By Amin Kef (Ranger)

A high-level delegation of International Moral Guarantors on Wednesday, 15 April 2026, deepened ongoing efforts to sustain political dialogue and electoral reforms in Sierra Leone, holding strategic engagements with the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL), the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) and Members of Parliament from both the ruling and opposition benches.

The delegation, led by former Gambian Vice President, Fatoumata Jallow-Tambajang, included senior representatives from the United Nations, ECOWAS, the Commonwealth and other international bodies serving as guarantors of the 2023 Agreement for National Unity between the Government of Sierra Leone and the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC).

At the ECSL headquarters, the visiting team met with Chief Electoral Commissioner and Chairman, Edmond Sylvester Alpha, alongside fellow Commissioners, in a session focused on the progress of electoral governance reforms and preparations toward the 2028 general elections. Also present at the meeting was the Director General of the National Civil Registration Authority, Mohamed M. Massaquoi, whose institution remains central to voter registration and national identity management.

The meeting formed part of broader consultations by the Moral Guarantors aimed at assessing the implementation of the Tripartite Committee recommendations and the wider National Unity framework intended to strengthen trust in Sierra Leone’s democratic institutions.

In a parallel engagement at Parliament, the International Moral Guarantors met Members of Parliament from both the Government and Opposition benches, where discussions centered on the continued boycott of parliamentary proceedings by some opposition lawmakers and the implications for democratic governance.

The delegation commended Rt. Hon. Speaker Segepoh Solomon Thomas for what they described as his proactive mediation efforts in encouraging opposition MPs to return to Parliament and resume legislative business.

Speaking during the engagement, Madam Fatoumata Jallow-Tambajang described the visit as a continuation of previous consultations with Sierra Leone’s Parliament, noting that the delegation’s mission was to evaluate progress made on the implementation of the National Unity Agreement and to examine Parliament’s oversight role in advancing the peace process.

She emphasized that the team was equally interested in identifying any obstacles hindering the effective execution of the Agreement and ensuring that the spirit of compromise remains alive among all political stakeholders.

In his response, Speaker Segepoh Solomon Thomas welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed his support for the peace process, while clarifying that the National Unity Agreement had not yet been formally laid before Parliament, a development he said constrained the House from taking direct legislative action on it.

The Speaker stressed that Parliament, as an independent arm of Government, should not become entangled in disputes between the Executive and any political party. He revealed that he had already held two separate meetings with opposition MPs in a bid to facilitate their return, underscoring that Parliament remains the most appropriate platform for lawmakers to articulate concerns and hold the Executive to account.

He reminded Members that while they belong to political parties, their foremost responsibility is to represent the interests of their constituents.

Opposition Leader, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, praised the Speaker’s mediation initiatives, describing the engagements so far as productive. He explained that the opposition’s primary concern relates to the Constitutional Amendment Bill, alleging that some previously agreed positions between the two major political parties had been altered in the version currently before Parliament.

Hon. Abdul Kargbo, however, reiterated the opposition’s support for constitutional reform in principle, particularly welcoming the inclusion of a fixed election date in the proposed legislation. He called for strict adherence to the Tripartite Recommendations and renewed calls for the Agreement on National Unity and its recommendations to be formally tabled before Parliament to grant them full legal force.

He also urged the formal establishment of the Committee on Electoral Management Bodies, describing it as essential to rebuilding public confidence ahead of the 2028 elections.

On the Government side, Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business Hon. Mathew Nyuma said Parliament remains the supreme law-making institution and noted that all bills before the House, including the Constitutional Amendment Bill, remain open to amendments through parliamentary debate.

He maintained that elections should serve to consolidate democracy rather than deepen divisions, while cautioning that external political interference often complicates the smooth functioning of Parliament.

Hon. Mathew Nyuma further assured the delegation that Parliament has not acted in any way to undermine the Tripartite Agreement and joined calls for opposition MPs to end the boycott and return to legislative work.

