By Fatima Kpaka

CONAKRY, Guinea, 9th September 2026 – Vice President of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, on Wednesday met with members of the Sierra Leonean community in Guinea during his two-day working visit, underscoring government’s commitment to citizens abroad and regional cooperation.

Speaking on behalf of President Julius Maada Bio and the Government of Sierra Leone, the Vice President extended condolences to the Government and people of Guinea following the Dar-es-Salam landfill disaster in Conakry. He expressed gratitude to Guinean authorities for their support to Sierra Leoneans affected by the tragedy, noting that assistance was provided without discrimination.

As part of his humanitarian outreach, Dr. Jalloh donated 200 bags of rice and cash assistance to displaced Sierra Leoneans impacted by the incident.

The Vice President also briefed the community on his engagements with the Guinean Prime Minister, explaining that his visit was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen border security. He recalled that President Bio had earlier met with the Guinean President alongside Liberia’s Vice President to discuss measures aimed at consolidating peace and stability along the shared borders.

During an interactive session chaired by the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, and attended by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeneba Bangura, Minister of Internal Affairs Morie Lengor, Minister of Labour Umaru Napoleon Koroma, and embassy officials, Sierra Leoneans in Guinea expressed appreciation for the Vice President’s visit. They commended the government’s support to those affected by the landfill incident and welcomed the broader engagement with community stakeholders.

The visit highlights Sierra Leone’s diplomatic outreach and commitment to protecting its citizens abroad, while reinforcing bilateral cooperation with Guinea in the areas of humanitarian support and border security.

By Mohamed Jaward Nyallay,

Strategic Communications Adviser (MOICE)

More than 1,300 pregnant women in Tombo and surrounding communities are set to benefit from improved maternal healthcare following the rehabilitation of the maternity unit and patient waiting areas at the Tombo Community Health Centre.

The facility, which serves a catchment population of nearly 32,000 people, was officially handed over to the Ministry of Health following rehabilitation under the SHAPE Project implemented by Solthis.

The upgrade is expected to strengthen the capacity of the health centre to provide safer deliveries, improve maternal and newborn care and offer women a more dignified experience when accessing healthcare.

Tombo, a major fishing community on the Freetown Peninsula, also has more than 7,000 adolescents within its catchment area, making the facility an important frontline institution for maternal and reproductive health services.

The rehabilitation has increased the number of postnatal beds from three to six and introduced a dedicated dignified childbirth unit equipped with birthing balls and yoga mats to support respectful, woman-centred care.

The antenatal care unit has also been improved, alongside the provision of a protected waiting area for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.

The facility has further received essential equipment designed to improve the safety of mothers and newborns, including an autoclave for sterilising medical instruments, a fetal Doppler for monitoring foetal heartbeats, neonatal resuscitation equipment and a radiant warmer to help prevent heat loss in newborn babies.

The improvements come as Sierra Leone intensifies its efforts under the Government’s 300 Days of Activism Campaign, which is targeting the country’s Triple Zero ambition of eliminating preventable maternal deaths, preventable child deaths and zero-dose children.

By Sallieu S. Kanu

Freetown, September 9, 2026 – The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) has officially kicked off the development of regulations to operationalise the National Development-Induced Resettlement Act, 2023. The launch, held at the Ministry’s Conference Hall, marks a major step in strengthening Sierra Leone’s framework for managing displacement linked to development projects and safeguarding affected communities.

Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Kenyeh Barlay, described the process as a “historic milestone,” noting that while the Act provides the legal foundation, the regulations will establish clear procedures to ensure affected persons are identified, consulted, fairly compensated, and supported to restore their livelihoods.

She highlighted lessons from field engagements with projects such as FG Gold’s Baomahun Gold Project, Sierra Rutile’s Sembehun Project, Marampa Mines, and energy infrastructure initiatives. Recurring concerns around land valuation, compensation, resettlement, livelihood restoration, community participation, and grievance management, she stressed, must be integrated early into project planning and assessments.

Chairing the session, Development Secretary Ambrose James reaffirmed MoPED’s commitment to completing the process within agreed timelines. He noted that institutional capacity has been strengthened since the Act’s enactment, with support from the Millennium Challenge Account–Sierra Leone (MCA-SL) enabling the engagement of consultants to draft the regulations.

Senior Consultant Oliver Barker-Vormawor underscored the need for stronger inter-agency coordination, pointing to overlaps and gaps between the Resettlement Act and other laws on land acquisition and resettlement. He called for collaboration among institutions including the Environmental Protection Agency, Ministry of Lands, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Finance, and Sierra Leone Roads Authority.

MCA-SL Chief Executive Officer Ndeye Fatu Sesay reaffirmed the agency’s support, stressing that the framework will be vital for current and future investments across mining, agriculture, and energy infrastructure.

The meeting brought together representatives from MoPED, MCA-SL, EPA, Ministry of Lands, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Finance, SLRA, and other MDAs, alongside consultants and stakeholders.

