By Amin Kef Sesay

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio has declared that Washington will continue to place its national interest above the international order under President Donald J. Trump, while acknowledging that the current international system is struggling to address major conflicts and security challenges around the world.

Speaking to journalists at the Palace Hotel in New York City on September 23, 2026, on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly, Secretary Marco Rubio addressed a wide range of international issues, including Iran, Sudan, Russia and Ukraine, Cuba, Venezuela, China, Taiwan, Gaza and the wider Middle East.

Secretary Marco Rubio said the Trump Administration sees value in international institutions, including the United Nations, but believes the global system has expanded beyond its intended mandate while failing to resolve many of the world’s major conflicts.

According to Secretary Marco Rubio, the primary responsibility of every government is to protect the national interest of its own country. He maintained that the United States would therefore not subordinate its national priorities to the international order.

“We will never put the international order above the interest of the United States,” Secretary Marco Rubio said, while arguing that international institutions still have an important role to play.

He pointed to conflicts and tensions involving Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, Iran, and other parts of the world as examples of challenges he said the international system has struggled to resolve.

Iran featured prominently in the press engagement.

Secretary Marco Rubio said the Trump Administration’s central position remains that Iran must not acquire a nuclear weapon. He said Washington continues to communicate that position through direct and indirect diplomatic engagements involving mediators.

He added that President Donald J. Trump remained open to reaching an agreement with Iran, but warned that Washington would continue applying economic pressure if Tehran persisted with policies the United States considers threatening.

Secretary Marco Rubio also said the United States would continue protecting commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, accusing Iran of attacks on vessels in the area. He said US forces had been involved in defending shipping and removing mines as part of efforts to maintain maritime access.

Turning to Sudan, Secretary Marco Rubio described the humanitarian situation as catastrophic and expressed frustration over repeated failures to implement agreements intended to reduce the conflict.

He said the United States has personnel working continuously on Sudan and has engaged alongside the United Kingdom and other international partners in efforts to facilitate progress.

Secretary Marco Rubio argued that external actors supporting opposing sides were contributing significantly to the continuation of the war. He did not identify those countries or actors, saying he did not want to create additional diplomatic friction.

According to him, even when progress appears possible, one side or the other often withdraws from commitments because it believes it can gain a military advantage.

He said Washington would like to see a permanent peace settlement but stressed that an immediate priority is securing humanitarian access and creating safer areas where aid organisations can reach civilians affected by the conflict.

Secretary Marco Rubio also addressed the Russia-Ukraine war, saying Washington remains interested in exploring a limited ceasefire covering energy infrastructure and grain-related issues.

He said both Russia and Ukraine had expressed some interest in arrangements involving energy, although reaching such an agreement would be complicated because both sides consider energy infrastructure strategically important to their war efforts.

Secretary Marco Rubio argued that the broader Russia-Ukraine war would ultimately require a negotiated settlement rather than a purely military conclusion. He said the United States was prepared to play a constructive role in efforts that could establish the foundation for a wider agreement.

On Cuba, Secretary Marco Rubio strongly criticised the Cuban Government and said Washington wanted to see political and economic changes on the island.

He said the United States preferred progress through political and negotiated means rather than military force, while declining to speculate about possible future actions.

Secretary Marco Rubio also discussed the prospects for greater private-sector involvement in Cuba, explaining that existing US law, particularly the Helms-Burton Act, places substantial restrictions on American commercial activity there.

Venezuela was another major subject during the engagement.

Secretary Marco Rubio said the Trump Administration was supporting efforts aimed at economic stabilisation and a political transition that would eventually lead to elections in Venezuela.

He stressed the importance of rebuilding institutions, strengthening political parties, expanding space for independent media and creating an electoral process in which Venezuelans have confidence.

According to Secretary Marco Rubio, economic recovery and political reform must advance together if Venezuela is to establish sustainable democratic institutions and create conditions for millions of Venezuelans living abroad to return.

Relations between the United States and China also featured prominently.

Secretary Marco Rubio described engagement between Washington and Beijing as necessary because of the economic and military importance of both countries.

He acknowledged serious disagreements between the two powers, particularly over trade, supply chains, critical minerals and security, but maintained that communication at the highest political level remains important.

“The relationship between the United States and China will define the 21st century,” Secretary Marco Rubio said, arguing that refusing high-level engagement between the two countries would be irresponsible.

