Sewa News Stream

  Sierra Leone's passport is currently ranked #70 among residence and citizenship by investment programs. Meanwhile, Sierra Leone's "Passport Bros" are offering passports for prices as low as $140,000. Why is this occurring? It is due to President Maada Bio and his associates being deeply involved in corruption, which allows kleptocracy to prosper at the expense of the citizens. No country in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) region should be selling passports for $140,000, except Sierra Leone, where it is reported that a drug lord finances the president. To acquire citizenship in Sierra Leone, one must make a donation of $100,000, purchase property worth $200,000, invest $1.5 million, provide $400,000 per investor, and pay $150,000 to the University of Sierra Leone. Some non-Africans in Sierra Leone are still denied access to its heritage and business opportunities, despite many having contributed significantly more than the $140,000 fee. In comp...

  The World Bank recently released the Sierra Leone Country Economic Memorandum, which provides a roadmap for achieving sustainable development and creating jobs for the country's growing workforce. Despite possessing many assets and showing signs of recovery from the devastating civil war, Sierra Leone remains one of the poorest countries in the world. The nation boasts rich mineral resources, a young population, abundant arable land, and favorable rainfall, all of which contribute significantly to its economic potential. Although some positive steps have been taken to harness this potential—including a successful transition from the civil war and subsequent stability—much progress is still necessary. The country is significantly underperforming relative to its capabilities and is lagging behind other similar nations, with over a quarter of the population living in extreme poverty. Notably, Sierra Leone ranked 27th lowest in per capita GDP in 2002 but now ranks 11th lowest. The go...

  In this archive photo , Sierra Leone's First Lady, Fatima Bio, is seen speaking as president of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development to promote their mission for women and children across Africa. Clearly, Mrs. Bio takes her role as a political spouse seriously. She also understands that her support—or lack of support—for various interest groups can spark debate and create challenges, especially during party conventions, where she was recently confronted by her opponents for endorsing her preferred candidates. However, she believes that being mocked, harassed, and humiliated in Parliament just moments before her husband, President Maada Bio, was scheduled to deliver his speech at the State Opening went too far. Her protest against the unprecedented disrespect shown to a first lady has received sympathy from some parts of the Sierra Leonean public. While members of parliament and her political rivals have been quick to mock her, many people acknowledge the chall...

A research paper titled " Application of Artificial Intelligence Techniques for Monkeypox " reports that numerous AI models have been created for the precise diagnosis of Monkeypox. Mpox is a viral infection marked by symptoms such as headaches, chills, and fever. Skin lumps and rashes appear, resembling those seen in smallpox, measles, and chickenpox. The paper examined recent studies utilizing AI in mpox research, concentrating on diagnostic testing, epidemiological modeling of mpox transmission, drug and vaccine development, and media risk management. The authors conclude that this thorough review will serve as a helpful resource for researchers and data scientists working to develop strategies to combat the mpox virus and its spread. In May 2022, global health authorities announced that mpox had spread to multiple countries, posing a risk of becoming a global epidemic. Currently, no specific medication targets the mpox virus; instead, treatments designed for adult smallpo...

Last week, several newspapers reported that a district court in the Netherlands had ordered convicted drug trafficker Jos Leijdekkers to pay over 96 million euros to the Dutch state. This ruling followed a confiscation procedure that initially sought a record 221 million euros in criminal assets. Prosecutors believe that Leijdekkers, a central figure in international cocaine smuggling, is receiving high-level protection in Sierra Leone. This week, the Gleaner newspaper reported that Abu Bakarr Naorie, also known as Buba NaOrie, has been identified as the mastermind behind a suspicious boat believed to be involved in cocaine transportation in Freetown. Naorie is the owner of a fishing company and is currently under scrutiny due to the recent discovery of a vessel suspected of transporting illegal substances. The fishing company has been accused of using its fishing harbor and cold storage facilities as fronts for drug smuggling operations. According to allegations, Naorie oversaw these ...

  Fifty years ago, on July 19, 1975, I looked in fear at the lifeless body of Ibrahim Bash-Taqi hanging on the high brick wall of Pademba Road in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Taqi was executed by hanging alongside former finance minister Mohamed Forna, Army Lieutenant Habib Lansana Kamara, and Paramount Chief Bai Makarie N'silk at Pademba Road. The turmoil began after a disputed election in 1967, which led to a military coup that overthrew Sierra Leone's civilian government following independence. This military rule lasted just over a year and ended with another coup that reinstated Siaka Stevens, whose All People's Congress (APC) had won the 1967 elections. Between 1968 and 1969, tensions grew between the APC and the opposition Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP), which had governed from 1961 to 1967. Dissatisfaction increased among some APC members, leading to the formation of the National Democratic Party (NDP). This party fueled opposition against the APC through newslett...