Search Results

Kabba Clarifies Sierra Leone’s Role in US Deportation Arrangement The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Alhaji Musa Timothy Kabba, has addressed public concerns regarding Sierra Leone's role in the arrangement to receive West African nationals deported from the United States. Speaking publicly, Kabba explained that under the agreement, Sierra Leone is being asked to assist in facilitating the reception of West African nationals deported from the U.S. According to him, deportation procedures typically involve sending individuals back to their countries of origin, which has raised questions among the public about why Sierra Leone is involved in the process. The Minister acknowledged the public's questions, which stem from standard deportation procedures typically involving repatriation to the country of origin, noting that the individuals include nationals from countries such as Senegal and Guinea. He affirmed that the arrangement is a function of bilateral cooperation proposed by the United States.

Kumba Brima's PSG internship draws significant global football interest Fella Sport Management and Global Soccer Management SL have formally released documentation regarding Sierra Leonean forward Kumba Brima’s internship with Paris Saint-Germain Féminines, completed in December 2025. The representing agencies confirm that the attacker continues to garner significant interest from elite global institutions. Several top-tier organizations are currently monitoring her professional development and have initiated formal inquiries regarding her future availability. Management has emphasized that any definitive decisions regarding Brima’s subsequent professional engagement will be contingent upon the identification of a sporting project that aligns with her long-term developmental objectives. The deferred publication of her experiences at PSG was a strategic decision intended to highlight the ongoing professional efforts to establish international pathways for Sierra Leonean athletes, specifically within the women's football sector. Brima's professional trajectory within the European circuit has maintained consistent momentum. Following her tenure with AIK Females in Sweden in 2024, she transitioned to Stade de Reims Féminines in France and subsequently continued her professional progression with FC Riga Women in Latvia. Her advancement serves as a significant benchmark for emerging female athletes in Sierra Leone, illustrating the increasing global validation of the nation's sporting talent.

Fatima Bio Celebrates Heritage and Unity at Kenema Cultural Procession Madam Fatima Maada Bio, the First Lady of Sierra Leone, participated in the annual Bondo and Sande cultural procession in Kenema City. This significant event serves to highlight the nation's rich traditional heritage. The procession garnered substantial attendance, drawing large crowds to witness cultural displays featuring traditional Sowei masks and performances that symbolize strength, dignity, and cultural identity. In her subsequent message, the First Lady described the occasion as a celebration of both heritage and unity, stressing the critical importance of preserving Sierra Leone’s cultural traditions across generations. She specifically acknowledged the pivotal role of women and the Bondo and Sande societies in maintaining and promoting these traditional values. The First Lady actively engaged with the participants and members of the community throughout the celebration, concluding a vibrant demonstration of tradition, unity, and cultural pride.

Bullom Stars' Crucial 1-0 Win Escapes Relegation Bullom Stars achieved a significant 1-0 victory against Wusum Stars during a Week 27 Leone Rock Premier League fixture. The match was conducted over two days at Wusum Field in Makeni. Commencing on Thursday, May 21, 2026, the engagement featured high levels of tactical discipline from both teams. Given the implications for league survival, the match was highly competitive. Prior to the encounter, Wusum Stars held 13th position with 30 points, while Bullom Stars were situated in 17th place with 26 points. Bullom Stars employed an effective pressing strategy, which resulted in a goal by Facinet M. Sylla in the 35th minute. Despite sustained offensive pressure from Wusum Stars, goalkeeper Amidu James Kamara maintained the lead with a series of exceptional saves. His contributions were formally recognized with the Most Valuable Player award. The fixture was suspended at halftime due to adverse weather conditions, in accordance with Article 23 of the 2023 PLB Rules and Regulations. The concluding 45 minutes were played on Friday, May 22, 2026. Wusum Stars controlled possession during the second half; however, the Bullom Stars defensive unit remained resilient. The match concluded with Bullom Stars successfully defending their 1-0 advantage. This result elevates Bullom Stars to 14th place in the standings with 29 points, effectively moving the club out of the relegation zone, while Abacha City consequently descends into the bottom three.

National Cricket Team Receives ICC Integrity and Anti-Doping Briefing Prior to their opening fixture against host nation Botswana in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier in Gaborone, the Sierra Leone national cricket team participated in a mandatory integrity briefing conducted by the International Cricket Council (ICC). The comprehensive session was designed to inform players and officials regarding corruption-related activities associated with online cricket betting and underscore the paramount importance of maintaining integrity within the sport. Participants were unequivocally instructed to identify and reject suspicious contact related to betting activities and to immediately report any such incidents to the designated authorities. The briefing reaffirmed the ICC’s steadfast zero-tolerance policy concerning bribery and corruption in cricket. Furthermore, the briefing addressed anti-doping protocols, cautioning athletes against the use of performance-enhancing drugs, substances, and herbal supplements, emphasizing the serious disciplinary consequences of doping violations. Sierra Leone’s national team, known as the Patriots, maintains full focus and determination as they finalize preparations for their crucial opening match against Botswana, with the objective of securing one of the two available qualification positions during the ten-day tournament.

