By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Sierra Leone Government has been urged to take “the next step” in addressing outstanding concerns over media freedom following the signing into law of the Counter-Terrorism Act 2025 and ahead of upcoming parliamentary discussions. The call was made by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), which commended recent progress but stressed the need for further reforms.

The IFJ joined its affiliate, the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), in welcoming President Julius Maada Bio’s formal signing into law in September 2025 of the Counter-Terrorism Act 2025. The legislation includes significant amendments that addressed media freedom concerns previously raised by SLAJ and other media stakeholders.

While applauding the development, the Federation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting SLAJ’s continued advocacy for additional measures to promote and safeguard media freedom in Sierra Leone. Particular concern was raised over Section 44 (2) of the Cyber Security and Crime Act, which media advocates argue poses a threat to freedom of expression and media rights.

According to the IFJ, despite the progress made with the Counter-Terrorism Act, urgent attention must now be directed at reviewing and amending provisions within the Cyber Security and Crime Act that could potentially undermine independent journalism.

In addition, the IFJ joined calls for the inclusion of a standalone chapter in the 1991 Constitution to strengthen constitutional protections for media freedom and freedom of expression. The proposed Chapter 12, advanced by SLAJ and its partners, seeks to formally recognize the media as a public good, safeguard editorial independence, guarantee access to information and set constitutional limits on state interference in media operations.

IFJ General Secretary, Anthony Bellanger, welcomed the reforms already achieved but emphasized that more work remains to be done.

“Important steps have been taken in recent months to advance media rights in Sierra Leone and we welcome the progress made by SLAJ and its allies in securing important amendments to the Counter-Terrorism Act which protect media freedom,” he stated.

“But now the Government must take the next steps and urgently review the Cyber Security and Crime Act to ensure it does not undermine independent journalism and media freedom. For the longer term, we urge the constitutional review process to adopt SLAJ’s call for a stand-alone Chapter 12 which would help ensure that citizens’ rights to information are protected by constitutional guarantees of media freedom and freedom of expression,” Anthony Bellanger added.

Media stakeholders continue to stress that strengthening legal and constitutional protections is essential to consolidating democratic governance, transparency, and accountability in Sierra Leone. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/ifj-urges-government-to-review-cyber-laws-strengthen-media-freedom-protections/

In an era where mobility drives productivity and economic survival, Shalimar Trading Company Limited has firmly positioned itself as a pillar of Sierra Leone’s transport transformation, with TVS Motor Company motorcycles and three-wheelers rapidly becoming the backbone of commercial movement across the country.

From the bustling and traffic-heavy streets of Freetown to hard-to-reach rural chiefdoms where road conditions remain challenging, TVS motorcycles are now a dominant presence. Commercial riders, popularly known as Okada operators, delivery agents, traders and small business owners are increasingly turning to TVS models for their proven durability, fuel efficiency and resilience under Sierra Leone’s demanding road conditions.

As the sole authorized distributor of TVS motorcycles, scooters, mopeds and three-wheelers in Sierra Leone, Shalimar Trading has built a reputation not merely as a supplier but as a trusted mobility partner. The company’s structured distribution channels, availability of genuine spare parts and professional after-sales services have significantly boosted consumer confidence and brand loyalty.

Among the most visible motorcycles reshaping commercial transport is the TVS Star HLX series. Available in 100ES, 100KS, 125cc and 150cc variants, the Star HLX has earned a formidable reputation for strength, load-bearing capacity and long-distance endurance. Riders operating on rough terrain and inter-district routes describe it as reliable, cost-effective and built for the realities of Sierra Leone’s transport landscape.

Its dominance in the Okada sector underscores its role as an economic enabler, empowering thousands of young riders to earn sustainable livelihoods while providing essential transport services to communities.

Equally impactful is the TVS King Deluxe three-wheeler popularly known as the “Kekeh.” With capacity for up to four passengers, the King Deluxe has become a critical solution for shared urban and peri-urban transport. Its fuel economy, maneuverability and passenger comfort make it a preferred choice for operators seeking steady income and families seeking affordable mobility.

