Court of Appeal Makes History with Seven Judgments During First-Ever Makeni Sitting

 MAKENI, Bombali District – July 22, 2026 — Sierra Leone's Court of Appeal has marked a major milestone in the country's justice system by delivering seven judgments during its first-ever appellate court sitting in Makeni City, bringing judicial services closer to citizens in the Northern Region.

The historic session, held as part of the Judiciary's decentralisation agenda, was presided over by Honourable Justice Abdulai M. Bangurah of the Supreme Court, alongside Court of Appeal Justices Jamesina J. King, Michael P. Mami and Aiah Simeon Allieu.

Over the course of the week-long sitting, the panel heard several appeals and delivered seven judgments covering a range of civil matters, including divorce cases and land ownership disputes. The Court also heard and granted an urgent application for a stay after considering submissions from counsel.

The Makeni session forms part of Chief Justice Komba Kamanda's vision to decentralise appellate justice by expanding Court of Appeal sittings beyond Freetown, making justice more accessible and affordable for litigants across the country.

The initiative is expected to reduce the financial and logistical burden faced by appellants who would otherwise be required to travel long distances to the capital to pursue their cases.

Following the proceedings, one appellant, who requested anonymity, praised the Judiciary for bringing the Court of Appeal to Makeni, describing the move as a practical demonstration of accessible justice and commending the leadership of Chief Justice Komba Kamanda in advancing judicial reforms.

The Judiciary stated that the week-long exercise was fully funded by the Judiciary of Sierra Leone with support from the Government of Sierra Leone, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening the administration of justice and improving public access to the courts nationwide.

The successful Makeni sitting is being viewed as another step in the Judiciary's broader efforts to modernise the justice system and ensure that appellate services are available to citizens regardless of their location.

Source: Judiciary of Sierra Leone 

MELSS Puts Commercial Banks on Notice Over Labour Law Compliance

 FREETOWN, Sierra Leone – July 28, 2026 — The Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security (MELSS) has intensified its push to enforce Sierra Leone's labour laws, engaging commercial banks on workers' rights, outsourcing practices, severance benefits and workplace safety.

The high-level meeting brought together Managing Directors and Human Resource leaders from commercial banks, alongside representatives of the Sierra Leone Labour Congress (SLLC), the Sierra Leone Employers' Federation and senior officials from MELSS. The engagement forms part of the Ministry's ongoing efforts to strengthen labour law enforcement while encouraging voluntary compliance across the private sector.

Speaking at the meeting, Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Hon. Mohamed Rahman Swaray, stressed that although Sierra Leone has modernised its labour legislation to address evolving workplace challenges, effective enforcement remains the key to protecting workers.

"Even with the best legislation, enforcement will always be the real deal," the Minister said, adding that the Ministry will intensify inspections while working closely with employers to improve compliance.

Minister Swaray explained that the banking sector was selected because of concerns surrounding labour practices, particularly the increasing use of outsourced workers and the need to ensure employers fulfil their obligations regarding severance and end-of-service benefits.

Referring to the recent transition involving Union Trust Bank (UTB), he said the Ministry is determined to prevent situations that could negatively affect employees during corporate restructuring or ownership changes.

He also reminded employers of their obligations under Section 25 of the Employment Act, warning that businesses must make adequate provision for severance payments and other statutory benefits owed to employees.

During the engagement, Director of Labour and Employment Idrissa Dumbuya presented key provisions of the Employment Act and the Work Permit Act 2023, while officials from the Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health outlined workplace safety standards expected within the banking industry.

Sierra Leone Labour Congress Secretary General Marx Conteh described the engagement as a significant step towards ensuring banks comply fully with the Employment Act, particularly the provisions protecting workers' rights.

Project Officer of the Sierra Leone Employers' Federation, Ivette Kargbo, reaffirmed employers' commitment to complying with labour laws, noting that respect for the law promotes decent work, safeguards employees' rights and strengthens a fair and transparent labour market.

The engagement concluded with discussions on strengthening collaboration between Government, employers and financial institutions to improve compliance, protect workers' entitlements and promote safer workplaces across Sierra Leone's banking sector.

Source: Ministry of Employment Labour and Social Security 

Chief Minister Challenges Sierra Leone's '70% Unemployment' Narrative, Says Informal Sector Has Created Hundreds of Thousands of Jobs

 FREETOWN, Sierra Leone — Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh has challenged the long-standing claim that Sierra Leone has a 70% unemployment rate, describing the figure as an outdated myth that fails to reflect the country's growing informal economy.

Speaking after a dialogue with the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security, the Sierra Leone Labour Congress and leaders of 14 informal sector labour unions, Dr. Sengeh argued that millions of Sierra Leoneans actively earn a living through informal work and should not be classified as unemployed.

According to the Chief Minister, workers such as commercial bike riders, taxi drivers, omolankay porters, petty traders, farmers, musicians, photographers, bloggers and other self-employed citizens form the backbone of the economy, contributing significantly to employment and national productivity.

He said the meeting reinforced his belief that the Government has already met President Julius Maada Bio's 2023 commitment to create 500,000 jobs, particularly when employment generated within the informal sector is fully recognised.

Dr. Sengeh noted that Sierra Leone's labour movement remains one of the strongest in the region, with around 20 formal sector unions and 14 informal sector unions working alongside the Sierra Leone Labour Congress and the Ministry of Labour to protect workers' rights and improve labour standards.

