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Articles by H.E. Tom Vens
Sierra Leone: BSL Investigates Skye Bank's Fraudulent Transaction
The Bank of Sierra Leone, which is the regulatory institution for all commercial banks in the country, has officially notified Concord Times that they are currently investigating Skye Bank where hundreds of cheques payable to Concord Times were fraudulently deposited into an account owned by an Indian desperado.
Sierra Leone: Magistrate Issues Bench Warrant for Raza Guest House Guard
By Yusufu S. Bangura On Friday 22nd January, 2021, a private security guard, Musa Jabbie, employed by Raza Guest House has been issued with a bench warrant by Magistrate Mark Ngegba presiding at the Pademba Road Court No.1 in Freetown after he jumped bail. The accused was initially granted bail in the sum of fifty million Leones, but when the matter was mentioned by the court clerk, the accused person did not appear in court to stand his trial.
Sierra Leone: Kailahun Gets First Resident Judge
Judiciary of Sierra Leone Communications Unit, Kailahun District Council, Luawa, Saturday 23rd January, 2021: On behalf of the Chief Justice, His Lordship Justice Desmond Babatunde Edwards, one of the country's esteemed Supreme Court Justices, Justice Sengu Koroma has today at the Kailahun District Council hall presented the first Resident High Court Judge, Justice Francis Banks-Kamara to stakeholders of the District. The Paramount Chief of Luawa Chiefdom, Hon.
Sierra Leone: High Court Criminal Session Commences
-17 sexual offences cases -9 accused granted bail The presiding Judge at the January 2021 Criminal Session Call-over, Reginald Fynn, yesterday granted bail to nine accused persons who are standing trial for alleged sexual penetration and have spent over one year at the Freetown Male Correctional Centre. The January 2021 Criminal Session contained forty (40) cases ranging from murder, wounding with intent, wounding, rubbery larceny, house breaking to sexual penetration.
Sierra Leone: MPs Dissatisfied With NACSA
By Jariatu S. Jusu Members of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on National Commission for Social Action (NACSA) and Non-Governmental Organizations,have expressed dissatisfaction over the poor quality of furniture produced by Instant Construction and General Services for the Community Health posts in Kagbanthama town and Morie Town, Mange Bureh in the Port Loko district.
Sierra Leone: UBA Launches TEF Awareness Creation Initiative in Sierra Leone
The United Bank for Africa (UBA) has on Friday, January 22nd launched the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) at New Brookfield Hotel in Freetown.
Sierra Leone: ACC Calls On Newly Recruited School Inspectors to Uphold Integrity
By Sulaiman B. Sowa In tandem with one of its mandate to prevent corruption, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Southern Regional Office has, on the 22nd January 2021, engaged newly recruited school inspectors in Bo District on ways to uphold integrity in the execution of their duties.
Sierra Leone: India, Dubai Representative in Town to Invest in Energy
A representative of top wealthy companies in the world operating in India and United Arab Emirates (UAE),has finally landed in Sierra Leone on Sunday , 24th January, after a three-year consideration with his partners.
Sierra Leone: Don Bosco Certifies 240 Girls
In a bid to promote gender equality in the country, Don Bosco Fambul on Friday, 21st January, 2021, through their Home Plus project, certified 240 girls in various skills training. The award ceremony, which was held at the Don Bosco compound at Fourth Street in Freetown, brought together stakeholders from government, parents and guardians.
Sierra Leone: Two in Court for Stealing Computers At Cheshire Home
Two accused, Abraham Mansaray and Ishmael Mansaray, have been taken to court by the Executive Director/Chairman of Freetown Cheshire Home, Dr. Abdulai Dumbuya, for allegedly breaking into his office and stole laptops. Both accused persons appeared before Magistrate Hadiru Daboh of Court No.3, Ross Road in Freetown on three counts of office breaking and larceny contrary to Section 26 (1)of the Larceny Act 1916 and receiving of stolen goods contrary to Section 33 (1) of the Larceny Act 1916.
