By Fatima Kpaka

Freetown, April 14, 2026 – Minister of Sports Augusta James-Teima has formally invited the National Sports Authority (NSA) to a meeting to discuss procedures for appointing national team coaches, referees, umpires, and judges, in line with provisions of Sierra Leone’s sports laws.

The correspondence, dated April 10 and delivered on April 13, emphasized the need for clear rules of engagement in the recruitment of technical staff for national teams. The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, at the Ministry of Sports Conference Hall.

According to the Ministry, the discussion comes at a critical time following the dismissal of the Leone Stars technical team, just as the national side prepares for qualification matches in a major competition. The Ministry insists that proper procedures must be established to avoid disruptions and ensure transparency in future appointments.

The issue of coach appointments has long been a point of contention between the Ministry of Sports and the NSA. Under the NSA Act of 2017, the Minister of Sports is mandated to prescribe procedures for the appointment of national team coaches. However, NSA Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai recently told the public via Radio Democracy 98.1 that the Ministry has never fulfilled this obligation, leaving gaps in the governance of sports administration.

Observers note that the lack of clarity has fueled disputes over who holds ultimate authority in appointing technical staff, often leading to instability within national teams. The upcoming meeting is therefore seen as a pivotal step toward resolving these institutional tensions and ensuring that Sierra Leone’s sports sector operates under a unified framework.

The outcome of the engagement is expected to shape the future of coach recruitment and strengthen collaboration between the Ministry of Sports and the NSA in advancing national sports development.

Freetown, April 14, 2026 – The Sierra Leone Red Cross Society (SLRCS) has engaged Inspector General of Police (IGP) William Fayia Sellu in a strategic meeting to boost emergency response to road traffic accidents nationwide.

The meeting, held Tuesday, focused on enhancing coordination between the Red Cross and the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) to ensure timely support for victims along major highways.

SLRCS Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Kpawuru E.T. Sandy, commended IGP Sellu’s leadership in maintaining peace and security, while emphasizing the Society’s mandate as an auxiliary to government since its establishment by Parliament in 1962. He revealed that the organization has developed a new strategy to improve road crash response, backed by a fleet of ambulances and mobile clinics.

“Our plan is to ensure that wherever a road traffic crash occurs, a Red Cross team should be on the scene within 30 to 45 minutes to provide immediate support to victims,” Mr. Sandy stated.

As part of the initiative, ambulances will be stationed at key locations including Masiaka, Mile 91, and Bo, while volunteers will be mobilized to deliver first aid and lifesaving interventions. He also underscored the importance of joint training programs with the police to strengthen emergency response capacity, particularly for vulnerable groups.

Mr. Sandy further appealed to IGP Sellu to accept the role of patron member of the Society, complementing President Julius Maada Bio’s position as Chief Patron.

In his response, IGP Sellu welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely and commendable. He reaffirmed the police’s commitment to collaboration, noting that the SLP currently operates limited emergency coverage with only one ambulance stationed at Mile 38 along the Masiaka–Freetown highway.

He called for the integration of road crash response training into police recruit programs at the Sierra Leone Peacekeeping and Law Enforcement Academy in Samu, Kambia District, to better equip officers for emergencies.

The engagement marks a significant step toward building a coordinated emergency response system aimed at reducing fatalities from road traffic accidents across Sierra Leone.

By Fatima Kpaka

Freetown, April 14, 2026 – The Judiciary of Sierra Leone will, for the first time, host the prestigious meeting of the ECOWAS Judicial Council from April 20–24, 2026, at the Atlantic Hotel, Lumley Beach, Freetown.

The five-day high-level conference will bring together approximately 12 Chief Justices, 15 Judges, and distinguished judicial officials from across the ECOWAS region. The gathering will be held under the chairmanship of Sierra Leone’s Honourable Chief Justice, His Lordship Justice Komba Kamanda.

The ECOWAS Judicial Council serves as a vital platform for strengthening judicial cooperation, promoting the rule of law, and enhancing the administration of justice among member states. Hosting this landmark event underscores Sierra Leone’s growing leadership in regional judicial reform and its commitment to judicial independence, accountability, and cross-border collaboration.

Speaking ahead of the conference, Chief Justice Kamanda described the occasion as historic: “The hosting of the ECOWAS Judicial Council Meeting in Sierra Leone marks a significant milestone not only for our Judiciary but for the entire nation. It reflects our collective commitment to strengthening judicial institutions across the region, fostering cooperation among our courts, and advancing the rule of law as the cornerstone of democratic governance and sustainable development in West Africa.”

Deliberations will focus on judicial independence, accountability, and emerging challenges in the administration of justice across the region.

The Judiciary of Sierra Leone has pledged to provide a conducive environment for productive engagements and looks forward to welcoming distinguished delegates whose contributions will help advance justice and regional cooperation.

