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Nationwide Verification for Foreign Nationals Begins June 1 The Ministry of Information and Civic Education issued a press release on May 25, 2026, announcing that the Government of Sierra Leone would commence a nationwide verification exercise for foreign nationals residing and employed across the country starting June 1, 2026. The Ministry reported that the exercise was intended to strengthen national security, enhance migration management, and ensure full compliance with national labour and immigration legislation. It stated that the verification process would specifically target residence permits, work permits, and non-national identity cards held by foreign nationals. The Government indicated that the exercise would be carried out by a joint task force, which would include representatives from the Sierra Leone Immigration Department, the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security, the Unified Permit Secretariat, the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA), and members of the security sector. The Ministry clarified that this task force would conduct inspections at various locations, including workplaces, business premises, institutions, project sites, and residential areas where foreign nationals might be working or residing.

Brigadier General Massaquoi Assesses ECOWAS Operational Readiness On Saturday, May 23, 2026, Brigadier General Sheik Sulaiman Massaquoi, the recently appointed Chief of Staff of the ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF), conducted a high-level working visit to the ECOMIG Ghana Company 9 (GHANCOY 9) Base Camp at Barra, The Gambia. This visit served as a critical assessment of the troops' operational readiness and reinforced the regional commitment to security stability. General Massaquoi's leadership in this mission is particularly significant as he is the first Sierra Leonean to hold this prestigious appointment, bringing over 30 years of extensive military experience to the multinational rapid-response unit. Upon his arrival, the Chief of Staff was received with a Quarter Guard mounted in his honour, followed by a comprehensive ground orientation of the camp facilities. The visit included detailed briefings on operational, administrative, and logistics matters, alongside a meticulous inspection of key installations such as the Medical Reception Station (MRS), the mechanical transport yard, and personnel accommodation blocks. These evaluations are central to his mandate of leading operational planning and logistics for the ESF, further highlighting Sierra Leone's expanding influence in regional peacekeeping and security architecture. During an interactive session with the personnel, Brigadier General Massaquoi commended the troops for their professionalism and unwavering dedication to responding to emerging security threats. He specifically lauded the Combat Team Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Ronnie Yaw Agbemafle, for his exceptional leadership. The General expressed particular delight in the Company's successful Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) initiatives, encouraging the personnel to maintain their momentum in fostering strong community relations while upholding the highest standards of military readiness.

School Head Praises Sengeh for Transforming Inclusive Education The Headmaster of the Milton Margai School for the Blind, Salieu Turay, has praised Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh for what he described as the positive transformation of inclusive education during his tenure as Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education. Speaking on Slik TV, Turay said blind pupils and special needs schools benefited greatly from policies introduced under Sengeh’s leadership, particularly through the Radical Inclusion Policy, which sought to improve access to education for vulnerable and disabled children. “Without exaggeration, before when Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh was Minister of Education, the records are there very clearly, he did extremely very well,” Turay stated. He added that although he was pleased with Sengeh’s promotion to Chief Minister, he had personally hoped he would continue leading the education sector. “Even though I am happy for his promotion, I really wanted him to continue in the Ministry of Education,” he said. According to the Headmaster, visually impaired pupils previously faced discrimination when seeking admission into secondary schools after completing primary education. He explained that although blind pupils sat internal examinations instead of the National Primary School Examination (NPSE), some schools were reluctant to admit them. “When someone passed and wanted to attend certain secondary schools, the principals would say they don’t want blind people in their schools,” he recalled. The Headmaster affirmed that this situation significantly improved when David Moinina Sengeh assumed the role of Minister of Basic Education. He further noted that the school received substantial benefits during Sengeh's tenure, including uniforms, learning materials, and critical annual government subventions, all aimed at enhancing support for visually impaired children. Minister Sengeh's widely recognized Radical Inclusion agenda was instrumental in promoting inclusive education policies for marginalized groups across Sierra Leone, including pregnant girls and children with disabilities. Turay’s commendation contributes to the ongoing public discourse regarding the positive impact of Sengeh’s education reforms, specifically the Radical Inclusion Policy, on expanding educational access for disabled and vulnerable children throughout Sierra Leone.