First Lady Arrives in Kenema On Two Days Visit Madam Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, has arrived in Kenema City for the commissioning of the newly refurbished Medical, Surgical, and Male Wards at the Kenema Government Hospital. The First Lady was received at Jembeh under a coordinated security escort and proceeded through Blama to the Kenema Government Hospital. During the visit, she facilitated the donation of essential medical supplies to enhance the delivery of healthcare services. Subsequent to these engagements, Her Excellency relocated to the Presidential Lodge in Kenema, where she was scheduled to remain overnight. Security protocols for the duration of the visit, which continues today are being managed by the Regional Police Commander East, Assistant Commissioner of Police Joe Kamanda Bongay, in collaboration with relevant security stakeholders to ensure a secure and orderly environment. The security apparatus within Kenema and the surrounding areas remain vigilant, maintaining a state of heightened readiness while ensuring continued stability.

Police Deployed for Dodo Paramount Chieftaincy Election Security Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Joe Kamanda Bongay, Regional Police Commander East, has formally deployed personnel in preparation for the Dodo Paramount Chieftaincy Election, scheduled for May 23, 2027. The contingent, consisting of General Duty officers and members of the Operation Support Division (OSD), is tasked with augmenting the Tongo Police Division. Their primary objective is to maintain comprehensive security to facilitate a transparent, peaceful, and orderly electoral process. During the pre-deployment briefing, ACP Bongay emphasized the necessity of professionalism, discipline, and political neutrality. He underscored the officers' mandate to safeguard lives and property while upholding the rule of law with impartiality. He reminded them that their responsibility is to protect lives and property while maintaining law and order without fear or favour. Additionally, the Regional Commander advised against harassment or the disproportionate use of force. He instructed personnel to uphold civil rights, maintain vigilance, and collaborate with local community stakeholders to preserve stability throughout all phases of the election. This strategic deployment reflects the Sierra Leone Police's ongoing commitment to fostering peace and democratic integrity within the Eastern Region.

Minister Bah champions digital access, affordable tariffs For entrepreneurs like Mariatu Koroma, a micro-retailer based in Freetown, mobile connectivity serves as a foundational business infrastructure, facilitating customer engagement, price negotiations, and financial transactions. There is, however, a growing concern regarding the potential for rising communication costs to transform these essential digital tools into inaccessible luxuries for small-scale business operators. Ms. Koroma noted that given the existing economic pressures from fluctuating fuel and commodity prices, any additional increase in data tariffs would significantly challenge the operational viability of her business and the livelihood of her household. This sentiment is representative of a broader national discourse as Sierra Leone prepares for proposed adjustments to mobile and internet tariffs. This transition occurs amidst a complex economic landscape characterized by increased utility costs and currency volatility. As mobile technology now serves as a primary pillar for commerce, education, and social cohesion, any upward revision in pricing structures necessitates a careful evaluation of its impact on economic inclusivity. In response to these developments, the government is pursuing a consultative strategy led by Minister Salima Monorma Bah. Minister Bah is advocating for a balanced and socially responsible framework for tariff adjustments, emphasizing that digital access is a fundamental necessity for modern participation rather than a discretionary benefit. "Communication infrastructure is essential for national development," Minister Bah stated during recent policy deliberations. "For our rural populations in particular, it represents the primary conduit for accessing educational resources, healthcare services, and economic opportunities." Current negotiations between the government and telecommunications operators focus on the industry's rising operational overheads, including infrastructure maintenance and energy costs. While recognizing these commercial pressures, Minister Bah is actively seeking concessions to mitigate the financial burden on low-income consumers and rural communities. Working in coordination with the National Telecommunications Commission (NATCA) and other regulatory stakeholders, the Minister aims to establish a sustainable "middle ground." The objective is to maintain a viable telecommunications sector while ensuring that services remain affordable for the general public. Government officials have characterized the ongoing discussions as a delicate balancing act between industry sustainability and the public interest. In regional centers such as Kenema, Bo, and Makeni, where mobile platforms underpin local trade and education, the outcome of these talks is seen as critical to maintaining regional economic stability. In Kenema, Bo, Makeni, and other regional towns, mobile connectivity has become the backbone of small-scale commerce. Traders use WhatsApp to advertise goods, students depend on data for research, and families rely on mobile money platforms to send support across districts. Analytical warnings suggest that unchecked tariff increases could exacerbate the digital divide, potentially isolating vulnerable demographics. However, Minister Bah’s evidence-based and people-centric approach has provided a measure of confidence during this period of economic transition. Her leadership, supported by her professional background in law and digital policy, is viewed as a strategic asset in navigating these complex regulatory challenges. Observers within the administration suggest that her engagement reflects a commitment to responsive governance and an acute understanding of the socioeconomic implications of telecommunications policy. Ultimately, for the citizens of Sierra Leone, the resolution of these negotiations will define the future of digital accessibility. It will determine the continued viability of small businesses and the ability of families to remain connected across the country. The goal remains to ensure that information and communication services remain within reach for all segments of the population, particularly those currently facing economic headwinds. As the dialogue continues, the fundamental reality persists: in an increasingly digitized global economy, affordable access to communication is an essential component of social and economic survival.

