By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In a major boost to Sierra Leone’s long-term energy transformation agenda, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Mariano Grossi, has reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s ambitions to explore nuclear energy as a sustainable solution to its electricity challenges.

The assurance was given during a high-level meeting with President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, on Thursday 9 April 2026 in Vienna, Austria, where both leaders discussed strategic pathways for strengthening cooperation in the energy sector and expanding the country’s long-term power generation capacity.

Speaking during the meeting, Rafael Mariano Grossi observed that nuclear energy is increasingly becoming a key subject of policy discussion across Africa as Governments search for reliable, clean and sustainable sources of electricity to meet rising domestic and industrial demand. He noted that while South Africa remains the continent’s only country with a commercial nuclear power plant, several African nations are now actively evaluating nuclear options as part of broader efforts to secure stable energy futures.

He further disclosed that the IAEA has in recent years deepened collaboration with major international financial institutions, many of which have shown growing willingness to support credible nuclear energy initiatives, especially in developing countries seeking to close power deficits and strengthen economic resilience. This broader global shift, he suggested, presents a strategic opportunity for countries like Sierra Leone to begin building the policy, regulatory and technical frameworks required for peaceful nuclear energy development.

“I am aware of the hard work you are doing in your country to promote stability and expand energy access for your people,” Rafael Mariano Grossi stated, in remarks that underscored confidence in Sierra Leone’s development direction.

Responding, President Bio expressed appreciation for the IAEA’s continued support to Sierra Leone, particularly in key areas such as healthcare, agriculture, food security and scientific applications. He acknowledged the persistent challenges facing the country’s energy sector and welcomed the prospect of deeper collaboration with the global nuclear body as Sierra Leone explores innovative solutions to its longstanding electricity shortfalls.

The President also emphasized the regional significance of the engagement, noting that in his current capacity as Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, advancing strategic dialogue around nuclear energy and wider energy security issues has become increasingly important for West Africa’s future.

Also speaking during the engagement, Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security, highlighted ongoing IAEA-backed interventions already underway in Sierra Leone. He stressed the need to scale up those initiatives while simultaneously building national expertise and institutional readiness for broader nuclear science applications in energy, medicine, agriculture and environmental protection.

As Sierra Leone continues efforts to tackle its long-standing energy deficit, diversify its energy mix and accelerate industrial growth, the opening of formal discussions around nuclear energy marks a potentially significant step in the country’s development journey. Analysts believe that while the path to nuclear power requires extensive safeguards, regulation, human capacity and financing, the IAEA’s commitment offers an important foundation for future progress toward reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/sierra-leone-moves-closer-to-nuclear-energy-with-iaea-backing/

By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

The President of the OPEC Fund for International Development, Dr. Abdulhamid Alkhalifa, has pledged support for the construction of a Cancer Centre in Sierra Leone, while reaffirming the institution’s broader commitment to strengthening the country’s agriculture, energy and economic resilience.

Dr. Abdulhamid Alkhalifa made the commitment during a high-level meeting with His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio at the OPEC Fund Headquarters on Friday, April 10, 2026, in Vienna, Austria, where both leaders reviewed the progress of ongoing cooperation and explored new strategic investment opportunities.

Welcoming President Bio and his delegation, Dr. Abdulhamid Alkhalifa expressed satisfaction over the growing partnership between Sierra Leone and the OPEC Fund. He noted that the meeting provided an important opportunity to assess the gains made since the successful 2024 Vienna Roundtable, which laid the foundation for several transformative development initiatives.

A key highlight of the discussions was the proposed Cancer Centre for Sierra Leone. Dr. Abdulhamid Alkhalifa disclosed that the OPEC Fund, in partnership with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), is already supporting efforts to expand radiotherapy access in countries with limited or no treatment facilities. He cited the Democratic Republic of Congo as one of the countries already benefiting from the collaboration, underscoring the Fund’s readiness to extend similar support to Sierra Leone.

Senior OPEC Fund officials also provided updates on major pipeline projects that have advanced since the 2024 Roundtable. Among them is the Livestock and Livelihoods Development Project (LLDP), which has secured US$30 million in approved financing. Another flagship initiative, the Kambia Special Agro-Processing Zone (SAPZ), has received US$50 million in approval, while the US$50 million Bumbuna Hydro Project is currently awaiting Board approval. In addition, the Fund is reviewing the pre-feasibility study for the proposed Kambia-Kychom road project, a move expected to further improve trade connectivity and agricultural market access.

