June 5, 2024 - Public Review Newspaper

Courtmartial Trial: army corporal reveals how he investigated his colleague after 26 November attack

ACHIEVEMENT, Environment, Security, Social Issues, Treason Trial

By Feima Sesay The 37th Prosecution witness Corporal 18181969 Dambissa Komba has on Wednesday 29th May 2024 revealed that the 21 accused Staff Sergeant Ibrahim Thorley Bangura was not in Makeni and Manafel village as alleged on the 26th November 2023. He said this in his examination in chief before Judge Advocate Mark Ngegba and members of the board. The witness led in evidence by Major Issa Tapia Pawah Bangura said he is attached to the 4 infantry brigade Teckoh Barracks Makeni as the investigator. Explaining further , he said as an investigator his roles are to obtained report from complaint, obtained witness statement from both withesses and complainants and voluntary caution stamenta from suspects. On 8 January 2024, he said he was on duty at Teckoh Barracks when he got an instruction from the Commander officer Major AH Tarawally to go to a village called Manafel inorder to investigate whether RSLAF 18172098 Staff Sergeant Ibrahim Thorley Bangura was in the said village on the 24th November 2023 prior to the alleged failed coup. He said on reaching at the said village at Matotoka Yeilleh road Tonkolili District, he was opportuned to meet with the village chief Mr Santigie Kamara, the youth leader Mr Ibrahim Conteh and Mr John Bangura an adviser to the town chief.The witness said he explained to them his purpose for his visit to the village, adding that he asked them if they knew whether the accused family members were staying in the said village and said in reply they responded yes. Corporal Komba said he pleaded with them to have their statement in respect of what they had said if at all the accused was in the said village on the 24th November 2023. According to the statement given to him by the town chief Mr. Santigie Kamara, he said he was told that they could not recalled seeing the accused on that day and that for the past five years they have not set eyes on him.The witness said the reason for the said visit to the village was to assertained the alibi made by staff sergeant Thorley Bangura that he was in the said village on the 24th November 2023. According to the witness he further obtained statements from the youth leader in the village Mr Ibrahim Conteh and Mr. John Bangura and that the said statement was reduced into a report.In continuation of his evidence he said he later returned to Makeni and on the same day, he spoke with the chief of staff 4 infantry brigade Teckoh Barracks Colonel E M Smart who confirmed to him that staff sergeant Thorley Bangura was not present at the head quarters on the 26th November 2023 even though there was a call for all personell to report for duty. During cross examination by lawyer I A Kamara for the 21st accused Ibrahim Thorley Bangura the witness was asked whether at anytime he investigated the accused, he said he did not directly investigate him and did not have the opportunity to speak to the investigators who investigated him. The witness confirmed that he was only asked to investigate the alibi made by the accused that he was in Manafel village on the 24th November 2023. When asked as to how long he has been an investigator he said for the past five years . Lawyer Kamara asked the witness that as an experienced investigator if he was able to verify whether the alibi were made by the accused, the witness said yes, adding that he did base on the instruction given to him by the brigade commander orally. He said he knew the accused to be one of the securities assigned to the former president Dr Ernest Bai Koroma and that on the 26th November 2023 he failed to report for duty. When he was questioned that at the time of the alleged alibi which is the 24th November 2023, the accused was deployed at the resident of former President Ernest Bai Koroma, the witness in reply said not to his knowledge. He said during the investigation he was informed that the residence of the former president was the accused official deployment. The witness when asked if he knew whether the accused was recalled from the residence of the former president, the witness said the accused was recalled to report to the brigade on the 26th November 2023. The witness revealed that the accused told them during the investigation that he went to the said village for a burial ceremony. Lawyer Kamara asked the witness whether death anniversary and burial ceremony are family related, the witness reply in the afirmative, adding that whiles at the village he was told by the villagers that the accused residence in the said village has delapidated and has no family member in the said village. State Counsel lawyer Y S Koroma requested for an Adjournment in order to reflect on the evidence and consult with the AG and the DPP inorder to take another line of action.The matter was adjourned to the 31st May 2024 for further hearing whiles the accused persons were remanded in prison.