In her closing remarks, Madam Fatoumata Jallow-Tambajang urged the opposition to embrace constructive engagement, stressing that meaningful representation often requires compromise. She warned that continued absence from Parliament would weaken the opposition’s ability to influence national decisions and effectively hold the Executive accountable.

The delegation also raised concerns over the pace of electoral preparations ahead of the 2028 polls, particularly regarding pending constitutional and security sector reforms.

Responding, Speaker Segepoh Solomon Thomas said progress was ongoing, pointing to both the Constitutional Bill and the Security Bill currently before Parliament. He noted, however, that the opposition’s absence had slowed inclusive deliberations on these key pieces of legislation.

He disclosed that President Julius Maada Bio had been kept informed of his engagements with the opposition and remained supportive of continued dialogue in the interest of peace, national cohesion and democratic stability.

The latest round of consultations underscores renewed international commitment to ensuring that Sierra Leone’s political actors remain engaged in dialogue, with the ultimate goal of safeguarding reforms, strengthening institutions and fostering consensus ahead of the next electoral cycle.

  https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/tripartite-agreement-back-in-focus-as-ecsl-ncra-and-parliament-face-moral-guarantors/

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Vice President of Sierra Leone, Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, held a crucial engagement with Mayors and District Chairpersons from APC-led councils and municipalities as part of ongoing efforts to resolve the current local governance stalemate.

Speaking in his capacity as Chair of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Decentralization and Local Governance (IMC), the Vice President disclosed that the meeting focused on finding a swift and practical solution to the political impasse currently affecting the operations of several local councils.

He emphasized that the discussions were driven by a shared commitment to ensuring that councils across the country remain fully functional and continue delivering essential services to citizens without disruption.

According to him, both sides expressed a strong mutual desire to see an urgent resolution of the issues at hand, noting that the ability of local councils to effectively serve communities must remain a top national priority.

The Vice President further revealed that the meeting ended on a positive note, with all parties demonstrating strong commitment to sustaining dialogue through continued engagements aimed at fostering consensus and strengthening cooperation.

He encouraged all stakeholders to make full use of the distinct role of the IMC as a credible platform for dialogue, mediation and joint problem-solving in pursuit of Sierra Leone’s broader local development objectives.

Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh stressed that decentralization remains central to improving service delivery and advancing development at the grassroots level, urging political actors, council leaders and institutional stakeholders to place the interests of citizens above partisan considerations.

He reminded all parties that leadership at both national and local levels must remain rooted in public service, underscoring that the ultimate responsibility of governance is to improve the lives of the people.

“We must always remember that we are in service to our citizens,” the Vice President stated, reinforcing the need for collaboration, peace and institutional dialogue in addressing governance challenges affecting local councils. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/vp-juldeh-jalloh-meets-apc-led-councils-pushes-swift-resolution-to-governance-impasse/

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Government of Sierra Leone has unveiled an ambitious industrialization agenda anchored on the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) project in Koya, a flagship development being spearheaded by ARISE IIP and positioned as the engine of the country’s newly secured US$700 million private sector investment drive for manufacturing.

The major announcement was made by Alpha Ibrahim Sesay, Minister of Trade and Industry, during the Civic Day Series in Karene District, where he described the Koya SEZ as a transformational intervention capable of redefining Sierra Leone’s industrial future.

At the centre of the broader investment package is ARISE IIP’s US$350 million commitment to the Koya Special Economic Zone, a project expected to stimulate large-scale manufacturing, attract new investors and create thousands of jobs, particularly for young people, within the next 12 to 18 months.

The Koya SEZ is expected to host factories dedicated to the production of beverages, tomato paste, flour, iron rods and other essential commodities, many of which currently consume a substantial share of the nation’s import bill. By localizing production, Government officials believe the zone will significantly reduce dependence on imported goods while conserving much-needed foreign exchange.

