Alpha Kamara
Verified
(He/Him)
- Multimedia Journalist and Human Rights Activist, Freelance
Maryland, New York, Sierra Leone, Washington, D.C.
As seen in:
USA Today,
Wiley Online Library,
Salon,
Washington Times,
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette,
Anadolu Agency,
The World (Podcast),
Applied and Environmental Soil Science,
Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases & Medical Microbiology,
DVIDS
and
Covers:
Public Affairs, Human Rights, Peace and Conflict, Governance, International Development.
Doesn't Cover:
None
Journalist, Public Affairs Specialist, Writer, Film maker, Human Rights and Social Activist. #NYUGrad MA in Media and Coms Tweets my views.
Articles by Alpha Kamara
Simulating the yield of cowpea ( Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) by optimizing the sowing window using the CSM-CROPGRO-Cowpea model in the savannas of Nigeria
CONFLICT OF INTERESTS STATEMENT The authors declare no conflicts of interest. Supporting Information Filename Description agj270450-sup-0001-TableS1.docx24.9 KB TABLE S1 Soil physical and chemical properties at model calibration and validation sites in the Savannas of Nigeria. REFERENCES , , , , , & (2017). CERES–Maize model for optimizing sowing dates of early maize in Northern Nigeria. Frontiers in Plant Science, 8, 1118. (2019).
The Narrative News
Sierra Queens Crowned WAFU Champions in Historic Win Over Senegal Jun 1, 2025 By Alpha Kamara in Washington, D.C. Sierra Leone’s national women’s football team, the Sierra Queens, have made history by clinching the West African Football Union (WAFU) Zone A championship—marking the country's first major international football trophy. The Queens defeated defending champions Senegal 1–0 in the final played in Mauritania.
The Narrative News
Saudi Arabia Bars Sierra Leone Embassy Staff from Supporting Pilgrims During 2025 Hajj May 26, 2025 By Alpha Kamara | Washington, D.C. The Embassy of Sierra Leone in Saudi Arabia has announced that its staff and community volunteers will no longer be allowed to assist pilgrims during this year’s Hajj, following strict new directives from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
The Narrative News
Dutch Journalist Forced to Leave Sierra Leone After Arrest and Interrogation Feb 18, 2025 By Alpha Kamara in Washington D.C. Dutch journalist Sophie Van Leeuwen has been expelled from Sierra Leone following her arrest and days of interrogation. Van Leeuwen, who was in the country working on various stories, was detained on suspicion of espionage, according to the Sierra Leonean government. A police spokesperson stated that she had been filming in restricted areas without authorization.
The Narrative News
Sierra Leone to Investigate Reports of Dutch Drug Kingpin Hiding in the Country Jan 27, 2025 By Alpha Kamara in Washington D.C. Sierra Leone's Information Ministry announced on Sunday that it is investigating media reports alleging that European cocaine kingpin Jos Leijdekkers is residing in the country and receiving high-level protection.
The Narrative News
Legendary Sierra Leone Musician Lansana Sheriff Dies in Tragic Road Accident Dec 10, 2024 By Alpha Kamara in Washington The music world mourns the loss of Lansana Sheriff, fondly known as Steady Bongo, a legendary Sierra Leonean musician whose life came to a tragic end in a road accident along the Potoru Highway. Family and friends have confirmed his passing, marking an irreplaceable loss for the nation and its cultural heritage.
The Narrative News
Two Civil Society Leaders Arrested in Sierra Leone Over Planned Protest on Election Results Dec 6, 2024 By Alpha Kamara in Washington Two prominent civil society leaders, Thomas Babadi and Madi Williams, have been arrested by Sierra Leone police after initiating plans for a protest demanding transparency in the 2023 election results. The duo was taken into custody while submitting an official notification of the protest to the police.
The Narrative News
Three Mexicans and one Spanish national detained in Sierra Leone Sep 25, 2024 By Alpha Kamara in Washington D.C. A 14-seater plane has been seized by officials after making an unauthorized landing at the Lungi airport in Sierra Leone. The aircraft carried four occupants: three Mexicans and one Spaniard. Key details about the incident include: Unrecognized Departure: The plane did not take off from any official airfield in Liberia.