For further information, contact the Judiciary of Sierra Leone Communications and Public Affairs Unit or visit www.judiciary.gov.sl.

Washington DC, April 14, 2026:  Sierra Leone’s Minister of Finance, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to sound economic management during the ongoing IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington DC.

Representing President Julius Maada Bio as head of Sierra Leone’s delegation, Minister Bangura briefed global economists, development partners, and financial institutions on reforms undertaken to strengthen public financial management. These include revisions to the Public Financial Management Act (2016), the Public Procurement Act (2016), and the Cash Management Forecasting and Government Financial Statistics Act (2014).

He highlighted progress made under President Bio’s leadership, citing improved macroeconomic fundamentals such as low inflation, a stable exchange rate, positive primary balance, and sustainable interest rates on government securities.

Minister Bangura commended the IMF’s Fiscal Affairs Department (FAD) for its technical support and appealed for continued assistance in strengthening Sierra Leone’s mining sector, particularly in areas of transfer pricing, advance pricing agreements, and tax reforms. He also called for support in reviewing the Income Tax Act (2000), the Excise Act (1998), and the mid-term review of the Medium-Term Revenue Strategy (2023–2027).

In response, IMF Fiscal Affairs Director Rodrigo Valdes praised Sierra Leone’s progress and assured continued collaboration. The Minister also held discussions with the IMF Country Team, led by Mission Chief Christian Saborowski, on the potential impact of the Middle East crisis on Sierra Leone’s economy and adjustments to the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) framework.

Mr. Saborowski acknowledged the challenges facing developing countries, noting the risks to food security and poverty reduction.

Additionally, Minister Bangura met with Dr. Zarau W. Kibwe, Executive Director of the Africa West 1 Constituency at the World Bank Group, to present Sierra Leone’s position on support mechanisms for developing countries amid global crises. He revealed that discussions are underway to utilize the Rapid Response Option (PRO) to cushion Sierra Leone against external shocks.

The Spring Meetings, running from April 13–18, bring together finance ministers, central bank governors, investors, civil society, and academics to deliberate on global economic stability, growth outlook, and poverty reduction strategies.

By Sallieu S. Kanu

Freetown, April 14, 2026 – Flagbearer aspirant and Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr OBE, has joined senior officials of the All People’s Congress (APC) in a high-level engagement with International Moral Guarantors as part of ongoing efforts to resolve Sierra Leone’s political stalemate.

The meeting, held Tuesday, brought together APC Acting Chairman Hon. Osman Foday Yansaneh, Secretary-General Lansana Dumbuya Esq, and other party leaders alongside Mayor Aki-Sawyerr, whose participation underscores her growing influence in shaping the party’s reform agenda and engagement with international partners.

During deliberations, Mayor Aki-Sawyerr highlighted the dysfunctionality of the Tripartite Steering Committee and clarified the position of APC-led local councils regarding the ongoing governance boycott. She stressed the need for a credible resolution that restores confidence in Sierra Leone’s democratic processes.

Ahead of the meeting, the APC reaffirmed its demand for meaningful electoral reforms and transparency, citing concerns over the recent appointment and approval of the Chief Electoral Commissioner—a development that has fueled the party’s continued boycott of governance structures.

The International Moral Guarantors, comprising the Commonwealth, the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel, the African Union, and ECOWAS, are facilitating dialogue between Sierra Leone’s political actors. Led by Fatoumata Tambajang, the guarantors have been actively engaging stakeholders to rebuild trust, strengthen democratic accountability, and advance inclusive governance.

Their visit forms part of a broader regional effort to ensure the effective implementation of the Agreement of National Unity and the recommendations of the Tripartite Committee, which were designed to address electoral disputes and foster political stability.

The APC’s engagement with the guarantors marks a critical moment in Sierra Leone’s democratic journey, as both national and international actors seek to chart a path toward reconciliation, reform, and sustainable governance

The Government of Sierra Leone has provided a detailed update on the challenges facing the state-owned telecommunications company, Sierratel, highlighting issues of legacy debt, obsolete infrastructure, and mounting staff liabilities, among others. 

A number of factors are responsible for the company’s sad state of affairs.  

Upon assuming office in 2018, this government inherited Sierratel in what could best be described as advanced stages of decomposition and dilapidation. The company was burdened with significant debts owed to employees, suppliers, and international creditors.

These obligations include salary backlogs, end-of-service benefits, leave allowances, and union dues, as well as debts to suppliers and foreign financial institutions. 

Notably, Sierratel owed over $35 million to two Ex-Im banks, a debt currently being serviced by the government.

Additionally, there is the issue of obsolete Infrastructure and industry shift. Decisions made around 2014 saw Sierratel upgraded predominantly to CDMA technology, which at the time boosted its performance and market presence.

