Shalimar Trading Company Limited is consolidating its position in Sierra Leone’s transportation sector as demand for affordable and reliable mobility continues to grow across the country.

Motorcycles have become a vital part of daily life in both urban centres and rural communities, serving as the backbone of commercial riding, goods delivery and small-scale trade. Within this expanding market, TVS-branded motorcycles are recording strong uptake among commercial riders, commuters and entrepreneurs who depend on dependable transport to sustain their livelihoods.

Industry observers attribute the sustained growth to Shalimar Trading’s strategic partnership with TVS Motor Company, which has ensured steady product availability and structured distribution nationwide. The collaboration has also strengthened after-sales support, enabling riders to access genuine spare parts and professional maintenance services, a factor many say has reinforced long-term customer confidence.

As the exclusive authorized distributor of TVS motorcycles, scooters, mopeds and three-wheelers in Sierra Leone, Shalimar Trading has positioned itself at the centre of a mobility shift driven by rising fuel costs and the need for efficient transport solutions. Commercial riders in particular are increasingly selecting motorcycles known for durability, low fuel consumption and the ability to withstand challenging road conditions.

The TVS Star HLX range remains one of the most widely used models across the country. Available in multiple engine variants, the motorcycle has built a reputation for resilience on both paved highways and rugged rural routes. Many operators describe it as a reliable workhorse capable of enduring heavy daily usage.

The TVS XL 100 moped is also gaining traction, especially among traders and households seeking simple and economical transport for short-distance errands. Its fuel efficiency and practical design have made it a common sight in busy marketplaces and residential communities.

In the mid-range segment, the TVS Victor motorcycle is attracting riders who want a blend of comfort and performance, while the TVS Jupiter scooter is drawing increasing interest from urban commuters. In cities such as Freetown, where traffic congestion remains a persistent challenge, the scooter’s manoeuvrability and ease of handling are seen as clear advantages.

Younger riders and new entrants into commercial riding are turning to models such as the TVS NEO XR and TVS ZT 125, which combine modern styling with economical performance. At the premium end of the market, the TVS Apache series, including the Apache RTR 200, continues to appeal to performance-oriented riders seeking enhanced speed and responsive handling.

In the shared transport sector, the TVS King Deluxe three-wheeler is becoming more visible on major streets and intercity routes. With its passenger-carrying capacity and relatively low operating costs, the vehicle is increasingly viewed as a practical alternative for affordable town transport services.

Beyond sales, stakeholders point to Shalimar Trading’s investment in after-sales infrastructure as a key pillar of its market expansion. Service centres located in Lumley, Bai Bureh Road and Siaka Stevens Street provide access to genuine spare parts and certified maintenance, helping to extend vehicle lifespan and protect rider incomes.

The company’s portfolio extends beyond TVS products to include other international automotive and industrial brands such as Suzuki, Sonalika International, Isuzu, CFMOTO and Leyland. Its growing operations, including expansion into Liberia, are contributing to employment creation and technical skills development within the region.

With mobility increasingly tied to economic opportunity, Shalimar Trading’s footprint in Sierra Leone’s transport landscape continues to deepen, positioning TVS motorcycles at the heart of everyday commerce and movement nationwide. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/shalimar-trading-strengthens-grip-on-mobility-market-as-tvs-demand-surges-nationwide/

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, has announced that the Committee secured total domestic recoveries amounting to NLe 24,025,499.86 from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) during its public hearings on the 2023 Auditor-General’s Report.

Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh made the disclosure on Tuesday, 17 January 2026, while presiding as Acting Speaker of Parliament following the tabling of the PAC Reports by the Committee’s Deputy Chairman, Hon. PC Desmond Kargobai. The announcement marked a significant milestone in Parliament’s oversight efforts aimed at strengthening accountability and safeguarding public funds.

According to the Deputy Speaker, the recoveries were paid directly into Government-designated accounts as a result of rigorous scrutiny and enforcement actions undertaken by the Committee during its review process. He further revealed that the PAC facilitated the resolution of outstanding obligations owed to the Government of Sierra Leone, including a USD 760,000 royalty settlement from Zoodlabs relating to the management of the national fibre landing station.

Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh noted that beyond the financial recoveries, the Committee achieved notable progress in addressing audit findings across MDAs. He stated that more than sixty percent of the audit issues examined during the hearings were either fully resolved or substantially resolved through corrective actions and compliance measures implemented by the affected institutions.

With regard to Local Councils, he disclosed that thirty-four audit issues, representing 42 percent of the matters reviewed, were fully resolved following documentary submissions, management responses and remedial steps taken by council authorities.

Describing the outcome as a demonstration of effective parliamentary oversight, Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh commended Members of the Public Accounts Committee for what he termed an outstanding performance by the Sixth Parliament in enforcing financial discipline and recovering public funds. He emphasized that the success of the PAC process was rooted in deliberate collaboration among parliamentary oversight bodies, particularly the Finance Committee and the Transparency and Accountability Committee.

He urged the Finance Committee and the Transparency and Accountability Committee to sustain engagement on outstanding matters and to produce detailed reports on negotiated settlements to ensure full compliance. According to him, the values and ethos of the Sixth Parliament must translate into measurable improvements in public financial management and enhanced service delivery for citizens.

The Deputy Speaker also expressed appreciation to the Rt. Hon. Speaker Segepoh Solomon Thomas, the leadership of Parliament, Honourable Members and members of the PAC for their support throughout the oversight exercise.

He underscored that the public hearings on the 2023 Auditor-General’s Report reaffirm Parliament’s constitutional mandate to hold public institutions accountable. The PAC Reports, he added, provide a comprehensive assessment of the financial performance of MDAs and Local Councils, while identifying systemic weaknesses requiring corrective action.

Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh concluded that the Committee’s work reflects the Sixth Parliament’s firm commitment to transparency, accountability and sound public financial management in pursuit of national development objectives. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/pac-secures-over-nle-24-million-in-recoveries-from-mdas-during-2023-audit-review/

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Sierra Leone Urban Research Centre (SLURC) has commemorated its 10th anniversary with a high-level gathering of Government officials, academics, civil society leaders, development partners, community representatives and members of the media, reaffirming its commitment to evidence-based urban development and inclusive city planning.

Held on Monday, February 16, 2026, at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown under the theme: “A Decade of Urban Knowledge and Transformation,” the event celebrated ten years of research, advocacy and institutional growth that have helped reshape national conversations around urbanization, informal settlements and climate resilience.

The ceremony reflected on SLURC’s journey from a modest research initiative in 2015 to a nationally recognized urban knowledge hub influencing policy, strengthening local capacity and promoting community-led development.

Delivering the Opening and Welcome Address, Director of Research and Training, Braima Koroma, described SLURC’s founding in 2015 as “a bold idea—that research and community voices could come together to shape better cities.”

What began as a partnership between the Bartlett Development Planning Unit at University College London (UCL) and the Institute of Geography and Development Studies at Njala University, with core funding from Comic Relief (UK), has evolved into one of Sierra Leone’s most influential urban research institutions.

“We began in four informal communities in Freetown,” Braima Koroma recalled. “Today, our reach extends across informal settlements and secondary cities nationwide.”

He emphasized that SLURC’s growth has been anchored in three principles: sound and timely evidence, capacity building as the foundation for lasting change and inclusion as a moral imperative rather than a mere methodology.

Quoting a community leader from SLURC’s early years, Braima Koroma reminded the audience: “Research is not useful if it stays on paper—it must live in our streets and homes, and in the decisions that shape our future.”

In his presentation titled: “The Journey of SLURC,” Executive Director Dr. Joseph M. Macarthy situated the Centre’s work within the broader context of Sierra Leone’s rapidly urbanizing landscape.

According to him, Cities are expanding at unprecedented rates. Informal settlements are growing. Pressure on housing, sanitation, land tenure systems and infrastructure continues to intensify. A decade ago, urban policy-making was constrained by fragmented and inconsistent data, weak analytical systems and limited institutional capacity for spatial planning.