Alpha Ibrahim Sesay noted that the first wave of industrial activity is already on the horizon, revealing that two new flour production companies and two iron rod manufacturing firms are expected to commence operations before the end of this year. He said those developments mark the beginning of a new era in which Sierra Leone shifts from an import-reliant economy to a production-driven one.

“This is the pathway to transforming Sierra Leone into a regional manufacturing and export hub,” he said, stressing that the Koya SEZ will serve as the nucleus of this economic shift.

Beyond infrastructure and capital inflows, the Government is also moving to ensure that Sierra Leone’s human resource base is aligned with the demands of the emerging industrial ecosystem. In a coordinated response, Haja Ramatulai Wurie, Minister of Technical and Higher Education, pledged support for the establishment of community colleges and technical skills institutions to feed the zone with a skilled and job-ready workforce.

She said the education sector’s intervention will focus on practical training programmes tailored to manufacturing, industrial operations, logistics and technical services; areas expected to experience rapid demand growth as the Koya project expands.

The Special Economic Zone initiative is widely seen as one of the most strategic industrial investments in Sierra Leone’s recent history. Analysts say the ARISE IIP-led development could unlock value chains in agro-processing, steel products, food manufacturing and exports, while strengthening local enterprise participation.

With the Koya SEZ now emerging as the focal point of Sierra Leone’s industrial ambitions, the Government’s latest investment breakthrough signals a decisive push toward job creation, economic diversification, import substitution and long-term resilience.

If successfully implemented, the project could place Sierra Leone on a stronger path toward becoming West Africa’s next rising manufacturing destination. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/arise-iips-us350-million-investment-set-to-power-manufacturing-expansion-and-youth-employment/

By Ibrahim Sesay

Government Ministers and senior officials on the second day of the Civic Day Series in Karene District used the platform to provide residents with detailed updates on ongoing and planned Government programmes in education, trade, local governance and preparations for the 2026 population and housing census, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to direct civic engagement and inclusive development.

The engagement, organized by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education at the Karene District Council Hall in Kamakwie on 14 April, brought together Ministers, senior public officials and community stakeholders in a direct dialogue aimed at keeping citizens informed on national priorities and development interventions affecting their communities.

Addressing the gathering, Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Ramatulai Wurie, said the Government is placing strong emphasis on technical and vocational education as part of efforts to expand access to practical skills training nationwide. She disclosed that plans are underway to establish Government technical institutes in every district across Sierra Leone, with a long-term vision of upgrading them into community technical colleges designed to respond to local economic realities.

Dr. Ramatulai Wurie explained that courses to be offered in the proposed colleges would be carefully aligned with the socio-economic strengths and productive sectors of each district to ensure that training remains relevant to local development needs. She added that the Ministry has adopted a demand-driven model of education by engaging employers and industry players to identify the specific skills required in the labour market, thereby enabling graduates to transition more easily into meaningful employment.

She further revealed plans by the Government to transform the Ernest Bai Koroma University campus in Port Loko into the Ahmad Tejan Kabbah University for Education, Science and Technology, a move expected to further strengthen higher education opportunities and specialized academic training in the country.

Speaking on economic development initiatives, Minister of Trade and Industry, Alpha Ibrahim Sesay, said the Government is working closely with authorities in Karene District to secure 300 acres of land for a major livestock farming project. He noted that the district’s strong reputation in cattle rearing makes it a strategic location for such an investment, which he said is expected to significantly stimulate economic activity, create jobs and strengthen the local agricultural value chain.

On the issue of the cost of living, Alpha Ibrahim Sesay told residents that before the escalation of the ongoing Middle East conflict, the Government had made significant progress in stabilizing the prices of essential commodities. He stated that despite continued increases in global fuel prices, the Government has maintained subsidies on petrol and diesel in order to cushion the impact on citizens and keep transport and commodity costs within manageable levels.

He assured the people of Karene District that fuel prices would be adjusted downward as soon as international market prices begin to decline. In further outlining the Government’s industrial expansion plans, Alpha Ibrahim Sesay announced that two new flour factories and a cement factory are also expected to commence operations, a move aimed at reducing import dependence and strengthening domestic production capacity.