The Narrative News
Bishop Georgio Biguzzi, Former Head of Makeni Diocese, Passes Away at 88 Jul 1, 2024 By Alpha Kamara in Washington D.C. Bishop George Biguzzi, former head of the Makeni Diocese and a pivotal figure in Sierra Leone's history, passed away at the age of 88. His death occurred this morning at a hospital in Parma, Italy, as confirmed by Bishop Bob John Koroma, the current bishop of the diocese to journalist Umaru Fofana.
The Narrative News
31 Trafficking Victims Intercepted on Route to Mali and Niger at Sierra Leone-Guinea Border" Jun 5, 2024 By Alpha Kamara in Washington Authorities along the Sierra Leone-Guinea border in Kambia have halted the trafficking of 31 individuals. Among them were 10 women accompanied by 21 children, claiming parenthood over them, 12 girls and 9 boys.
The Narrative News
Another 12-year-old girl gang raped and killed in Kailahun. May 30, 2024 By Alpha Kamara in Washington Reports from Kailahun, east Sierra Leone, reveal a tragic incident where a 12-year-old girl named Jebbeh was raped and killed on May 16th in the Baiima and Benduma community. Sources say the girl was abducted, gang-raped, strangled, and stabbed to death by several individuals. “This demands national attention and swift action. Jebbeh deserves justice. Her voice, silent, needs to be amplified.
The Narrative News
"ECOWAS Delegation to Visit Sierra Leone, Focus on National Unity and Electoral Reforms May 29, 2024 By Alpha Kamara in Washington A delegation from ECOWAS is set to visit Sierra Leone in early June to discuss the national unity agreement between the government and the opposition APC party, signed in October 2023. Led by Gambia’s former vice president Fatoumata Jallow Tambajang, the team will also address electoral reform matters with stakeholders, including the diplomatic community.
The Narrative News
The US Embassy in Sierra Leone Awaits Tripartite Committee's Recommendations on Election May 27, 2024 By Alpha Kamara in Washington. U.S. Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Brian Hunt, discussed the eagerly awaited report from the country's tripartite committee. In an interview with AYV Television in Freetown, Hunt emphasized that Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) funds from the U.S. to Sierra Leone remain suspended pending the release of the report and its recommendations.
The Narrative News
US Government hits Sierra Leone once again over gross Human Rights violations. Apr 26, 2024 By Alpha Kamara in Washington The human rights situation in Sierra Leone remained largely unchanged over the past year, with significant issues persisting, as detailed in the latest report from the United States Department of State. Despite some government efforts to address human rights abuses, impunity continues to be a pressing concern.
The Narrative News
U.N. Reports Surge in Drug Smuggling and Seizures Across West Africa Apr 20, 2024 By Alpha Kamara in Washington A new U.N. report reveals a dramatic increase in drug seizures across the West African Sahel region, underscoring the growing significance of this conflict-ridden and impoverished area as a key route for drug trafficking.
Family Demands Justice after FGM Practitioner Escapes Charges Due to Medical Report Error
By Alpha Kamara in Washington D.C. and Jonathan B. Omaru in Bonthe District From Washington D.C. in the Sierra Leone diaspora and echoing through the Bonthe District in Sierra Leone, the call for justice is louder as a prominent FGM practitioner, Sowoh Sandy, is released amidst a legal tangle.
Family Demands Justice as FGM Practitioner Evades Charges Due to Language Error in Medical Report
By Alpha Kamara in Washington D.C. and Jonathan B. Omaru in Bonthe District From Washington D.C. in the Sierra Leone diaspora and echoing through the Bonthe District in Sierra Leone, the call for justice is louder as a prominent FGM practitioner, Sowoh Sandy, is released amidst a legal tangle.
Liberia’s Human Rights Commission Chairman says Liberia should not handover Retired CSP Turay Yatey Yatey to Sierra Leone
By Alpha Kamara The chairman of the Liberia Human Rights Commission, Councilor Dempster Brown has called on the Liberian government to stop a plan to hand over retired CSP Mohamed Turay (Yatey Yatey) to the Sierra Leone government because of his safety and security. “There is no existing extradition agreement between Sierra Leone and Liberia. The matter he is also being accused of is highly political. Hence, we are not sure he will get justice.
AU and UNFPA call on African media professionals to report sensitive and harmful traditional practices including FGM with an ethical lens.
By Alpha Kamara- NYU Journalism ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA –The Commission of the African Union, Directorate of Social Development, Culture and Sports in partnership with the UNFPA and UNICEF have called on African media practitioners to report sensitive cultural issues including FGM/FGM with an ethical lens.