Across major towns and district headquarters, the TVS King Deluxe is now synonymous with dependable, accessible and affordable transportation.

Shalimar Trading’s portfolio extends beyond commercial workhorses. The TVS Jupiter scooter is gaining popularity among urban commuters who value comfort and ease of navigation through congested streets. Meanwhile, the TVS Victor offers a balance of efficiency, comfort and modern design, attracting riders who require versatility for both business and personal use.

Younger riders are gravitating toward models such as the TVS NEO XR and TVS ZT 125, drawn by their stylish appearance and economical performance. For performance enthusiasts, the TVS Apache range, including the Apache RTR 200, delivers advanced engineering, responsive handling and sport-inspired design.

For traders and small-scale entrepreneurs, the TVS XL 100 moped continues to provide a practical and fuel-efficient solution for market deliveries and short-distance commercial activities.

Industry stakeholders emphasize that Shalimar Trading’s leadership extends beyond product distribution. The company has established multiple service and parts outlets across Freetown, including Lumley, Bai Bureh Road and Siaka Stevens Street. This strong after-sales support network ensures access to genuine spare parts and qualified technicians, protecting riders’ investments and reducing downtime.

Beyond TVS products, Shalimar Trading also distributes globally recognized brands such as Suzuki, Sonalika International, Isuzu, CFMOTO and Leyland, reinforcing its status as a major automotive and industrial force in Sierra Leone and the wider sub-region, including Liberia.

As Sierra Leone’s informal and formal transport sectors continue to expand, motorcycles and compact vehicles remain indispensable tools for commerce, logistics and daily commuting. Through its strategic partnership with TVS Motor Company, Shalimar Trading is not only consolidating market leadership but also supporting livelihoods, stimulating employment and strengthening the country’s mobility infrastructure.

In a nation where transport equals opportunity, Shalimar Trading’s TVS motorcycles and King Deluxe Kekeh are not just vehicles—they are engines of economic empowerment, connecting communities and driving Sierra Leone forward. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/shalimar-trading-consolidates-market-leadership-as-tvs-bikes-and-king-deluxe-kekeh-dominate-commercial-transport-nationwide/

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Road Maintenance Fund Administration (RMFA) has announced the successful resolution of an outstanding audit issue concerning the incomplete construction of a 10-metre span bridge linking Kpangbama to Rotawa in Fakunya Chiefdom, Moyamba District.

According to the RMFA, the audit finding had highlighted concerns over unfinished works on the bridge project, which serves as a critical access point for communities within the chiefdom. In response to the observation, the Administration initiated corrective actions aimed at addressing the identified gaps and ensuring compliance with contractual obligations.

The RMFA stated that it enforced strict adherence to the terms of the construction contract while simultaneously strengthening its project supervision and monitoring mechanisms. These measures, officials noted, were designed not only to complete the outstanding works but also to reinforce institutional accountability in infrastructure delivery.

Authorities have now confirmed that all pending bridge works have been fully completed. The 10-metre span bridge is operational and providing safe and reliable passage along the Kpangbama–Rotawa route.

Community members in Fakunya Chiefdom are expected to benefit significantly from the completed project. The restored link is projected to enhance mobility, facilitate trade, improve agricultural transportation and strengthen social and economic connectivity across the Moyamba District.

The completion of the bridge marks an important step in closing the audit gap and demonstrates RMFA’s responsiveness to oversight mechanisms. It also underscores the Administration’s broader mandate of ensuring that public funds allocated for road maintenance and infrastructure projects are utilized effectively and transparently.

In its statement, the RMFA reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and diligent monitoring of all road maintenance and infrastructure initiatives nationwide. The Administration emphasized that lessons drawn from the audit finding have informed strengthened supervision frameworks to guarantee timely and satisfactory delivery of future projects.

