By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Honourable Julius Daniel Mattai, has delivered a powerful and policy-defining message at the ongoing Sierra Leone Mining Week 2026, declaring that while Sierra Leone remains open to international investment and strategic partnerships, the country will not surrender sovereign control over its mineral wealth to foreign interests.

Speaking during a high-level Fireside Chat on “Geopolitics and Critical Minerals: Sierra Leone’s Strategic Choices” at the Freetown International Conference Centre, Bintumani, on Thursday 21 May 2026, Julius Daniel Mattai outlined what he described as Sierra Leone’s new strategic posture in the rapidly intensifying global competition for critical minerals.

The Minister, who also serves as Chairman of the African Diamond Producers Association (ADPA) for 2025–2026, stressed that Sierra Leone would engage global powers on terms rooted in national sovereignty, responsible mining, value addition and shared prosperity for the Sierra Leonean people. He emphasized that the country’s mineral resources must primarily benefit its citizens and contribute meaningfully to Africa’s industrial transformation.

“We are open for business. We are not, however, open for capture,” Julius Daniel Mattai declared to loud applause from delegates, diplomats, mining executives, development partners and African policymakers who attended the event.

His remarks came a day after the official launch of Sierra Leone’s National Strategy for Critical Minerals 2026–2031 by Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh during the opening ceremony of Sierra Leone Mining Week 2026. The strategy seeks to reposition Sierra Leone as a globally recognized leader in responsible critical minerals production, processing and beneficiation.

Julius Daniel Mattai noted that the global demand for lithium, cobalt, graphite, rare earth elements and other critical minerals has intensified due to the clean energy transition, digitalization and the expansion of advanced manufacturing industries across the world. He said Africa, particularly Sierra Leone, now finds itself at the centre of a major geopolitical and economic transformation.

Referencing global developments involving the United States, the European Union, China and Russia, the Minister observed that powerful nations are aggressively positioning themselves to secure critical mineral supply chains, but warned that Africa must not repeat historical patterns where raw materials were exported while value and industrial growth remained elsewhere.

According to the Minister, Sierra Leone’s approach is firmly aligned with the African Mining Vision of 2009 and the African Green Minerals Strategy adopted by African Heads of State in February 2025. He said the country sees itself as part of a broader continental movement aimed at ensuring value addition, industrialization and coordinated African bargaining power in the global minerals economy.

Julius Daniel Mattai disclosed that several African countries have already begun implementing export restrictions on raw minerals in order to promote local processing and beneficiation. He cited examples including Malawi, Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Ghana, which have all taken measures to limit raw mineral exports and encourage domestic industrialization.

The Minister explained that Sierra Leone’s newly launched Critical Minerals Strategy rests on four key transformational pillars: empowering transformation, advancing stewardship, catalyzing shared prosperity and securing strategic partnerships.

On the issue of value addition, the Minister stated that Sierra Leone intends to gradually transition from exporting raw ore to producing refined and processed mineral products within the country. He disclosed that by 2031, Sierra Leone aims to establish between three and five processing and beneficiation facilities supported by a dedicated Critical Minerals Special Economic Zone.

The Minister further emphasized that all mining activities in Sierra Leone must comply with strict environmental, social and governance standards under the Mines and Minerals Development Act 2023 and its accompanying 2025 regulations. He stressed that the Government remains committed to ensuring that mining operations are environmentally sustainable and free from exploitation, conflict financing or harmful labour practices.

Julius Daniel Mattai also revealed ambitious economic targets under the strategy, including attracting approximately US$2.5 billion in investment, generating US$300 million in annual Government revenue, creating 45,000 direct and indirect jobs, training 15,000 skilled workers and increasing annual export value from processed minerals to US$1.5 billion by 2031.

Addressing representatives of foreign Governments and investors, the Minister delivered one of the strongest messages of the conference, warning that Sierra Leone would not enter into agreements that compromise its sovereignty or undermine constitutional accountability.

“Sierra Leone will not sign what we have not read. We will not concede what we have not deliberated. We will not exchange a generation’s patrimony for a quarter’s headline,” he stated.

The Minister invoked the words of Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, warning against modern forms of neo-colonialism disguised through economic agreements linked to strategic minerals. He said Africa must negotiate from a position of unity, dignity and long-term vision.

