Are Intellectuals in the SLPP SCARED to Take On Chernor Alpha M. Bah? Can we get experts in the Maada Bio presidency to respond to the issues raised by Dr Chernor Alpha M. Bah of the AFRICANIST PRESS on the recent government of the United States’ $430,000,000 MCC Compact Grant won by the SLPP-led government of the Republic of Sierra Leone? (Dr. Alpha M Bah recently earned his doctorate degree from Northwestern University in the United States, among the top 100 universities in the world, and he now lectures in the same university; and Chernor Alpha M Bah is also the Founder of the African Socialist Movement, which he founded when he was an undergraduate student at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, about 25 years ago – challenging the paradigm of Western Socialism, and giving Socialism a pan-African hue. Chernor Alpha M Bah is also an author of well-researched books – that includes a book on the Ebola epidemic in West Africa in 2014; and another book on Western corporate gangsterism in West Africa. He was a former Editor of CONCORD TIMES in Sierra Leone about twenty years ago). Those elites in the government of President Maada Bio who preen with their bachelor’s, Master’s, and doctorate degrees, or, have gotten senior political appointments because it their academic credentials, should prove their mettle by robustly addressing and publishing on the issues raised by Dr Chernor Alpha M Bah. Except, of course, the SLPP intellectuals are afraid to tackle Dr Chernor Alpha M Bah; like they have been scared to engage Mohamed Sankoh (aka One Drop), Editor of NATIONALIST newspaper in Freetown, after the relentless bombardment of the SLPP’s positions by One Drop over the past six years.
RETHINKING SIERRA LEONE’S ENERGY STRATEGY: A Call for Sustainable Solutions Over Quick Fixes
by Mahmud Tim Kargbo The recent commitment by the Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to finance the development of an 83.5 MW combined cycle thermal power plant in Sierra Leone has sparked significant debate and concern among stakeholders in the energy sector. While lauded for its initial use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) before transitioning to liquefied natural gas (LNG), a cleaner and more energy-efficient fuel source, there are growing calls for a reassessment of the proposed thermal power plant. This article argues against the construction of the thermal power plant and advocates for a shift towards more reliable and cost-effective renewable energy sources like hydro, solar, or wind energy to address Sierra Leone’s energy challenges at an industrial level, citing the failed oil refinery project as a cautionary tale of unsustainable national ventures that was later dismantled and sold. The decision to construct a thermal power plant fueled by LPG and later transitioning to LNG may seem like a viable solution to address Sierra Leone’s energy crisis in the short term. However, history has shown that quick fixes and unsustainable energy ventures can have detrimental long-term consequences for the country. The dismantled oil refinery, once heralded as a symbol of oil independence and economic growth, stands as a stark reminder of the challenges associated with sustaining costly and inefficient projects. Sierra Leone, a country blessed with abundant natural resources and renewable energy potential, has the opportunity to embrace more sustainable and environmentally-friendly energy solutions. By opting for hydro, solar, or wind energy projects, the nation can tap into its natural resources to drive industrial growth, enhance energy security, and reduce its reliance on imported fossil fuels. These renewable energy sources offer reliable and cost-effective alternatives that can meet the country’s energy demands while mitigating the environmental impact of traditional fossil fuel-based power generation. Hydroelectric power, in particular, holds great promise for Sierra Leone, given its numerous rivers and water resources that can be harnessed to generate clean and renewable energy. Solar and wind energy projects also offer decentralised and scalable solutions that can provide electricity to remote and underserved communities, while creating job opportunities and driving economic development across the country. By shifting towards sustainable energy solutions like hydro, solar, or wind power, Sierra Leone can not only address its energy challenges at an industrial level but also set a precedent for environmentally-conscious and economically-viable energy development. Investing in renewable energy infrastructure will not only reduce dependency on costly fossil fuels but also enhance energy resilience, promote job creation, and contribute to the country’s long-term sustainable development goals. The proposal to construct a thermal power plant in Sierra Leone, fueled by LPG and LNG, raises concerns about the sustainability and long-term viability of the project. Given the country’s past experiences with unsustainable ventures, such as the dismantled oil refinery, it is imperative that Sierra Leone prioritises renewable energy sources like hydro, solar, or wind power to address its energy challenges in a more reliable and cost-effective manner. By embracing sustainable energy solutions, Sierra Leone can ensure a brighter and cleaner future for its citizens and the environment, while fostering economic growth and energy security for generations to come. Let us advocate for a shift towards renewable energy and push for a more sustainable and prosperous energy future for Sierra Leone.
