The Campaign For Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) welcomes the immediate response from the Republic of Sierra Leone Arm Forces (RSLAF) or the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to a press release issued on January 5th January 2022, “CHRDI Condemns Corruption, Sexual Harassment and Rights Violations in the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF)”. This demonstrates that the organization is willing to engage in a transparent dialogue about issues reported within their institution. However, CHRDI had hoped that the serious issues raised in our press release would have received more attention than just a mere dismissal. After all, if there are no cases of sexual harassment within (RSLAF), why is the institution continuing to receiving money to address a non-existent problem? Acknowledging that there is a problem is the first step toward fixing it, and it appears (RSLAF) leadership is in denial. CHRDI disagree with RSLAF’s way of responding to the issues raised, in large part dismissing our legitimate call for accountability. The MoD or RSLAF press conference failed to provide accountability on funds, resources, and measures or actions the institution is taking to address issues of sexual based harassment to the media and the general public. Perhaps MoD or RSLAF didn’t want to comment on the $290,000 USD due to concerns not to prejudice the matter under ACC investigation; But they have not commented on the fact that (RSLAF) nominated 4 senior staff members from both MoD or RSLAF to have direct access to the funds, which admittedly are still under ACC investigation. It is deeply concerning that (RSLAF) stated that there are no such cases of sexual harassment within (RSLAF). Perhaps again there are no such cases “to their knowledge” because there are no proper complaints mechanism established within the (RSLAF) for GBV cases, sexual penetration, or domestic violence, and when complaints reach the management, they are sometimes catalogued as a family affair issues, and therefore personal issues. It seems that an approach of “Don’t ask, don’t tell” was adopted by (RSLAF) with regard to sex based abuses. We challenge (RSLAF) to publish a complete documentation on mechanisms in place for members of the (RSLAF) to file complaints based on sex discrimination; how are these complaints processed, by whom, and within which timeframe. How many such complaints were received in the past 2 years, and how were they addressed. How many individuals were held to account for sex based abuses, and what were the punishments.  How many complainants suffered retaliation because of their complaints? After all, all Sierra Leone’s public institutions should publish their efforts to address sex based harassment, discrimination, and assault within the workplace, particularly given President Bio and the First Lady’s costly efforts to change the attitudes on women in our society. We sincerely hope, and reiterate our call for the MoD or RSLAF to stand up for women rights, and treat their colleague military personnel, their mothers, their sisters, their daughters, with respect for their human rights.  CHRDI has a dedicated team of selfless volunteers who have remained committed and have contributed immensely to our existence since we registered in 2011 and since then have made a difference in the lives of many Sierra Leoneans through research and public education on human rights and social justice. As a Civil Society Organisation, we have a moral obligation to the people, and our democracy to ask for accountability and transparency and to help address the issues that affect the most vulnerable in our society. We want to assure MOD or RSLAF that we will not relent in our efforts to ask for accountability and transparency. No amount of intimidation will deter us. We continue to protect the confidentiality of our sources, as some of the survivors who spoke with us fear for their life, their job, and their family. Note: Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) is a Rights based social-policy advocacy Organisation. We Draw attention to the responsibility of duty-bearers to uphold human rights, and seek to support rights-holders to claim their rights. CHRDI is in Special Consultative Status to the United Nations Economic and Social Council and accredited to many UN Agencies. Parliament Approves 2 Presidential Nominees The Parliament of Sierra Leone has debated and approved with unanimity the Fourth Report in the fourth session of the Committee on Appointments and the Public Service, chaired by the Acting Leader of Government Business, Hon. Bashiru Silikie. The following presidential nominees were approved by Parliament: 