2023 Elections: Sierra Leoneans abroad protest in Washington, London and Brussels
“Bio is killing our democracy” the protesters chanted. Sierra Leone citizens living abroad have been protesting the just concluded elections in the country. The protesters targeted key Western capitals from Washington D.C. to London and Brussels. The demonstrators said they were protesting the way the election was conducted, and President Bio declared the winner despite the various national and international condemnations that said the process lacked transparency.
US raise more concerns over election irregularities in Sierra Leone
“We are also disturbed by the reports of intimidation – including death threats – against domestic and international observers, civil society organizations, and ECSL personnel” U.S. State Department By Alpha Kamara WASHINGTON- The US Government has raised more concerns over the alleged election irregularities in Sierra Leone’s 2023 elections. This was highlighted in a release issued by the U.S. State Department.
President Bio’s second term is faced with challenges of legitimacy and acceptance
“No major western government has congratulated President Bio openly since he was sworn into office over a week ago”. By Alpha Kamara WASHINGTON D.C.-FREETOWN- President Julius Maada Bio’s second term as president of Sierra Leone is being challenged by both local and international issues of compliance, acceptance and legitimacy.
Only three world leaders have congratulated President Bio openly after his swearing in 48 hours now.
“Presidents of Senegal, The Gambia, Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Guinea, Ivory Coast have all not done so yet openly” By Alpha Kamara WASHINGTON-As the international condemnation continues to highlight lack of transparency in the just concluded presidential elections in Sierra Leone, which gave President Julius Maada Bio a second term, only three world leaders have come out openly to congratulate him.
More attacks on opposition party supporters following the announcement of election results.
“EU, US Embassy, African Union, ECOWAS and national observer groups have all said the election lacked transparency and credibility.” By Alpha Kamara WASHINGTON-FREETOWN-More attacks on opposition party supporters and their properties have been reported across the country following the announcement of the election results.
Bio wins a second term, as observers, the opposition question the results.
“By the powers conferred in me, I therefore declare Julius Maada Bio as the dully elected president of Sierra Leone” ECSL Chair By Alpha Kamara WASHINGTON-FREETOWN- The National Returning Officer of the Elections Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL) has declared President Bio the winner of the general elections held on Saturday June 24.
Sierra Leone Election: One confirmed dead and dozens opposition party activists in jail
SLAJ, the national union of journalists in Sierra Leone, I-Verify wing has confirmed that one person was killed during Wednesday’s opposition protest. I-verify said they confirmed that one person code name Whiteboy, a scrap metal seller at G-gate was confirmed dead by hospital authorities. His body is still at the hospital mortuary as of Thursday afternoon. Before his death, the victim was captured on video with what looked like gunshot wounds in a pool of blood.
Sierra Leone Police crackdown on opposition protesters in Freetown
“Three of our supporters have been allegedly killed” Mayor Aki Sawyerr By Alpha Kamara WASHINGTON-FREETOWN -Sierra Leone Police has crackdown on opposition protesters in Freetown, Waterloo, and other parts of the country. Over one dozen opposition supporters were also arrested by the police outside Freetown. Former Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki Sawyerr looks emotional on Facebook live as she showed blood on the street in front of the opposition party office.
ECSL's credibility at stake as Sierra Leone heads to a crucial election in five days
“We are concerned that ballots were printed in two different countries” Elections Watch By Alpha Kamara WASHINGTON-FREETOWN– The credibility of the Elections Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL) and its commissioner Mohamed Konneh has been questioned by local observers and the main opposition APC party. In a press release issued on June 15th, the National Elections Watch (NEW), a coalition of local observers identified lapses in the elections process concerning early voting and other related issues.
Sierra Leone elected as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council
“It’s the first time for the country in over 50 years.” By Alpha Kamara WASHINGTON-FREETOWN– Sierra Leone has been elected as a non-permanent member into the UN Security council. It joins Algeria in representing Africa in the premier body for maintaining international peace and security, starting in January, for a two-year period. Sierra Leone’s president Julius Maada Bio commended the UNSC members for voting his country.
Sierra Leone’s CDF Former Initiator, Kondewa completes his sentence.
