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Tag: Sierra Leone

  • Minister leads digital trade mission to Sierra Leone, signs MoU to strengthen bilateral cooperation

    Minister leads digital trade mission to Sierra Leone, signs MoU to strengthen bilateral cooperation

    Nigeria and the government of Sierra Leone have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding, (MoU) to strengthen bilateral cooperation, promote digital inclusion and boost the economies of the two countries. 

    The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, led a high-level Nigerian delegation to Sierra Leone for the Nigeria–Sierra Leone Digital Economy Bilateral Trade Mission.

    According to a statement emanating from the Minister’s office in Abuja, the top level discussions culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen cooperation across digital public infrastructure, digital trade, cybersecurity, youth innovation, and technology transfer.

     “This engagement comes on the heels of Dr. Tijani’s participation in the Regional Summit on Digital Transformation in Benin Republic, reinforcing Nigeria’s proactive leadership in shaping West Africa’s digital future”, the statement noted. 

    It added that the mission featured ecosystem hub tours, press engagements, technical sessions, and Government-to-Government deliberations hosted by Sierra Leone’s Minister of Communication, Technology & Innovation, Hon. Salima Monorma Bah. 

    The government statement reads in part, “Discussions focused on digital trade coordination, cybersecurity collaboration, skills development, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) development, reflecting the shared ambition of both nations to accelerate regional digital integration. 

    “Following two days of bilateral engagements, both countries reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepening regional integration, expanding digital infrastructure, and building a more innovative, resilient, and inclusive West African economy. 

    “Specific highlights of the discussions include, Strengthened Bilateral Cooperation

    Both Governments agreed to enhance collaboration across priority areas of mutual interest, including:

    Digital public infrastructure and interoperable government systems, broadband expansion and resilient connectivity, digital identity, cybersecurity, and data governance,

    Artificial Intelligence development and responsible innovation.”

    Others are “Digital literacy, talent development, and institutional capacity building

    Cross-border digital trade and private-sector partnerships”

    On the MoU, the statement noted that the governments of Nigeria and Sierra Leone signed MoUs establishing structured cooperation on:

    Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)

    Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies

    Talent development and digital skills

    Broadband infrastructure and spectrum collaboration.

    It said private-sector companies were not left out in the engagements from both countries as they signed multiple partnerships and MoUs.  

    The government said the MoUs also touched expansion of digital services across markets, 

    Strengthening fintech, edtech, healthtech, govtech and cloud solutions, Driving joint innovation projects, Supporting startup exchange and enterprise growth

    “Nigeria remains fully committed to enabling a more harmonised, secure, and innovative digital region. Our partnership with Sierra Leone is not only a bilateral engagement, it is part of a broader vision to ensure that technology, talent, and trade flow seamlessly across our continent,” Dr. Tijani said. 

     He qouted his Sierra Leonian counterpart as saying that “Together, we are laying the foundations for a digital economy that empowers our young people and creates shared prosperity”.

    According to Dr Tijani, the Sierra Leone’s Minister of Communication, Technology & Innovation, welcomed the cooperation, and highlighted its potential to accelerate Sierra Leone’s digital transformation.

     She stressed the need for both countries to build their relationship and shared history towards accelerating the continent’s digital economy, Dr Tijani said. 

    According to the statement, the Mission’s emphasis on private-sector collaboration was further demonstrated by the participation of leading Nigerian technology companies, including IHS Towers, Flutterwave, CcHUB, Miden, Cybervergent, Prunedge, Itana, and Awarri, whose presence highlighted Nigeria’s depth of innovation capacity and commitment to fostering regional investment flows. 

    “These companies engaged Sierra Leonean counterparts in structured B2B matchmaking sessions designed to stimulate cross-border partnerships, digital infrastructure development, and knowledge exchange”, noted the government. 

    The Nigerian delegation included agency heads from the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy including Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director-General of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA); Prof. Ibrahim Adeyanju, Managing Director/CEO of Galaxy Backbone Limited (GBB).

    Others are Dr. Olubunmi Ajala, National Coordinator, National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR); and Victoria Fabunmi, National Coordinator, Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI).