1. PC Dr. Michael Shamsu  Mustapha Ngebeh-Member, Board of Directors, Bank of Sierra Leone and 2. Dr. Alfred Morie Saffa-Member, Board of Directors, Environment Protection Agency Members of Parliament who spoke to the motion referred to the nominees as competent for their respective appointments aimed at improving the economy of the country and protection of the environment. They also called on one of the nominees to do more in light of the redenomination of the Leone and thanked President Bio for appointing competent people to serve in high offices of State. Congratulating the nominees after approval, Hon. Speaker of Parliament, Dr. Abass Chernor Bundu wished them well in their respective appointments for the development of the country. In another development, the Parliament of Sierra Leone has debated and passed into law a Bill entitled: “The Forestry (Amendment) Act 2022”. The Bill was seeking to amend the Forestry Act of 1988 and to provide for other related matters. It was piloted by the Minister of the Environment, Prof. Foday M. Jaward. Members of Parliament who contributed to the debate called for the strict implementation of laws in light of the protection of the environment and described the amendment as “non-controversial”. Also in Parliament today 13/01/2022, the Deputy Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mrs Melrose Kargbo has introduced a Bill entitled: “The Local Government (Amendment) Act 2021” for consideration by Parliament. The Bill was seeking to amend the Local Government Act of 2004, to extend the period of local council election from four to five years to

 By Alhaji Turay                      The current Sierra Leone Ambassador to Guinea Alimammy Hassan Bangura who was appointed in 2018 by the president of the republic of Sierra Leone, Retired Brigadier Julius Maada Bio had received an award on the 24 December at his resident Kambia town for his outstanding performance. The award was handed to him  by prolific and patriotic Sierra Leoneans organization, an International organization that are always looking for government high personalities that are on the line in delivering the president’s manifesto. The Ambassador held this service award ceremony to recognize him that he have served the government of Sierra Leone for long period of time before he became ambassador Sierra Leone to Guinea without been in any corrupt practices and dedicatedly for 10 and more years. Mr. Peter M. Conteh the Director for the organization, stated that he felt gratified and privileged to certified the award that, they have done all background check about the Ambassador Alimamy and out of hundred percent,  Eighty five percent of the people is with him for his good work he is render to the people of Kambia district. According to the District Chairman for the Sierra Leone peoples part, Bishop Simeon Kamara and other some set of stakeholders in the Kambia district, who speaks about the good works of the Ambassador Alimamy Hassan Bangura, how he has greatly contributing for Nationals develop in the Kambia district. Mr. Bangura concluded that by thanking the organization who think and remembered him to offer him an outstanding performance award, that he appreciate for recommending his good work to his people of Kambia district within that part of the Kambia district and beyond. He added that he has rescue Sierra Leoneans from unlawful detention in the republic of Guinea and many more, that since he was appointed as an ambassador to Guinea. He ended that he has been doing much to seek the well-being of Sierra Leoneans within that part of the country. PUBLIC REVIEW SPORT ISHA JOHANSEN & DADDY BRIMA IN HIGH SPIRIT MEETING AHEAD OF SIERRA LEONE – IVORY COAST AFCON CLASH The Former SLFA President, now CAF Exco & Fifa Council Member Isha Johansen and current SLFA President Thomas Daddy Brimah unite in upbeat spirit ahead of the upcoming Leone Stars, Ivory Coast encounter on Sunday. Madam Johansen, who’s primarily in Cameroon in her capacity as an Executive Committee Member of CAF, has found it extremely important to spare some time with the Leone Stars delegation in Douala Cameroon. This synergy between her and the current SLFA Boss Thomas Daddy Brima will boost the Sierra Leonean squad ahead of Group E crucial Match-Day 2 encounter with the Elephants of Ivory Coast on Sunday 16th January 2022, at the Japoma Stadium in Douala Cameroon. The two have held a high level meeting to further strategize Leone Stars upcoming matches. President Brima and his indefatigable team at the SLFA, have done extremely well to prepare and motive the team, with the Government of Sierra Leone providing the enabling environment for a successful tournament.