“He was convicted by the special court for murder, cruel treatment and pillage”. By Alpha Kamara WASHINGTON D.C. AND FREETOWN– Former Sierra Leone’s former civil defense forces (CDF) key man, Allieu Kondewa has completed his sentence and is now a free man. Kondewa who was the high priest and initiator of the CDF was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for his role during the country’s civil war.
Fake and fraudster Nigerian investor, Alex O. Philips, CEO of the EAP Group of Companies busted in Sierra Leone
“Four different nationalities, four different passports in Sierra Leone, a convict in Nigeria and wanted by the EFCC” ACC. By Alpha Kamara Sierra Leone’s anti-corruption commission says it has concluded findings into the fraud allegations of a Nigerian national posing as a businessman in Sierra Leone with a company called EAP Group of Companies.
Sierra Leonean Journalist Hassan Arouni leaves the BBC after 30 years of service
“After 30 years, today is Hassan’s last day presenting Focus on Africa” BBC By Alpha Kamara WASHINGTON D.C. – Sierra Leonean journalist Hassan Arouni has left the BBC after working for the British broadcastER for thirty years. On a post on Monday, May 29th, the BBC Africa wrote, “After 30 years, today is Hassan Arouni’s last day presenting Focus on Africa”. The BBC also asked listeners to send in their well wishes to Hassan.
Freetown’s over 200 year old Cotton tree swept away my storm.
“Its a great loss. It was regarded as a symbol of liberty and freedom by early settlers” President Bio. By Alpha Kamara WASHINGTON D.C. Sierra Leone’s popular cotton tree located in the heart of Freetown, was toppled by storm Wednesday night May 24th. The news was confirmed by Freetown’s Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr. “I feel a deep sense of loss which I know is shared by many Freetonians.
Seven people reported dead in Freetown due to flooding.
By Alpha Kamara WASHINGTON D.C. Seven people are reported dead in Freetown, Sierra Leone’s from flooding. According to the former Mayor of Freetown Yvonne Aki Sawyerr, she visited the location of the two incidents. One is Moiba in the East where a middle-aged man fetching water was covered by mud from the torrential rains. The other she said was at Bankolay area, Cline town also in the east. That community lost six people including a pregnant woman and a child.
Carter Center Launches Mission to Observe Sierra Leone’s National Elections
“We hope that our observation and reporting will provide important information to Sierra Leonean citizens on the elections” The Center ATLANTA (May 10, 2023) — The Carter Center has launched an international election observation mission to Sierra Leone in advance of the country’s national elections scheduled for June 24. The Center was invited to observe this year’s elections by the Election Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL).
SLAJ President Meets with NED in Washington
By SLAJ Diaspora Team WASHINGTON D.C. -The President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, on Wednesday, April 26 visited the offices of the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) in Washington, DC. The SLAJ President was warmly welcomed by a cross-section of the NED Program Team on Africa and Sierra Leone.
'We need satin scrum caps in rugby'
You’ve probably heard the 'rugby girl' stereotype. Being ‘rough and ready’ is the classic one, the stereotype that Sadia tells us she's all too familiar with. But the reality is very different. For all you sporty girls out there, you'll know what Sadia means... Players might choose to wear makeup, or have their hair in a preferred style, because it gives them confidence. For Sadia, there’s another layer to this.
SLAJ President meets with CPJ on Journalists Safety in Sierra Leone ahead of the 2023 elections
By SLAJ Diaspora Team USA. VIRGINIA, USA – The President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, on Friday 28th April 2023 met with the African section of the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) at their office in New York City, USA. Nasralla updated CPJ on the state of the media and the safety and security of journalists in Serra Leone and requested support around training and resources ahead of Sierra Leone’s June 2023 elections.
Watermelon politics: Alpha Kanu changes color from Red to Green with a brilliant resignation letter
“Let me assure you that I find no pleasure in writing you this letter” Alpha Kanu By Alpha Kamara in Washington D.C. The name Alhaji Alpha Kanu is renown in Sierra Leone politics. He has been one of the most active politicians in the country in the last 20 years. He fought his way brilliantly from the opposition to becoming a key ruling party official with former president Koroma. He was rewarded handsomely with various ministerial positions.
August 10 protest report indicts Minister Leema and the opposition
“Leema received two letters from the committee, signed for by one Tamba Sam in his ministry, but never responded. Its left with the public to judge” Committee Chairman. By Alpha Kamara in Washington D.C. The committee on the August 10th protest has presented its report to the President Bio. The president set up the committee to investigate events that led to the August 10 protest that led to the deaths of 26 people including six police personnel.
