According to the report, Zoodlabs (SL) Limited has defaulted in the payment of its annual fixed fee of US$1,440 (One Million Four Hundred and Forty-Four US Dollars) to the Consolidated Fund for the operation, maintenance and commercial management services of the Ace Submarine Fibre Optic Cable Landing Station and the ancillary infrastructure of Sierra Leone.

“There was however no evidence that the amount was paid into the Consolidated Fund for the period under review,” the report exposed.

Since the Zoodlabs contract was signed between the Ministry of Information and Communications and Zoodlabs (SL) Limited in December 2020 for a period of fifteen years, there has been a series of allegations of influence peddling and last mile operations by the company. Mobile Network Operators and ISPs continue to blame Zoodlabs for poor network services and price manipulation.

Zoodlabs took over the management of the Ace Submarine Fibre Optic Cable after SALCAB was unbundled in 2020, with the hope that things will get better. The unbundling of SALCAB has cast a dark shadow over the government’s decision to lease a vital national asset to a private company owned by a foreign national.

News 24 newspaper

Leading this charge is the impassioned Deputy Minister of Health II, Dr. Jalikatu Mustapha, who has taken her case to Parliament, urging lawmakers to embrace the transformative power of the bill. With conviction and compassion, she declared that the bill is a lifeline for countless women and girls, aligning Sierra Leone with global health standards and the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

“This is about saving lives,” she told Members of Parliament. “This bill isn’t just about numbers; it’s about people—mothers, daughters, sisters—who deserve a chance to live.”

Progress Made, Challenges Remain
Sierra Leone has made commendable strides in maternal health, slashing the maternal mortality rate by 60%, from 717 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2017 to 443 in 2021. However, as Dr. Mustapha reminded the room, the battle is far from over.

“We still have one of the highest maternal mortality rates globally. Too many newborns and mothers are lost to preventable causes. This bill will help us address these tragedies head-on,” she said.

One of the most pressing issues is teenage pregnancy. In Sierra Leone, a shocking one in three girls becomes pregnant before turning 18, contributing to 14% of maternal deaths. These pregnancies often trap young girls in cycles of poverty, ill health, and limited opportunities.

Dr. Mustapha painted a stark picture of the crisis: every year, Sierra Leone records 400,000 pregnancies, 150,000 of which are unintended. Of these, 60% end in illegal and unsafe terminations, resulting in severe complications or death in 80% of cases. “Every single day, we lose three to four women to conditions we can prevent,” she said. “This is unacceptable. It’s time to act.”

A Humanitarian Cause, Not Just a Policy
Standing beside Dr. Mustapha was Minister of Information and Civic Education, Hon. Chernor Bah, who brought a deeply personal perspective to the debate. He recounted the tragic loss of his 17-year-old cousin to unsafe termination, a story that left the room in silence.

“This is not just policy for me—it’s personal,” Minister Bah said. “The poor and vulnerable are the ones paying the ultimate price for the gaps in our healthcare system. We have a duty to protect them.”

The Minister urged Parliament to think about the lives at stake. “When we talk about this bill, we’re talking about real people—young women like my cousin—who could still be here if they had access to safe and dignified healthcare.”

A Call to Conscience
Dr. Mustapha’s closing plea resonated deeply. “The Safe Motherhood Bill isn’t just about legislation—it’s about humanity. How many more lives must we lose before we act?”

Her words left an indelible mark, urging lawmakers to rise above politics and deliver for the people they represent. This bill, she argued, isn’t just about solving a problem—it’s about giving women and girls in Sierra Leone a fighting chance at life, health, and dignity.

The choice before Parliament is clear: to act decisively and save lives or allow the preventable tragedies to continue. For Sierra Leone’s women and girls, the stakes have never been higher.

The long-standing bilateral relations between Guinea and Sierra Leone is facing a crucial test following the deportation of some Sierra Leoneans by the Guinean authorities last week.
According to the Sierra Leone Press Attache in Guinea, Sitta Turay, the best diplomatic protocol of communication via Note Verbale was not followed as they were taken by surprise to see undocumented Sierra Leoneans being chased and bundled back to Sierra Leone.

