The Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA) has concluded a pre-bid meeting and site visit for the proposed reconstruction of the 97-kilometre Magburaka-Bumbuna-Sambaia Bendugu Road, a strategic infrastructure project expected to improve connectivity, stimulate economic growth and enhance access to essential services across Tonkolili District.

The engagement, held along the Azzolini Highway in Magburaka, brought together representatives of the Tonkolili District Council, Leone Rock Metal Group, Kingho Mining Company, prospective contractors, the National Public Procurement Authority (NPPA), civil society organisations and other key stakeholders.

The exercise formed part of the procurement process and provided prospective bidders with firsthand knowledge of the project corridor, enabling them to assess existing site conditions before preparing and submitting their bids.

Addressing participants, SLRA Director General, Ing. Alfred Jalil Momodu, said the site visit was intended to give prospective contractors an opportunity to examine the road alignment, terrain, pavement conditions, drainage systems, watercourses and other factors likely to influence construction methods, project costs and implementation risks.

He underscored the critical role of road infrastructure in national development, noting that despite the growing demand for improved road networks, financial resources for road construction and maintenance remain constrained globally.

“Meaningful national development cannot be achieved without adequate road infrastructure,” Ing. Alfred Jalil Momodu stated.

He explained that improved roads facilitate economic growth, expand access to markets, strengthen healthcare and educational services and promote greater social integration.

The Director General highlighted the Government of Sierra Leone’s efforts to address infrastructure financing challenges through innovative funding mechanisms, including public-private partnerships. He cited the collaboration involving the Government of Sierra Leone, Kingho Mining Company (SL) Limited and other mining companies, implemented in line with directives from the Ministry of Finance.

According to him, the financing arrangement for the Magburaka-Bumbuna-Sambaia Bendugu Road Project will ensure the efficient use of available resources while delivering long-term benefits to communities along the corridor.

Ing. Alfred Jalil Momodu assured stakeholders that SLRA would enforce all engineering, environmental and quality standards throughout the implementation of the project.

He further emphasised that the pre-bid site visit forms a critical part of a transparent and competitive procurement process, allowing contractors to assess prevailing site conditions, identify potential technical challenges and submit realistic and responsive bids.

“The Authority remains committed to transparency, accountability and fairness. The most responsive and compliant bidder will be awarded the contract,” he said.

The SLRA Director General also disclosed that several critical sections of the road have already been identified as priority intervention areas and assured stakeholders that the Authority would closely monitor progress to prevent unnecessary delays.

Representing the Ministry of Finance, Senior Economist and Public Finance Expert, Joseph Fatoma, described the project as a model for sustainable infrastructure financing in Sierra Leone.

He noted that significant progress has already been made in preparing the documentation required for implementation, adding that the public-private financing arrangement has generated considerable national interest, with several institutions exploring similar partnership models for future development projects.

According to Joseph Fatoma, the Government is determined to ensure the timely delivery of the project, whose successful implementation could serve as a benchmark for future infrastructure investments across Sierra Leone.

Chairperson of the Tonkolili District Council, Madam Yabom Sesay, described the paving of the road as a long-awaited dream for the district and pledged the Council’s full support throughout its implementation.

She noted that local authorities had spent more than 14 years engaging various mining companies to support the construction of the road but had achieved limited success. She therefore commended the Government and its partners for taking steps to transform the long-standing vision into reality.

Madam Yabom Sesay highlighted the road’s importance to education, healthcare, commerce and social development, particularly its potential to improve access for students and communities currently affected by poor road conditions.

“This is a project that will define our district’s development journey, and we will ensure it is delivered to the highest standards,” she stated.

Speaking on behalf of Leone Rock Metal Group, Community Affairs Manager, Alusine Abulia Sesay, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting national development through strategic infrastructure investments. He also introduced two Kingho subcontractors, China Railway First Group and China Railway No. 10 Group, who participated in the exercise.