*SLCB : Leads in Banking Under Mr. Yusuf Abdul Sesay
Over the past couple of years, the Sierra Leone Commercial Bank (SLCB) has emerged as one of the fastest-growing financial institutions in the country, thanks to the visionary leadership of its Managing Director, Mr. Yusuf Abdul Sesay. Under his guidance, the bank has not only expanded its customer base but also significantly enhanced its banking systems and customer service. One of the most notable improvements at SLCB is the rapid advancement of its banking systems. The bank has invested heavily in modernizing its technology infrastructure, making transactions smoother and more reliable for its customers. This modernization has alleviated many of the traditional worries associated with banking, providing customers with a seamless experience. Customer service at SLCB has also seen remarkable improvements. The bank now boasts a team of highly experienced and professional staff who are dedicated to delivering exceptional service. This focus on customer satisfaction ensures that all transactions are handled efficiently, and customers enjoy a superior banking experience. In addition to technological and service enhancements, employee welfare has been a key focus under Mr. Sesay’s leadership. The bank has robustly improved the conditions for its workers, ensuring they have the support and resources necessary to perform their jobs effectively. This commitment to staff welfare has not only improved employee morale but also enhanced the overall performance and service delivery of the bank. These qualities have propelled SLCB to the forefront of the banking sector in Sierra Leone. The bank now holds the largest customer base and the highest deposits in the country, a testament to the trust and confidence it has earned from its clients. under the stewardship of Mr. Yusuf Abdul Sesay, the Sierra Leone Commercial Bank has transformed into a modern, customer-centric institution. With continuous improvements in technology, customer service, and employee welfare, SLCB is well-positioned to maintain its status as a leader in the banking industry in Sierra Leone.
THE REVOLT OF THE ELITES: Addressing the Crisis of Democracy in Sierra Leone Through a Populist Movement
by Mahmud Tim Kargbo Sierra Leone socio-political landscape is marred by a growing sense of alienation and disenfranchisement among the general populace, as the country’s rogue elites continue to distance themselves from the mainstream of Sierra Leonean life. By leveraging their material and cultural power, these rogue political elites from the country’s two main political parties (SLPP and APC) have perpetuated a system of privilege and exclusion that undermines the democratic aspirations of the nation, exacerbating the crisis of democracy that shows no signs of abating. To address this fundamental rift and restore faith in the democratic process, a populist campaign against rogue elites in these two main political parties (SLPP and APC) is needed to champion the cause of the marginalised majority and promote a more inclusive and equitable society. The concentration of power and influence in the hands of selected elites from the SLPP and APC has long cast a shadow over Sierra Leone’s democratic landscape, widening the gap between the privileged few and the marginalised many. As these rogue political elites from the SLPP and APC detach themselves from the everyday struggles and aspirations of their fellow citizens, they breed contempt and resentment, further entrenching social divisions and perpetuating a culture of exclusivity that undermines the principles of democracy and justice. The crisis of democracy in Sierra Leone is a direct result of these rogue political elitist stranglehold on power and resources, which stifles social mobility, restricts political participation, and fosters a culture of impunity and corruption. As these political rogue elites amass wealth and privilege at the expense of the majority, they not only widen the gap between the haves and the have-nots but also erode the foundations of trust, accountability, and fairness in the country’s democratic institutions. Resolving the crisis of democracy in Sierra Leone requires a bold and transformative approach that challenges the dominance of rogue elites in the SLPP and APC and empowers the voiceless and marginalised