Providing updates on local governance reforms, Deputy Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Alfred Jamiru, disclosed that a draft report on redistricting has already been submitted to President Julius Maada Bio for consideration. He said the report recommends the creation of two new districts, Kpanguma in the east and Bandajuma in the south, as part of efforts to improve administrative efficiency and bring governance closer to the people.

Alfred Jamiru explained that Kpanguma District would comprise chiefdoms currently within Kailahun and Kenema districts, while Bandajuma District would include chiefdoms drawn from Bo and Pujehun districts. He added that the report also proposes the creation of two additional councils in the Western Area Rural District and one new council in the Western Area Urban District, stressing that the proposed council for Freetown is not intended to divide the capital but rather to improve service delivery and administrative effectiveness.

On the 2026 population census, Director of Communications at Statistics Sierra Leone, Samuel Ansumana, informed residents that the Government has shown strong ownership of the exercise by providing the bulk of the required funding. He noted that unlike the previous midterm census, when digital devices had to be borrowed from Kenya, the Government has now procured all the necessary equipment, including tablets and vehicles, to ensure a more efficient and credible process.

Samuel Ansumana encouraged residents of Karene District and Sierra Leone as a whole to actively participate in the census, describing it as a vital civic duty that directly supports national planning and development. He emphasized that reliable census data remains critical for effective policymaking, equitable resource allocation and the design of future development interventions.

He also assured the people of Karene that qualified applicants from the district who applied for census-related jobs would be fairly considered for recruitment as enumerators, a statement that was warmly welcomed by many residents at the engagement.

The Civic Day Series concluded with renewed calls for sustained dialogue between government and citizens as a pathway to stronger accountability, accelerated development and more informed public participation in national affairs. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/government-officials-outline-key-development-plans-at-karene-civic-day-series/

By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

The Government of Sierra Leone, in collaboration with the United Nations Network on Migration, on Thursday 16 April 2026 validated the country’s National Review Report on the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration during a high-level engagement held at Lac’s Villa on Kingharman Road in Freetown. The validation marked a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to strengthen migration governance through evidence-based policy planning, inclusive consultations and stronger institutional coordination.

The report offers a comprehensive national assessment of Sierra Leone’s progress in implementing the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. Built on evidence-based findings, extensive stakeholder consultations and alignment with national policy frameworks, it reviews achievements made so far, identifies existing gaps and sets out priority actions aimed at improving migration management systems across the country.

Providing an overview of the review process, Brima Bendu, Project Focal Point at the International Organization for Migration, explained that the exercise was intentionally designed as a structured, inclusive and nationally owned undertaking. He disclosed that the process unfolded in six key stages, beginning with a pre-baseline training on evidence-based reporting held in Johannesburg, South Africa, which brought together critical government institutions including the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development and Statistics Sierra Leone.

Brima Bendu further stated that a technical working group made up of statisticians, International Organization for Migration staff and consultants was subsequently established to guide the process and ensure effective cross-sector coordination. This was followed by extensive data mapping and desk reviews of key national frameworks, including the National Migration Policy, the National Labour Migration Policy and the GCM National Implementation Plan, all of which were benchmarked against the 23 objectives of the global compact.

He added that nationwide consultations were later conducted in Freetown, Bo and Makeni, bringing together migrants, border officials, women’s groups, migrant worker associations and private sector representatives. According to him, the resulting gap analysis measured Sierra Leone’s performance against the principles of the compact, revealing notable progress in areas such as diaspora engagement and border management, while also highlighting persistent challenges including limited disaggregated migration data, weak protection systems for vulnerable migrant workers and coordination gaps among implementing institutions.

Brima Bendu noted that the process culminated in the drafting of a zero report structured around the seven pillars of the National Implementation Plan, capturing major findings and setting out key recommendations to guide future policy actions and reforms.

