The FrontPage News

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

Limba/APC & Northerner, Hawanatu Koroma WantedBy Our Correspondent Wednesday November 29th, 2023. Hawanatu Koroma – The ...
28/11/2024

Limba/APC & Northerner, Hawanatu Koroma Wanted
By Our Correspondent
Wednesday November 29th, 2023.

Hawanatu Koroma – The Wanted APC Operative Reports have emerged about how the Sierra Leone Police and the Government of Sierra Leone are seriously in search of one Hawanatu Koroma who is believed to be a very strong member of the main opposition party, the All People’s Congress (APC). Hawanatu is alleged to have played a crucial role during the August 10, 2022 protests in Sierra Leone, especially in Freetown. Her actions led to her subsequent detention at the Criminal Investigations Department in Freetown. Upon her release, she was reported to have fled to Magburaka where she stayed for some time as reported.As an ardent APC stalwart, she never backed down and so the government had to issue another warrant of arrest for her. Feeling unsafe and unwell, she is reported to have fled out of Sierra Leone at an unknown destination, probably seeking asylum. Earlier information suggests that she may have fled to neighbouring Guinea or Liberia, but that is still unclear as there is no evidence for same. Acts of this nature continue to pose serious threats to opposition forces in democracies. Hawanatu is not alone in this scenario. Her voice and those of many others were constantly monitored so as to be supressed and put an end to same. Suffice to say that she would need every form of support wherever she may find herself at present because it is clear that Sierra Leone is not cannot be safe for her as we speak.

*West Africa can not only feed itself but also feed the world*-Sierra Leone’s Chief MinisterThe Chief Minister of the Re...
06/04/2024

*West Africa can not only feed itself but also feed the world*
-Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister

The Chief Minister of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Moinina David Sengeh has asserted that West African fish feed Asian markets, adding that with some investment and intention, West Africa can not only feed itself but also feed the world.

The Chief Minister made this disclosure during the ECOWAS Investment Forum (EIF) in Togo. The Forum is a strategic platform that brings together development actors to promote investment opportunities in key sectors of ECOWAS Member States.

Organized by the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), the EIF 2024 will
“We have the land, we have the labor, and we have the vision. Center of the world for agriculture: cocoa from Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Sierra Leone, in addition to cassava, rice, and other staple foods in the world already come from the region. Togo is exporting organic soybeans to Europe,” the Chief Minister said

According to the Chief Minister, the region needs ECOWAS leaders in the public and private sector to finally see the region for what it is: the center of the world for investment, trade, human capital development, multilateralism and social inclusion.

He regarded ECOWAS as the Center of the world for logistics: one can reach pretty much every region of the world within a 6-10 hour direct flight from one of the 15 West African countries.

“Cape Verde to North Africa; Sierra Leone to South America; Niger to Europe; Nigeria to Asia; and Nigeria to Southern Africa. And since almost all West African countries have a coastline (11), they can play a crucial role in ports and shipping logistics. Asky Airlines from Togo has done the initial interconnection, and we need to now take it global to reach our potential. It takes investment,” he said.

The Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister regarded ECOWAS as the Center of the world for critical minerals, noting that the world's largest deposits and supplies of quality minerals, including gold, oil, iron ore, and rutile (critical for infrastructural development), come from West Africa.
He said individual counties are negotiating great deals to promote development, and now is when we must come together to build centers of excellence for mining, engineering, processing, and using those final products to shape industrial development.

“We must go from being the center of raw materials to the center of innovation and value addition. It takes investment. Center of the world for inclusion and multilateral: West African countries have similar people with the same languages across borders. We also speak major global languages: English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish. We have large populations of Muslims, Christians, and traditionalists all living together,” he said.

He said ECOMOG, EBID, and all the major ECOWAS institutions are good examples of regional integration and leadership, adding that It's easy to speak of West Africa in terms of instability, but it's a major center for global peace and unity.

He also regarded the region as the center of the world for culture: afrobeats, music, fashion, sports, film, and creative energy from West Africa continues to impact and influence the world in profound and mind-bending ways.

“To be able to take advantage of all this creative, athletic, and other energy, we must invest in human capital and our youth. Our median age is 19 years. I am convinced now, more than ever, that West Africa can finally take advantage of its geographic and genetic advantage as the center of the world,” he concluded.
highlight West Africa’s investment potential, with a focus on the socio-economic recovery of ECOWAS Communities.

