The FrontPage News

The FrontPage News An independent daily newspaper in Sierra Leone. We produce real-time current news in the country.

Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio Holds Bilateral Talks With Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Discusses ...
03/01/2024

Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio Holds Bilateral Talks With Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Discusses UN Security Council
January 3, 2024

Algiers, Algeria, Wednesday 3 January 2024 – His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio has held a productive engagement with his brother and friend, His Excellency Abdelmadjid Tebboune, President of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, discussing, among other things, Sierra Leone’s new status on the United Nations Security Council, UNSC.

As Sierra Leone begins her tenure as one of four new non-permanent members of the UNSC this January, the fundamental intent of this two-year tenure is to promote peace and security on the global stage.

The President was also in the North African country to further strengthen the collaboration between Sierra Leone and Algeria as they both take their seats on the United Nations Security Council, committing to collaborate on a shared interest in furtherance of global peace.

Although the world and the region face immense emerging challenges, President Bio has committed to working closely with Algeria as Sierra Leone continues to coordinate the C10, pushing the African position for the reform of the United Nations Security Council.

The two countries have over the years had bilateral ties and both Presidents have committed to deepening the relationship by exploring trade, social and cultural avenues for the benefit of both countries. These shared interests and the desire to collaborate to proffer solutions to regional and global emerging issues is a key consensus shared by both heads of state.

President Julius Maada Bio thanked his brother and friend, His Excellency President Abdelmadjid Tebboune of Algeria, for inviting him and reaffirmed that with collaboration and cooperation, Sierra Leone and Algeria would contribute significantly to peace initiatives in the region and on the global stage.

For More Enquiries: State House Media and Communications Unit

[email protected]

11 Suspects Charged for TreasonTwelve (12) accused person's including Amadu Koita Makolo, Mohamed Jalloh, Sergeant 10020...
03/01/2024

11 Suspects Charged for Treason

Twelve (12) accused person's including Amadu Koita Makolo, Mohamed Jalloh, Sergeant 10020 Edward Salifu Kamara, Alimatu Hassan Bangura, Hassan Leigh, Mohamed Woodie, Bai Mamoud Bangura, ASP Ibrahim Sesay, Tamba Yamba, Kabba Kamara and Hassan Kamara on Tuesday 2nd January 2024, appeared before Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Court No.2 at Pademba Road in Freetown for treasonable offences.

The matter was mentioned, but the 8th accused; the former Youth Minister, Bai Mamoud Bangura was absent.

According to Commissioner, Lahai, Director of Crime Services the 8th accused Bai Mamoud Bangura is admitted at the Police Hospital at Kingtom for medication.

Defense Counsel, Chernor Kamara refused to comment as the charges have not yet been put to the accused.

All accused were remanded at the Male Correctional Center and the matter was adjourned to 9th January 2024.

Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio to address the nation on the status of nationwide curfew and Coup D'état Inves...
02/12/2023

Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio to address the nation on the status of nationwide curfew and Coup D'état Investigations

His Excellency, President Julius Maada Bio will tonight at 8:00pm GMT update the people of Sierra Leone through a national broadcast, following an unprecedented security breach at the armoury of the Wilberforce Military Barracks in Freetown ion Sunday 26 November 2023, which his Government recently described as a 'failed attempted coup.'

This is the President's second national address after the Government of Sierra Leone officially declared nationwide curfew during Sunday's incident that witnessed heavy exchange of gun fire in a gorilla-like warfare between renegades, mutineers and personnel of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF).

It is highly anticipated that the President's address will shed more light on Sunday's attacks and possible revision of the nationwide curfew declared in the wake of the violent attacks to forestall security in the country.

China Road  and Bridge Corporation and Atépa Group to commence 8km Freetown-Lungi Bridge Construction in 2024. Following...
01/12/2023

China Road and Bridge Corporation and Atépa Group to commence 8km Freetown-Lungi Bridge Construction in 2024.

Following several years of negotiating with investors for the construction of Lungi bride acorss the Atlantic Ocean which connects to the country International Airport, Governance has announced that the Chinese firm, Atépa Group will commence construction of the mega infrastructure project in 2024.

According to a press statement singed by the Minister of Information, Chernor C. Bah, the Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Chinese company, China Road and Bridge Corporation and the architectural firm of the Atepa group for the construction of the US $1.5 Billion Freetown-Lungi bridge.