In a further boost to Sierra Leone’s regional economic ambitions, Dr. Abdulhamid Alkhalifa assured President Bio of the Fund’s willingness to support the West African Integration and Investment Summit scheduled for October this year. He also pledged support to help Sierra Leone cushion the economic shocks arising from the ongoing conflict in the Gulf region, particularly its effects on global oil and fertilizer supply chains.

Responding, President Bio commended the OPEC Fund’s leadership and thanked Dr. Abdulhamid Alkhalifa for the enduring partnership, especially the co-hosting of the 2024 Vienna Roundtable, which generated an impressive US$850 million in pledges, including a US$260 million new Country Partnership Strategy for Sierra Leone.

Addressing the broader economic challenges, President Bio highlighted the severe global consequences of the Gulf conflict, noting that disruptions to key energy supply routes have pushed oil prices to record highs, intensified inflationary pressures across transport, electricity and industrial production, and significantly increased fertilizer costs for agriculture.

He warned that for developing countries such as Sierra Leone, which has made notable strides toward macroeconomic stability and economic growth, those external shocks threaten to undermine hard-earned gains, widen fiscal deficits and worsen the cost-of-living burden on citizens.

Since the 2024 Vienna Roundtable, approximately 43 percent of the total US$850 million in pledges, equivalent to US$370 million, has already been translated into concrete investments, with projects either under implementation or in advanced stages of preparation.

The OPEC Fund President’s pledge to support the Cancer Centre is particularly significant, as it directly reinforces President Bio’s longstanding vision to establish a modern oncology treatment facility in Sierra Leone. The project, which has faced delays due to financing constraints, now appears to have received a major boost, raising renewed hope for improved cancer diagnosis and treatment services in the country.

The development marks another major milestone in Sierra Leone’s international development partnerships and signals growing confidence in the country’s healthcare, infrastructure and economic transformation agenda under President Bio’s leadership. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/opec-fund-to-support-construction-of-cancer-centre-strengthen-agric-and-energy-resilience/

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In a renewed effort to break the ongoing political impasse in Sierra Leone’s Parliament, the Rt. Hon. Speaker, Segepoh Solomon Thomas, on Friday, April 10, 2026, reconvened a second high-level meeting with Members of the Opposition in a bid to persuade them to end their continued boycott and return to their constitutional legislative duties.

The engagement, described by the Speaker as a follow-up to earlier discussions, formed part of sustained efforts to restore normal parliamentary business amid growing concerns over the absence of opposition lawmakers from sittings. Addressing the meeting, Speaker Segepoh Solomon Thomas said he had earlier pledged to communicate the concerns raised by the opposition to His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio following their previous engagement. However, he explained that the President had been occupied with several national and international commitments.

Despite that, the Speaker stressed that his decision to reconvene the meeting underscored the urgency of the matter and his unwavering commitment to ensuring that all elected representatives return to Parliament in the national interest.

He passionately appealed to Members of Parliament from the All People’s Congress (APC) not to abandon their legislative responsibilities on account of disagreements with the Executive, noting that Parliament remains the central institution for democratic debate, accountability and lawmaking.

The Speaker emphasized that there are pressing national issues requiring urgent parliamentary attention, especially a number of critical bills awaiting enactment. He noted that the presence and participation of the Opposition are indispensable in the legislative process, particularly in the passage of laws that have far-reaching implications for governance and national development.

According to him, the absence of opposition lawmakers weakens the democratic process and deprives citizens of robust debate and alternative perspectives that are essential to good governance. He reminded the lawmakers that the Opposition plays a vital and irreplaceable role in every thriving democracy and urged them to resume their constitutional duties without further delay.

In a conciliatory tone, the Speaker assured the opposition that Parliament itself provides adequate democratic space for them to express dissatisfaction, frustration or grievances. He specifically encouraged them to use the Well of Parliament as the appropriate constitutional platform to ventilate their concerns rather than staying away from sittings.

He also expressed gratitude to the opposition MPs for honoring his invitation for the second time and for reaffirming their recognition of him as Speaker of the Sixth Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone.

Segepoh Solomon Thomas further reassured the opposition caucus that he would continue to engage President Bio in search of a lasting political solution. He disclosed plans to explore the possibility of a direct meeting between the President and the Opposition leadership, stressing that sustained dialogue remains the most credible path toward national consensus and democratic stability.

“Dialogue is indispensable in any democratic space. Please find a way to come back to Parliament,” the Speaker pleaded, while thanking the lawmakers for their willingness to continue engaging.