The successful completion of the Kpangbama–Rotawa Bridge stands as a testament to RMFA’s resolve to correct deficiencies where identified and to prioritize infrastructure development that directly supports national growth and rural transformation. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/rmfa-closes-audit-gap-with-completion-of-kpangbama-rotawa-bridge-in-moyamba-district/

By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources and the National Minerals Agency (NMA), has endorsed the formal commencement of development works at the Sembehun (Area 5) Rutile Expansion Project, underscoring its strategic role in national industrial policy and long-term economic diversification. The groundbreaking ceremony, held on Thursday, 26 February 2026, signals the transition of Sierra Rutile Holdings Limited into a new operational phase that Government officials describe as transformative for the mining sector and the broader economy.

Sembehun is widely recognized in the global mining industry as one of the largest and highest-grade natural rutile deposits in the world, a critical mineral that feeds the global titanium dioxide supply chain and supports industries from aerospace and advanced manufacturing to pigments and welding consumables. Definitive feasibility analysis projects the Sembehun deposits to contain more than 173 million tonnes of ore at high rutile grades, with an estimated annual output of roughly 175,000 tonnes of rutile at steady state over a 14-year mine life.

In remarks at the site in Bagruwa Chiefdom, Moyamba District, Alhaji Hadji Daboh, Director General of the National Minerals Agency (NMA), described the event as a historic milestone for Sierra Leone’s extractives sector. He said the project, now fully locally owned, marks the first large-scale mining operation under Sierra Leonean capital following the 2024 acquisition of Sierra Rutile by Leonoil Company Limited, a development the Government views as a strategic advancement in national empowerment and control over mineral resources.

The DG framed the Sembehun project as a tangible outcome of President Julius Maada Bio’s economic agenda, which seeks to shift mining away from export-oriented raw extraction toward value creation, skills development and community transformation. He emphasized that securing a $70 million syndicated financing line, including $40 million from Ecobank Sierra Leone, underscores growing investor confidence in Sierra Leone’s reform environment, fiscal stability and governance improvements.

With implementation projected to support infrastructure development, job creation and robust revenue streams, he said Sembehun could significantly bolster foreign exchange earnings and fiscal receipts over its life. Expected outcomes highlighted by the NMA DG include expanded local employment opportunities, enhanced training and skills development and infrastructure upgrades, ranging from transportation networks to energy and social services, in and beyond Moyamba District.

Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Julius D. Mattai, reiterated the Government’s commitment to harnessing Sierra Leone’s mineral wealth for broad-based development. Drawing from his own trajectory from miner to Minister, he framed the project as a definitive step in realizing a sector that benefits Sierra Leoneans at all levels, from ownership to operational participation and downstream economic impact.

Minister Julius D. Mattai emphasized the importance of a strong legal framework anchored on the Mines and Minerals Development Act 2023, he says has established a structured governance model to ensure transparency, accountability and equitable benefit sharing among investors, communities and the state. He affirmed inter-agency cooperation, particularly with the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Revenue Authority, to enforce compliance with environmental and fiscal obligations.

The Minister stressed that modern mining must conform to rigorous environmental and social standards. He said, in addition to regulatory compliance measures already approved, Sierra Rutile is expected to meet stringent conditions on land use, water resource protection and community engagement as part of its Environmental, Social and Health Impact Assessment and Management Plan, requirements overseen by the Environmental Protection Agency of Sierra Leone.

Alhaji Mohamed Babatunde Cole, Executive Chairman of Sierra Rutile Holdings Limited, described the groundbreaking as more than ceremonial; it represents operationalization of a long-anticipated mining phase that industry stakeholders have tracked for decades. Babatunde Cole underscored that relocation of a world-class processing plant from abroad was designed to optimize capital expenditure and accelerate deployment, while enhancing the company’s competitive standing in global rutile markets.