SLURC was established to confront those structural gaps, he pointed out.

A 2013 feasibility study by Njala University and UCL had revealed that urban data in Sierra Leone was sparse, inconsistently disaggregated and insufficient to guide effective planning. Against the backdrop of Africa’s projected 900 million additional urban dwellers by 2050, the absence of reliable evidence posed serious risks, the Executive Director informed.

With its official launch in Freetown in 2016 and its international debut the same year at the UN-Habitat III Conference in Quito, Ecuador, SLURC signaled its ambition to connect local urban realities to global conversations, he furthered.

Over the past decade, the Centre has expanded from four to nine thematic research areas. It has grown from engagement in four informal settlements to sustained partnerships in 20 settlements and eight secondary cities across Sierra Leone.

Beyond research outputs, SLURC’s defining contribution lies in translating evidence into practical change.

Its policy briefs, research reports, documentaries and academic publications have informed municipal planning processes and national development debates. Through City Learning Platforms and national urban conferences, the Centre has created spaces where evidence is debated, adapted, and applied.

Dr. Joseph M. Macarthy stressed that SLURC’s most significant achievement may be the trust it has cultivated.

“In informal settlements and municipal offices alike, we have elevated visibility and facilitated dialogue between residents and authorities,” he said.

Communities have used data to negotiate for safer housing, tenure security and development initiatives. City authorities have drawn on SLURC-supported evidence to strengthen flood resilience planning. Young researchers trained through SLURC programmes have carried skills back into universities and local communities.

Academic collaborations have also deepened capacity building. An MSc partnership launched in 2017 has engaged 120 students, while a 2018 Massive Open Online Course reached 6,900 participants globally. In 2025, SLURC forged a learning alliance with the University of Namibia and Imperial College London, reinforcing its international partnerships.

One of the most powerful moments of the anniversary celebration came through community-led skits on mangrove restoration.

The first dramatization depicted a failed project designed without local input; saplings planted out of season, disregard for tidal knowledge and eventual collapse of the initiative.

The second illustrated SLURC’s co-production model. By working with fishers, women’s groups, environmental agencies and local councils, the project integrated traditional knowledge with scientific data, identified appropriate planting zones and aligned restoration efforts with alternative livelihood support.

The result was higher sapling survival, community guardianship and stronger institutional buy-in.

The message was clear: when evidence is built with communities rather than imposed upon them, outcomes are more durable ecologically, socially and economically.

The anniversary ceremony also featured a recognition segment honoring institutions and individuals who have contributed to SLURC’s progress.

The Federation of Urban and Rural Poor (FEDURP), represented by National Chairperson Yirah Conteh, was celebrated for grassroots advocacy and amplifying community voices.

Academic and governance partners honored included Dr. Alhaji Njai for scholarly collaboration; Madam Haja Lukay of Bo City Council for advancing sustainable city governance; and Dr. Alphajor Cham of the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning for bridging institutions through collaborative leadership.

SLURC Board Member and CODOHSAPA founder Francis Reffell was recognized for fostering inclusive dialogue. Dr. Percy Toriro, Urban Planning Advisor to the Resilient Urban Sierra Leone Project at the Ministry of Finance, received acknowledgment for strategic guidance.

Within the institution, Senior Finance Administrator Rashid Smart was honored for financial stewardship, while Dr. Abu Conteh received an Outstanding Award for excellence, dedication and mentorship.

The media’s role in amplifying urban issues was also underscored.  Amin Kef Sesay, Proprietor and Managing Editor of The Calabash Newspaper, was recognized for public-interest journalism that brings evidence and community voices into national discourse on inclusive urban development.

Finally, founders Braima Koroma and Dr. Joseph M. Macarthy were honored for strategic leadership and pioneering vision in establishing SLURC as a hub of urban knowledge.

While celebrating achievements, the leadership acknowledged ongoing challenges. Urban research capacity in Sierra Leone remains relatively young. Specialist expertise is limited. Gender disparities persist. Staff retention and funding sustainability remain concerns.