Julius Daniel Mattai further challenged international partners to demonstrate concrete commitments toward technology transfer, local ownership, refining and industrial development on African soil rather than maintaining extractive relationships that export wealth and dependency.

He urged African countries to negotiate collectively through institutions such as the African Union, AfCFTA, AfDB and the African Minerals Development Centre in order to strengthen the continent’s bargaining power in the global minerals economy.

Meanwhile, during his opening remarks on Wednesday 20 May 2026 as Host and Chairman of ADPA, Julius Daniel Mattai described Sierra Leone Mining Week 2026 as more than just a mining conference, but rather a strategic platform aimed at transforming Africa’s mineral wealth into sustainable socio-economic development.

He praised President Dr. Julius Maada Bio and Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh for providing transformational leadership that has repositioned Sierra Leone’s mining sector toward transparency, value addition and inclusive national development.

The Minister highlighted reforms introduced through the Mines and Minerals Development Act 2023, improved regulatory oversight by the National Minerals Agency and efforts to strengthen environmental safeguards, local content requirements and community development agreements.

He also stressed the importance of financing geological exploration and drilling activities, noting that future prosperity depends not merely on known resources but on the country’s ability to discover and accurately define new mineral deposits.

Throughout his address, Julius Daniel Mattai repeatedly underscored the need for mining to produce visible benefits for ordinary citizens, mining communities, women, youth and local businesses. He insisted that the legitimacy of the mining sector would ultimately depend on whether communities directly experience improved livelihoods, infrastructure and opportunities.

The Minister concluded by affirming that Sierra Leone is determined not only to produce minerals but also to shape global conversations on responsible mining, industrial transformation and African economic sovereignty.

“Sierra Leone is ready not merely to produce, but to lead; not merely to supply, but to shape,” Julius Daniel Mattai declared as delegates applauded the country’s emerging vision for the future of mining in Africa. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/mines-minister-declares-sierra-leone-open-for-business-not-open-for-capture-at-mining-week-2026/

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Ten accomplished journalists from seven African countries have successfully concluded an intensive week of high-level professional engagements, institutional visits, media exchanges and cultural interactions under the Austria-Africa Media Fellowship Programme 2026 held in Vienna, Austria, from May 17 to 22, 2026. The fellowship programme, organized by the Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs in collaboration with the International Press Institute (IPI), focused extensively on press freedom, journalist safety, media innovation, sustainability, democracy and international media collaboration.

The fellowship brought together media professionals from Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Kenya, South Africa, Ethiopia and Zimbabwe, creating a platform for cross-border professional dialogue and knowledge-sharing on some of the most pressing challenges confronting journalism globally, particularly in Africa. Participating journalists included Favour Ulebor-Emmanuel of Vanguard Newspaper in Nigeria, Alhassan Bala, Founder and Editor of Alkalanci (The Arbiter) in Nigeria, Albert Oppong-Ansah of the Ghana News Agency, Amin Kef Sesay, Managing Editor of The Calabash Newspaper in Sierra Leone, Miriam Angil of Swahilipot Hub Foundation in Kenya, Clement Manyathela of Radio 702 in South Africa, Erin Marisa Bates of Carte Blanche in South Africa, Eyasu Zekarias Tadesse of Capital Ethiopia/FM 97.7, Ernestina Asante of GhanaWeb and Farai Shawn Matiashe, an international journalist from Zimbabwe.

Activities officially commenced on Sunday, May 17, 2026, with the arrival of fellows in Vienna, where participants were welcomed and accommodated at Flemings Selection Hotel before participating in introductory networking and cultural engagements aimed at fostering interaction among the journalists and organizers.

On Monday, May 18, the fellows engaged Austrian Government officials at the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs during a high-level briefing on Austria’s foreign policy and the country’s candidature for the United Nations Security Council for 2027–2028. The session was led by Ambassador Jan Kickert, Special Envoy for Austria’s candidature to the Security Council, who discussed Austria’s diplomatic priorities, multilateral engagement and international cooperation efforts.

The journalists later toured Vienna’s historic First District before proceeding to the United Nations Office in Vienna, where they participated in lectures and discussions involving officials of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Among the speakers were Elena Rigacci Hay, Chief of the Africa Regional Section at UNODC, Marie Caronile, Programme Officer for the Regional Section for Africa and the Middle East and Sinead Harvey, Press and Public Information Officer at the IAEA. Discussions focused on global security, international cooperation, public communication, Africa-related programmes and the role of international institutions in promoting peace and development. The fellows also held an informal engagement with Tariq Rauf, former Head of Verification and Security Policy at the IAEA, on international diplomacy and global security policy.

