AWE Media Sierra Leone

Sunbird, a major bioenergy company operating in Mara Chiefdom, Bombali District, has officially agreed to allow census officers access to its administrative premises as part of the ongoing pilot census exercise. The approval came after a successful engagement on Monday, December 8, 2025 involving Statistics Sierra Leone’s Principal Statistician for the Northern Region and Regional Census Officer, Mr. Amadu Sheriff, alongside the Director of National Accounts and Economic Statistics, Mr. Mwaluma Andrew Bryma Gegbe.  The timely meeting was also witnessed by the Regent Chief of Bombali Sebora, Mr. Foday Conteh. During the discussion, Statistics Sierra Leone officials underscored the importance of counting everyone living or working in Mara Chiefdom, including institutions and industrial facilities, as part of the pilot census, which began on December 2, 2025. Following the agreement, the census team assigned to the Rokel Estate area, where Sunbird is located, is scheduled to begin enu...

By: Abubakarr Kargbo (Buzzo) The four-day Mano River Union U20 Female Tournament ended in dramatic fashion at the Southern Arena, with Liberia emerging as champions in the 3rd edition of the competition. Both Sierra Leone (hosts) and Liberia had settled for three consecutive draws, setting up a final-day decider.   The Liberians came in with intent, scoring twice before halftime. Despite being reduced to 10 players after a red card, their early dominance proved crucial. Sierra Leone, also down to 10 players from a previous red card, pulled one back and pushed hard for an equalizer, but the resilient Liberian defense held on to secure a historic win.  Sierra Leone, defending champions, handed over the title in front of a vibrant crowd. The tournament, originally scheduled to future three Nations,was reduced to two after Guinea pulled out , citing logistical issues. Though marred by Guinea’s withdrawal, it showcased rising talent and intense regional rivalry.

By: Alhaji A. Barrie   For six months, Sierra Leoneans have been grappling with the suspension of certain categories of United States visas.  The decision has left students, families, and professionals stranded, with dreams of education, opportunity, and international engagement abruptly halted.   The suspension has struck hardest at young Sierra Leoneans who had secured admissions into American universities. Many now find their academic futures uncertain, with scholarships and opportunities slipping away.  Families selected under the U.S. Diversity Visa program have also been affected, their scheduled interviews canceled without warning.   “It’s grueling; genuine dreams are being shattered,” the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation admitted, reflecting the daily calls and messages he receives from affected citizens.   The United States government imposed the suspension after repeated breaches of visa conditions by Sierra...

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson  On behalf of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh on Monday, December 1, 2025, officially launched the 2026 National Population and Housing Census alongside two landmark initiatives designed to strengthen development planning, modernize national data systems, and deepen accountability in governance. The event hosted by Statistics Sierra Leone at the Bintumani Conference Center in Aberdeen, Freetown, introduced three national development tools namely: the 2026 Population and Housing Census, the Sierra Leone National Development Tracker (SL-NDT), and the Power of Data Initiative.  Delivering the welcome address at the launch which attracted strong government backing and robust support from development partners, the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kenyeh Barlay, emphasized the need to modernize Sierra Leone’s data ecosystem to improve service delivery and reinforce citizen-centred governa...

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson  The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) in collaboration with the Danish Institute for Human Rights, has launched a nationwide awareness campaign on climate change and its human rights implications, beginning in the northeastern city of Makeni. The day-long engagement, held on November 20, 2025, at the Sierra Leone Teachers Union (SLTU) Hall, brought together key regional stakeholders, including representatives of the Sierra Leone Police, traditional leaders, civil society organizations, and the media with the desire to protect people, preserve the planet, empower communities, and safeguard the country’s future. Established by an Act of Parliament in 2004, the HRCSL has increasingly recognized the growing threat that climate change poses to human rights, and to address these concerns, the Commission recently created a Directorate of Climate Change and Information Services, dedicated to monitoring environmental impacts and informing the public. ...