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31/08/2025

SLFA President Babadi Kamara Represents Sierra Leone at CAF-FIFA High-Level Summit in Nairobi

The President of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), Mr. Babadi Kamara, is today, Saturday, August 30, 2025, participating in a high-level meeting of African football leaders in Nairobi, Kenya.

Convened by CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe, the strategic summit brings together presidents of all 54 Member Associations, with FIFA President Gianni Infantino also present on the sidelines of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) finals. The gathering is focused on critical issues shaping the future of African football, including financial sustainability, infrastructure growth, and strategies to boost global competitiveness.

President Kamara is also engaging with prominent figures in world football such as FIFA President Gianni Infantino, CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe, CAF General Secretary Veron Mosengo-Omba, and Cameroon FA President Samuel Eto’o. Discussions are expected to highlight development opportunities that will directly benefit Sierra Leone’s football ecosystem.

> “This is a defining moment for African football, and I am honored to represent Sierra Leone in these crucial deliberations,” President Kamara stated. “Our focus is to strengthen partnerships and ensure Sierra Leone fully benefits from CAF and FIFA’s development programs to drive progress in infrastructure, youth football, and long-term sustainability.”

His participation underscores Sierra Leone’s growing relevance in continental football and affirms the SLFA’s commitment to aligning its development agenda with CAF and FIFA’s broader vision for the game in Africa.

30/08/2025

BREAKING NEWS: Chief Sam Sumana to Hold Press Conference in Freetown

Former Vice President of Sierra Leone, Chief Sam Sumana, will host a major press conference on Wednesday, 3rd September 2025, at 11:30 AM at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Freetown.

Members of the press, civil society, stakeholders, and citizens are invited to attend. The conference will highlight the challenges and experiences Chief Sumana has faced since his removal from office in 2015, provide political updates, and outline his vision for Sierra Leone’s future.

Chief Sumana, who faithfully served the nation for seven and a half years as Vice President, was instrumental in driving national growth, stability, and peace. This engagement offers Sierra Leoneans the chance to hear directly from a leader dedicated to the country’s progress.

The announcement underscores the importance of dialogue between leaders and citizens in strengthening democracy. Sierra Leone belongs to its people, and unity, peace, and national cohesion remain vital to the country’s development.

The event presents an opportunity for citizens to ask questions, engage in constructive dialogue, and reaffirm their role in shaping Sierra Leone’s political future.

30/08/2025

Women’s Forum Sierra Leone Board Engages Gender Minister on Women’s Empowerment

This morning, the newly appointed Board members of the Women’s Forum Sierra Leone paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs. Discussions focused on the challenges faced by women-led civil society organizations and the Forum’s role as a national umbrella body created to channel women’s issues for the common good.

The Board Chairperson emphasized the importance of stronger collaboration between the Forum and Government, as well as building strategic alliances with international partners. In response, the Minister highlighted the need for stronger voices with agency in advancing the empowerment of women and children, particularly girls.

The meeting concluded with renewed optimism and commitment to foster an enabling environment where women’s organizations can grow, collaborate, and thrive.

29/08/2025

Internal Affairs Minister Lengor Joins ECOWAS Fact-Finding Mission to Disputed Yengeh Border

August 29, 2025 – The Minister of Internal Affairs, Morie Lengor, on Friday joined an ECOWAS fact-finding delegation on a visit to Yengeh, the disputed border area currently occupied by Guinean forces.

Upon arrival, the team was denied access to Yengeh village by the occupants, who claimed they had no prior knowledge of ECOWAS’ mission. The delegation later concluded its visit at Pegobegu, a location under Sierra Leone’s control, after residents of Yengeh had fled the area several months ago.

29/08/2025

VP Jalloh Commissions Kombra Market in Devil Hole to Boost Trade and Livelihoods

Waterloo, Sierra Leone – August 28, 2025 – Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh has officially commissioned the newly built Kombra Market in the Devil Hole community, Waterloo, describing it as a milestone in promoting inclusive growth and improving the livelihoods of traders, especially market women.

At the colorful ceremony, Dr. Jalloh noted that the project was a direct government response to persistent appeals from residents for safe, structured, and sustainable trading spaces. He recalled that development in the community began with the construction of schools, and the new market further demonstrates President Julius Maada Bio’s commitment to the “One Country, One People” vision.

