Sierra Leone Roundup: Judicial reform, cooperation with UAE, famous ballerina dies

Trailblazing ballerina dies

Ballet dancer Michaela Mabinty DePrince, who immigrated to the US from a Sierra Leone orphanage, passed away at 29, as confirmed by her family. DePrince's inspirational journey, marked by perseverance through hardship, included being featured in a documentary and performing on "Dancing With the Stars." She overcame challenges, including a skin pigmentation disorder and a difficult upbringing, to become a principal dancer with the Dance Theatre of Harlem and the Boston Ballet. DePrince authored a memoir and a children's book, and she was also an ambassador for War Child, assisting children affected by armed conflict. Her family has requested donations to War Child in her memory, as reported by Euro News.

New justice reform strategy

On September 16, 2024, President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone launched the Justice Sector Reform Strategy 2024-2030 at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown. This strategy aims to transform the justice system by improving service delivery, enhancing transparency, and ensuring access to justice for all citizens. According to The Sierra Leone Telegraph, key stakeholders, including the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL), participated in the event, highlighting their role in promoting human rights within the judicial sector. President Bio emphasized the need for collaboration among justice institutions and civil society to successfully implement these reforms, which address long-standing issues in Sierra Leone's judicial system and reinforce the country's commitment to human rights and justice.

Harrowing experiences of sex workers

The BBC Africa Eye report highlights the harrowing experiences of sex workers in Sierra Leone, particularly focusing on Isata, a young single mother who has been kidnapped, trafficked, and abused repeatedly. The ongoing impact of the civil war, combined with recent crises like the Ebola outbreak and the COVID-19 pandemic, has pushed many women into sex work as a means of survival. Isata, who became addicted to a dangerous street drug called kush, eventually returned to sex work after struggling to support her children. The report illustrates the dangers that these women face, including violence, trafficking, and health risks. Many young girls, orphaned by the war, find themselves in similar situations with little support from society or the government. Charity organizations estimate thousands of women and children in Sierra Leone are trafficked annually, often lured by false promises of jobs. Despite the dire circumstances, some women, like Isata and her peers, continue to hope for a better future for their families amidst their suffering.

Lessons from Kenya's police chief's arrest

Kenya's acting chief of police, Gilbert Masengeli, was sentenced to six months in prison for defying court orders to disclose the whereabouts of three men allegedly abducted by police. The judge suspended the sentence for seven days, providing Masengeli one last opportunity to comply. As reported by The Sierra Leone Telegraph, the case arose from a lawsuit by the Law Society of Kenya concerning the men, who were outspoken supporters of anti-government protests earlier this year. This incident draws parallels to the situation in Sierra Leone, where dozens of youths protesting economic decline were arrested, with their current whereabouts unknown. Human rights abuses in both countries risk fueling further political instability.

UAE and Sierra Leone discuss enhancing cooperation

Dr. Sultan bin Ahmad Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State, led a UAE delegation to Sierra Leone to enhance bilateral cooperation. He conveyed greetings from UAE leaders to President Julius Maada Bio and highlighted the long-standing ties between the two countries, dating back to 1982. The visit aimed to explore new avenues of cooperation in various fields, including health, education, energy, agriculture, mining, and infrastructure, Emirates News Agency reports.