Responding on behalf of the opposition, the Leader of the Opposition commended Speaker Segepoh Solomon Thomas for what he described as sincere and statesmanlike efforts to mediate the standoff between the Executive and opposition lawmakers. He said the Speaker’s calm leadership style and inclusive approach continue to inspire confidence, describing him as one of the admirable national leaders Sierra Leone can rely on in difficult political moments.

The Opposition Leader, however, lamented that since the first meeting with the Speaker, no further effort had been made by other state actors to engage them toward resolving the matter.

He reiterated that the Opposition remains a cornerstone of 21st-century democratic governance and called on President Julius Maada Bio to personally engage opposition leaders in the spirit of peace, trust-building and national cohesion.

Touching on the wider electoral concerns fueling the standoff, the Opposition Leader raised issues surrounding public confidence in future elections, particularly the role of Electoral Commission leadership. While acknowledging that the President’s appointment of Electoral Commissioner Edmond Sylvester Alpha was constitutional, he argued that constitutional decisions must also reflect public confidence and good faith.

He suggested that, in the broader interest of peace and long-term political stability, consideration should be given to ensuring that the 2028 electoral process inspires trust across the political divide.

He concluded by emphasizing that the opposition’s current position is not intended to derail governance but rather to seek credible dialogue and guarantees that will strengthen democratic legitimacy in Sierra Leone. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/opposition-mps-demand-direct-talks-with-president-bio-amid-continued-parliament-boycott/

By Amin Kef Sesay

Austria’s Federal President, Alexander Van der Bellen, has lauded Sierra Leone’s President, Julius Maada Bio, for his leadership in promoting women’s empowerment through Sierra Leone’s landmark Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act during a bilateral meeting held on Thursday, 9 April 2026, in Vienna, Austria.

During the high-level engagement, President Van der Bellen commended President Bio’s administration for taking bold legislative and policy steps aimed at protecting women and children, while also strengthening social protection systems across Sierra Leone. He expressed keen interest in how other African nations could be encouraged to adopt progressive legislation similar to Sierra Leone’s GEWE Act, which has been widely regarded as a major milestone in advancing gender inclusion and equal opportunities.

The bilateral talks also placed significant emphasis on Sierra Leone’s progress in human capital development, with both leaders discussing broader global and developmental priorities on the margins of the International Vienna Energy and Climate Forum. The two Presidents reportedly agreed that skills development for local populations remains critical if African countries are to fully harness the opportunities presented by the global energy transition and the drive toward green industrialization.

President Van der Bellen further underscored the importance of sustaining and expanding the gains already made under Sierra Leone’s flagship Free Quality Education initiative, describing continued investment in education as central to long-term national transformation and social progress.

Welcoming President Bio to Vienna, the Austrian leader noted that it was a pleasure to exchange views on urgent global concerns, including the climate emergency, human rights and the escalation of armed conflicts in different parts of the world. He also stressed the need to deepen diplomatic and developmental ties between Sierra Leone and Austria.

President Van der Bellen disclosed that Austria is currently finalizing a new strategy for cooperation with African countries, emphasizing that stronger engagement with African partners across multiple sectors would yield mutual benefits. He highlighted Africa’s vast promise, pointing particularly to the continent’s youthful, dynamic and entrepreneurial population as a key driver of future growth and innovation.

Responding, President Bio expressed appreciation for the warm reception and reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation with Austria. He said he looks forward to sustained collaboration as both countries continue to deepen relations and work together on shared priorities, including education, climate action, human rights and economic transformation.

The meeting further signals Sierra Leone’s growing diplomatic visibility on the global stage, especially in areas of gender reform, human capital investment and climate-linked development partnerships. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/austrias-president-commends-bios-gewe-act-deepens-bilateral-cooperation/

By Francess Wright

As the All People’s Congress (APC) intensifies internal conversations over its future leadership and electoral strategy ahead of the 2028 General Elections, one name continues to dominate discussions within party structures, among grassroots supporters and across Sierra Leone’s wider political landscape: Hon. Chernor Ramadan Maju Bah, popularly known as Chericoco.

Widely regarded as one of the APC’s most experienced, disciplined and nationally respected figures, Chericoco is increasingly being projected by supporters and political observers alike as the party’s best presidential material to lead the APC into the 2028 elections and potentially emerge as Sierra Leone’s next President.

