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The main opposition All People's Congress (APC) party has accused the state's security of a calculated ploy to narrow the democratic space in Sierra Leone. In a press statement released by the party on Tuesday 4th April, 2023, it was stated that the occurrence of 2nd April 2023 involving the convoy of Dr. Samura Kamara at mile 38 was nothing short of an assassination attempt. They narrated the event as escalating after  state's security barricaded the road leading to the town, preventing senior party officials from joining the campaign, resulting in an altercation and subsequent incarceration of some senior party stakeholders. The release say this incident which resulted in the death of one supporter and serious injuries to others, was a re-enactment of what happened during the final day of their campaign in Constituency 056, Samaya Bendugu. The APC party also alleged that during their triumphant entry to Freetown after their National Delegate Conference in Makeni, state security allegedly erected a notorious checkpoint by the Presidential Lodge, where anyone in red or APC t-shirt was molested and beaten up. The party has condemned what they described as  "the systematic harassment" of its members by the ruling Sierra Leone People's Party government and the persistent use of state institutions to silence opposition. They called for an immediate investigation into this alleged assassination attempt and the persistent use of state institutions against their party. The security forces in written and verbal statements debunked allegations of firing live rounds and emphasized that the events at Mile 38 stem from attempts to minimize crowd and maintaining order. They furthered that, had the party adhered to the gentleman's agreement they had made, the incident would not have occurred. The agreement is said to have provided for the use of ten vehicles as part of the party's procession but however, at the time they had gotten to Mile 38, the party had exceeded the agreed ten vehicles which had necessitated the call for disembarkment and attempts to enforce the agreement.

The ministry of lands, housing and country planning has commenced a registration exercise for Motor bikes and motor tricycle riders residing in Western Urban and Western Rural. The exercise which commenced on 31st March and projected to last until 12th April, is to enable these people to own lands and personal homes. The outreach and mobile registration/application process was done by the Media and Public Relations Office of the Ministry of lands, with consulting group, Jamboree consult. The registration schedule will continue at these locations and on these dates: Model Junction - 31st March 2023 Kingtom - 1st April 2023 Wilberforce - 3rd April 2023 Lumley - 4th April 2023 UpGun - 5th April 2023 Shell - 6th April 2023 Wellington - 7th April 2023 Jui - 8th April 2023 Waterloo - 10th April 2023 Kent - 11th April 2023 Hamilton - 12th April 2023 When questioned by this medium on the transparency and fairness of this registration and raffle, Public relations Officer of the Ministry of lands Abdul Fonti Kabia stated that their Ministry is working closely with the Okada and Kekeh Unions to ensure that only commercial riders participate and benefit from the raffle. As a second security measure, applicants must present riders license and union membership proof before applications are accepted, whilst the draw will be conducted in full view of participants, ACC, civil society, journalists, members of the general public and streamed live on social media platforms and national television.

Reality Star Alusine Kamara known as Timbaland of Jenkin Street has made a donation of 26 bags of rice to people of the Savage Square and Fourah Bay community, today Wednesday 5th April, 2023. According to Alusine, this is his fourth year of such donation, a novelty of his during Ramadan. Alusine who hails from an Islamic home, said this effort is part of his upbringing as a fulfillment of another pillar of Islam, the aspect of Zakat. The twenty-six bags of 25kg of rice amounts to a little above eight million, five hundred and he says it was shared randomly to men and women known to be members of that community.

His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio took to Twitter on 4th April 2023, to speak on the fifth anniversary of his service as President of the Republic. According to President Bio, despite global issues, his administration was able to achieve "developmental strides to improve the quality of life of Sierra Leoneans". He explained that his administration chose to build the Next Generation instead of focusing on the Next Election, slated for 24th June 2023. He remarked that these five years is a half of his time in office based on his work done and plans to transition from the New Direction to staying in the Right Direction for the sustainability of our economic development efforts in SierraLeone.