ECOWAS Member States are facing economic challenges resulting from global shocks. The EIF 2024 aims to address these challenges by presenting investment opportunities in crucial sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, energy and health.

The forum is providing an important platform for stakeholders to discuss critical issues such as food security, infrastructure development, climate change and job creation.

*By Augustine Sankoh*

Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister Challenges Regulators to Integrate ECOWAS through Connectivity“When the finance people fai...
20/03/2024

Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister Challenges Regulators to Integrate ECOWAS through Connectivity

“When the finance people failed to integrate ECOWAS; the challenge is on you the regulators to integrate the subregion through connectivity. We need better collaboration and coordination from the people who are in this room to ensure that our redundancy system and connectivity system are robust enough,” Chief Minister Dr. Moinina David Sengeh.

He made this clarion call on Wednesday 20th March 2024 during the opening session of the 21st Annual General Meeting of The West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA) held at the Radison Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel in Freetown.

He calls on his audience to implore means by which they can promote development through connectivity in the region.

The Chief Minister commended the National Communications Authority (NatCA) and the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA) for hosting the 21st Annual General Meeting in Sierra Leone, underscoring how this indicates confidence in the country and its leadership.

He highlighted how the government has used Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other forms of technology to improve learning outcomes and the lives of citizens in general.

The Chief Minister told his audience about President Bio’s “BIG FIVE GAME CHANGERS” to improve the lives of citizens and the country as a whole, urging the foreign guests present to know more about the government priorities before leaving the country.
These five Gamechangers include: Feed Salone, Human Capital Development, Youth Employment Scheme, Revamping the Public Service Architecture and Tech & Infrastructure.

“Technology and information are core pillars and it matters to us as a nation. People think AI can be only applicable in countries like the United State of America or China and that is not the case. We equally have people with the capacity in the subregion, what is lacking is connectivity and the infrastructure,” he said.

WATRA is an organization through which Telecommunications Regulators work together to broaden access to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) services in the sub-region. Sierra Leone is a member of the 32 member state organization.

Article 6.12 of the Constitution of WATRA mandates the Conference of Regulators to hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM) once every year.

Each AGM shall confirm the host for the following year in conformity with Article 6.21 of WATRA’s Constitution.

During the 20th AGM of WATRA which took place in Bamako, Republic of Mali, in March 2023, the Conference of Regulators passed Resolution AGA20/CR/23/R11 for NatCA to host the 21st AGM of the Conference of Regulators. In compliance with the resolution reached at the 20th AGM of the Conference of Regulators in Bamako, Sierra Leone will automatically assume the position of Chairman of the Executive Committee of the 21st AGM as proud hosts in March 2024.

By Augustine Sankoh

ECOWAS Bank for Investment (EBID) Team Visit Sierra Leone, engages President Bio on Big Five Development Agenda Today, H...
21/02/2024

ECOWAS Bank for Investment (EBID) Team Visit Sierra Leone, engages President Bio on Big Five Development Agenda

Today, His Excellency Julius Maada Bio received the President of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment (EBID), Dr George Agyekum Donkor.

The EBID President and his team are in Sierra Leone to advance discussions on the Bank’s support for the Government’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) 2024-2030.

EBID, the leading Development Finance Institution (DFI) of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has pledged its support for the Government’s BIG FIVE priority development sectors with a particular focus on agriculture, education, infrastructure development, tourism and health.

He President Bio looking forward to concretising the discussions and quickly moving to the implementation stages for the benefit of the great people of Sierra Leone.

President Julius Bio pays glowing tribute to the Armed Forces Day of Sierra Leone ARMED FORCES DAY 2024 MESSAGE FROM THE...
20/02/2024

President Julius Bio pays glowing tribute to the Armed Forces Day of Sierra Leone

ARMED FORCES DAY 2024 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER IN CHIEF OF THE REPUBLIC OF SIERRA LEONE ARMED FORCES, HIS EXCELLENCY JULIUS MAADA BIO

My Fellow Sierra Leoneans,

As we honour the bravery, sacrifice and resilience of our Armed Forces, we are reminded of the profound debt of gratitude we owe to those who have served and continue to serve our beloved nation with unwavering dedication.