segments of society. A populist campaign that mobilises grassroots support, create tangible solutions to the grievances of the disenfranchised, and demands greater accountability and transparency from the ruling elites is essential to reinvigorate the democratic ethos of the nation and promote social justice and equality for all citizens. By championing the cause of the marginalised majority and challenging the entrenched interests of the rogue elites few within the SLPP and APC, a populist movement can serve as a catalyst for change, injecting new energy, ideas, and perspectives into Sierra Leone’s political landscape. Through grassroots mobilisation, civic engagement, and advocacy for social and economic reforms, a populist campaign can galvanise public support for a more equitable and inclusive society that prioritises the needs and interests of the common people over the narrow agendas of the privileged few. The crisis of democracy in Sierra Leone is a product of the political rogue elitist divide that separates the SLPP and APC ruling elites from the mainstream of Sierra Leoneans life, perpetuating a system of exclusion and marginalisation that undermines the principles of democracy and justice. To address this fundamental challenge and foster a more inclusive and participatory democracy, a populist movement against political rogue elites is needed to create concrete solutions for the marginalised majority, challenge the entrenched interests of the rogue ruling elites, and pave the way for a more equitable and democratic society for all citizens. Together, let us stand in solidarity with the marginalised and demand a more just, transparent, and accountable governance that serves the interests of the common people and upholds the democratic ideals of Sierra Leone.
*Ministry of Labour : on Social Protection Bill engagement
The Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security has concluded the Provincial Stakeholders Consultative Engagement for the development of Sierra Leone’s first National Social Protection Bill. This initiative aims to gather insights, ideas, and recommendations from social protection stakeholders to shape the forthcoming law. This World Bank-funded exercise, initially held in 2022, has been repeated due to complaints from some social protection actors about their exclusion in earlier consultations. The renewed engagement seeks comprehensive input to ensure a robust legal framework for social protection in Sierra Leone. Once enacted, the Bill will establish a Social Protection Authority. This Authority will coordinate private and public sector interventions and oversee the Social Protection Bread Basket, a fund for social protection activities. Implementing agencies will request funds from this centralized repository to carry out their programmes. The consultative engagements took place across the four regions of Sierra Leone, and are scheduled to continue in the Western Area (Freetown) next week. The Bill has received significant support from social protection stakeholders and citizens alike, reflecting a strong communal endorsement of the proposed legislation. By ensuring broad-based participation, the Government and its partners aim to create an inclusive and effective social protection system that addresses the needs of all Sierra Leoneans. The successful conclusion of these provincial engagements marks a critical step towards the enactment of a comprehensive social protection law.
Head of Guinean Staff College Meets Immigration Officer
In a bid to strengthen border security between the Republic of Guinea and the Republic of Sierra Leone, the Head of the Guinean Staff College, Colonel Louis Remy Camara, paid a courtesy call on the Sierra Leone Chief Immigration Officer (CIO), Hon. Alusine Kanneh congratulated him on his appointment as the country’s new CIO. Speaking on the purpose of the courtesy call, the Head of the Guinean Staff College explained that the main objective of their visit was to enable them to have large knowledge about civilian and military institutions in Sierra Leone and to execute a schedule of a high-level staff college studies in Sierra Leone. He said they have chosen Sierra Leone as the second country of their visit for a course. He intimated that Sierra Leone had always been on their side whenever they faced a