He said Leone Rock Metal Group’s involvement demonstrates its commitment to improving infrastructure and livelihoods within its operational communities, adding that Tonkolili District has benefited significantly from the company’s corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Alusine Abulia Sesay further noted that Leone Rock Metal Group and Kingho Mining Company are setting a positive example for private-sector participation in national development and expressed confidence that the road project could be completed within the stipulated 24-month timeframe.

Project Coordinator, Dr. Ing. Phodie Musa Kamara, who is also Deputy Director of Trunk Roads, assured stakeholders that the road would be constructed to ensure durability, safety and environmental sustainability.

He stated that upon completion, the project would significantly reduce travel time, lower vehicle operating costs and improve access to markets, public services, educational institutions and economic opportunities for communities across Tonkolili District.

Dr. Ing. Phodie Musa Kamara added that the successful delivery of the project would depend on sound engineering practices, adequate contractor mobilisation, effective project management, stakeholder coordination and an unwavering commitment to quality, safety and timely completion.

Representatives of the National Public Procurement Authority reminded prospective bidders that all submissions must meet established procurement requirements, including technical competence, financial capacity, climate resilience considerations and adequate capital resources.

The NPPA stressed that strict compliance with procurement regulations would play a decisive role in the evaluation and selection process.

Civil society representative, Charles Mambu, welcomed the project, describing it as a historic intervention aimed at addressing one of Tonkolili District’s most pressing infrastructure challenges.

While commending the Government for initiating the project, Charles Mambu also called for future attention to the Mile 91 road corridor. He praised the financing model being adopted for the project, noting that inadequate funding is often responsible for delays in the implementation of major infrastructure projects.

He announced that civil society organisations would actively monitor implementation to promote transparency, quality delivery and value for money.

The 97-kilometre Magburaka-Bumbuna-Sambaia Bendugu Road Project is expected to serve as a major catalyst for economic growth and regional integration, while strengthening transportation links between mining, agricultural and commercial communities within Tonkolili District and beyond. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/65213

The National Revenue Authority (NRA) has commenced engagements with sector heads and key stakeholders at the Jendema Border Crossing Point as preparations continue for the go-live of the ASYCUDA World system in customs operations.

The engagement is aimed at strengthening cooperation among security agencies and other stakeholders, supporting the transformation of customs operations, facilitating legitimate trade and enhancing revenue mobilisation for national development.

Speaking during the engagement on October 5, 2026, at the Jendema Border Crossing Point in Sorogbema Chiefdom, Pujehun District, the NRA Customs Manager at Jendema, Munjiru I. I. Kallon, said cooperation among security agencies and community leaders had remained strong since the NRA commenced operations at the border.

Munjiru I. I. Kallon explained that with the introduction of ASYCUDA World, three customs regimes—Import, Export and Transit—will be processed automatically, marking a significant shift from manual procedures towards a more efficient and technology-driven customs operation.

He said the engagement was an important step in informing security agencies and other stakeholders about the rollout of ASYCUDA World and securing their cooperation to ensure the smooth implementation of the system at the border.

Munjiru I. I. Kallon also highlighted several developments at the Jendema Border Crossing Point, including the recruitment of six local staff members in support of the host community, the expected deployment of other commercial banks to strengthen accountability and the deployment of the border post’s first female staff member, Mrs. Kumba S. Kallon.

He expressed appreciation to the Senior Management of the National Revenue Authority for providing a new vehicle and office facility to support operations at the border.

Munjiru I. I. Kallon reaffirmed the National Revenue Authority’s commitment to its core mandate and to building a legacy of modernisation and improved service delivery.

Giving a technical presentation on the system, Philip Dumbuya, Supervisor at the ASYCUDA Unit within the Customs Services Department, said ASYCUDA World supports infrastructure development by strengthening customs revenue collection, which remains a major source of government funding.

He added that trade data generated by ASYCUDA provides the Government with important information to analyse the types of goods entering the country and support informed economic planning and decision-making.

