Commercial Activity Restored Along Key Freetown Thoroughfare Commercial activities along Kroo Town Road have officially resumed following an early-morning police operation on Monday, August 24, 2026, which cleared makeshift structures to alleviate traffic congestion and regulate street trading along one of the capital's central commercial corridors. The enforcement exercise spanned the stretch from Choithram Supermarket to Kingtom Bridge, clearing temporary stalls and informal trading points extending toward Paediatricians’ Way. The area serves as a vital arterial route for motorists, pedestrians, and local commerce in central Freetown. According to Oyah Sesay, chairlady for the traders operating near Choithram Supermarket, business operations have stabilized after discussions resolved initial disruptions. "The matter has been settled, allowing vendors to safely return to their businesses," Sesay confirmed. The resolution follows initial friction and concern among local merchants who feared significant financial losses during a critical economic period. Many informal traders rely heavily on daily revenue to meet essential household expenses, including upcoming school tuition fees. Mariama, a local vendor affected by the clearance, highlighted the ongoing structural issues facing vendors in the district. “The formal Kroo Town Road market facility is simply too small to accommodate all of us,” she noted, urging local government authorities to designate adequate alternative spaces for informal market activities. The event underscores the complex balance municipality leaders face between maintaining public order and urban infrastructure while protecting the livelihoods of urban informal workers. With business operations restored, city administrators and market leadership are expected to turn their focus toward long-term urban management strategies that keep public thoroughfares accessible without jeopardizing community commerce.

Kenema Police Headquarters Undergoes Strategic Transformation The Regional Police Headquarters in the Eastern Region is undergoing a comprehensive transformation aimed at creating a more habitable, dignified, and professional environment for both police personnel and the local community. Initiated under the strategic vision of Regional Police Commander ACP Joe Kamanda Bongay, the project represents a significant investment in local law enforcement infrastructure. The ongoing upgrades have received strong support from the Senior Management of the Sierra Leone Police in Kenema, alongside various community stakeholders who have contributed to the effort. Beyond improving physical infrastructure, officials emphasize that a modernized working environment is critical to strengthening officer morale and promoting more effective service delivery. A welcoming and well-maintained police facility is also expected to reinforce public confidence and foster a stronger collaborative partnership between law enforcement and the residents of Kenema. Through this initiative, the regional leadership aims to establish a standard of facility and service that reflects the modern aspirations of the Sierra Leone Police.

Five-Year Prison Term for Theft at Freetown Judiciary Building A high-stakes breach of security at the Sierra Leone Judiciary building has culminated in a stern judicial response, as unemployed youth Mohamed Sesay was sentenced to five years behind bars for stealing high-value government property. Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah delivered the decisive ruling at Pademba Road Court No. 1 following Sesay’s guilty plea to a single charge of larceny under Section 2 of the Larceny Act 1916. Court records reveal that between August 15 and 16, 2026, Sesay targeted the main law court building along Siaka Stevens Street, making off with two 18,000 BTU outdoor air conditioning units—an Icona model and a Sharp model—with a combined valuation of Le 38,000. The prosecution, spearheaded by Deputy Superintendent of Police Eric A. Deen, pushed for maximum sentencing after revealing that Sesay had only recently completed a one-month jail sentence for a prior conviction. Pointing to the repeat offense and the audacity of targeting a supreme legal institution, Superintendent Deen argued that a lenient penalty would fail to serve as an adequate deterrent. Standing without legal counsel, Sesay offered a passionate plea for mercy, asking the court for leniency. However, weighing the defendant’s criminal history against the gravity of stealing public assets from the judiciary itself, Magistrate Jah ordered Sesay to immediately begin serving his five-year sentence at the Male Correctional Centre in Freetown. The high-profile theft has sent shockwaves through the local community, igniting widespread debate regarding institutional security vulnerabilities and raising urgent calls to reinforce protections around vital government infrastructure.