Data systems, though strengthened, require continued investment in disaggregation, methodological rigor and effective policy translation.

Dr. Joseph M. Macarthy described that candid reflection as a sign of institutional maturity.

“Urban transformation demands courage, innovation and collaboration,” he said. “We cannot shy away from the challenges.”

SLURC’s new Strategic Plan commits to expanding mentorship programmes, deepening learning alliances, embedding climate risk reduction into planning and strengthening open, ethical data practices.

Perhaps most ambitiously, the Centre is preparing for a transition toward private university status, integrating postgraduate teaching with applied research to train the next generation of Sierra Leonean and African urban professionals.

In a country where urban populations are growing rapidly and three-quarters of residents are under the age of 35, institutions that bridge evidence and implementation are increasingly indispensable.

As the ceremony concluded, Braima Koroma delivered a message that captured both gratitude and resolve:

“Ten years behind us, a lifetime ahead. Together, we build cities of dignity, resilience and hope.”

Francis Reffell delivered the closing remarks in his capacity as a board member.

For Sierra Leone, SLURC’s first decade demonstrates that when knowledge is public, when stakeholders learn together and when communities help shape priorities, urban transformation is not merely aspirational; it is already unfolding. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/slurc-marks-10-years-of-urban-research-community-partnership-and-policy-impact/

Sierra Leone has recorded what officials describe as its most successful participation yet at the 2026 Investing in African Mining Indaba, with landmark financing agreements, strategic global engagements and renewed investor confidence in the country’s mining sector.

Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Julius Daniel Mattai, led the Sierra Leone delegation to Cape Town, South Africa, from 9th to 12th February 2026, where the country showcased its mineral potential and reform agenda before global investors, financiers and policymakers. The four-day event culminated in major financial commitments expected to significantly boost production, employment and sustainable development within the sector.

At the heart of Sierra Leone’s participation were two major financing agreements facilitated by Ecobank, injecting substantial capital into the mining industry. On the opening day of the Indaba, Ecobank announced a USD 25 million facility in partnership with Meya Mining Company. The agreement is expected to accelerate Meya Mining’s transition from early-stage development to full commercial production in the Kono diamond belt.

Describing the agreement as a “landmark in our collective journey to transform Sierra Leone’s rich mineral endowment into broad-based and lasting prosperity,” Minister Julius Daniel Mattai said the investment would create more than 400 direct jobs and thousands of indirect employment opportunities, with over 90 percent of beneficiaries projected to be Sierra Leoneans.

“This is not just about capital,” the Minister stated. “It is about families supported, children sent to school, health outcomes improved and communities strengthened through responsible mining.”

In a separate but equally significant development, Ecobank Sierra Leone, supported by Ecobank Ghana, entered into a USD 40 million syndicated financing agreement with Sierra Rutile Limited. The facility will fund the relocation of a modern mineral sands processing plant from Kenya to Sierra Leone as part of the Sembehun development project.

The relocation of the state-of-the-art plant is expected to boost productivity, enhance operational efficiency and generate sustainable employment, while stimulating local enterprise development and strengthening social infrastructure in host communities. Government officials say the Sembehun Expansion Project will deliver tangible benefits nationwide, particularly in mining communities.

Sierra Rutile’s recent transformation into the first 100 percent Sierra Leonean privately owned large-scale mining company, following its acquisition by Leonoil Company Limited, was also highlighted as a milestone for local participation and entrepreneurship in the extractive sector.

Beyond the financing deals, the Minister engaged in high-level discussions with diamond-producing Governments and stakeholders across the global diamond value chain. Central to those discussions was the Luanda Accord, which seeks to strengthen collaboration among African diamond-producing nations and stimulate global demand for natural diamonds.

Reaffirming Sierra Leone’s commitment to ethical and traceable diamond production, the Julius Daniel Mattai said the country remains dedicated to ensuring that its diamonds are associated with peace, transparency and shared prosperity.

