By Obinna Emelike

Sierra Leone has reaffirmed its readiness to host the third edition of the UN Tourism Africa Gastronomy Forum, using the 69th Meeting of the UN Tourism Commission for Africa (CAF) in Seychelles as a strategic platform to consolidate partnerships, align policy priorities and demonstrate preparedness for the continental event.

Led by Nabeela Farida Tunis, Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, the Sierra Leone’s delegation joined tourism ministers, senior government officials, development partners and private sector leaders from across Africa to deliberate on the future of tourism development on the continent. The forum is scheduled to take place from December 2-4, 2026.

The UN Tourism Africa Gastronomy Forum has quickly emerged as a flagship thematic platform within Africa’s tourism calendar. The inaugural forum was hosted in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe in 2024, followed by the second edition in Arusha, Tanzania in 2025. Sierra Leone is now preparing to host the third edition, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of gastronomy tourism in Africa.

Importantly, the upcoming forum will be the first to be held since the appointment of Shaikha Al Nuwais as Secretary-General of UN Tourism, adding further strategic weight and institutional significance to the event.

Discussions at CAF in Seychelles focused heavily on human capital development, sustainability, innovation and policy coherence — core pillars that align closely with Sierra Leone’s vision for the gastronomy forum.

According to Minister Tunis, the Seychelles meeting provided a critical opportunity to deepen engagement with UN Tourism officials and African counterparts on how gastronomy can be leveraged as a driver of skills development, job creation, cultural preservation and inclusive growth.

“Gastronomy sits at the intersection of culture, tourism, agriculture and the creative economy,” she noted. “Our objective is to ensure that the forum goes beyond celebration of cuisine to focus on people — chefs, farmers, entrepreneurs, young creatives and communities — who are central to tourism’s future in Africa.”

Sierra Leone’s preparations for the forum are expected to emphasise culinary education and training, women and youth participation, local value chain development, and the integration of food culture into destination branding and tourism storytelling.

By hosting the third edition, Sierra Leone aims to build on the momentum established in Victoria Falls and Arusha, while introducing new perspectives rooted in West Africa’s culinary heritage and community-based tourism experiences.

At CAF, the Sierra Leone delegation held a series of engagements to outline its readiness across logistics, venues, stakeholder coordination and programme development, while drawing lessons from previous host countries.

The broader CAF deliberations also examined Africa’s tourism resilience in the face of global shocks, climate change, skills gaps and evolving traveller preferences — reinforcing the relevance of specialised platforms such as the gastronomy forum in diversifying Africa’s tourism offer.

Minister Tunis expressed appreciation to Seychelles for hosting the CAF meeting, praising its organisation and hospitality, as well as the contributions of fellow African ministers whose insights enriched the discussions.

She also commended UN Tourism for its leadership in advancing thematic tourism development across Africa, noting that the Africa Gastronomy Forum has become an important vehicle for collaboration, knowledge exchange and continental positioning.

As Sierra Leone advances preparations to host the third Africa Gastronomy Forum, outcomes from the Seychelles CAF meeting are expected to shape final programming and partnerships — ensuring the event delivers lasting impact for African tourism stakeholders and host communities alike.

Source: Sierra Leone positions for historic 3rd UN Tourism Africa Gastronomy Forum at CAF in Seychelles – Businessday NG

By Ibrahim S. Bangura

Salone Awards of Excellence USA, an organization dedicated to celebrating achievement and preserving the legacy of Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora, has honored eleven outstanding Sierra Leoneans from across the United States for their exceptional contributions to cultural preservation and entertainment.

The Award also honored leadership, humanitarian service, entrepreneurship and community development during this Third Annual Salone Awards of Excellence.

The colorful ceremony was held earlier this month at the Tracy Civic Center, 333 Civic Center Plaza, Tracy, California.

Held under the theme ‘Wan Salone,’ the annual event brought together distinguished guests, community leaders, entrepreneurs, entertainers, professionals and supporters from across the United States to celebrate Sierra Leoneans whose achievements continue to strengthen communities and promote national pride throughout the diaspora.

According to the Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the organization, James Barack Kamara, a Theatre Technology and Arts student at Foothill College, California, the awards were established to recognize Sierra Leoneans whose dedication, integrity and selfless service continue to inspire others while strengthening communities around the world. “The organization was created to celebrate Sierra Leoneans whose dedication and selfless service continue to make meaningful contributions to our communities. Every award presented represents a story of sacrifice, commitment and excellence that deserves to be celebrated and remembered,” Kamara said.