Sierra Rutile, historically one of the world’s leading producers of natural rutile and one of Sierra Leone’s largest private-sector employers, has faced operational challenges in recent years as existing deposits approached depletion. Officials indicate that Sembehun will extend the company’s productive life by more than a decade and help address an impending global supply shortage of rutile, which is expected as existing first-tier deposits worldwide decline.

As groundbreaking works transition into full project execution, the Government says it will remain vigilant in monitoring compliance, enforcing local content obligations and maximizing socio-economic impact. Officials describe Sembehun not simply as a mining investment but as a cornerstone of Sierra Leone’s long-term industrial development strategy, one that positions the nation to compete in critical mineral markets while promoting domestic capacity, transparency and shared prosperity. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/government-positions-sembehun-area-5-as-strategic-national-asset-as-sierra-rutile-breaks-ground/

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Mining activity continues to shape both the economy and social structure of Kenema District, Eastern Province of Sierra Leone particularly in diamond-rich Tongo, the alluvial fields of Lower Bambara, Wando, Bojabu and Kandu Leppiemah Chiefdoms, the gold prospects of the Kambui Hills, and the controversial operations around Lowuma in Koya Chiefdom. But while minerals generate income for many households, emerging data reveal a troubling pattern: a significant proportion of children are involved in labour, including hazardous mining work.

According to a 2019–2020 household survey conducted by the African Programming & Research Initiative to End Slavery (APRIES), approximately 35 percent of children aged 5–17 years in Kenema District were engaged in child labour. This means that more than one in every three children in that age bracket was involved in some form of economic activity considered inappropriate or harmful. The Eastern Province average stood at 44.6 percent, while neighbouring Kono and Kailahun recorded higher rates of 52 percent and 41 percent respectively.

Within Kenema’s child labour population, about 7 percent were involved specifically in mining and quarrying activities. Though mining does not represent the largest share of child labour sectors, it remains one of the most dangerous. The same survey found that 20 percent of affected children were engaged in portering and 9 percent in fishing. In addition, 26.6 percent of children in Kenema District were estimated to have experienced trafficking meaning roughly one in four children had been moved or compelled into exploitative situations, often overlapping with labour in mining communities.

At an artisanal diamond site near Tongo, 17-year-old Abdulai Sesay said he earns between one hundred and two hundred on a lucky day carrying gravel for adult miners. “If there is no find, I go home with nothing,” he explained. He spends long hours shoveling and washing sediments from riverbanks, a method known as alluvial mining, where loose soil and gravel are excavated and sieved manually in search of diamonds. Without boots, gloves or helmets, children face exposure to collapsing pits, sharp tools and contaminated water.

The mother of a child miner in Lower Bambara Chiefdom, Hawa Sheriff, acknowledged that poverty drives many families’ decisions. “When there is no food, you cannot tell the child to sit at home,” she said. Like many households in mining areas, her family survives below the national poverty threshold and depends on irregular mining income. Although the Government promotes free quality education, indirect costs such as uniforms, learning materials and transportation remain barriers, pushing children into labour rather than classrooms.

Mining methods vary across the district. Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) dominates in rural chiefdoms, where individuals dig shallow pits using basic tools. Formal operations, such as the gold project under development in the Kambui Hills by JM Mining under an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) licence, are legally required to adhere to regulatory and environmental standards. However, illegal mining operations, including mechanized dredging near watercourses, continue to be reported, particularly around Lowuma in Koya Chiefdom, contributing to environmental degradation and increasing the vulnerability of children.

A district official from the National Minerals Agency (NMA), Ing Mohamed Gaima confirmed that hazardous child labour is prohibited under the Child Rights Act 2007 and labour regulations although it is regarded as cultural. “Our responsibility is to inspect licensed sites and enforce compliance,” he stated, noting that license holders who allow child labour risk sanctions or revocation. According to him they embark on sensitization drives to raise awareness. However, he admitted that monitoring dispersed artisanal sites remains a challenge.

