Tablet Newspaper Sierra Leone, 56 Big Waterloo Street, Freetown (2026)

16/09/2026

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐢𝐨 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐓𝐨 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐭

Freetown, Monday, 14 September 2026 - His Excellency, President Brigadier (Rtd.) Julius Maada Bio, has taken a significant step regarding the "Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Act, 2026." On 10 September 2026, the President received the Bill from the Clerk of Parliament seeking his assent.

Earlier, on 4 September 2026, the President had been presented with a petition from the Institute for Governance Reform (IGR), which raised important constitutional questions about the Bill's passage through Parliament.

The President has closely monitored the ongoing debates and the diverse opinions expressed regarding the Bill. He believes that legislation impacting the constitutional and democratic foundations of the nation should garner widespread support and be grounded in clear constitutional principles to foster trust and confidence among the citizens in the review process.

In light of this, and in accordance with Section 122(1) of the Constitution of Sierra Leone, 1991, President Bio has decided to refer the petition concerning the Bill to the Supreme Court for a judicial opinion. He has instructed the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice to oversee this referral process.

Furthermore, this announcement serves to inform the Clerk of Parliament that if a judicial opinion is not provided by the Supreme Court within fourteen days of the Bill's presentation, the President will communicate his final decision to Parliament as soon as the opinion is received. This action underscores the President's dedication to addressing matters of critical national significance with careful consideration, transparency, and adherence to our constitution.

16/09/2026

𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐍𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐓 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝

Chernor Mamoud Jalloh, the Director General of the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT), and Madam Jenneh Jabati, the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, were officially sworn in as Trustees of the NASSIT Board on Friday, 11th September 2026. The ceremony took place at the NASSIT headquarters located at 32 Walpole Street, Freetown, marking the start of a new chapter for the Trust.
The solemn event was conducted by Solicitor Secretary Tejan Ahmed Israel Jah and attended by members of the NASSIT Board.
Both Jalloh and Jabati took separate oaths to uphold the NASSIT Act No. 5 of 2001, committing to serve the people of Sierra Leone with integrity and dedication, while emphasizing transparency and reform.
This swearing-in represents a significant move in the government’s initiative to reform public institutions and enhance service delivery for the citizens of Sierra Leone. The ceremony concluded with a rallying call for all NASSIT staff to unite in support of the new leadership.

16/09/2026

𝐄𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐊𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐚 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐓𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐧𝐢

Former President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma made a spectacular return to his hometown of Makeni on Monday, September 14, 2026. The streets were alive with cheering supporters from the All Peoples Congress (APC) as he drove through, marking a significant moment for the northern city after over two years in self-imposed exile in Nigeria.
This joyous homecoming followed a pivotal meeting with President Dr. Julius Maada Bio at State House on September 7, where Koroma expressed his gratitude for the withdrawal of treason charges in July and for allowing his safe return.
In a closed-door session viewed as crucial for reducing political tensions ahead of the 2028 elections, Koroma thanked President Bio for the support that enabled his repatriation. "Mr. President, it is good to be back here at home," he warmly stated. “I have to thank you personally for the great decision you took on my return.”
Governed by Koroma from 2007 to 2018, he reassured the current regime of his dedication to national unity and pledged his support for development efforts, emphasizing that his loyalty to Sierra Leone goes beyond political affiliations.
In welcoming Koroma, President Bio recognized the significance of having a former leader back on home soil. "God has put you in this position before, and only a few of us can come here as President," he remarked, highlighting that Sierra Leone's progress depends on the collective effort of all citizens, regardless of their past roles or political backgrounds. He also recalled his collaboration with the previous administration during the Ebola crisis, underscoring the necessity of national solidarity in challenging times.

16/09/2026

𝐕𝐏 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐡 𝐉𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐡 𝐔𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐢𝐥𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐣𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