On Tuesday, May 19, participants visited the Austrian Parliament, where they interacted with Members of Parliament including Andreas Minnich and other officials on democratic governance, legislative processes and political accountability. Later, the fellows engaged Sepp Schellhorn, State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs, in discussions centered on Austria-Africa relations, media literacy, tourism, investment opportunities, diplomacy and the growing global challenge posed by misinformation and fake news.

Wednesday, May 20, featured extensive engagements on Austria’s Africa Strategy and development cooperation. The journalists held discussions with Stefan Scholz, Head of the Department for Sub-Saharan Africa and the African Union, Roberto Thym, Deputy Head of the Department for Business Services, Regina Rusz, Director General for Cultural Diplomacy and Edwin Kleiber, Chief Executive Officer of AMEX Health. The sessions focused on Austria’s engagement with African countries, development cooperation, business partnerships, cultural diplomacy and international collaboration.

The fellows later met Austria’s Federal Minister for European and International Affairs, Beate Meinl-Reisinger, before proceeding to the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), where discussions centered on development cooperation, peacebuilding, sustainability and environmental issues. Sophia Stanger of the Austrian Center for Peace engaged the journalists on environmental peacebuilding and global cooperation around climate-related challenges.

A major highlight of the fellowship occurred on Thursday, May 21, when participants visited ORF Zentrum Küniglberg, Austria’s national public broadcaster, where they toured the newsroom facilities and participated in extensive presentations and discussions on public-service journalism, newsroom operations, audience trust and digital broadcasting. The fellows also visited Radio Afrika and engaged Austrian journalists and media practitioners in discussions on migration reporting, diversity, inclusion and cross-cultural storytelling.

The journalists further visited the Austrian Presidential Office at Hofburg Palace, where they gained deeper understanding of Austria’s governance system and democratic institutions before concluding the day with networking engagements involving Austrian journalists at Heuriger Schübel-Auer. The interaction provided opportunities for professional networking, collaboration and exchange of ideas between African and Austrian journalists.

The final day of the fellowship on Friday, May 22, focused extensively on press freedom, journalist safety, media innovation and sustainability during engagements hosted by the International Press Institute. Fellows interacted with Austrian local journalism projects facilitated by the Austrian Chamber of Commerce, including Startseite, Inselmilieu Reportage and The International, where discussions focused on podcast storytelling, community journalism, inclusive reporting, audience engagement and innovative approaches to sustaining independent journalism in the digital era.

The journalists also engaged Miriam Mukalazi, Director of the Africa Program at the Vienna Institute for International Dialogue and Cooperation, on Africa-Europe cooperation, media development and dialogue initiatives.

During the farewell engagement hosted by IPI, Executive Director Scott Griffen underscored the organization’s commitment to defending press freedom and supporting journalists globally. He explained that IPI’s work revolves around four major pillars: press freedom and journalist safety, support to journalism, media innovation and sustainability and strengthening the global membership network. Scott Griffen emphasized that attacks against journalists, intimidation, censorship and impunity remain major threats to independent journalism worldwide, stressing the need for accountability and stronger international solidarity among journalists.

He disclosed that IPI continues to support investigative journalism, legal assistance, hostile environment training and innovation programmes designed to help news organizations adapt to artificial intelligence, digital disruption and changing audience behaviour while maintaining editorial independence. According to him, IPI’s media innovation and sustainability programmes seek to strengthen independent journalism through incubator and accelerator initiatives that help media organizations develop sustainable business models and innovative news products.

Grace Linczer, Membership and Engagement Manager at IPI, formally welcomed the African journalists into the IPI global network and announced that each fellow had received one-year IPI membership. She explained that the membership provides access to professional networking opportunities, workshops, leadership programmes, advocacy support, newsletters, member-only events and the broader global network of journalists and editors across more than 110 countries.

Questions raised by the African journalists throughout the fellowship centered on journalist killings, attacks against media practitioners, misinformation, artificial intelligence, investigative journalism, media sustainability, digital transformation and accountability for crimes committed against journalists, especially within conflict zones and politically challenging environments. Discussions also explored strategies for strengthening ethical journalism, fact-checking, audience trust and international collaboration in combating disinformation.