Philip Dumbuya disclosed that ASYCUDA is used in more than 90 countries. He explained that in Sierra Leone, ASYCUDA++ was introduced at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay in 2009 and went live in 2010 before being upgraded to the web-based ASYCUDA World system in 2017.

He said ASYCUDA World supports faster customs clearance, maintains an audit trail for between 10 and 15 years and incorporates robust security features to safeguard customs transactions and information.

Philip Dumbuya further noted that the Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) engaged professional hackers to conduct a security assessment of the system as part of efforts to test its security and resilience.

According to him, the system connects relevant agencies through dedicated modules and automatically routes information according to the functions and responsibilities of each agency. Its implementation requires software installation, role-based training and basic equipment such as printers and scanners for document processing.

He further explained that the ASYCUDA World dashboard displays the various stages of import and export processes, allowing users to monitor transactions and track the progress of customs procedures.

Philip Dumbuya said the system is designed to be efficient and accessible from different locations, while its data is supported by backup energy sources at server facilities. It also provides real-time information, supports revenue collection and records user activities, thereby enhancing transparency and accountability within customs operations.

Under ASYCUDA World, declarations are entered through a self-assessment process, which improves data accuracy compared with manual processing. The system also uses risk-based selection to identify consignments that require examination.

The planned go-live of ASYCUDA World at the Jendema Border Crossing Point is expected to further modernise customs operations, improve efficiency, facilitate legitimate trade and strengthen revenue mobilisation at one of Sierra Leone’s border crossing points. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/65210

 

The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has commended the Judiciary, under the leadership of Honourable Chief Justice Komba Kamanda, following approval for the live broadcast of the forthcoming Supreme Court hearing on constitutional matters scheduled for Wednesday, 7 October 2026.

SLAJ welcomed the decision on Monday, 5 October 2026, describing it as an important step towards promoting transparency, widening public access to justice and recognising the critical role of journalists in keeping citizens informed on matters of national importance.

The approval followed a formal request submitted by SLAJ to the Judiciary on 21 September 2026, seeking permission for the proceedings to be broadcast live in the public interest, considering the national significance of the constitutional matters before the Supreme Court.

According to SLAJ, the Judiciary approved the live coverage subject to conditions designed to protect the dignity, decorum and integrity of the Court throughout the proceedings.

Under the approved arrangement, 10 media houses will be accredited to cover the proceedings from inside the courtroom. SLAJ will work closely with the Sierra Leone Court Reporters Association (SLCRA) and the Judiciary’s Communications and Public Affairs Unit to coordinate the media coverage and ensure compliance with the conditions set by the Court.

Journalists who are not among the accredited media houses, as well as members of the public, will be able to follow the proceedings live through major television networks from their offices and homes.

Following a special appeal by SLAJ to the Judiciary, the Independent Radio Network (IRN) has also been granted approval to broadcast the proceedings live through its network of more than 40 radio stations across Sierra Leone, further expanding public access to the hearing.

SLAJ said the approval demonstrates the Judiciary’s recognition of the important role journalists and media institutions play in informing the public and promoting transparency and accountability within the justice system.

The Association further described the decision by Honourable Chief Justice Komba Kamanda as reflecting a commitment to transparency, accountable leadership and greater public access to justice, while ensuring that the authority and integrity of the Supreme Court are preserved.

However, the Judiciary has imposed clear conditions on the live coverage. Media houses and journalists have been directed not to provide commentary, analysis or other statements concerning the merits or demerits of the constitutional matter while the case remains sub judice.

Still photography will also not be permitted inside the courtroom during the proceedings.

SLAJ has therefore called on all participating media houses and journalists to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, accuracy, impartiality and responsibility in their coverage, while respecting the authority, dignity and decorum of the Court.

The Association expressed appreciation to the Judiciary for facilitating wider public access to proceedings of significant constitutional importance and for acknowledging the media’s role in strengthening public understanding of the justice system.