Vice-President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh has announced that Sierra Leone and Guinea will introduce new follow-up mechanisms to address migration, border security, and trade issues. The discussions took place during a meeting hosted by Guinea's Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah, where the two governments reaffirmed their commitment to implement the Tripartite Border Security Communiqué signed on March 26, 2026.
During an update for the Sierra Leonean community at the embassy in Conakry, Dr. Jalloh emphasized that these mechanisms would offer a well-structured platform to tackle the challenges faced by Sierra Leoneans living in Guinea. This initiative aims to enhance cooperation on border security and ensure that the commitments made by the three nations are effectively enacted.
He urged Sierra Leoneans to register with the embassy and obtain consular identification cards, while also reminding them to adhere to Guinean laws and regulations.
The discussions also included significant topics such as trade and economic cooperation, with both countries expressing a desire for closer collaboration to ease business operations, promote investment, and drive industrial growth. Dr. Jalloh noted that enhanced institutional engagement would help resolve practical issues impacting both businesses and citizens, fostering deeper relationships between the neighboring countries.
Accompanying the vice president were Chernor Bah, Minister of Information and Civic Education; Morie Lengor, Minister of Internal Affairs; Umaru Napoleon Koroma, Minister of Labour and Social Security; and Jeneba Bangura, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The gathering, which attracted Sierra Leoneans from across the diaspora, was organized by Sierra Leone's Ambassador to Guinea, Foday Yumkella, along with Deputy Ambassador Fatmata Sawaneh.

16/09/2026

𝐈𝐆𝐏 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐮 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐏𝐎𝐋 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐬

Two experts from INTERPOL, Kiyotaka Sekine and Carios Gonzales Yepes, recently visited Inspector General of Police, Mr. William Fayia Sellu, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance collaboration between INTERPOL and the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) in combating financial crimes and scams.
The meeting took place on Monday, September 14, 2026, and aimed to fortify the partnership between SLP and INTERPOL while exploring avenues for capacity building in the area of financial crime investigations.
During the discussion, Sekine emphasized two main objectives: to strengthen the collaboration with the SLP and to bolster the capabilities of SLP personnel in effectively investigating financial crimes.
Sekine highlighted that Sierra Leone has been selected among eighteen countries to participate in a capacity-building project aimed at helping nations tackle financial crimes more proactively and effectively. He noted that this initiative is crucial given the increasingly sophisticated nature of financial crimes that often transcend borders and leverage technological advancements.
He praised IGP Sellu for his dedication to enhancing cooperation with INTERPOL, particularly through the regular nomination of police personnel for international training programs and capacity-building opportunities. This commitment reflects the SLP leadership’s desire to enhance their officers' skills and ensure they are well-equipped to handle emerging criminal threats.
The INTERPOL experts further expressed concerns about the rise of large-scale scams in Asia, warning that such activities are increasingly spreading to other regions, including Africa. Sekine emphasized that addressing these international crimes calls for enhanced cooperation, information sharing, specialized skills, and coordinated law enforcement actions across different jurisdictions.
He underscored the necessity of empowering investigators to identify, probe, and dismantle financial crime networks before they gain a substantial foothold.
In response, IGP Fayia Sellu welcomed this initiative, recognizing it as a significant step in strengthening the existing partnership between the Sierra Leone Police and INTERPOL.
IGP Sellu expressed his appreciation for INTERPOL's continued support to the SLP, particularly in the area of professional development and specialised training.
He said the Police are prepared to work closely with INTERPOL to strengthen the capacity of personnel responsible for investigating scams, fraud and other forms of financial crime.
The Inspector General emphasised that Sierra Leone must not become a hub for international scammers and fraudsters, stressing the importance of taking proactive measures to prevent the country from being exploited as a base for organised financial crimes.
He said the intervention by INTERPOL was therefore timely, noting that building the capacity of police investigators would strengthen the country's ability to detect, investigate and respond to emerging financial crime threats.
IGP Sellu further maintained that a strong partnership between the SLP and INTERPOL, backed by specialised training and intelligence sharing, would enhance the Police's ability to confront sophisticated criminal networks operating across borders.

16/09/2026

𝐔.𝐒. 𝐏𝐮𝐦𝐩𝐬 𝐔𝐒$𝟐.𝟑𝐌 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐚 𝐋𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬

The U.S. Department of State has taken a significant step in the fight against child exploitation by awarding a $2,375,000 grant aimed at addressing child trafficking within Sierra Leone’s artisanal gold mining sectors.
The initiative, titled “Addressing Child Trafficking in Sierra Leone: A Multi-level Experimental Approach,” is designed to dramatically cut down the recruitment of children into forced labour, reinforce rural legal frameworks, and safeguard regional mineral supply chains.
For many years, the informal and often unregulated nature of artisanal gold mining in Sierra Leone has created an environment ripe for human trafficking. Children in these isolated regions are often forced into hazardous labour, excavating unstable pits, dealing with toxic materials, and suffering abuse from criminal organizations.
The fresh U.S. funding is intended to challenge these harmful practices at their roots. By concentrating efforts on mining hubs, the program aims to break the connections between illegal mineral extraction and child exploitation, ensuring that Sierra Leonean gold is mined ethically and lawfully.
This program will follow a survivor-centered approach built around four essential pillars:
* Strengthening Legal Frameworks: Evaluating and enhancing local laws and environmental policies to impose harsher penalties on those employing minors in mining.
* Expanding Victim Protection: Improving access to healthcare, psychological support, and safe housing for rescued children, along with sustainable reintegration packages to prevent re-trafficking.
* Boosting Enforcement and Prosecution: Training local police, border patrols, and judicial personnel to better identify trafficking victims, preserve evidence, and effectively prosecute major traffickers.
* Grassroots Community Prevention: Partnering with local leaders, civil society organizations, and mining unions to raise awareness, monitor mining sites, and set up community-led protection networks.
Beyond immediate humanitarian efforts, U.S. officials view the grant as a strategic investment in global economic stability. By improving local supply chains, this initiative aims to prevent international markets from being tainted by "blood gold" or minerals linked to grave human rights violations.
Local leaders in Freetown have embraced this bilateral collaboration, noting that this funding comes at a crucial moment as the country continues to reform its labor laws and heighten its campaign against modern-day slavery.

16/09/2026

𝐒𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐚 𝐋𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐔𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐤𝐫𝐲'𝐬 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐚 𝐁𝐚𝐧

Guinea has launched a comprehensive ban on the import, sale, and use of chicha (sh**ha/hookah) in response to a growing public health crisis. This initiative is aimed at tackling the alarming rise in water-pipe to***co use among young people in West Africa. As Guinea enhances its enforcement measures, health advocates are calling on Sierra Leone to implement similar legislation to protect its youth.
The Guinean Ministry of Health and local authorities are actively cracking down on sh**ha establishments in cities like Kankan and Conakry. Task forces are conducting raids on bars and lounges that defy the ban. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), just one hour of sh**ha use can expose smokers to as much toxic smoke as over 100 ci******es, which increases the risks for severe health issues such as respiratory failure, cardiovascular diseases, various cancers, and infectious diseases spread through shared mouthpieces.
Despite pushback from bar owners worried about revenue losses, the Guinean government prioritizes public health over short-term profits, recognizing that the long-term economic impact of a sick population far outweighs these immediate concerns.
Sierra Leone is facing a similar public health challenge. Sh**ha lounges are rapidly opening in Freetown, Bo, and Kenema, presenting themselves as a “trendy” alternative to ci******es while masking significant health risks.
Sierra Leone must implement a ban for these critical reasons:
-Misconceptions about Safety: Many young people mistakenly believe that sh**ha is safer because the smoke passes through water. This is a myth; the water merely cools the smoke, allowing for deeper inhalation and increasing the risk of addiction and respiratory issues.
-Strain on Healthcare System: Sierra Leone’s healthcare system is already fragile, struggling with non-communicable diseases. An influx of patients suffering from conditions linked to sh**ha use could overwhelm it. Preventing these diseases with a ban is far less costly than treating them later.
-Protecting the Future: By taking immediate action against sh**ha, Sierra Leone can protect its youth from the health risks associated with to***co and create a healthier society for years to come.
With Guinea's extensive and porous border with Sierra Leone, the total ban in Conakry will inevitably lead regional distributors to reallocate their blocked chicha supplies. If Sierra Leone does not take action to close its borders to these products, it risks becoming West Africa's dumping ground for unwanted to***co.
Guinea has shown the political resolve needed to prioritize public health over commercial interests. For Sierra Leone, the path is clear. The Ministry of Health and Sanitation, along with Parliament, must quickly enact comprehensive anti-sh**ha legislation before this habit becomes deeply rooted in our national culture. The well-being of Sierra Leone's future leaders hinges on the bravery of the decisions we make today.