A reasonable effort could have been implored by the government of Guinea to engage its counterpart in Sierra Leone if it has any concern with its nationals regarding their status in their country.

This could have led to the identification of those affected and a possible means to repatriate them with dignity.

Over the weekend, security forces in Sierra Leone, were believed to have conducted some raids around the Lumley beach area in the west-end of Freetown where some people were arrested.
Just like how the Guinean authorities claim to have many undocumented Sierra Leoneans living there, the same could be said here as well where you have lots of Guineans across the country undocumented.

Such a trend has the potential to affect trade and economic growth between the two nations.

So there is every need for the protection of both citizens.

Despite ongoing diplomatic engagements between the two countries, social media seems to be escalating the situation by giving different versions from both sides by sharing unrelated contents and images.

The bilateral relations between Guinea and Sierra Leone, span for decades, sharing ethnic and cultural relations, playing a pivotal role in the Mano River Union and ECOWAS.

But factors like the disputed border town of Yenga which Guinea has consistently laid a claim to has questioned the once-strengthened bond between the two nations.

There has been a series of diplomatic engagements involving high profile government figures from Sierra Leone, but it seems to take us nowhere.

The late President Ahmad Tejan Kabba of Sierra Leone and late President Lansana Conde of Guinea had their fair share of the Yenga debate.
Former president Ernest Bai Koroma and former president Alpha Conde continued the same negotiation but to no avail.

President Bio has strengthened the commitment and engagement to give a lasting solution, and it is the expectations of Sierra Leoneans that the deadlock would be broken under his leadership.

President Bio is loved and respected by the current military ruler in Guinea Colonel Mamadi Doumbouya.

It is also imminent for regional bodies like the ECOWAS and the Mano River Union to immediately assess the current relations between Sierra Leone and Guinea and to see how thorny issues could be resolved.
Negotiation and engagement are tenets of diplomacy and not tit for that.

News 24

Before the introduction of Nigerian DStv in Sierra Leone, Adonis Aboud and his locally based DStv company, has enjoyed a decade-long monopoly in the industry. But since the introduction of the Nigerian DSTv operators, Sierra Leoneans now have the choice to choose between the various platforms based on quality and affordability, thereby promoting the nation’s digital drive.

In as much as we believe in the power of the Parliament of Sierra Leone, we believe the very Parliament also has the responsibility to protect the interest of Sierra Leoneans over any would-be potential to monopolize any sector.

Nigerian DSTV operators have become a household name in Sierra Leone due to their affordable subscription packages, which cater to the financial realities of the average Sierra Leonean. Operated by local agents affiliated with the Nigerian DSTV distributor, these operators have capitalized on economies of scale and cost-efficient strategies in Nigeria, allowing them to offer subscription rates significantly lower than other service providers.

Moreover, they have established a robust network in Sierra Leone, providing a diverse range of television content that appeals to the public.

Nigerian DSTV operators have played a pivotal role in addressing youth unemployment in Sierra Leone, an issue of national concern. Thousands of young Sierra Leoneans are directly or indirectly employed through their operations. Eliminating these operators would not only deprive these youths of their income but also exacerbate the unemployment crisis, potentially leading to social unrest.

From installation technicians to customer service representatives, many young people in Sierra Leone now live a decent life. Their operations have also spurred ancillary businesses, such as small-scale sales of decoders and maintenance services, creating a multiplier effect on the local economy.

One of the primary reasons for the popularity of Nigerian DSTV operators is their affordability. In a country where the average citizen struggles with daily living costs, access to affordable entertainment is crucial. Nigerian operators offer packages that are accessible to a broader segment of the population, enabling even low-income families to enjoy quality television content via android phone.

Agents of the Nigeria DStv are registered businesses in Sierra Leone which makes them tax compliance, therefore it is laughable for them to be accused of tax evasion.

If Nigerian DSTV operators are forced out of the market, Sierra Leoneans may face a sharp increase in subscription fees, limiting access to entertainment for many households at a time when the world is moving with technology. This move could deepen the digital divide and disproportionately affect low-income communities, leaving many without affordable access to global news, education, and entertainment.