He also addressed Taiwan and US arms sales, explaining that decisions on military equipment must be balanced against America’s own defence requirements and commitments in other parts of the world.

Secretary Marco Rubio said Washington is simultaneously managing military responsibilities in the Indo-Pacific, Europe and other strategic regions, meaning decisions on foreign military sales must consider existing US stockpiles and the ability of American industries to replenish equipment.

On Gaza, Secretary Marco Rubio said reconstruction and long-term political stability remain important priorities. He said donor countries were expected to make financial commitments toward reconstruction initiatives and stressed that rebuilding Gaza would be a long-term undertaking.

He also addressed tensions in the West Bank, saying the Trump Administration does not want additional flashpoints that could generate another crisis in the region.

On Yemen and wider Middle East security, Secretary Marco Rubio reiterated US security commitments to Saudi Arabia and accused Iranian-backed groups of threatening civilian and energy infrastructure across the region.

The Secretary of State also discussed Washington’s emerging “Shield of the Americas” initiative, which he described as a framework for cooperation among countries in the Western Hemisphere on transnational organised crime, security, economic cooperation and supply chains.

According to Secretary Marco Rubio, participating countries have different domestic procedures for designating criminal organisations as terrorist groups, but Washington is encouraging governments to strengthen collective action against transnational organisations that threaten national sovereignty.

Throughout the extensive press engagement, Secretary Marco Rubio repeatedly returned to one central theme: the Trump Administration views national interest as the foundation of US foreign policy.

While acknowledging the usefulness of diplomacy, alliances and international institutions, he maintained that Washington would judge international engagement principally by whether it advances American security and strategic interests.

His remarks reflected the Trump Administration’s broader approach to international affairs as world leaders gathered in New York amid continuing conflicts in Sudan, Ukraine and the Middle East and growing tensions involving Iran and other global security challenges.

  https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/64827

By Amin Kef Sesay

United States President Donald J. Trump has used his address to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly to defend his administration’s foreign policy record and reaffirm an “America First” approach centred on national sovereignty, security, military strength and US economic interests.

President Donald J. Trump addressed the General Assembly on September 22, 2026, telling world leaders that the United States had become stronger under his leadership and arguing that Washington was taking decisive action on international security challenges. The White House followed the speech with a September 23 release highlighting what it described as major achievements of the administration.

During his address, President Donald J. Trump said his administration would continue confronting threats to the United States while resisting international arrangements that, in his view, undermine American sovereignty.

The President devoted significant attention to Iran, defending US military action and maintaining that his administration would not allow Tehran to acquire a nuclear weapon. His position on Iran and the wider conflict has remained controversial, with critics questioning the consequences of the military campaign while the administration argues that its actions were necessary to confront the Iranian nuclear threat.

The White House also used its September 23 statement to highlight changes in Washington’s relationship with the United Nations. It said the administration had reduced US expenditure connected to the UN system by more than $1 billion and ended what it characterised as open-ended commitments to some international programmes and peacekeeping activities.

The administration further highlighted President Donald J. Trump’s decision to withdraw the United States from dozens of international organisations and arrangements it said no longer served American interests.

Among them were the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Global Forum on Migration and Development, according to the White House statement. The administration has presented such withdrawals as part of its broader effort to place US sovereignty and domestic economic interests ahead of multilateral commitments.

The White House also defended its withdrawal from and withholding of funding for the United Nations Human Rights Council and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees. The administration has criticised both organisations, while supporters of continued US engagement with multilateral institutions have argued that withdrawal can reduce Washington’s ability to influence them.

President Donald J. Trump also used his UN appearance to emphasise security developments in the Arctic. His administration announced a strategic agreement involving the United States, Denmark and Greenland that would expand American security interests and military access in Greenland. Danish officials have stressed that the agreement remains subject to parliamentary approval and does not transfer Danish sovereignty over Greenland.

Another major element of the administration’s foreign policy message concerned the Western Hemisphere.

The White House said President Donald J. Trump’s policies had strengthened US influence across the region and intensified pressure on drug-trafficking organisations. It highlighted the designation of cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organisations and military operations against vessels suspected of trafficking fentanyl and other narcotics.

The administration also pointed to the establishment of what it calls the “Shield of the Americas,” describing the initiative as a major economic and national security alliance aimed at combating organised crime and strengthening cooperation among participating countries.

Venezuela featured prominently in the White House account of the President’s foreign policy record. The administration said the United States had strengthened its relationship with Venezuela’s current leadership following the capture of Nicolás Maduro and had secured substantial US interests in the country’s vast oil reserves.