A seasoned lawyer, accomplished Parliamentarian, former Deputy Speaker of Parliament and former Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Chernor Ramadan Maju Bah’s political career has been defined by consistency, resilience and an unwavering commitment to democratic governance. His rise through Sierra Leone’s political ranks has not been driven by political theatrics, but by a steady record of legislative leadership, constitutional discipline and institutional loyalty.

Born in Freetown on 29 April 1972, Chericoco first rose to national prominence after winning the Brookfields parliamentary seat in 2007. His repeated electoral victories in one of Freetown’s most politically active constituencies reflected not only strong grassroots support but also public confidence in his ability to represent national interests with competence and integrity.

Over the years, his parliamentary influence deepened significantly through his stewardship of critical committees, including the Legislative Committee and the Mines and Minerals Resources Committee, where he played key oversight roles in national lawmaking and governance debates surrounding Sierra Leone’s extractive sector.

His calm temperament, mastery of parliamentary procedure and ability to build consensus across political lines later earned him unanimous support as Deputy Speaker of Parliament in 2012. In that role, he distinguished himself as a disciplined statesman who prioritized order, fairness and institutional respect, reinforcing Parliament’s role as a pillar of democracy.

That reputation for balanced leadership and national appeal informed the APC’s strategic decision to select him as its vice presidential running mate in the 2018 elections, a move that significantly elevated his national profile and expanded his support base across the East, South, North, North-West and Western Area.

Today, as the APC weighs its path to political renewal and a return to State House, many within the party believe Chericoco embodies the exact qualities required for victory in 2028: experience, unity, credibility, strategic depth and cross-regional appeal.

Supporters describe him as a leader whose strength lies in substance rather than spectacle. They point to his calm but firm approach to politics, his loyalty to party structures during difficult periods and his consistent engagement with grassroots supporters as evidence that he remains one of the APC’s most formidable assets.

Political analysts note that in an era where Sierra Leoneans increasingly demand issue-based leadership, institutional maturity and national cohesion, Chericoco’s profile stands out as uniquely suited to reconnect the APC with broader voter blocs beyond traditional party strongholds.

His supporters further argue that he represents a bridge between the APC’s historic legacy and the demands of a modern democratic electorate, combining seasoned institutional memory with the humility and accessibility often required to inspire public trust.

Unlike politicians whose visibility rises only during election cycles, Chericoco has remained consistently active in national dialogue, community engagement, constitutional advocacy, youth empowerment and peacebuilding initiatives. His political relevance has therefore been sustained not by campaign rhetoric but by continuity of service.

Within APC circles, growing voices are urging delegates and stakeholders to prioritize stability, tested leadership and national electability as the party prepares for future flagbearer decisions. For many of those voices, Hon. Chernor Ramadan Maju Bah represents the safest and strongest strategic choice.

His supporters insist that the 2028 election will require more than popularity alone; it will demand a candidate with governance experience, legal insight, national credibility and the temperament to unify a politically diverse nation. In their view, Chericoco fits that description more convincingly than any other emerging contender.

As internal momentum builds, his name continues to resonate as the APC’s most credible presidential prospect; one whose leadership journey, institutional pedigree and broad national appeal may well position him as the man to lead the party back to power in 2028.

With Sierra Leone’s political atmosphere gradually shifting toward the next electoral cycle, Hon. Chernor Ramadan Maju Bah remains not only a central figure in APC calculations but increasingly the symbol of the party’s hopes for unity, renewal and national victory. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/why-chericoco-is-increasingly-seen-as-apcs-best-2028-bet/

By Ibrahim Sesay

In a heartwarming demonstration of corporate compassion and community solidarity, Orange Sierra Leone reaffirmed its commitment to social responsibility by reaching out to Christian communities across Sierra Leone during the Easter season through a meaningful food donation initiative themed: “Together We Eat.”

The initiative, which took place on Good Friday, 3rd April 2026, saw the leading telecommunications company provide food support to several churches in Freetown and Makeni, enabling worshippers to observe the solemnity and significance of the day in a spirit of fellowship, reflection and thanksgiving.

Churches that benefited from the Easter goodwill gesture included Jordan W.A.M Church in Murray Town, Holy Trinity Church along Kissy Road, St. Luke’s Church in Wilberforce as well as Holy Trinity Church in Makeni. The support allowed congregants at the various churches to gather after worship and share meals together, reinforcing the Christian values of love, sacrifice, compassion and communal care that define the Easter season.

