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Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh has chaired a meeting of the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU) Advisory Board, focusing on strengthening efforts to combat drug trafficking and organized crime in Sierra Leone. The Advisory Board, established under the National Security and Central Intelligence Act, is overseen by the Office of National Security and comprises key security and regulatory institutions. According to Dr. Sengeh, reports from the Board are submitted to the National Security Council, where he also serves. He said he chaired the latest session as part of government efforts to enhance national responses to transnational organized crime. Several resolutions were reached during the meeting, including the submission of a comprehensive report detailing TOCU’s activities over the past year. The report covered drug seizures, the destruction of confiscated substances, and collaboration with international partners. Dr. Sengeh highlighted that substances such as Kush and Tramadol remain major challenges affecting young people in Sierra Leone. He noted that many of these drugs originate from abroad and move through international trafficking networks, requiring stronger global cooperation. He further stated that Sierra Leone continues to work closely with international partners, including the United States and France, in intelligence sharing and operational support. On maritime security, the Chief Minister said one of the country’s key challenges remains limited capacity to effectively monitor waters beyond 100 nautical miles. He stressed that within the Gulf of Guinea, criminal networks continue to exploit enforcement gaps across coastal states. He added that regional cooperation frameworks such as the Mano River Union intelligence system and the ECOWAS WAPIS platform remain critical tools in tackling transnational crime. Dr. Sengeh assured that security agencies are continuing to deploy available resources to combat criminal activities on land, including drug trafficking and human smuggling. He cited recent interceptions involving individuals reportedly trafficked from Waterloo to Guinea under false pretences as part of an international trafficking scheme. The Chief Minister noted that improved enforcement has contributed to increased trade throughput at the Freetown Port while reducing successful criminal activity. He emphasized that Sierra Leone will not serve as a safe haven for criminals and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to intensifying the fight against transnational organized crime.

The European Union Delegation to Sierra Leone has issued a clarification following viral social media reports claiming that the European Parliament had adopted an official position on Sierra Leone involving possible sanctions or funding cuts. In a statement shared on social media on Thursday, the Mission said recent online interpretations were based on excerpts from a letter written by Members of the European Parliament, which had been widely circulated and, according to the Mission, misrepresented. “In the past few days, many social media posts and articles quoted and copied part of a letter from the European Parliament, and quickly drew conclusions that require clarification,” the statement said. The Mission explained that the document in question was not an official resolution of the European Parliament, but rather a letter expressing the views of two Members of the European Parliament on Sierra Leone and EU–Sierra Leone relations. It stressed that the European Parliament has not adopted any formal position on the matter. “The letter reflects opinions expressed by two members of the European Parliament on Sierra Leone and EU–Sierra Leone relations. The European Parliament has not adopted any formal position through a resolution,” the statement added. The clarification follows widespread social media claims suggesting that the European Union was considering punitive measures against Sierra Leone, including sanctions and funding cuts. The Mission, however, dismissed those reports as misinterpretations of individual opinions rather than official European Union policy.

Irish Delegation Touts Climate-Resilient Agriculture in Pujehun A high-level delegation from the Irish Parliament conducted a field mission to southern Sierra Leone this June, underscoring a growing international focus on the nation's rural transformation and climate-adaptive food systems. The visit to Macca Community in the Sorogbema Chiefdom served as an assessment of the LIFE Project, a multi-stakeholder initiative funded by the Embassy of Ireland. The program aims to bolster rural livelihoods and food security through climate-smart agriculture, an area increasingly critical as Sierra Leone faces mounting pressures from climate variability and land degradation. During the tour, Irish lawmakers and development partners interacted directly with local farmers, observing the tangible outcomes of international development assistance. The delegation toured key infrastructure components of the project, including a rice milling facility, a grinding shed, a community seed bank, and a snail farming unit. Project officials highlighted that these investments are engineered to reduce post-harvest losses and strengthen local value chains. By shifting away from subsistence models toward integrated, community-based systems, the project aims to stabilize the food supply in one of the country's most agriculture-dependent regions. The LIFE Project, led by a consortium including Welthungerhilfe and Concern Worldwide, is viewed by observers as a model for coordinated development. The initiative integrates diverse sectors—energy access, youth empowerment, and gender inclusion—into its agricultural programming. Development partners noted that field visits like this are essential for maintaining transparency and accountability, ensuring that donor funding translates into measurable community-level outcomes. As the Irish Embassy maintains its commitment to long-term resilience building in Sierra Leone, the success of the Pujehun intervention provides a strategic roadmap for future rural programming. For the beneficiaries in Pujehun, the project offers more than just immediate aid; it represents a sustainable framework for economic empowerment and food sovereignty in the face of seasonal shocks.