Speaking at the conclusion of the programme, Amin Kef Sesay of The Calabash Newspaper in Sierra Leone described the fellowship as enriching and transformative, noting that the engagements provided valuable exposure to Austria’s diplomatic institutions, media systems, democratic governance and innovation frameworks. He stated that the knowledge, skills and professional relationships gained during the fellowship would contribute significantly toward strengthening journalism and national development efforts in Sierra Leone.

The Austria-Africa Media Fellowship Programme 2026 concluded with renewed commitments toward strengthening international media collaboration, promoting press freedom, enhancing journalist safety and supporting sustainable independent journalism across Africa and beyond. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/ten-african-journalists-end-landmark-vienna-fellowship-with-renewed-drive-for-independent-journalism-ipi-global-membership/

  By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, has reaffirmed Government’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation with the United States in the energy sector as Sierra Leone moves toward the implementation of the transformative $480 million Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Energy Compact aimed at revolutionizing the country’s power infrastructure.

The Vice President joined senior Government officials, diplomats and development partners during a special reception hosted by the United States Embassy in Freetown on Thursday, 21st May 2026, to commemorate the 250th Independence Anniversary of the United States, popularly known as Freedom 250, at the newly established Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) Sierra Leone office in Freetown.

The high-profile event brought together Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba, Government representatives, diplomats, energy-sector experts and development stakeholders ahead of the rollout of the $480 million MCC Compact project, which is expected to significantly improve Sierra Leone’s electricity supply and energy infrastructure.

The gathering underscored the growing partnership between Sierra Leone and the United States, particularly in addressing long-standing energy challenges and promoting economic growth through reliable and affordable electricity access.

According to the United States Embassy in Freetown, the implementation of the MCC Energy Compact represents a major step toward a brighter energy future for Sierra Leone, with electricity expected to drive development, economic expansion and improved livelihoods for citizens across the country.

Speaking during the engagement, United States Chargé d’Affaires, Jared M. Yancey, emphasized the importance of the partnership, noting that both countries are working collaboratively to address energy constraints that have hindered economic progress.

“Together, we are tackling the energy constraints that hold back economic growth, paving the way for a more prosperous Sierra Leone,” Jared M. Yancey stated.

The reception also followed an earlier high-level engagement on 18th May 2026, when Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh officially received Vice President Alicia Robinson-Morgan of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) during her first visit to Sierra Leone as part of activities marking the Freedom 250 celebration.

During the meeting, Vice President Juldeh Jalloh highlighted Sierra Leone’s commitment to strengthening ties with the United States through strategic energy cooperation.

“In Sierra Leone, we are showcasing the partnership between our two Governments in the energy sector, at the center of which is the $480 million Energy Compact,” Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh stated.

The MCC Energy Compact is regarded as one of Sierra Leone’s most significant infrastructure partnerships with the United States and is expected to enhance electricity access, strengthen transmission and distribution systems and support reforms within the country’s energy sector.

The visit by MCC Vice President Alicia Robinson-Morgan is widely viewed as a reaffirmation of the growing bilateral relationship between Sierra Leone and the United States, particularly as the Government intensifies efforts to expand reliable electricity access for households, institutions and businesses nationwide. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/vice-president-reaffirms-sierra-leone-u-s-energy-partnership-at-u-s-freedom-250-reception-ahead-of-480m-mcc-compact/

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, joined Muslim worshippers at Hill Station in Freetown to observe the blessed occasion of Eid Al-Adha, while calling for unity, service, and compassion among Sierra Leoneans.

Speaking after prayers, the Vice President disclosed that he had joined Muslim brothers and sisters in prayer to commemorate one of Islam’s most sacred celebrations, emphasizing the importance of togetherness and national solidarity during the holy period.

“Today, I prayed with our Muslim brothers and sisters at Hill Station to mark the blessed occasion of Eid Al-Adha,” Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh stated, highlighting the significance of the religious celebration in fostering peace, sacrifice, and communal harmony.

He further expressed hope that the sacred occasion would inspire citizens to remain committed to building a stronger and more united nation grounded in mutual care and selfless service.

“May this sacred occasion inspire us to continue building a Sierra Leone rooted in unity, service, and care for one another,” the Vice President stated.