Sierra Leone: 3 Arrested for Abusing President Bio's Mother
By Mohamed M. Sesay The Sierra Leone Police yesterday informed journalists at their George Street Headquarters, that they have arrested two men and a woman, who allegedly used motherly invectives and insulting conduct against President Julius Maada Bio in Makeni, northern Sierra Leone. Police says, the youth were chanting motherly invectives directed at President Bio with the pretext of welcoming former president Koroma in his home town after the Anti-Corruption Commission interview.
Sierra Leone: Pharmacy Board Trains Health Care Workers, Holds Radio Talk Shows On Substandard and Falsified Medicines in Bo & Kenema
In line with the one month WHO communication campaign on substandard and falsified medicines that was launched on the 30th October at its head office in Freetown, a team of regulators from the Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone (PBSL) have on the 26th - 29th November, 2020, trained twenty four (24) District Health management Teams (DHMTs) and engaged 4 radio stations on substandard and falsified medicines in Bo and Kenema.
Sierra Leone: Judge to Decide Fate of Murder Accused
Justice Monfred Sesay has fixed December 15, 2020, as judgement day for seven accused persons, who are before the court for allegedly killing Zaioux Sesay on 12th February, 2017, at Hill Cut Road in Freetown. Prior to the fixing of the date, the judge told the accused persons to open their case in defence and give them three options: to testify from the dock, take the witness stand and testify on oath or bank on their statements made to police.
Sierra Leone: Supreme Court Hears Samura Kamara, Sylvia Blyden's Petition Case
Dr. Samura Kamara was the standard bearer of the All Peoples Congress party in 2018 election The Supreme Court of Sierra Leone today (Thursday, 3rd December) ordered that following the failure on all parties to comply with the Consolidation Order, dated 18th July, 2018, parties in this action should now honour the said 'Order 1' by filing a consolidated bundle of the Supreme Court cases No. 6 and 7/2018 serving same on the 1st and 2nd Petitioners as well as 1st and 2nd Defendants.
Sierra Leone: CGG Catalogs Sustainability Challenges of CSOs
With support from United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Family Health International 360 (fhi360), Campaign for Good Governance (CGG) yesterday unveiled a report in which it cataloged sustainability challenges of Civil Society Organization in Sierra Leone.
Sierra Leone: U.S. Impressed With Salone's Performance On 2020 MCC Scorecard
United States Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Maria Brewer, has called on President Dr Julius Maada Bio, to congratulate him on passing 13 out of the 20 Millennium Challenge Corporation, MCC, scorecard for 2020. "Thank you Mr President for seeing us this morning and I have the honour and privilege to formally hand over to you the scorecard and to congratulate the government and people of Sierra Leone for passing not just the scorecard but actually passing 13 of the indicators.
Sierra Leone: Parliament Approves Amb.joe Blell, 3 Others
Lawmakers have unanimously approved Ambassador Joseph Christopher Blell to serve as the new Chairman and Commissioner of the National Telecommunications Commission (NATCOM). Blell was approved together with Amb. Fatmata Edna Kargbo as deputy Head of Mission, Sierra Leone Embassy to the Federal Republic of Germany, Amb.
Senegal: Sierra Leone Embassy in Dakar Rescues 20yrs Old Sierra Leonean Deportee
20 years old Mabinty Conteh was deported from Baghdad, Iraq to Senegal emaciated and facing mental challenges. Her destination back home is not known as there are no other documents apart from her passport and boarding pass to trace her address back home. She was deported with only the clothes she wore.
Sierra Leone: NYS Deputy Director Assures Teach for Sierra Leone
Representing the Executive Director, Mohamed Onanah Jalloh, the Deputy Director of the National Youth Service (NYS), Paul Saffa Tapema has assured NYS' commitment to strength partnership with Teach For Sierra Leone (TFSL) and work out modalities for the training of Corps members prior to their postings to the teaching field during the service year.
Sierra Leone: Deforestation, Encroachment Pose Challenge to Water Supply
By Jariatu S. Bangura The Director General of Guma Valley Water Company,Ing. Maada Kpenge, has informed Members of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Water Resources that, encroachment of land and deforestation continue to pose a big challenge to adequate water supply. "A lot of damage has been done to the facilities and private buildings have been erected there.
