alhassana Sow
The team is guided and coached by an accomplished panel of mentors: *Mohamed Wurie Bah, Maurici Monguet Sanguino, Sofia Saltynska, and Albert Macharia*, whose expertise in international arbitration and advocacy has been instrumental in preparing the students for this rigorous competition.
The IMATT College Vis Moot team is driven by more than participation. Their guiding mission is to empower a new generation of African advocates to shape the future of international arbitration.
Through months of intensive research, drafting, and advocacy training, the team seeks to elevate African voices and perspectives within global dispute resolution. They view the competition as a transformative platform one that not only sharpens their legal skills but also opens doors for future Sierra Leonean students to engage in international legal discourse.
By stepping into this arena, IMATT College is forging a legacy. The team aims to inspire future cohorts, build a culture of mooting excellence, and position Sierra Leone as an emerging contributor to international commercial law.
This historic milestone underscores IMATT College’s growing reputation as a center for legal excellence. As the first Sierra Leonean institution to compete in the Vis Moot, the College has placed the nation’s legal education system in the global spotlight.
Their participation is not merely symbolic; it is a bold declaration that Sierra Leonean students are ready to compete, excel, and lead on the world stage.
As the IMATT College Vis Moot Team steps forward, they carry with them the hopes of a nation and the promise of a new era in international legal advocacy.