Author: gleanernewspaper

Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Russia, H.E. Mohamed Yongawo, recently paid a courtesy visit to Her Excellency Madam Tatyana Dovgalenko, the newly appointed Director of the Department for Partnership with Africa at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This meeting marks a significant step in enhancing the diplomatic relations between Sierra Leone and the Russian Federation. During the visit, Ambassador Yongawo extended his congratulations to Madam Dovgalenko on her recent appointment and praised the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for establishing this unique department dedicated to fostering partnerships with African nations. He expressed optimism that this new structure would facilitate stronger cooperation…

Kandeh Sesay, Managing Editor, The Watch Newspaper. On March 11, 2025, the Watch Newspaper, one of Sierra Leone’s leading investigative media outlets, was attacked violently by unknown individuals, shortly after the publication of a critical report detailing alleged corruption within the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. This incident has raised serious concerns about journalist safety and the nation’s press freedom. Earlier that day, two men claiming to be from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) approached The Watch’s newsroom and requested more information about the newspaper’s corruption exposé. Mr. Harold Tholley, the Advert Manager for The Watch Newspaper, noted that these…

In a significant advancement for environmental conservation and community development, Sierra Leone has officially launched the Association of Carbon Conservation and Reforestation (ACCR). This newly formed trade association aims to unify the major private-sector carbon developers in the country, representing six of the largest organizations dedicated to carbon development. The ACCR is set to commence its operations in November 2024, providing a unified voice for the private sector in discussions and consultations regarding carbon finance in Sierra Leone. The launch event took place at the Sierra Leone National Forest and Climate Forum, held at the Bintumani Conference Center in Freetown.…

On March 12, 2025, a dedicated team from the Sierra Leone Digital Transformation Project, which is generously funded by the World Bank, convened with the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, to provide a comprehensive update on the E-Parliament initiative. This meeting was pivotal in assessing the project’s current status and outlining the next steps for its successful implementation. The focal person for the project, Joseph Conteh, who serves as the Director of Information and Communication Technology in Parliament, opened the meeting by offering a concise background on the Sierra Leone Digital Transformation Project. He emphasized that this…

In a pivotal meeting with the ECOWAS Human Capital Development (HCD) delegation, the Chief Minister of Sierra Leone reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to advancing Human Capital Development as a central pillar of national growth. The discussions primarily focused on the potential access to the Catalytic Fund and the exploration of incubator opportunities, both of which aim to bolster the country’s development initiatives. During the meeting, the Chief Minister expressed a strong belief in HCD as a critical element of the government’s strategic agenda, referring to it as the second priority within the Big Five Game Changers for national development.…

By Abubakarr Bah, Information Attaché, Saudi Arabia At the Twentieth Emergency Extraordinary Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on March 7, 2025, His Excellency Mohammed S. Barrie, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Sierra Leone to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), made a passionate appeal for a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace in the Middle East. His remarks came during a critical gathering attended by representatives from 57 member states, all reaffirming their commitment to fostering peace in the region. Leading Sierra Leone’s delegation, Ambassador Barrie represented the…

On March 6, 2025, Hon. Bernadette Wuyata Songa, the President of the Parliamentary Female Caucus in Sierra Leone, delivered a powerful message urging women across the nation to actively engage in capacity building to enhance their representation in positions of trust. Her remarks came during a two-day High-Level Policy Dialogue Forum held at the Miatta Conference Center in Freetown, coinciding with the celebration of International Women’s Day. The forum was centred around the theme “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment.” In her address, Hon. Wuyata Songa acknowledged the relentless struggles that women face but emphasized their resilience in…

In a shocking twist in the ongoing fight against organized crime, Jos Leijdekkers, a notorious figure in the European cocaine trade, continues to enjoy his freedom in Sierra Leone, despite being one of the continent’s most wanted criminals. With a staggering €200,000 bounty on his head and a total of 49 years in prison, Leijdekkers is still at large, mingling with officials and living a luxurious lifestyle in Sierra Leone. At only 33 years old, Leijdekkers has established a criminal empire that has earned him the title of “King of the Quays” in Antwerp. His operations are linked to the…

In a significant step towards promoting gender inclusion and advancing national development, the Chief Minister of Sierra Leone held a high-level meeting with District Mammy Queens representing 12 districts at State House. This engagement underscored the government’s commitment to empowering women and integrating their voices into policy development. The Mammy Queens, who serve as vital community leaders, presented their ongoing initiatives focused on creating Terms of Reference, a comprehensive policy framework, and potential legislation aimed at enhancing their contributions to national progress. The Chief Minister praised the Mammy Queens for their dedication, acknowledging that their advocacy efforts resonate with President…

At the inaugural joint African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) Country Correspondents and ATAF Women in Tax Network (AWITN) Leadership Conference, Mrs Jeneba J. Bangura, the Commissioner-General of the National Revenue Authority of Sierra Leone and Vice President of AWITN, delivered a powerful call to action for African tax leaders to prioritize gender-responsive tax policies and empower women economically. Representing AWITN Chairman Ms Veronique Herminie, the former Commissioner General of the Seychelles Revenue Commission, Mrs Bangura emphasized the critical role of equitable tax systems in fostering Africa’s economic development. Echoing the 2025 International Women’s Day theme, “For ALL Women and Girls:…