Vida Green Breaks Silence on Alleged Sexual Assault Musician Vida Green, who required surgery for a hysterectomy and intestinal obstruction in 2021, has recently shared a public statement detailing alleged sexual assault by a close partner. In 2021, colleague entertainers had organized a concert and established a GoFundMe account to facilitate her medical treatment in Ghana. Five years following her surgery, Green posted about her ongoing ordeal. In her statement, Green asserted that she was choosing to speak because the silence had become heavier than the pain she had carried privately. She claimed that a partner she deeply loved and trusted had violated that trust in a devastating way, alleging that he sexually assaulted and raped her multiple times despite her repeated pleas for him to stop. Green recounted that after recovering from her illness and surgery, she had clearly informed the partner that she was still healing and was not ready to be sexually active, needing time to recover from her scars and regain strength. She noted that although he initially seemed understanding, the trust was later broken violently. She alleged that he forced himself on her, tearing her clothes and causing physical injuries, including bruising and biting. She stated that she had tearfully shown him her surgery scars, hoping he would stop, but he continued the assault. Green explained that she had remained silent for a long time due to fear that she would not be believed and would instead be blamed or subjected to the cruel questions often directed at survivors. She reported that this experience had deeply affected her mental health, causing emotional exhaustion, disconnection, an inability to sleep or function normally, and a constant state of survival. She concluded by stating that remaining silent was destructive, asserting her right to tell her truth, and stressing that the reality of what was done to her should not be erased by the perpetrator's status or public perception. She added that if anything were to happen to her, she wished it to be known that she had spoken her truth.

Freetown Care Block: Global recognition for inclusive urban development Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr of Freetown, along with Deputy Mayor Kweku Lisk Esq., councillors, and Freetown City Council (FCC) staff, on Monday 26th May, hosted a high-level international delegation for a week-long engagement focused on the Susan’s Bay Care Block. This flagship FCC initiative is dedicated to supporting vulnerable communities. The delegation comprised representatives from Metropolis, the City Hub and Network for Gender Equality (CHANGE), and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC-CRDI). Officials from the Nairobi County Council also participated in a peer-to-peer learning exchange to assess the potential adaptation of the Care Block model in their city. The Susan’s Bay Care Block is a multi-purpose support facility designed to provide essential services, including childcare, adult education, and assistance for survivors of gender-based violence. Key activities during the week included the Mayor introducing the delegation to Dr. Isata Mahoi, Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, underscoring institutional collaboration on the project. Mayor Aki-Sawyerr confirmed her attendance at a site visit to Susan’s Bay, where the delegation will meet beneficiaries and evaluate the construction progress of the facility. Additionally, the Mayor conducted an interview with Jordy Vaquer, Secretary General of Metropolis (a global network of cities with populations exceeding one million), to highlight Freetown’s innovative urban development strategies. This visit underscores significant international interest in Freetown’s Care Block model, positioning the city as a leader in inclusive urban development and community-based social support systems.

SLEWRC Mandates Reversal of Unauthorised Price Increases by Grafton Bottled Water Company The Sierra Leone Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission (SLEWRC) has directed Grafton Bottled Water Company to immediately rescind unauthorised price hikes on its products. In a notice issued on 25 May 2026, the Commission noted that the company implemented price adjustments without the mandatory regulatory approval required by the SLEWRC Act of 2025. The company reportedly set new rates of NLe 50 for retail and NLe 47 for wholesale without submitting a formal tariff review application. The SLEWRC clarified that these rates are not legally recognised, characterising the move as a violation of existing regulatory frameworks. Grafton has been ordered to revert to the previously approved tariff schedule and cease all unauthorised pricing immediately. Furthermore, the company must withdraw all advertisements and public communications regarding the unapproved price points. Distributors and retailers are likewise instructed to discontinue sales of Grafton products at the unapproved rates. Consumers are advised against paying the inflated prices and are encouraged to report any non-compliance to the Commission. Non-compliance may result in severe penalties, including administrative fines, prosecution, or the suspension of operating licences. Grafton representatives are required to appear before the Commission within fourteen days to address these actions and initiate a formal review if a price adjustment is sought. This intervention underscores SLEWRC's commitment to enforcing pricing compliance and protecting consumer interests within the water sector.