CAPACITY BUILDING TRAINING FOR FEMALE MPs

ACHIEVEMENT, Education, Legislative, Lifestyle, Local, Media

The Sierra Leone Female Parliarmentary Caucus (SLeFPaC), led by Hon. Bernadette Wuyata Songa on Wednesday 29/05/2024 commenced a two-day capacity building and training workshop at the Freetown City Council Conference Center. The workshop is intended to enhance the understanding of the female MPs on the Gender Equality and Women’s Employment (GEWE) Act, gender sensitive oversight methodologies, effective advocacy strategies, gender base violence, women’s rights and legislative processes. In her welcome address, the Deputy Director, Department for Programs, Research and Partnership (DePReP), Mary Koroma in her welcome address used the opportunity to stressed on the importance and existence of Female Caucus in light of promoting the agenda of women. She explained the purpose of the workshop and reiterated that building knowledge and understanding of the MPs were essential. The Deputy Director also acknowledged UNDP support towards the workshop. In her declaration of purpose, the Director General of Parliament, Mrs. Finda F. Fraser tanked all for their participation. She underscored the role played by the government of Sierra Leone in the improvement of women’s rights and leadership. The Director General informed all that the workshop would build the understanding and knowledge of the female MPs to effectively deliver in that aspect. She assured MPs that through collaboration and capacity building, participants would make an inroad in advocacy for women’s empowerment and expressed hope that the outcome of the workshop would create an impact. In her statement, the President of SLeFPaC expressed happiness over the conduct of the workshop and went on to thank her predecessor and other Members for their tremendous efforts. She also acknowledged the effort of UNDP support for supporting them in that direction. The MP said it was timely to enrich, build, and empower their capacity for onwards empowerment of other women to change the situation. She recalled the passage of laws relating to women and girls’ rights. For the purpose of the workshop, she said it was prudent to use the opportunity to implement the GEWE Act and called on all and sundry to support women’s leadership.”As we are here, let us make use of the opportunity,” she maintained and asked participants to be attentive. The Deputy Leader 2 of Government Business Hon.Emerson Saa Lamina said that until women’s issues are taking above politics otherwise it would be difficult for them to achieve more than what they have. The MP stressed on female MPs understanding on the GEWE and the country accolades for implementing same law. He recalled and decried traditional and customary practices that were discriminating against women. He heaped praises on former leaders and commended President Bio in that direction. The MP did camparative analysis internationally on women’s in politics and asked women not to be arrogant in order to achieve more than what they have now. He also asked them to properly understand the GEWE Act and the Public Elections Act in line with President Bio agenda and continue the advocacy. The Leader of Government Business, Hon. Sahr Mathew Nyuma thanked all the participants and staff members. He used the opportunity to speak about challenges faced by women through emancipation. The leader used the opportunity to urge women to unite and underscored their effort in that direction. He advised women to follow the trend and reiterated that their commitment was important in the fight. He asked females to promote and believe in the agenda and recalled the passage of the GEWE and other acts. The leader informed participants that some people were against them during the passage of the same act. He condemned all forms of discrimination against women and assured them that he would always continue to fight for women and has demonstrated it. He advised women to stand up and fight all odds relating to women. “Irrespective of our political differences, let us always fight for the interest of women,” he informed and went on to state that women hardly support their colleagues in such fight. Earlier in his keynote address, the Acting Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh alluded women capacity building and underscored the critical legislative geared towards women’s empowerment. He reiterated that women’s empowerment should not be limited to just those in politics and positions of trust. He advised the participants that for the purpose of the workshop, it was timely to focus on women in all walks of life. He asked the Caucus to look into matters relating to economic challenges and agriculture and alluded to the tremendous role of women in taking care of children and domestic jobs. The acting speaker reiterated that time has gone for women to remain as housewives and advised the Caucus to conduct research on certain activities of women in light of their challenges. The acting speaker said that the Caucus should be able to raise their voices on womenhood, values, and work in line with the President agenda He advised the female MPs to unite and work together. “Keep the spirit of woman to achieve your 50 percent,” he maintained. The workshop is being moderated by the Director of Parliamentary and Public Relations Department Sheku Lamain Turay .