SLAJ pledged to continue working closely with the Judiciary’s Communications and Public Affairs Unit, the Sierra Leone Court Reporters Association and accredited media houses to ensure that the live coverage is conducted in an orderly and professional manner and in full accordance with the conditions established by the Court. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/65207

 

Veteran journalist, Publisher of the Global Times Newspaper and Chairman of the Board of Authority of the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA), Sorie Fofana, has called for peace, dialogue and unity within the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), amid growing concerns over internal disagreements and the membership dispute involving Hon. Alhaji Musa Tarawally.

At a time when disagreements within the ruling party are generating intense public debate, Fofana has urged the leadership and membership of the SLPP to prioritise reconciliation and avoid actions that could deepen divisions ahead of future political contests.

Speaking in a recent interview with Ecko Media, Fofana, who has closely followed and documented the political history of the SLPP for decades, expressed concern over developments within the party.

“I am concerned about what is happening in the SLPP,” he said. “Whatever unites the party should be promoted, and whatever divides the party should be avoided.”

His intervention comes amid a dispute over the SLPP membership status of Hon. Alhaji Musa Tarawally, which has resulted in official correspondence, public statements and legal arguments over his standing within the party.

On September 17, 2026, SLPP National Chairman Jimmy Batilo Songa reportedly wrote to Tarawally directing him to stop presenting himself as an SLPP member or aspiring for the party’s flagbearership, citing information received from the Citizens Democratic Party (CDP) regarding his membership status.

Tarawally has strongly rejected that position, maintaining that he resigned from the CDP in 2018 and subsequently returned to the SLPP. His legal representatives have also challenged the position taken by the SLPP leadership, arguing that questions concerning party membership should be addressed through the appropriate constitutional and disciplinary procedures.

Commenting on the controversy, Fofana described the situation surrounding Tarawally as unfortunate, noting his longstanding knowledge of the former government minister and his political association with the SLPP.

“He said the issues surrounding Hon. Alhaji Musa Tarawally are very unfortunate because he has known Musa for so long and knows him to be an SLPP member,” Fofana was quoted as saying.

The intervention has added another voice to growing calls for the party to resolve the dispute through dialogue rather than allowing it to develop into a wider internal crisis.

Tarawally is no stranger to the SLPP and has over the years played various political roles. His supporters point to his past campaigning, political activities and support for the party as evidence of his longstanding relationship with the SLPP. The controversy surrounding his membership has therefore generated debate among party members and supporters.

Fofana’s message also draws attention to the SLPP’s long history of managing internal disagreements. As Sierra Leone’s oldest existing political party, the SLPP has experienced political upheavals, electoral defeats, leadership contests and internal disputes over the decades, while repeatedly relying on reconciliation to maintain its cohesion.

“The SLPP has a history of surviving internal battles, but this can only happen if the party leadership prioritizes what unites rather than what divides,” Fofana noted.

His comments come as concerns continue to be expressed about factions, competing political camps, disciplinary actions and increasingly hostile exchanges among supporters, particularly on social media.

Against that background, the current membership dispute presents another test of the party’s ability to manage internal disagreements without allowing them to undermine the wider organisation.

Fofana’s intervention essentially calls for the leadership to return to dialogue, mutual respect and established party structures. He has encouraged the parties involved to clarify their positions, examine the relevant records and constitutional provisions and find a settlement that protects the broader interests of the SLPP.

The veteran journalist has particularly encouraged National Chairman Jimmy Batilo Songa and Hon. Alhaji Musa Tarawally to consider sitting together and finding common ground. Such an engagement could provide an opportunity for both sides to privately present their positions and determine an appropriate way forward without further escalation.

The controversy also comes at a time when Sierra Leone continues to confront major national challenges, including economic pressures and youth unemployment. Against this backdrop, some party supporters believe prolonged internal political disputes could distract attention from governance and the implementation of government programmes.

There are also political lessons from Sierra Leone’s recent electoral history. Internal divisions, leadership struggles and dissatisfaction among party supporters have historically affected the electoral fortunes of political parties. With political attention gradually shifting towards the 2028 electoral cycle, maintaining internal stability is therefore becoming increasingly important for the SLPP.