By Rachel Monjama Horner He was probably sleeping when the announcement was made—may be tired from the historical happenings at the Japoma stadium in Cameroon where the National Team, the Leone Stars, had held the Desert Foxes of Algeria earlier in the day to a goalless draw at the Cup of African Nations. Sierra Leone was returning to the competition for the first time after twenty-six years of absence at the continent’s biggest soccer fiesta. Kalokoh is one of hundreds of Sierra Leoneans who have made it to Cameroon to support the lads. While the country was still celebrating this laudable effort, word came from State House that “it has pleased His Excellency” to make some announcements to his team. Many, I am sure were interested in the appointment of Hon Alpha Khan from the opposition APC who served in the previous administration.  But on the list was also Bockarie Kalokoh, who was probably dreaming away in his hotel room. Surprised? The President has nominated him to swap places from the upper part of George Street in Freetown, where he currently serves as Acting Managing Director of the Sierra Leone Commercial Bank to the other end, at the Ministry of Finance to serve as Deputy Minister 2. Like the goalkeeper who saved Sierra Leone’s blushes against the Algerians on the day, Kalokoh may have also felt excited for the privilege to serve in Government, albeit unexpectedly. For starters, Kalokoh is an outstanding professional in banking and financial management, having served in many capacities in premium financial institutions in and out of Sierra Leone. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree with Hons in accounting(major) from Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone and an MBA from Jack Welsh Management Institute, USA. Kalokoh is bringing with him to the Ministry of Finance over twenty years of experience in Assurance Risk Management: Accountancy; Finance, Banking, Marketing, Administration and General Management. He possesses a maximum degree of experience in the banking and financial industry in Sierra Leone. For those who have been following his exploits, this makes him distinct and puts him on a solid pedestal to contribute to the country’s financial management scheme. Before he was nominated Deputy Minister, Kalokoh was also Director, Finance and Administration at the SLCB. He was General Manager Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), Director of Finance and Administration, Union Trust Bank (UTB), Finance Analyst at KPMG in Lagos, Nigeria. Colleagues in the financial institution say the new No 2 exchequer has the penchant, wisdom, and knack to deliver in his new assignment. They say he has maintained a considerable foothold in the institution, and his track records are indelible. Kalokoh is a man who believes in competence and performance. President Julius Maada Bio didn’t make any mistake to appoint a financially savvy person to hold such an important position at the Ministry of Finance. He is currently a council member at the Sierra Leone Stock Exchange. He is also a Board Director, Golden Tulip Kimbima, since 2016. Mr Kalokoh is an all-rounder, a powerful financial technocrat that has tremendously contributed to the development of the Sierra Leone Commercial Bank. Many believe he can bring quality reforms to the Ministry of Finance. Bockarie Kalokoh is happily married with two children. NCRA & Partners Discuss 2022 Plans By General Swalliho The National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) has held its first general meeting with staff from across the country to reflect on activities carried out in 2021, the successes recorded and the challenges faced and navigate plans for 2022. Giving an overview of the purpose of the meeting, Director of Human Resources, Mr. Mohamed Lamin Deen said that the essence of the meeting was to provide an opportunity for staff across the country to share knowledge and lessons learnt in previous year and to draw from those lessons to plan for 2022 with the aim of achieving the overall goal of the Authority. Addressing his team, the Director General Mr. Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi encouraged all to be supportive and to respect the values of team work. The D.G also advised staff to be delligent and to work hard in order to make themselves relevant in the discharge of their responsibilities. Mr. Massaquoi further informed the meeting that the  2022 operational plan will include women’s empowerment, especially in the leadership positions of the Authority. The Ag. Director of ICT Mr. Jusufu Henry Swaray did an explicit power point presentation of a system developed on the electronics issuance of securitized Identity Credentials. “The essence of this innovative move is to contain the occurrence of Identity fraud, putting in place control measures for the preparation, validation and issuance of Identity documents. The system will also help to facilitate assignment of National Identity Numbers ( NIN ) at birth,” Mr. Swaray said. Most importantly, Director Swaray affirmed that this innovative effort will further help to avoid if not deny duplication in the issuance of Identity documents. Challenges faced in generating data on the Registration of other vital events eg, Marriages from across districts were presented and discussed. The way forward and plans were laid out to see how improvements can be done in order to surmount challenges faced in 2021. In attendance were; the Director General, Directors, PROs, Managers, other Senior Officers , DROs, RITOs and DITOs from across the country. RCB & IPAM Hold Banking and Finance Seminar Preparations are underway for a seminar that is set to significantly influence the narrative on financial inclusion, financial literacy, innovation, Marketing and digitalization of the finance and banking industry in Sierra Leone. Hosted by the Rokel Commercial Bank in collaboration with the Faculty of Accounting and Finance of the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM), the seminar scheduled for the 21st January 2022 at the New Freetown City Hall will attract representatives from the public and private sector who will brainstorm on the aforementioned for the development of a roadmap that may influence national policy on how the financial market can be better utilized