Traditional leaders also recognize the gravity of the statistics. A Town Chief in Bomboma Village, Nongowa Chiefdom, Mohamed Sidie ,said that while children helping families has historically been normalized; hazardous mining work crosses a legal and moral line. “When one in three children is already in labour, we must intervene decisively,” he said, calling for strengthened chiefdom by-laws and community child protection committees.

Officials from the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs expressed particular concern about the trafficking figures. “If 26.6 percent of children have experienced trafficking, that is not just a labour issue; it is a protection crisis,” a district representative emphasized. She stressed the need for psychosocial support, reintegration programs and accelerated learning opportunities for former child miners.

Teachers in mining communities report increased absenteeism during peak mining seasons, with some pupils permanently dropping out. The educational consequences, combined with health risks such as respiratory problems, musculoskeletal injuries and waterborne diseases, reinforce cycles of poverty and underdevelopment.

Experts agree that reducing child mining in Kenema requires coordinated enforcement, poverty alleviation and education support. Routine site inspections, conditional cash transfers to vulnerable households, school feeding expansion, vocational training for parents and formalization of artisanal mining with strict “No Child Labour” clauses are among the recommended measures.

If these interventions are implemented effectively, the district could see measurable declines in child labour prevalence, improved school retention rates and reduced trafficking figures. For Kenema’s children, statistics should not merely reflect hardship, they should become benchmarks for progress toward safer communities and protected childhoods.

The publication is supported by the National Fund for Public Interest Media (NaFPIM), through the Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG), with funding from the International Fund for Public Interest Media (IFPIM) and the United Kingdom. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/poverty-and-pits-why-children-continue-to-work-in-kenemas-mines/

By Yusuf Keketoma Sandi Esq.

On 20 February 2026, His Excellency the President appointed Edmond S. Alpha as substantive Chief Electoral Commissioner of the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL), subject to the approval of Parliament. That decision followed a consultation process that produced endorsement from 12 of the 14 registered political parties.

Despite participating in the consultation process, the main opposition, the All People’s Congress (APC), issued a press release rejecting the appointment, called on the government to rescind it, and gave a 48-hour ultimatum threatening to withdraw APC’s elected officials from Parliament, local councils and other governance structures.

The APC claims that the appointment constitutes an assault on the Agreement for National Unity, questions Mr. Alpha’s credibility and post‑election conduct, and asserts lack of good faith in implementing the Tripartite recommendations. Even if APC believes these charges to be legitimate, its 48-hour ultimatum is unjustifiable and without basis.

To start with, the President’s action was constitutional, lawful and consistent with the scope of the Agreement for National Unity. Paragraph C of the Agreement’s preamble is explicit and dispositive: the laws of the Republic of Sierra Leone, especially the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Act No.6 1991), are sacrosanct. Accordingly, an Agreement that expressly recognizes the Constitution’s primacy cannot be given an interpretation that makes the lawful exercise of a constitutional duty an “assault” on that Agreement. Clearly, the Agreement acknowledges its limitation by deferring to the Constitution.

The APC further contends that the appointment demonstrates bad faith in implementing the Tripartite recommendations and Agreement. Unarguably, there is overwhelming evidence of Government’s commitment to the implementation of the Tripartite recommendations and Agreement. This is not in dispute. It is therefore inconceivable that the APC desires to use an amorphous claim of “good faith” to invalidate a clear constitutional prerogative. In my view, “good faith” is not a superseding constraint that disempowers the President from performing duties entrusted by the constitution.

Our APC friends have also argued that the concerns raised by APC in its ultimatum press release had already been conveyed during the consultation. They assert that the APC has been consistent in its position and the ultimatum is not unreasonable. I pointed one of them to section 171(14) of the Constitution, which makes clear that after the consultation the President was not required to act in accordance with the advice of the APC or any political party. Additionally, the provision safeguards the exercise of that function by stating that the question of whether consultation was made shall not be inquired into in any court. Nonetheless, in the interest of transparency the public was informed of the approvals received from political parties during the consultation.

