By Foday Moriba Conteh

Reports of alleged physical attacks and intimidation against persons accused of engaging in same-sex relationships have resurfaced in Freetown following an incident involving Michael Vandyke in Bellair Compound, Dwarzark Community.

According to information gathered by The Calabash Newspaper, Vandyke has reportedly gone into hiding after he was allegedly caught engaging in a same-sex encounter with his male partner, John Sesay, at the residence of his uncle, Prince Vandyke, who is a pastor.

Sources said Vandyke, who was reportedly living with his uncle, was at the residence on Sunday, October 9, 2022, when the incident occurred. His male partner had allegedly visited him at the house shortly after Vandyke celebrated his birthday on Friday, October 7, 2022.

According to the account, Vandyke and Sesay were allegedly engaged in a sexual encounter in the living room when his uncle and several church members who had accompanied him to the residence for a planned meeting reportedly arrived and discovered them.

The discovery allegedly resulted in a confrontation, during which Vandyke was reportedly physically assaulted by his uncle and some of the church members present. He allegedly sustained injuries before managing to escape from the residence.

Following the incident, sources said Vandyke's uncle reported the matter to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) at the New England Ville Police Division.

It was further alleged that police officers subsequently went to Vandyke's residence in an attempt to locate and arrest him, but he had already gone into hiding.

Sources claimed that Vandyke was subsequently declared wanted by the CID at the New England Ville Police Division.

The situation reportedly escalated when some community youths allegedly went to Vandyke's residence carrying stones and sticks and allegedly threatening to harm him.

According to sources, the youths expressed anger over the alleged same-sex relationship, citing their religious beliefs, customs and traditions.

A resident of Bellair Compound, Alie Kamara, who reportedly knew Vandyke from childhood, claimed that Vandyke had been private about his sexual orientation before he was allegedly discovered with his male partner.

Vandyke's Christian background and the fact that he was living with a pastor have also reportedly heightened the reaction within the family and community.

However, in Sierra Leone generally Lesbianism, Homosexual or (Gay), Bisexual, transgender and Intersex (IGBTI) was condemned in the strongest terms both legally and morally.

According to the laws of Sierra Leone Section 13, Sub Section 5 of the 1995 Public Order Act, for anybody who commit homosexual (Gay), the maximum penalty for homosexual acts is life imprisonment, while the Minimum penalty for attempted homosexual acts is imprisonment for 20 years.

Family sources told The Calabash Newspaper that Vandyke fled the area following the incident and that his whereabouts remain unknown.

The sources expressed serious concern about his safety, particularly following the alleged threats and reported attempts by community members to locate him. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/63649

QNET, a global lifestyle and wellness company that uses a direct-selling business model, has announced a strengthened global and regional leadership team with Africa set to play an important role in the company’s future.

Collectively, the new team will lead QNET’s efforts to modernise its business, strengthen its product portfolio, enhance the experience of its customers and Independent Distributors, and respond to advances in technology, artificial intelligence and changing consumer expectations.

The global leadership team comprises:

- Mattias Mildenborn, Chief Executive Officer, brings more than two decades of international experience across sales, marketing, and executive leadership in the direct-selling industry.


- Elena Khoo, Chief Marketing Officer, an accomplished consumer marketing leader whose experience spans global FMCG, beauty and luxury brands, including L’Oréal, LVMH, Shiseido and Tupperware.


- Peter Luk, Chief Financial Officer, who brings more than 30 years of financial and commercial leadership experience, including with Herbalife and Avon.


- Ben Bredenkamp, Group Chief Information Officer, whose previous experience includes Herbalife and Mercedes-Benz, and who will lead QNET’s technology transformation and the responsible integration of artificial intelligence across the business.

“We are bringing together leaders with deep industry knowledge, strong consumer experience and proven transformation capabilities to bring fresh perspectives to the business and help shape its next chapter,”said Kuna Senathirajah, Group Managing Director of QI Group, the parent company of QNET.

“Our ambition is to create a QNET that understands the expectations of the next generation, delivers exceptional products and experiences, and equips our Independent Distributors with the knowledge, technology and support they need to build responsible and sustainable businesses.”


Strengthening Leadership Across Africa


As part of the transformation, QNET has also strengthened its leadership structure across Africa with the appointment of two Regional General Managers.

Cherif Sarr has been appointed Regional General Manager for Central and West Africa, with responsibility for markets across the region, while Jared Thwaits has been appointed Regional General Manager for East and Southern Africa.

Together, they will lead QNET’s African business bringing senior decision-making closers to customer, Independent Distributors and stakeholders while overseeing growth, market development and responsible business practices.