How do we put the 'female' back in fitness?
“We can’t train women’s bodies in the same way” The main focus of the course is to teach fitness staff across the country about female health. Trainers will then be able to use these insights to help make gym environments more welcoming for women. In a recent survey, 67% of women say they find going to the gym an intimidating experience, and women have been slower to return to the gym since the Covid pandemic. Fifty-one fitness instructors nationwide will take part in the pilot programme.
Extreme poverty forces women to walk long distances daily to Makeni city to sell sticks.
“We are breadwinners. We need sustainable businesses to look after our families.” By Mohamed Dauda Kamara in Makeni Women from the Kathiri community who walk 14- kilometers every day to Makeni to make ends- meet say they need businesses that will sustain them and their children. They carry dozens of sticks on their heads while walking in the sun or rain every day. Among them are pregnant and lactating mothers who have babies strapped to their backs while balancing their loads.
University of Sierra Leone Condemns the Brutal Death of Geography Lecturer
By Alpha Kamara in Washington D.C. The University of Sierra Leone has condemned the brutal murder of one of its lecturers. In a press release, the USL said it is appalled by the sad news of the discovery in a grave of the mortal remains of Mr. Kabba Santigie Bangura, a lecturer in the Department of Geography, Fourah Bay College (FBC).
Three in police custody over missing University of Sierra Leone Lecturer
Mountain Waves Education Desk “A lecturer is missing. Another is in the mental home. They both know about mining and extractives” WASHINGTON D.C. It’s now 40 days since Kabba Santigie Bangura a Geography Lecturer at the FBC University of Sierra Leone was declared missing. The Police Criminal Investigations Department in Freetown is currently investigating three suspects in connection with the disappearance of a Fourah Bay College Geography Lecturer, Kabba Santigie Bangura.
Actress Zainab Sheriff calls out President Bio and his regime for killings and human rights violations
“President Bio is a curse to Sierra Leone. He is the worst the country has ever elected” Sheriff. By Alpha Kamara in Washington D.C. Entertainer, actress and reality TV Producer Zainab Sheriff has come hard against President Bio and his government for the numerous killings against civilians. In a live video published on her social media pages, Sheriff said seeing President Bio reminds her of the war years in Sierra Leone.
Police arrests 31 people in Makeni as investigation into the killing of police officer continues.
“He parked outside the shop in his car waiting for his guard to return with the fan. He was shot by an unknown assailant” Police. By Alpha Kamara in D.C. Sierra Leone police regional commander in the Northern city of Makeni says they have arrested 21 people in connection with the death of police OSD commander.
Why is presidential the press secretary struggling to highlight Bio’s five years achievement?
“Inflation, high cost of living, bread and butter issues, excessive spending are all in the red.” Dickson. By Alpha Kamara WASHINGTON D.C.- April 4th, 2023, marks president Bio’s five year in office. The presidential press secretary was on Radio Democracy trying to highlight the achievements of the government during this period. He started a flashback of shifting blames on the past government.
Street rallies for political parties banned in Sierra Leone ahead of 2023 elections.
“It’s unconstitutional and we might take it to court” Opposition lawyer. By Alpha Kamara in Washington D.C. Street rallies by political parties have been banned across Sierra Leone ahead of the June 2023 elections. This was communicated to the public via a press release from the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC).
Clash reported outside of Freetown between police and main APC opposition presidential candidate
Human Rights, Opposition, Sierra Leone, SierraLeoneDecides2023General “The police said our leader is only allowed to have ten cars in his convoy. Is that fair? Sidie Tunis. By Alpha Kamara in Washington D.C. Mile 38 town enroute to Freetown, Sierra Leone’s capital was in smoke on Sunday April 2 as the main opposition candidate of the APC party Dr. Samura Kamara and his convoy was prevented from entering the capital due to disagreements on the number of vehicles.
Local Journalist hospitalized after severe beating inside ruling SLPP party office
“The journalist is also an SLPP party official” An inside source. By Alpha Kamara in Washington D.C. A local journalist working for Fountain of Peace Radio in Moyamba is currently admitted at the hospital after he has was beaten to coma inside the ruling party office in Moyamba. An inside source told Mt Waves News that Alie Tokowa was in the ruling SLPP Party office to cover the award of symbol for the council chairmanship ticket of the party in the district.
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