Energy Paradox: Solar Gains Clash with Persistent Power Deficits In a significant move toward renewable energy, President Julius Maada Bio has commissioned two landmark solar facilities, adding 40 megawatts (MW) of capacity to Sierra Leone’s national grid. While the government hails the project as a turning point in the country’s energy transition, the development underscores a deeper, more complex reality: renewable generation alone cannot resolve the structural decay of the nation's power sector. The new installations—a 30MW plant in Newton paired with a 15MWh battery storage system, and a 10MW facility in Lungi supported by a 6MWh storage unit—were delivered under the Regional Emergency Solar Power Intervention (RESPITE) Project, with backing from the World Bank. During the commissioning ceremony, President Bio described the infrastructure as a pillar of the nation’s ambition for a “cleaner, more reliable, and more inclusive” future. Despite the excitement surrounding the new capacity, energy sector analysts argue that the crisis is not merely a matter of generation, but of systemic inefficiency. Sierra Leone’s electricity sector has long grappled with a significant gap between "installed" capacity and "actual" supply. While historical data indicates a total capacity ranging between 120MW and 160MW, the effective supply is frequently stifled by fuel shortages, aging transmission infrastructure, and high technical losses. Even with the addition of 40MW, the national supply remains modest compared to urban demand, which is estimated to peak well above 250MW. Consequently, Freetown and other economic hubs continue to face recurring load shedding and outages. For households and businesses that depend on the grid for daily productivity, the solar projects are a welcome diversification of the energy mix, yet they represent only a partial solution to the broader energy stability crisis. The economic implications of this instability are profound. President Bio emphasized that these solar projects are intended to act as catalysts for job creation, improved healthcare delivery, and educational opportunities. He dedicated the initiative to the students, healthcare workers, and entrepreneurs who have been forced to operate under the shadow of unreliable power. However, industry experts maintain that for these benefits to materialize, the government must move beyond generation and prioritize aggressive reform. The long-term sustainability of the sector depends on several critical milestones: Grid Modernization: Updating aging transmission and distribution networks to reduce technical losses. Fiscal Efficiency: Improving revenue collection to ensure utility companies remain solvent and capable of maintenance. Decentralized Solutions: Expanding investment in off-grid and mini-grid technologies to bring power to the estimated 70% of rural areas currently without access. Diversification: Reducing dependence on imported thermal fuels to stabilize long-term energy costs. The commissioning of the Newton and Lungi solar plants marks a clear policy shift toward renewable energy and away from costly diesel reliance. The inclusion of battery energy storage is particularly vital, as it addresses the intermittency issues that have historically hampered solar integration. As Sierra Leone continues to court international investment for its energy transformation agenda, the measure of success will not be found in megawatts installed, but in the reliability of the lights remaining on. For the average citizen, the true “energy transition” will only be felt when structural reforms convert increased generation into consistent, equitable access for every home and business in the country.

SLAJ Receives 2026 Subvention, Reaffirms Editorial Independence The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has officially confirmed the receipt of its 2026 annual government subvention, totaling SLE 2.7 million. This allocation fulfills a 2018 pledge by President Julius Maada Bio to support the growth and sustainability of the nation's media sector. SLAJ leadership stated that the funds will be directed toward administrative and operational costs at both national and regional levels, the strengthening of affiliate bodies, and the implementation of key media development initiatives. Specific focus areas include journalist safety and advocacy for press freedom. To ensure transparency, the association confirmed that the subvention is subject to strict financial oversight and independent reviews by the Audit Service Sierra Leone. The leadership also emphasized that all elected positions at national and regional levels remain voluntary, with no salaries drawn from the subvention. Addressing ongoing public discourse regarding government financial support, SLAJ firmly rejected concerns that such funding could compromise the association’s editorial independence. In a formal statement signed by SLAJ President Alhaji Manika Kamara, the association clarified that it is not a media house, owns no media outlets, and does not dictate editorial policies or content. "It is the duty of media houses, not SLAJ, to investigate, report, and speak truth to power," the statement noted. "SLAJ’s role is to ensure they can do so safely, ethically, and professionally." The association reiterated that its partnership with the government is designed solely to foster an enabling environment for independent, professional journalism. SLAJ expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Information and Civic Education and the Ministry of Finance for facilitating the release of the funds, reaffirming its dedication to maintaining public trust through continued accountability and transparency.