“Africa is an important part of QNET’s future, and sustainable growth requires leadership that understands the opportunities and realities of individual markets,” said Senathirajah.

“Cherif and Jared bring that leadership closer to our customers and distributor communities. Their mandate is strengthen engagement, education, greater accountability and a continued focus on consumer protection.”

Across Africa, QNET intends to strengthen its focus on customer experience, distributor education and onboarding, compliance and consumer awareness, digital capabilities and the introduction of new products in its wellness and personal-care categories.

“Africa has a young, ambitious and increasingly digitally connected population, and we are seeing significant changes in how people engage with brands, consume products and explore entrepreneurship,” said Cherif Sarr, Regional General Manager for Central and West Africa at QNET.

“Growth must be accompanied by better education, stronger compliance and a clearer understanding of how legitimate direct selling works. My priority is to ensure that our customers and distributors have the products, tools, training and support they need, while strengthening engagement with regulators, media, consumer groups and other stakeholders in the markets where we operate.”

In Sub-Saharan Africa, QNET will continue to strengthen its engagement with customers, distributors and external stakeholders as part of its commitment to building a more transparent and responsible direct-selling environment. The company plans to expand its education and awareness initiatives, strengthen distributor support and compliance programmes, and introduce new product innovations.


Transforming Distributor Education


QNET’s investment in African leadership will be accompanied by a wider transformation of how its Independent Distributors are trained and supported. The V, QNET’s sister company and its network training and leadership-development arm, has appointed Sharad Choudhary as Head of Training and Events.

Choudhary,  who joins The V from Modicare in India and previously worked with Amway will revamp QNET’s distributor onboarding, product and business education, compliance training and structured learning pathways.

In Africa, the framework will emphasise product knowledge, ethical business-building, accurate representation of the QNET opportunity, consumer protection and compliance.


Building a QNET for a New Generation


The leadership changes form part of a broader strategy to reinvent QNET around four core priorities: product innovation, customer experience, distributor capability and technology-enabled growth.

Under the new leadership team, QNET will strengthen its focus on:

- Developing innovative wellness and personal-care products aligned with changing consumer needs;


- Improving the digital tools and services available to customers and Independent Distributors;


- Using data and artificial intelligence to make the organisation more responsive, efficient and future-ready;


- Modernising distributor onboarding, education and compliance;


- Strengthening governance, transparency and responsible business practices; and


- Supporting a new generation of independent entrepreneurs with stronger tools, education and business support.

QNET enters this new chapter as part of a nearly 200-year-old global direct-selling industry that recorded US$163.9 billion in retail sales in 2024, according to the World Federation of Direct Selling Associations. The industry supports more than 100 million independent representatives from different direct-selling companies worldwide.

Mildenborn said QNET’s transformation would build on the company’s established global presence while challenging the organisation to rethink how it serves customers and supports its entrepreneurial community.

“QNET has a strong heritage, a passionate global community and enormous potential,” said Mattias Mildenborn, Chief Executive Officer of QNET. “Our responsibility now is to build on that foundation while having the courage to evolve.

“The next generation of entrepreneurs expects intuitive technology, relevant products, authentic communication, high-quality education and a company whose values are reflected in how it operates. We are building the leadership and capabilities required to meet those expectations and create sustainable value over the long term.

“Our goal is to help shape the future of direct selling through product innovation, customer experience, distributor capability and technology-enabled growth.”

– ENDS – https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/63638

Mohamed Rahman Swaray has formally assumed office as Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, pledging to build on the country’s diplomatic achievements and streng then its voice, interests and standing on the international stage.

The official handing-over ceremony was held on Monday, 17 August 2026, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Tower Hill, Freetown. It brought together senior Government officials, diplomats, Ministry personnel and other stakeholders to witness the transition of leadership.

Mohamed Rahman Swaray succeeds Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba, who served as Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation from August 2023. The change followed a recent Cabinet reshuffle by President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, under which Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba was appointed to serve as an adviser.

Reflecting on his appointment, Mohamed Rahman Swaray expressed gratitude to President Dr. Julius Maada Bio for the confidence placed in him and described his movement through various ministerial portfolios as a continuous journey of national service.

“I am deeply humbled by the confidence His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has continued to repose in me,” Mohamed Rahman Swaray stated.

He recalled beginning his ministerial journey as Minister of Information and Communications, where he contributed to reforms in the information and communications sector and worked to strengthen relations between the Government, the media and citizens.

In 2023, Mohamed Rahman Swaray was appointed Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security. During his tenure, he focused on employment creation, labour reforms, industrial relations, social protection, workplace standards and expanding economic opportunities for Sierra Leoneans.