*America Congratulates Sierra Leone Government for Defending Democracy as The Country Remains on Course for the MCC Comp...
29/11/2023

*America Congratulates Sierra Leone Government for Defending Democracy as The Country Remains on Course for the MCC Compact*

Directorate of Strategic Communications
MFAIC Building, Tower Hill, Freetown
29 November, 2023

The US government through the American Ambassador to Sierra Leone Bryan David Hunt, has unequivocally condemned the Freetown November 26 security breach by unknown insurgents, calling it an attack on democracy.

The Ambassador congratulated the government of Sierra Leone for stopping “those who wanted to avert democracy and bring chaos to Sierra Leone”. The US position was made clear during the ambassador’s courtesy call to Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Timothy Musa Kabba, Wednesday, at his Tower Hill Office.

He said the American Government stands with the Sierra Leone Government for taking the stance to repel, pursue, arrest, and bring to trial all the dissidents involved through a speedy, fair, and transparent trial.

Hunt told the minister, that he has on behalf of the American Government, congratulated Major General Dauda Alpha, the Joint Forces Commander of the Republic of Sierra Leone’s Armed Forces through a telephone call. He said he congratulated the commander and his men for standing tall to defend the assault on democracy. The US government was pleased with the military’s dedication and gallantry in repelling the assailants, he emphasized. He said the American government will support the government of Sierra Leone with investigations to ensure that the assailants account for their unfortunate actions.

The American government will continue to stand with the Government and people of Sierra Leone as they support the Sierra Leone Government’s action to search, condon, arrest and prosecute all the assailants.

On another note, Ambassador Hunt said Sierra Leone remained on track for the compact having fulfilled all the requirements of the Millennium Challenge Cooperation(MCC). The United States Embassy in Sierra Leone, he said, will continue to work with the Government of Sierra Leone to ensure the compact is realized.

He said Sierra Leone as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, has a key role to play in the peace and stability of West Africa and beyond. Hence, the United States encourages President Julius Maada Bio to play a critical role in resolving the political crises in West Africa.
Ambassador Hunt called on Sierra Leone to join the United States and other nations in endorsing the Declaration on Atlantic Cooperation so that Sierra Leone could become a full member.

Minister Kabba welcomed the ambassador and expressed his appreciation on behalf of the Government of Sierra Leone. He appreciated the United State’s stance on democracy as well as law and order in Sierra Leone, especially for demonstrating early support for the Government of Sierra Leone on the unfortunate events of November 26. He stressed that the Government of Sierra Leone will continue to encourage the security forces to act within the confines of the law as they engaged the remnants of insurgents still lurking out in the dark.
Kabba said despite the threat to the security situation posed by the insurgents, Sierra Leone will forge ahead with the work of the Electoral Review Committee.
The minister acknowledged the ambassador’s positive overview of Sierra Leone’s fulfillment of the MCC criteria, noting that some detractors were using the MCC to play politics without understanding the progress Sierra Leone has made on the MCC over the years. Kabba said that President Bio’s experience as having been a military leader before and now as a democratic leader places him strategically to play a key role in resolving the political crises in West Africa. He assured the ambassador that Sierra Leone would endorse the Declaration on the Atlantic Cooperation.

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources Wraps Up Successful Russian Tour with High HopesKorovy Val Moscow...
29/11/2023

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources Wraps Up Successful Russian Tour with High Hopes

Korovy Val Moscow, Russia - Wednesday 29 November 2023 - Hon. Julius Daniel Mattai, Sierra Leone's Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources concluded a week-long tour in the Russian Federation accompanied by Ing Hadji Dabo, Director General of the National Mineral Agency (NMA), and other senior colleagues from the Agency.

The Minister and the Director General were invited to Moscow to participate in an international conference on issues pertinent to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Whilst in Moscow Hon. Julius Mattai used the opportunity to engage in productive high-level bilateral talks.

One such meeting was with the Russian Minister of Natural Resources in Moscow, aimed at fostering and deepening collaboration in the mining sector.

During their meeting, Alexandriovich Alexander Kozlov, the Russian Minister of Natural Resources and Ecology, underscored the enduring partnership between Sierra Leone and Russia, tracing it back to the Soviet era. Minister Kozlov expressed gratitude for the partnership in natural and mineral resources( and reminded the visiting party of an existing draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which requires signing.

Russia's commitment to aiding Sierra Leone's mining sector was highlighted. “Russia was prepared to provide advanced 21st-century equipments and expertise in geology and technology” - Minister Kozlov stated.

In fruitful engagements with leading diamond mining company ALROSA, Minister Mattai emphasized Sierra Leone's openness to potential partnerships and investment in the mining sector.