crisis. “Lately, when we faced a crisis following an explosion of our few people, Sierra Leone was the first neighboring country to send a team-rescue. It also makes a few fuel tanks available for us, and that really touched us,” he said. In our military cooperation, he also continued that they were the first French-Speaking country to get a scholarship to study military training in Sierra Leone, and since then they have been sending military staff to Sierra Leone for training. “For over the years, we have had good collaboration and cooperation with military staff from Sierra Leone in a UN Mission. So we have endless good collaboration from Sierra Leone. That’s why we want help from both sides, both the military and civilian institutions from Sierra Leone,” he stated. From his side, the Chief Immigration Officer expressed his delight at the courtesy call made by the Guinean counterpart, adding that he was grateful to receive them in his office. He, however, noted that Sierra Leone and Guinea have a lot in common, and so, he said, therefore, whenever these two countries meet, they have so much to talk about. He reiterated that Guinean and Sierra Leone are one people and that there are a lot of inter-marriages between the two sister countries, maintaining that they have a pure and applied Guinea that lives in Sierra Leone and there are also Sierra Leone living in Guinea permanently and they are living like brothers and sisters. He emphasised that cooperation is very much important between the two countries, noting their institution is very much important and very key to security matters as far as Guinea and Sierra Leone borders are concerned. “Like the borders. Especially the border between Guinea and Sierra Leone, the Gbalamuya, we have Guinean on the other side, and we have Sierra Leonean on the other side. They worked in collaboration, and we want this corporation to continue,” he said. The Chief Immigration officer said stability that has to do with the two sister countries in terms of cooperation is very important, emphasizing that the mutual cooperation between Sierra Leone Army forces and Guinean Army Forces is very important and the military in Guinean have been assisting Sierra Leone even the days of the civil war, so therefore, he added Sierra Leone have been getting assistance from Guinea in terms of territorial integrity. He concluded by sending his regards to the Guinean Chief Immigration Officer and stated that they would love to visit Conakry for further meetings to discuss border management issues between the two sister countries and assured him that he would be in close contact with the Chief Immigration Officer of the Republic of Guinea.
Trial alone : Bai Mahmoud Health Condition worsens
By Feima Sesay Justice Komba Kamanda, presiding judge in the ongoing treason trial, has on Wednesday 26th June 2024 made an order for Bai Mahmoud Bangura to stand trial separately and also for his name to remain on the indictment whiles the trial proceeds. He made this order after the state prosecutor A J M Bockarie made an application for the accused to stand trial alone due to his continuous ailment. Lawyer Bockarie, in his application, informed the court that for the past three weeks the matter was delayed due to Bai Mahmoud’s continuous ailment, adding that the trial is at a critical stage wherein justice should not be delayed. The accused reported health condition, he said, has contributed to the delay of the matter and in the circumstance sought the order of the court to direct the trial of the 8th accused on counts 1, 2 13 and 14 respectively to be separated from the rest of the other accused persons and for his name to remain on the indictments. His application was made pursuant to section 148 sub section 3 of the Criminal Procedure Act No32 of 1965. Lawyer Bockarie also asked for two weeks adjournment to commence his trial. Justice Kamanda however granted his application and ordered that the accused be tried separately and that his name remains on the indictments. The matter was adjourned to the 10th July 2024 for Bai Mahmoud Bangura to open his case.Bai Mahmoud Bangura before the commencement of the proceedings was brought to court in a critical condition while responding to treatment. It was due to his health condition that the application was made for him to be tried separately.