Despite the fact that the current President Julius Maada is trying to convince Sierra Leoneans in general over the decisions he takes, his most recent appointments are seen as a complimentary move to compensate certain individuals in the wake of the 2022/2023 elections. Political pundits say President Bio’s recent appointments, though good, stink of a systematic political process he is creating to pave his way to victory in the 2023 presidential election. By appointing a die-hard APC stalwart in the person of Alhaji Alpha Khan is reasonable enough for the general public to suggest that President Bio is already on a campaign to win the 2023 presidential election at all cost. Meanwhile, it is also a fact that the current Cabinet appointment has added more money to the wage bill in the country’s treasury account and this will create more economic implications in the country. The fact remains clear that, as one can compare the amount of salary paid to Cabinet ministers and commissioners which is more than triple to that paid to university lecturers, teachers and doctors etc. this country is still a long way away from growing economically. For Definitive Justice to Hold… Chief Justice Urges Magistrates to Do More  Sierra Leone’s Chief Justice, His Lordship Justice Desmond Babatunde Edwards, has called on all Magistrates across the country not to be static but to do better in the effective and efficient administration of justice. “It’s a New Year and I want the wheels of justice to be running smoothly, effectively and efficiently,” Chief Justice urged Magistrates, adding that, “I want new things aimed at making significant progress in giving justice to the people.” In his first meeting with them in 2022, the Hon. Chief Justice admonished all the Magistrates to know that their discretion is within the law, whilst cautioning them to desist from doing their jobs any how or outside the prescribed laws. Addressing the issue of committals, the Hon. Chief Justice noted that the time between transfers of cases from the Magistrates’ Courts to the High Court is too long which amounts to unnecessary waste of time and delay in the completion of cases. Chief Justice Edwards also encouraged them to be diligent in handling committals and depositions in view of the fact that their decisions are being tested by summary reviews. He used the occasion to urge them to consider themselves as people trained to be Judges someday, to know the Act on sentencing in respect of specific offences, to be compliant to the directive on monthly returns, cross-check and double check bail documents and to deal with recalcitrant Court Registrars within the law. “You should be men of honesty, integrity and stout character in protecting the Courts,” the Chief Justice stressed, urging them to help in protecting the integrity of the courts which will enhance the smooth administration of Justice in the country. Orange-SL Shows Leone Stars’ Matches on Big Screen TVs By: Amara Kargbo Orange Sierra Leone, one of the leading telecommunications operators in Sierra Leone, is currently providing easy and comfortable avenues for people to watch all Leone Stars and closing matches live on big television screens in major sports areas in Freetown and other districts. The company timely catered such opportunities for Sierra Leoneans through Grade-A game screen televisions to cushion the challenges people encounter in cinemas especially overcrowding to watch football games. This package covers people who are out on the streets, especially traders, pedestrians, and others to view the matches that they have started showing on these screens. Viewers in all sports areas turned up in large numbers to give their unwavering support to Leone Stars, spectators in Calaba Town, East-End of Freetown where one of the Grade-A Screen Television was placed, expressed excitement for watching the match on a clean and clear opened screen television. Additionally, viewers at the Rawdon Street, Central Business District in Freetown, commended Orange Sierra Leone for playing live Leone Stars match of the African Cup of Nations on such a big television screen, a moment in which they all supported Leone Stars together which promotes unity and love among themselves. Chinese Foreign Minister Tours Africa On the morning of the first working day of the New Year, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi embarked on his first trip abroad in 2022, to Africa of course, as always. It has been an unbroken tradition for 32 years, rain or shine, Ebola or Omicron. This is his second journey to Africa in a little over a month. In late November, State Councilor Wang visited the continent for the eighth Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). In his keynote address at the opening ceremony of the conference, Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed the spirit of China-Africa friendship and cooperation (i.e. sincere friendship and equality, win-win for mutual benefit and common development, fairness and justice, and progress with the times and openness and inclusiveness), proposed nine programs (i.e. medical and health program, poverty reduction and agricultural development program, trade promotion program, investment promotion program, digital innovation program, green development program, capacity building program, cultural and people-to-people exchange program, and peace and security program), and put forth the building of a China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era. This New Year trip is to follow up and deliver. It is a testament to time-honored, profound friendship between China and Africa, an engagement for deeper cooperation of mutual benefit, and a commitment to peace, progress and prosperity of the developing world. A friend in need Braving the shock of Omicron, State Councilor Wang traveled to Eritrea, Kenya and the Comoros. Health is high on the agenda, and rightly so. African countries have been hit hard by the virus. The need for vaccines is apparent. The World Health Organization put forward the goal of achieving full vaccination rates of 40% in every country by the end of December 2021, a target missed across most of Africa. Challenging times reveal true friendship.