Closing the session, Senior Planning Officer Adama delivered the vote of thanks, while Minister Barlay formally declared the process underway. She urged sustained collaboration to ensure the regulations are practical, participatory, and responsive to community needs, while providing predictability for investors.

By Sallieu S. Kanu

Lunsar, September 8, 2026 : Marampa Mines Limited has assured comprehensive support for the family of its late employee, Moses Simbo, who died in a workplace accident at the company’s mining site in August.

Simbo, a Heavy Mobile Equipment (HME) Mechanic, sustained fatal injuries while assisting in the towing of a disabled articulated dump truck to the workshop. Preliminary findings indicate the truck suddenly moved forward after its drive shaft was disconnected, trapping Simbo beneath one of its wheels.

A delegation from the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security, led by Ing. Osman Conteh, visited the company’s Lunsar facility on Tuesday to engage management on the incident and the measures being taken to support the bereaved family.

Marampa Mines has outlined a package of assistance, including immediate financial support, end‑of‑service benefits, and compensation entitlements. The company also confirmed that life insurance and accident insurance benefits — each equivalent to 100 percent of annual salary — are awaiting final confirmation.

The Ministry welcomed the company’s commitment, stressing the importance of fulfilling all obligations arising from the fatal incident. In a statement posted on its official Facebook page, the Ministry emphasized that it will continue to engage both the company and the family to ensure the rights and entitlements of Simbo’s dependants are fully protected.

Meanwhile, Marampa Mines reported that its internal investigation has been completed, with corrective and preventive measures already underway. The company’s final incident report is expected on September 13, while the Police investigation report is still pending.

By Fatima Kpaka

Freetown, Sierra Leone – A man identified as Diouf Saliou has been charged before Magistrate Mustapha Braima Jah of Pademba Road Court No.1 over allegations that he fraudulently obtained credit worth NLe236,442 (US$9,851.75) from Country Lodge Hotel.

Saliou faces two counts under Section 13(1) of the Debtors Act of 1869: obtaining credit under false pretences and obtaining credit by fraud other than false pretences.

According to the charge sheet, between 16 July and 1 September 2026, at HS 51 Hill Station in Freetown, Saliou allegedly incurred debt and obtained credit amounting to NLe236,442 from the hotel through fraudulent means.

When the matter was mentioned, the defendant was absent. Counsel S. Bai, representing Country Lodge Hotel, applied for a bench warrant pursuant to Section 25 of the Criminal Procedure Act of 2025. Magistrate Jah granted the application and adjourned proceedings to 16 September 2026.

The case underscores growing concerns about financial fraud in the hospitality sector, with hotels increasingly seeking legal redress against alleged defaulters.

By Sallieu S, Kanu

FREETOWN, Sierra Leone — September 8, 2026 — Women on Mining and Extractives Sierra Leone (WoME-SL) has presented findings of its shadow report on the Cyber Security and Crime Act 2021, focusing on Section 44 which addresses cyberstalking and cyberbullying, to the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL).

The engagement, held at the Commission’s headquarters in Tower Hill, sought HRCSL’s perspective on the section’s implications for free speech and explored possible collaboration for review.

Concerns Over Section 44

WoME-SL’s report highlighted several challenges, including:

• Limited awareness of legal provisions among the public.
• Divergent perspectives between government and civil society.
• A chilling effect on freedom of expression.
• Reluctance to participate in digital spaces due to fear of reprisals.

Commissioner Hassan Samba Yarjah commended WoME-SL for its research and engagement, noting that the findings provide an opportunity for the Commission to reflect on how cybersecurity measures can be pursued in ways that respect and protect human rights.

WoME-SL Executive Director Esther Finda Kandeh thanked the Commission for its openness, stressing that Section 44 has significant impacts on the digital space for free speech. “We decided to share our findings with the Commission because of your critical role in the protection and promotion of human rights in Sierra Leone,” she said, adding that civic space is integral to human rights and requires broader dialogue.

The engagement concluded with consensus on the need for: greater capacity building for the Sierra Leone Police, Increased public awareness of the Cyber Security and Crime Act 2021, and advocacy for a possible review of Section 44 to safeguard free expression while addressing cybercrime.

By Alusine Sesay

Conakry, 9th September 2026: The Republic of Guinea has officially unveiled its new Foreign Policy Document at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, serving as Special Guest during his two-day working visit to the country.

The high-level ceremony, presided over by Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah, brought together senior government officials, diplomats, and international partners to witness the launch of a policy blueprint designed to guide Guinea’s external relations and regional cooperation.

Prime Minister Bah outlined the pillars of the new policy, emphasizing sovereignty, strategic neutrality, economic transformation, peace, and African integration. He declared that Guinea’s embassies must evolve into “platforms for influence, negotiation, economic mobilization, and national visibility,” while stressing that partnerships will be evaluated based on their contributions to investment, employment, infrastructure, skills transfer, and technology.

