Author: gleanernewspaper

In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing civic engagement and fostering academic collaboration, the Ministry of Information and Civic Education has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Fourah Bay College (FBC), part of the University of Sierra Leone. The official signing ceremony, which took place at the Minister’s office, signifies a mutual commitment to advancing government communication, promoting civic education, and preserving the national heritage of Sierra Leone.The ceremony was attended by Professor Kelleh Gbawuru-Mansaray, the Vice Chancellor and Principal of the University of Sierra Leone. He expressed profound gratitude to the Minister for extending this partnership to the…

On April 7–8, 2025, the vibrant city of Kampala played host to the 8th African Leadership Forum (AFL), under the compelling theme “Realizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Africa: Progress and the Way Forward.” This significant gathering was co-hosted by the UONGOZI Institute, the Hailemariam & Roman Foundation, and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). It brought together a diverse group of former heads of state, current leaders, policy experts, and representatives from African institutions, all united in their commitment to critically reflect on Africa’s journey toward achieving the SDGs.A Decade of Reflection on the SDGsThe Forum…

In a momentous occasion for Sierra Leone, His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio officially inaugurated the 10th Ordinary Session of the African Diamond Producers Association (ADPA) Mining Week, marking a historic first for the nation as it takes center stage in the African mining sector. This significant event not only underscores Sierra Leone’s commitment to enhancing its role in the mineral development landscape but also highlights the country’s potential as a leader in the diamond industry across Africa. During his keynote address, President Bio extended a warm welcome to the esteemed delegation from the ADPA and expressed his heartfelt…

Rinus Otte, the head of the Public Prosecutor’s Office in the Netherlands Rinus Otte, the head of the Public Prosecutor’s Office in the Netherlands, has expressed his firm belief that Jos Leijdekkers, also known as Bolle Jos, will eventually be arrested and sentenced. This is the first time a senior official from the Public Prosecutor’s Office has discussed the ongoing search for the fugitive in an interview with RTL Boulevard. Otte was careful not to reveal too much information during the discussion, stating, “I could make sensible comments, possibly many sensible comments, but I choose not to. This case is currently under the jurisdiction…

By Allison Bennett Over Spring Break 2025, twelve Graduate and Undergraduate students from Seton Hall’s School of Diplomacy and International Relations traveled to Sierra Leone in West Africa on a study abroad trip led by Professor Fredline M’Cormack-Hale, Ph.D. The students spent nine days in the country on an education tour led by Visit Sierra Leone (VSL Travel) and tour guide Abdulai Sankoh. Before their journey, the class spent six weeks in Sierra Leone Seminar: Exploring Post-War Reconstruction taught by M’Cormack-Hale, discussing the theory and practice of rebuilding institutions to strengthen societies that have undergone conflict and assessing the strengths and shortcomings of…

By Austine Luseni Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Sierra Leone, Wang Qing, has reiterated his country’s commitment to strengthening and deepening bilateral relations with Sierra Leone by supporting the country’s development aspirations.Ambassador Wang Qing was speaking during a courtesy call on Energy Sector Lead, Dr. Kandeh Yumkella where he said his country was pleased with the way the bilateral relations between China and Sierra Leone had blossomed.He said he was happy to engage Dr. Yumkella in what he described as a fruitful or productive, and mutually beneficial meeting, noting that the Sector Lead has made a name and reputation for himself and…

By Austine LuseniEnergy Sector Lead, Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, has briefed the National Minerals Agency and potential investors on Mission 300.Mission 300 is a joint initiative by the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank Group. The Mission aims to provide electricity access to 300 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030,focusing on both grid-connected and distributed renewable energy solutions.Briefing NMA and others, Dr.Kandeh Yumkella spoke about his recent visit to Washington,U.S.A,where he held discussions with the Board,adding that Sierra Leone had met benchmarks that made the country eligible for inclusion into the Second Cohort.”We have targets which they want to…

His Excellency Dr. Morie Komba Manyeh, Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, has called for stronger collaboration in Africa’s energy transition drive while reaffirming his country’s commitment to a sustainable energy future. Dr. Manyeh made this remark during an address at a Policy Roundtable on Empowering Africa’s Energy Transition at Chatham House in London.The event, organized by the *Circular Economy Powered Renewable Energy Centre (CEPREC)*—a research consortium funded by the UK government—brought together academics, policymakers, and industry leaders from across Africa, including representatives notably from Sierra Leone, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, and South Africa.Dr.…

The Sierra Leone Parliamentary Delegation, headed by Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, participated in the 88th Executive Committee Meeting of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Africa Region, held in Mahe, Seychelles from 25th-29th March, 2025.In a virtual address, Chairperson of the CPA Executive Committee and Speaker of the Parliament of Malawi, Rt. Hon. Catherine Gotani Hara welcomed participants and encouraged them to strengthen and promote the cause of CPA, Africa Region by enhancing parliamentary democracy, promoting human rights, and good governance. Delivering his remarks, Chairperson of the Executive Committee, CPA International, Hon. Dr. Christopher Kalila updated participants about the transitioning process regarding the…

Aruna and the Tiwai Honey Initiative beekeepers. Image © Ezekiel Kargbo for The Iris Project. By SONAM LAMA HYOLMO In 2022, little did Aruna Bangura know that observing the changing environment and land use practices around his community would make him start beekeeping. The area just outside Tiwai Island, a protected wildlife sanctuary spread across 1,200 hectares (2,900 acres) in Sierra Leone, had a dearth of bees, he found. “I observed that the bee population was declining, and starting a beekeeping initiative was the only alternative in sight,” says Bangura, a 24-year-old from the Boma community. He founded Bangs Circular,…