Sierra Leone: Opposition Leader Faults 'Delayed' Covid-19 Regulations
By Jariatu S. Bangura Leader of the main opposition All Peoples Congress, Hon. Chernor R.M Bah, has picked holes in the four constitutional instruments that were laid before Parliament by the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Anthony Y. Brewah Early this year, when President Bio declared one year Health Emergency on the coronavirus pandemic, the government's legal adviser was supposed to have taken the regulations to parliament after every three months, but that hasn't been the case.
Sierra Leone: 'If Ose Nor Sell U - Treet Nor Go Buy U!!'
(NO CONSPIRACY THRIVES WITHOUT HOMEGROWN/INSIDER SUPPORT) Within the Anglophone sub-region, opposition activities in Ghana and Nigeria can be more vibrant. This is because by their nature and culture a democratic space is created for the purpose.
Sierra Leone: 58 Challenge White Paper in Court
Principal Legal Consultant in the Office of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Lahai Momoh Farma, has disclosed that about 58 Persons of Interest have filed in appeals against the recommendations of the Government White Paper on the Commissions of Inquiry. He disclosed that some persons of interest have started paying monies they embezzled as directed by the white paper, but could not provide their names nor the total amount paid.
Nigeria: NEC Boss Pays Courtesy Call On Nigeria High Commission
Sona .A. Charles ,Charge d'Aaffaires of the Nigeria High commission (left) and NEC boss, Mohamed Kenewui Konneh (right) The new chairperson of the National Electoral Commission (NEC), Mohamed Kenewui Konneh, yesterday paid a courtesy visit at the Nigeria High Commission in Freetown. He was received by the Charge d' Affaires of the High Commission.
Kenya: Officials Decry Rise of Rape Cases in Kiambu
Kiambu County Deputy Governor Dr Joyce Ngugi has decried the rising rape cases in the devolved unit, saying urgent action is needed to curb the vice. Dr Ngugi spoke in Thika over the weekend during the launch of the Salama Rescue Centre. The centre is run by the Girl Child Network (GCN). "Rape and defilement cases are on the rise in Kiambu County and this is a wakeup call for us to do the right thing and address the situation.
Ethiopia: Ministry Briefs Resident Diplomats in Ethiopia On Current Situations
Addis Ababa — Ministry of Foreign Affairs has briefed the diplomatic community based in Addis Ababa on the current situation of Ethiopia today. The Spokesperson of the Ministry, Ambassador Dina Mufti has briefed the diplomatic community and resident Ambassadors in Ethiopia about the current situations in the country. The briefing was accompanied by a question and answer session where the spokesperson has provided further details, it was indicated.
Algeria: Middle-Secondary Education - Djerad Opens School Year
Algiers — Prime Minister Abdelaziz Djerad officially opened the new school year 2020/2021 for the pupils of the middle and secondary cycles, two weeks after opening, in Batna, the school year of the primary education. In a working and inspection visit to the administrative district of Sidi Abdellah, Djerad inaugurated a new high school that was named after martyr Rafik Hamoud Ben Aid.
Congo-Kinshasa: New Strategies At Work in Eleventh Ebola Outbreak in DRC
The tenth Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which struck the eastern part of the country between 2018 and early 2020, went on to become the largest in the country's history. The eleventh outbreak, currently underway in Équateur province, in the country's west, looks quite different: it progresses at a slow pace, producing small clusters in isolated areas and a lower overall mortality rate. How has the medical response evolved?
Africa: Responding to Covid-19 in Africa - the Myths, the Lessons, and the Vaccine
Africa is in the running to get a Covid-19 vaccine, but there will be only 220 million doses available in the initial stage, said medical experts at a panel discussion on Africa's response to the pandemic. African countries need to get involved in Covid-19 vaccine development to ensure sufficient access once a vaccine is developed. Millions of Africans died in the late 1990s and early 2000s because the continent did not have access to life-prolonging antiretroviral (ARV) drugs.