Isha Johansen Reflects on Football Legacy and Future In a moving address at the prestigious PFA 2026 Awards, former Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) President Madam Isha Johansen reflected on the transformative power of football and expressed renewed hope for the future of West African talent on the global stage. Johansen, a trailblazer who holds the distinction of being the first elected woman on the CAF Executive Committee and the first Sierra Leonean to serve on the FIFA Council, shared poignant memories of Sierra Leone's rising stars reaching top-tier European football. Looking back over a decade, Johansen highlighted a golden era when academy prospects from her club, FC Johansen, regularly commanded interest from elite European sides—most notably English Premier League giant Manchester City. Among the success stories was winger George Kweku Davies, whose standout performances secured a landmark move to Manchester City’s youth setup, paving the way for local talent to dream bigger. Johansen also recounted a cherished trip to Manchester, where she reconnected with former players and engaged with modern football stars, including England’s Declan Rice, Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, and Manchester City’s emerging talent Nico O’Reilly. She described witnesssing their dedication firsthand as a moment of overwhelming pride, underscoring the universal passion driving young athletes worldwide. Reflecting on the shifting landscape of African football development, Johansen noted that while global pathways for Sierra Leonean youth were once firmly established, systemic opportunities must be rebuilt to support the next generation. Concluding her remarks with an inspiring call to action, she voiced strong optimism that structured scouting pipelines and international partnerships will soon return, granting aspiring Sierra Leonean athletes the platform they deserve to excel at the highest levels of world football.

Dr. Sao-Kpato Hannah Isatta Macarthy, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, has issued a strong call for enhanced monitoring of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) financing and structural conditions to accelerate progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6). Speaking at World Water Week 2026, held in Stockholm from August 23 to 27, Dr. Macarthy represented Sierra Leone in a high-level panel session titled "Catalysing Action: Strengthening Monitoring of SDG 6 Means of Implementation." The session convened governments, development partners, UN agencies, and water sector practitioners to analyze how nations can optimize monitoring of resources and systems essential for sustainable water and sanitation service delivery. Dr. Macarthy emphasized that tracking physical service coverage alone is insufficient. To drive lasting improvements, she argued, countries must evaluate the underlying financial, governance, and institutional mechanisms that enable and sustain progress. "If we want to accelerate progress on SDG 6, we must not only measure results but must also measure the means that make those results possible," the Minister stated. To illustrate this approach, Dr. Macarthy highlighted Sierra Leone's implementation of WASH accounts as a vital tool for tracking resource mobilization, allocation, and expenditure. The nation is currently preparing its second round of WASH accounts to refine data quality and systematically integrate findings into national budgeting, planning, and policy frameworks. The Minister also detailed national efforts to bolster SDG 6 monitoring, referencing a recent inception workshop that brought together key national stakeholders. The workshop succeeded in clarifying institutional responsibilities and establishing a strategic roadmap aimed at fostering multi-sectoral collaboration, digital innovation, data utilization, and institutional capacity building. Dr. Macarthy’s participation underscores Sierra Leone's commitment to aligning reliable, empirical WASH data with national planning and long-term investment decisions, shifting the focus from mere access numbers to sustainable, well-financed, and well-governed water services.

Salone Moves To Verify Citizens Caught in Conakry Landfill Disaster The Government of Sierra Leone has launched an urgent verification effort following reports that its nationals may be among the casualties of a catastrophic landslide at a major landfill in neighboring Guinea. The disaster struck on August 23, 2026, when torrential rainfall triggered the collapse of a massive section of the Dar-es-Salam landfill in Gbessia, a suburb of Conakry. The cascading mountain of waste engulfed adjacent residential structures and homes, killing at least 30 people and injuring dozens more. Initial assessments by Guinean authorities confirm 30 fatalities, six severe injuries, and 16 minor injuries, with casualty figures expected to rise as search and rescue teams continue to navigate the debris. In response to reports that Sierra Leonean citizens were caught in the disaster, Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation confirmed it is actively monitoring the crisis. The Sierra Leone Embassy in Conakry dispatched a high-level diplomatic delegation—led by the Deputy Ambassador and the Head of Chancery—to the site to liaise with Guinean officials, verify victim identities, and coordinate emergency support. In Conakry, Guinean Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah inspected the devastated zone to oversee a multi-agency relief operation. Comprehensive emergency measures have been activated, deploying state emergency services, the Red Cross, national security personnel, and specialized medical units to locate survivors. The tragedy has reinvigorated intense scrutiny over public safety at the Dar-es-Salam facility. Guinean authorities had previously announced plans to decommission and relocate the urban landfill due to recognized environmental and structural hazards, but implementation remained pending at the time of the collapse. Guinean officials have urged public calm and cooperation with emergency services, while Sierra Leonean diplomatic representatives maintain close coordination on-site.