Extending goodwill to Muslims both in Sierra Leone and around the world, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh wished them a peaceful and joyful celebration, saying, “I wish all Muslims in Sierra Leone and across the world a joyful and peaceful Eid Al-Adha celebration. Eid Mubarak.”

  https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/vice-president-joins-muslims-at-hill-station-for-eid-al-adha-prayers-calls-for-unity-and-peace-in-sierra-leone/

Sierra Leone’s Independence Day on 27 April is one of the country’s most important national dates. In 2026, the holiday marked 65 years of Sierra Leone’s independence and brought people together through ceremonies, community events, sport, music and public gatherings.

1xBet Sierra Leone joined the celebration by launching the first 1xBet Independence Inter-Community Football Tournament, a competition created to unite local teams and fans during the Independence Day celebrations.

Football at the centre of the celebration

The first 1xBet Independence Tournament kicked off on 15 April 2026 and brought together teams from eight local communities: Moeba, Rokupa, Brima Lane, Calaba Town, Clinetown, Grassfield, Rokel and Thunder Hill.

Held at Approved School Field, the tournament gave local teams a chance to represent their areas and join the holiday atmosphere through football. The grand final took place on 27 April and made football part of the national celebration. The winning team Grassfield also received a 100,000 leones gift from 1xBet, and the best player also received a prize, which made the victory even more special.

Independence Day gifts for fans

The tournament was easy to join. The standard entry fee was 5 SLE, while all 1xBet customers could participate for free.

Alongside the tournament, 1xBet Sierra Leone launched a fan activity with branded T-shirts and flags. The T-shirts were dedicated to the 65th anniversary of Sierra Leone’s Independence Day, linking the giveaway to the national celebration.


Social media giveaway for Salone football fans


To extend the celebration online, 1xBet Sierra Leone also held an Independence Day Giveaway on brand Instagram page from 27 April to 3 May.

The contest invited Salone football fans to follow the brand page, like the campaign post, comment which Sierra Leone football team they support and tag a friend. The prize list included:

- 1st prize: Infinix HOT 60 Pro + Oraimo 4 Powerbank;


- 2nd–4th prize: All-In-One Solar Lamp;


- 5th–10th prize: Oraimo BoomPop 2S Earphones;


- and branded celebratory T-shirts for all winners.

The prizes were handed over on 8 May, continuing the Independence Day mood beyond the final whistle.

Community, football and national pride

The 1xBet Independence Tournament brought community football into Sierra Leone’s Independence Day celebration. By involving eight communities, holding the final on the national holiday, awarding the winning team with a 100,000 leones gift, and distributing anniversary T-shirts and flags, 1xBet Sierra Leone linked its activity to an important national date.

The event showed how football can bring players, fans and communities together. For local teams, it was a chance to compete and represent their areas. For fans, it created a place to gather and celebrate. For 1xBet Sierra Leone, it was a direct way to support sport, community engagement and national pride.

The first edition created a format that can grow in the future: community football, fan participation and national celebration around one of Sierra Leone’s most important days.

  https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/1xbet-marked-sierra-leone-independence-day-with-community-football-tournament-and-fan-gifts/

Sierra Rutile Limited, currently owned by Leone Oil Company, has announced plans to implement a workforce reduction as part of efforts to realign its operations with prevailing economic realities. The proposed redundancy exercise, which may significantly affect the company’s workforce, forms part of broader measures aimed at reducing operational costs and stabilizing the company amid declining returns on investment and mounting global economic pressures.

The announcement was made on Tuesday, 19th May 2026, as concerns continue to grow over the sustainability of operations at one of Sierra Leone’s leading mining companies.

It could be recalled that Leone Oil Company acquired 100 percent ownership of Sierra Rutile from former owner, Iluka Resources, in 2024, making the company fully Sierra Leonean-owned for the first time in its history.

In response to the proposed layoffs, a delegation from the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security, led by Deputy Minister Lansana Dumbuya, visited Sierra Rutile on Tuesday, 19th May 2026, to engage Management and workers on the planned exercise and ensure compliance with labour laws governing redundancy.

Speaking during the engagement, Deputy Minister Lansana Dumbuya clarified that Government’s intervention was intended to safeguard the interests of both workers and Management while fostering dialogue to ensure a peaceful and lawful process.

“Our purpose here is to engage directly with workers and prepare minds for the eventuality. We are not part of the company’s finances but we must ensure that any redundancy process is fair, lawful and conducted amicably,” he stated.

