Author: gleanernewspaper

Dr Ibrahim Bangura Supporters and sympathisers of Sierra Leone’s main opposition party, the All People’s Congress (APC), are increasingly convinced that the 2028 elections will be hotly contested and offer the party a significant opportunity to return to power. Supporters say there is a growing consensus within the APC that the party should field a new, untainted candidate to challenge the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP). Dr Ibrahim Bangura is the name that APC members most frequently mention as their strongest prospect. Dr Samura Kamara, the party’s flagbearer in 2023, was embroiled in a high-profile legal battle, which many argue…

Mr Cyril A. Grant, the newly appointed Minister of Energy, has challenged the leadership of the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) to step up efforts to make the utility a model institution for the rest of the country. At his first substantive meeting with EDSA management, Minister Grant emphasised the authority’s critical role in the nation’s energy sector and urged renewed focus, teamwork, and strategic cooperation among agencies and personnel. “EDSA is one of the best and largest institutions in the country and the backbone of the energy sector,” the Minister said, praising the talent, capability, and commitment he…

Female diplomats from African missions in Kuwait officially launched the African Women Diplomats in Kuwait (AWDK) forum at a Gala Dinner on Thursday, December 4, 2025, in the Al-Baraka Ballroom of the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Farwaniya. The new platform, unveiled during the international 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, aims to strengthen African-Kuwaiti partnerships and cultural exchange while advancing gender equality, professional development, and African solidarity.The event drew a diverse group of guests, including diplomats, government officials, civil society activists, and members of the media, who gathered to honour African women’s contributions in Kuwait and to launch a…

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Sierra Leone hosted a delegation from the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) for a substantive discussion on the recently launched Second-Generation Country Review Report.The meeting, held in the Commissioner’s Conference Room at Tower Hill in Freetown, was intended to strengthen mutual understanding, facilitate experience sharing, and allow the APRM team to investigate the ACC’s mandate, operations, and institutional performance as part of the national review process.Dr Rachel Mukamunana, Director of Country Reviews at the APRM delegation from South Africa, explained that the APRM is a self-monitoring instrument established by the African Union to promote good…

Africell CEO, president and founder Ziad Dalloul (left) and NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum sign the expanded agreement at the NBA’s global headquarters in New York City on 23 September 2025 Africell Sierra Leone is proud to announce the official launch of its partnership with NBA Africa an expansion of the broader Africell Group collaboration with the National Basketball Association (NBA). This milestone extends NBA Africa’s development initiatives to Sierra Leone for the first time, positioning the country as an emerging hub for youth basketball talent in the region. The partnership builds on the success of…

President Dr Julius Maada Bio has announced a significant increase in government support for the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), bringing the annual subvention to NLe 2.7 million as part of a larger initiative to strengthen independent journalism and modernise the country’s information ecosystem. The announcement was made at the seventh Presidential Media Cocktail at the State House, which was attended by media executives, editors, and representatives from national media associations. President Bio described the move as a clear demonstration of his administration’s commitment to media sustainability, stating that the press remains “a fundamental pillar of democracy” and emphasising…

Her Excellency Frances Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Turkey, Virginia Anderson, PhD, paid a visit to Koru Ankara Hospital for a tour and a follow-up meeting with Prof. Dr Aydan Biri, one of the institution’s founders. The engagement follows a courtesy visit in November and focuses on concrete steps to strengthen medical cooperation between the hospital and Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health.Prof. Dr Biri, an obstetrician-gynaecologist with subspecialties in perinatology and maternal-fetal medicine, reaffirmed Koru Ankara Hospital’s commitment to welcoming Sierra Leonean medical professionals. She stated that the hospital will prioritise the development of a dedicated Fellowship Program tailored to Sierra…

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Technical and Higher Education met with His Excellency Dr Mohamed Bin Mubarak Juma, Bahrain’s Minister of Education, last week to discuss how the two countries can collaborate in education.Dr Juma welcomed the Sierra Leonean delegation and outlined Bahrain’s strategic priorities for transforming the country’s education ecosystem. He emphasised that the Ministry of Education is focusing on early childhood development, improving school-level education, and expanding polytechnic options. The Bahraini minister highlighted a portfolio of projects aimed at improving general education, technical and vocational education and training (TVET), and higher education, referring to them as part of a…

During strategic Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) meetings held in Kenema over the weekend, Hon. Sahr Mathew Nyuma singled out Chief Minister Dr David Moinina Sengeh as the only party figure who consistently defends and promotes President Julius Maada Bio’s achievements. Speaking to a group of senior and junior party members, Hon. Nyuma stated that he has long observed the public statements of many government officials and that Dr Sengeh stands out for “marketing the remarkable work President Bio is doing”.  “Say what you want about the Chief Minister, but he is the only person who proudly defends President Bio…

Warning: This report contains descriptions that some readers may find disturbing.Sierra Leone, already grappling with international scrutiny over drug trafficking and political controversy, is now confronting another grim set of allegations: that people are being abducted and killed so their body parts can be sold for so-called “juju” or magic rituals. A BBC Africa Eye investigation has exposed claims that networks of illicit practitioners and intermediaries operate to supply human remains to clients who believe such parts confer power, wealth or political advantage. Families across the country say they have been left traumatised and that little has been done to…