However, the global telecommunications industry soon transitioned from CDMA to GSM technology, rendering Sierratel’s infrastructure obsolete.

At the time, Sierratel was booming, with strong mobile and internet services. Once CDMA was phased out globally, it marked the beginning of the company’s challenges.

The technological decline quickly translated into financial distress, as customers migrated to alternative networks.

The moment operations declined, the company began losing customers, and with that came the inability to meet financial obligations, including staff salaries.

The human impact of the crisis is delayed payments that have affected workers’ livelihoods, with some experiencing family strain and challenges in meeting essential needs such as education expenses.

The staff-related liabilities now stand at approximately $6.3 million, making it one of the most significant financial burdens facing the company.

These obligations have accumulated over time as the company struggled to meet its commitments.

The situation is a legacy challenge, requiring comprehensive and strategic intervention. While the government continues to service external debts, it remains focussed on addressing the key areas as follows:

Modernizing outdated infrastructure,

managing foreign debt obligations,

settling staff liabilities and improving workers’ welfare.

Government is committed to finding a sustainable solution that balances financial recovery with the protection of workers’ livelihoods.

Once regarded as the backbone of Sierra Leone’s telecommunications sector, Sierratel’s future will depend on bold reforms and strategic investment to restore its relevance in an evolving digital landscape.

Credit: Stratcom – MOICE

By George M.O. Williams

Freetown, April 13, 2026: Former Sierra Leone national team coach Mohamed Kallon has fired back at the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), rejecting allegations of misconduct and insisting his dismissal was unjustified.

In a live Facebook broadcast, Kallon described the claims as unfounded, instead pointing to the progress achieved during his tenure through discipline and commitment. He explained that his absence from press conferences after the friendly match in Azerbaijan was due to a medical condition—occasional numbness and swelling on one side of his face, linked to injuries sustained during his playing career in Italy.

Kallon said he had informed the team manager of his condition and sought medical attention in Milan before joining the squad. He added that worsening symptoms after the match made it difficult to attend the media engagements, prompting him to delegate a staff member to represent him. Despite these explanations, he claimed he was sidelined, with his assistant coach placed in charge of the team—SLFA executives orchestrated a move he believes.

The former coach alleged that his dismissal stemmed from internal power struggles within the SLFA, citing earlier tensions over team selection. He claimed that unauthorized names were added to his finalized squad list without his consent, creating unnecessary friction.

Former SLFA Secretary General Chris Kamara has defended Kallon, describing him as the most qualified candidate for the role and dismissing doubts about his credentials. Kamara criticized the lack of due process in Kallon’s dismissal, noting that he had worked for 13 months without a salary. He also condemned incidents such as Kallon being asked by a junior coach to produce an ID card, calling them disrespectful and symptomatic of deeper institutional challenges.

Kamara stressed that while the SLFA has authority to hire and fire, fairness and transparency must be upheld to protect the integrity of Sierra Leonean football.

Kallon’s dismissal has reignited debate over governance and accountability within the SLFA, with many observers warning that unresolved internal disputes risk undermining the progress of the national team.

By Bami Anthony

Sierratel, once revered as the backbone of Sierra Leone’s telecommunications sector, now finds itself mired in significant operational and financial decline. This once-prominent provider of connectivity and communication has encountered a range of challenges, resulting in frequent service disruptions and a troubling loss of public trust. The company’s journey reflects a stark transformation from a vital service provider to a struggling entity facing an uncertain future.

The reasons behind Sierratel’s decline are complex and varied. It’s not solely a matter of missed opportunities; rather, the struggles of its employees highlight a much deeper crisis within the organization. A significant number of staff members have suffered from unpaid salaries and have had limited access to essential medical benefits and support. The ramifications of the company’s difficulties extend well beyond managerial issues, directly impacting the lives of the dedicated professionals who have committed themselves to sustaining this important telecommunications service.

Exacerbating these problems is Sierratel’s deteriorating infrastructure. The company’s equipment has become increasingly outdated and neglected, preventing it from adapting to the rapid pace of technological advancements in the industry. This obsolescence has adversely affected its ability to provide reliable services, further undermining public confidence in Sierratel as a trustworthy telecommunications provider. Consequently, many consumers have become dissatisfied, seeking alternatives in the form of competing companies.

In stark contrast, telecommunications leaders such as Orange and Africell have prospered in the digital marketplace, illustrating the advantages of investing in advanced technology and employee welfare. These companies have made substantial investments in their infrastructure, providing robust benefits for their employees. By prioritizing customer satisfaction and fostering progressive workplace practices, they have cultivated a loyal consumer base and underscored the importance of innovation as well as support for their teams.