South Africa: DA Condemns the Arrest of Ugandan Opposition Party Leader, Bobi Wine, and Calls On AU to Act
The Democratic Alliance (DA) condemns the arrest of Ugandan opposition leader, Bobi Wine and calls on African Union (AU) to speak out against the crackdown on the opposition by the Ugandan government. Wine was violently arrested on Tuesday, shortly after he was given a green light by the Ugandan electoral commission to run in next year's presidential election.
Namibia: South West African ID Cards Still Valid
SOUTH West African identification documents have not been phased out and are still valid. Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) chief electoral officer Theo Mujoro recently announced that these documents remain legal until the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security phases them out. In terms of the Electoral Act of 2014, an individual is entitled to be registered as a voter if he or she is a Namibian citizen, is above the age of 18 years, and is not mentally ill, Mujoro said.
Tanzanian Opposition Leader Seeks Safe Passage to Belgium
The leader of Tanzania's opposition Chadema party, Tundu Lissu, has asked for safe passage to Belgium after he was briefly arrested on Monday morning following plans to protest against last week's election outcome. A Belgian minister down with Covid-19, and diplomatic red tape meant that the leader of Tanzania's opposition Chadema party, Tundu Lissu's efforts to evade arrest failed, and he ended up in a police station having to answer questions accusing him of organising a coup.
Ethiopia: A Statement From Jakenn Publishing PLC Regarding the Blockage of All Means of Communication in Tigray Regional State.
Jakenn Publishing PLC, the publisher of Addis Standard online magazine expresses its deep regret that due to the blockage of internet, mobile and landline communications, its journalists are unable to provide an inclusive news on the ongoing military engagement between forces of the federal army and Tigray regional state.
South Africa: Committee Adopts Report On Land Tenure Rights Bill
The Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (National Assembly) has adopted the Report on the Upgrading of Land Tenure Rights Amendment (ULTRA) Bill.
South Africa: Digital Economy - What Kinds of Jobs Can Help Fuel Economic Recovery and Growth?
At least 3 million jobs have been lost this year and labour market participation by young adults has dropped a staggering 12 percentage points to just below 16%. If job losses persist, we will have lost a decade's worth of job growth in only six months. As we look ahead to economic recovery and regrowth, what sectors should we prioritise for investment? It is clear that, despite the global recession, the digital economy continues to grow and requires digital and ICT skills to fuel its requirements.
South Africa: Minister Blade Nzimande Welcomes Arrest of Suspects for Killing Coastal Tvet College Student, Smanga Zulu
The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Bonginkosi Blade Nzimande, welcomes the arrest by the South African Police Services (SAPS) of five suspects for killing the Coastal TVET College student, Smanga Zulu. The two suspects appeared in Mbumbulu Magistrate Court on the 2nd November 2020 and the other three appeared in the same court yesterday, 3rd November 2020. It is anticipated that these suspects will be facing charges ranging from murder to suspected murder.
Malawi: Bushiri, Wife Out K10m Each Bail Bond - Magistrate Says Couple Not a Flight Risk!
Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) leader Prophet Shepherd Bushiri, his wife Mary and the other co-accused have been granted bail by the Pretoria Magistrate Court this Wednesday. In her ruling, the magistrate said the couple is not a flight risk as they are having a permanent resident status in South Africa. She further ruled against State's submission that the couple is moving assets, arguing there was no evidence to that effect.
Namibia: Calling Athletes for Anti-Doping Conference
The Namibia Athletes Commission has called on athletes to attend a workshop on 14 November to educate themselves about recent anti-doping regulations and procedures.
Algeria: Industry - Finance Bill 2021 Drafted According to Expenditure Rationalization Policy
AllAfrica publishes around 900 reports a day from more than 130 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.
Zimbabwe: Zanu-PF DCC Elections Leave Mash East Deeply Divided
THE Zanu PF Mashonaland East province has been left deeply divided along factional lines after some senior party officials were disqualified from contesting for influential district coordinating committee positions (DCCs).
Tanzania: Report Violence Cases, Judiciary Tells Parents
PARENTS have been urged to help end abuse of children and women in the islands by exposing perpetrators and give evidence in court instead of blaming the judiciary system. At a meeting with activists to evaluate the war against sexual abuse in the country in North Unguja Region, lawyer Khamis Othman Abdalla from the Director of Public Prosecution (DDP) said lack of full cooperation from parents affects judiciary procedures.