Fofana’s intervention is particularly significant because of his longstanding association with the party’s political history, his role as Publisher of the Global Times Newspaper and his current position as Chairman of the NCRA Board of Authority.

His central message is that political disagreements are inevitable, but how they are handled determines whether they become sources of lasting division or opportunities for reconciliation.

The appeal is consequently for the SLPP leadership to avoid unnecessary confrontations over membership, minimise disciplinary disputes where dialogue could provide a solution, promote reconciliation and concentrate on issues that unite members around the party’s political objectives and commitment to public service.

As the opposition reorganises and preparations for the 2028 elections gradually gather momentum, the SLPP faces the challenge of ensuring that internal disagreements do not weaken its political position.

It is therefore hoped that SLPP National Chairman Jimmy Batilo Songa, the party’s Secretary General, senior stakeholders and, importantly, President Dr Julius Maada Bio, as Leader of the SLPP, will give serious consideration to Fofana’s appeal for reconciliation.

Fofana’s message remains clear and timely: peace should prevail over confrontation, dialogue over hostile public exchanges, reconciliation over division and the collective interest of the SLPP over individual disagreements. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/65204

Victor King, National Chairman of the Citizens Democratic Party (CDP), has stated that Honourable Musa Tarawally ceased to be a member of the party in 2018, dismissing recent attempts to associate the former CDP flagbearer with the party.

According to Victor King, Honourable Musa Tarawally formally communicated his decision to leave the CDP in 2018 and subsequently declared his support for the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) in Bo.

Victor King also alleged that SLPP National Chairman Jimmy Batilo Songa was interfering in the internal affairs of the CDP and attempting to use certain members of the party against Honourable Musa Tarawally.

“I met him, I said no,” Victor King said, referring to what he described as a private meeting during which he rejected the alleged plan.

“If they have a problem with Musa, let them solve it. He is not a member of CDP,” he said.

The CDP National Chairman maintained that since Honourable Musa Tarawally left the party, he had neither attended CDP meetings nor paid membership dues or participated in any political activity organised by the party.

Victor King said there had previously been efforts to convince Honourable Musa Tarawally to return to the CDP, but those attempts were unsuccessful.

“At some point, we were yearning for him to return to the party, but he didn’t, despite our best efforts to convince him,” he stated.

Giving an account of a recent party meeting, Victor King said the issue surrounding Honourable Musa Tarawally’s membership was among the matters scheduled for discussion.

He alleged, however, that during the meeting, it became apparent that there was what he described as a “premeditated plot,” claiming that a document had already been prepared for members to sign.

Victor King said he and other party officials resisted signing the document, insisting that issues affecting the CDP should first be properly addressed before members could proceed with signing any communiqué.

“We didn’t sign the document that they brought because we don’t know where it came from,” he said.

According to him, all regional chairmen and some senior members subsequently left the meeting hall. He further stated that he had already formally closed the meeting and that representatives of the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) were present.

Victor King alleged that some individuals later proceeded to sign a communiqué after the meeting had been closed, describing the document as not reflecting the position or spirit of the CDP.

“The SLPP is a party on its own. But we know in the CDP that the letter that was written on behalf of the party does not represent the spirit of the party,” he said.

He further alleged that the letter was prepared by a group of individuals within the CDP whom he claimed had direct links with the SLPP National Chairman, an allegation presented by Victor King as his account of the internal dispute.

Victor King reiterated that Honourable Musa Tarawally was no longer a member of the Citizens Democratic Party and said any political disagreement involving him should be handled within the party to which he currently belongs.

“Hon. Musa Tarawally is not a member of the CDP. If anybody is using certain people because he thinks Musa Tarawally is a threat to his political ambition, that’s his problem. But Hon. Musa Tarawally is not a member of our party,” Victor King said.

“If the SLPP Chairman has an issue with Musa Tarawally, he should settle it within their party and not use CDP to bring anybody down,” he added.