FBC Wins Baydoun's Debate and Essay Competition Fourah Bay College (FBC) has claimed the championship title at the prestigious 2026 Suad Baydoun National Debate and Essay Competition, showcasing exceptional academic talent and rhetorical skill. FBC captured the top prize through a compelling display of analytical reasoning, rigorous research, public speaking eloquence, and unwavering confidence. Milton Margai Technical University (MMTU) earned the first runner-up spot after an equally impressive and hard-fought performance in the finals. Designed to cultivate critical thinking, research proficiency, and persuasive communication among Sierra Leone’s youth, the competition serves as a premier intellectual platform. Organizers noted that FBC’s victory reinforces its legacy of academic excellence, while MMTU’s strong showing highlights the rising standard of competitive debate across the country's higher education institutions. The 2026 event brought together top students from across Sierra Leone, fostering an environment of constructive dialogue and the sharing of diverse perspectives on key national and societal issues. Following the conclusion of the event, the organizing committee extended their warm congratulations to Fourah Bay College and Milton Margai Technical University, while praising all participating schools for their dedication to intellectual excellence.

Fats Timbo Confirms Amicable Divorce After Less Than a Year British-Sierra Leonean TV personality, comedian, and podcaster Fatima "Fats" Timbo has confirmed her divorce from her husband, photographer Alan Laszczak, less than one year after their wedding. The Undateables star married Laszczak in August, 2025, in a ceremony in Cornwall, celebrating a four-year relationship. However, on what would have been their first anniversary, Timbo emotionally revealed to her followers that they had separated approximately four months prior. The couple had gone public with their relationship when Alan started featuring in Comedian-Creator Fats content across her social media. The world had become invested when in months leading up to their wedding, Fats had vlogged her getting fit and planning for the day. While confirming the end of their marriage, Timbo stated that the separation is amicable and requested privacy regarding the personal details of their split. The confirmation brings an end to speculation surrounding the couple as they move forward separately.

Connaught Hospital Announces Free Thoracoscopic Surgeries In a significant effort to expand access to specialized healthcare, Connaught Hospital will offer free thoracoscopic surgeries from September 1 to 4, 2026. Spearheaded by Hospital Care Manager Dr. Ibrahim Mark Kapuwa, the four-day program aims to deliver high-quality advanced surgical care to patients without any financial burden. Thoracoscopic surgery is a state-of-the-art, minimally invasive procedure. By operating through small chest incisions, surgeons can minimize trauma and shorten recovery times for patients compared to traditional open chest surgery. Hospital management encourages members of the public and potential candidates to visit Connaught Hospital for screening, registration, and eligibility details. This outreach puts into focus Connaught Hospital’s ongoing efforts to enhancing medical infrastructure and delivering critical healthcare services across Sierra Leone.

Lawyers’ Society Demands Urgent Healthcare for Inmates, Including Zainab Sheriff The Lawyers’ Society issued a strong declaration on Monday, August 24, 2026, denouncing the severe lack of medical and psychosocial support across the correctional system. The organization raised urgent alarms over the rapidly deteriorating health of detainee Zainab Sheriff alongside broader reports of inmate medical neglect. Emphasizing constitutional and human rights principles, the Society stressed that imprisonment does not deprive individuals of basic care. "The loss of liberty is the legal penalty, but it must never serve as an excuse to deny inmates proper healthcare, human dignity, or humane living standards," the statement read. Pointing to international benchmarks, the advocacy group cited the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Nelson Mandela Rules). Specifically citing Rules 24 and 25, the group noted that states are legally obligated to provide healthcare equal to community standards without cost or bias, covering both physical and mental well-being. Addressing institutional challenges, the Lawyers’ Society rejected budget constraints as a defense: "Resource limitations cannot justify the systematic disregard for human life and health." To remedy the crisis, the Society outlined five critical demands for prison authorities: Prompt medical examination and specialized treatment for Zainab Sherrif, including transfer to external health facilities if necessary. Systematic medical checks for all prisoners exhibiting mental or physical distress. Direct access to psychological and psychiatric interventions. Reliable supply of necessary medications, diagnostic services, and medical specialists within facilities. Independent oversight mechanisms to ensure health protocols are strictly upheld. Closing its appeal, the Society reiterated that protecting prisoner health is both a legal imperative and a moral duty: "Prison bars restrict freedom; they must never block access to essential medical care and basic human respect."