“We are determined that our diamonds will no longer be linked to conflict or opacity, but to traceability, innovation and sustainable development,” he declared, noting that Sierra Leone continues to uphold international standards, including compliance with the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme.

The Mines Minister also acknowledged the reforms spearheaded by President Julius Maada Bio, crediting them with strengthening governance, enhancing transparency and restoring investor confidence in the mining sector. According to him, regulatory improvements and a focus on local value addition have positioned Sierra Leone as a credible and responsible mining jurisdiction.

Meya Mining Chief Executive Officer, Jan Joubert, and Ecobank’s leadership described the financing facility as a major milestone, underscoring the bank’s commitment to private sector growth and long-term partnerships in Sierra Leone.

In addition to the financing agreements, the Sierra Leone delegation held strategic meetings with global institutions, including the World Bank, the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and the United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), aimed at unlocking further investment into the country’s minerals sector.

Bilateral engagements with officials from the United States Department of State and the U.S. Trade and Development Agency focused on strengthening cooperation around critical minerals. U.S. officials reportedly expressed satisfaction with progress made in advancing agreements on critical minerals between the two countries.

Minister Julius Daniel Mattai emphasized that discussions around critical minerals must also address value addition, energy access and sustainable industrialization. He stressed that Sierra Leone seeks to move beyond exporting raw materials and instead capture greater value along the supply chain.

“As we discuss critical minerals, we must remember that Sierra Leone’s development is also critical,” he said, adding that stable energy supply and investment in processing infrastructure are central to long-term transformation.

The Minister also held engagements with mining giant Rio Tinto and representatives of the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development to explore further collaboration and investment opportunities within the country’s mineral resources sector.

During a high-level roundtable hosted by Sustainable Energy for All and the Critical Minerals Africa Group, the Minister delivered a keynote statement on the theme: “Energy as an Infrastructure Enabler: Unlocking the Renewables Opportunity for Powering the Minerals Value Chain.”

He challenged African nations to reposition themselves within the global energy transition, arguing that the continent must not remain a mere exporter of raw minerals essential for global decarburization.

“Africa stands today not as a victim of the global energy transition but as its potential vanguard,” he said. “Our minerals, sun, rivers and winds can power not only the world’s decarburization but our own structural transformation.”

Highlighting Sierra Leone’s own paradox of vast mineral wealth alongside limited national energy capacity, the Minister called for deliberate investment in renewable energy infrastructure linked to mining operations. He advocated blending climate finance with commercial capital, using long-term mining offtake agreements to reduce risks for renewable energy projects.

He further urged African countries to leverage regional power pools and shared industrial corridors to transform geographic diversity into competitive advantage.

Government officials believe the investments secured during the Indaba will have far-reaching socio-economic impact. The Meya mine, which spans approximately 120 square kilometres in Kono District, is expected to serve as a model for responsible and traceable diamond production, contributing to export earnings and macroeconomic stability.

Minister Julius Daniel Mattai reaffirmed Government’s commitment to ensuring that mining investments translate into measurable benefits for Sierra Leoneans, particularly in host communities.

“Our goal is that when we speak of the success of Sembehun, we are also speaking of the success and dignity of the communities that host it,” he said.

With strengthened partnerships, renewed investor confidence and a clear policy direction anchored on transparency, value addition and sustainability, Sierra Leone’s participation at the 2026 Mining Indaba signals what officials describe as the dawn of a new era in the country’s extractive sector.

The outcomes of the Indaba position Sierra Leone as an emerging destination for responsible, value-driven mining investment, with Government pledging to ensure that the nation’s mineral wealth becomes a catalyst for inclusive growth and shared prosperity. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/sierra-leone-secures-major-mining-investments-at-2026-indaba-as-mines-minister-champions-sustainable-growth/

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In a significant step towards advancing disability inclusion and rights-based advocacy in Sierra Leone, One Family People (OFP), with support from Liliane Fund, concluded a specialized training programme for youth panel leaders and partner organizations under its Programme for Inclusion and Empowerment (PIE) on Friday, 13th February 2026. The training, held at Saphyre Court Hall in Freetown, focused on four thematic areas: Mental Well-being, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), and Lobbying and Advocacy for Disability Inclusion.