Mohamed Rahman Swaray said his latest appointment provides another opportunity to serve the country, this time by representing and protecting Sierra Leone’s national interests abroad.

“I see these responsibilities not as separate chapters, but as a continuum of public service: from communicating Sierra Leone’s aspirations, to advancing the dignity and productivity of its people and now to representing and protecting our national interest on the international stage,” he said.

According to the new minister, his previous responsibilities have broadened his understanding of Sierra Leone and reinforced his belief that public office must be centred on service and tangible results.

Mohamed Rahman Swaray pledged to approach the Foreign Affairs portfolio with humility, experience and determination. He also committed himself to working closely with Sierra Leone’s international partners to deepen bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

“I approach this new chapter with humility, experience and determination, ready to build on the diplomatic gains already made and work with our partners to further strengthen Sierra Leone’s voice, interests and standing in the world,” he said.

Summarizing his public-service journey, Mohamed Rahman Swaray declared: “From Information, to Labour, to Diplomacy; the portfolio may change but the mission remains the same: service to Sierra Leone.”

Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba, in his farewell message, thanked God, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio and those who supported him during his tenure at the Ministry.

“I have run a great race. I thank God Almighty for the grace to serve this nation and Mr. President, Julius Maada Bio, for the opportunity,” Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba stated.

He also expressed gratitude to those who contributed to the achievements recorded under his leadership and wished his successor well in his new assignment.

“Best wishes to my dear elder brother, Honourable Rahman Swaray, in his new role,” Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba added.

As Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mohamed Rahman Swaray will be responsible for directing Sierra Leone’s foreign-policy engagements, promoting its national interests and strengthening relations with countries and international organisations across Africa and the wider world. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/63634

Africell and Afrimoney Sierra Leone have provided NLe150,000 in financial support to East End Lions Football Club ahead of the club’s participation in the 2026/2027 CAF Confederation Cup.

The donation was presented on Tuesday, 18 August 2026, as East End Lions intensified preparations to represent Sierra Leone in the continental competition.

Speaking during the presentation ceremony, Afrimoney Chief Executive Officer, Martison Obeng-Agyei, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting sports development and empowering young people across Sierra Leone.

Martison Obeng-Agyei said Afrimoney and Africell recognize sport as an important platform for developing young talent, promoting national unity and enhancing Sierra Leone’s image internationally.

He pledged that both companies would continue supporting East End Lions throughout the competition. He also encouraged the players to remain focused, disciplined and determined as they prepare to represent their club and country on the continental stage.

The presentation was made in the presence of Africell Sierra Leone Chief Executive Officer, Shadi Gerjawi and staff members of Africell and Afrimoney Sierra Leone.

Receiving the donation on behalf of East End Lions, the club’s Secretary-General, Alpha Jalloh Esq., expressed appreciation to Africell and Afrimoney for their continued partnership and contribution to the club’s development.

Alpha Jalloh Esq. explained that the funding would help the club meet some of the major expenses associated with its CAF Confederation Cup campaign, including travel, accommodation, venue arrangements and other logistical requirements.

With the first-leg fixture scheduled to take place in Abidjan and the return leg expected to be played at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Liberia, the East End Lions Secretary-General said the support had arrived at a crucial stage of the club’s preparations.

He described the partnership with Africell and Afrimoney as particularly important as East End Lions prepares to compete at a higher level of African club football.

The financial support is expected to strengthen the club’s preparations as East End Lions seeks to make a strong impression in the 2026/2027 CAF Confederation Cup and proudly represent Sierra Leone on the continental stage. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/63633

Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, has inspected ongoing construction work on a modern Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences facility at the College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS) in Jui, alongside other specialized health infrastructure projects at Lakkah.

The inspection, conducted on Monday, 17 August 2026, brought together senior officials and technical experts from the Ministry of Health. The delegation assessed the progress of the construction work and engaged contractors on outstanding activities and expected completion timelines.

Valued at approximately US$3.5 million, the new medical faculty is designed to accommodate about 1,500 students and serve as a centre of excellence for medical education, professional training, research and innovation.

The facility will feature advanced laboratories, interactive classrooms and modern research equipment intended to create an effective environment for teaching, practical training and scientific discovery.

Speaking during the inspection, Dr. Austin Demby said the development demonstrates the Government’s determination to strengthen healthcare education and build a competent workforce capable of addressing Sierra Leone’s changing health needs.

“We will use this facility to train the next generation of health professionals,” Dr. Austin Demby stated.