"This is not our first meeting, we met during the first Russia-Africa Summit in Sochi in 2019 and we are here to continue the discussion we started some years ago," Minister Mattai stated.

The Minister and his team received a warm reception during a tour of production and polishing rooms at ALROSA, with the CEO expressing interest in a reciprocal visit to Sierra Leone with his team.

Further engagements with RUSAL and Zarubehgeologia JSC explored partnerships and investment possibilities in Sierra Leone's mining and mineral sector. Minister Mattai expressed confidence that under President Julius Maada Bio's administration, the country's rebranding efforts would soon attract world-class mining companies in productive engagements.

Hon. Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources Mr Julius Mattai ended his business engagement with an insightful PowerPoint presentation at RUDN University on the topic: Opportunities and Challenges of Addressing UN SDG 9 in Sierra Leone's Mining Sector.

The Sierra Leonean delegation also engaged with Sierra Leone students studying in the Russian Federation, which wrapped up their eventful visit.

*For More Enquiries:*
*Festus J. Lahai*
*Information Attache'*
*Moscow, Russian Federation*
*Email: [email protected]*

President Julius Bio Receives High-Powered Delegation from ECOWAS and Federal Republic of Nigeria following Attacks on M...
28/11/2023

President Julius Bio Receives High-Powered Delegation from ECOWAS and Federal Republic of Nigeria following Attacks on Military Bases in Freetown*

*_State House, Freetown, Monday 27 November 2023 –_* His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio has received a high-powered delegation from the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS Commission and the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria following Sunday’s security breach and attack on the armoury at Wilberforce Barracks in Freetown.

The team, which included Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, Nigeria’s Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Musa, its Chief of Defence Military Intelligence, Major General Emmanuel Udiandeye and President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, had paid a solidarity visit to the President.

The delegation conveyed a message of solidarity from the Chairman of the ECOWAS Committee of Heads of State and President of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as that of the other ECOWAS Heads of State and Government.

It further reiterated the ECOWAS Member States' commitment toward preserving democracy and good governance across the sub-region while assuring of their readiness to work with the Government of President Bio toward forestalling any future security occurrences.

Special envoy, Nuhu Ribadu said the Chair of the ECOWAS Authority, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria, conveyed their deep gratitude to His Excellency Julius Maada Bio, for standing with the people of Sierra Leone, and for democracy. He also gave assurance that he would stand by President Bio and his people, adding that the deep friendship between Nigeria and Sierra Leone would continue as it had always been.

“President Tinubu is a life-long defender of democracy and will always stand by what is right. He will defend democracy, good governance, justice and freedom. The events yesterday have touched Nigeria directly. Nigeria is with Sierra Leone, ECOWAS is with Sierra Leone,” he assured.

President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Touray, renewed ECOWAS’ condemnation of the security breach and appealed to the people of Sierra Leone to support the efforts of the government to pursue and bring to justice those responsible. He reiterated the zero tolerance by ECOWAS for unconstitutional changes of government in the region.

“ECOWAS stands ready to support Sierra Leone’s national security, including deploying a standby force if need be. I want to call on the people of Sierra Leone to be law-abiding. I will also appeal to the security forces to follow the rule of law and not engage in witch-hunt. ECOWAS calls on all stakeholders to promote dialogue,” he urged and entreated the government to ensure that security measures instituted did not infringe on fundamental rights and freedoms and did not impact negatively on national cohesion.

In his response, His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio welcomed the special envoy and ECOWAS delegation and conveyed warm fraternal greetings to H.E. President Tinubu, the Government of Nigeria and ECOWAS.

“It is not surprising that Nigeria is here, and ECOWAS is here. This is not the first time. If Sierra Leone is a peaceful nation today, we owe it to Nigeria and ECOWAS.

“My government’s commitment to democracy, justice, the well-being and safety of our citizens remains unwavering. Sierra Leone’s leadership position in key institutions across the globe will be preserved. We are deeply thankful for the tremendous outpouring of support from key allies around the region and world. We shall continue to work towards preserving and promoting the priceless peace that we have enjoyed as a country since the end of our unfortunate decade-long civil war 21 years ago,” he said.

“Some of us have fought for this country and must protect it. We have seen the consequences of war and when I see people creating the conditions for war, it saddens me. Ever since I won in 2018, it has been one issue after the other. We have made gains in so many areas despite the binding constraints we have been confronted with as a nation, including our deep-seated politics.

