Sierra Leone Roundup: $30,000 compensation, land dispute, Ebola vaccination

Sierra Leone's first wind farm project

Octopus Energy, in partnership with Idris Elba, has launched Sierra Leone's first wind farm project on Sherbro Island, announced during COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. The project plans to install up to five turbines, along with solar panels and battery storage, starting construction next year. This wind farm aims to provide clean energy to about 2,000 homes, addressing the low electricity access in rural Sierra Leone, where only 5% have power. According to The Sierra Leone Telegraph, the initiative will create green jobs and collaborate with local universities for training, contributing to the local economy and enhancing services such as education and healthcare. Set against the backdrop of rising sea levels and intense rainfall, this project supports Sierra Leone's goal of achieving 85% renewable energy by 2030. Both Octopus Energy and Idris Elba emphasize the importance of this wind farm as a foundation for sustainable growth and energy independence in the region, with plans for further renewable investments.

Political risk to remain high

Political risk in Sierra Leone is expected to remain high in 2025 due to ongoing challenges in the electricity sector and stagnant living conditions that foster public dissatisfaction with the government’s economic policies. An attempted coup in November 2023, following a disputed general election, has heightened social instability, leading to increased security expenditures and complicating efforts to implement economic reforms. Sierra Leone's real GDP per capita remains among the lowest in Sub-Saharan Africa, with over 61% of the population living below the lower middle-income poverty rate. Although widespread protests have not occurred recently, the risk of unrest related to unemployment and economic challenges persists. The electricity sector faces operational inefficiencies and frequent power outages, affecting economic activity, Fitch Solutions projects.

$30,000 in damages to citizens

The ECOWAS Court has ordered Sierra Leone to pay $30,000 in damages to two citizens, Hassan Kargbo and Mohamed Fornah, for violating their rights to security during the violent suppression of protests in July 2020. Security forces allegedly used live ammunition and tear gas on unarmed demonstrators, leading to deaths and injuries. The court found that Sierra Leone failed to defend itself in the case and ordered the government to investigate the violence and prevent excessive force during future demonstrations. Claims from the victims' heirs were deemed inadmissible due to lack of proof of kinship and death, NAN reports.

Ebola vaccination

Sierra Leone has begun an Ebola vaccination campaign aimed at vaccinating at least 5,000 healthcare workers, many of whom were affected during the West African Ebola outbreak a decade ago. The initiative seeks to enhance the protection of medical personnel against the virus, reports VOA.

President Bio receives roadmap to resolve 13-year-old land dispute

President Dr. Julius Maada Bio received a report outlining a roadmap for peace in the 13-year conflict between Sahn Malen Chiefdom landowners and Socfin Agricultural Company. The dispute began with Socfin's 2010 acquisition of the SLPMB plantation. President Bio thanked the committee for their dedication. Hon. Shiaka Musa Sama praised the President's timely intervention, noting past violence and unfulfilled promises by Socfin. He expressed confidence that the President's involvement would ensure the roadmap's effective implementation, as reported by Zawya.