Among the evening’s biggest winners was Mrs. Kadijatu Rahman Kabba, who received both the Honorary Woman of the Year Award and the People’s Choice Award. Organizers recognized her outstanding humanitarian work, exemplary community leadership and unwavering commitment to supporting Sierra Leoneans in the United States and internationally. They noted that since the inception of the awards, Mrs. Kabba has consistently provided guidance, encouragement and financial assistance while promoting unity within the Sierra Leonean community.

Mr. Joseph Sahr Musa received the Ultimate Icon and Global Impact Award in recognition of his lifelong dedication to preserving Sierra Leone’s cultural heritage and promoting community development. Organizers described him as an influential leader whose humility, vision and commitment to service have earned him widespread admiration among Sierra Leoneans at home and abroad.

Entertainment personality Gerald S. Samah Jr., popularly known as Deejay Sen, received the Legendary DJ in Entertainment Award for his remarkable contribution to Sierra Leone’s entertainment industry and his continued efforts to empower young people through music, mentorship and community engagement.

An emotional moment during the ceremony came with the posthumous recognition of the late Gerald Senesie Samah Sr. (DJ Samah), who received the Lifetime Achievement Award (Male) for his immense contribution to entertainment and community service. Accepting the award on behalf of his late father, Deejay Sen paid tribute to his father’s enduring legacy, describing him as a pioneer whose passion continues to inspire future generations.

The ceremony also paid tribute to the late Mrs. Prosper Euphemia Davies, who was posthumously honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award (Female). Organizers described her as a resilient community leader and devoted family woman whose legacy of compassion, service and leadership continues to inspire Sierra Leoneans worldwide.

Scholar, entertainer and Chief Executive Officer of the Western Striker Community Charity Organisation, Abdulkarim Dumbuya, popularly known as AKD The Great, received the Most Excellent Personality of the Year Award for successfully combining academic excellence, entertainment and humanitarian service to positively impact vulnerable communities.

Entertainment executive Dalo Smok, Chief Executive Officer of Eastern Kartel, received the Ultimate Icon/Entertainment Manager of the Year Award for promoting Sierra Leonean music and artists in the United States, while Sierra Leone’s Peace Ambassador, Shady Baby, was honored with the Legendary Musician of the Year Award for advancing peace, unity and national cohesion through music.

Community leader Joseph Mustapha was recognized for his longstanding contribution to community development and commitment to improving the lives of Sierra Leoneans locally and internationally. The Best Humanitarian of the Year Award went to Mohamed Tarawali, popularly known as Shogan, for his charitable service to vulnerable people, while veteran master of ceremonies Mike Anthony received the Best MC/Show Presenter of the Year Award for his professionalism and contribution to entertainment.

As the ceremony concluded, recipients expressed gratitude to the organizers and pledged to continue serving humanity while promoting the positive image of Sierra Leone across the diaspora for generations to come.

As the curtains drew down on the 69th ECOWAS Summit on Sunday, July 19th, at Lungi, across the Freetown estuary, President Bio and Sierra Leone have added another defining chapter to their diplomatic history. The successful hosting of the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government was more than a routine gathering of regional leaders. It represented a powerful demonstration of the country’s growing capacity to host high-level international engagements while reinforcing its place as an influential voice in West African affairs.

For most of last week and early this week, Freetown became the diplomatic capital of the region as presidents, prime ministers, ministers, diplomats, development partners and hundreds of delegates, including private sector leaders, converged to deliberate on the future of ECOWAS. The successful organization of the summit reflected careful planning, efficient coordination, and significant investment in infrastructure, security, and logistics, earning praise from participants and observers alike.

Perhaps the most enduring legacy of the summit is the world-class infrastructure that now remains in Sierra Leone. At the heart of the event was the newly commissioned Julius Maada Bio International Conference Center in Lungi, a modern facility built to international standards. The center immediately established itself as one of the most impressive conference venues in West Africa and signals Sierra Leone’s readiness to compete for major continental and global meetings.

Complementing the Conference Center was the construction of modern presidential villas designed to accommodate visiting Heads of State and dignitaries. For decades, one of the major constraints to hosting international summits in Sierra Leone had been the limited availability of high-end accommodation for multiple visiting leaders. The new villas have effectively addressed this challenge while creating a lasting national asset that will serve future diplomatic engagements, state visits, and international conferences.