In her opening remarks, Pauline Macharia, Officer in Charge at the International Organization for Migration, described the validation as a critical step in accelerating implementation and deepening accountability. She emphasized that the review process goes far beyond a routine reporting obligation, representing instead Sierra Leone’s broader commitment to evidence-based action, inclusive governance and measurable impact.

Pauline Macharia recalled that Sierra Leone’s recognition as a Global Compact Champion Country in 2023 carries both prestige and responsibility, particularly as member states prepare for the 2026 International Migration Forum in New York. She stressed that the focus is now shifting from policy commitments to tangible outcomes that improve the lives of migrants and their families. She also highlighted the gains made since the launch of the National Implementation Plan and the establishment of coordination mechanisms in October 2025, while pointing to urgent priorities such as strengthening migration data systems and improving border management coordination.

Underscoring the human dimension of migration governance, Pauline Macharia revealed that in 2024 alone, the International Organization for Migration supported the return and reintegration of more than 2,000 stranded Sierra Leoneans. She reaffirmed the institution’s commitment, in its role as secretariat of the United Nations Network on Migration, to continue providing technical support through programmes backed by the European Union.

Speaking on behalf of the European Union, Els Mortier reiterated the bloc’s commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s migration governance architecture through technical assistance under the Building Migration Partnerships programme. She noted that the initiative continues to strengthen stakeholder coordination, policy development and the mainstreaming of migration into national development planning.

Els Mortier further announced additional backing through a joint European Union and Ireland initiative focused on strengthening national registration and reporting systems, especially in the areas of return, protection and reintegration. She emphasized the need for a rights-based migration approach and highlighted ongoing efforts to tackle trafficking in persons and gender-based violence linked to migration vulnerabilities.

Representing civil society, Rev. Martha Priscilla Gbenga Chijozie stressed that the validation process must remain grounded in the lived experiences of migrants, including stranded Sierra Leoneans abroad, returnees and families affected by migration-related tragedies. She called for the report to adequately address migrant protection, sustainable reintegration, diaspora participation and the root causes driving irregular migration.

Rev. Martha Priscilla Gbenga Chijozie further advocated for stronger reintegration programmes that move beyond short-term assistance to include long-term psychosocial support, skills development and educational opportunities. She also called for policies that reduce remittance costs while creating more viable investment channels for Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora.

She emphasized the indispensable role of civil society in monitoring implementation, raising public awareness and promoting accountability, noting that effective migration governance can only succeed through sustained collaboration among government institutions, development partners and community-based actors.

The validated report is expected to serve as a strategic roadmap for Sierra Leone’s migration policies and programmes, strengthening coordinated national action while positioning the country to showcase measurable progress at the 2026 International Migration Forum in New York.

  https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/sierra-leone-validates-national-review-report-on-global-compact-for-migration/

By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

Women on Mining Extractives (WoME) and the Women Alliance for Natural Resource Governance (WANrg) on Tuesday, 15 April 2026, commemorated African Women Climate Justice Day in Freetown with a renewed and forceful call for reparations, inclusive policymaking and stronger accountability in climate governance, as activists, development partners and civil society leaders warned that African women continue to bear the heaviest burden of climate change despite playing a leading role in advancing solutions.

The event, held at the Human Rights Defenders Network headquarters in Brookfields under the theme: “Our Lands, Our Voices: African Women United for Reparations and Climate Justice,” brought together women leaders, grassroots organizers, legal experts, governance advisers and rights advocates who highlighted the disproportionate impact of climate change, environmental degradation and extractive economic models on women across Sierra Leone and the African continent.

In a Press Release issued during the commemoration, the organisations said the event comes at a critical time marked by escalating climate crises, resource-driven conflicts and widening social inequalities. They noted that African women, while among the most affected by environmental destruction, remain at the forefront of resistance, innovation and community resilience.