First Lady Bio Responds to Blyden’s Public Cautioning First Lady Fatima Maada Bio has responded to public caution from opposition figure Sylvia Olayinka Blyden, who had previously urged the First Lady to stop linking the All People’s Congress (APC) to her recent controversies. Blyden had maintained that such criticisms stemmed from public discourse rather than institutional party stances, advising the First Lady to look toward her own party for internal accountability. In her rebuttal, the First Lady addressed Blyden as her “dear sister,” asserting that the APC remains deeply involved in disseminating misinformation. Defending her position regarding housing controversy reports, she emphasized that a legal court order is required for eviction in the UK, characterizing the situation as merely a termination agreement rather than an eviction.

Blyden Calls on First Lady to Stop Dragging APC Into Her Issues Prominent All People’s Congress (APC) member Sylvia Olayinka Blyden has called on First Lady Fatima Maada Bio to stop associating the APC with controversies surrounding her, including reports relating to her London council housing arrangement and other recent public discussions. Her remarks come in response to comments attributed to the First Lady in which she appeared to express frustration over criticism and referenced the opposition APC, stating: “APC, allow me to breathe.” In a statement responding to the First Lady’s comments, Blyden rejected suggestions that the APC as a party was responsible for criticism directed at her, insisting that such claims were not supported by any official party position. “It is not mainstream APC party which is catalyzing or instigating against you. Rather, some APC members merely join in,” she stated. Blyden further noted that there had been no official press release from the APC on the issues being linked to the First Lady, adding that the party should not be held responsible for individual commentary circulating in public discussions. “Have you seen any official APC party press release on your Bondo FGM affair? No!” she added. She argued that much of the commentary on the First Lady’s controversies originated from broader public discourse rather than the APC as an institution. “Remove your eyes from the APC Sun and instead look underneath your feet by the SLPP Palm Tree,” she stated. Blyden also noted that political rivalry between the APC and the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) is expected, but stressed the importance of distinguishing between official party positions and individual opinions expressed on social media. She maintained a conciliatory tone, referring to the First Lady as a “dear sister,” and said her comments were intended as advice rather than hostility. The First Lady has not publicly responded to Blyden’s remarks at the time of reporting.

Sierra Leone Faces IMF Scrutiny Over Foreign Exchange Outflows The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has issued a directive urging the government of Sierra Leone to implement rigorous controls on foreign exchange (FX) spending, warning that the nation’s recent economic progress is increasingly vulnerable to fiscal headwinds. While the IMF recognized several critical milestones achieved by Sierra Leone in 2025—including robust tax revenue collection, a stabilizing exchange rate, and a domestic primary surplus of 1.3% of GDP in 2025—the fund cautioned that these accomplishments face immediate threats. According to the latest assessment, rising spending pressures combined with weaker revenue performance in early 2026 and external factors such as ongoing conflicts in the middle east, jeopardize the sustainability of these recent advancements. To preserve macroeconomic stability and safeguard critical foreign reserves, the IMF stressed that the administration must prioritize stricter oversight of government FX outflows. While government officials have yet to disclose specific policy responses to these recommendations, analysts anticipate a shift toward tighter fiscal and monetary measures to address the concerns raised by the fund. EXCERPT FROM IMF REPORT WITH GOVERNMENT, PUBLISHED ON 10TH JUNE 2026, ON THE Third Review Under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) Arrangement and an Arrangement under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF)

Twenty-three young people in Kenema have completed a two-day digital skills training under the “Classroom to Commerce Project”, aimed at bridging the gap between education and employment through practical, market-driven competencies. The training, held on 10 June 2026, was implemented by MADAM Sierra Leone in partnership with Humanist Watch, and focused on cybersecurity, data protection, online safety, multimedia content creation, social media marketing, and digital storytelling. It also equipped participants with skills to identify online threats, protect personal data, and use digital platforms responsibly. Project Manager Mr. Abass Sheku Tryee said the programme responds to the growing demand for practical digital skills, stressing that it is designed to turn young people into both job seekers and job creators. He added that combining technical and creative skills will enable participants to use digital platforms for business growth and employment opportunities. As part of the initiative, 20 tablets and three computers were provided to support continued learning and participation in the FindMe HireMe platform, which connects young people with employers and freelance opportunities through digital profiles and job listings. Funded by the European Union, the project is part of broader efforts to reduce youth unemployment by strengthening digital literacy, entrepreneurship capacity, and access to the digital economy.