Health minister Highlights Sierra Leone’s Health Achievements at 77th WHA*

ACHIEVEMENT, Education, Environment, Global News, International

Honourable Dr. Austin Demby, Minister of Health of the Republic of Sierra Leone, delivered a powerful statement at the 77th World Health Assembly (WHA) underlining the country’s health milestones and ongoing commitment to improving public health systems. Dr. Demby highlighted the significance of this year’s WHA theme, “All for Health, Health for All,” emphasizing the pivotal role of the World Health Organization (WHO) in global health coordination. He said with Ebola and COVID-19 experience, Sierra Leone has set up a new health security architecture focuses on prevention, preparedness and response. In 2023, Sierra Leone launched the Universal Health Preparedness and Response Flagship Initiative, demonstrating its commitment to safeguarding public health. Additionally, the establishment of the National Public Health Agency marked a proactive approach to addressing emergencies and disease outbreaks. Sierra Leone has been implementing Universal Health Coverage through the Innovative Life Stages Approach, ensuring comprehensive healthcare for every citizen at all life stages. “Despite numerous challenges, our government remains committed to strengthening our health systems and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. “Our approach is to provide healthcare services through the Life Stages, from pregnancy, to the newborn child, to adolescents, adults, and senior citizens. At each node in the evolution of life we have an opportunity to impact the wellbeing of that individual by the quality of preventive, supportive, and curative services we provide. With this approach we are beginning to see dramatic gains with a more than 60% reduction in maternal mortality over the past decade, and over 30% reduction in infant deaths. We have seen dramatic increases in vaccine coverage including the introduction of new vaccines such as the new Malaria vaccine,” stated Dr. Demby. He commended the visionary leadership of President Julius Madda Bio and highlighted significant strides made in public health preparedness and response. Dr. Demby acknowledged the support from development partners and international organizations, particularly the WHO, in the country’s pursuit of universal health coverage. He called for a renewed commitment at the 77th WHA to work collaboratively to ensure quality health services for all. “We call on the WHO and other international development partners to continue providing technical guidance and support to strengthen health systems, address health inequities, and ensure health security for all, in alignment with government priorities,” he urged. Concluding his address, Dr. Demby extended profound gratitude to healthcare workers and esteemed partners, recognizing their dedication and selflessness. He encouraged unity and collective effort towards the goal of comprehensive health for all. The 77th WHA saw representatives from around the world reaffirming their commitment to global health and discussing strategies to overcome current health challenges, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation and support.

NEW ACTING CLERK OF PARLIAMENT

ACHIEVEMENT, Breaking News, Legislative, Local

Following the retirement of the Deputy Clerk of Parliament, Mr. Mohamed Lebbie, the Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas Esq., on Tuesday 28/05/2024 announced for the attention of Members of Parliament and the general public that, Mr. Gilbert Bosco Nhabay has been appointed as the Deputy Clerk and Acting Clerk of Parliament until the substantive Clerk of Parliament takes office. According to the Speaker of Parliament, the appointment of Gilbert Bosco N’habay was reached through a conclusive decision by the Parliarmentary Commission. The Speaker also informed the MPs that all matters relating to administration should be directed to Gilbert Bosco N’habay. Gilbert Bosco Nhabay has gained over twenty years of work experience, with diligent service delivery in both private and public sector institutions. The Acting Clerk has a successful background in programmes development, administration and management and also with an indepth operations and research experience in a wide range of thematic areas, with good interpersonal, management, communication and strategic thinking abilities. The Acting Clerk holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and International Development and a Bachelors Degree in Linguistics from the University of Sierra Leone. The Deputy and Acting Clerk has bagged several administrative and management work experience including Director of SOS Sierra Leone Village and Head of Administration and Management, Acting Deputy Country Director of PLAN International, National Project Support Manager with the British Council led DFID sponsored Project, Justice Sector Development Programme amongst others. The new Clerk’s leadership skills and experience can be traced as far back as a Senior Prefect of Bo School, President of Southern Province Schools Union, President of the National Union of Sierra Leone Students amongst others. The Deputy and Acting Clerk is a scholar of the InterAction Leadership Programme led by the British Council and Questions of Difference.He is happily married and blessed with three children.