  • Tinubu receives Sierra Leone’s President Bio

    Tinubu receives Sierra Leone’s President Bio

    President Bola Tinubu on Friday evening received President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Although details of the meeting were not disclosed, it was believed to have focused on regional peace, security, and economic integration within West Africa.

    President Bio, who currently chairs the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), succeeded President Tinubu in June.

    Friday’s talks came four months after Bio assumed the chairmanship of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.

    Read Also: 2027: We’ll deliver 15m votes for Tinubu – Support group

    On his verified X handle, the Sierra Leonean leader said he arrived in Abuja to speak at Baze University’s 12th convocation and engage African business leaders.

    Bio’s visit marks his first official trip to Nigeria since assuming the ECOWAS chairmanship.

    Both leaders are expected to strengthen cooperation on democracy promotion, counterterrorism, and sustainable development across ECOWAS member states.

    (NAN)

  • Sierra Leone’s chief minister Sengeh hints at future presidential bid

    Sierra Leone’s chief minister Sengeh hints at future presidential bid

    Chief Minister of Sierra Leone, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, has stirred national interest following comments that suggest he may consider running for president in the future, if his current service to the country measures up to the standards set by past national heroes.

    In a reflective post, the 37-year-old tech-innovator-turned-politician said any move to seek higher office would depend on whether he can look back on his tenure and confidently say he served Sierra Leone well.

    “If I can be even half as good as Sir Milton Margai,” Dr. Sengeh wrote, referencing the country’s first Chief Minister and post-independence Prime Minister, “then I may consider taking the next step.”

    The statement has sparked political debate across the country, with supporters touting him as a “new generation leader”, who combines innovation, youth and national pride.

    Read Also: Tinubu approves hosting of Africa chiefs of Defence Staff summit in Abuja

    Dr. Sengeh, appointed Chief Minister in 2023 by President Julius Maada Bio, is best known for his sweeping reforms in the education sector while serving as Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education.

    He has also gained recognition for championing digital transformation and inclusive leadership.

    Though he stopped short of making any formal declaration, his comments have been interpreted as a strong hint at future presidential ambition.

    Political observers said his rising popularity, especially among the youth, and his track record of performance make him a potential frontrunner in years to come.

    For now, however, Dr. Sengeh said he remains committed to his current role, emphasizing that national service and legacy, not ambition, will guide his next political move.

    “I believe leadership is not about position but impact,” he said.

    As Sierra Leone continues its search for leaders who can bridge its past with its future, Dr. Sengeh’s remarks have placed him firmly in the national conversation, not just as a government official, but as a possible future statesman.

  • Sierra Leone court-martials 27 soldiers for ‘coup attempt’

    Sierra Leone court-martials 27 soldiers for ‘coup attempt’

    Twenty-seven soldiers in Sierra Leone yesterday appeared before a court-martial which charged them with mutiny over their alleged role in what authorities say was an attempted coup in November 2023.

    Security was stepped up around the courthouse in the capital Freetown where the proceedings were later adjourned to tomorrow.

    The 27 accused struggled to squeeze onto the stand at the court-martial.

    Justice Minister Mohamed Lamin Tarawalley was also present in the courtroom, according to the AFP journalist at the scene.

    On November 26, armed attackers stormed a military armoury, two barracks, two prisons, and two police stations, clashing with security forces.

    Read Also: Court adjourns Nnamdi Kanu’s N1b suit against Fed Govt, DSS till March 4

    Twenty-one people were killed and hundreds of prisoners escaped before authorities were able to regain control after what they deemed a coup attempt by members of the armed forces.

    At least 80 people were arrested in connection with the clashes, most of them military personnel.

    Former president, Ernest Bai Koroma was charged last week with treason and other offenses for his alleged role in the events.

    His case was adjourned until January 17.

    Authorities have charged 12 other people with treason in connection with the coup attempt, including Amadu Koita, a former soldier and bodyguard of Koroma.

    The violence in Sierra Leone at the end of November sparked fears of another military coup in West Africa, where Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Guinea have all experienced putsches since 2020.

  • Nigeria volunteers receive awards from Sierra Leone government

    Nigeria volunteers receive awards from Sierra Leone government

    The government of Sierra Leone has given awards to the last set of Nigeria volunteers, describing them as the best volunteers to have served in their country.

    The volunteers who are ten in number cuts across various profession.