The summit also benefited from enhanced logistical support, including a donation by the People’s Republic of China of a fleet of fifteen luxury presidential vehicles. Beyond meeting the immediate transportation needs of the summit, these assets strengthen Sierra Leone’s long-term capacity to organize international events of similar scale and significance.

Far from being temporary investments, these developments form part of a broader national vision to position Sierra Leone as a preferred destination for regional and international conferences. The infrastructure created for the ECOWAS summit provides a foundation for hosting future meetings of the African Union, United Nations agencies, international financial institutions, and other global organizations. Such events have the potential to stimulate tourism, create employment opportunities, strengthen the hospitality industry, and attract new investments into the economy.

The summit itself produced several important outcomes that will shape regional cooperation in the coming years. One of the most significant decisions was the election of the President of Senegal, His Excellency Bassirou Diomaye Faye, as the new Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government. He succeeds President, Dr. Julius Maada Bio, whose tenure was marked by consistent advocacy for democratic governance, regional dialogue, peace, and institutional reform.

The peaceful and orderly transition of leadership underscored ECOWAS’ commitment to democratic principles and institutional continuity. It also reflected the maturity of the regional bloc at a time when West Africa continues to face complex political, economic, and security challenges.

Another major achievement of the summit was the signing of strategic cooperation agreements aimed at strengthening regional integration and accelerating development. ECOWAS formalized a partnership with the Mano River Union to deepen collaboration in peace building, cross-border cooperation, and economic transformation. Given the shared history and interconnected economies of Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire, this partnership seeks to reinforce regional stability while unlocking new opportunities for trade and investment.

Equally significant was the agreement between ECOWAS and the International Fertiliser Development Center (IFDC). The partnership seeks to improve agricultural productivity, increase farmers’ access to improved technologies and inputs, and strengthen food security across the region. At a time when climate change, global supply chain disruptions, and rising food prices continue to challenge African economies, the agreement demonstrates ECOWAS’ commitment to practical solutions that directly improve the lives of ordinary citizens.

Security cooperation also featured prominently during the summit. President Julius Maada Bio officially commissioned the new ECOWAS Logistics Depot in Lungi, an important addition to the regional peace and security architecture. The facility is expected to significantly enhance the operational readiness and rapid deployment capability of the ECOWAS Standby Force, ensuring that the regional body can respond more effectively to humanitarian emergencies, conflicts, and other security threats.

The establishment of the logistics depot carries a symbolic importance as well. It reflects the confidence that ECOWAS member states place in Sierra Leone as a trusted partner in promoting regional peace and stability. Having emerged from conflict to become one of Africa’s notable examples of democratic recovery and peace building, Sierra Leone’s hosting of such a strategic facility reinforces its transformation into a contributor to regional security rather than a recipient of international peacekeeping assistance.

Beyond the formal resolutions and signed agreements, the summit sent a broader message about Sierra Leone itself. The successful hosting of eleven Heads of State and Government, together with hundreds of delegates from across West Africa and beyond, demonstrated the country’s political stability, institutional maturity, and growing diplomatic credibility.

The seamless coordination among government ministries, security agencies, protocol officers, health services, aviation authorities, hospitality providers, and volunteers show cased Sierra Leone’s ability to deliver complex international events to global standards. It was a reminder that the country’s progress extends beyond economic indicators to include stronger institutions, improved governance, and enhanced international partnerships.

The economic benefits of hosting such a summit should also not be overlooked. Hotels, restaurants, transport operators, local suppliers, and service providers all benefited from increased activity during the event. More importantly, the international exposure generated by the summit serves as an invaluable advertisement for Sierra Leone as an investment destination and tourism hub.

For many international delegates visiting Sierra Leone for the first time, the summit offered an opportunity to experience first hand a country that is increasingly defined not by the challenges of its past but by the promise of its future. The professionalism displayed throughout the event helped reinforce positive perceptions of Sierra Leone as a peaceful nation open for business, investment, and international collaboration.

The successful conclusion of the 69th Ordinary Session therefore represents much more than a diplomatic achievement. It reflects years of investment in infrastructure, institutional capacity, and international engagement. It leaves behind tangible national assets, strengthens Sierra Leone’s regional influence, and opens new opportunities for economic growth and global partnerships.

