Author: gleanernewspaper

(L-R)  Haj Fawaz, Mohamed Fawaz, Alie Fawaz, and Hussien Fawaz According to a February 2026 report by the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism (ICT), the prominent Fawaz family is a key node in Hezbollah’s global financing ecosystem, demonstrating how the organisation uses extended family networks in the diaspora to move money, maintain ties, and project influence. The study, titled “Hezbollah’s Financing Ecosystem – Hezbollah’s Use of Clan Networks in the Diaspora: The Fawaz Clan Case Study,” combines open-source data and U.S. Treasury designations to trace the clan’s origins in South Lebanon, its expansion across West Africa, and the ties that the report claims…

At the 61st Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Sierra Leone advocated for immediate de-escalation, protection of civilians, and strengthened safeguards for schools and children affected by armed conflict. The first debate, held on March 25, 2026, at the request of Bahrain on behalf of the Cooperation Council for Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) and Jordan, looked into the consequences of military operations launched against several Gulf States on February 28, 2026. His Excellency Samuel U.B. Saffa Esq., Sierra Leone’s Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, delivered the country’s statement,…

The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) recently met to discuss the Rural Finance Project – Phase II, which is a collaborative effort to increase financial access for women in Sierra Leone’s rural communities. Officials discussed plans to expand community banks that provide loans to women for small businesses, education for their children, and better housing. Complementary measures under consideration include expanded financial literacy programs and assistance with farming mechanisation to increase productivity and improve borrowers’ credit management abilities. To ensure inclusive participation in rural economic development, a strong emphasis was placed…

Sierra Leone’s government has taken a significant step toward strengthening national food security by paying a high-level visit to the Torma Bum Rice Project, which is now in full operation as part of the Feed Salone Agenda. On Thursday, Dr Henry Musa Kpaka, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, led a delegation that included the Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Amara Idara Bangura, civil society representatives, and senior media members to assess progress on one of the country’s most ambitious agricultural initiatives.Torma Bum, located in a fertile agricultural zone, is being developed into an agro-industrial hub that will combine…

Sierra Leone’s government has unveiled a fleet of seventeen vehicles and twenty motorcycles to support nationwide enforcement and service delivery for the newly implemented Unified Resident and Work Permit system. The unveiling took place on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at the Youyi Building and was made possible through a collaboration among the Ministry of Employment, Labour, and Social Security (MELSS), the Sierra Leone Immigration Department, and Constrat Systems.On 8 May 2025, Parliament unanimously ratified a 15-year Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) agreement led by Honourable Mohamed Rahman Swaray, Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security. Constrat Systems was contracted to design, build, and…

Solidaridad West Africa has donated two used Toyota Land Cruisers to Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in support of the government’s Feed Salone Initiative, a flagship program aimed at addressing the country’s food security issues. The handover is intended to strengthen the Ministry’s ability to boost food production, create jobs, and contribute to overall economic growth.Solidaridad Country Representative Andrew Kojo Morrison announced at the ceremony that the donation was made in recognition of the government’s Feed Salone Initiative efforts. “In recognition of these efforts, we are transferring these vehicles to support the Ministry’s work under the Feed…

Jos Leijdekkers was spotted at a function in Freetown hosted by the Agnes Bio Foundation. Belgian prosecutors have asked a court to sentence Dutch fugitive Jos “Bolle Jos” Leijdekkers to 15 years in prison for masterminding the import of 11.2 tonnes of cocaine hidden inside a container of palm kernel meal shipped from Sierra Leone through Antwerp in October 2023. Leijdekkers is still at large and can be seen in Sierra Leone.  The drugs were discovered following a chaotic confrontation on the quay in which two rival groups attempted to gain access to the same container using stolen terminal access…

By Shobha Shukla – CNS Around the world, millions of women and girls are denied equal rights to education, employment, pay, inheritance, and land rights – the list is endless. Even by law, women have fewer rights than men. Globally, women hold only 64% (which is less than two-thirds) of the legal rights enjoyed by men. In other words, laws that protect and guarantee the human rights to safety, freedom, and opportunities are biased against women and girls. In fact, as per the latest United Nations Secretary General’s report, the gender justice gap is even wider in actual practice. On top…

On March 24, 2026, a coordinated operation involving the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA), the National Revenue Authority, the Office of National Security, the Pharmacy Board, and the Sierra Leone Police resulted in the interception of four containers carrying a total of 461 cartons of controlled pain medications at Freetown Terminal Limited. The seizure occurred after a complete joint examination of incoming cargo at the terminal.According to authorities, the consignments contained Tramadol and Tapentadol hydrochloride in 225 mg and 250 mg formulations, respectively. The containers’ importer has been identified as Jalim Bah Investment, which is located at 80…

The Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament, Segepoh Solomon Thomas, met with opposition leaders on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, in an attempt to end their boycott of parliamentary sittings. The meeting aimed to persuade the opposition to resume legislative activity.Leader of the Opposition Hon. Abdul Kargbo stated that their withdrawal was due to the appointment of Mr Edmond Alpha as the new Chief Electoral Commissioner, and that Mr Alpha should not be allowed to conduct or supervise the 2028 elections.After hearing these concerns, the Speaker urged the delegation to put aside partisan differences and return to Parliament, emphasising that executive appointments…