President Donald J. Trump also highlighted his administration’s approach toward Cuba, Mexico and Panama. The White House said Washington was targeting what it described as Cuban government-linked networks operating in the United States and increasing pressure on Mexican cartels.

It also credited President Donald J. Trump with pressuring Panama to withdraw from China’s Belt and Road Initiative, presenting the development as part of Washington’s wider effort to limit Beijing’s strategic influence in the Western Hemisphere.

The President further promoted his administration’s Middle East record, with the White House saying he had helped end several conflicts and secured the release of remaining hostages in Gaza.

The United Nations Security Council has also backed elements of the Trump administration’s Gaza peace initiative, according to the White House, which said the initiative included a 20-point peace plan and the creation of a Board of Peace involving dozens of countries.

European security and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation were another focus of the administration’s account.

The White House said President Donald J. Trump had pushed NATO members toward significantly higher defence expenditure and secured major investments by allied countries in the US defence industry.

The administration argues that increased allied defence spending will strengthen NATO while reducing the disproportionate financial burden it says the United States has historically carried.

President Donald J. Trump also pointed to measures against the Houthis and branches of the Muslim Brotherhood, which his administration has designated as Foreign Terrorist Organisations in specified cases. The administration maintains that the measures give US authorities stronger tools to address threats to American citizens and national security.

Beyond military and diplomatic issues, the President presented industrial capacity as an important component of national security.

The White House said the administration was rebuilding the US defence industrial base, expanding domestic shipbuilding and encouraging critical manufacturing industries to relocate production to the United States. It attributed trillions of dollars in announced investments to its broader economic and industrial policies.

President Donald J. Trump’s address ultimately presented a vision of international relations based heavily on national sovereignty, military deterrence, economic leverage and selective engagement with international institutions.

The White House described the approach as evidence that the United States was again asserting its interests internationally and argued that the administration’s policies were protecting American jobs, strengthening national security and increasing US influence.

The speech, however, came against a backdrop of continuing debate in the United States and internationally over the consequences of President Donald J. Trump’s foreign policy, particularly the war with Iran, relations with traditional allies and Washington’s reduced participation in some multilateral institutions.

For President Donald J. Trump and his administration, the central message delivered at the United Nations was that US engagement abroad would continue to be judged primarily by whether it advances American security, sovereignty and economic interests.

  https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/64823

 

Social Linkages for Youth Development and Child Link (SLYDCL) has renewed its call for a review of Sierra Leone’s drug laws through an appeal to the newly appointed Executive Director of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Prince Bull-Luceni.

The call was contained in a policy brief presented to Prince Bull-Luceni during a courtesy visit by the organisation to his office.

Prince Bull-Luceni was appointed on August 11, 2026, as part of the latest high-profile changes in Government announced in a press release issued by State House. Before his appointment, he served as Deputy Executive Director of the NDLEA.

The SLYDCL delegation, headed by its Executive Director, Habib T. Kamara, congratulated Prince Bull-Luceni on his appointment and expressed the organization’s commitment to continued collaboration with the Agency in addressing drug-related challenges across the country.

SLYDCL is a Civil Society Organisation focused on combating drug and substance abuse. It provides medical care, rehabilitation support and education to at-risk young people and children affected by drugs.

The organisation is also a major stakeholder in Sierra Leone’s fight against drug abuse, promoting evidence-based, human rights-centred and public-health approaches to drug prevention and control.

Prince Bull-Luceni assumes leadership of the country’s anti-drug Agency at a time when Sierra Leone is battling a serious drug and substance abuse crisis, which campaigners say requires significant reforms in the national response.

SLYDCL said its 15-page policy brief on the review of the National Drugs Control Act of 2008 highlights key areas requiring reform to ensure that Sierra Leone’s legal and policy framework responds effectively to the country’s changing drug situation.

The document focuses on the need to strengthen prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, harm reduction, recovery and the social reintegration of people affected by drug use. Reform of the law has remained a major demand of SLYDCL and other Civil Society Organisations working in the anti-drug sector.

Campaigners argue that the existing legislation has outlived its relevance and does not adequately distinguish between people who use drugs and those involved in the manufacture or trafficking of illegal substances.

A major concern is that the legislation places possession and personal use within the same criminal framework as broader drug offences. It provides for a prison sentence of not less than five years for the unlawful buying, selling, possession, control or use of drugs.