As the leadership baton passes to President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Sierra Leoneans can take pride in having hosted one of the most consequential ECOWAS summits in recent years. President Bio’s role in facilitating constructive dialogue, advancing regional cooperation, and providing a fitting stage for critical decisions has further elevated his standing within West Africa and beyond

As the curtains drew down on Sunday July 19th, it did not simply mark the end of President Julius Maada Bio’s tenure as ECOWAS Chairman, but the beginning of a new chapter in Sierra Leone’s diplomatic journey. The infrastructure remains. The partnerships endure. The strategic investments continue to yield dividends. Above all, the country has demonstrated that it possesses both the ambition and the capacity to serve as a leading platform for regional cooperation, peace building, and sustainable development in West Africa.

Karamoh Kabba on Geopolitics 

The petrodollar is weakening — and weakening far more rapidly than many policymakers anticipated. While structural pressures have long threatened its dominance, recent U.S. strategic missteps, particularly under President Trump’s handling of the Iran crisis, have accelerated its decline. Yet even with these miscalculations, BRICS would have struggled to achieve such momentum without the combustible backdrop of U.S.–Iran tensions.

Russia and China did not ignite the conflict, but they have unmistakably recognized its strategic utility. Rather than investing diplomatic capital in de-escalation, both powers appear focused on exploiting the crisis. They understand that a prolonged confrontation between Washington and Tehran undermines the petrodollar and strengthens BRICS’ long-term ambitions.

Their approach is twofold. Publicly, Moscow and Beijing condemn U.S. and Israeli military actions in Lebanon, Gaza, and Iran. Privately, they provide Tehran with technical assistance and military support. This dual strategy emboldens Iran’s defiant posture and complicates Washington’s efforts to force concessions.

The implications ripple across the region. Should Iran continue to resist, Russia and China know that Gulf nations and Israel will absorb the brunt of Iran’s retaliation. Such pressure risks deepening Arab frustration with what they perceive as America’s lopsided protection of Israel. In moments of existential threat, states prioritize self-preservation — and that may include exploring alternatives to U.S. security guarantees and, by extension, alternatives to the petrodollar.

Iran’s latest conditions — halting Israeli operations in Lebanon and suspending nuclear negotiations — signal a decisive shift. Tehran is no longer interested in talks. Russia, China, and Iran all understand that Washington cannot abandon its closest regional ally simply to meet Iran’s demands.

At the same time, U.S. military options are constrained. Washington knows it cannot bomb Iran into accepting American terms. Instead, it has resorted to rhetorical escalation, including threats of overwhelming force. Yet Iran appears unmoved. President Trump’s frustration is evident as Tehran continues to call Washington’s bluff.

Ground deployment poses its own political risks. American troops can only be sustained if casualties remain minimal in the early weeks of conflict. Any surge in body bags returning home would erode domestic support and trap the United States in a geopolitical quagmire.

The long-term consequences are profound. Iran may eventually achieve nuclear-state status. Gulf nations, doubting Washington’s capacity to protect them, may seek alternatives to the petrodollar. And, as with North Korea, Iran could secure deterrence-based stability that reshapes regional dynamics.

Paradoxically, such a transformation could produce a more stable balance of power — but only after a dangerous and destabilizing transition.

The petrodollar’s decline is not merely an economic story. It is a geopolitical one, shaped by miscalculations, shifting alliances, and the strategic opportunism of rising powers. The United States now faces a moment of reckoning: adapt to a multipolar reality or risk accelerating the very decline it seeks to prevent.

By Fatima Kpaka

Freetown, Sierra Leone, 19 July 2026: The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) Sierra Leone, working in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Police, has dismantled a large illegal mining camp in Mayata Village, Kholifa Rowala Chiefdom, Tonkolili District, where massive dredges had been installed to exploit the Pampana River.

EPA Executive Chairman Abu-Bakarr Massaquoi described the operation as more than an environmental enforcement action, calling it “an attack on the health, livelihoods and dignity of the many communities that depend on this river for water, farming, fishing and daily life.”

The Pampana River, which forms part of the wider Taia-Jong river system, is a vital source of water and sustenance for thousands of people. Officials warned that damage caused by dredging at one point can spread downstream, polluting water, destroying livelihoods, and increasing the risk of disease across several communities.