Sierra Leonean volleyball Star Ishmail Bangura has registered an impressive start to his Goshen College Athletics Program in the United States of America. The former Super Six strongman won two awards in the Wolverine Hossier Athletics Conference (WHAC) with the all-conference being his first award and later the freshman of the year for the second award. Ishmail 27 relocated to the United States of America in January of 2023 and enrolled at the Goshen College Athletics Program. Due his impeccable skills he has emerged as the second best player in the history of Goshen College to record 20 plus kills back-to-back and he is leading his colleagues as the overall point maker with a total of 299 kills. Prior to his US career development, Ishmail has represented Sierra Leone in more than fifteen International tournaments including the qualification to the world championship in Hamburg, Germany in 2019. In a delightful mood from his apartment in the US, Ishmail Bangura, revealed to this Medium that his sense of pride in representing Sierra Leone is out of this world and the prospect of spurring up aspiring Volleyball players to emulate his shining examples on the International stage is his goal. He added that the drive to succeed amongst players who have the wherewithal to thrive was not an easy one but he noted that where determination prevails, failure can never dismantle the flag of success. Ishmail Bangura, maintained that his life-long dream of becoming a professional volleyball star is perfectly tailored on a winning frame of mind as time will write the final script in every endeavour.

The National Olympic Committee has met with various Sporting Associations at the Olympafrica Centre at Goderich to discuss preparations towards the second edition of the African Beach Games that is billed for the city of Hammamet, Tunisia from the 24 to 30June 2023. The meeting which was held at the Henry Moore Auditorium on Saturday, April 1, 2023 was attended Secretaries of Beach Handball, Volleyball, Tennis, basketball, Teqball and Archery among many others. Chef ‘De’ Mission Yayah Koroma , said preparations for the Bali Games that is expected to commence on the 5 to 12 August 2023 had commenced long before the meeting was held and that the qualification systems for the games had been communicated earlier on to the various discipline and added that keen interest must be given to the qualification process to possibly trigger the representation of Sierra Leone in the African beach games and to visibly demonstrated the drive to compete and not to make up the numbers. Yayah also noted the preliminary arrangement of the 2023 African Beach Games, and the possible disciplines that would grace the games if only they meet the threshold of qualification. Some Members of the different sporting Associations including the technical director of the Sierra Leone Athletics Association Harold Palmer , gave valid suggestions in so far as reaching the ultimate targets of the national Olympic of sierra Leone especially in terms of athletes representation and development alike. Meanwhile, the president of NOC, Prince Sualley, reaffirms the commitment of the body to conduct the various processes through transparent and credible manner in a bid to obtain better representation on the international stage. The Maiden edition of the African Beach game took place in Sal , Cape Verde from 14 to 23 June 2019 and the following the great success of the inaugural edition over one thousand participants including the fifty four Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) Member countries are expected to grace the games. Sierra Leone as in many other countries getting the green light for athletes to grace the African beach games this year would be a complete joy in itself.

Sierra Leone’s Female Cricket national Team has made an impressive account in the 2023 National cricket Federation (NCF) tournament in Nigeria at the Tafawa Balewa Cricket Oval in Lagos. The Female patriots as they are fondly called had a difficult start against Nigeria in their opening encounter, but were brave enough to register a third place triumph, as well as the second biggest win from any national cricket representative side. The defeated Cameroon by five wickets in first match before the reverse match to grab the third place trophy against Cameroon in the Women’s Cricket Tournament in Nigeria. The ladies exhibited Great Spirit as they did against Ghana to earn the all-important five wickets against Cameroon. Cameroon made some 81 runs despite the loss of nine wickets in twenty overs, reaching a significant milestone in the tourney. According to the Head Coach of the Senior Female Patriots, Kenneth Masinga, the outing in Nigeria was an opportunity to expose the newly recruited players in the team and they approached the tournament with the ultimate target of winning the giant trophy with the wherewithal to succeed. He also vowed to support the team in reaching the aspirations of the Sierra Leone Cricket Association. On his part, the Chairman of SLCA, Francis Trevor Samura, applauded the team for the satisfactory display in Nigeria and noting that they visibly demonstrated class and passion all throughout the tournament and that the achievement is not only for the team but for the country as a whole. The Female patriots are currently ranked thirty eight in the World and ninth in Africa, and the recent feat in Nigeria would likely improve their ranking. Janet Sowa was awarded as the woman of the match due to her exceptional bowling qualities, and according to Bockaire Allieu, member of the SLCA Media, Janet has been one of the finest bowlers in the Female National Team and it was no surprise for her to bag such recognition. Alice Fillie and Celina Bull were equally earmarked for their outstanding performances in the competition. The female Patriots of Sierra Leone have raised the bars so high in terms of representation and it is hoped that they would replicate same for the forthcoming International Cricket Council women’s T20 In both South Africa and Botswana in September this year.