On this solemn occasion of Armed Forces Day, we pay tribute to the fearless heroes who have laid down their lives in defence of our sovereignty and the principles of freedom, justice and democracy.

Their selfless commitment to duty, often in the face of great peril, serves as a beacon of inspiration for us all.

On this day of commemoration, we thank God for their gallantry and lives.

HAPPY ARMED FORCES DAY!

Uncovering Transparency Issues in the Toll Gate Ticket Collection, and the Highway Project Contract with China Railway S...
18/02/2024

Uncovering Transparency Issues in the Toll Gate Ticket Collection, and the Highway Project Contract with China Railway Seventh Group

By: Sulaiman Stom Koroma.

In 2016, the government of Sierra Leone awarded China Railway Seventh Group (CRSG) a significant highway project valued at $1.4 million under a finance, build, operate, and transfer agreement. However, 8 years later, concerns have arisen regarding the lack of transparency and accountability in the ex*****on of this project.

A source working at the toll gate told me that the ticket they are selling to the public has no duplicate. The absence of duplicate copies of tickets used for toll collection raises suspicions about the accuracy of reported earnings. Single-copy tickets without duplicates make it challenging to cross-reference the actual revenue collected with the stipulations outlined in the agreement, casting doubt on what has been collected to what is left.

It was interesting to the writer to find out that the elusive English version of the loan agreement further clouds public knowledge about the actual funds acquired by CRSG. The loan agreement between CRSG and the Chinese financiers is only available in Chinese, making it difficult to ascertain the actual amount received for the project.

A source who requested anonymity said that according to the contract, CRSG is obligated to provide yearly financial updates to the Ministry of Works but has failed to do so as the Ministry of Works has never received any financial updates since CRSG started operation, leaving the public in the dark about the financial aspects of the highway project. Adding to the controversy, I was told that the third-party agent responsible for toll collection is a subsidiary of CRSG, raising questions about conflicts of interest and proper oversight.

Meanwhile, CRSG was not only to construct the designated highway but also, they were to build a market and hospital. Shockingly, these additional infrastructural developments are yet to materialize, raising serious concerns over contractual obligations.

A parliamentary source intimated to me that discrepancies emerged regarding the quality and value of the constructed bridge. He told me that the bill of quality indicated a significantly higher value for the bridge compared to what was delivered, with a disparity of approximately 2 million dollars.

Sadly, while the government should be addressing the issue of transparency and holding CRSG accountable by revisiting and potentially canceling the agreement until crucial steps are taken to ensure fairness and adherence to contractual obligations, the government is busy supporting CRSG to increase the cost of the toll tickets.

Fourah Bay College Celebrates 197 Years of Educational Legacy in Sierra Leone and BeyondBy Mackie M JallohIn the heart o...
18/02/2024

Fourah Bay College Celebrates 197 Years of Educational Legacy in Sierra Leone and Beyond

By Mackie M Jalloh

In the heart of Sierra Leone stands a venerable institution that has stood the test of time, shaping the educational landscape of West Africa and beyond. Fourah Bay College (FBC), founded on the 18th of February 1827, recently celebrated its 197th anniversary, marking a remarkable journey of academic excellence, societal impact, and contributions to the socio-economic and political development of Sierra Leone.

A Pioneering Legacy:
Established as the first university in West Africa, Fourah Bay College has been a beacon of knowledge, guiding countless individuals on their educational journeys. Over nearly two centuries, the institution has played a pivotal role in nurturing intellectual growth, fostering critical thinking, and producing graduates who have gone on to make significant contributions in various fields.

Educational Augmentation Across Africa:
Beyond the borders of Sierra Leone, FBC has played a crucial role in augmenting the educational pursuits of individuals from across Africa. Its commitment to academic excellence has attracted students from different countries, contributing to the cultural diversity and richness of the institution. The impact of FBC's graduates is evident in the numerous success stories that have emanated from its halls.

Socio-Economic and Political Contributions:
Fourah Bay College's influence extends far beyond the realm of academia. The institution has been a catalyst for socio-economic and political development in Sierra Leone. Through research, community engagement, and the cultivation of leaders, FBC has actively participated in shaping the trajectory of the nation. Its alumni have held influential positions in government, business, and various sectors, contributing to the overall progress and stability of the country.