AfriMoney Visa Card Seeking To Boost Financial Inclusion Historically, a significant portion of the Sierra Leonean population residing outside primary urban centers has faced systemic exclusion from formal banking institutions and international payment frameworks. In regions such as Kabala, Kamakwie, and Kono, fundamental financial activities—including remittances, tuition payments, and credit acquisition—have been constrained by geographical barriers and a reliance on cash-based transactions due to limited infrastructure. On Monday 25th May, government officials and financial industry leaders in Freetown introduced a significant advancement in the nation's financial inclusion strategy. Africell, in collaboration with Ecobank and Visa, formally launched the Afrimoney Prepaid Visa Card. This mobile money-integrated solution enables users to execute both domestic and international digital transactions directly through their Afrimoney wallets. This initiative underscores Sierra Leone's commitment to digital financial modernization. It represents a concerted effort by policymakers and private sector entities to address persistent disparities in financial access that affect millions, particularly within rural demographics. According to officials, the prepaid Visa card will allow Afrimoney users to conduct online payments, international purchases, and other digital transactions without necessarily holding a traditional bank account. Financial analysts say the development could particularly benefit small-scale traders, youth entrepreneurs, transport operators, students, and families in remote areas who previously faced barriers accessing international payment systems. The launch also signals growing collaboration between telecom operators, commercial banks, regulators, and global financial institutions in Sierra Leone’s expanding fintech sector. Officials from the Bank of Sierra Leone have in recent years introduced regulatory reforms aimed at encouraging digital financial innovation, including the establishment of a regulatory sandbox system designed to test financial technology products in live operating environments. Government figures presented during the launch indicated that financial inclusion in Sierra Leone has reportedly grown, driven largely by the expansion of mobile money services and digital payment infrastructure. Authorities also disclosed that the country’s Instant Payment Switch has now processed over one million transactions, reflecting growing public adoption of digital financial services. The launch comes amid broader economic challenges facing Sierra Leone, including rising living costs, currency pressures, and limited access to formal financial systems in rural communities. For many observers, the significance of the Afrimoney Prepaid Visa Card may ultimately depend not only on technological functionality, but on whether ordinary citizens can genuinely afford, trust, and consistently access the service across the country. Still, for traders like the market women referenced during the launch, the development represents a possibility that was once difficult to imagine: participating in international commerce directly from a mobile phone in rural Sierra Leone. And in a country where cash transactions have historically dominated economic life, that shift may signal more than technological progress. It may represent the gradual rewriting of who gets included in Sierra Leone’s financial future.

A 40-year prison sentence has been handed down by the High Court of Sierra Leone to Lassan Koroma after he was found guilty on multiple drug-related charges involving cannabis sativa and kush. The ruling was delivered on Monday, 25 May 2026, by Honourable Justice Mark Ngegba at the High Court in Freetown. Koroma was convicted on counts of unlawful possession of cannabis sativa and kush, as well as dealing in prohibited substances, contrary to the National Drugs Control Act of 2008. According to indictment No. DDP/2025/395, the accused faced four counts, including possession of controlled drugs contrary to Section 8(a) and dealing in prohibited drugs under Section 7(c) of the Act. The prosecution alleged that on 22 October 2025 in Freetown, Koroma was found in possession of 90.9 grams of cannabis sativa and 45 sachets of kush weighing 90 grams, and was also engaged in drug dealing without lawful authority. The case was prosecuted by State Counsels A. Jalloh and E. A. Deen, while the defence was led by M.K. Dauda. During the trial, Detective Sergeant Sahr Koroma Sundu of the Tactical Operations Crime Unit (TOCU) testified that he received the case file on 24 October 2025 regarding the suspect’s alleged possession of controlled substances. He tendered the arrest report and voluntary caution statements made by the accused as evidence. Another prosecution witness, Detective Police Constable John Umaru, told the court that on 23 October 2025, he received 45 sachets of suspected cannabis and seeds, which were later confirmed through forensic analysis as illicit drugs. Laboratory reports presented in court verified the substances as cannabis sativa and kush. The court also considered the defendant’s own statements, in which he admitted to possessing and selling cannabis over a three-month period. In his judgment, Justice Ngegba stated that “dealing” in prohibited drugs extends beyond commercial transactions and includes any form of involvement with controlled substances as defined under the law. He further emphasized that the burden rests on the accused to prove lawful authority for possession. The court subsequently sentenced Koroma to 10 years imprisonment on the first count and 30 years on the second count, bringing the total sentence to 40 years. He was however acquitted on two other counts relating to additional drug offences. The judgment underscores the judiciary’s continued efforts to combat drug trafficking and abuse in Sierra Leone, with the court stressing the importance of enforcing laws aimed at protecting public health and safety. The verdict has been widely viewed as a strong warning to individuals involved in illegal drug activities that the law will be applied strictly to ensure accountability.