1. Me lady by Jay2Bee X Fantacee Wiz X Mr. 1ne This track is done by musician J2B, real name John Bam who hails from Moyamba featured folk singer Fantacee Wiz and rapper Mr. one to create this fun, modern traditional sound. The song comes through as original and catchy with lines like “your love is like a medlody, baby you’re the one, you’re my symphony and you know you’re my harmony”, it is sure to set hearts throbbing for all ages. According to the Singer in a short interview, Musician Fantacee Wiz was featured to give it the unique related vibe of the typical Sierra Leonean whilst Mr. One was featured for his lyrical prowess in rap. It was released two weeks ago and is a little on the low side in terms of plays but gradually picking up. Here’s a link to the song to listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCr8xaMoK6Q 2. April fool by Jooel feat. Innocent Done by Jooel real name Joel Kargbo was released on first April featuring another singer Innocent and has already amassed over a thousand views. The lyrics promise love, a wedding and everything else a lover madly in love would. The sound and rhythm is typical Jooel with a well-mixed sound. With its easy vibe, it is sure to enthrall many. Here’s a link to listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjHRGrkh-Xs 3. Propaganda by Kao Denero Released thirteen hours ago, this song dong by Kao Denero, real name Amara Dennis Turay-Jalloh already tops the above two songs in terms of views on YouTube. It is a typical diss track speaking of his recent woes online and offline. Referencing his abandonment by the entertainment industry after his appointment as Trade, Investment and Entertainment Ambassador by government, he attributes this abandonment and more to jealousy stemming from colleagues coveting his new station in life. He proceeded to lash at bloggers, other rappers and faded relationships, in short he came for everybody in Sierra Leone. This sound is so lyrically catchy and beats was well produced by his longtime producer Lord Mo and is promised to be part of the “tok and do” mixtape. Here’s a link to listen to the song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOTbJGb-BpM

Indigenes of Tonkolili have received twenty Billion Leones as Community Development Agreement fund which is one percent of profits made by the Leone Rock Metal Group of Companies, name newly changed from Kingho Investment Company. The money was handed over on Thursday 30th March 2023 and witnessed by His Excellency President Bio on behalf of the government who facilitated the payment. Speaking, President Bio affirmed that this payment displays the proper implementation of government’s policy and reforms in mining sector previously kept at bay by self-interests of the few over the many. He informed the residents of beneficiary communities of Dansogoia, Sambaia, and Simiria Chiefdoms that this money received from Leone Rock Metal Group, will go towards community development enhancing projects to be determined by the people and government, based on needs prioritization. President Bio furthered that between March 2021 to present, the company has exported more than 1 million tons of iron ore, as presented by financial books but he believes that beyond the books, the mining sector can adopt a compliant friendly infrastructure in relation to reporting and data collection. Chief Executive Officer of the Leone Rock Metal Group of company, Gilbert Zhao, thanked the government and people of Sierra Leone and expressed hope to maintain the company’s commitment to pay 1% of revenue as an investment in community development projects and livelihoods.

The Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs of Sierra Leone Manti Tarawalli during the 17th series of “a conversation” event organized by the Power women 232 has said that the decision to mainstream gender was a strategic one which ensured the integration of gender matters into every sphere of society instead of segregation as a woman’s law which could significantly obstruct if not altogether halt its implementation. She explained that whilst the Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment law doesn’t specify whether the 30% for women are for elective or appointed positions, they are both guaranteed by existing laws of Sierra Leone specifically the Public elections Act and referencing these in the GEWE amplifies that. She furthered that the Public Elections Act which oversees elective positions, sees that gender matters are given 30% quota and that must be infused in all sectoral policies and implemented thus. She stated that whilst no institution can impose decisions on the Presidency based on the fact that the Constitution grants him the powers to form his cabinet, the regulations of the GEWE Act should encourage the President to implement the 30% in his appointments until such a time when this quota may be included in a revised constitution. Madam Tarawalli outlined that a key challenge to implementing gender mainstreaming will be acceptances of women into authoritative positions and institutions, which is why the ministry has established a department to aid women in settling into their jobs, to prevent impediments on their performances after elections or appointments. She concluded that regarding sexual harassment which is another challenge women face in public or private schools, universities and workplaces, structures such as a toll free call line and one stop centers have been established across the country and women should be encouraged to make reports, as this will discourage perpetrators from doing it. Attendees at the event made submissions on her talk and responses, and talked about women owned businesses and how they could be improved. The conversation series is an event held by Power Women 232 since 2015, to discuss issues affecting the country by sector champions and this series was done to seal the women’s month of March and it was held at Bliss Restaurant on the 31st March 2023.

The Unity Party and the All People’s Congress Party have both debunked the Political Parties Regulation Commission’s assertion that they have conceded to ban rallies during political campaign season leading up to the 2023 Presidential elections. In a short Interview, the leader of the Unity Party Madam Femi Claudius Cole informed this medium that she was not informed via any means or in any capacity and was therefore not represented. She referred to the idea as a "stupid excuse having no bearing on violence happening or result of elections" and furthered that the notion to ban brings up questions as to why now after years of the norm. She stated that the idea only points to police inefficiency to man a process that occurs once every electioneering period spanning over a short period and properly planned given the ballot for days and districts. Secretary General of the All People’s Congress Party Lawyer Lansana Dumbuya when contacted denied their agreeing to not rally. According to him, he and other members were present and raised concerns that putting a ban will erode on people’s human and constitutional rights and guaranteed that their party will monitor happenings to curtail violence, which was the main reason given for the ban. He went on to say the ban could be a recipe for violence for members traveling to designated rally areas, who might have amassed a crowd whilst traveling and that might incur actions from the police. He concluded that the Chairman had directed them to dialogue with the Sierra Leone People’s party who had also raised concerns and they being a major political party but that the meeting has not been scheduled by the Chairman.

Political Parties have decided not to rally come June 24th 2023 Presidential elections. This agreement was arrived at on Monday 27th March at the Political Parties liason meeting held by Political Parties Regulation Commission for all seventeen political parties in light of June 4th Elections. The question regarding the need for rallies was posed to them in the process of devising ways to minimize opportunities for violent occurrences which are likely to take place during electioneering and campaign periods and banning rallies was heatedly debated. Fifteen of the seventeen political parties are said to have agreed with the exception of the Sierra Leone's People's Party and the All People's Congress who both raised concerns relating to the security for the location of convergence, the impact on local trading activities different from previous years and celebrating their party stalwarts. In response, the PPRC stated that ample security will be made present by the Sierra Leone police to protect locations, smaller groups moving to destinations and a small convoy moving to the location. According to PPRC, another meeting will be held soon with fully compliant parties (fully registered and operational) to discuss implementing this agreement especially to decide on maximum people and vehicles allowed per procession at a time. According to the Communications' head Lucien Momoh, all seventeen parties agreed to the ban of rallies during campaign period for the 2023 Presidential elections slated for June 24th.