*Govt. Gives 20 Billion Leones for Leone Stars’ Djibouti-Burkina Faso matches

ACHIEVEMENT, International, Sport, Tourism

By Eric Fomba The Executive Director of the National Sports Authority, Dr Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai Esq, has revealed that the Government of Sierra Leone has approved 20 Million New Leones to finance Leone Stars’ FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Djibouti and Burkina Faso. He made this disclosure during the SLFA organized press conference at the Home Suites Hotel at Aberdeen on Thursday, 30th May, 2024. “What the SLFA is doing is a prototype, and the other sports need to replicate it. Footabll is playing all around the country, and that is good because it engages the youths,” Dr. Abdulai noted, reiterating his mandate of value for money. On taking a new course to ensure fiscal discipline, Dr. Abdulai said Government has catered for 44 individuals to make the Leone Stars trip. “There are many challenges in the country at the moment. We can use sports to solve these problems, and that is the reason the Government is spending huge amount of money in sports, football in particular. “As the new Executive Director of the National Sports Authority, the Djibouti and Burkina Faso matches are my first and second matches. I have spoken with the Coach informally, and we need to win these matches in order to put us in a better position for the World Cup qualification in 2026. We can not just be participants but competitors, ” he told the news conference. Sierra Leone is in 4th place in Group D after playing two matches. Leone Stars hosts Djibouti on 5th June, 2024, in Morocco and plays away to Burkina Faso in Mali on 10th J

*UBA Wins Best Regional Bank – West Africa

ACHIEVEMENT, Breaking News, Business, Business, Economy, International, More News

Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has been announced as the Best Regional Bank – West Africa at the prestigious African Banker Awards 2024. The annual African Banker Awards, organised by the African Banker Magazine, took place on Tuesday at the JW Marriott Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya, on the side-lines of the African Development Bank Annual Meetings. The ceremony was attended by over 300 of the continent’s leading figures in banking and finance and UBA being recognised as the Best Regional Bank – West Africa, marks a significant milestone especially as the bank celebrates 75 years of delivering on its promises, solidifying its legacy as Africa’s Global Bank. While receiving the awards on behalf of the bank, The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, UBA Kenya, Ms. Mary Mulili, highlighted the significance of this achievement in line with the bank’s commitment to its customers and partners. She stated, “We are honoured to be recognised as the Best Regional Bank – West Africa. This award is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and innovation of the entire UBA team. It reflects our commitment to excellence and our unwavering focus on delivering value to our customers. For our global presence, this award reinforces UBA’s position as a leading global financial institution with a deep understanding of the African market and a strong international network. Continuing, she said, this award also showcases our ability to serve as bridge between Africa and the world, providing seamless financial solutions that drive growth and prosperity. As we celebrate 75 years of UBA, we remain committed to inspiring innovation, growth, and excellence. This award is not just a recognition of our past achievement but a motivation to continue striving for greatness in the years to come.” In his speech, Chair of the Awards Committee, Omar Ben Yedder, noted that banks and financial institutions are going through an important transition and are playing a critical role in financing growth especially with the retreat of international banks from the continent. “We are seeing a coalition of DFIs taking shape and these will have to see considerable capital increases to plug the gap in infrastructure, trade, climate and also SME Financing. We are also seeing further reform and new capital requirements for banks. This will lead to bigger banks and we have seen how the likes of UBA play a role in financing big conglomerates and large infrastructure projects, something unimaginable two decades ago,” he said. United Bank for Africa is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group wide and serving over 45 million customers globally. Operating in twenty African countries and in the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting edge technology.