The presence of Nigerian DSTV operators has fostered healthy competition, driving down costs and improving service quality.
Competition benefits consumers by ensuring they have access to diverse offerings at competitive prices. Eliminating Nigerian operators would create a monopoly or oligopoly accountability.

Parliament has the responsibility to prioritize the welfare of Sierra Leoneans when making decisions on this matter. While supporting local businesses is important, it should not come at the expense of consumer affordability, employment, and fair competition. Any decision to remove Nigerian operators must be carefully weighed against its potential impact on the public.

Instead of banning Nigerian operators, Parliament could explore regulatory measures to ensure fair competition. Policies such as licensing requirements, and tax adjustments. The interests of Sierra Leonean citizens must remain central in this debate. Retaining Nigerian DSTV operators is not just about affordability; it is about protecting livelihoods, fostering competition, and ensuring that consumers have access to quality services. Parliament should resist pressures from local operators seeking to monopolize the market and instead focus on creating an environment that benefits all stakeholders.

In light of these considerations, it is imperative that Parliament makes a decision that prioritizes the interests of Sierra Leoneans. Retaining Nigerian DSTV operators while introducing regulatory measures to level the playing field is a pragmatic approach that balances affordability, employment, and economic growth. Sierra Leone must embrace competition and regional collaboration to ensure a brighter future for its citizens.

News 24

The late 9 years old son of Pastor Francis AM Mambu who is called Jeremiah John Mambu, had his body exhumed past Saturday, 30th November 2024, three months after the boy died after what was believed to be a deliberate act to take the boy’s life.

Pathologist Dr Simeon Owizz Koroma and other doctors and the police, were present at the post mortem on Saturday.

The post mortem found that the main cause of death was ‘wet’ drowning which led to asphyxiation.

It was also found that Jeremiah sustained injuries to his skull around the temple area before he fell inside the water where he drowned.

The police have alleged from confessions made to them, that some boys pushed Jeremiah from the Orogu Bridge at Alen Town while they were on a swimming session on Tuesday 23rd August 2024.

According to eye witnesses on that day, the main boy suspected of pushing other boys who were on the bridge, Jeremiah was vigorously pushed by him which caused him to fall inside the stream.

That boy is said to have since disappeared.

Because of death threats issued against him and members of his family, for years years Pastor Francis AM Mambu the General Overseer of Faith Healing Bible Church, had been fearing for the safety of his family including his 17 years old daughter, Grace who is currently in the United States of America used to have nightmares of her being followed by people who want to kill her.

A brilliant girl at school, Grace was to become reclusive and inattentive at school because of the death threats.

Pastor Mambu, an evangelical preacher, denounces all forms of idol worship, occultism and corruption so he had been in the bad books of especially occultists who have been issuing death threats to the Church and Pastor Mambu and family.

The late boy, Jeremiah, was said to have been lured to that bridge which is over 60 metres high by some unknown people before the unfortunate incident took place.

Some arrests have been made and the investigation continues.

The Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces and the Sierra Leone Police, have once again demonstrated their loyalty and commitment to not only the President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, but to the country they took oath to protect, no matter what.

Despite several temptations and incitements, our security sector continues to foil every attempt to overthrow the democratically elected government since 2018. This shows the level of professionalism and dedication to national service.

Earlier last week, the new Chief of Defense Staff, Major General Amara Idara Bangura’s first assignment was to respond to another planned coup that remnants of the November 26 failed coup were plotting.

With a coordinated security effort, the security forces have been tracking the movement of all those on their wanted list and their timely response prevented another national disaster after Captain Senessie, and another copy plotter were neutralized at their new-found Calmount Road hideout in Waterloo.

Detailed analysis of their planned attack on the state, were revealed by the Inspector General of the Sierra Leone Police, William Fayia Sellu last week.
Sadly, all they wanted was to destabilize the State since they have nothing better to offer to the nation.
All they wanted is to satisfy cronies with big jobs and contracts and to take the nation backwards. God forbid!

Since President Bio came to power in 2018, several efforts to make the state ungovernable and overthrow his government including the August 10, 2022, and the November 26, 2023 attempts woefully failed.