Joseph E. Kobie, Southern Regional Chairman of the Citizens Democratic Party, also maintained that Honourable Musa Tarawally was no longer a member of the CDP.

According to Joseph E. Kobie, Honourable Musa Tarawally joined the CDP and contested as the party’s flagbearer in the 2018 elections. He said that when the presidential election proceeded to a runoff, party members accompanied Honourable Musa Tarawally to Bo, where he declared his support for the SLPP.

Joseph E. Kobie further stated that Honourable Musa Tarawally subsequently submitted a resignation letter to the CDP, which he said was acknowledged by the party’s national leadership.

“I want Sierra Leoneans to know that Hon. Musa Tarawally is not a member of CDP. He resigned long ago while actively participating in the activities of the SLPP,” Joseph E. Kobie stated.

The statements by Victor King and Joseph E. Kobie come amid disagreement within the Citizens Democratic Party over Honourable Musa Tarawally’s relationship with the party and the circumstances surrounding the disputed communiqué. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/65201

The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has condemned an alleged threat against journalist Thomas Josephus Dixon, Chairman of the Guild of Newspaper Editors and Managing Editor of the New Age Newspaper, reportedly made by Moses Sellu Mambu, National Publicity Secretary of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), following a television programme at Africa Young Voices (AYV) in Freetown on Sunday, 27 September 2026.

In a press release signed by SLAJ National Secretary General Edward Fara Marrah on Tuesday, 6 October 2Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ)Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ)026, the Association described the allegation as serious and called for an immediate, impartial and credible investigation by the appropriate authorities.

According to a formal complaint received by SLAJ, Dixon alleged that after the programme, Mambu approached him in the presence of programme presenter Victor Jones and videographer Abu Bakarr Kamara and said: “We will hit you hard! This is the same reason for which your friend Samura was killed the last time.”

SLAJ said Dixon subsequently provided the Association with a formal eyewitness account that corroborated the allegation.

The Association described the reported statement as extremely grave and disturbing, particularly because it allegedly invoked the death of journalist Ibrahim Samura, who died following a physical assault sustained while covering the 2018 elections. Criminal proceedings arising from the case subsequently ended in acquittals.

SLAJ said the allegation was sufficiently serious to warrant an immediate, impartial and credible investigation to establish exactly what happened.

SLAJ President Alhaji Manika Kamara said a threat against a journalist should not be treated merely as a personal matter, noting that such incidents have wider implications for press freedom and the public’s right to information.

“A threat against a journalist should not be seen as a personal matter only; it is a direct threat to the free press and, by extension, the public’s right to know. Journalists must never be forced to choose between carrying out their professional duty and protecting their lives,” Kamara stated.

He added that the reported reference to the death of another journalist made the allegation particularly alarming.

“Whether such words were intended as a threat or otherwise must be established through a proper investigation. What cannot be acceptable is for any journalist to be left living in fear because of his or her professional work,” he said.

Mambu, when contacted by SLAJ Secretary General Edward Fara Marrah, denied the allegation. According to the SLAJ statement, he maintained that after the live programme, he had only cautioned Dixon to be careful.

SLAJ has consequently called on the Sierra Leone Police and other relevant authorities to urgently investigate the complaint, establish the facts surrounding the reported incident and take appropriate action.

The Association also called on the leadership of the SLPP to publicly reaffirm its commitment to the safety of journalists and make clear that threats or intimidation against journalists are unacceptable, regardless of political affiliation or circumstance.

SLAJ further urged the authorities to assess the security concerns raised by Dixon and, where necessary, take appropriate measures to ensure his safety and that of his family while the matter is being investigated.

The Association maintained that freedom of expression and freedom of the press cannot be fully enjoyed in an environment where journalists operate under threats of violence or fear for their safety.

SLAJ said it would continue to monitor the matter closely and stands ready to provide appropriate support to the affected journalist within its mandate.

At the same time, the Association urged journalists to continue carrying out their professional responsibilities with courage, accuracy, fairness and adherence to professional ethics. It also encouraged political actors and public officials to resolve disagreements with the media through lawful and democratic means.

