32 Sierra Leoneans Repatriated from Senegal

Ishmael Bayoh

These Sierra Leoneans were said to have been recruited with some Guineans by agents in Sierra Leone and in Guinea, and are said to have paid about $1,000 each to work in Senegal. The jobs ranges from welding, construction, agriculture, security,  toelectrician paying from 400,000cfa ($800), 300,000cfa ($600) to 250,000cfa ($500) per week.

On Tuesday June 22nd, 2021, the Sierra Leone Embassy in Senegal led by His Excellency, Ambassador AlhajiBrima Elvis Koroma paid a visit to their location in the region of Thies.

Seven of the online job scammers were arrested and detained by the Senegalese police in Thies.

The Embassy engaged the International Organization for Migration (IOM) for possible repatriation of the Sierra Leoneans. Their cases were looked into and profiled for repatriation whilst the Sierra Leone Embassy prepared  Emergency Travel Certificates for those without passports.

Abdul KarimKamara, one of the victims narrated their ordeals to the Ambassasor during the embassy’s visit that they were recruited online and made to believe that the jobs were real. “They shared with us an excel document bearing the various jobs they were recruiting for with salaries attached. They asked for $1,000 each for the recruitment”. Abdul explained.

Abdul further explained that one LaminKondeh, a Sierra Leonean and Abdul Salam Jalloh, a Guinean recruited them.

The victims said they were made to undertake an orientation where they realized at the end that it was a scam. The police was informed and several of the alleged scammers were arrested.

In one of the engagements with the Senegalese authorities, Ambassador AlhajiBrima Koroma lauded the efforts of the Commissaire at the Central Police at Thies, Moussaka Fall for his swift intervention in apprehending the alleged scammers.

Speaking to the repatriated at the BlaiseDiagneInternarional Airport, Ambassador Koroma  explained to them about the dangers of trafficking and how on several occasions, Sierra Leoneans have been trafficked and abandoned in Senegal. He called on them to always verify information before undertaking any venture. He sent out a message to all Sierra Leoneans to desist from embarking on such journeys that will be detrimental to them.

The Head of Chancery, Mr. SaiduTimbo earlier spoke to them before their departure to the airport to be resilient, and very conscious on the use of the social media.

The Sierra Leone Embassy in Dakar collaborated with the IOM for the repatriation of the 32 to Sierra Leone.

BE THE LUCKY WINNER…

Orange to Splash Le150M on Innovators

Orange SL which is rightly described as the leading telecommunication company in Sierra Leone is once again set to host its third edition of “Orange Social Venture Prize (OSVP)” with a whopping star prize of one hundred and fifty million Leones in total to innovative Sierra Leonean men and women who have ventured into the business world with innovative ideas.

Out of thousands of applications received from ambitious Sierra Leoneans, there was a tedious selection process by reputable independent judges to shortlist eight (8) who on Wednesday 8th September, 2021 will pitch their initiative in front of five judges who will select the winners at an auspicious ceremony at Orange’s Headquarters, Hill Station.

The Orange Social Venture Prize (OSVP) is an annual program organized by Orange Group to showcase innovative young minds by providing financial support as start-ups and putting expertise in the management of businesses using Information Communication Technologies ICTs, through its implementing partners “Pitch Night Sierra Leone”.

During the course of this competition, each country is expected to evaluate their respective project based on certain criteria such as; social and/ or environmental impact; the degree of innovation embedded in the ICT usage; the capacity of extending distribution of the product or service to several countries; the financial viability of the project and the realistic and operational nature of the project.

The first Prize is one Speed Box plus monthly subscription over a period of 6 months (fair usage policy applies); Certification; Material Technical Assistance involving a Cash Prize of Le100 million.

In the Women’s Category the First Prize is a Speed Box in addition to monthly subscription over a period of 6 months (fair usage policy applies); Certification and Material/Technical Assistance involving a Cash Prize of Le50 million.

It could be recalled that Orange has never failed to surprise its customers with cash and other prizes as it seeks to further improve mobile and internet technology in the country.

Orange SL has never ceased to ensure that it supports and complements the government’s efforts in a plethora of areas including education, health, and other areas.

In recent months, Orange rolled out numerous supports to pregnant;and lactating mothers and children in the slum areas of Kroo Bay and other deprived communities.

 Hundreds of women and children benefited from food, clothing and other items for which they blessed the management of Orange-SL for always thinking about them. 

All of these development initiatives are in furtherance of their never-ending desire to make the lives of average Sierra Leoneans better.

KKY to Gets Final Judgment Today

The Judiciary of Sierra Leone has informed the general public that the landmark Supreme Court Judgment in the Case between David FornahAndAlhaji Dr. KandehKollehYumkella& others will hold on Friday 3rd September 2021at the main Law Courts Building in Freetown at 10am.

Therefor the public is further informed that the said judgment will get live media coverage from leading media institutions.

This move is part of the Hon. Chief Justice, His Lordship Justice Desmond Babatunde Edwards’ firm commitment to transparency and accountability in the administration of justice.

Owing to the COVID-19 regulations, limited number of people will be allowed with preference to be given to Litigants and their families, Journalists, CSOs, Law students and those who are directly involved in the case.

Please ensure you properly wear face masks