However, another provision of the same Act provides a basis for a more health-oriented response. Part IV calls for the treatment and rehabilitation of offenders through mechanisms such as treatment assessment panels, treatment orders and the suspension of penalties.

Campaigners say the apparent contradiction between the punitive and treatment-oriented provisions has hindered efforts to establish an effective and balanced drug-control system in Sierra Leone.

SLYDCL stressed that although the law remains an important foundation for controlling illicit drug trafficking and organized drug-related crimes, the changing nature of the crisis requires a review of the approaches contained in the current legislative framework.

“Sierra Leone’s drug situation has changed substantially since 2008. The country is now confronting increasingly diverse and unpredictable substances, including the synthetic-drug crisis associated with Kush, while also expanding efforts around treatment, rehabilitation, harm reduction, HIV prevention, overdose prevention and community-based services,” the executive summary of the policy brief stated. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/64815

 

The Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) has commenced engagements with a delegation from the ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC) as part of a five-day post-election follow-up and needs assessment mission in Freetown.

The mission, which runs from September 21 to 25, 2026, provides an opportunity for ECSL, ECOWAS and ECONEC to review Sierra Leone’s 2023 General Elections, assess progress made in strengthening electoral administration and identify institutional and technical priorities ahead of the 2028 Multi-tier Elections.

ECONEC brings together Election Management Bodies within the Economic Community of West African States and serves as a platform for regional cooperation, peer learning, professional development and the exchange of experiences and good practices in electoral administration.

Welcoming the ECOWAS and ECONEC delegation on Monday, September 21, 2026, the Chief Electoral Commissioner and Chairman of ECSL, Edmond Sylvester Alpha, said the engagement comes at an important stage in Sierra Leone’s electoral development.

Edmond Sylvester Alpha said the mission provides the Commission with an opportunity to reflect on its recent electoral experience, take stock of measures undertaken to strengthen electoral administration and examine the priorities and challenges that must be addressed ahead of the next electoral cycle.

He stated that ECSL attaches great importance to its relationship with ECOWAS and ECONEC, noting that regional cooperation, peer learning and the sharing of good practices among Election Management Bodies are essential to strengthening democratic governance and professional electoral administration across West Africa.

Reflecting on the 2023 General Elections, Edmond Sylvester Alpha described the polls as an important milestone in Sierra Leone’s democratic journey, marking the country’s fifth consecutive nationwide elections since the end of the civil war in 2002.

He recalled that the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission recognizes that the electoral process, in many respects, provides citizens with opportunities to exercise their democratic rights. However, the mission also identified challenges, particularly the highly polarized political environment and mistrust among several critical stakeholders.

According to Edmond Sylvester Alpha, the observations and recommendations of the ECOWAS mission remain important reference points for institutional learning and continuous improvement within ECSL.

He highlighted recommendations relating to stakeholder engagement, transparency in results management, the identification and training of polling personnel and improvements to the voting environment.

The Chief Electoral Commissioner stressed that public confidence in elections is not built only on Election Day, but progressively throughout the electoral cycle through transparent procedures, effective communication, stakeholder engagement, professional administration, credible information and accountability.

Edmond Sylvester Alpha also highlighted the Commission’s efforts to implement recommendations arising from the July 2024 Cross-Party Committee Agreement, particularly those intended to rebuild stakeholder trust, strengthen engagement and promote informed participation in the electoral process.

He said ECSL has continued to strengthen stakeholder engagement and electoral education to ensure that political parties, candidates, Civil Society Organisations, the media, traditional and religious leaders, security institutions and citizens are adequately informed about electoral laws, procedures and institutional responsibilities.

On institutional capacity, Edmond Sylvester Alpha said the Commission continues to invest in the professional development of its staff. He cited ECSL’s participation in an ECONEC-sponsored BRIDGE Train-the-Facilitator session held in Lagos, Nigeria, in 2024.

The Commission also benefited from a European Union-sponsored BRIDGE Modular Session on “Introduction to Electoral Administration,” implemented by International IDEA between March and April 2025. More than 45 ECSL staff members recruited since 2016 acquired structured technical knowledge of electoral administration through the programme.

Edmond Sylvester Alpha further disclosed that the Public Sector Reform Unit is conducting a functional review of ECSL’s management systems and processes. The review covers the Commission’s organizational structure, management systems, functional arrangements, institutional roles and responsibilities.