From Gateway to Emerging Urban Center: Lungi Residents Anticipate a Transformational Shift For years, Mariama Kamara, a resident, observed international flights arriving in Lungi, transporting investors and dignitaries to Sierra Leone. Despite hosting the nation's primary international airport, she notes that the community often felt marginalized. However, for the first time in decades, she believes a significant transition is underway. "This region has consistently served as a global gateway," the lifelong resident remarked during a Civic Town Hall engagement in Lungi. "We now seek formal recognition of our strategic importance from both the international community and our national government." Discussions within the Lungi community are currently centered on the government's proposal to elevate the town to city status, a key component of Sierra Leone's broader decentralization and administrative restructuring initiatives. For many residents, this proposal represents more than a political shift; it signifies a move toward institutional dignity and enhanced socio-economic prospects. It represents a vital step toward establishing a robust local identity and a sustainable future. Situated across the Sierra Leone River estuary from Freetown, Lungi has historically functioned as the nation's primary entry point via the Freetown International Airport. Notwithstanding its strategic significance, residents contend that infrastructure development and formal recognition have not kept pace with the town's long-standing contributions. During the town hall assembly, residents expressed significant enthusiasm as officials detailed the strategic vision for this transition. An educator present characterized the development as a historic milestone, stating, "Lungi possesses the potential to emerge as a premier urban center in Sierra Leone, with the opportunity for superior urban planning compared to the capital." Leading the forum, Minister Tamba Lamina emphasized that the proposal is designed to equip communities for future expansion while reinforcing local governance frameworks. "Our objective is to plan effectively for future generations," the Minister informed attendees. "Lungi holds immense strategic value, and we are committed to deliberately developing it into a modern and pivotal urban hub." This optimism is supported by tangible infrastructure advancements currently being implemented throughout the region. Under the current administration, significant capital investments have been directed toward the airport corridor, encompassing road expansions, upgrades to energy infrastructure, and the development of a regional-standard international conference center. The private sector is also demonstrating increased interest; Hilton Hotels & Resorts has announced the development of a luxury property near the airport, which is expected to stimulate local employment and broader economic activity. Despite the current momentum, years of developmental frustration remain a concern. A long-term resident noted that Lungi's contributions to the national economy have historically been undervalued. "Lungi has served as the gateway to the nation for decades and functions as a regional commercial hub. Attaining city status is a necessary recognition of its importance," she stated. This sentiment is widely shared by residents who feel Lungi has remained secondary to the capital despite its economic weight. Community members emphasized the need for upgraded road networks, advanced drainage systems, improved healthcare facilities, and comprehensive urban planning to support the rising population. Furthermore, city status is viewed as a means to secure a more influential role in local decision-making processes. Minister Lamina confirmed that the findings from the current re-districting assessment will be presented to the President for formal review and subsequent action. Upon approval, Lungi would establish its own municipal council and expanded governance frameworks, facilitating enhanced administrative oversight and localized development planning. For many, including Mariama Kamara, the implications of this shift extend beyond bureaucratic reorganization. Reflecting on the community's long-standing aspirations, she noted that the town's visibility is finally beginning to match its inherent value. "Lungi is a daily point of transit for many; perhaps now, its true potential as a destination will be fully realized," she concluded.