Consequently, it is my view that APC cannot accept to participate in the consultation process and later repudiate the result when the outcome is unfavorable. If APC remains unhappy with the appointment, it should have mobilized their MPs, participated in the parliamentary interview, presented its objections, canvassed other MPs and sought to block the confirmation through the debate and votes. Their absence from the parliamentary interview of Mr. Edmond S. Alpha, though it does not invalidate the process, it denies their electorate of representation.

Some critics have also argued that the appointment is premature because a constitutional amendment bill is currently before Parliament. This is simply a political and not a legal argument. The mere first reading of the bill does not suspend the existing provision of the constitution that the bill seeks to amend. Until an amendment is passed and comes into force, the Constitution remains in full effect.

Moreover, all parties have agreed that the bill is contentious because there is substantial disagreement on key provisions. The precise timing of the bill’s passage is uncertain. It may be passed this session or the next session depending on how the disagreements are resolved. It is therefore reasonable that the President may have considered it imprudent to maintain the Chief Electoral Commissioner in an acting capacity while an unpredictable legislative process plays out.

There are also operational reasons why a substantive appointment is essential. The ECSL has been in receipt of the Independent Management and Functional Review Report that requires long-term, decisive leadership to implement recommendations and manage structural reform. Substantive reform requires someone with secure tenure and the authority to make binding long-range decisions.

Equally, Sierra Leone is a little over two years away from a critical transition election. Preparing for free, fair and credible elections demands a stable leadership at the ECSL well in advance. Leaving the commission without a substantive Chief Electoral Commissioner would be a needless risk to institutional preparedness and public confidence.

APC must accept that democratic practice rests on lawful procedures and the will of the majority within those procedures. The President acted within the provisions of the 1991 Constitution and received endorsements from 12 of the 14 registered political parties in the consultation, a commanding expression of political support. The Agreement for National Unity does not suspend constitutional provisions governing appointments. Similarly, “Good faith” cannot displace constitutional powers.

Hence, sustaining democratic processes, respecting constitutional duties, and ensuring the ECSL has stable leadership are matters of national interest that transcend short‑term partisan calculations. APC must learn to resolve differences within the law so Sierra Leone can continue to move forward with stability and respect for the rule of law. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/apcs-48-hour-ultimatum-over-edmond-s-alphas-appointment-an-unjustifiable-position/

By Amin Kef Sesay

Austria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Sierra Leone following the official opening of refurbished premises for the Austrian Honorary Consulate in Freetown and a series of high-level engagements focused on youth empowerment, diplomacy, regional security and international justice.

The new Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Austria - located on 18 Spur Road, Freetown—was formally inaugurated on Monday, February 23, 2026, by Austria’s Deputy Minister of European and International Affairs, His Excellency Dr. Nikolaus Marschik. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by senior officials of the Government of Sierra Leone, members of the diplomatic corps and a visiting Austrian delegation, marking what Austrian officials described as a renewed and more visible diplomatic presence in the country.

Among those present on the Sierra Leonean side were the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Francess Piagie Alghali, and the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Kenyeh Barlay, alongside ambassadors, high commissioners and other diplomatic guests. The Austrian delegation comprised H.E. Dr. Nikolaus Marschik; H.E. Ursula Fahringer, Austria’s Ambassador to Sierra Leone (resident in Dakar, Senegal); Mr. Gilbert Schenkenbach, Adviser to the Ministry of European and International Affairs of Austria; Ms. Sophie Jenerwein, Secretary of Legation; Mr. Felix K. Bigl, Premier Secrétaire (Affaires Administratives) and Consul; and Mr. Ram Mahboobani Shankerdas, Austria’s Honorary Consul to Sierra Leone.

Speaking during the opening, Dr. Nikolaus Marschik described the occasion as “a fantastic and wonderful evening” in the history of relations between Austria and Sierra Leone, stressing that the visit went beyond ceremonial diplomacy to include intensive political and development engagements. “We really had interesting and intensive relations today. We had a political dialogue. We discussed bilateral issues. We discussed challenges in our respective neighborhoods. And we also discussed how we can together strengthen an international rules-based order, which is so important to Sierra Leone,” he stated.

