Sierra Leone Roundup: Agriculture investments, drug smugglers, UN Security Council

Investments in agriculture to mitigate food price volatility

Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio has emphasised the importance of investing in agriculture to mitigate food price volatility in his State Opening of Parliament Address. He called for increased investment in the agriculture sector to create jobs, reduce dependency on food imports, and boost economic growth. President Bio detailed his government's accomplishments and ambitious plans for sustainable development, improved public services, and enhanced governance.

Freetown Mayor distributes 25,000 tree saplings

The Freetown council, headed by Mayor Aki-Sawyerr announced on August 6 that it will be distributing 25,000 tree saplings to households of the Sierra Leonean capital from 16th to 18th of August. Residents are to plant to improve environmental and climate resilience. The initiative aims to contribute to Freetown's green spaces and beautify the surroundings, the Sierra Leone Telegraph reports.

Sierra Leonean and Malawian drug smugglers sentenced in Seychelles

A Sierra Leonean, two foreign nationals and a Malawian have been sentenced to nine years in prison by the Seychelles' Supreme Court for drug smuggling. According to the Seychelles News Agency, Sierra Leonean Francis Williams was found with 453.4 grams of cocaine while Bashiru Chande from Malawi was caught with 4,953.2 grams of heroin. Their time spent in remand will be deducted from their sentences, and no remission will be given due to the gravity of the offence.

South Korean rice donation

South Korea has donated 11,520 metric tonnes of rice to the World Food Programme for school meals and refugee support in Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, and Sierra Leone. The donation is crucial as millions in these countries face acute hunger, driven by climate crises, conflicts, and high food costs. The rice will be used to support school meals for 287,000 children and provide assistance to 81,600 Malian refugees. The donation is seen as a lifeline for those affected by multiple crises and economic challenges.

Debate on reforming UNSC

Sierra Leone plans to hold a debate on reforming the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) during its presidency in August. The country's Ambassador Alie Kabba said during a UN briefing on August 1. The debate will focus on the unfair representation of the African continent at the council and will be one of the signature events of Sierra Leone's presidency.