Author: gleanernewspaper
President Julius Bio In a disturbing move that raises serious concerns about press freedom, journalists in Sierra Leone have reportedly been ordered to stop reporting on Jos Leijdekkers, a fugitive Dutch drug criminal known as ‘Bolle Jos.’ According to anonymous sources who spoke with RTL Nieuws, this directive is part of a larger effort orchestrated by the government, specifically at the request of President Julius Bio. Allegations have surfaced that journalists are being bribed to remain silent, with payments totaling thousands of dollars. Leijdekkers, who is wanted internationally, was sentenced to 24 years in prison in the Netherlands for serious…
BY-SHOBHA SHUKLA – CNS In the lead up to 2025 World Health Day, we need to review why almost half of women are not able to make decisions about their own reproductive health and bodily autonomy. All governments had promised to deliver on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, one of which is SDG indicator 5.6.1. “This indicator measures a woman’s ability to make her own decisions about her sexual and reproductive health. Initial analysis suggests that over half (56%) of the married or in-union women are now in the driver’s seat. But it also means that when…
ASTANA – To bolster bilateral relations, Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu met with Timothy Musa Kabba, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, during his inaugural official visit to Astana on April 8. The discussions centered on fostering collaboration across various sectors, including trade, transport and logistics, healthcare, and agriculture.Kazakhstan, recognized as one of the world’s leading grain producers, expressed its keen interest in leveraging the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route to facilitate the export of essential goods such as grain, cereals, oilseeds, high-quality meat, and organic products to African markets. This initiative aims to…
By: Amie Massaquoi On April 3, 2025, the Advisory Board Committee of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) convened a significant meeting with His Lordship Honourable Komba Kamanda, the Chief Justice of Sierra Leone, to address pressing concerns regarding the prolonged handling of corruption-related cases within the judicial system. The meeting, held at the Chief Justice’s office in Freetown, was part of the ACC’s ongoing initiative aimed at improving the efficiency of the justice system and ensuring that corruption cases are resolved promptly in the High Court.During the meeting, the participants underscored the critical need for timely trials of ACC cases, emphasizing…
By Jeneba Conteh In a stunning case that has received widespread attention, 23-year-old Alhaji Sawaneh, a fisherman, has been sentenced to ten years in prison for sexually assaulting a four-year-old child. Justice Alhaji Momoh Jah Stevens issued the ruling during a criminal session at Freetown’s Sexual Offences Court No.7, which is located on Siaka Stevens Street. Sawaneh was charged with one count of sexual penetration, which is a violation of Section 19 of the Sexual Offences Act of 2012. This act was later repealed and replaced by Section 4(a)(ii) of the Sexual Offences Amendment Act of 2019. The court heard…
In a landmark event marking her inaugural engagement as President of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio convened a high-level meeting with His Excellency Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission. This significant gathering took place at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and was attended by OAFLAD Vice President, Her Excellency Mrs. Ana Dias Lourenço, the First Lady of Angola.The OAFLAD delegation received a warm welcome from Chairperson Youssouf and his team, who recognized the essential contributions of OAFLAD in advocating for continental priorities. In…
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…