Despite meeting stiff resistance in all those attempts, it is unbelievable to believe that another attempt could have been made by remnants of those failed coups.
President Bio has proven to be the proverbial cat with nine lives as he has been able to surmount every challenge facing his administration.

As a retired military officer, his diligent service and dedication to the country remain unquestionable.
His effort in the transition of the country to a democratic state in 1996 was globally recognized.
He was first elected as President in 2018 at a time when Sierra Leone was in dire need of economic, social and political reforms.
Today, Sierra Leone is a proud and active member of the United Nations Security Council.

The country has secured the MCC Grant which has the potential to upgrade the energy sector.
Against all odds, President Bio has proven to be the man for all seasons.
Those who are still dreaming of overthrowing him should be ready to face the reality that, Sierra Leoneans are not ready for any coup or an unconstitutional change of government and the earlier they realize that President Bio cannot be overthrown the better for them and their folks!

News 24

Since its launch just four months ago, Vult has attracted over 10,000 customers by offering a range of convenient and affordable services, including online payment at a 1% fee and a user-friendly mobile app with Visa and Mastercard support.

This partnership with SKY Bank Sierra Leone will enable seamless and secure digital transactions between Vult and SKY Bank accounts, empowering customers with unparalleled access to their finances. Customers will be able to:

• Transfer funds: Move money easily between their Vult and SKY Bank accounts.
• Enjoy 24/7 convenience: Conduct transactions anytime, anywhere, without limitations.

“This partnership marks a significant step towards a more inclusive and digitally-driven financial landscape in Sierra Leone,” said Pierre Johnson, Chief Operating Officer at Vult. “By combining Vult’s innovative technology with SKY Bank’s extensive reach and experience, we are creating opportunities for individuals and businesses to thrive in the digital economy.”

Akinwale Oladipo Akinremi, the Executive Director/COO of SKY Bank Sierra Leone added, “We are excited to partner with Vult to provide our customers with a seamless and secure digital banking experience. This collaboration aligns with our commitment to delivering innovative financial solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers and contribute to the growth of the Sierra Leonean economy.”

The partnership is expected to contribute to the growth of online transactions, promote a cashless society, and enhance security by reducing reliance on physical cash. It will also support increased remittance inflows, which account for more than $450 million USD annually in Sierra Leone.

About Vult

Vult is a product of Metro Cable, a Bank of Sierra Leone sandbox institution, providing cutting-edge financial solutions and promoting economic inclusion through accessible digital tools. The Vult app offers a range of services, including digital wallets with Visa and Mastercard, secure online shopping, and convenient payment options.

About SKY Bank Sierra Leone

SKY Bank Sierra Leone Limited is a leading financial institution in Sierra Leone, providing a wide range of financial products and services through retail, commercial, treasury, and corporate and investment banking segments. The bank is committed to delivering superior customer service and driving financial inclusion through innovation and technology.

About Metro Cable

Metro Cable is Sierra Leone’s leading open-access provider of high-speed gigabit internet, delivering the country’s first real fibre optic broadband experience. Committed to bridging the digital divide, Metro Cable is deploying an environmentally friendly fibre optic network across Freetown and providing free internet connectivity to major universities and learning centres.

Mohamed Kallon, Group Head Marketing Communications, +23276450100 mohamed.kallon@zoodlabs.io

The report of the Tripartite Committee, was fully endorsed by the then presidential candidate of the APC, Dr Samura Kamara and other parties.

While the government of President Bio remains committed in the implementation of the Tripartite report with so much progress made, another member of the All People’s Congress, Alfred Peter Conteh is now demanding the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone to publish the full data of the election.

“The deadline for my letter to the Commissioner of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) to publish the data of the announced result that made Julius Maada Bio the duly elected president of the Republic of Sierra Leone from the votes cast on June 24th, 2023 multi-tier election has passed. As promised, I will officially register, in person where applicable, the disapproval of most Sierra Leoneans about the lack of results and ask our International partners to join well-meaning Sierra Leoneans in asking the ECSL to publish the supporting ballot figures of the announced results. Unlike previous elections, the tallying of the results of the 24th of June 2023 was secluded; therefore, the representatives of the various contestants were kept in the dark. The results of the June 2023 elections were not reconciled transparently and acceptably as was done in past elections, and the reluctance of the ECSL Commissioner to make the supporting data available raises suspicion” Alfred Peter Conteh posted on his X page.