ANTI-CORRUPTION COMMISSIONINTEGRITY HOUSETOWER HILL, FREETOWNSIERRA LEONE, WEST AFRICA

ACHIEVEMENT, Breaking News, Corruption, Economy, Law Court Related, Social Issues

PRESS RELEASE ACC SECURES CONVICTION AGAINST SHEKU ABDULAI KAMARA, ASSISTANT FINANCE OFFICER, EASTERN TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY IN KENEMA The High Court of Sierra Leone Holden at Kenema, presided over by the HON. JUSTICE FRANCIS BANKS KAMARA has on Tuesday, 28th May, 2024, sentenced SHEKU ABDULAI KAMARA, ASSISTANT FINANCE OFFICER of the Eastern Technical University (ETU) in Kenema to pay a fine of ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY THOUSAND (NEW) LEONES (NLE 150,000) or serve FIFTEEN (15) YEARS imprisonment following his conviction on Three (3) Counts of Misappropriation of Public Revenue, Contrary to Section 36 (1) of the Anti-Corruption Act, No. 12 of 2008 as amended by the Anti-Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2019. The Honourable Justice also ordered the convict to pay restitution in the sum of SEVENTY-FIVE THOUSAND (NEW) LEONES (NLE 75,000) being the total amount of money misappropriated. According to the particulars of the various offences, SHEKU ABDULAI KAMARA, on diverse dates, between January 2021 and December 2023, at Kenema, in the Eastern Region of the Republic of Sierra Leone, misappropriated public funds amounting to Seventy-Five Million, One Hundred and Sixty-Seven Thousand (Old) Leones (Le75, 167,000) received from Twenty-One (21) Students as tuition fees for the Eastern Technical University. Earlier this year, the ACC filed an indictment against SHEKU ABDULAI KAMARA, on TWENTY-SIX (26) Counts of Misappropriation of Public Revenue. On Tuesday 28th May, 2024, SHEKU ABDULAI KAMARA pleaded guilty to the first-three counts when he was arraigned for the second time. According to the Hon. Justice, the act by the convict, SHEKU ABDULAI KAMARA, is considered an “Educational Treason” and therefore not only an enemy to the State but also to the affected students and their generations yet unborn. The Commission was represented by A.B.C Samuels Esq. whilst the convict was represented by S.S. Ansumana Esq. The Commission reiterates its call on Public Officers who are in control of Public Resources to comply with laid down laws and procedures in the handling of same.