His Excellency Mohamed Yongawo, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador, has called on global technology companies, venture capital firms, and policy leaders to turn their attention to Africa particularly Sierra Leone as the next frontier for technology-driven investment and innovation. Ambassador Yongawo made the appeal while delivering the keynote address at the Yango Global Innovation Forum held in Moscow, where he emphasized the continent’s rapidly expanding digital economy and growing potential for strategic partnerships. He urged international investors to actively explore opportunities within Africa’s tech ecosystem, describing it as one of the fastest-growing and most promising markets in the world. Central to the discussions at the forum was Yango, the international technology and services brand associated with global tech company Yandex. The company, which operates in sectors including ride-hailing, e-commerce, and delivery services, has announced plans to significantly expand its footprint across Africa. According to reports, Yango is preparing to scale its operations into 50 cities across the continent, backed by an investment commitment of at least $150 million. Ambassador Yongawo positioned Sierra Leone as a strategic gateway for this anticipated expansion, highlighting the country’s readiness for innovation, digital transformation, and foreign investment in the technology sector. He stressed that Sierra Leone offers strong potential for tech-driven development, particularly as global companies increasingly focus on Africa’s young population and untapped digital market opportunities. The remarks come amid growing international interest in Africa’s digital economy, which many analysts view as a key driver of future global economic growth.

A fire incident has been reported at the Nyapui Secondary School of Excellence on Monday evening, 25 May 2026, leaving part of a pupils’ residential structure damaged, though no casualties were recorded. According to preliminary information, the fire broke out at approximately 8:30 p.m. within one of the dormitory buildings on the school campus. The affected structure and several basic belongings of pupils were damaged in the incident. The swift response of community members, alongside security personnel, helped contain the blaze before it could spread to other buildings within the school compound. Fortunately, no loss of life or injuries were reported. The Sierra Leone Police has commenced investigations to determine the exact cause and circumstances surrounding the outbreak of the fire. Authorities have commended the timely intervention and cooperation of residents and first responders, whose efforts were instrumental in bringing the situation under control. The public is expected to be updated as investigations continue.

A vehicle was completely destroyed by fire on Monday morning in the Wilberforce area of Freetown, triggering panic among commuters and causing a temporary traffic standstill before firefighters brought the situation under control. The incident reportedly occurred at about 9:45 a.m., attracting a large crowd of onlookers, including motorists, commercial bike riders, and pedestrians who gathered as flames rapidly engulfed the vehicle. Eyewitnesses said thick black smoke was first seen rising from the engine compartment moments before the fire escalated and the vehicle was fully engulfed. The sudden blaze caused panic in the busy area, leading to a temporary gridlock as traffic came to a halt. Personnel from the Sierra Leone Fire Force responded shortly after the outbreak and successfully extinguished the fire, preventing it from spreading to nearby properties and other vehicles. Fortunately, no fatalities or injuries were reported. While authorities have not yet issued an official statement on the cause of the fire, preliminary eyewitness accounts suggest the incident may have been triggered by an internal electrical fault in the engine compartment. Investigations are expected to determine the exact cause of the blaze.

A governance debate has emerged at the University of Sierra Leone (USL) following the release of a report by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) into the operations of the institution’s Business Centre. In its report dated 8 May, the ACC cleared the USL Business Centre of alleged procurement breaches, concluding that the allegations were “unsupported.” The commission also found no evidence of financial misconduct against the university’s Finance Director. However, while exonerating key aspects of the case, the ACC report raised concerns over broader governance gaps within the university’s administrative structures. It also pointed to instances of alleged ministerial interference in the operations of the institution. The findings have triggered a strong response from the University of Sierra Leone administration, which has disputed parts of the report and rejected the basis of the initial allegations. In a firm rebuttal, USL authorities described the claims as baseless from the outset and argued that the report’s framing had caused reputational harm to the institution. The university has since called for a formal apology from the Anti-Corruption Commission Sierra Leone over what it described as the damage caused by the investigation process. The university maintained that while it respects accountability mechanisms, the handling and presentation of the findings were unjustified and misleading in parts. The ACC report has nevertheless reignited wider discussions around governance, institutional autonomy, and oversight in Sierra Leone’s higher education sector. Observers say the exchange underscores ongoing tensions between regulatory bodies, government ministries, and public universities over the balance between accountability and independence in institutional management.