Tuesday 22nd April 2025
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
By: Zacharia Jalloh, Strategic Communications Unit, Ministry of Information and Civic Education
The Ministry of Information and Civic Education convened its weekly press conference on Tuesday, 22nd April 2025, to update the public on key national developments. From significant economic progress to major diplomatic engagements and institutional milestones, the briefing highlighted the government’s ongoing commitment to transparency, international cooperation, and inclusive development. Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, along with other senior government officials, delivered a series of impactful updates that reflect Sierra Leone’s strides on both the domestic and global stage. The following are the key highlights:
Inflation Rate Drops Significantly
Minister Chernor Bah announced that Sierra Leone’s inflation rate has dropped significantly from 13.09% in February to 10.71% in March 2025, representing a 2.38% decrease. He noted that this progress marks a major turnaround from the inflation rate of 54% recorded one year ago. The Minister credited this improvement to the prudent economic management of the government’s economic team, reaffirming President Bio’s administration’s commitment to achieving a single-digit inflation rate.
Air Sierra Leone to Begin Direct Flights to London
In a major development in the aviation sector, Minister Bah announced that Air Sierra Leone will commence direct commercial flights from Freetown to London starting in mid-June 2025. He commended the Minister of Transport and Aviation, Alhaji Fanday Turay, and the Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority, Musayeroh Barrie, for their leadership in actualizing this milestone.
Sierra Leone’s Role at the UN Security Council
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Francess Paige Alghali, highlighted Sierra Leone’s impactful presidency at the United Nations Security Council in August 2024. During its tenure, Sierra Leone championed Africa’s longstanding call for a permanent seat at the Security Council, pushing to end the historic injustice against the continent.
She further announced that Sierra Leone will again assume the Presidency of the UN Security Council in November 2025. This time, the country’s focus will be on three key priority areas:
•Women, Peace, and Security
•Youth, Peace, and Security
•Cybersecurity
AU Reform Advocacy and C-10 Leadership
Deputy Minister Alghali also reiterated Sierra Leone’s leadership of the African Union’s Committee of Ten (C-10) on United Nations Security Council reform. As part of its mandate, Sierra Leone will host a high-level retreat in Freetown for permanent representatives of C-10 member states at the UN. The aim is to harmonize Africa’s position and speak with one voice as the continent pushes for meaningful reforms at the global level.
Update on the Yenga Border Dispute
On the long-standing Yenga issue, Deputy Minister Alghali assured the public that both Sierra Leone and Guinea are actively pursuing diplomatic solutions. She emphasized that conflict is not in the best interest of either country due to their deep cultural and economic ties. However, she did not rule out the option of Sierra Leone seeking legal redress through international mechanisms if necessary.
Sierra Leone’s ICJ Candidature
The country’s candidate for the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Professor Charles Chernor Jalloh, addressed the press on his campaign. Prof. Jalloh, who has twice served on the UN International Law Commission, expressed gratitude to President Bio’s government for its strong support. He emphasized the strategic importance of Sierra Leone securing representation at the ICJ to help shape global legal discourse and safeguard national interests.
Prof. Jalloh noted that his nomination was made by a national group of legal experts, including former ICJ judge Abdul G. Koroma. He pointed out that having a Sierra Leonean judge at the ICJ could be pivotal in matters such as the Yenga dispute, should they escalate to international litigation
Legal Aid Board Celebrates 10 Years of Service
The Executive Director of the Legal Aid Board, Ms. Fatmata Claire Carlton-Hanciles, marked the institution’s 10th anniversary by celebrating its achievements in providing legal assistance to the vulnerable. She revealed that the Board has offered legal support to over 2.3 million Sierra Leoneans and foreign nationals since its establishment. The Legal Aid Board now operates in every district and chiefdom, and its use of paralegals has been institutionalized through courses now offered at the University of Sierra Leone.
Looking ahead, Ms. Carlton-Hanciles announced plans to host the National Champion Awards in December 2025, which will honour community leaders who have contributed significantly to promoting access to justice across the country.
For further updates, follow the Ministry of Information and Civic Education’s platforms.