16/09/2026

𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐜𝐫𝐲 𝐀𝐬 𝐎𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐒𝐋 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐋𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫

On September 14, 2026, Orange Sierra Leone ignited widespread outrage following a courtesy visit to the newly appointed Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Umaru Napoleon Koroma. While the company aims to cultivate a relationship with the new political leadership, frustrated subscribers are calling for urgent attention to the deteriorating telecommunications network rather than public relations gestures.
The stark contrast between Orange’s polished corporate delegation and the everyday struggles of citizens has made this visit a focal point for public discontent. Madam Agnes Songa, Director of Human Resources, led the delegation to congratulate Minister Koroma on his recent appointment. In their statements, Orange Sierra Leone expressed their commitment to collaborating with the Ministry on employee welfare and human resource development.
Minister Koroma pointed out that Orange was the first private-sector organization to visit him since he took office. During the discussion, Songa emphasized that employee welfare is a top priority for the company, vowing cooperation with the Ministry to address labor issues.
However, Koroma signalled a departure from passive bureaucracy, expressing his dedication to moving from legislation to meaningful action. He highlighted the need for strong leadership and open communication with Orange’s leadership.
While the focus turned to corporate policies and workplace improvements, millions of Sierra Leoneans in cities like Freetown, Makeni, Bo, and Kenema continue to face dire realities: poor network connectivity, dropped calls, and unstable data services.
Public frustration has escalated in response to recent notifications from Orange acknowledging severe technical problems. Just days ago, on September 11, 2026, the company reported "temporary service disruptions" due to necessary upgrades. Yet, many subscribers argue that despite paying premium prices, the actual service remains inadequate, severely impacting local businesses and remote workers reliant on mobile internet.
The general public consensus across Freetown remains clear: a company cannot claim to care about "welfare" and "human resource development" while simultaneously leaving the digital backbone of the nation in shambles. NatCA, the regulatory body, has historically penalized the telecom giant for missing service quality benchmarks, but citizens feel those measures haven't stopped the recurring service failures.

15/09/2026

𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲'𝐬 𝐄𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐎𝐟 𝐓𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐭 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐫

08/09/2026

𝐄𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐊𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐚 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐓𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞

A significant diplomatic achievement unfolded as former Sierra Leonean President Ernest Bai Koroma returned to Freetown, concluding over two years of relocation in Nigeria facilitated by regional mediation. Koroma’s arrival at Freetown International Airport symbolizes the successful end of a careful confidence-building effort led by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Nigerian government, and key regional players.
Emphasizing the importance of this event, a distinguished Nigerian delegation personally escorted Koroma to the capital. Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, accompanied him on the specific instructions of President Bola Tinubu. They were joined by esteemed statesman and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, while former President Goodluck Jonathan bid them farewell from Abuja. Upon their arrival, Sierra Leone's Foreign Affairs Minister, Mohamed Rahman Swarray, along with eager family members and leaders from the opposition All People's Congress (APC), warmly welcomed them.
Following his arrival, Koroma was officially welcomed at the seat of government, marking a significant moment in the political reconciliation process. President Julius Maada Bio took to his official page to announce the meeting and deliver a strong message of unity: “Today at the State House, I welcomed former President Ernest Bai Koroma back to Freetown and Sierra Leone. Let us unite in purpose, reinforce our peace, and commit to building a stronger, more prosperous, and hopeful Sierra Leone.”
This homecoming has been celebrated across the political spectrum as a pivotal moment for stability in the nation. State House Press Secretary Yusuf Keketoma Sandi issued a statement in support of the presidency’s peace message, commending President Bio for fostering a respectful transition. “President Julius Maada Bio deserves recognition for honoring former President Ernest Bai Koroma with the respect and dignity worthy of a statesman upon his return to Sierra Leone,” Sandi expressed. “This gesture exemplifies true leadership committed to promoting national cohesion and unity.”
In a time when divisions can be easily manipulated, this generous act serves as a powerful reminder that our nation's interests should always take precedence over partisan politics. Sandi encouraged all citizens to embrace this pivotal moment: "Now is the time to harness this positive energy for the sake of national development, progress, and collective prosperity. Together, we can work to lessen the divisiveness in our political landscape, encourage mutual respect, and forge connections across our differences."
In a statement issued by the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu echoed these thoughts, commending the conduct of all parties involved in the two-year process. She highlighted that Koroma’s actions demonstrated remarkable "restraint, statesmanship, and a dedication to a peaceful resolution." Nigerian officials are optimistic that closing this intricate chapter will bolster political stability, foster national reconciliation, and enhance constitutional harmony as Sierra Leone moves forward in its democratic journey.

Tablet Newspaper Sierra Leone

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