ECOBANK & AGL PARTNER WITH ACFA-SL
By Feima Sesay EcoBank, the Pan African Bank in Sierra Leone, has in Collaboration with the African Global Logistics partnered with the Association of Clearing and Forwarding Agencies Sierra Leone on new Migration payment method. The events was held at the EcoBank Cline Town branch office on Thursday 27th June 2024. Their aimed was to create the platform for Association and Clearing and Forwarding Agencies in order to make money transaction easy, efficiently and effectively. Speaking at the launching ceremony, the Managing Director ECOBank Sierra Leone Sebastian Ashong Katai said the partnership marked a significant steps in the banking sector in the country, adding that the reason for the partnership was for the bank give credence to the work of the ACFA-SL towards the economy of the country which is an import driven economy. According to the MD, EcoBank has had a long standing relationship with the Association and said they had a history togetger, adding that EcoBank was the first bank that started providing collection services in favour of National Revenue Authority (NRA) and the shipping agencies within the Cline Town environment. He said such was a principal activity because they knew that as a country, the government needed revenue inorder to be able to provide infrastructure for its citizens. “In our Bank, not only in Sierra Leone but whereever EcoBank operates, we take steps towards puting systems in place that allow its revenue to be collected in an efficient manner which is the key mandate of ours and ever since this particular branch was established, both the association and EcoBank have had an excellent relationship over the years,” MD stated. He underscored that there had been changes in the way payment were made in respect of NRA and its agencies that are collecting the fund, adding they believed as a bank that automation was one of their strength at EcoBank and would therefore use that technology to be able to make payment for services more efficient and effective. That process, he said, would make life easy for the association as payment, he said, should not be the core part of their activities as there have been a number of challenges that the clearing agencies expirence. This, he said, was part of the reasons why they are partnering to provide some clarifications on how the payment would work, noting technology digitalization was the way forward and that was why he said EcoBank has combined with the African Global Logistics to provide the platform for the association to be able to operate. “We understand that there have been numerous challenges along the way so we are going to work closely with the ACFA-SL as the three of us are on the same page in making sure that there is no confusion around the concept, but beyond that I think the collaboration that we have can also be of good help to the process,” he said. The Managing Director furthered that what EcoBank would be doing was to support the community in organizing their business proper together with financial and risk management as they have the capacity to do so, adding that they would also support not just the association but the individual, noting that some of them do not only have their companies but their individual activities too. He also disclosed that the partnership would also provide special packages for women that would enable them have access to business, adding that they had a programme that centered around supporting women to access market and organize their businesses effectively. In conclusion said even though they wanted the companies business as a bank, but said they believed that privatizing their business would add some value in them. Mohamed A. Salia, Chairman of the Association of Clearing and Forwarding Agencies Sierra Leone in his statement during the ceremony said they were all aware of the hassle the association had been through with respect to payment. The partnership with EcoBank, he said, has now provided the space for easy access to transact their business through an automated platform payment that served as an intermediary among government, stakeholders and NRA in order to raise the much needed Revenue. The outcome of the events, he said, would shorten the time it takes them to transact business between EcoBank and Freetown Terminal, noting that the impact is to reduce the unnecessary approved charges they incur during transaction. Salia however pleaded with the bank to extent the product to others so as to improve on their business in order to change their mindset on how to run their business. This he said would help improve their businesses and make the membership investment ready. Donald Coker, Finance Manager African Global Logistics, in his statement said they believed in digitalization as their core and strength as it makes transaction much easier thereby maintaining the smiles on their customers face. According to him, the AGL would always ensure that things are smooth. He also informed the audience that Freetown Terminal is a cashless institution as they do not receive cash firing transaction. It is in this light, he said, they engaged stakeholders and bankers to creat such a platform, adding that the partnership with ACFA-SL is not the end nothing that there are more opportunities where they would be at their offices and go to the internet and do their Banking without moving. He added that it could bring more transparency and take away fraudulent activities as it would encourage customers get the required satisfaction. He re-echoed that EcoBank is here to stay and work with them to sustain the smiles on the customers face.Coker however encouraged the association to be patients as he said there must be challenges along the way, but, move on from that. There was a presentation on how the African Global Logistics New Migration Payment and EcoBank products and services are done by Mr Pearce from EcoBank Sierra Leone He said all that which the customers need to do is to work into any EcoBank