The Deputy Minister noted that global economic uncertainties have negatively impacted commodity prices and investment returns, forcing many companies around the world to undertake restructuring and cost-cutting measures to remain viable.

According to information submitted to the Ministry, Sierra Rutile had anticipated the need for cost reduction over an extended period. The company had previously planned to reduce its workforce from over 2,000 employees to approximately 1,000 workers.

Records indicate that in 2024, about 468 staff members were laid off, while the current redundancy exercise is expected to affect 213 general staff, 80 senior staff and 46 Management personnel.

Deputy Minister Lansana Dumbuya emphasized that while Government remains committed to creating employment opportunities, prevailing economic realities sometimes necessitate difficult decisions to preserve business continuity.

“These companies are not charitable institutions. Investors expect returns and when losses persist, realigning and restructuring become inevitable,” he noted.

He assured workers that the proposed redundancy process would strictly comply with the provisions of Section 82 of the Employment Act 2023 and the Mining Collective Bargaining Agreement Gazette governing redundancy and labour relations within the mining sector.

Deputy Director of Labour and Employment, Abdulai Conteh, explained that Section 82 of the Employment Act, 2023, alongside Article 27 of the Mining Collective Bargaining Agreement Gazette, 2025, clearly outlines the legal framework guiding redundancy procedures.

According to him, Sierra Rutile Management had formally notified the Ministry in line with legal requirements, thereby triggering mandatory consultations with workers and relevant stakeholders to ensure transparency and adherence to labour standards.

“Redundancy is a recognized labour process under the law. Our role as a Ministry is to ensure that all procedures are properly followed and that the rights and welfare of workers are adequately safeguarded,” Abdulai Conteh stated.

He further appealed to workers to remain calm and embrace constructive dialogue as consultations continue between Management, labour authorities and employees.

Meanwhile, Secretary General of the Workers’ Union, Ahmed MK Josiah, welcomed the Ministry’s intervention but expressed disappointment over what he described as delayed communication regarding the proposed layoffs.

“Redundancy has happened before in 2017 and 2024. While we understand the situation, earlier communication would have helped workers prepare better,” he said, while also questioning whether improved conditions of service would accompany the restructuring process.

Several workers also voiced concerns over reductions in staff benefits and operational changes reportedly introduced after Leone Oil Company assumed ownership and management of Sierra Rutile.

Responding to concerns raised by employees, Chief Executive Officer of Sierra Rutile, Lima Suffian Kargbo, disclosed that the redundancy decision was driven solely by financial sustainability concerns.

He revealed that the company currently spends approximately US$2.5 million monthly on fuel and nearly US$1.8 million on logistics, including transportation and staff provisions, despite experiencing limited returns on investment.

“We are not happy about this decision but if we do not cut down costs, the company risks collapse,” Lima Suffian Kargbo explained.

The Chief Executive Officer further disclosed that the workforce reduction would affect approximately 24 percent of general staff, 35 percent of senior staff and 46 percent of management personnel, with implementation expected before the end of May 2026 to enable the company resume operations on a restructured scale in June.

The meeting concluded with assurances from the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security that all affected workers would receive their full redundancy benefits in accordance with the law.

While some employees reportedly expressed willingness to voluntarily exit the company, labour officials clarified that the final determination of affected staff remains solely within the mandate of Management.

Deputy Minister Lansana Dumbuya reassured workers that Government would continue to serve as an impartial mediator to ensure the redundancy process is conducted peacefully, lawfully and respectfully. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/sierra-rutile-to-cut-workforce-amid-rising-administrative-costs-and-declining-returns/

By Amin Kef Sesay

Legal practitioner, Yada Hashim Williams Esq., has strongly challenged the legality of the National Revenue Authority’s (NRA) decision to seal the offices of his law firm, describing the move as unlawful, malicious and carried out in contempt of a High Court injunction, as a growing legal dispute unfolds between the prominent lawyer and the tax authority over alleged rental income tax liabilities linked to a property occupied by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

In a public statement issued on Thursday, 21st May 2026, Yada Hashim Williams Esq. alleged that officials of the National Revenue Authority, accompanied by armed police officers, cameramen and photographers, proceeded to seal the offices of Yada Williams & Associates at No. 7 Walpole Street, Freetown, on Wednesday, 20th May 2026, despite what he described as a valid High Court Order restraining such action.

