Author: Tunde

A recording played during the bail hearing of former deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya has raised new allegations regarding connections among businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, police intermediaries, and figures mentioned in the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. The recording features a conversation between businessman Serge Cabonge and a man referred to in court as Mr M, the father of one of the complainants in the case against Sibiya. The State argues the recording is crucial for assessing Sibiya’s character and suggests he might interfere with witnesses if granted bail. In the exchange, Cabonge discusses his relationship with Matlala and refutes…

Air France has confirmed it will comply with new Israeli restrictions that ban nationals from 31 Muslim-majority countries from flying to or over Israel. This controversial policy has raised concerns that it may expose the airline to discrimination lawsuits. The restrictions, reported by various media outlets, prohibit nationals from countries such as Algeria, Tunisia, Iran, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Niger from entering Israeli airspace. Air France stated, “Like all airlines, we must adhere to the entry regulations set by the countries we serve.” On October 1, Israel’s Ministry of Transport informed foreign airlines that pilots and cabin crew on…

Hon. Chernor Bah, Minister of Information and Civic Education, welcomed a delegation from Malawi on 5th October 2026 for a ten-day knowledge-sharing programme in Sierra Leone. The focus will be on civic education, institutional coordination, peacebuilding, local governance, and citizen engagement. Minister Bah hosted the delegation at the Youyi Building and emphasised the importance of mutual learning and collaboration. He highlighted that the programme would offer practical insights into Sierra Leone’s approach to civic education and public participation, while also allowing the Malawian delegates to share their own experiences. Bah noted that the Chairperson of the National Commission for Civic…

Former President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Joseph Kabila, has aligned himself with the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group to form a new coalition aimed at addressing the ongoing insurgency in the country’s troubled eastern region. This partnership was unveiled during a press conference at Kabila’s home in Goma, a city in eastern Congo that has been under M23 control since January 2025. The organisation, called the Front pour la Refondation de la Nation (FRN), is described as a “politico-military” group that plans to unite forces to “end tyranny by any means, including force.” Kabila will lead the initiative, with…

Sexual abuse remains a deeply sensitive issue in Iraq, with many survivors opting to remain silent due to fears of family backlash and social stigma. However, Amal chose to pursue justice and promptly reported her case to the police. Amal recounted, “He had bruised my wrists after gripping my hands tightly. Whenever I tried to scream, he covered my mouth.” She provided medical documents, including DNA evidence, supporting her claims. Amal also revealed that her ex-husband showed his cruel nature when he instructed a family member to “wash off our disgrace” if he faced arrest, a phrase used in Iraq…

Chief Justice Orders Arrest of Senior Lawyer for Contempt During Court Proceedings On 8 October 2026, Chief Justice Komba Kamanda ordered the arrest of former Attorney-General Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara (JFK) during Supreme Court proceedings concerning the Constitutional Amendment Bill. This incident raises significant concerns about judicial authority and due process in Sierra Leone. The matter revolves around whether the Supreme Court exercised its power to punish contempt lawfully. JFK was asked to apologise for remarks made the previous day. Although he expressed regret and retracted his statements, the Chief Justice found the apology insufficient. When JFK reportedly asked what he…

DAR ES SALAAM: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, will host the Russia-Africa Women’s Forum on 22 October 2026, focusing on “Dialogue of Continents: Nuclear Energy for the Future” at Crowne Plaza Dar es Salaam by IHG. Organised by WiN Tanzania and the Association of Women in Nuclear Russia, with backing from the Tanzania Atomic Energy Commission, WiN Africa, and Rosatom State Corporation, the event aims to engage participants in discussions about the roles of women in nuclear energy, nuclear medicine, and mining. It will also address workforce development and inspire students in STEM fields. Experts from Tanzania, Russia, and various African…

Price Hikes Linked to Credit Card Surcharge Ban, Says UBS UBS economists have reported that retailers are leveraging the ban on credit card surcharges to implement higher price increases. The ban, effective from 1 October, is part of reforms by the Reserve Bank aimed at enhancing customer transparency and reducing bank fees. Initially, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) forecasted that businesses would adjust their prices to include bank fees, predicting a 0.1 percentage point rise in inflation. However, UBS has contested this estimate, suggesting it underestimates the situation. They believe that the ban has enabled businesses, particularly cafés, to…

The Sierra Leone Railways Development and Regulatory Authority (SLRDRA) held a workshop on Thursday, 9th October 2026, to review its Draft Five-Year Strategic Plan for 2026-2030. The plan aims to revitalise the national railway system and enhance safe, efficient, and sustainable transportation, including cable cars. Director-General Ing. Dr. Albert Forde emphasised the importance of stakeholder feedback to strengthen the Authority’s foundations. Deputy Director-General Mr. George Simeon Songu welcomed participants, stating their insights would improve the draft. Ing. Abdul Kaadiru Kallon, the Director of Environmental Compliance, presented five strategic pillars: operationalising the Authority, mobilising revenue for financial sustainability, developing regulations for…

By Abdullahi Abdulrahaman Chakwa, Gusau Suspected bandits have attacked a gold mining site in Zamfara State, killing security personnel, traders, and local vigilantes in multiple incidents. Security sources and locals told Daily Trust the assaults took place in several locations, including Bindin village, areas along Dansadau road in Maru LGA, and outskirts of Gusau, the state capital. In Bindin, a local resident reported that nine soldiers and three mobile policemen were killed during an ambush on a mining site and a nearby military camp. The resident, who spoke anonymously, attributed the attack to notorious bandit leader Gwaska Dankarami, known for…