Reaffirming its position, SLAJ declared: “Criticism of journalism may be legitimate; intimidation and threats against journalists are not.” https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/65198

President Dr Julius Maada Bio has received the newly elected President of Tabital Pulaaku International, Alhaji Amadu Juldeh Sowe, alongside senior representatives of the organisation from various countries, describing his elevation to the global Fulah leadership as a source of pride for Sierra Leone and reaffirming his Government’s support for the Fulah community.

Alhaji Amadu Juldeh Sowe, a Sierra Leonean, was accompanied by senior representatives of Tabital Pulaaku International, including Alhaji Sidie Dem and Dr Abubakar Gerei, who formally presented him to President Bio and the people of Sierra Leone following his election to lead the international organisation.

During the courtesy call on Monday, 5 October 2026, at State House in Freetown, a senior member of Tabital Pulaaku International from Guinea-Bissau, Dr Helena Sahid, said the delegation had travelled to Sierra Leone to formally present the newly crowned Horeejo to President Bio, the Fulah community and the people of Sierra Leone.

Dr Sahid described Alhaji Amadu Juldeh Sowe’s election as a reflection of the confidence, unity, peace and respect he enjoys among Fulahs across 34 countries. She also expressed appreciation for President Bio’s support for the Fulah community in Sierra Leone.

She further noted that the election of a Sierra Leonean to the highest leadership position of Tabital Pulaaku International during President Bio’s tenure was significant, describing it as a demonstration of the country’s supportive environment and the confidence placed in its leadership.

The global Fulah representatives expressed gratitude to President Bio, First Lady Fatima Bio, the Government and people of Sierra Leone for their support to Alhaji Amadu Juldeh Sowe and the Fulah community, describing his elevation as an achievement not only for him and the Fulah community but also for Sierra Leone.

In his remarks, the newly crowned Horeejo thanked President Bio, First Lady Fatima Bio, the Government and people of Sierra Leone, as well as Fulahs across the world, for the confidence and trust placed in him.

Alhaji Amadu Juldeh Sowe said he was accompanied by representatives of Tabital Pulaaku International from 34 countries to formally present him to his people and express their appreciation to President Bio for his support and leadership.

He used the occasion to call for peace and unity among Fulahs in Sierra Leone and across the world, while dedicating his tenure to the Fulah community in Sierra Leone.

He described his election as a national achievement and stressed the importance of using his new position to promote unity, peace and cooperation among Fulahs and their respective communities.

Congratulating Alhaji Amadu Juldeh Sowe on his election, President Bio said he was pleased to receive the global leadership of Tabital Pulaaku International and welcome its newly elected President, whom he described as a peaceful, respectful and highly consultative leader.

“You have demonstrated for far too long that you are peaceful and that you have been contributing meaningfully to our country,” President Bio said.

The President said the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) Government had remained supportive of the Fulah community, emphasising the longstanding bonds that unite Sierra Leoneans across different communities.

“We have lived together in our communities, attended schools together, and shared good memories,” President Bio noted.

He urged Alhaji Amadu Juldeh Sowe to use his new position to bring the wider Fulah community together and ensure that his tenure at the helm of Tabital Pulaaku International is defined by unity, peace and successful leadership.

President Bio said his extensive engagement with the Fulah community had consistently demonstrated its commitment to peace and national development, adding that he believed Alhaji Amadu Juldeh Sowe’s leadership would take Tabital Pulaaku International to another level.

He thanked the global Fulah community for the confidence and trust placed in a Sierra Leonean to lead the international organisation and called on Fulahs in Sierra Leone to support Alhaji Amadu Juldeh Sowe as he assumes his global responsibilities.

The President’s reception of the Tabital Pulaaku International leadership comes as Sierra Leone celebrates the emergence of one of its citizens onto a prominent global platform of Fulah leadership, with President Bio stressing the importance of using the position to strengthen peace, unity and cooperation within the community and beyond. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/65194