Treason Trial : Prosecution Closes Case

By Feima Sesay The state prosecutor Lawyer AJM Bockarie has on Thursday 30th May 2024 after the completion of their 32 witness closed the case for the prosecution in the ongoing treason against Amadu Koita Makolo and 11 others before Justice Komba Kamanda. This came after the 32 prosecution DPC 13274 Hassan Bangura tendered in evidence the photos on the remains of Colonel Samai, Major M’boma and 4 other in court. Lawyer Bockarie in his submission informed the court that the prosecution has closed its case having led 32 witnesses to prove their case against all the accused persons. The accused persons he said came before the court pursuant to an order of the court made ; pursuant to section 136 sub section 1 of the criminal procedure Act No32 of 1965 and pursuant to the indictments ex-officio rules of 1969. He added that on the 10th January 2024, the court gave an order for the preferment of 20 counts indictments against the accused persons and that the said indictments dated 10th January 2024 was later amended. Lawyer Bockarie went on to state that by the order of the learned judge on the 10th January 2024, the court issued a warrant of arrest for the accused persons to appear before the court on the 11th January 2024.The order of arrest was however tendered in court and marked as exhibits EEEE 1 to 4 and also the warrant of arrest of all the accused persons respectively. He also tenderedseveral orders including the one requesting that the 8th accused Bai Mahmoud Bangura being brought to court; that the order of the court fixing the date for the trial of the matter for the 1st February 2024, the order for the indictments to be served on accused persons within 10 days which he said they complied with and the consent of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice dated 31st January 2024 given his consent pursuant to section 1 sub section 2 of the treason and state offenses act No 10 of 1963 as amended. The lead defense Counsel lawyer Africanus Sorie Sesay in reply to the closing of the prosecution’s case requested for a month adjournment to do their No case submission, adding that the prosection brought 32 witnesses and that they want to test them and therefore need time to prepare . He further said the accused persons were charged jointly and that they need time to prepare due to the volume of the evidence before the court, adding that they need time to look at the length and breath of entirety of the evidence. Justice Kamanda having listened to the application made by lawyer Africanus Sesay for a month adjournment said he cannot grant a month adjournment to both sides on the basis that the accused persons are in prison, adding that defense counsel has wealth of expirence and does not need a month to do No case submission. He said if he grants defense Counsels month he has to do same for the prosecution and that he said will take a long time. Justice Kamanda how ever adjourned the matter to 6th June 2024 for defense counsels to do their No case submission. Prior to the closing of the prosection case, the 32 prosecution witness Detective Police Constable 13274 Hassan Bangura tendered several photos in court of the postmortem examination conducted by Dr. Semion Owizz Koroma on the remains of Colonel Wilfred Sao Samai, Major John Robert M’boma and four other military personnel. In his examination in chief led by state counsel Aruna Jalloh said he is attached to the Scene of crime unit scientific support Unit CID HQ Pademba road Freetown. He said his duties and responsibilities includevisiting crime scene, witnessing autopsy examination, taking photos and tendering evidence in Court. The witness further recalled between 27th November 2023 to 15th December 2023, when he witnessed an autopsy examination at 34 military hospital conducted by the chief medical examiner Dr Semion Owizz Koroma on 6 military officers.” On 27th November 2023, I witnessed the autopsy examination conducted on Major John Robert M’boma and I used my Canon digital camera and took photography of the process which were later printed and arraigned in a photographic album and kept in police custody”, he stated. Photos of the remains of Major M’boma were produce and tender marked as exhibit YYYYY 1-8.DPC Bangura added that on 28th November 2023, he witnessedanother autopsy examination conducted on the remains of Abdul Conteh and also took pictures of the examination and printed same arraigned in a photographic album.It was produce and tender as exhibits ZZZZZ 1 to 13. The witness said on 29th November 2023 he also witnessed another autopsy examination conducted on Kai Mondeh and during the cause of the autopsy he took photos of it and printed them.The said pictures were tender as exhibits AAAAAA 1 to 9 respectively. On 30th November 2023, the witness confirmed witnessing the postmortem examination conducted on Chernor Suliaman Bah which he took photos of and printed out into an album . It was also tender as exhibits BBBBBB 1 to 10. The witness also recalled 1st December 2023 when he witnessed the postmortem examination that was conducted on the remains of Obi Isaac Johnson and that during the cause he took series of photos with his Canon digital camera which were later printed arraigned in an album and kept in police custody. The said album was produced and tendered and marked as exhibit CCCCCC 1 to 9. ”On the 15th December 2023, I witnessed the postmortem examination conducted on the remains of Colonel Wilfred Sao Samai by Dr Semion Owizz Koroma and during the cause I took series of photos and printed out into an album”, he said. The photos of the remains of Colonel Wilfred Sao Samai were tendered and marked as exhibit DDDDDD 1 to16 respectively to form part of the prosecution case which includes 14 pictures. It was at this juncture that the prosecution

Abu Bakarr Turay Declares for Bar Association Vice Presidency

In Sia Alleged Murder Trial: Doctor says effect of CPR may Lead to “Fractured Ribs”

Chinese Learning Program Promotes Cultural Diversity and Language Education

Bai Mamoud Acquitted of Failed Coup Charges

Maritime Administration on a Two-Day Management talks to Develop Five-Year Strategic Plan

ACC REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO MONITORING PSSNYE PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION

Standards Bureau to Introduce Standardized Market Measurements

IMF talks on sustained reform momentum & efforts to improve macroeconomic conditions in Sierra Leone

ECOWAS National Office Takes on Wai Community in Pujehun on Cross-Border Project Implementation

NSA Certifies 10 Law Graduates

Sierra Leone”s new Ambassador to Morocco resumes duty

About Us

You May Have Missed

Sierra Leone”s new Ambassador to…

50 Man delegation from Morocco…

Office of Presidential initiative on…