The Minister of Health and his delegation also visited specialized health infrastructure under construction at Lakkah. The projects form part of the Government’s broader strategy to connect infrastructure development with human-resource capacity and improved healthcare delivery.

Once completed and operational, the facilities are expected to significantly improve the learning and practical training experience of medical and allied health students. They will also expand Sierra Leone’s capacity to produce highly skilled healthcare professionals locally.

Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, commended the cooperation between the Ministries of Health and Technical and Higher Education, describing the partnership as essential to strengthening medical training and expanding professional development opportunities within Sierra Leone.

Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie observed that Sierra Leone has historically spent considerable resources on sending medical and other specialized students abroad for further education. She noted that the country has sometimes faced difficulties ensuring that all beneficiaries return home to contribute to national development.

According to Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, investing in modern domestic training facilities will reduce Sierra Leone’s dependence on overseas education, improve the use of public resources and establish a more sustainable supply of qualified professionals for the national healthcare system.

The Government believes the projects will provide an enabling environment for producing highly trained health workers while strengthening medical research, innovation and specialized healthcare delivery.

The ongoing developments at Jui and Lakkah represent a strategic investment in Sierra Leone’s human capital and support the long-term objective of establishing a resilient, self-sufficient and high-performing healthcare workforce. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/63626

Street begging is becoming increasingly widespread across Freetown, prompting urgent calls for the Government of Sierra Leone to introduce practical and sustainable measures to address the growing social problem.

Men and women capable of working, elderly people, persons living with disabilities and young children can now be seen begging at major intersections, marketplaces, commercial centres, places of worship and recreational areas throughout the capital.

Of particular concern is the growing number of children being used to solicit money from members of the public at Lumley and Aberdeen beaches. Some of the children appear to be between two and seven years old and are reportedly sent to approach tourists, joggers and other beach users while their parents or guardians remain nearby.

Concerned citizen, Charles Sylvanus Boye, has written to the Ministry of Social Welfare, the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs and the National Tourist Board, calling for immediate Government intervention.

Charles Sylvanus Boye warned that the situation should not be viewed solely as a public inconvenience or tourism concern. He said it is primarily a child-protection issue requiring a coordinated response from the Government, local councils, law-enforcement agencies, Civil Society Organisations and community leaders.

“The children should be playing, learning, developing social skills and preparing for a productive future; not being introduced at such an early age to a life of begging,” he stated.

While acknowledging the economic hardship facing many families, Charles Sylvanus Boye stressed that poverty should not be used to justify the exploitation of children. He said the authorities must respond with compassion while making it clear that using children to beg cannot be normalized.

He warned that repeatedly exposing young children to street begging could prevent them from attending school and acquiring the education and skills necessary to escape poverty. Without intervention, he said, the practice could create another generation that views begging as its only means of survival.

The growing presence of child beggars at Lumley and Aberdeen beaches is also raising concerns among residents and visitors who use the areas for walking, jogging, recreation and relaxation. Persistent requests for money could make visitors uncomfortable and damage the image of the beaches as safe and welcoming tourism destinations.

The Government should urgently establish a multi-agency task force involving the relevant Ministries, the National Tourist Board, the Sierra Leone Police, Freetown City Council, child-protection organisations and community representatives.

The task force should conduct a comprehensive registration and assessment of people begging across Freetown. This would help the authorities determine who needs financial assistance, medical care, disability support, housing, education, counselling or employment opportunities.

Social workers should be deployed to identify begging locations, particularly Lumley and Aberdeen beaches, to remove vulnerable children from harmful situations and trace their parents or guardians. Families should then be assessed and connected to appropriate social-protection programmes.

Children found begging should be enrolled or returned to school, while the Government should strengthen school-feeding, learning-material and family-support programmes to reduce the financial pressure that keeps vulnerable children out of classrooms.

Parents and guardians who depend on begging should be offered vocational training, small-business assistance, agricultural opportunities or temporary employment under public works programmes. Support should be properly monitored to ensure that beneficiaries do not return children to the streets.

The Government must also enforce existing child-protection laws against adults who deliberately exploit children for financial gain. However, enforcement should be combined with rehabilitation and family support rather than relying solely on arrests or forced removal.

A nationwide public-education campaign should be introduced to explain the dangers of child begging and discourage the public from giving money directly to children. Citizens wishing to help should instead be encouraged to support recognized charities and Government-approved social programmes.

“This is not a call to criminalize poverty or stigmatize vulnerable mothers. It is a call to protect children,” Charles Sylvanus Boye emphasized.

He urged the Government to treat the situation as an urgent national concern and develop a compassionate but firm response that addresses both child exploitation and the poverty driving families onto the streets.