“No private interest should be allowed to profit from damaging rivers that sustain thousands of people,” Massaquoi stressed, reaffirming the EPA’s commitment to halting illegal dredging nationwide.

The agency has urged communities, traditional leaders, and citizens to support its campaign by reporting illegal activities and helping safeguard Sierra Leone’s rivers, health, and future.

By Alusine Sesay

Freetown, Sierra Leone, 17 July 2026: The ECOWAS Commission has signed two strategic cooperation agreements with the International Fertilizer Development Centre (IFDC) and the Mano River Union (MRU), reinforcing its drive to deepen regional integration, strengthen food systems, and advance peacebuilding across West Africa. The agreements were concluded on the sidelines of the 2026 ECOWAS Mid-Year Statutory Meetings in Freetown.

The Memorandum of Understanding with IFDC sets out a framework for collaboration on sustainable soil fertility management, fertilizer systems, and climate-smart agriculture. It aligns with the Lomé and Nairobi Declarations on Fertilizer and Soil Health, aiming to boost agricultural productivity and resilience while tackling food and nutrition insecurity in ECOWAS Member States.

Meanwhile, the Cooperation Agreement with the MRU focuses on peacebuilding, cross-border governance, and the sustainable management of shared natural resources. It underscores the shared commitment of both institutions to foster stability, socio-economic transformation, and deeper integration within the Mano River Basin and the wider ECOWAS region.

The agreements were signed by ECOWAS Commission President H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, IFDC Chief Operating Officer Mr. Thiam Bayella, and MRU Secretary-General Ambassador Simeon Moribah.

Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, has described Sierra Leone’s remarkable journey from civil war and international isolation to regional leadership and global influence as a powerful expression of “Sierra Leonean Exceptionalism.”

Speaking at the official commissioning of the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre and the ECOWAS Logistics Depot, he said the two landmark projects embodied a national transformation built on resilience, courage and the collective determination of Sierra Leoneans.

“What was once considered too bold, too ambitious, and too improbable to become reality,” he said, “today stands fulfilled, not merely as a completed promise, but as a living symbol of hope, imagination, and national renewal.”

He added that the new conference centre reflected “the exceptional spirit of Sierra Leone’s transformation under President Julius Maada Bio’s leadership,” proving that “even the most audacious dreams can take root on Sierra Leonean soil.”

Reflecting on the significance of the occasion, the Vice President noted that the conference centre which was now standing in Kaffu Bollum Chiefdom, his ancestral home, was “a shining beacon of Sierra Leonean innovation.”

He said the facility symbolized a nation that “clawed its way from global obscurity and despondency” to becoming a respected voice on the United Nations Security Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council, while currently chairing the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.

“In this moment, Sierra Leone is conjuring a new narrative, one of exceptionalism despite unimaginable adversity,” he declared. “We are a small nation that was ravaged by years of civil war, but today we are a mighty nation; a convener of regional and global dialogue.”

Emphasising the country’s role in advancing African interests, the Vice President said that Sierra Leone’s commitment to regional integration and African-led solutions “is more than diplomacy; it is a reclamation of historical agency,” adding that Africa “must not remain a subject of global decisions, but a shaper of them.”

Turning to the commissioning of the ECOWAS Logistics Depot, Vice President Juldeh Jalloh recalled that the site once hosted one of the largest ECOMOG contingents during Sierra Leone’s civil war, where troops from Nigeria, Ghana and other ECOWAS member states fought alongside Sierra Leoneans to restore constitutional order and national dignity.

“Today, on that same soil,” he said, “the ECOWAS Logistics Depot is being commissioned not as a relic of conflict, but as an instrument of readiness, solidarity and collective security.” He observed that “once a nation rescued by regional resolve, Sierra Leone now stands as a trusted host for the architecture of regional peace,” contributing to African stability and global peacekeeping.

Describing the country’s story as “exceptionalism born not of ease, but of endurance; not of privilege, but of perseverance,” Dr. Juldeh Jalloh urged young Sierra Leoneans to see the new national landmarks as proof that greatness was possible regardless of their background.

“They can dream of being exceptional,” he said, “because our story demonstrates the power of visionary leadership, collective action and the unbreakable conviction that Sierra Leone deserves more.”