Samuel POV Macauley, Operations and Programmes Director of OFP, emphasized the importance of building strong youth leadership and institutional capacity to promote disability inclusion nationwide. He highlighted that the training aims to strengthen systems and equip youth leaders and partner organizations to design and implement inclusive, rights-based programmes.

Macauley explained that OFP has evolved from short-term charity interventions to a strategic, evidence-based approach prioritizing systemic change. “We are not just implementing projects; we are building systems and programmes that respond to the real needs of children and young people with disabilities,” he said, noting that this approach requires knowledge, commitment, and a serious engagement from all stakeholders.

He added that OFP has spent years piloting innovative strategies, gathering data, and assessing challenges faced by persons with disabilities to inform more effective programming. “If we are designing programmes in communities, we must ensure they truly reflect the needs of persons with disabilities. We cannot implement activities without first understanding the issues,” Macauley stated.

The Operations Director further highlighted the need to strengthen youth platforms to serve as channels for advocacy, information-sharing, and community engagement. Youth leaders must be equipped with the knowledge and skills to advocate effectively and provide accurate information to their communities.

Macauley explained that the training seeks to increase awareness and improve access for persons with disabilities to essential rights and services related to mental health, SRHR, social justice, and SGBV prevention and response. The programme also aims to strengthen prevention, response, and support systems for survivors of abuse, particularly those living with disabilities.

He noted that young persons with disabilities often face barriers in accessing accurate information, healthcare services, and legal protection. Through capacity-building initiatives, OFP aims to close knowledge gaps while fostering youth-led advocacy. Participants, including youth panel leaders and partner representatives, were trained to advocate for inclusive policies, challenge stigma, and ensure services are accessible to all.

“This training is about building informed youth leaders and partners who can drive inclusive, rights-based change,” Macauley emphasized. “Young people with and without disabilities must be empowered to speak up, demand their rights, and support one another.” He expressed optimism that the initiative would enhance collaboration among youth leaders, civil society organizations, and service providers, ultimately improving the well-being and protection of persons with disabilities.

Maimuna M. Fedu, Programs Manager at Rainbow Initiative, who facilitated a session on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), underscored the urgent need to ensure that persons with disabilities have full access to services addressing SGBV. She described the issue as critical, emphasizing that persons with disabilities are often marginalized and face significant barriers in accessing essential support services.

“Persons with disabilities are frequently left out and isolated,” Fedu said. “They face heightened risks of abuse and encounter multiple barriers when trying to access medical, psychosocial, and legal services. Inclusion is not optional; it is their right.” She urged organizations and service providers to intentionally design programmes that accommodate persons with disabilities, stressing that failure to do so deepens inequality.

Fedu explained that her presentation encouraged participants to reflect on their own perceptions and assumptions about SGBV and disability. She highlighted the importance of practical strategies to ensure survivors with disabilities receive adequate support. “If we are intentional, we can make meaningful progress in our interventions,” she said.

Highlighting Rainbow Initiative’s work, Fedu noted that the organization has been deliberate in reaching persons with disabilities across Sierra Leone, including through mobile clinics and accessible Rainbow Centers. Services provided include clinical care, psychosocial support, and medical certification for survivors, with coordination alongside Family Support Units and community stakeholders.

She acknowledged that SGBV remains a persistent challenge despite existing laws such as the Sexual Offences Act. However, she pointed out that increased reporting demonstrates growing awareness. Fedu emphasized that while complete elimination of SGBV may be challenging, sustained commitment and government-partner collaboration can significantly reduce its prevalence.

Saa Lamin Kortequee, Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disability (NCPD), and facilitator of the session on lobbying and advocacy, stressed the importance of strategic advocacy to advance disability inclusion in Sierra Leone. He explained that advocacy is guided by frameworks such as the Persons with Disability Act and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

“Advocacy is about approaching decision-makers with facts and evidence,” Kortequee stated. “We must present documented realities and demonstrate why change is necessary and beneficial for national development.” He noted that effective lobbying requires pre-assessments, data collection, and constructive engagement with policymakers and ministries.