    The volunteers are Mr. Abdullahi Hashimu Ulaira, Mr. Umar Farouq Baba, Mr. Jakada Ayuba Bulus, Mr. Dachollom Emmanuel Chong, Mr. Izuka Iloabuchi Nnaemeka, Mr. Adamu Isyaka Omame, Ms. Bosindo Buluembelemere, Mrs. Uchendu Varsity David, Mr. Madalla Aliyu and Ms. Omorere Deborah Eunice.

    They were posted out under the Technical Aid Corps programme in December 2021 for a two-year non-renewable volunteer service.

    Receiving the volunteers on Wednesday, December 9, the Director General of Directorate of Technical Aid Corps, Hon. Buba Yusuf Yakub described the volunteers as worthy ambassadors who made Nigeria proud by their deeds.

    Read Also: Sierra Leone will miss outgoing Nigeria’s High Commissioner Omaku —Bio

    He said the country is very proud of them.

    He said: “In Sierra Leone, you were not there in your capacity but you were there as Nigeria. Whatever you do in Sierra Leone, you are seen as Nigeria. So the people will judge Nigeria through what you have done. Thank God that you have been judged well to the extent of receiving an award as the best set of volunteers that have ever served in that country and I am proud to say that we are very proud of you and I am sure that President Bola Tinubu who has a “4 D” foreign policy instruments, which I am sure you have covered about two or three of it during your volunteering services will be very proud of you as worthy, patriotic Nigerians that have been sent on assignment and have come back with a trophy.

    “So we are going to celebrate that. I assure you that what you have done will not go in vain. You will be surely rewarded. We are going to celebrate your achievements and you will be rewarded for that.”

    Yakub who presented certificates to the volunteers, stressed that Nigeria will continue to deploy volunteers as part of the soft power diplomacy as it has brought about so many benefits to the country.”

  • Sierra Leone attempt    

    Sierra Leone attempt    

    • Though failed, the coup threatens assumptions that contagion is only French

    It was said with gusto that the coup waves in the West and Central Africa were a French plague; that English-speaking nations need not worry. French colonialism was suffering a revanchist blowback after decades of neglect by its colonial masters.

    In Niger, the streets erupted with jubilant ire as citizens applauded the ousting of President Mohamed Bazoum, installing Abdourahame Tiani. Tiani did not only call off the bluster of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), it rode mass protests to sweep out French diplomatic swagger and its standing army.

    Now, English-speaking West Africa may ponder an omen. The poor West African country Sierra Leone joined the fray of subverts and power-hungry elites in the military with an attempt to overthrow its government just voted in in June.

    The coupists, according to reports, were trying to take advantage of discontents in some circles in the country over what is perceived as the manipulation of the votes in favour of the ruling party.

    Read Also: Presidency fires Obi over comments on VP’s residence

    The violence began with doubts as to its character. Later the government spokesperson reported it was not just a case of sporadic assaults and bursts of gunfire but an attempt to uproot the government of Julius Maada Bio, 59, who himself is a former army officer notorious for participating in coup attempts in the tumultuous years of the civil wars in the 1990’s.

    “The incident was a failed attempted coup. The intention was to illegally subvert and overthrow a democratically elected government,” Chernor Bah said. “The attempt failed, and plenty of the leaders are either in police custody or on the run. We will try to capture them and bring them to the full force of the laws of Sierra Leone.”

    After days of silence and intense activities to suppress and arrest the culprits, President Bio addressed the nation and put no one in doubt.

    “The attempted coup will therefore be dealt with by my government purely as a law-and-order issue, not a political, tribal or religious matter. Therefore, let all be rest assured that we will follow the evidence wherever it leads us,” President Bio declared.

    Until full investigation is conducted and facts laid bare, it is hard to say if this was engineered by the former leader, President Ernest Bai Koroma. His security guard was reported killed, adding a curious twist to the tale.

    The violence involved assaults at federal buildings, the presidential palace, police stations as well as a major jail house and freed 2,200 inmates while about 20 were reported killed. So far, 14 persons, including 13 military officers and a civilian, have been arrested, while 32, including five army majors and two captains, are on wanted list.

    The former president has condemned the coup, although suspicions have not yielded evidence about his culpability. His party and main opposition, All People’s Congress (APC), has not only dissociated itself from the rumble, but has condemned it.