Sierra Leone’s children deserve classrooms, playgrounds and safe homes; not a childhood spent begging from strangers. The Government must act now before the practice becomes an even deeper and more difficult social crisis. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/63623

Dr. Ibrahim Bangura, Leader of the DIB Movement and flagbearer aspirant of the All People’s Congress (APC), has urged President Julius Maada Bio to withhold assent to the recently passed constitutional amendment bill until the Supreme Court determines the constitutional questions arising from Parliament’s proceedings.

In a statement dated 14 August 2026, Dr. Ibrahim Bangura said he had closely followed parliamentary proceedings relating to the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which he believes raise serious issues concerning the country’s constitutional order, democratic governance and institutional stability.

He welcomed the Speaker of Parliament’s decision to refer the matter to the Supreme Court for an advisory opinion, arguing that the process should proceed without unnecessary delay.

“Given the significance of the questions at stake, I respectfully urge that this process proceed without unnecessary delay,” he stated.

According to Dr. Ibrahim Bangura, an authoritative interpretation from the Supreme Court would provide clarity on the constitutional requirements governing amendments to Sierra Leone’s supreme law and help guide the country through the current dispute.

He endorsed the APC’s position that further action on the amendment bill should be suspended while the Court considers the issues raised. He also supported the party’s intention to seek legal redress before the Supreme Court.

“It would be prudent for all concerned to allow the Court to pronounce on these important constitutional questions before any irreversible steps are taken,” Dr. Ibrahim Bangura said.

He maintained that allowing the judiciary to determine the issues before the bill receives presidential assent would protect constitutional order, reinforce public confidence and demonstrate respect for the rule of law.

Beyond the legal dispute, Dr. Ibrahim Bangura called on political leaders, party supporters and citizens to exercise patience, restraint and respect for national institutions. He warned that political disagreements should not undermine the constitutional framework established for their peaceful and lawful resolution.

“Whatever our political differences, our shared responsibility is to ensure that the Constitution remains the foundation for the peaceful, lawful resolution of those differences,” he stressed.

Dr. Ibrahim Bangura argued that constitutional amendments should not be treated as ordinary legislative measures because they can have far-reaching consequences for governance, citizens’ relationship with the State and the constitutional legacy passed on to future generations.

He said any attempt to alter the Constitution must therefore meet the highest standards of consultation, transparency, due process and national responsibility.

“Doing so strengthens, rather than weakens, our institutions and helps sustain citizens’ confidence in our democratic system,” he noted.

Dr. Ibrahim Bangura made three specific appeals to President Julius Maada Bio. First, he urged the President to withhold assent until the Supreme Court has interpreted and determined the constitutional questions that have emerged.

Second, he called on the President to support broad consultations involving the APC, other political parties, Civil Society Organisations, legal experts and key national stakeholders. He said such engagement would help build the widest possible consensus on any proposed constitutional changes.

Third, he appealed to the President to safeguard the sovereign will of the people by ensuring that the final outcome commands broad national confidence, possesses constitutional legitimacy and serves Sierra Leone’s long-term interests.

Dr. Ibrahim Bangura also urged APC members and supporters to remain united, calm and disciplined while pursuing lawful and constructive engagement.

“Our party is greater than any individual and the future of Sierra Leone is greater than any political party,” he stated.

He cautioned against reducing the dispute to a purely partisan contest, stressing that the national interest must remain above the interests of any individual or political organisation.

According to him, the APC should demonstrate principled leadership and engage constructively with relevant stakeholders as it seeks to defend the Constitution and Sierra Leone’s democratic institutions.

Dr. Ibrahim Bangura described the Constitution as the bedrock of the Republic and maintained that any process intended to amend it must inspire confidence in both its legality and legitimacy.

He said constitutional reform should not be pursued for political advantage but treated as a solemn national responsibility requiring careful deliberation, inclusion and respect for democratic principles.

Dr. Ibrahim Bangura further observed that responsibility for protecting Sierra Leone’s constitutional order does not rest with the Supreme Court alone. He said Parliament, the Executive, political parties, Civil Society Organisations and citizens all have a duty to ensure that the country’s long-term interests remain paramount.

“At moments of constitutional significance, our responsibility is not merely to consider what may be possible today, but what will best serve our country tomorrow,” he said.

Dr. Ibrahim Bangura concluded by calling for wisdom, restraint and respect for the institutions of the Republic. He expressed hope that the eventual outcome would strengthen democracy, preserve the integrity of the Constitution and serve the lasting interests of the people of Sierra Leone. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/63621