At Courtmartial Hearing:Judge Advocate Dismisses Defense Counsel No Case Submission
By Feima Sesay The judge advocate Mark Ngegba presiding over the ongoing Courtmartial trial has on Thursday 27 June, 2024 dismissed the no case submissions made by defense Counsel on behalf of six accused persons. During their No case to answer submission they indicated that the accused persons had no case to answer before the court and therefore should be discharged accordingly. The accused include, the 11th accused who was standing trial before the court on seven count charges, 15th accused Sergeant Momoh Kargbo was standing trial before the court on twenty count charges,16th accused Adekalie Turay was arrainged before the court on nine count charges, 19 accused WO2 Sitta Dumbuya was standing trial before the court on four count charges, 22 accused Alpha Turay was before the court on five count charges and 25 accused was before the court on seven count charges. The learned judge advocate said all the accused persons were serving members of the Arm Force Sierra Leone. Delivering his ruling, judge advocate Mark Ngegba said the accused were arrainged before the court on eighty eight (88) count charges which include mutiny, failure to suppress mutiny, murder, aiding the enemy, communicating with the enemy, conspiracy to commit mutiny and other related offences. He said the Prosecution called thirty 37 witnesses to testify and one hundred and eight (108) exhibits were tendered before the court. He furthered that in the case of the eleventh accused, the evidence against him came from the cyber officer Inspector Mohamed Jusu in his exhibit showed pictures of the accused in military uniform holding a rifle. He said the accused in his statement made to the military police at first denied knowing Koita but later admitted that Koita sent him the sum of one thousand, five hundred new Leones. The judge advocate said In that case the Prosecution had proven the offense of conspiracy and it had been established that the accused conspired with other persons to overthrow the government and therefore dismissed the no case submission of defense Counsel. In the case of the fifteen accused Staff Sergeant Momoh Kargbo the judge advocate said the Prosecution stated that he travelled from Lungi to Freetown without a valid welfare pass that was not signed by authorities. He said the accused in his statement said he did not know that the pass given to him by Sergeant Mattia was fake.He furthered that the accused also told the military police that he obtained the said pass to attend family function and he admitted that he regretted not handling over the military land cruiser that was assigned to him to the authorities. The judge advocate said this bit of evidence implied that the Prosecution had made a prima facie case against the accused and so the no case submission made by defense Counsel was demised and he should continue his trial. On behalf of the sixteenth accused Adekalie Turay, the Judge Advocate said in his statement said he was arrested at the office of Lans Coporal Kamara at Cockril headquarters.He said before the arrest at night, he and another soldier was at the gate but later move down to the corridor close to the office of Lans Coporal Richard. The learned judge said the accused stated that whiles at the corridor, he saw Staff Sergeant Abu Dauda and one other soldier entered the gate and they walked towards the corridor and started opening firing and there was cross firing in the barrack but could not identify the type of rifles they were using, adding that they were wearing military uniform. The learned judge furthered that the accused moreover told the military police that while the firing was on-going, he heard a blast where he sustained injury on his hand. He said the accused on that note said he then ran into the office of WO2 Sitta Dumbuya who offer first aid treatment and was later taken to the hospital. He said the accused furthered that he also saw Koita and he was engaged in a serious firing.The judge advocate Mark Ngegba said the accused, in his statement indicated that he saw Koita looked alarming. He added that Koita was an enemy and should have informed authorities but instead went into an office and took first aid treatment.He said the accused has a case to answer and so he should open his defense and he therefore dismissed the no case submission made by the defense Counsel. In the case of the nineteenth accused WO2 Sitta Dumbuya, the Prosecution said, he was in his office administering first aid treatment to Staff Sergeant Adekalie Turay and when asked to open the door by other soldiers, he became afraid to open the door until he was forced to do so. The learned judge said the accused in his statement said on that day, he went on duty at Cockiril and when he reached at the gate, he met late Sergeant Conteh and staff Sergeant Adekalie Turay who told him that he had been injured and he gave him first aid treatment. The judge advocate furthered that why did the accused deny opening the door when commanded by fellow soldiers.He said in that case the Prosecution has proved a case against the accused on the offense of mutiny which meant he has knowledge of what was happening. He therefore dismissed the no case submission of defense Counsel. In respect of the twenty two accused Alpha Turay, the Judge Advocate said in his statements to the Military police, the accused said before the incident, he received a call from one Amadu who asked him to assist them with weapons and he asked him how he got his number and the said Amadu told him that it was Sergeant Janneh that gave his number to him. The judge advocate said the accused also told the military police that he then told the caller that he would not be able to give him weapon and he blocked the said number but failed