By Sheriff Mahmud Ismail

ABUJA, Nigeria — Before dawn had fully broken over Nigeria’s federal capital on Sunday morning, a slender white aircraft sat quietly on the tarmac, its silhouette softened by the pale glow of floodlights still resisting the coming day. Around it, the air was remarkably still. Ground crews moved with the deliberate efficiency that accompanies executive flights, their voices subdued beneath the muted whine of auxiliary power units preparing the aircraft for departure.

It was not a large airplane. The Bombardier Challenger 605, l registration 5N-FGZ, from the Nigerian Presidential Fleet, was built to accommodate twelve passengers. On this journey, only five seats would be occupied.

There was an almost monastic simplicity about the arrangement. Former President Ernest Bai Koroma Office of Ernest Bai Koroma, Former President of Sierra Leone 2007-2018 took his place alongside four trusted aided: his Senior Adviser and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Sam Kargbo; his Principal Assistant, Sheriff Mahmud Ismail; Office Administration Officer, Ibrahim Baimba Bangura; and Chief Security Officer Moses Tughgba.

At precisely 0500 hours, the twin engines gathered themselves into a measured crescendo. The aircraft rolled forward before lifting effortlessly into the still-dark African sky, banking westward toward Sierra Leone.
Outside the windows, dawn unfolded with extraordinary generosity.

July is ordinarily an unforgiving month over the Upper Guinea coast. Heavy cloud, rain-laden winds and hazy horizons are usually faithful companions of the season. But this morning seemed determined to tell a different story. Layer upon layer of blue stretched across the heavens without interruption. The first rays of sunlight spilled across towering cloud formations, transforming them into floating citadels of gold and ivory suspended above the continent.From thirty-seven thousand feet, the world below appeared peaceful enough to forget that history is often written amid turbulence invisible from the sky.

For Mr. Koroma, this was not just another regional journey. It was a return. The first since 19 January 2024. Two years and six months earlier, another aircraft from the Nigerian Presidential Fleet had lifted from Sierra Leone carrying the country’s immediate former President away from his homeland under osteperous circumstances that had unsettled the nation and drawn the close attention of West Africa. The weeks preceding that departure had been marked by political uncertainty, and intense diplomatic engagement following the failed events of November 2023.

Nonetheless, even then, there was an unmistakable dignity to the manner of his leaving. He didn’t flee. He neither surrendered his convictions nor inflamed public passions. Instead, following painstaking engagement led by the Economic Community of West African States, he boarded a Nigerian presidential aircraft with characteristic composure, placing confidence not in confrontation but in dialogue, not in political theatre but in regional diplomacy.

History rarely reveals its intentions immediately. Sometimes it asks nations to wait. Sometimes it asks leaders to endure. The ancient wisdom of Ecclesiastes observes that “to everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.” The intervening months would prove precisely that.

The Government of Sierra Leone has since discontinued all charges against the former President, bringing to a close one of the most consequential legal and political chapters in the country’s post-war democratic history. The decision did not erase disagreement, nor did it rewrite history. But it removed a burden that had weighed heavily upon the nation’s politics while opening wider space for dialogue, reconciliation and institutional renewal.

If there were expectations that President Koroma might respond with triumph, they were quickly dispelled. His public statement following the discontinuance of the charges was notable less for vindication than for restraint. He spoke instead of gratitude, national healing and reconciliation. There was no language of conquest, only appreciation and renewed commitment to Sierra Leone’s peace and democratic future.

Those sentiments now find perhaps their most compelling expression in the circumstances of his return. President Koroma arrives in Sierra Leone not for a court appearance or a personal celebration. He returns at the invitation of the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government to participate in the Community’s Sixty-Ninth Ordinary Summit, convened under the resonant theme “Where Peace Lives.”

Few themes could carry greater symbolism. The same regional organisation that quietly negotiated his temporary relocation in January 2024 now provides the diplomatic platform upon which he returns.

The symmetry is striking without being accidental. It speaks less about one man than about the enduring capacity of institutions to create space where politics alone sometimes cannot.

As the Challenger continued its westward course above the Gulf of Guinea, sunlight now illuminated every corner of the cabin. Conversation remained light, punctuated by moments of thoughtful silence. Occasionally, eyes drifted toward the windows where the Atlantic shimmered beneath the aircraft’s wings like polished steel stretching toward the horizon.

Then, almost imperceptibly, the coastline emerged.

