We need to take ourselves seriously
Our President, Julius Maada Bio and other African leaders have been in Washington this week, attending President Joe Biden’s US-African Leaders Summit. For Sierra Leone, there are no new learnings from the meeting. Just some stark reminders of our petty politics and the need to elevate our political conversations. We need to take ourselves seriously […]
The State and Human Rights in Salone: giving with one hand, taking with the other
It is Human Rights Day again. As usual, events will be held around the country to mark the day. It is all good. Human Rights are important, and it is that one day in the year that everyone seems to care or at least talk about rights. More importantly, it is a time to take […]
Unexplained wealth: the corruption we hardly talk about
This week, the Government briefed the media on the implementation of the recommendations of the Commissions of Inquiry (COIs) and White Paper. Cutting it short, properties belonging to some of the people found wanting by the COIs have been seized by the State, as recommended. There is a lot more to be confiscated. Among other […]
Ruling justly?
Sierra Leone is a small nation, but it guarantees at least one dramatic event a week. So much that requires you to stop and catch your breath; or else, you would be overwhelmed by the running episodes, starring mostly politicians and their sentimental and ever-cheering supporters, and once in a while, you would have extras […]
Salone’s historic women’s empowerment law: the task now is to make it work
This week, Sierra Leone’s parliament passed the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Bill 2021 into law. The GEWE Act comes after many years of struggle, advocacy and campaigning by Sierra Leonean women, activists and local and international organisations. It guarantees a 30% minimum quota for women in electable offices, public and private employment; equal […]