“My party campaigned extensively and won the 2023 elections, but when the results were announced, the main opposition could not accept it. We agreed to dialogue all in the name of peace, and yet again, they decided to cause mayhem. This is not the first time, they did it on August 10, holding weapons and killing police officers, and yet, called it a civil protest.

“Our combined forces, together with the good people of Sierra Leone, stood firm yesterday in defense of peace, stability and democracy. That is the legacy we must protect, and our national security matters most. The focus of my administration is food security, which is a development imperative,” he concluded.

*For more information:*
*State House Media and Communications Unit*
*[email protected]*

Police Offers Rewards for Info Leading to Arrest of Assailants linked to Sunday's Security Breaches in Freetown*  The Si...
27/11/2023

Police Offers Rewards for Info Leading to Arrest of Assailants linked to Sunday's Security Breaches in Freetown*

The Sierra Leone Police has offered a reward of NLe 50,000 to individuals who could provide information for the arrest and prosecution of those behind the robbery of the military armoury at Wilberforce on Sunday November 26, 2023.

Additionally, it has also offered NLe 10,000 for information leading to the arrest of inmates who escaped from the male and female correctional centres and polixe stations in Freetown on Sunday 26th November 2023.

The SLP says it is conducting a full scale investigation of both incidents. Read the full statement below.

Sierra Leone and Russia Forged Collaboration in Education: MOU Signed Between Education MinistriesKorovy Val Moscow, Rus...
27/11/2023

Sierra Leone and Russia Forged Collaboration in Education: MOU Signed Between Education Ministries

Korovy Val Moscow, Russia - Monday 27 November 2023 - In her dedication to deepen ongoing academic cooperation, the Minister of Technical and Higher Education of Sierra Leone, Haja Ramatulai Wurie and Russia's Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education, Konstantin Mogilevskiy, entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The event took place on November 24, 2023, in the presence of other distinguished personalities. This serves as a significant milestone in solidifying the educational partnership between the two nations.

Deputy Minister Konstantin Mogilevskiy led the Russian delegation. The latter apologised for the absence of the minister due to unforeseen circumstances. Other officials included Sergey Terashkevich, Elena Blagireva, Alexander Berezhnoy, and Margarita Shumeykina.

The Sierra Leonean delegation was led by Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie. Also in attendance were the Director General National Mineral Agency (NMA) Ing Hadji Dabo, Ambassador Mohamed Yongawo, Mr George Agbeigeima Dambo, Assistant to the Minister and Student Secretary at MTHE; Festus Jusu Lahai Press Atache, Mrs. Wulaimatu Conteh first secretary and Elena Dzebisova all staff at the Embassy of Sierra Leone in Moscow.

The signed MOU, which focused on higher education collaboration, underscores the shared commitment to strengthen academic collaboration. Both sides acknowledged the important role of educational partnerships in fostering bilateral relations, promoting academic mobility, and facilitating the exchange of educational services.

In her opening remarks, Dr Ramatulai Wurie acknowledged Russia’s enduring support of Sierra Leone’s human capital development. Highlighting the profound impact of Russian education on Sierra Leonean society, Dr Wurie further applauded Russia for training over 2000 Sierra Leoneans over the years with 136 students currently pursuing various academic disciplines at Russian universities. Dr Wurie commended the Russian Peoples' Friendship University (RUDN) for the additional student scholarship allocations and acknowledged the University’s unwavering commitment to students' welfare.

"We see our young people as our most valuable asset in Sierra Leone, we have a very youthful population and we are building up their capacity through Education. I believe that the partnership signed today underscores the investment and dedication of our President and Government to education in various aspects for the future.

Dr Wurie continued: Our students upon completion of their courses will return to Sierra Leone and also serve as change agents in their different specialist areas,” Minister Wurie said.

During the meeting, Deputy Minister Mogilevskiy indicated the possibility of training Sierra Leoneans in Russian educational institutions. He revealed plans to augment the student quota, which will be increased in the future academic years. The Deputy informed of Russia's readiness to support Sierra Leonean universities through direct partnerships.

Additionally, he suggested Sierra Leone's participation in the Russian National Universities, a collaborative platform already including several African universities.

“Our main area of cooperation is the training of Sierra Leoneans in educational institutions in the Russian Federation.
Last year we had 75 students and because of the growing interest in Sierra Leonean students in education we have decided to increase the quota from 15 to 20 and it will be increased next academic year. We are ready to support Sierra Leonean universities with direct partnerships.

We would also suggest Sierra Leone join the Union of Russian National Universities as we have several African Universities that are part of the Union already,” Minister Mogilevskiy said.