The outreach was inspired by Orange Sierra Leone’s deeply rooted belief that community engagement must go beyond words and be reflected in tangible acts of support, especially during sacred moments that hold profound meaning for people of faith. Through the “Together We Eat” campaign, the company sought not only to provide food, but also to strengthen human connections and foster a renewed sense of togetherness among worshippers.

Representatives of the company noted that Easter remains one of the most important moments on the Christian calendar, symbolizing sacrifice, renewal and hope. They emphasized that supporting shared meals during such a period reflects Orange Sierra Leone’s wider corporate philosophy of standing with communities in ways that positively impact lives.

The company further underscored that its responsibility to the people it serves extends far beyond telecommunications services. According to Orange Sierra Leone, the real measure of impact lies in the ability to touch lives, inspire hope and contribute meaningfully to the wellbeing of communities across the country.

The atmosphere at the beneficiary churches was reportedly filled with joy, appreciation and gratitude, as worshippers welcomed the gesture as timely and thoughtful. For many, the donated food created an opportunity for families, friends and fellow believers to break bread together in a setting that strengthened both spiritual and social bonds.

For Orange Sierra Leone, the Easter outreach also served as an opportunity to renew its promise of being a company that remains closely connected to the people and communities at the heart of its operations. The smiles, shared laughter and heartfelt appreciation witnessed during the exercise, the company said, continue to reaffirm why community-centered initiatives remain central to its mission.

Rewrite without starting with “As”: As Christians across Sierra Leone continue to reflect on the blessings of Easter, Orange Sierra Leone’s “Together We Eat” initiative stands as yet another testament to the company’s enduring commitment to love, responsibility and solidarity. Orange dey ya. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/orange-deepens-easter-spirit-with-together-we-eat-outreach-in-freetown-makeni/

Orange Mobile Finance Sierra Leone Limited has officially unveiled the Orange Money Mastercard virtual card, a landmark innovation expected to significantly broaden digital payment access for customers across Sierra Leone. Powered through a strategic partnership with Zenith Bank Sierra Leone and global payments giant Mastercard, the new product marks a major step forward in the country’s evolving digital finance ecosystem.

The launch introduces a seamless bridge between Orange Money wallets and Mastercard’s international payment network, allowing customers to make secure local and international transactions directly from their mobile wallets. With the virtual card, users can now pay for goods and services at any merchant point worldwide where Mastercard is accepted, while also enjoying easier access to online shopping platforms, subscription services, travel bookings, and other digital services.

This development effectively removes longstanding barriers that limited many Sierra Leoneans from participating fully in the global digital economy, especially those without access to traditional banking cards.

Speaking at the launch, Orange Money Chief Executive Officer David S. Mansaray described the initiative as a transformative leap in the company’s financial inclusion agenda.

“The introduction of the Orange Money Mastercard marks a significant step forward in our vision to provide inclusive, accessible, and innovative financial solutions. This product empowers our customers to participate confidently in the global digital economy while enjoying the simplicity and security of Orange Money,” he stated.

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Zenith Bank Sierra Leone, Ugochukwu Irechukwu, underscored the strategic value of the partnership, noting that it strengthens the intersection between conventional banking and mobile money services.

According to him, the collaboration is designed to deliver safe, fast, and convenient online and international payments, while enhancing customer experience and accelerating the growth of Sierra Leone’s digital economy.

Mastercard Country Head for Ghana, Gambia, Liberia and Sierra Leone, Bossman Akuffo Kwapong, described the product as a game changer for digital payments in the region, emphasizing its potential to expand access to global commerce for millions of users.

A major attraction of the Orange Money Mastercard is its direct wallet integration, which gives customers real-time access to available funds and supports smooth, instant transactions. Key features include strong security protocols, global acceptance, secure online payments, and convenient access to e-commerce, travel, entertainment, and subscription platforms.

The innovation is expected to particularly benefit young people, freelancers, small business owners, and entrepreneurs, many of whom previously faced difficulties making international digital payments.

Customers can conveniently obtain and manage the virtual card through the Orange Money Maxit App, making the onboarding process simple and user-friendly.

The launch further reinforces Orange Money’s position as a leader in mobile financial services in Sierra Leone, where it continues to drive financial inclusion through money transfers, bill payments, merchant services, and now expanded global payment access.

With Mastercard operating in over 200 countries and territories, and Zenith Bank Sierra Leone providing technology-driven banking support, the new virtual card is widely seen as a major boost to Sierra Leone’s digital transformation journey. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/orange-money-mastercard-debuts-as-game-changer-for-financial-inclusion-and-e-commerce-access-in-sierra-leone/