Kortequee highlighted progress made in policy discussions and development planning but stressed the need for greater access to employment and leadership positions for persons with disabilities. He encouraged youth leaders to see themselves as advocates capable of influencing community and national change through evidence-based engagement.

Thomas Lebbie, Head of Programs at the Welfare Society for the Disabled, described the OFP PIE training as a valuable boost to advocacy and youth empowerment efforts. Lebbie noted that the training strengthened the capacity of young people to influence decision-making and champion the rights of persons with disabilities in their districts.

“This training is very significant to our work,” he said. “It adds value to our advocacy efforts and strengthens the capacity of young people who are already engaging in decision-making and rights-based activism.”

Lebbie highlighted that the sessions on SGBV, lobbying, advocacy, and SRHR provided essential knowledge to enhance organizational programming and community interventions. He emphasized that persons with disabilities remain disproportionately affected by SGBV and other rights violations, and that effective advocacy networks are crucial to raising awareness and influencing policies.

He also confirmed plans to cascade the knowledge gained from the training to staff, youth groups, and community stakeholders, ensuring wider dissemination and practical application of the lessons learned. “This training will not end here,” Lebbie affirmed. “We will ensure that the skills and knowledge gained are shared within our organization and among the communities we serve.”

The OFP PIE training successfully brought together youth leaders and partner organizations to strengthen capacity in mental well-being, SRHR, SGBV prevention and response, and disability-focused lobbying and advocacy. Participants left equipped with knowledge, skills, and networks to champion inclusive policies, promote rights-based interventions, and ensure that persons with disabilities have improved access to essential services. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/ofp-trains-youth-leaders-and-partners-on-disability-inclusion-and-rights/

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Alhaji Musa Bamba Foray Jalloh III, Paramount Chief Member of Parliament for Sambaya Chiefdom in Tonkolili District, has raised concerns over the distribution of surface rent payments made by mining company Leone Rock, calling on the Government of Sierra Leone to urgently investigate the matter.

Speaking on behalf of the people of Sambaya Chiefdom, the Paramount Chief emphasized that while the chiefdom supports constructive dialogue and peaceful engagement, it is currently grappling with what he described as an unfair sharing of surface rent and other mining-related benefits.

He commended Leone Rock as a responsible company that has supported communities within its operational areas. However, he stressed that the issue at hand goes beyond the company and requires government intervention through relevant authorities.

According to Chief Jalloh, although mining activities are fully concentrated in Sambaya Chiefdom, surface rent and other benefits are reportedly being shared among three chiefdoms Sambaya, Simiria, and Dansogoia. He noted that even during the era of London Mining, operations were carried out entirely within Sambaya lands, yet benefits were distributed in the names of the three chiefdoms.

“For over 13 years, the money that is supposed to belong to Sambaya Chiefdom has been shared among three chiefdoms,” he stated. “Mining is taking place in our chiefdom, but when it comes to benefits, they are divided among others.”

He questioned whether the sharing arrangement is based solely on boundary proximity, arguing that shared borders should not automatically entitle neighbouring chiefdoms to equal benefits when mining operations are not taking place on their lands.

Chief Jalloh further alleged that major infrastructure linked to mining operations including company camps and high-rise buildings has been constructed in Dansogoia Chiefdom, while Sambaya, where the bulk of mining occurs, has not received comparable development. He said explanations provided by the company often cite proximity as justification.

Citing official concession data, he stated that Simiria Chiefdom covers 12.34 hectares within the mining concession (0.12 percent), Sambaya covers 5,722.51 hectares (55.49 percent), and Dansogoia covers 4,525.25 hectares (44.39 percent). Based on these figures, he argued that benefits, including surface rent, should be distributed proportionally according to the extent of mining activities and land coverage in each chiefdom.