Dr. Nikolaus Marschik outlined three key areas he said defined the day’s engagements. First, he pointed to the political dialogue held earlier, emphasizing that discussions covered both bilateral cooperation and wider regional dynamics. Second, he highlighted Austria’s longstanding support to youth development initiatives in Sierra Leone, particularly through Don Bosco programmes. Third, he said the opening of the refurbished honorary consulate premises represented a practical strengthening of Austria’s diplomatic footprint in Sierra Leone, anchored by the work of the Honorary Consul.

Commending Mr. Ram Mahboobani Shankerdas, Dr. Nikolaus Marschik said: “I really think that our Consul Ram is doing a fantastic job. I have seen you, we met yesterday evening when I arrived, and I’m really impressed by how professional, using  your expertise and you really give an inspiration to us all.” He added that the upgraded consular presence was intended to enhance service delivery and deepen the day-to-day link between the two countries.

A major feature of the Austrian delegation’s visit was a tour of Don Bosco Fambul Technical and Vocational Institute in Freetown, where they witnessed vocational and technical training programmes designed to equip vulnerable youth, especially former street children, young mothers and those seeking a second chance, with practical skills in trades such as welding, carpentry, tailoring, ICT and other livelihood areas.

Explaining why Don Bosco was a central focus, Dr. Nikolaus Marschik told stakeholders: “We’re here to see what you’re doing and I really want to applaud and commend you, Father, and your team here at Don Bosco and the Don Bosco family for your important work. We were thinking what can we do to make a very small… contribution to your important work. And that’s why our embassy and our ambassador and our consul… were thinking of how can we support your important work and how can we come and look what you’re doing.”

He further referenced a component of Don Bosco programming supporting young women, noting that the institution was empowering “over 30 young women” to develop employable skills. “Don Bosco is helping and assisting and supporting about over 30 young women in getting to know, to learn, being IT experts, being tailors, being hairdressers. And it was really wonderful of seeing these young women so devoted to their work,” he said.

In a symbolic demonstration of Austria’s support for youth empowerment and skills development, Dr. Nikolaus Marschik announced a financial contribution to back Don Bosco’s ongoing work. “So we are bringing you a small financial support that I’m happy to give it to you. Father… here there’s a symbolic sum of 10,000 euros,” he disclosed, adding that investment in people remains central to Austria’s cooperation approach. “What you’re doing is investing into the most important what we have on earth and that’s people. People is the most important, and you are the most important, and if you have the chance to have a wonderful perspective, we are very happy to do it,” he said.

Welcoming the delegation, Rev. Fr. Edwin Ngeoyeh Tangie SDB, Rector and Director of Don Bosco Fambul Technical and Vocational Institute, described Don Bosco as “a beacon of hope” for vulnerable children and young people, stressing that international partnerships have a human impact beyond equipment and infrastructure. “The generous support from the Austrian people… does not simply buy equipment or pay for materials. It does something far more profound: it restores dignity,” he told the visiting team. He explained that beneficiaries gain not only technical competence but also renewed self-worth and independence, urging the delegation to look beyond the workshops and “look into the eyes of the students” to see hope and transformation.

Also speaking, Deputy Director Samuel Thomas Bojohn described Austria as one of Don Bosco Fambul’s longest-serving partners and recalled the consistency of support even during Sierra Leone’s civil war years. “Normally, we have been working with these vulnerable people. And during the difficult moments, especially during the war, it was the Austrian government that we have behind us… they have been the longest serving donors that have been working with us,” he said. While acknowledging that “10,000 euro” may appear modest externally, he emphasized its local impact: “For you, you say 10,000 euro donation is a small thing, but for us, it goes a long way to develop the minds of people of Sierra Leone,” he stated, while also referencing the broader Don Bosco infrastructure beyond Freetown, including facilities in rural communities on the peninsula.