    “As a responsible political party,” the statement added, “we strongly believe in the assumption of power through the ballot box and not through the barrel of a gun.”

    Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, who heads ECOWAS, has been standing by democracy and condemning coups. But it seems the contagion has been tempting, even if English-speaking West African countries have not witnessed a successful overthrow in this gale of subverts.

    “ECOWAS and Nigeria will not accept any interference with democracy, peace, security and stability in Sierra Leone,” said Nigeria’s national security adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu.

    Tyranny at its best is still worse than democracy at its worst.

  • Sierra Leone will miss outgoing Nigeria’s High Commissioner Omaku —Bio

    Sierra Leone will miss outgoing Nigeria’s High Commissioner Omaku —Bio

    The President of Sierra Leone, Juluis Maada Bio, has disclosed that his country will miss the outgoing Nigeria’s High Commissioner, Henry John Omaku.

    He made the disclosure when the High Commissioner paid him a courtesy call to formally notify him of his departure from the country after his tour of duty.

    President Juluis Maada Bio, a retired Brigadier, said: “I am saddened about your sudden departure because you have contributed to advancing both bilateral and multilateral cooperation between Nigeria and the Republic of Sierra Leone in particular and the world in general.

    “Diplomat, you will be leaving behind a very big vacuum as you end your tour of duty, and I hope your successor will build on your sterling achievements.”

    Responding, Omaku said: “I come to the presidential palace to formally notify you and bid you farewell at the end of my successful tour of duty as a Diplomat from Nigeria to Sierra Leone.”

    The diplomat, who holds the traditional title of Adagba Nyaku Gi-Doma in Doma Chiefdom of Nasarawa State, said that Sierra Leone maintains a high level of religious tolerance despite the fact that Muslims are the majority with a wide gap, they don’t segregate, they are peace loving people.

    He disclosed that the citizens like consuming a meal mixed with cassava leaves.

    He said that there are over three thousand registered Nigerians living in Sierra Leone.

    On his plan when he settles down in Nigeria, the diplomat said: “As a public servant, a businessman and now a diplomat, I have gained more experience at the global level for me to continue making more developmental sacrifices for national and international upliftment.”

    THE President of Sierra Leone, Juluis Maada Bio, has disclosed that his country will miss the outgoing Nigeria’s High Commissioner, Henry John Omaku.

    Read Also: ECOWAS condemns attempt to truncate democratic govt in Sierra Leone

    He made the disclosure when the High Commissioner paid him a courtesy call to formally notify him of his departure from the country after his tour of duty.

    President Juluis Maada Bio, a retired Brigadier, said: “I am saddened about your sudden departure because you have contributed to advancing both bilateral and multilateral cooperation between Nigeria and the Republic of Sierra Leone in particular and the world in general.

    “Diplomat, you will be leaving behind a very big vacuum as you end your tour of duty, and I hope your successor will build on your sterling achievements.”

    Responding, Omaku said: “I come to the presidential palace to formally notify you and bid you farewell at the end of my successful tour of duty as a Diplomat from Nigeria to Sierra Leone.”

    The diplomat, who holds the traditional title of Adagba Nyaku Gi-Doma in Doma Chiefdom of Nasarawa State, said that Sierra Leone maintains a high level of religious tolerance despite the fact that Muslims are the majority with a wide gap, they don’t segregate, they are peace loving people.

    He disclosed that the citizens like consuming a meal mixed with cassava leaves.

    He said that there are over three thousand registered Nigerians living in Sierra Leone.

    On his plan when he settles down in Nigeria, the diplomat said: “As a public servant, a businessman and now a diplomat, I have gained more experience at the global level for me to continue making more developmental sacrifices for national and international upliftment.”

  • ECOWAS condemns attempt to truncate democratic govt in Sierra Leone

    ECOWAS condemns attempt to truncate democratic govt in Sierra Leone

    A nationwide curfew was declared yesterday by Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio after unidentified gunmen attacked military barracks in the West African nation’s capital, Freetown.

    This is as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) condemned the plot by some individuals to disturb the peace of the West African country.

    The condemnation is contained in a statement issued by ECOWAS on Sunday in Abuja.