Adapting to Change:
Throughout its long history, Fourah Bay College has demonstrated resilience and adaptability. Embracing advancements in education and technology, the institution has consistently evolved to meet the changing needs of the globalized world. The commitment to innovation ensures that FBC remains relevant and continues to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

Celebrating 197 Years of Excellence:
As Fourah Bay College commemorates its 197th anniversary, it is a moment not only to reflect on the past but also to look towards the future. The institution stands as a testament to the enduring power of education in shaping societies and transforming lives. The celebrations serve as a reminder of the collective efforts of educators, students, and stakeholders who have contributed to the success and longevity of FBC.

In conclusion, Fourah Bay College's 197-year journey is a story of resilience, achievement, and unwavering commitment to education. As it continues to inspire generations and make a lasting impact, the legacy of FBC remains firmly rooted in the pursuit of knowledge, excellence, and positive societal transformation. Cheers to 197 years of Fourah Bay College, a beacon of education in West Africa and a symbol of enduring educational excellence.

National Disaster Management Agency Introduces  Annual Hazard Calendar and Fire AdvisoryFreetwon, 15/02/2024: Based on r...
15/02/2024

National Disaster Management Agency Introduces Annual Hazard Calendar and Fire Advisory

Freetwon, 15/02/2024: Based on records of reported incidents and disasters compiled by the National Disaster Management Agency, the Agency is pleased to introduce its annual hazard calendar, a valuable resource that provides timely guidance on potential risks and hazards throughout the year.

The hazard calendar serves as a cornerstone for informing its disaster risk reduction and risk communication activities. The predictive capacity of this calendar is further enhanced by the Sierra Leone Meteorological Agency's seasonal forecast, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of potential risks and hazards.

These invaluable tools enable the NDMA to provide timely advisories to citizens, offering insights into anticipated risks and necessary precautionary measures. However, it is important to note that this hazard calendar remains dynamic and subject to adjustments in response to evolving weather patterns and the impacts of climate change.

As we enter the fire season based on our hazard calendar, characterized by heightened bushfire risks across the country, road users, particularly in the northern region, are urged to exercise caution. This is especially crucial during the evening hours when individuals particularly farmers in the regions often initiate bushfires for land clearing purposes, primarily for hunting or farming activities.

In some communities in the provinces, the NDMA has instituted proactive measures through its regional officers and established structures such as by-laws ensuring farmers have a farm belt in place before burning bushes to prevent the fire from spreading beyond its intended area, not cooking inside houses, and using fire-resistant banders to smoke fish amongst others. These regulations reflect a collective commitment to safeguarding communities from potential wildfire incidents.

Furthermore, the NDMA has recorded eight (8) fire incidents mainly in Freetown since the beginning of the year, destroying properties and businesses which resulted in poor electrification. In that regard, the public is encouraged to conduct regular inspections of their electrical wiring, outlets, and appliances to identify and address potential hazards, promptly repair or replace damaged or faulty electrical components to mitigate fire risks and avoid overloading electrical outlets with multiple devices or appliances, which can lead to overheating and fire.

The National Disaster Management Agency will continue to implement its fire prevention strategy across the country to increase community awareness and reduce the risk of electrical and wildfires. Together, we can make a meaningful impact in safeguarding our communities from the threat of wildfires.

*©️ Directorate of Communications, NDMA*

First Batch of Budapest-Bamako Freetown Rally Participants who travlled throug Road from Europe Arive in Sierra LeoneOff...
12/02/2024

First Batch of Budapest-Bamako Freetown Rally Participants who travlled throug Road from Europe Arive in Sierra Leone

Officials from the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs and the National Tourist Board are receiving the Budapest-Bamako Freetown Rally participants ahead of the finish line event slated for Monday, 12 February, 2024 at Gigibonta Park, Lumley Beach.

The 690 Rally participants including 3 Sierra Leoneans (Drizilik, Ibrahim Cole and Mohamed Waritay) will overnight at Bureh Beach where there will be cultural and live band performances as well as other leisure activities organized by the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs. The participants are expected to come in with over 300 vehicles and motorbikes.

The Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Tunis and other stakeholders of the sector will welcome the participants at Bureh Beach.

The 2024 Budapest-Bamako Freetown Rally resonates with the February theme of "Travel and Hospitality" in the Tourism for All Campaign.