Reaffirming Guinea’s commitment to regional stability, the Prime Minister stated: “Africa is our family, the world is our horizon.” He highlighted priorities such as good neighbourliness, shared security, energy cooperation, economic corridors, and coordinated border management.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Bah paid a courtesy call on Vice President Jalloh at the Radisson Blu Hotel, underscoring the close diplomatic ties and growing cooperation between Sierra Leone and Guinea.

The launch marks a significant step in Guinea’s efforts to reposition its foreign policy in line with national development goals and regional integration, while also reinforcing the bonds of friendship and collaboration with neighbouring Sierra Leone.

By Sallieu S. Kanu

Sierra Leone — September 7, 2026 — The leadership of the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT), led by Director General Chernor Mamoud Jalloh and Deputy Director General Mohamed Bangura, on Monday engaged with newly appointed Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Security, Umaru Napoleon Koroma Esq., at the Ministry’s headquarters in New England Ville, Freetown.

The meeting provided an opportunity for NASSIT to formally brief the Minister on its ongoing programmes, operational priorities, and reform agenda. Both sides underscored the importance of close institutional coordination in advancing policies that promote workers’ welfare and strengthen social protection.

As the Ministry directly supervising NASSIT, the engagement highlighted the need for a strong working relationship to ensure the Trust’s programmes remain aligned with the Government’s broader labour and social security objectives. The discussions reinforced commitments to accountability, effective implementation, and shared priorities.

Minister Koroma welcomed the NASSIT leadership and commended the institution’s dedication to advancing its work plans. He assured the delegation of his readiness to work closely with NASSIT, stressing that a team-oriented approach would be vital to achieving meaningful reforms.

He further emphasised the importance of ensuring reforms are effectively implemented to expand social security coverage across both the formal sector and the informal sector, thereby improving protection for workers nationwide.

The engagement reinforced a joint commitment between the Ministry and NASSIT to deliver on their mandates through strengthened collaboration. By pursuing common objectives, both institutions aim to build a more responsive labour and social security system that protects workers, supports economic participation, and advances Sierra Leone’s overall development agenda.

By Sallieu S. Kanu

Lunsar, September 8, 2026 : Marampa Mines Limited has assured comprehensive support for the family of its late employee, Moses Simbo, who died in a workplace accident at the company’s mining site in August.

Simbo, a Heavy Mobile Equipment (HME) Mechanic, sustained fatal injuries while assisting in the towing of a disabled articulated dump truck to the workshop. Preliminary findings indicate the truck suddenly moved forward after its drive shaft was disconnected, trapping Simbo beneath one of its wheels.

A delegation from the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security, led by Ing. Osman Conteh, visited the company’s Lunsar facility on Tuesday to engage management on the incident and the measures being taken to support the bereaved family.

Marampa Mines has outlined a package of assistance, including immediate financial support, end‑of‑service benefits, and compensation entitlements. The company also confirmed that life insurance and accident insurance benefits — each equivalent to 100 percent of annual salary — are awaiting final confirmation.

The Ministry welcomed the company’s commitment, stressing the importance of fulfilling all obligations arising from the fatal incident. In a statement posted on its official Facebook page, the Ministry emphasized that it will continue to engage both the company and the family to ensure the rights and entitlements of Simbo’s dependants are fully protected.

Meanwhile, Marampa Mines reported that its internal investigation has been completed, with corrective and preventive measures already underway. The company’s final incident report is expected on September 13, while the Police investigation report is still pending.

By Sallieu S. Kanu

Sierra Leone — September 8, 2026: The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Health (MoH), has procured US$2.5 million worth of essential medicines and reproductive health supplies, marking a major boost for maternal and child health services nationwide.

The commodities, now stored at the National Medical Supplies Agency (NMSA), are set for distribution to health facilities across the country. They include life‑saving drugs and supplies critical for Caesarean sections, normal deliveries, and emergency care.

Minister of Health Dr. Austin Demby, PhD, MPH, described the procurement as a demonstration of government’s continued commitment to protecting vital health services for women, children, and families. “This investment demonstrates Government’s continued commitment to protecting critical health services for women, children and families across Sierra Leone,” he said.

The supplies are tailored to address the leading causes of maternal and child deaths in Sierra Leone, including:

• High blood pressure
• Malaria
• Postpartum bleeding
• Sepsis and infections

The distribution will be closely tracked from NMSA stores to health facilities as part of accountability measures to prevent misuse.

The procurement aligns with Sierra Leone’s ongoing 300 Days of Activism campaign, which targets Triple Zeros:

• Zero preventable maternal deaths
• Zero preventable child deaths
• Zero zero‑dose children

Health officials say the investment will strengthen the country’s Health for All agenda, improve service delivery, and accelerate progress toward reducing maternal and child mortality