    The situation in Sierra Leone has been tense since the disputed re-election of Bio.

    Taking to X, Bio said unidentified gunmen attacked a military armoury within the barracks in the capital, Freetown, early morning. “They were driven back by security forces and calm has been restored,” he added.

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    As the combined team of security forces continues to root out the remnant of the fleeing renegades, a nationwide curfew has been declared and citizens are encouraged to stay indoors, he wrote.

    But, ECOWAS said it has learnt, “with utter disgust, a plot by certain individuals to acquire arms and disturb the peace and constitutional order in Sierra Leone”.

    “ECOWAS condemns this act and calls for the arrest and prosecution of everyone involved in the illegality.

    “The bloc has always maintained its zero-tolerance for unconstitutional change of government.

    “We want to reaffirm our commitment to supporting the government and the people of Sierra Leone’s quest to deepen democracy and good governance by consolidating peace and security so as to foster socio-economic development,” it stated.

    It was also learnt that some inmates from the central prison in Freetown had escaped and the authorities are investigating into the incident. So far, it is not clear how many had escaped the prison.

    Some of the videos that circulated in the social media revealed many people fleeing from the prison area, while gunshots were heard in the background. According to officials, the gunmen who attacked the military barracks later broke into the prison and freed the prisoners.

    Sierra Leone’s civil aviation authority had urged airlines to reschedule flights after the curfew was imposed.

    The aviation authority said in a statement that passengers should be placed on the next available flights after the curfew is lifted. It added that the country’s airspace remains open.

    Bio was reelected for a second term in June amid opposition party’s accusation of Sierra Leone’s electoral commission of conspiring with his party.

    Since the end of the 11-year brutal civil war, it was the fifth presidential election held in the nation.

    Since 2020, there have been eight military coups in West and Central Africa. Bio has been facing criticism because of weakening economic conditions. The nation is battling severe poverty, youth unemployment among other issues.

    On the latest attack, the U.S. embassy in Freetown said in a statement that such actions were not justified.

  • ECOWAS condemns security breaches in Sierra Leone

    ECOWAS condemns security breaches in Sierra Leone

    The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has condemned the security breaches in Sierra Leone.

    The condemnation is contained in a statement issued by ECOWAS on Sunday, November 26, in Abuja.

    The statement stated: “The bloc has learnt, with utter disgust, a plot by certain individuals to acquire arms and disturb the peace and constitutional order in Sierra Leone.

    “ECOWAS condemns this act and calls for the arrest and prosecution of everyone involved in the illegality. The bloc has always maintained its zero tolerance for unconstitutional change of government.

    “We want to reaffirm our commitment to supporting the government and the people of Sierra Leone’s quest to deepen democracy and good governance by consolidating peace and security so as to foster socio-economic development.”

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    A military armoury in Sierra Leone’s capital Freetown came under attack on Sunday, the government announced, as it imposed an immediate national curfew.

    The government said those attempting to break into the armoury had been repelled.

    The information ministry assured the public that “the government and our state security forces are in control.

    “To enable the security forces to continue the process of apprehending the suspects, a nationwide curfew is declared with immediate effect across the country.”

    No further details were given on the alleged perpetrators of the attack or their motives.

    Sierra Leone, an English-speaking country in West Africa, has been going through a political crisis following presidential and general elections in June this year.

    The statement added: “The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has learnt with utter disgust a plot by certain individuals to acquire arms and disturb the peace and constitutional order in Sierra Leone.

    “ECOWAS condemns this act and calls for the arrest and prosecution of all participants in this illegal act.”

    ECOWAS reiterated its zero-tolerance for unconstitutional change of government, underscoring its commitment to supporting the government and people of Sierra Leone to deepen democracy and good governance, consolidate peace and security as well and foster socio-economic development.

    Similarly, in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, the US embassy in Freetown “condemn in the strongest possible terms the attempted overnight forceful seizure of Wilberforce Barracks and armoury.

    “Such actions have no justification. We urge full cooperation with the government security forces’ ongoing operation to detain those responsible and strongly encourage all to adhere to government guidance regarding the ongoing curfew for their own safety.

    “The United States continues to stand with all those working for a peaceful, democratic, healthy, and prosperous Sierra Leone.”