PC: UNICEF The recent mobilization of over 200 students in Samu Chiefdom to participate in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) underscores a critical deficiency in regional educational infrastructure, transforming a standard academic milestone into a significant logistical and safety challenge. Candidates scheduled for the Chemistry practical examination were compelled to navigate the Great Scarcies River via maritime transport from Kassarie to Mambolo. This transit was necessitated by the lack of specialized laboratory facilities within their immediate jurisdiction, presenting an avoidable risk to student safety. This reliance on hazardous waterborne transit highlights the acute disparity in the distribution of essential academic resources, where the absence of localized science facilities dictates the terms of student participation. "The necessity of completing this examination for future advancement left us with no viable alternative," one student remarked, noting the significant psychological and physical toll of the journey. Reports from local stakeholders indicate that the use of overcrowded and inadequately equipped vessels, compounded by adverse weather conditions, significantly increased the vulnerability of the candidates during the crossing. While the Great Scarcies River serves as a primary transport artery in northern Sierra Leone, its unpredictable currents during peak seasons present substantial risks for large-scale student transit. The experience serves as a stark illustration of the institutionalized inequality in educational access between urban centers and remote administrative regions. While the WASSCE is administered by the West African Examinations Council, the localized implementation remains the responsibility of the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education. The current situation in Samu Chiefdom reveals a profound systemic failure to provide equitable facilities across all districts. "This incident transcends a single examination cycle," stated a community leader. "It reflects a broader requirement for domestic investment in laboratory infrastructure to ensure student safety and academic integrity." The prevailing sentiment among guardians is one of urgent concern regarding the repetitive nature of these logistical hazards. The situation is increasingly characterized as a chronic emergency in rural education policy. "The annual recurrence of these risks is unacceptable," a parent noted. "Academic pursuit should not be contingent upon physical endangerment." Educational observers have consistently emphasized that the requirements for science-based practicals often disadvantage students in peripheral regions where laboratory capital is scarce. The lack of domestic facilities necessitates long-distance travel, exposing candidates to financial burdens and safety hazards that are not shared by their urban counterparts. Across West Africa, the technical standards for practical examinations require approved laboratory centers—a benchmark that many rural communities cannot reach without significant state intervention and infrastructure development. Consequently, students in riverine and hard-to-reach areas face systemic barriers that extend beyond the classroom. This incident reinforces the case for prioritized investment in chiefdom-level school infrastructure to decouple educational access from physical risk. Although the candidates successfully reached Mambolo to conclude their assessments, the narrative of their journey remains a compelling argument for structural reform. The fundamental question for policymakers remains: how to ensure that the pursuit of education is supported by a safe and equitable infrastructure framework.

NRA Reaffirms Enforcement Powers Amid Rental Income Tax Dispute A legal dispute between Sierra Leone's National Revenue Authority (NRA) and legal practitioner Yada Williams has intensified, bringing the country's rental income tax system and enforcement protocols into sharp focus. The conflict centers on the interpretation of tax obligations within tenancy agreements involving international organizations. The NRA recently issued a formal statement titled "Clarification on the Application of Rental Income Tax Laws and Related Enforcement Action." The document responds to public assertions by Williams regarding alleged tax liabilities on a property leased to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The Authority maintains its statutory mandate under the Income Tax Act 2000 to assess and collect taxes on rental income earned domestically. According to the NRA, private tenancy agreements do not constitute proof of tax remittance. The burden of proof rests with the taxpayer to provide verifiable documentation, such as withholding certificates or Integrated Tax Administration System (ITAS) records. The core of the disagreement lies in whether tax liabilities for the UNDP-leased property were satisfied through withholding arrangements. The NRA contends that in the absence of documented proof, it remains entitled to recover outstanding sums. Furthermore, the Authority rejected claims that enforcement is restricted to the specific premises generating the income, asserting the Commissioner-General's power to utilize multiple recovery mechanisms. Addressing the diplomatic context, the NRA clarified that while international organizations like the UNDP enjoy immunity, this protection does not extend to private landlords earning taxable income from them. "The NRA is not enforcing tax obligations against UNDP," the statement noted, "but against the person liable for income tax." Yada Williams has publicly disputed the NRA's position, arguing that the institutional tenant is responsible for withholding tax at the source. Williams also characterized enforcement actions taken against his law office as procedurally improper, noting that legal proceedings were already underway. He suggests the NRA bypassed due process and existing court orders. Both parties have signaled a preference for judicial resolution. While the NRA emphasises its commitment to the fair administration of tax laws, Williams continues to challenge the legality of the administrative actions taken against his practice. This case represents a significant test of Sierra Leone's domestic revenue mobilisation strategy, highlighting the complexities of balancing fiscal enforcement with legal due process in a rising tax environment.

Alpha Kanu Clarifies Bio's Private Plane Ownership Speculation Spokesperson Alpha Kanu has issued a formal clarification to address increasing public discourse regarding an aircraft recently sighted in Lungi, which has been associated with His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio. During an address on Liberty Online TV, Mr. Kanu stated unequivocally that the President does not maintain private ownership of any jet aircraft. He confirmed that the vessel in question is the property of Marampa Mines and is utilized by the Presidency for official state purposes under a cooperative agreement. Mr. Kanu emphasized that this arrangement is strictly a lending agreement and should not be construed as personal ownership. He further noted that such logistical support between corporate entities and the state is a standard practice within the region. This official statement serves as a direct response to the prevailing social media discourse and public inquiries regarding the operational status of the aircraft in relation to the Presidency.