First came the faint outline of the Freetown Peninsula rising from the sea. Then the broad estuary where the Rokel River yields itself to the Atlantic. Few aerial approaches in Africa possess the quiet grandeur of Lungi. the ocean, while scattered fishing boats leave delicate white brushstrokes across waters that have carried traders, explorers, freed slaves and statesmen for centuries. On clear mornings such as this, —as though the clouds themselves had stepped aside to welcome those returning home.

For all the symbolism surrounding his return, perhaps the most eloquent moment unfolded not in the conference hall or on the red carpet, but in the unguarded embrace of a grandfather and his granddaughter.

As President Koroma stepped from the aircraft, little Liz hurried into his arms with the certainty that only a child can possess. She clung to him with both arms, burying her face against his chest, while the former President lowered his head with a smile that spoke more than words ever could. It was the embrace of nearly two and a half years compressed into a single moment—absence yielding to presence, distance surrendering to affection. Those who know the family were hardly surprised. Liz, as family friend Basita Michael affectionately observed on Facebook, may well be “the biggest beneficiary of this return.”

Throughout his stay in Abuja, she remained one of the very few people whose daily video calls invariably found their way to her grandfather. Miss one of those calls, and an explanation was expected. On more than one occasion, I found myself gently reminding him, “Sir, you’ve missed Liz’s call.” He would immediately break into a knowing smile before responding in familiar Krio, “Ay! Make ar cam return dis call before ar end up wit fine or query!” It was a light-hearted refrain, but beneath the humour lay something profound: public office may define a statesman, but it is family that quietly reveals the man. In that lingering embrace on the rain-kissed tarmac at Lungi, even the roar of the Challenger’s engines seemed to recede, yielding the stage to a homecoming measured not by protocol, but by love.

One cannot help recalling the words of the Psalmist:
“Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.”

Whether Sierra Leone has fully reached that destination remains an open question.

Reconciliation is never secured by legal decisions alone. Nor is national healing accomplished in a single summit. It demands humility from leaders, generosity from institutions and grace from citizens willing to believe that yesterday’s divisions need not become tomorrow’s inheritance.

As the aircraft began its gentle descent toward Freetown International Airport, its landing gear lowering beneath a sky of remarkable clarity, one truth became increasingly difficult to ignore.

The journey that began amid uncertainty on 19 January 2024 was never only about departure. It was always, perhaps, about return. And sometimes history’s most enduring victories are not those won over opponents, but those won over circumstance itself.

President of the Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA), Tuma Adama Jabbi Esq., has launched her campaign for re-election by highlighting what she describes as two years of significant reforms aimed at strengthening the legal profession, improving members’ welfare, and enhancing the institutional capacity of the Association.

Running under the campaign message “I Am Tuma”, the incumbent President is calling on members of the Bar to renew her mandate, arguing that the progress achieved since assuming office in May 2024 requires continuity to consolidate ongoing reforms and safeguard the future of the legal profession.

According to her campaign, the SLBA has witnessed notable improvements in professional standards, administrative efficiency, intellectual development and member welfare under her leadership. The campaign maintains that the Association has evolved beyond preserving long-standing traditions to becoming a stronger institution committed to legal excellence, scholarship and the defence of democratic values and the rule of law.

One of the major achievements highlighted is the acquisition of land for the construction of the Sierra Leone Bar Association’s first permanent headquarters, a development described as a historic milestone in strengthening the Association’s institutional foundation. The campaign also credits the current administration with stabilising the Association’s finances through annual operational support and reinforcing the legitimacy of the elected SLBA executive while maintaining that the breakaway Lawyers Society has no legal standing.

The re-election campaign further points to several initiatives aimed at improving the welfare and professional development of lawyers across Sierra Leone. These include the introduction of a voluntary Private Pension Scheme in partnership with the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT), the facilitation of international scholarships and professional development opportunities for members, and proposals to introduce structured clerkships as part of the pupillage programme to support judges and magistrates while strengthening practical legal training.

The campaign also highlights the Association’s engagement with key national institutions, including regular consultations with successive Chief Justices, constructive collaboration with the Executive and Parliament, and strengthened relations with the Sierra Leone Police following a courtesy visit to the Inspector General of Police. It also notes Tuma Adama Jabbi’s continued advocacy for women’s empowerment and her stance against sexual and gender-based violence.

While acknowledging that her tenure has not been without challenges, supporters argue that the progress made over the past two years demonstrates effective leadership worthy of another term. They contend that continuity is necessary to sustain ongoing reforms, strengthen the legal profession and further enhance the welfare of lawyers throughout the country.