As Sierratel grapples with mounting challenges, it has become a considerable burden on the government, which is tasked with servicing the company’s overwhelming external debt. Instead of contributing to national revenue, Sierratel has morphed into a financial liability, compounded by the rising incidence of unpaid salaries. This situation creates a hostile atmosphere for employees who are increasingly desperate for compensation. With pressing questions surrounding Sierratel’s future, it is crucial for the government to implement proactive measures aimed at revitalizing this essential service and supporting its workforce, all while confronted with the urgent question of what lies ahead for this once-esteemed telecommunications entity.

By Sallieu S. Kanu

Sierra Leone – April 2026: Minister of Sports Augusta James Teima has distanced her office from the controversial sacking of Mohamed Kallon as Leone Stars head coach, blaming the National Sports Authority (NSA) for failing to finalize his contract.

Speaking on a radio program in Freetown, the Minister said the absence of a signed contract created ambiguity around the terms of Kallon’s engagement and dismissal. “If there was a contract, the conditions would have been clearly specified as to whether or not Mohamed Kallon could be dismissed as head coach,” she explained.

Teima revealed that she first learned of Kallon’s dismissal through social media before receiving official confirmation from the Sierra Leone Football Association. She added that she personally spoke with Kallon on Good Friday, during which he expressed concerns about the process.

The incident has sparked public debate over governance and accountability in Sierra Leone’s football management, with critics pointing to lapses in administrative coordination between the Ministry of Sports, the NSA, and the Football Association.

Kallon’s exit continues to fuel controversy, raising questions about institutional roles and the need for proper contractual and procedural compliance in handling national team affairs.

The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) dismissed Mohamed Kallon citing administrative, operational, and regulatory failures, as well as strategic and technical concerns. The termination letter outlined eight specific points of non-compliance, and the SLFA emphasized that the decision was based on a considered assessment of the national team’s needs.

The SLFA’s termination letter highlighted lapses in compliance with internal procedures and regulations. These included failures in documentation, reporting, and adherence to established protocols.

The SLFA Executive Committee stated that the dismissal followed a “considered assessment of the technical, administrative, and strategic imperatives” of the national team. This suggests that performance and long-term planning were factors in the decision.

The official letter reportedly listed eight specific points of non-compliance, though details of each point have not been fully disclosed publicly.

Reports indicate that longstanding disagreements between Kallon and the SLFA leadership contributed to the decision. The NSA Chairman clarified that while the government pays national team coaches, the SLFA retains authority over hiring and dismissal decisions.

Kallon’s exit has sparked controversy, with fans and stakeholders questioning the transparency of the process and the coordination between the Ministry of Sports, NSA, and SLFA.

The dismissal raises concerns about stability in the national team’s technical management, especially as Sierra Leone prepares for upcoming international fixtures.

By Fatima Kpaka

Sierra Leone – April 10, 2026: The Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament, Segepoh Solomon Thomas, reconvened a second meeting with Members of the Opposition on Friday to address their ongoing boycott of parliamentary proceedings. The Speaker appealed to opposition MPs to resume their constitutional duties, stressing that their participation is vital for the passage of critical bills and the strengthening of democratic governance.

Speaker Thomas explained that the meeting was a follow-up to earlier engagements and reiterated his commitment to relay feedback from President Julius Maada Bio. While noting that the President had been occupied with other engagements, he assured the Opposition that he would continue efforts to facilitate dialogue. “Members of Parliament should not abandon their duties because of actions by the Executive,” he emphasized, urging MPs to use the Well of Parliament as the proper platform to express grievances.

The Speaker thanked the Opposition for honoring his invitation and reaffirmed his role as a mediator. He pledged to engage the President further to explore the possibility of a direct meeting with the Opposition aimed at resolving the impasse. “Dialogue is essential in a democratic space. Please find a way to come back to Parliament,” he appealed.

In response, the Leader of the Opposition commended Speaker Thomas for his leadership and efforts to bridge the divide. He expressed respect for the Speaker and lamented that no other authority had engaged the Opposition since their last meeting. He underscored the importance of dialogue, urging the Executive to set aside ego and pursue meaningful engagement.

The Opposition Leader also raised concerns about electoral credibility, particularly regarding the appointment of Edmond Alpha to oversee the 2028 elections. While acknowledging the constitutionality of the appointment, he argued that decisions of such magnitude should be made in good faith to preserve peace and national cohesion. He suggested that the President consider recusing Alpha from the electoral process to restore public confidence.

The meeting concluded with both sides recognizing the importance of continued dialogue to safeguard Sierra Leone’s democratic process.

Issued by: Parliamentary and Public Relations Department, Parliament of Sierra Leone Contact: +23278495023 / +24276625960 / +23278426851 / +23278697776 / +23277473804 / +23275710747