MTCA Communications

BRAC International Executive Director Pays Courtesy Call on MBSSE LeadershipThe Executive Director of BRAC International...
08/02/2024

BRAC International Executive Director Pays Courtesy Call on MBSSE Leadership

The Executive Director of BRAC International Shameran Abed has paid a courtesy call on the leadership of the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) and the Ministry of Technical and Higher, calling for the support of the Ministries in order to scale up their interventions in education.

The courtesy visit took place on Thursday, February 8 2024 at the MBSSE Conference Room New England Ville Freetown.

The Executive Director of BRAC International who last visited Sierra Leone six years ago expressed his delight to be in Freetown and commend the government of Sierra Leone for gains made in the education sector since he last visited.

BRAC began working in Sierra Leone in 2008 with its principal activities being the provision of health services, education, agriculture, livestock, and youth empowerment programmes.

“Education and especially Early Childhood Development (ECD) is very important in what we do at BRAC. We have been able to achieve a lot in the education sector globally with our relationships with education ministries in countries in which we operate,” he said.

According to him, BRAC will try to raise more funding to support their work on ECD in Sierra Leone, noting that the purpose of his visit is to strengthen their relationship and to assure the MBSSE of their continued partnership and support.

The BRAC Country Director Adolphus B.W. Doe said their education interventions in Sierra Leone have extended to two more other districts in Pujehun and Kailahun added to Port Loko and Bo Districts.

“BRAC has trained teachers in infusing play in their lessons in ECD schools. We have also reviewed the ECD Curriculum, teacher guide and have trained teachers in materials development which facilitates teaching and learning at the ECD. Our work in community engagement has created more awareness among caregivers and parents which has increased enrolment of children in our project schools,” he said.

He however stated that more needs to be done; noting that there are sixteen districts in Sierra Leone and certainly covering four districts is never enough.

The Deputy Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education Emily Kadiatu Gogra welcomed the BRAC delegation to the ministry and reiterated the Ministry’s passion for ECD development in the country, highlighting the government policy in adding one year of pre-school into the Free Quality School Education (FQSE) programme in the country.
She reminded the BRAC delegation of President Julius Maada Bio being the Global Champion of Foundational Learning.

The Chief Education Officer at the MBSSE Prof. Yatta Kanu commends BRAC for their contribution to education in the country, reminiscing their last visit to Bangladash and how BRAC has been very supportive to the Ministry.

*Augustine Sankoh*
*Strategic Communications Analyst MBSSE*
*[email protected]*

A 9-MAN DELEGATION OF ECOWAS PRELIMINARY RECONNAISSANCE MISSION TO SIERRA LEONE PAYS COURTESY CALL ON IGP SELLU.On Wedne...
08/02/2024

A 9-MAN DELEGATION OF ECOWAS PRELIMINARY RECONNAISSANCE MISSION TO SIERRA LEONE PAYS COURTESY CALL ON IGP SELLU.

On Wednesday 7th February, 2024, a nine-man delegation of the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) Preliminary Reconnaissance Mission to Sierra Leone led by the Chief of Staff of ECOWAS - Brigadier General Mactar Diop visited the Inspector General of Police - Mr. William Fayia Sellu at his George Street office, in Freetown.

According the Team Leader, Brigadier General Mactar Diop, the aim of the visit was to interact with authorities and stakeholders in Sierra Leone, with the view to be well positioned to establish administrative and logistics needs for the pending Mission, as well as ascertaining the current security needs arising from the attempted coup d'etat of November 26th, 2023.

In response, the IGP welcomed the team to Sierra Leone and furthered that since he took over as the Inspector General of Police, he had experienced the August 10, 2022, insurrection, which claimed the lives of seven (7) police personnel and a good number of others were injured.

Dilating on the June 2023 multi-tier elections, he said that the Police were involved in all the activities with total commitment and collaboration with other actors for a successful policing of the electioneering process.

He alluded to the establishment of a tripartite committee as an offshoot of electioneering processes.

Mr. Sellu gave a synopsis of the November 26, 2023, failed coup; stating that those who were alleged to be involved in the coup are presently facing trials.
"We were with the opinion that crime rate would have been on the increase due to the jail break during the failed coup but relatively, crime rate is low" IGP Sellu informed the visiting team.

