News

The Country Representative of the UN World Health Organisation to Sierra Leone, Dr Wondimagenehu Alemu says the current nationwide outbreak of cholera in the country has killed 212 people as at Saturday 19 August and the “numbers [are] increasing dramatically”.

This brings to nearly 150 those killed in the last one month alone.

Speaking to Politico Dr Alemu says ten of the country’s thirteen districts are now affected with the capital, Freetown, the hardest hit. Tonkolili, Kambia and Port Loko in the north also recording high cases.

As at 14 August, 176 people had been killed by cholera with 10,800 cases recorded nationwide, according to a United Nations source in Freetown who does not wish to be named. The epidemic is said to be on the increase especially in the Western Area. The UN source says “government is covering up the enormity” of the situation but would not give reasons why.

The source made figures available to Politico, suggesting that the outbreak is particularly rising in the Western Area, which accounts for the majority of the cases.

The convicted Mayor of Freetown, Herbert George-Williams has told Politico that he may run again for Mayor in November’s elections. This despite his conviction for corruption.

The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) has criticized the decision by the National Electoral Commission (NEC) to impose what the opposition and civil society groups have described as “prohibitive” fees for candidates running for President and Members of Parliament in November’s elections.

In a press release, HRCSL describes the fees as “astronomical and disproportionate” to the living standards and income of Sierra Leoneans saying, “taking part in the conduct of public affairs particularly through elections is a basic human right”

The Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law – Sierra Leone (CARL-SL) has urged the Sierra Leone Judiciary to “respect the rights of the seven ex-servicemen” who are standing trial for allegedly beating defence minister, Pallo Conteh.

In a press release CARL says the courts should ensure each of the seven benefits from the services of defence counsel. They were arraigned in a Freetown Magistrate Court on 6 August facing various charges relating to riotous conduct and assault on the minister.

A senior official of the Anti Corruption Commission has told Politico that it is “highly likely” they will appeal the case of the Mayor of Freetown, Herbert George-Williams and five others who were convicted at a Freetown high court last week for corruption.

The source who cannot be named, says they are more likely to appeal the sentence which is due to be handed down tomorrow Wednesday, than the judgment, saying the decision would be taken depending on what the judge hands down.

…but presidential fee remains the same

Ahead of the tabling in Parliament today of the Nomination Fees for candidates for November’s elections, the National Electoral Commission has announced a revision of nomination fees which were announced two weeks ago.

In a press released signed by the Chief Electoral Commissioner, Christiana Thorpe, NEC has refused to reduce the fees for presidential candidates, which still stands at Le 100 Million as well as for Mayors and Chairmen of District Council.