Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister retracts false claim on Bio’s election as ECOWAS Chairperson

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson

David Moinina Sengeh (PhD), the chief minister and chief innovation officer of Sierra Leone has boldly corrected a false claim he made regarding President Julius Maada Bio’s recent election as the new chairperson of the Economic Commission of West African States - (ECOWAS).

Minister Sengeh’s retraction publicly corrects his previous incorrect claim that resident Bio “is the first Sierra Leonean President to serve as Chairman of the Authority of Heads of States and Government of ECOWAS” made in his congratulatory messages posted across three of his widely followed social media handles: Facebook, LinkedIn and X.

The post follows President Bio’s election as ECOWAS Chair on Sunday, June 22, 2025 during 67th Ordinary Session of Heads of States, succeeding Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Chief Minister’s claim drew public doubt and was quickly fact-checked by one of our 2025 Kwame KariKari OSINT Fact-Checking Fellowship fellows to set the records straight and accurately, and prevent further spread of false information.

The verification revealed that Bio is, in fact, the second Sierra Leonean president to serve in the role.

The fact check was published on AWE Media SL, Awoko Newspaper, the DUBAWA/DIDAC websites. Respectively, the fact-check was published on June 23, 24 and 25.

Few hours after the first publication, the minister corrected himself on his Facebook page.

“Congratulations H.E President Bio, on being the second Sierra Leonean President to serve as Chairman of the Authority of Heads of States and Government of ECOWAS in the 50 years of its existence!” he wrote.

(Screenshots from comments made by Sierra Leoneans on the chief minister’s retraction post)

Comments

Makeni Medical Mission Brings Hope and Healing to Bombali District

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson Residents of the Asker Amputee Camp in Makeni City, including various war victims, are rejoicing over the inauguration of the Makeni Medical Mission health facility, established by philanthropist, author, and pastor Mr. Bambay Sawaneh, alongside his partners in the United States. This newly launched medical facility, comprising 11 treatment rooms, was developed with the support of Southeastern Medical International (SMI) and the Concord Christian Church. Their mission is to deliver compassionate healthcare and a range of medical services to the people of Bombali District and surrounding areas, with a particular focus on war victims and vulnerable families living in the Asker Amputee Camp at Robureh. At the official opening ceremony in Makeni city, a team of 10 medical missionaries from Southeastern Medical International, including Sheila Yates, a seasoned medical missionary with two decades of experience in the US, provided free medical care to 100 individuals,...

Loud financial silence in Leone Stars camp

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson Sierra Leone's National Men's Senior Team Leone Stars will not arrive in Liberia for their reverse AFCON Qualifiers encounter against Cote D'Ivoire on Tuesday due to unsettled bills on Ivorian soil. Even the players and officials are yet to receive a dime of their match appearance allowances. Officials from the camp when reached have preferred not to comment over the loud financial silence that has gripped the team. Mirroring deeper, it's tipped that the heavy defeat was influenced by the demotivated camp!! 📸©: SLFA Media✍️

Yoni Chiefdom Crowns Journalist Richmond Tholley as Ceremonial Chief

By Azrat Umar Saidu Turay The ceremony which took place on Sunday, May 26th, 2025, at Yoni Bana Town within Tonkolili district brought brought together eminent personality across the Northern -East parts of Serra Leone. The event was attended by dignitaries, community leaders, family members, and well-wishers, all gathered to witness this significant moment in the history of the Yoni Chiefdom. The ceremony began with traditional rituals, including the presentation of gifts and offerings to the ancestors, symbolizing respect for the rich heritage and customs of the Yoni people. Elders from the chiefdom, adorned in traditional attire, played a pivotal role in the proceedings, blessing Tholley and imparting wisdom as he embarks on this new journey. Richmond B. Tholley, known for his dedication to journalism and community service, expressed deep gratitude for the honour bestowed upon him. In his acceptance speech, he emphasized the importance of unity, cultural preservation, and developm...

AWE Media Sierra Leone

Search This Blog