Dr Christian Gendemeh has received a colourful homecoming celebration in Kenema following the successful completion of his PhD programme in China. The celebration began with a vibrant parade involving members of the Kenema Old Students Association (KOSA), K-School administrators, teachers and students, sports officials, members of the Games and Athletics Teachers Association (GATA), family members and well-wishers. The procession ended at K-School, where Dr Gendemeh received a warm welcome, standing ovation and a performance from the school’s brass band. At a reception held at the school’s new dining hall, Principal of K-School JSS, Mr Umaru Vandi Kondovoh, congratulated Dr Gendemeh and described his academic achievement as a significant milestone for both him and his family, as well as for K-School. Other speakers, including representatives of the Kenema District Football Referees, fellow teachers and Dr Gendemeh’s family, commended his determination, commitment and contribution to education and sports. His father, Chief Gendemeh, also expressed joy and gratitude over his son’s achievement. The programme featured the presentation of gifts from Camp ERAT, family members and other groups, as well as a cake-cutting ceremony. The celebration continued with fellowship and entertainment among colleagues, friends, family members, students and well-wishers. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Mrs Elizabeth Gendemeh, who appreciated everyone who contributed to the successful homecoming. The celebration highlighted Dr Gendemeh’s perseverance, academic excellence, family support and commitment to advancing education and sports in Sierra Leone.

A postgraduate student at Fourah Bay College (FBC) has proposed the establishment of a campus ambassador framework to improve awareness and understanding of Sierra Leone’s proposed constitutional amendments among university students and the wider public. Francis Ngoba, who is pursuing a Master of Science in Marine Biology at FBC, made the proposal during an exclusive interview with SKB, where he discussed the ongoing debate over amendments to the 1991 Constitution. Ngoba said he closely follows parliamentary proceedings through radio broadcasts, social media and legislative updates, but noted that many university students and members of the public may not have the time or resources to follow complex constitutional discussions. Under his proposed campus ambassador framework, student representatives would serve as direct links between Parliament and tertiary institutions. The representatives could receive briefings on parliamentary proceedings and proposed constitutional changes before organising sensitisation programmes for students on their respective campuses. Ngoba believes the approach could help bridge the information gap between lawmakers and young people, while making complex constitutional provisions easier for students to understand. He further suggested that informed students could extend the sensitisation effort beyond university campuses by sharing simplified information with people in their communities. This, he argued, would help increase public understanding and participation in the constitutional reform process. While discussing specific proposed amendments, Ngoba expressed support for the Proportional Representation (PR) system, saying it could offer advantages for national elections, including improved governance stability and reduced public expenditure during election cycles. However, he raised concerns about proposed changes that would allow dual citizens to hold political office. Ngoba argued that people seeking public office should hold sole Sierra Leonean citizenship to demonstrate accountability and commitment to the country. “If you want to hold public office, you should be on the ground in Sierra Leone and give your all to the country,” he said. Ngoba maintained that citizens living permanently in Sierra Leone experience the country’s challenges directly and may therefore have a stronger understanding of conditions on the ground. His proposed campus ambassador initiative comes amid continued discussions over the Constitutional Amendment Bill, with students and other members of the public increasingly engaging in debates over electoral reforms, citizenship provisions and broader governance issues. Ngoba believes stronger civic sensitisation at tertiary institutions would give young people a greater opportunity to understand the proposed changes and participate meaningfully in national discussions on Sierra Leone’s constitutional future.