Tanzania: Researchers Insist On Investing in Agribusiness Accountant Association to Review Constitution
THE Tanzania Association of Accountants (TAA) is set to meet next week to make constitutional changes. The meeting to be held in Dar es Salaam for two days is set to be opened by the Ministry of Finance Permanent Secretary, Doto James. The meeting, apart from discussing the constitution, will also revisit TAA national leadership council report, imparting skills to members on the importance of their professional involvement in the country's economic growth.
Zimbabwe: Chin'ono Arrested Again Over Claims Chief Justice Malaba Interfering With His Trial
JOURNALIST Hopewell Chin'ono has been arrested over Twitter claims Chief Justice Luke Malaba was interfering with his case. Chin'ono was arrested July this year over claims of inciting public violence against government. He was finally granted $10 000 bail after languishing in remand prison for 45 days. The scribe is now accused of creating tweets claiming the country's top most judge was seen at the Harare Magistrates' Court during the time he (Chin'ono) was seeking to be granted bail.
South Africa: Media Statement - Water and Sanitation Committee Calls for Improvement in Turnaround Time in SIU Investigations
The Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation has urged the Special Investigating Unit {SIU} to improve the turnaround time in concluding investigations on proclamations made on the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS). While the committee acknowledged the good work that the SIU has done so far, it raised concerns that the timeframe between the signing of the proclamation and the prosecution/recovery of taxpayer's money is too long, which delays consequence management.
South Africa: ES Reddy Was a Giant in the Global Anti-Apartheid Movement
Enuga Sreenivasulu Reddy, 96, died on 1 November 2020 at his home in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Known to comrades and friends as 'ES' Reddy, his death marks a great loss to the international solidarity movement that mobilised against apartheid. ES Reddy was a diplomat, scholar, historian, librarian, archivist, activist, campaigner, internationalist, peacenik, husband, father and gentleman - all in one.
Zimbabwe: All Councils to Undergo Manpower Audit
Municipal Reporter A team of local government experts has been assembled to conduct a manpower audit at all local authorities following a serious decline in service delivery, Local Government and Public Works Minister July Moyo has said. Minister Moyo said Government has since started dispatching the teams to conduct the assessments. The country has 92 local authorities, 32 of them are in urban areas and the remaining 60 in rural areas.
Zimbabwe: Zesa Starts Clearing Coal Producers' $1,2bn Debt
State — owned power utility, Zesa Holdings, has started paying coal miners after the debt ballooned to over $1,2 billion over the past few months. The surging debt was beginning to affect coal supplies to Zesa's major thermal power stations, including Hwange, with the suppliers indicating seriously incapacitation. Zesa experienced a severe deterioration in cash flows between March and September this year.
Zimbabwe: Rajput Hails Team for Great Character
ZIMBABWE coach, Lalchand Rajput, says his Chevrons showed great character in winning the third and final ODI against Pakistan at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium yesterday. The Indian coach said it was a satisfactory result for the visitors, who even ran their hosts close in the first ODI, and will now earn 10 World Cup qualifying points for their win. The hosts won the series 2-1. "It was a great match against a top recognised team and we were the winners at the end," Rajput said.
Zimbabwe: Kidnapped Baby Found in Zvimba
A baby, who was kidnapped at Spar Montague Shopping Centre last month has been found in Murombedzi, Zvimba. Police have since arrested Gift Chemhuru in connection with the kidnapping. Chemhuru is also wanted in connection with theft and motor vehicle offences. National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the baby was rescued from the suspect's homestead in Zvimba after the police received a tip off.
Cote d'Ivoire: Liberian Guns and Fighters in Ivory Coast
Monday morning, in Abidjan, the focus on social media turned to an incident implicating the Ousmane Bamba, a businessman and adviser to President Weah. Moussa is from Tiebissou, in Central Côte d'Ivoire where he once invited President Weah to the inauguration of his mosque. Like it in many parts of the country, young people had set up roadblocks to stop the movement of electoral materials. Bamba arrived at the head of the four-car convoy. He was asked where he was headed.
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