He expressed hope that the outcome of the review would help improve ECSL’s effectiveness and strengthen its capacity to discharge its constitutional and statutory responsibilities.

Turning to the 2028 Multi-tier Elections, Edmond Sylvester Alpha said the Commission recognizes the complexity involved in conducting multi-tier elections and the importance of beginning preparations early and implementing them in a carefully coordinated manner.

He explained that preparations would cover electoral boundary delimitation, voter registration and centre verification, candidate nominations, voter and civic education, campaign-period activities, recruitment and training of temporary personnel, polling and counting, results management, logistics, technology, electoral security, stakeholder engagement and post-election evaluation.

The Chief Electoral Commissioner also drew attention to the ongoing constitutional review process, saying ECSL is awaiting the completion of the parliamentary stage and the determination of any constitutional and electoral reforms that may emerge.

He noted that, depending on the outcome, the reforms could have implications for the Commission’s mandate, institutional arrangements, procedures and operations.

Edmond Sylvester Alpha further stated that modern electoral administration increasingly requires electoral institutions to understand and respond effectively to emerging technologies, digital information environments and new forms of operational risk.

He described ECOWAS and ECONEC as important platforms through which Election Management Bodies can learn from electoral experiences, innovations and challenges across the region.

Looking towards 2028, Edmond Sylvester Alpha said ECSL remains committed to learning from experience, strengthening its institutional systems and preparing systematically for the future.

He said the road to 2028 should not be regarded merely as preparation for another election, but as an opportunity to further strengthen professional electoral administration, stakeholder confidence, informed participation, institutional resilience, technological readiness and democratic governance.

Edmond Sylvester Alpha expressed appreciation to ECOWAS, ECONEC, the European Union, International IDEA and other regional and international partners for their continued technical cooperation and institutional support.

He concluded by expressing hope that the mission would produce frank, constructive and forward-looking discussions and further strengthen cooperation among ECSL, ECOWAS and ECONEC in support of credible, peaceful, inclusive and professionally administered elections in Sierra Leone and across West Africa. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/64810

 

President Dr Julius Maada Bio has called for a fundamental shift in Africa’s management of its mineral resources, urging countries to process and transform their minerals on the continent instead of continuing to export them in raw form.

President Julius Maada Bio made the call during a fireside chat at UNSTOPPABLE AFRICA 2026 in New York, United States, on Sunday, September 20, 2026. He became the first African Head of State to participate in this year’s programme.

President Julius Maada Bio said Africa’s vast mineral wealth should serve as a foundation for industrialization, economic transformation and inclusive development. He stressed that expanding mineral processing and manufacturing within Africa would promote value addition, strengthen national economies and create meaningful employment opportunities, particularly for the continent’s growing youth population.

The President also called for increased investment in infrastructure across key sectors, noting that modern and reliable infrastructure is essential to unlocking Africa’s productive potential and supporting sustainable economic growth.

“Africa must move beyond the extraction and export of raw materials. We must process and transform our minerals on the continent while investing in the infrastructure needed to drive value addition, strengthen our economies and create meaningful jobs and opportunities for our young people,” President Julius Maada Bio stated.

Following the fireside chat, President Julius Maada Bio attended the high-level opening ceremony of UNSTOPPABLE AFRICA 2026, which brought together United Nations leaders, former African Presidents, prominent African business executives and representatives of leading financial institutions.

United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres and Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, addressed the opening ceremony, highlighting the importance of strong African leadership, effective global partnerships and bold investments in advancing the continent’s development.

UNSTOPPABLE AFRICA 2026 is being held under the theme: “Powering Business, Scaling Economies, Shaping the Future.” The event is organized by the United Nations Global Compact and jointly convened by the United Nations and the African Union. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/64806

 

The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) has held a two-day Safety Management and Occurrence Reporting Workshop aimed at strengthening aviation safety, improving risk management and promoting the timely reporting of safety-related occurrences.

The workshop brought together representatives from the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority, Sierra Leone Airports Authority, Sierra Leone Handling Partners, Freetown International Airport and Roberts Flight Information Region. Their participation reflects the importance of cooperation among regulators, airport operators, ground-handling companies and air-navigation service providers in maintaining a safe aviation system.

Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority, Musayeroh Barrie, said the engagement forms part of the institution’s commitment to strengthening proactive safety management, effective risk control and timely occurrence reporting across the aviation sector.

