Author: Tunde

Watch this video as a convicted Dutch cocaine kingpin triggers a massive diplomatic fallout between Brussels and Freetown. The European Union has suspended over 20 million dollars in budget support to Sierra Leone, accusing the government of providing high-level protection to ‘Bolle Jos’—a major drug trafficker sentenced to decades behind bars in Europe. While Freetown denies the claims, citing procedural paperwork rather than a fugitive cover-up, local NGOs warn that ordinary citizens are paying the ultimate price for political gridlock. Josh Barnes analyses how transnational drug cartels are pushing international diplomacy to the brink on Firstpost Africa. 00:00 Introduction 00:45…

The Sierra Leone Employers Federation (SLEF) visited the Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Umaru Napoleon Koroma, on Thursday, 2 October 2026, to discuss key issues impacting employers and workers. During the meeting in Freetown, members of the SLEF executive and senior officials from the Ministry, including the Commissioner of Labour, gathered to enhance cooperation within the labour sector. The Commissioner opened the meeting, allowing SLEF to introduce its executive and outline its role in Sierra Leone’s tripartite labour system. SLEF Vice Chairman Tamba Allieu Kokobay congratulated the Minister on his appointment and expressed gratitude for the meeting. He…

Josien Mercantile Ltd has officially ended its role as the Nigerian distributor for the Rémy Cointreau portfolio, following a notice given to the company on 30 July 2026. This decision was made after a thorough review of both the Nigerian and global spirits markets by Josien’s Board of Directors. They observed a persistent decline in consumer demand for cognac, both in Nigeria and worldwide. As a result, Josien plans to channel its investments into spirits categories where consumer interest is on the rise. The leadership team said, “This was a considered decision, not one we took lightly. A strong distribution…

Mark Steele, vice-president of RSPCA New South Wales, has resigned from the animal welfare organisation, stating he is “sincerely ashamed” of the standards for RSPCA-certified chicken. Steele, who has been a volunteer board member since 2021 and served as a non-executive director of RSPCA Australia until March, announced his decision on LinkedIn, effective at the end of September. “I have long been ashamed to be associated with the use of the RSPCA’s trusted brand to certify the welfare of 97% of Australia’s meat chickens,” he said in his statement. Chicken constitutes almost half of the meat consumed in Australia, with…

Sierra Leone has long been home to exceptional talent, yet it fails to leverage that brilliance due to weak institutions. Oumar Farouk Sesay, writing for the Sierra Leone Telegraph on 5 October 2026, highlights the disconnect between the skills of Sierra Leoneans abroad and their experiences upon returning home, where inefficiencies often undermine their qualifications. Despite many Sierra Leoneans excelling in various fields internationally, the governance structure at home limits the effective use of their talents. Drawing on evolutionary biologist E.O. Wilson’s insights, Sesay argues that the issue lies not in a lack of intelligence but in the failure to…

A devastating aircraft crash near Marondera has claimed the lives of Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke. Reports from Zimbabwean media confirm their identities as victims, while the police have acknowledged the crash but have not officially named those on board. This sudden loss has left their family and loved ones in mourning. However, it also raises significant questions about Chivayo’s influence in Zimbabwe, particularly concerning his extensive charitable contributions. Known for his generosity, Chivayo’s donations spanned a range of beneficiaries, including schools, musicians, churches, and sporting clubs, often generating public interest. His gifts included reported donations worth nearly…

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order in Nebraska aimed at reducing diesel costs ahead of key midterm elections. At a rally in Grand Island on Monday night, Trump enlisted the help of close aide Natalie Harp, who presented him with the order allowing tax-free purchases of red-dyed diesel, commonly used in farming and construction. After signing the order, Trump playfully tossed the pen into the crowd as supporters chanted his name. He likened Harp to a model on the game show “The Price Is Right,” praising her for presenting him the document effectively. Harp’s close relationship with Trump…

Leaders from eight coastal communities in Sierra Leone’s Western Area Peninsula have signed a declaration aimed at collectively protecting and sustainably managing their beaches and coastal environments. This initiative, focused on tourism development, environmental resilience, and community livelihoods, was formalised during a coastal dialogue at Bureh Beach on 28 September 2026, coinciding with World Tourism Day. The event was attended by representatives from the National Tourist Board and the Monuments and Relics Commission. Community representatives acknowledged the vital role coastal settlements play in safeguarding the environment and preserving the natural and cultural assets that bolster Sierra Leone’s tourism. They recognised…

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has won re-election, but the country faces worsening conflict. His leadership comes amid increasing tensions and violence, raising concerns about stability. In other news, several cities in Senegal have been severely impacted by heavy rainfall, causing widespread damage and infrastructure issues. Additionally, migrants deported from the United States express anxieties about returning to their home countries, where homosexuality remains criminalised. Source link

Global warming is increasing the risks of child marriages, teenage pregnancies, and violence against girls, warns Plan International. The charity’s findings were released on Monday, coinciding with climate discussions in Fiji and Tuvalu, where climate change profoundly impacts daily life. The report, titled Change Her Forecast, the State of the World’s Girls 2026, is based on interviews with 5,000 girls and young women aged 15 to 24 in Bangladesh, Kenya, Peru, Senegal, and Zimbabwe. It reveals that one in ten girls experienced an unintended pregnancy following a climate-related event, with 33 per cent reporting an increase in unintended pregnancies within…