A beneficiary of the programme, Kadija Bangura, credited Don Bosco’s skills training for transforming her life and enabling her to become financially independent. “I want to thank Don Bosco for transforming my life. Through their skill training programs, I have been equipped with skills… that I now use to support myself financially. I kindly call on the donors to continue their support as there are other young women like me in need of empowerment,” she appealed.

In her remarks during the consulate opening, Ambassador Ursula Fahringer thanked her team for making the event possible and expressed optimism that the visit would serve as a turning point in Austria–Sierra Leone relations. In an interview with journalists, she provided historical context, stating that Austria has maintained an honorary consulate in Sierra Leone since 1958, though it was temporarily closed in 2015 and later reopened in 2023 with the appointment of Mr. Ram Shankerdas as Honorary Consul. “We have had an honorary consulate in Sierra Leone since 1958. Then it was temporarily closed in 2015 and in 2023 we reopened it with Mr. Ram Shankerdas as an honorary consul. And now we offer these fantastic premises… in a super location and we are very happy for its generosity and the fantastic work… done here,” she said.

Ambassador Fahringer added that a second goal of the occasion was to facilitate Dr. Marschik’s visit to Sierra Leone. “We managed to convince our Deputy Foreign Minister to visit Sierra Leone on the occasion of the opening of this premises in Freetown today. We visited projects which are supported by Austria,” she noted.

Significantly, she described the delegation’s courtesy visit to Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh as a landmark engagement. “Our visit to the Vice President was the first bilateral visit of… a high-ranking Austrian delegation in this century,” she said, adding that the meeting addressed bilateral and multilateral issues as well as regional security dynamics, particularly the Sahel. “We exchanged on the situation in the region because His Excellency is an expert on the Sahel region… it was a very intensive meeting and it was a very enriching talk,” she stated.

The ambassador also highlighted discussions with Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr OBE, describing the exchange as a useful first comparison of urban governance challenges. “The mayor explained to us the challenges of a capital city and we also exchanged what the challenges are for Vienna… There are some similarities, we have about 2 million inhabitants, Freetown has about 2 million inhabitants… Bo… has about 300,000 inhabitants… Austria’s second city… about 300,000 inhabitants. But there are also differences… so it was a first exchange on what she is doing here and what are her biggest challenges,” she explained.

Delivering a message directly to Sierra Leoneans, Ambassador Fahringer praised the country’s resilience and urged young people to take ownership of national development. “You have had some difficult years behind you, but you are a very resilient population… You have a young generation which is creative. Go ahead and forge the future of your country,” she said.

The Austrian delegation later visited the Peace Museum at the Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone (RSCSL), where they were briefed on Austria’s historical contributions to the court’s work. Principal Defender Ibrahim Yillah acknowledged Austria’s consistent financial and material support since the institution’s establishment and highlighted the contribution of Austrian jurist Dr. Renate Winter, whom he described as instrumental in shaping jurisprudence related to children’s rights and in establishing the recruitment of children in armed conflict as a prosecutable war crime.

During the tour, the delegation visited the archive room, memorial garden and exhibition hall before Dr. Marschik lit the Flame of Justice, a symbolic gesture underscoring Austria’s continued commitment to accountability, human rights and the rule of law.

From diplomatic consultations and governance exchanges to youth empowerment support and justice-sector engagement, the series of activities signaled what officials framed as Austria’s evolving and multi-dimensional partnership with Sierra Leone. By reopening and upgrading its honorary consulate, supporting vocational training for vulnerable youth and reaffirming backing for international justice mechanisms, Austria projected a renewed diplomatic footprint grounded in political dialogue, development cooperation and shared global values—while Sierra Leone, in turn, marked the moment as both a strengthening of bilateral ties and a reminder of the enduring importance of investing in people and institutions for a stable and prosperous future. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/austria-strengthens-diplomatic-footprint-in-sierra-leone-opens-honorary-consulate-supports-don-bosco-with-e10000-visits-peace-museum/