Musayeroh Barrie explained that the workshop provides an opportunity for participating institutions to deepen their understanding of aviation hazards, assess operational risks and strengthen the procedures used to report and address safety concerns.

According to Musayeroh Barrie, collaboration among the participating institutions is essential to building a stronger safety culture and ensuring safer skies in Sierra Leone.

Discussions during the workshop focused on hazard identification, risk assessment, incident prevention, safety-data collection and the proper documentation and analysis of operational occurrences. Participants also examined how improved information-sharing can help aviation institutions identify potential dangers and introduce corrective measures before they develop into serious incidents or accidents.

Occurrence reporting is an important component of aviation safety management because it enables regulators and service providers to collect information about incidents, operational irregularities and potentially unsafe conditions. The information gathered can be analyzed to identify recurring problems, emerging risks and areas requiring corrective action.

The workshop also promoted the principle of a “just culture,” which encourages aviation personnel to report genuine safety concerns without fear of unfair punishment, while maintaining accountability for deliberate misconduct or serious violations of established procedures.

An effective Safety Management System requires aviation institutions to establish clear responsibilities, develop safety policies, introduce risk-control measures and continuously monitor their safety performance. It also encourages organisations to move beyond reacting to accidents by identifying and managing risks before they cause harm.

The engagement supports Sierra Leone’s State Safety Programme, which provides a framework for regulating and managing aviation safety in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organization standards. Under the framework, the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority exercises regulatory oversight, while aviation service providers are expected to establish and maintain effective Safety Management Systems.

The participation of Roberts Flight Information Region was particularly important because aviation safety requires coordination beyond individual airports and national institutions. Effective cooperation in airspace management, occurrence reporting and the exchange of safety information can help reduce risks across interconnected aviation operations.

By bringing the institutions together, the two-day workshop strengthened shared responsibility, institutional coordination and risk-based decision-making within Sierra Leone’s aviation industry.

The initiative demonstrates the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority’s continued commitment to protecting passengers, aviation personnel and the wider public while promoting safer airport operations and more secure skies across the country. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/64804

 

International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva, has commended President Dr. Julius Maada Bio for Sierra Leone’s impressive progress in macroeconomic consolidation.

Kristalina Georgieva made the remarks during a bilateral meeting with President Bio on the margins of the 81st United Nations General Assembly on Monday, September 21, 2026, in New York, United States.

She noted that Sierra Leone had made significant progress in its partnership with the IMF despite pressures arising from challenging global economic conditions.

“This is a difficult time for Governments everywhere, particularly because of the rising cost of energy,” Kristalina Georgieva said.

She reaffirmed the IMF’s commitment to supporting the Government of Sierra Leone in further improving the country’s investment climate. She also emphasized the need for the Fund to communicate proactively about Sierra Leone’s progress and the reforms undertaken by the Government.

During the meeting, President Bio formally introduced Sierra Leone’s new Minister of Finance, Karefa A.F. Kargbo, who also serves as the country’s Governor to the IMF.

The President reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to the sustained implementation of prudent economic policies as a foundation for sustainable economic growth and job creation.

“The IMF has been a very reliable partner in these efforts, and you, in particular, have been very supportive throughout my presidency,” President Bio told Kristalina Georgieva.

He thanked the IMF Managing Director for her support in facilitating the IMF Executive Board’s approval of the third review of Sierra Leone’s performance under the ongoing Extended Credit Facility programme, as well as the simultaneous approval of the Resilience and Sustainability Facility.

President Bio also briefed Kristalina Georgieva on progress made in implementing various structural benchmarks. He disclosed that the Ministry of Finance is introducing new revenue-enhancing measures to strengthen domestic revenue mobilization.

The President further highlighted the impact of the crisis in the Middle East on Sierra Leone’s economy, noting that the Government had made significant progress in stabilizing the economy over the past two years.

“By the end of 2025, inflation had fallen to 4.4 per cent, its lowest level in decades. The exchange rate remained stable, the fiscal deficit narrowed, the trade deficit declined, public debt began to stabilize and foreign reserves recovered slightly,” President Bio said.

“However, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the resulting disruption to oil supplies led to a sharp rise in international oil prices. This translated into higher domestic fuel prices and increased transport costs, as well as higher costs for producing and distributing goods and services. These developments have reignited inflationary pressures,” he added.

The meeting underscored the continued cooperation between Sierra Leone and the IMF as the Government pursues economic reforms, strengthens fiscal management and works to create conditions for inclusive and sustainable growth. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/64801