Highlighting its impact, the Vice President said the market will not only create a dignified environment for trade but also empower women through access to interest-free credit and fair pricing opportunities. Designed to operate 24 hours a day, the facility will allow traders—particularly food vendors—to expand business hours and increase income. He urged residents to take ownership of the market by maintaining cleanliness, safeguarding its use, and preserving it for future generations.

On behalf of the traders, Market Chairlady Kadiatu Mansaray expressed gratitude to the government and Vice President Jalloh, noting that the facility has transformed years of struggle in unsafe conditions into a dignified and safe trading environment. Village Headman James Osman Browne described the commissioning as historic, thanking the government for prioritizing citizens’ welfare and emphasizing that true development transcends politics.

With renewed optimism among traders, appreciation from community leaders, and strong government backing, the new Kombra Market is expected to transform Devil Hole, foster social cohesion, and strengthen economic empowerment across the Waterloo area.

29/08/2025

Connaught Hospital Mortuary Nears Completion with Ultramodern Upgrades

The ongoing renovation of the Connaught Hospital Mortuary, spearheaded under the leadership of President Bio, is now 90 percent complete. The project is set to transform the facility into a modern standard befitting both medical and public use.

The upgraded mortuary will feature a fully equipped washing room, a state-of-the-art postmortem room, and a dedicated teaching room for medical students. It will also include a funeral parlor and a spacious hall for funeral services, providing a dignified environment for grieving families.

Additionally, the facility will house administrative offices and brand-new freezers to ensure proper body preservation. Once completed, the renovation will not only enhance medical training and research but also deliver a more professional and respectful mortuary service to the public.

29/08/2025

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29/08/2025

The Guild of Newspaper Editors condemns the misuse of the Cybersecurity Crime Act 2021 to intimidate journalists and stifle free speech.

29/08/2025

Dr. Sengeh Oversees Landmark Peace MOU in Sahn Malen

On Friday, August 29, 2025, Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, on behalf of President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, facilitated the signing of a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Malen Development Committee and Socfin Agricultural Company in Sahn Malen, Pujehun District.

For over a decade, relations between the community and the company have been strained by disputes over land rights, livelihoods, employment, and corporate social responsibility, while Socfin has also faced challenges such as asset theft, damage to palm trees, and revenue losses. By appointing Dr. Sengeh—a proud son of Sahn Malen and champion of Radical Inclusion—President Bio sought to pave the way for lasting peace.

The agreement marks a turning point in resolving one of Sierra Leone’s longest-standing community-industry conflicts, laying the foundation for dialogue, mutual respect, and sustainable development in the district and beyond.

29/08/2025

WAPCCO Chairman Urges Unified African Front Against Cybercrime at INTERPOL Conference

By Sallieu S. Kanu

Cape Town, South Africa – 27 August 2025: The Chairman of the West African Police Chiefs Committee (WAPCCO) and Sierra Leone’s Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. William Fayia Sellu, has called for stronger regional collaboration to tackle the growing threat of cybercrime across Africa. Speaking at the 27th INTERPOL African Regional Conference in Cape Town, IGP Sellu emphasized the need for strategic, inclusive, and coordinated efforts to secure the continent’s digital future.
Addressing a gathering of African police chiefs, security experts, and international partners, Mr. Sellu highlighted the ECOWAS Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Strategy, launched in January 2021, as a vital framework for member states. He described the strategy as a blueprint for national integration, outlining five key goals:
 Developing National Strategies: Encouraging political commitment and clear national responsibilities
 Enhancing Cybersecurity: Strengthening digital infrastructure and protecting critical systems
 Combating Cybercrime: Updating legal frameworks and boosting investigative capabilities.
 Fostering Cooperation: Promoting international conventions and a cybersecurity culture
 Building Regional Mechanisms: Establishing support systems and a Cybersecurity Coordination Centre.
Despite these efforts, IGP Sellu acknowledged persistent challenges in West Africa, including inadequate infrastructure, limited skilled personnel, weak enforcement, and low public awareness. He stressed that many countries still lack comprehensive data protection and privacy laws.
“Cyber threats do not recognise borders,” Mr. Sellu warned. “Our response must therefore be strategic, inclusive, and collaborative. With sustained political will, regional solidarity, and global cooperation, we can build a resilient and secure digital future for all.”
Countries such as Sierra Leone, Ghana, and Nigeria have already aligned their national legislation with the ECOWAS framework. However, Mr. Sellu underscored the importance of ongoing capacity-building, resource-sharing, and joint enforcement to stay ahead of evolving digital threats.
The three-day conference, running from 27–29 August, places cybercrime at the forefront of discussions, reflecting its growing impact on regional security and development.