According to the legal practitioner, legal proceedings had already been initiated on 18th May 2026 to challenge the NRA’s claims concerning alleged unpaid taxes, while the injunction obtained from the High Court had reportedly been communicated to the Commissioner-General of the NRA, the Authority’s Director of Legal Affairs and other relevant officials before the enforcement exercise took place. He further claimed that the premises were reopened shortly afterward, which he argued effectively reversed what he termed an illegal action by the Authority.

Addressing the substance of the tax dispute, Yada Hashim Williams Esq. maintained that he does not owe any rental income taxes in relation to a property located at Fourah Bay Close, Off Main Motor Road, Wilberforce, occupied by the United Nations Development Programme. He argued that the tenancy arrangement explicitly provides for taxes to be deducted at source by the tenant before rental payments are remitted to him.

According to Yada Hashim Williams Esq., the United Nations Development Programme has occupied the property since September 2018 under several tenancy agreements, all of which reportedly stipulate that rent payments are made net of Government of Sierra Leone taxes on rents. He explained that under the arrangement, applicable taxes are withheld by the tenant before rent is paid to him, noting that copies of the tenancy agreements had already been submitted to the National Revenue Authority on 4th March 2026.

Yada Hashim Williams Esq. further cited Section 120 of the Income Tax Act No. 8 of 2000 and Section 11 of the Finance Act No. 2 of 2018, arguing that Sierra Leonean law imposes a mandatory obligation on institutional tenants to withhold taxes on rent payments made to landlords. He maintained that the arrangement involving the United Nations Development Programme was legally mandated and not optional.

The legal practitioner also questioned the legality of the NRA’s decision to seal his law offices at Walpole Street rather than the Wilberforce property from which the alleged rental income was derived. According to him, provisions of the Income Tax Act authorize enforcement actions against premises directly connected to unpaid rental income tax obligations and not unrelated properties.

He further accused the National Revenue Authority of acting in a manner he described as high-handed and lacking factual and legal basis, while vowing to challenge the Authority’s actions through all lawful means available to him.

However, the National Revenue Authority has defended its enforcement action, stating that the sealing of the legal practitioner’s office was undertaken over what it described as outstanding rental income tax liabilities spanning from 2019 to 2025. The enforcement action reportedly affected the offices of Yada Williams & Associates at No. 7 Walpole Street and was linked to rental income generated from the Wilberforce property occupied by the United Nations Development Programme.

The Authority disclosed that the action was carried out through its Domestic Tax Department pursuant to Section 155A of the Income Tax Act 2000 and Section 50(1) of the Goods and Services Tax Act 2000, as amended. According to the NRA, the Commissioner-General had established reasonable grounds to believe that the taxpayer failed to remit the correct taxes allegedly owed to the Government of Sierra Leone.

In correspondence dated 13th May 2026, the National Revenue Authority reportedly argued that tenancy arrangements involving the United Nations Development Programme do not extinguish or nullify statutory tax obligations imposed on landlords under Sierra Leonean law. The Authority further clarified that while the UNDP enjoys diplomatic privileges and immunities, such protections do not exempt private property owners from meeting their tax obligations to the state.

According to the Authority, Yada Hashim Williams Esq. had been instructed to settle the alleged outstanding liability by Friday, 15th May 2026, with a warning that failure to comply could result in enforcement actions, including sealing or restricting access to office and residential premises associated with the taxpayer anywhere within Sierra Leone.

The NRA further noted that additional enforcement measures in cases of continued non-compliance could include garnishment of bank accounts, travel restrictions, prevention from clearing goods through the country’s ports, publication of taxpayers’ names in newspapers and electronic media, as well as legal proceedings through the courts. It emphasized that payment of alleged outstanding obligations could be made through the Integrated Tax Administration System (ITAS), stressing that the matter would only be deemed resolved upon full settlement of the tax debt.

Meanwhile, the National Revenue Authority has reiterated the importance of compliance among landlords and taxpayers receiving rental income, emphasizing that adherence to tax regulations remains vital to strengthening domestic revenue mobilization, accountability, and national development financing.

The matter is now expected to proceed through the courts, as both the National Revenue Authority and Yada Hashim Williams Esq. maintain sharply contrasting positions over the legality of the enforcement action and the interpretation of rental income tax obligations under Sierra Leonean law. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/nra-and-yada-williams-draw-daggers-over-rental-tax-claims-legality-of-office-sealing-questioned/