Recognizing Sierra Leone's priorities in human capital development, agriculture, energy, infrastructure, information technology, and public sector enhancement, Deputy Minister Mogilevskiy reiterated Russia's commitment to support these sectors in training specialists tailored specifically to the needs of Sierra Leone.

The signing of this MOU marks a significant stride in educational cooperation between Sierra Leone and Russia, it heralds a promising era of rich academic exchanges and sustained collaborations for the advancement of higher education in both nations.

*For More Enquiries:*
*Festus J. Lahai*
*Information Attache'*
*Moscow, Russian Federation*
*Email: [email protected]*

Government Imposes Nationwide Curfew The Government of Sierra Leone has imposed a nationwide curfew from 9:00 pm to 6:00...
27/11/2023

Government Imposes Nationwide Curfew

The Government of Sierra Leone has imposed a nationwide curfew from 9:00 pm to 6:00 am, effective on Monday 27 November 2023.

This follows what security experts say was an attempt to overthrow the Government of President Julius Maada Bio who was declared winner of the disputed result of the June 24, 2023 presidential election.

According to a press release signed by the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, members of the public are hereby urged to report any suspicious activity within their community to the nearest police station.

Sources at the Sierra Leone Police have confirmed the arrest of dozens of citizens, while the search for remnants of the renegade officers who executed the butched coup, including civilians and police officers is still ongoing.

Sierra Leone Delegation in Talks with Russian Foreign MinisterKorovy Val Moscow, Russia - Wednesday  22 November  2023 -...
23/11/2023

Sierra Leone Delegation in Talks with Russian Foreign Minister

Korovy Val Moscow, Russia - Wednesday 22 November 2023 - In a proactive move aimed at fortifying the enduring relationship between Sierra Leone and Russia, a high-level delegation from Sierra Leone embarked on a strategic mission, paying a courtesy visit to His Excellency Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov in the Russian Federation.

Facilitated by His Excellency Ambassador Mohamed Yongawo, the delegation expressed profound gratitude for the continuous support extended by the Russian government to Sierra Leone.

Ambassador Yongawo conveyed heartfelt appreciation on behalf of the government and the people of Sierra Leone for the unwavering assistance provided by Russia during critical times, notably during the Ebola crisis that devastated several West African support provided in support of the COVID-19 pandemic. He also acknowledged Russia’s significant contribution of 100 dump trucks as a symbol of the robust friendship shared between the two nations.

Dr. Wurie, representing Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Technical and Higher Education, emphasized the delegation’s commitment to further bolster existing partnerships, highlighting the multifaceted dialogue spanning various ministries. Notably, Dr. Wurie recognized Russia’s pivotal role in the education sector, with over 2,000 Sierra Leonean students pursuing studies in Russia over the 62 years of bilateral relations.

The Hon Minister further highlighted ongoing educational endeavours, citing over 100 students currently enrolled in diverse academic pursuits in Russian universities. Dr. Wurie urged continued collaboration, especially in scholarships for middle workforce training.

Highlighting President Julius Maada Bio’s strategic priorities, Minister Wurie delineated the five areas: ‘Feed Salone’ - weigh focus on mechanizing agriculture, Human Capital Development, Job Creation, Public Sector Reform, and the advancement of ICT and Infrastructure. She emphasized the desire to tap into Russia’s expertise, particularly in mechanical farming, energy, ICT, and human capital development, aligning them with Sierra Leone’s development goals.

In a poignant moment, the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Hon. Julius Daniel Mattai, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the warm reception, reminiscent of a homecoming. Recalling his academic pursuit in the former Soviet Union from 1986 to 1992, fulfilling his dream of becoming a geologist, he expressed profound honour in serving as the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources almost three decades after his educational stint in Russia.

The visit underscored the mutual determination to strengthen ties and collaborate on critical sectors, fostering a sustainable and mutually beneficial partnership between Sierra Leone and Russia. As both nations continue to build on this trajectory, the prospect of shared advancements and growth appears promising.

In response, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Special Representative of the President of Russia to the Middle East and Africa, His Excellency Mikhail Bogdanov, pledged Russia’s continued partnership and collaboration with Sierra Leone in various sectors such as Education, Energy, Infrastructure, and Agriculture.

Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Mr. Bogdanov promised Russian support in training Sierra Leonean students in Professional and Technical Vocational courses to build up the middle workforce for the 21st-century job market.