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, has urged global leaders to adopt a fair and inclusive approach to artificial intelligence (AI), warning that the technology could deepen inequality if not properly regulated. Speaking at the 114th International Labour Conference of the International Labour Organization (International Labour Organization) in Geneva, the Minister said AI should not only be viewed as a technological innovation but as a critical issue affecting jobs, development, and social justice—especially for developing countries such as Sierra Leone. He cautioned that unequal access to digital tools, skills, and connectivity risks leaving vulnerable workers behind, while also raising concerns over job displacement through automation, algorithmic bias, workplace surveillance, and threats to data privacy. Minister Swaray stressed the need for a coordinated global response to ensure that AI strengthens rather than undermines decent work. “Artificial intelligence cannot and must not replace our commitment to human dignity,” he said. The Minister also highlighted ongoing labour reforms in Sierra Leone aimed at strengthening worker protection and adapting to the changing world of work. These include a 50 percent increase in the national minimum wage, raising it from Le 800 to Le 1,200, the introduction of a digital work permit system, and plans to extend social security coverage to workers in the informal sector. He further noted that Cabinet has approved a new Data Protection and Right to Access Information Bill, describing it as part of broader efforts to strengthen governance and safeguard citizens in an increasingly digital economy. Minister Swaray reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to international cooperation on emerging technologies, calling for renewed global solidarity to ensure innovation promotes inclusion rather than exclusion. He was accompanied at the conference by Sierra Leone’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva, Samuel U.B. Saffa Esq.

The United Nations Human Rights system has pledged stronger support to the Parliament of Sierra Leone to enhance human rights protection through capacity building, legal reform, and improved legislative oversight. The commitment was made on 10 June 2026 during a meeting in Freetown between a delegation from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights) and the Speaker of Parliament, Segepoh Solomon Thomas, led by Regional Representative Ayeda Robert Kotchani. The UN delegation said it is ready to support Parliament’s Human Rights Committee through technical assistance, training, and documentation, while also encouraging stronger engagement with UN Special Procedures and international accountability mechanisms. It also called for a standing invitation for UN human rights experts to visit Sierra Leone to deepen cooperation. The delegation commended Sierra Leone for abolishing the death penalty and praised the work of the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone, while urging increased funding to strengthen its independence and effectiveness. In response, Speaker Thomas said Parliament is already highly sensitive to human rights issues and ensures that all legislation is reviewed to protect fundamental rights. He also noted that Parliament is reviewing the Human Rights Commission Act to improve its effectiveness and responsiveness. The Speaker further highlighted Parliament’s growing role in addressing citizens’ complaints through its committees, which are increasingly used as platforms for resolving grievances. The meeting underscored a strengthened partnership between the UN and Sierra Leone’s Parliament aimed at improving human rights protection, legal oversight, and accountability for citizens.

The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) has found that the country’s Sexual Offences Law is only “partially implemented,” despite notable progress in strengthening the legal and institutional framework for addressing sexual and gender-based violence. Presenting its 2020–2024 Status Report to Parliament on 10 June, HRCSL acknowledged improvements such as specialised Sexual Offences Model Courts, One-Stop Centres, the 116 toll-free hotline, and referral systems for survivors. However, it stressed that major gaps in the justice system continue to undermine effective implementation. The report highlights that sexual and gender-based violence remains a serious concern in Sierra Leone, with 2,771 cases recorded in 2024, including 2,607 sexual assaults, according to the Rainbo Initiative. The figures rose to 3,055 cases in 2025, with women and girls forming the overwhelming majority of survivors. HRCSL Chairperson Patricia Narsu Ndanema told Parliament that key legal requirements under the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 2019, including a national forensic laboratory and a sexual offenders’ database, are still not in place. She warned that these gaps weaken investigations and make prosecutions more difficult. The report also points to shortages of trained investigators, prosecutors, survivor support services, and safe homes, particularly outside urban areas, further limiting access to justice for survivors. While Sierra Leone has introduced strong legal protections against sexual violence, HRCSL says implementation remains the major challenge, as institutions and resources have not fully matched legislative reforms. The findings have renewed calls for urgent government action to ensure that existing laws translate into faster, stronger, and more reliable justice for survivors of sexual violence.