He also highlighted ongoing government reforms aimed at strengthening social protection, including measures to extend insurance coverage to informal sector workers, improve access to health insurance and advance legislation designed to promote social justice and economic inclusion.

Despite the progress, the Chief Minister acknowledged that more work is needed to improve worker protection, expand educational and skills opportunities and ensure greater income security for workers after retirement.

He concluded by urging Sierra Leoneans to question the frequently repeated 70% unemployment statistic and demand credible, up-to-date evidence whenever the figure is cited.

The remarks have renewed debate over how employment should be measured in Sierra Leone, particularly in an economy where informal work provides livelihoods for a large proportion of the population.

Cabinet Celebrates President Bio's Leadership Following Historic ECOWAS Summit Success

 Freetown, Sierra Leone – A celebratory atmosphere filled the corridors of government as Cabinet members and front office staff honoured President Julius Maada Bio for his leadership in delivering what is widely regarded as a landmark ECOWAS Summit in Lungi.

The recognition followed the successful hosting of West African Heads of State and Government, an event that showcased Sierra Leone's growing capacity to organise high-level international gatherings and strengthen regional cooperation.

A defining moment of the summit was the inauguration of the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre, a state-of-the-art facility designed to host major regional and global events. The conference centre is expected to enhance Sierra Leone's position as a destination for diplomacy, investment, and international conferences.

Speaking during the celebration, President Bio expressed gratitude to his Cabinet and staff for their confidence and support, emphasising that the achievement was the result of collective effort and national unity.

He noted that the successful summit demonstrated what Sierra Leone can accomplish when its people work together towards a shared vision, describing the occasion as another milestone in the country's development and regional leadership.

The celebration underscored the government's commitment to advancing infrastructure, strengthening regional partnerships, and promoting Sierra Leone's image on the international stage.

 

ActionAid Sierra Leone, MoPADA-SL Launch Climate Governance Project in Tonkolili and Kailahun

Freetown, Sierra Leone – ActionAid Sierra Leone, in partnership with MoPADA-SL, has concluded a two-day project inception meeting for the Ireland in Sierra Leone – Irish Aid-funded initiative titled "Amplifying Citizens' Actions to Influence Climate Governance in Tonkolili and Kailahun Districts."

The meeting brought together project staff from both organisations to strengthen collaboration, establish a shared understanding of the project's objectives and implementation strategy, clarify roles and responsibilities, and validate the one-year implementation work plan.

Over the next 12 months, the initiative will focus on empowering women, young people and local communities to actively participate in climate governance. It also aims to strengthen accountability for climate commitments while ensuring citizens have a stronger voice in shaping climate policies and decision-making at both district and national levels.

The project builds on the achievements of a previous one-year intervention in the same target communities. Through the renewed partnership, ActionAid Sierra Leone and MoPADA-SL reaffirm their commitment to promoting inclusive climate governance, enhancing community resilience, and ensuring that no one is left behind in Sierra Leone's climate action agenda.

The organisations also expressed appreciation to Ireland in Sierra Leone and Irish Aid for their continued support and partnership in advancing climate justice and citizen participation across the country.

Source: ActionAid -SL

 ECOWAS Backs Landmark $25 Billion Nigeria–Morocco Gas Pipeline at Sierra Leone Summit

A major regional energy breakthrough has emerged from Sierra Leone, with ECOWAS reaffirming support for one of Africa's most ambitious infrastructure projects—a proposed US$25 billion gas pipeline expected to transform energy access, boost industrialisation, and deepen economic integration across West Africa.

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ECOWAS Heads of State have reaffirmed their commitment to the Nigeria–Morocco Gas Pipeline Project during the regional summit in Sierra Leone, marking another significant step toward the implementation of the estimated US$25 billion transcontinental energy initiative.

Stretching approximately 6,900 kilometres, the proposed pipeline will connect Nigeria's vast natural gas reserves to Morocco while passing through or serving 13 West African countries before linking with European gas networks.

The project is expected to strengthen regional energy security, expand access to cleaner energy, support electricity generation, and create new opportunities for industrial growth across participating countries. It is also projected to generate thousands of jobs during construction and operation, while attracting long-term investment into the region.

Beyond its economic benefits, the pipeline is seen as a strategic project that will enhance regional cooperation, improve cross-border infrastructure, and position West Africa as a more significant player in the global energy market.

Although the project still requires further financing, engineering work, and phased implementation before completion, ECOWAS leaders have reiterated their commitment to advancing the initiative as a cornerstone of regional development.

 President Bio Hands Over ECOWAS Chairmanship to Senegal's President Faye After One-Year Tenure

President Julius Maada Bio has officially concluded his one-year tenure as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, handing over the leadership of the regional bloc to Senegal's President, Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye.

In his farewell message, President Bio expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the West African community during a pivotal period, describing the experience as a "profound privilege."

"As I hand over this responsibility, I extend my best wishes to the incoming Chairman," President Bio stated, expressing confidence in President Faye's leadership as ECOWAS continues to address regional peace, security, economic integration, and democratic governance.

The transition marks the end of President Bio's mandatory one-year term at the helm of the regional organization, during which he presided over key discussions on regional cooperation and collective action among ECOWAS member states.