“What we are asking for is fairness,” he said. “Surface rent and other facilities should be shared according to where mining is actually taking place. A company should pay based on the iron ore mined in each chiefdom.”

The Paramount Chief warned that continued dissatisfaction could create tensions, noting that the chiefdom does not want the situation to escalate to the point of disrupting mining activities.

“We do not want to reach a stage where we stop mining operations. That is why we are appealing to the Government of Sierra Leone to investigate this issue,” he said.

Chief Jalloh disclosed that he has written to several ministries and copied both the Office of the President and the Office of the Vice President seeking intervention.

He concluded by calling on the government to review and clearly separate the entitlements of the three chiefdoms, ensuring that each chiefdom receives benefits that correspond to its contribution within the mining concession.

“We cannot continue to share what rightfully belongs to Sambaya Chiefdom,” he emphasized. “Each chiefdom should benefit according to what is due to it.”

The matter is expected to draw attention from relevant authorities as discussions continue around equitable benefit-sharing in mining communities across the country. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/paramount-chief-of-sambaya-calls-on-government-to-separate-mining-benefits-among-three-chiefdoms/

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Institute for Legal Research and Advocacy for Justice (ILRAJ) has called on the Government of Sierra Leone to reconsider and withdraw the proposed appointment of Edmond Sylvester Alpha as Chief Electoral Commissioner of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL), citing legal, procedural and democratic concerns.

In a statement issued on Thursday, ILRAJ referenced a letter from the Office of the President dated February 10, 2026, which nominated Edmond Sylvester Alpha pursuant to Section 32(3) of the 1991 Constitution. While acknowledging the need to fill vacancies in key public institutions, the legal advocacy body argued that proceeding with a substantive appointment at this time risks undermining ongoing constitutional and electoral reforms.

According to ILRAJ, the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Act 2025 Bill, currently before Parliament, proposes significant changes to Section 32, including the establishment of a Search and Nomination Committee to oversee transparent and merit-based appointments to the ECSL. The organization contends that confirming a Chief Electoral Commissioner before Parliament concludes deliberations on the proposed reforms would preempt the legislative process and weaken the spirit of the amendments.

“Mr. Alpha is already serving in an acting capacity, ensuring institutional continuity,” ILRAJ noted, adding that rushing to confirm him permanently may entrench existing appointment practices before new constitutional safeguards take effect. The group urged President Julius Maada Bio to withdraw the nomination and await the outcome of parliamentary consideration of the Amendment Bill.

The organization further expressed concern over what it described as a pattern of partisan appointments to leadership positions within institutions expected to function independently. It referenced public perceptions surrounding appointments during and after the disputed 2023 elections, noting that several ECSL commissioners were widely viewed as being aligned with the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), a situation that contributed to public distrust in the electoral process.

Similar concerns, ILRAJ stated, have also been raised regarding the current leadership of the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC). The advocacy group warned that appointments perceived as politically aligned risk eroding institutional neutrality and transforming oversight bodies into extensions of executive influence.

ILRAJ also questioned the adequacy of consultations conducted under Section 32(3) of the Constitution, which requires the President to appoint ECSL members “after consultation with the leaders of all registered political parties” and subject to parliamentary approval. The group argued that consultations have historically been reduced to brief written notifications requesting feedback within a limited timeframe, often three working days, which it described as insufficient for meaningful engagement.

“This approach falls short of genuine consultation and undermines the constitutional intent of multiparty consensus,” the statement asserted.

The organization therefore called on President Bio to withdraw the nomination, conduct authentic consultations with political stakeholders, and align the process with Tripartite Committee Recommendation 36 as well as the pending constitutional reforms. It also urged Parliament to exercise caution in ratifying the nomination and to prioritize reforms aimed at strengthening transparency, inclusivity and public confidence in the country’s democratic institutions.

ILRAJ concluded by emphasizing that credible and independent electoral management remains central to democratic stability and national cohesion in Sierra Leone. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/ilraj-urges-president-bio-to-withdraw-ecsl-chief-nomination-pending-constitutional-reforms/