According to the release, the day serves not merely as an awareness platform but as a rallying point for restorative justice, including demands for the payment of climate debts by industrialized nations responsible for the bulk of global emissions, alongside concrete measures to repair environmental and social damage in communities most affected by extractive activities and climate shocks.

The organisations further explained that African Women Climate Justice Day forms part of a broader continental movement driven by the Women’s Climate Assembly, a platform that unites activists and community leaders across Central and West Africa. Since its establishment, the Assembly has created space for analyzing intersecting crises and developing collective strategies centred on climate justice, food sovereignty and resistance to extractive economic systems that continue to deepen inequality and environmental harm.

Speaking at the event, President of the Women Alliance for Natural Resource Governance, Esther Kandeh, said the initiative emerged from a regional movement established in Senegal and later strengthened through engagements in Liberia. Esther Kandeh explained that April 15 was intentionally designated as a unified day for African women to confront climate policy gaps, implementation failures and weak community-level awareness. She said the platform seeks to bring together women from all walks of life, including farmers, teachers, market women, professionals and community leaders, to ensure broad and inclusive participation in climate discourse. Esther Kandeh further disclosed that future commemorations are expected to expand significantly, with stronger coordination across districts and countries aimed at producing more policy-driven outcomes.

Also addressing the gathering, Mariama Dumbuya, Legal Adviser at the 50/50 Group, underscored the need for action beyond advocacy and symbolic engagement. Mariama Dumbuya urged women to deliberately position themselves in decision-making spaces, particularly within the mining, land governance and environmental sectors, stressing that meaningful and lasting change depends on active participation at both policy and institutional levels. She highlighted Sierra Leone’s legal framework supporting environmental governance, including the Environmental Protection Agency Act, the Meteorological Agency Act and the National Climate Change Policy, noting that a sound understanding of those instruments is critical for effective civic engagement and accountability.

Josephus Ellie, Senior Governance Adviser at Irish Aid, said support for women and girls remains central to Irish Aid’s development efforts, particularly in strengthening climate resilience and natural resource governance. Josephus Ellie noted that Irish Aid continues to work with local authorities and civil society actors to ensure women influence land use decisions, environmental oversight and community planning processes. He added that Ireland is also advocating at the global level for increased climate finance directed at women-led initiatives and more equitable access to technology, adaptation tools and resources for countries disproportionately affected by climate change.

Rachel Walter, Human Rights Officer at the Human Rights Defenders Network, described climate change as a fundamental human rights issue, stressing that women face heightened vulnerabilities, including displacement, food insecurity and increased exposure to gender-based violence. Rachel Walter called for stronger protection mechanisms and the full integration of human rights principles into national and regional climate responses, warning that climate governance without a rights-based lens risks leaving the most vulnerable further behind.

Adding her voice to the discussion, Jaiah Kaikai, Campaign Coordinator for Amnesty International Sierra Leone, said the climate crisis is already having severe consequences for women in mining communities across Sierra Leone. Jaiah Kaikai cited pollution, loss of livelihoods, unsafe water sources and growing social risks as major realities confronting women in extractive zones. She outlined urgent demands for the mandatory inclusion of women in policymaking, stronger corporate accountability in extractive industries and guaranteed land rights for women in affected communities. Jaiah Kaikai also called for the establishment of a global loss and damage financing mechanism, proposing substantial annual funding to support vulnerable communities, particularly women-led initiatives at the grassroots level.

Speakers at the event unanimously agreed that the recognition of April 15 as African Women Climate Justice Day represents a collective stand against systems that continue to prioritize profit over people and the environment. They stressed the urgent need for sustained mobilization, policy reform and international cooperation to achieve climate justice, reparative action and equitable development.

The commemoration ended with a unified call for sustained advocacy, stronger institutional accountability and increased investment in women-led climate initiatives, as stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to advancing a just, inclusive and sustainable response to the climate crisis in Sierra Leone and across Africa. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/wome-wanrg-commemorate-african-women-climate-justice-day/

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/