29/08/2025

UADF Proposes 1% Levy to Accelerate Rural ICT Expansion

By Fatima Kpaka

Sierra Leone – August 28, 2025: The Universal Access Development Fund (UADF) is seeking an increase in its levy on Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) from 0.75% to 1% in an effort to accelerate the expansion of telecommunications and ICT services to underserved rural communities across Sierra Leone.
The proposal was presented during an oversight visit by the Parliamentary Committee on Communication Technology and Innovation to UADF’s headquarters at Wilberforce on Tuesday, August 26, 2025. The visit provided Members of Parliament with insights into the Fund’s progress, financial status, and operational challenges.
UADF Managing Director, Marie Momoh, briefed the committee on the Fund’s achievements since its establishment in 2018. She noted that UADF began with just four towers inherited from MNOs but has since constructed five additional towers, with three more nearing completion—bringing the total to eight by the end of this year.
“Our growth has been steady but constrained,” Madam Momoh said. “We rely on a 0.75% levy from MNOs, along with contributions from the National Communication Authority (NaTCA) and BRACCO. Yet, our mandate is vast, and the financial resources remain limited.”
She highlighted UADF’s efforts to bridge the digital divide, including the establishment of Community Technology Centers (CTCs) equipped with computers and internet access, and the distribution of smartphones and feature phones to rural residents. However, she pointed out that tower construction remains costly—traditionally estimated at $500,000 per unit—though UADF has reduced expenses by deploying smaller, solar-powered towers.
Madam Momoh also cited Sierra Leone’s challenging terrain, donor fatigue, and the small size of its telecom market as barriers to rapid expansion. She compared Sierra Leone’s levy to regional counterparts, noting that Ghana imposes a 2% levy on MNOs, while Uganda’s rate is even higher.
“At the pace we are going, it will take us a long time to cover the country unless we secure more funding or increase the levy,” she told MPs. “We are already engaging the Minister and will again approach Parliament to consider raising the levy to 1%.”
She further disclosed that with support from the World Bank’s Digital Transformation Project, UADF is upgrading its towers from 2G to 4G technology, enabling rural communities to access modern internet services such as WhatsApp, TikTok, and Instagram.
Despite the challenges, Madam Momoh reaffirmed UADF’s commitment to expanding digital access and called for continued parliamentary support and strategic partnerships, including with ECOWAS, to strengthen funding and accelerate ICT development in Sierra Leone’s rural areas.

29/08/2025

Three Police Officers Remanded for Robbery

By Fatima Kpaka

Freetown, Sierra Leone – August 28, 2025: Three police officers attached to the Ross Road Police Station were remanded on Thursday by Magistrate Mustapha Briama Jah of Pademba Road Court No.1 for their alleged involvement in a series of robberies in Rokel Village in Freetown.
The three police officer accused of robbery are James Turner, Foday Samking, and Mohammed Saio Kamara.
The accused were arraigned on eight counts, including conspiracy, robbery with aggravation, wounding, and assault. These charges are in violation of Section 23(1)(a) of the Larceny Act 1916, as amended by the Abolition of the Death Penalty Act 2021 (Act No.6), and Section 47 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.
According to the charge sheet, between 30 July and 2 August 2025, the officers conspired to commit robbery at Fengray Street, Rokel Village. On 2 August, they allegedly robbed victims Sahr Koroma and Hawa Komba of twenty thousand new Leones, an iPhone Pro Max, and two power banks—items valued at a total of twenty-eight thousand nine hundred new Leones.
The prosecution further alleged that the officers maliciously wounded and assaulted Bundu Ngegba, Sento Conteh, Hawa Komba, and Sahr Koroma, causing actual bodily harm. Additionally, Mohammed Saio Kamara is accused of commanding others, including the co-accused, to carry out the robbery.
Testifying in court, Inspector Fashila Johnson identified all three accused as serving officers and recounted how she became aware of the incident through a social media post on 2 August. She stated that on 4 August, she was summoned by Assistant Commissioner of Police Jalloh, head of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), who briefed her on the allegations.
Inspector Johnson revealed that James Turner had previously been involved in misconduct, including unauthorized operations during which money was extorted from civilians. She confirmed that the matter was transferred to CID Headquarters for investigation, during which the accused reportedly confessed to the crimes. They were subsequently dismissed from the Sierra Leone Police Force and charged to court.
Defense counsel Chernor Kamara cross-examined the witness. Bail was denied, and the case was adjourned to 4 September 2025 for continuation.

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