The campaign message emphasises that Tuma Adama Jabbi fulfilled key promises made during her first term by raising professional standards, expanding opportunities for lawyers through international scholarships and introducing the Private Pension Scheme. Supporters say these accomplishments provide a strong basis for her re-election.

Meanwhile, the SLBA President recently joined the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay Esq., and other legal practitioners in Parliament on Thursday, 16 July 2026, during the laying of the Legal Practitioners Bill, 2025.

The proposed legislation aims to consolidate and amend the laws governing the admission, enrollment, practice, and discipline of legal practitioners in Sierra Leone, while addressing other related matters affecting the legal profession.

Her participation in the parliamentary proceedings has been described by supporters as further evidence of the Association’s commitment to advancing legal reforms and strengthening the regulatory framework governing the legal profession.

As campaigning continues ahead of the Sierra Leone Bar Association elections, Tuma Adama Jabbi is urging members to support her bid for another term, maintaining that continuity in leadership will help preserve the gains already achieved while advancing a broader vision of professionalism, institutional growth and the rule of law within the legal community.

President of the Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA), Tuma Adama Jabbi Esq., has launched her campaign for re-election by highlighting what she describes as two years of significant reforms aimed at strengthening the legal profession, improving members’ welfare, and enhancing the institutional capacity of the Association.

Running under the campaign message “I Am Tuma”, the incumbent President is calling on members of the Bar to renew her mandate, arguing that the progress achieved since assuming office in May 2024 requires continuity to consolidate ongoing reforms and safeguard the future of the legal profession.

According to her campaign, the SLBA has witnessed notable improvements in professional standards, administrative efficiency, intellectual development and member welfare under her leadership. The campaign maintains that the Association has evolved beyond preserving long-standing traditions to becoming a stronger institution committed to legal excellence, scholarship and the defence of democratic values and the rule of law.

One of the major achievements highlighted is the acquisition of land for the construction of the Sierra Leone Bar Association’s first permanent headquarters, a development described as a historic milestone in strengthening the Association’s institutional foundation. The campaign also credits the current administration with stabilising the Association’s finances through annual operational support and reinforcing the legitimacy of the elected SLBA executive while maintaining that the breakaway Lawyers Society has no legal standing.

The re-election campaign further points to several initiatives aimed at improving the welfare and professional development of lawyers across Sierra Leone. These include the introduction of a voluntary Private Pension Scheme in partnership with the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT), the facilitation of international scholarships and professional development opportunities for members, and proposals to introduce structured clerkships as part of the pupillage programme to support judges and magistrates while strengthening practical legal training.

The campaign also highlights the Association’s engagement with key national institutions, including regular consultations with successive Chief Justices, constructive collaboration with the Executive and Parliament, and strengthened relations with the Sierra Leone Police following a courtesy visit to the Inspector General of Police. It also notes Tuma Adama Jabbi’s continued advocacy for women’s empowerment and her stance against sexual and gender-based violence.

While acknowledging that her tenure has not been without challenges, supporters argue that the progress made over the past two years demonstrates effective leadership worthy of another term. They contend that continuity is necessary to sustain ongoing reforms, strengthen the legal profession and further enhance the welfare of lawyers throughout the country.

The campaign message emphasises that Tuma Adama Jabbi fulfilled key promises made during her first term by raising professional standards, expanding opportunities for lawyers through international scholarships and introducing the Private Pension Scheme. Supporters say these accomplishments provide a strong basis for her re-election.

Meanwhile, the SLBA President recently joined the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay Esq., and other legal practitioners in Parliament on Thursday, 16 July 2026, during the laying of the Legal Practitioners Bill, 2025.

The proposed legislation aims to consolidate and amend the laws governing the admission, enrollment, practice, and discipline of legal practitioners in Sierra Leone, while addressing other related matters affecting the legal profession.

Her participation in the parliamentary proceedings has been described by supporters as further evidence of the Association’s commitment to advancing legal reforms and strengthening the regulatory framework governing the legal profession.

As campaigning continues ahead of the Sierra Leone Bar Association elections, Tuma Adama Jabbi is urging members to support her bid for another term, maintaining that continuity in leadership will help preserve the gains already achieved while advancing a broader vision of professionalism, institutional growth and the rule of law within the legal community.