Stories from Sierra Leone

The Dutch cabinet is considering stopping development aid to Sierra Leone. This potential measure is linked to allegations involving Jos Leijdekkers and drug trafficking activities in the port. This action is being pursued due to concerns related to Jos Leijdekker.

A diamond discovery in Sierra Leone is being highlighted for its economic potential. The find includes large diamonds, with one described as the biggest ever found in the region. This discovery could boost the local economy. Further analysis of the diamonds' value is expected. This find could boost the nation's mining sector and overall economy.

Sierra Leone has banned child marriage, with the law taking effect in 2024. The ban was a key initiative championed by Fatma Bio. This action follows efforts to improve child welfare standards in the country.

Sierra Leone has enacted a ban on child marriage, with the legislation taking effect in 2024. This policy is attributed to key figures who championed the cause.

Sierra Leone has signed a third-country deportation agreement with the United States. The agreement allows for the acceptance of up to 300 ECOWAS nationals per year. Foreign Minister Timothy Kabba confirmed the deal.

Sierra Leone is strengthening its preparedness for Ebola due to new cases recorded in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. The alert level has been raised.

The Sierra Leonean government has begun subsidizing petroleum products to mitigate the impact of high fuel prices on citizens. Authorities are currently re-evaluating the national budget and engaging with international partners to secure financing for these subsidies.

Sierra Leone has implemented subsidies for electricity and local transport to protect consumers from the impact of the Middle East crisis. The IMF does not recommend such subsidies as they deplete state treasuries.

The global market value of diamonds is falling, impacting tens of thousands of miners in Sierra Leone. Local miners continue to dig despite the declining market value, stating they have little choice. The industry faces challenges due to these shifting global prices.

A new venture called Gemfair has launched in Sierra Leone to support artisanal miners. The initiative aims to provide miners with better equipment and ensure they receive fair prices for their diamond finds. Local representative Raymond Alpha stated the goal is to connect miners to markets so they can sell their finds effectively. The campaign seeks to distance the diamond industry from associations with war and corruption. The program includes training and skills development to ensure human rights standards are met at mine sites. The program intends to empower miners by providing knowledge of fair value and market connections. The company continues to receive interest from new members despite falling diamond market prices driven by lab-grown diamonds from China and India. The price decline is attributed to the rise of lab-grown diamonds from China, India, and other regions.