REVIEW OF SIERRA LEONE MEDIA REPORTS

Public Information Office (PIO) of UNIOSIL – 9 May 2008

 

[Disclaimer: Excerpts below are from print media and news agency dispatches. UNIOSIL cannot vouch for the accuracy of the media reports].

 

Top UN Official applauds socio-economic trends in Sierra Leone as encouraging

A senior UN Peacekeeping Official has reportedly commended the improving socio-economic environment in Sierra Leone, calling it “hopeful”. The top UN Official made the remarks while briefing the Security Council on the work of the United Nations Integrated Office in Sierra Leone (UNIOSIL). Assistant Secretary-General of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, Dmitry Titov, however, cautioned that the government should adopt tough economic and political decisions and implementing policies that promote transparency and accountability. He noted the challenges of youth employment and women empowerment as key to sustainable peace and development; and the holding of Local Government election in July “as another major step towards enhancing the democratic process” in the peacebuilding nation.

 

Ex-SLPP Minister to sue ex-President Tejan Kabbah

Several newspapers among them, For Di People, Standard Times and Awoko today report that erstwhile Minister of Agriculture and Food Security in the Tejan Kabbah-led administration Dr Harry Will, together with former Director General, Lamin Mohamed Feika, who were incarcerated for alleged corruption have vowed to take Supreme Court action against the former president for what they claimed were unjustified and unwarranted charges levied against them. Addressing journalists at a press briefing at the Sierra Leone News Agency in Freetown, Dr. Harry Will said they were arrested in August 1999 on the grounds that they conspired together with others to defraud the government of Sierra Leone following the award of contracts for the supply of seedlings amounting US$1.35 million. He said the charges against them were politically motivated to dent their political ambition. Dr. Will said they are suing Tejan Kabbah for damages as the matter which lasted longer than necessary, has caused them serious intimidation to the extent that they cannot secure jobs in and out of Sierra Leone. “We have been out of jobs for over five years because of this trial and life was very difficult for us,” they said.

 

Amputees cry foul

The President of the Amputees in Sierra Leone, Alhaji Jusu Jarka has told Awoko that enough had not been done to support them to take care of their needs as prescribed by the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). Alhaji Jarka said the reparation recommended by the TRC was yet to be fulfilled in spite of several appeals and wondered when amputees would stop begging in the streets. “It is not our wish to be in this situation,” he remarked. He said although President Koroma had vowed to ensure that the TRC recommendations are implemented it is yet to be seen.

 

First and Second Ladies visit Marampa mines

It is reported in We Yone today that the wives of President Ernest Bai Koroma and Vice President Sam Sumana, Madam Sia Nyama Koroma and Madam Kadie Sam Sumana respectively, have made a brief call at the Marampa Mines in Lunsar, in the Port Loko District. While there, they were taken on a conducted tour of the mines by the managing Director of the London Mining Company that has taken over the recommencing of operations in the mines for the production of iron ore after decades since the operations closed down. The Managing Director assured his guests that one thousand youths stand to gain employment opportunities once work restarts in the mines. The two ladies were in Lunsar to turn the sword for the construction of a Health Center constructed by the London Mining Company.

 

(Compiled by UNIOSIL, Public Information Office)