Cybersecurity Alert: NatCA Moves to Contain Ongoing Digital Security Incidents in Sierra Leone

 Freetown, Sierra Leone | July 30, 2026 – Sierra Leone's National Communications Authority (NatCA) has moved to reassure the public as the country faces ongoing cybersecurity incidents affecting digital services, pledging a coordinated national response to protect critical communications infrastructure.

In a public notice issued on Thursday, NatCA confirmed that it is closely monitoring the evolving cybersecurity situation and working alongside government institutions, law enforcement agencies, licensed communications operators, and other key stakeholders to respond effectively.

As the regulator of Sierra Leone's electronic communications sector, NatCA reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the nation's digital infrastructure by ensuring the security, resilience, and integrity of communications networks.

The Authority has called on telecommunications providers, internet service providers, and digital platforms to strengthen their cybersecurity systems, report incidents without delay, and fully comply with established security standards.

NatCA also urged the public to play its part by remaining vigilant online. Citizens are advised to avoid clicking suspicious links or messages, safeguard personal information, and activate multi-factor authentication on their digital accounts wherever possible.

Describing cybersecurity as a shared responsibility, the Authority said it will continue to monitor developments closely and provide timely updates through its official communication channels while collaborating with stakeholders to strengthen Sierra Leone's cyber resilience.

Source: NatCA 

Government Intensifies Preparations for 2026 Census with High-Level Field Inspection

 The Government of Sierra Leone has stepped up preparations for the 2026 Population and Housing Census, with top officials conducting a high-level monitoring visit to the ongoing Mock Census exercise in Hill Station, Freetown.

Leading the inspection were Minister of Planning and Economic Development Kenyeh Barlay, Statistician-General Andrew Bob Johnny, and UNFPA Country Representative Kunle Adeniyi. The delegation observed household enumeration, engaged census workers, and assessed the effectiveness of the digital data collection system and overall field operations.

The visit forms part of efforts to ensure the national census is conducted in line with international standards, producing credible and reliable data for national planning and development.

Speaking during the visit, Minister Kenyeh Barlay described the census as one of the country's most important national exercises, noting that accurate population data is essential for evidence-based policymaking, fair resource allocation, and sustainable development. She commended Statistics Sierra Leone and its development partners for the progress made and urged field staff to maintain professionalism, accuracy, and integrity throughout the exercise.

Statistician-General Andrew Bob Johnny explained that the Mock Census is a critical rehearsal ahead of the nationwide Population and Housing Census scheduled for December 2026. According to him, the exercise is testing census methodologies, digital technologies, logistics, supervision systems, and quality assurance mechanisms to identify improvements before the main census begins.

UNFPA Country Representative Kunle Adeniyi reaffirmed the organisation's commitment to supporting Sierra Leone in delivering a credible, inclusive, and internationally recognised census. He said the exercise would help generate reliable population data to guide national development and measure progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.

As the Mock Census enters its final phase across selected communities, Statistics Sierra Leone has thanked residents for their cooperation and encouraged households to provide complete and accurate information to enumerators.

Officials say the success of the December 2026 Population and Housing Census will depend on the participation of every household, ensuring that everyone is counted and no one is left behind.

What do you think? How important is an accurate population census to Sierra Leone's future planning and development? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Source: Statistics-SL

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