Mr. Fayia Sellu spoke about the current security challenges plaguing the country. He cited the misuse of the cyber space, which he said, has been occupied by the wrong people who are bent on spreading hate speeches and social media incendiary messages that have the tendency to create civil unrest, if not properly managed. He noted that steps had been taken and adequate resources, such as ultra-modern equipment to investigate and address all cyber related cases and to tackle the menace.

Responding to issues of illegal mining and drug activities in the country, the Inspector General of Police told the team that lots of policing activities had been conducted so as to frustrate and deter illegal mining in communities they are known to be carried out. Adding that the SLP has been working, complimenting, and supporting the Environment Protection Agency to confiscate and destroy mining equipment where applicable.

A key challenge IGP Fayia noted was the porosity of Sierra Leone's borders. He stated that in spite of this situation, the SLP continues to work with their military counterpart to embark on joint border patrols; adding that the SLP is even enjoying the cooperation and collaboration of Guinean security officers on our borders.

Specifically speaking on fighting drug abuse and other criminal activities, the IGP said that the Sea Co-operation Project (SeaCorp) at the Queen Elizabeth the II Quay is working hand in glove with the Police to help arrest the drug traffickers for prosecution. Adding that confiscated drugs as exhibits were and still being burnt and destroyed. He said that the Transnational Organised Crime Unit (TOCU) continues to work with other drug enforcement agencies to combat this menace.

In conclusion, IGP Sellu informed the visiting team that the country is relatively calm and quiet, as normal activities are on-going across the country, unhindered.

SLP Media Team

Russian Ambasasor Pays Courtesy  Call on Sierra Leone's Speaker of ParliamentThe Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipoten...
06/02/2024

Russian Ambasasor Pays Courtesy Call on Sierra Leone's Speaker of Parliament

The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Guinea and Sierra Leone, Alexey V. Popov has ij Monday 5th February 2023, paid courtesy call on the Speaker of Sierra Leone Parliament, Hon. Dr. Abass Chernor Bundu in his Chambers at Parliament building in Freetown.

Welcoming the Russian Ambassador, Hon. Dr. Abass Chernor Bundu said he was delighted and was looking forward to the Ambassador's visit with great expectations. He recalled his last visit to Russia when Speakers from African countries were invited to grace an occasion by the authorities in Russia aimed at strengthening the continent's relationship with the Russian Federation.

The Russian Ambassador, Alexey V. Popov thanked Mr. Speaker for the visit and informed him that he had already presented his letter of credentials to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Timothy Kabba and would do same to President Bio during the course of the week. Commenting on the hospitality of the people of Freetown, the Ambassador extended an invitation to Sierra Leone to observe Russia's forthcoming elections and that President Putin had given him the task to build and deepen multilateral relationships with African countries. Backed by actions, he said President Putin was ready to assist in political, social and economic cooperation between Russia and African countries. He also spoke about provision of Russian scholarships for Sierra Leone's students to study in Russia, agricultural support and that plans were underway for reestablishing Russia's permanent diplomatic mission to the Republic of Sierra Leone.

Given Sierra Leone's placement as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, he called on Sierra Leone to support Russia's bid for a review of the Rome Statute, establishing the International Criminal Court responsible for trying war crimes and crimes against humanity. He also said that if Zelensky was to be given a platform to address the AU, it would affect Russia's relations with African countries.

He also said Russia was only targeting military installations in Ukraine, unlike Israel which was targeting and killing over 30,000 unarmed civilians in Palestine. And ended by speaking on the need for strengthening and facilitating cooperation between the parliaments of Russia and Sierra Leone.

Reacting, Hon. Dr. Abass Chernor Bundu called for the immediate cessation of hostilities and end of the war between Russia and Ukraine as the war had devastating consequences on weak and smaller nations of the world. Wishing the Ambassador well on his tour of duty, he said he would go through the documents submitted to understand the issues raised therein and would respond accordingly. He called for the immediate reopening of the Russian embassy in Sierra Leone, and noted that if an MoU was brought to Parliament by the executive, appropriate action would be taken by the House to give it legal status. He also said that Sierra Leone would continue to support the existence of the ICC created to adjudicate on issues relating to war crimes and crimes against humanity. He called on belligerents to spare civilian population in line with international laws and the immediate restoration of peace between Russia and Ukraine. He said that he was gratified that Russia had extended an invitation to Sierra Leone to observe its forthcoming elections, unlike others who did not do so, and wished them a successful and smooth election in Russia.

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