Other members of the Sierra Leone delegation included: Mr. Hadji Dabo, Director General of the National Minerals Agency (NMA); Mr. Peter Bangura, Director of Mines; Mr. Prince Cuffey, Director of Geological Survey; Mr. Joseph Lebbie, Deputy Director of Geological Survey; Madam Jariatu Bah, Communications Manager; and Mrs. Wulaimatu Conteh, First Secretary at the Republic of Sierra Leone Embassy.

The meeting concluded with hopes for deepening cooperation between the two nations informed by mutual understanding and respect.

*For More Enquiries:*
*Festus J. Lahai*
*Information Attache'*
*Moscow, Russian* *Federation*
*Email: [email protected]*

Mines Minister, Menerals Agency Officials  Arrive in RussiaSierra Leone's Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Honou...
20/11/2023

Mines Minister, Menerals Agency Officials Arrive in Russia

Sierra Leone's Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Honourable Julius Mattai, the country's Director General of the National Minerals Agency (NMA), Mr. Hadji Dabo and other officials of NMA arrived in Moscow, Russia* ahead of the second International Scientific Conference of Students and Young Scientists organized by The People's Friendship University named after Patrice Lumumba (RUDN).

The theme of the event: Sustainable Development of Civilization: Corporation, Science, Education, Technology - Africa's Pathway to the 17 SDGs: An Integrated Approach."

Whilst in Moscow, the Minister and his team will engage top-level government and business leaders.

Earlier today, the Embassy received Mr. Mohamed Lamrana Bah, Director of Communications, National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA).

(c) Sierra Leone Embassy in Moscow, Russia

Dansogoia Paramount Chief Pleads Guilty at Commission of Inquiry*Guma Building, Freetown, 13th November, 2023:* The Cour...
14/11/2023

Dansogoia Paramount Chief Pleads Guilty at Commission of Inquiry

*Guma Building, Freetown, 13th November, 2023:* The Court of Appeal Judge appointed by His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, Honourable Justice Alhaji Mohamed Momoh-Jah Stevens, has commenced investigation into an allegation of incitement and breach of ethics and self regulation involving the Paramount Chief of Dansogoia Chiefdom, Tonkolili District, PC Alimamy Bockarie Yellan Koroma.

The Paramount Chief of Dansogoia Chiefdom was suspended by the Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Tamba J.S. Lamina on 7th August, 2023 pursuant to Sections 19-21 of the Chieftaincy Act of 2009. The suspended Paramount Chief of Dansogoia Chiefdom made his first appearance on 8th November, 2023 before the Commission of Inquiry set up by the President.

The state was represented by Lawyers E. Sarkoh and T.J. Freeman. Paramount Chief Alimamy B.Y. Koroma said that even though he is aware of soliciting the service of a Lawyer, he has no intention to solicit any Lawyer.

Addressing the Court on behalf of the state, E.Sarkoh said the matter before the Court is an inquiry into an allegation of Incitement and Breach of Ethics and Self Regulation by the Paramount Chief Alimamy Bockarie Alie Yellan Koroma.

“This inquiry has already been gazetted and of course, there is a representative from the Government Printing Office who is very pleased to present same to this Tribunal,” said Lawyer Sarkoh, adding that, “in addition to that, a Secretariat has been set up with the appointment of Administrative Officers to serve in this Commission.”

An official presentation of the gazette was done under Oath, sworn to the Holy Bible by Alishia Lebbie.

“I am working at the Government Printing Department. I am familiar with the Sierra Leone Gazette published on the 2nd November 2023. In that Notice, we published Gazette No.70 Government Notice No.284," said Alishia.

In his address, the Sole Commissioner Honourable Justice Momoh-Jah Stevens explained that the Commission of Inquiry was set up by the President of Sierra Leone to investigate allegation of Incitement and Breach of Ethics and Self-Regulation and Gross Misconduct.

He assured that the Commission of Inquiry shall be conducted impartially without favour.

On his second appearance, on 13th November, 2023, the State introduced their case and the allegations were put forward to the Paramount Chief who pleaded guilty to all the charges brought against him by the State.

Paramount Chief Alimamy B.Y. Koroma used the opportunity to apologize to His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, the Government and people, indigenes of the Dansogoia Chiefdom and the Sole Commissioner, Honourable Justice Alhaji Momoh-Jah Stevens for what he described as "unfortunate behavior."

"I'm profusely sorry," he said.

The Commission of Inquiry has ended as Honourable Justice Alhaji Momoh-Jah Stevens will present his report to the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, who will then accept or reject the recommendations in the Report.

Crddit: Judiciary Communications

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