The very international partner including the African Union, Commonwealth or the United States which Alfred Peter Conteh might be calling on to join his fruitless crusade, have made significant moves which he is well aware of in consolidating our democracy.

Asking the ECSL to publish the data of an election that was held a year ago is his constitutional right, but whether the data is published or not, or whether someone is still hanging on the electoral justice demand, cannot influence or change the reality that President Bio is the duly elected president of Sierra Leone and the next election is slated for 2028.

The election is done and dusted and Sierra Leoneans have accepted the outcome and moved on.

The Commonwealth Secretariat has been instrumental in providing technical assistance to member states in the energy and extractive sectors particularly Sierra Leone, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister Koroma emphasized Sierra Leone’s commitment to fostering international cooperation and strengthening frameworks for critical mineral management. He noted that Sierra Leone’s active participation in such dialogues is a significant step toward aligning national practices with global best standards.

Minister Koroma acknowledged the complex economic, social, and environmental challenges of the modern world, underscoring the importance of platforms like the Commonwealth Secretariat in building trust, enhancing technical partnerships, and providing multilateral solutions.

Sierra Leone’s dedication to sustainable mining practices has been demonstrated through progressive policies, particularly the new Mines and Minerals Act 2022, which replaces the 2009 legislation. This updated Act introduces stringent provisions to guide the exploration, development, and export of minerals while ensuring socio-economic benefits for mining communities.

“The Act emphasizes that the Cabinet of Sierra Leone shall not approve the declaration of a mineral as strategic unless there is strong geological data supporting reserves in sufficient quantity to justify exploitation, backed by comprehensive environmental and social cost-benefit analysis,” said Deputy Minister Koroma.

Under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio, Sierra Leone’s government has implemented several reforms aligned with the Big Five Game Changers initiative. These reforms focus on improving transparency and accountability in the mining sector, ensuring community development through socio-economic empowerment, promoting environmental sustainability to mitigate the impacts of mining activities, and enhancing employment practices to improve the welfare of affected communities.

These efforts are creating an enabling environment for investment, competitiveness, and equitable distribution of mining benefits.

Minister Koroma highlighted the critical role of the Commonwealth Secretariat in fostering technical assistance and technological advancement for developing nations like Sierra Leone. The Secretariat’s efforts to provide legal protection, attract investment, and promote market expansion are transformative tools for rebuilding socio-economic infrastructure and achieving sustainable development goals.

Sierra Leone reaffirmed its commitment to greater collaboration among Commonwealth member states, particularly in managing critical minerals to support the global energy transition.

Contact for Further Information:
Mohamed Sheriff
Information Attaché, Geneva, Switzerland
Phone: +41791756648
Email: m.sheriff@slmge.ch

Edward Meijers, the CEO who was previously conducting business in the Netherlands, is now reportedly on the run and believed to be hiding in Lesotho. Tandem Liber Holding initially obtained mining licenses in Sierra Leone to attract investors; however, the Sierra Leone National Mineral Agency has since canceled all their licenses after determining that no mining activities had taken place in the three years since the licenses were issued.

Hundreds of investors, including a group of former professional footballers, now fear they have been deceived by Qommodity. According to an investigation by the Dutch newspaper Financieele Dagblad (FD), the athletes claim they are collectively owed €10 million. Research by the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) has uncovered that funds collected by Qommodity were likely misappropriated for personal use rather than legitimate business purposes. Evidence suggests that Henri Lechner and Edward Meijers may have diverted the funds toward private expenses.

The severity of this case has raised concerns among fraud investigation authorities in the Netherlands and across Europe due to the large sums of money involved and the devastating impact on investors, some of whom have faced financial ruin and, tragically, even loss of life.

Victims of this fraud are now calling for public support to bring these alleged perpetrators to justice. More updates on this investigation will follow in the next publication.

The Qommodity Team