The European Union Delegation in Sierra Leone recently concluded its annual film festival, spotlighting domestic violence against women. Held from November 11th to 24th, 2024, at Freetown’s New City Hall, the event attracted actors, filmmakers, and key stakeholders under the theme “United to End Violence Against Women and Girls.” Through films like Clash of Era,…
Hadeel Abdelnasir, a mother of three, fled her home in eastern Al-Jazirah two weeks ago as violence erupted in her village. Now in Port Sudan, she recalls the horrors: “The RSF (Rapid Support Forces) are killing everyone—women, children, men, and the elderly. People are paying huge ransoms to escape.” The violence in Al-Jazirah has intensified…
The fifth and final round of negotiations for a global treaty to tackle plastic pollution kicked off in South Korea on Monday. A recent University of Leeds study revealed that 57 million tons of plastic pollution are generated annually worldwide. The UN Environment Programme’s Inger Andersen urged negotiators to adopt a strong treaty, emphasizing that…
At the UN COP29 climate talks, countries reached a contentious deal to provide $300 billion annually for climate finance by 2035. However, developing nations have criticized the funding as inadequate, highlighting the need for $1.3 trillion to adapt to climate change. While the new deal triples the $100 billion agreed upon in 2009, many feel…
Twenty-four people died when two boats capsized off the coast of Madagascar, Somalia’s government confirmed Sunday. Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi stated that 46 survivors were rescued, and efforts are underway to ensure their safe return and care. Most passengers were young Somalis, though their destination is unknown. A Somali delegation, led by the ambassador…
As 2024 winds down, the government faces a significant challenge in meeting its domestic revenue target. By the end of September, total revenue stood at NLe12.04 billion—short of the budgeted NLe16.62 billion, leaving a gap of NLe4.58 billion (27.5%). With only three months remaining, October through December will be crucial for bridging this shortfall. Historically,…
UN Women has launched a capacity-building initiative to enhance the implementation of Sierra Leone’s Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act. This program focuses on strengthening the ability of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to mainstream gender in their policies and operations. The GEWE Act, which mandates the creation of gender units in all MDAs,…
Sierra Leone has appointed Edouard Talnan as the new Census Technical Adviser (CTA) to support the country’s 2025 Population and Housing Census (PHC). Introduced by UNFPA Deputy Country Representative Sibeso Mululuma on November 22, 2024, at the Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) office, Talnan brings extensive experience, including overseeing Liberia’s recent census. UNFPA Country Representative…
At least seven members of a Nigerian Government Protection Agency are missing after Boko Haram insurgents ambushed their convoy in Shiroro, Niger State. The convoy, consisting of 80 security personnel protecting the power network, was attacked on Monday by about 200 fighters. Babawale Afolabi, a spokesperson for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, confirmed…
Congo’s main opposition leaders on Wednesday urged nationwide protests against President Felix Tshisekedi’s plans to draft a new constitution, citing fears of potential changes to presidential term limits. Last month, Tshisekedi announced the creation of a national commission in 2025 to draft a revised constitution, raising concerns from opposition figures, including former President Joseph Kabila,…