By Ishmael Bayoh, Information Attaché, Sierra Leone Embassy, Dakar, Senegal
The Sierra Leone Embassy in Senegal on Sunday, November 9th, 2025, launched two campaigns against trafficking in persons and drug abuse.
The launching was done at the Paroisse Universite-St Dominique Hall, Fann, in Dakar, which brought in Sierra Leoneans from all over Senegal.
The embassy’s campaign was as a result of documented incidences of human trafficking and drug abuse. The embassy have had cause to intervene on several instances to rescue victims of human trafficking as well as repatriate them to Sierra Leone. These numbers have been alarming over the years in Senegal and in Mauritania, which is also covered by the embassy.
On the issue of drugs and substance abuse, reported cases of arrests of Sierra Leoneans have increased over the years, and the effect it is having within the Sierra Leonean communities must be discouraged. This has led the embassy to act in order to prevent the lives of the thousands of Sierra Leoneans and to also prevent stigmatisation against the country and its people.
During the launching, Sierra Leone’s ambassador to Senegal, HE Ibrahim Turay, frowned at the practices of human trafficking and drug abuse. He explained the dangers of trafficking in persons and how it has destroyed lives and the future of many people, especially the young. He sent out a message to the young people to be mindful of the ventures they undertake and to also desist from taking drugs and prosecute those involved in the practice.
He also explained about a recent incident that happened two weeks ago involving an 11-year-old child rescued by the embassy who was to be trafficked to Mauritania by a relative. The perpetrator was apprehended by the gendarmerie and is facing trials.
Ambassador Turay explained to them the heightened campaign back home in Sierra Leone against kush and substance abuse and how His Excellency, President Julius Maada Bio, has instructed stringent measures to get rid of the drug scourge.
The Acting Head of Chancery, Evelyn Tanty Akakpo, narrated the horrific accounts of trafficking involving teenage girls and how many have ended up in drug prostitution and drug abuse. She called on those engaged in such acts, stating that it is a human rights abuse punishable by law both in Sierra Leone and in Senegal.
She said the embassy will be doing the campaign in the various communities involving key community leaders and has established a toll-free line for complaints, rescue, prosecution, rehabilitation or repatriation of victims where necessary.
Leone Rock Premier League Kicks Off with Exciting Draws and Victories
By Joseph S Conteh
The much-awaited Leone Rock Premier League (LRPL) 2025-2026 season has commenced with a flurry of action-packed matches across the country. The opening weekend saw a mix of thrilling draws and decisive victories, setting the stage for an enthralling season ahead.
In the first match, Bhantal FC and Bullom Stars played out a hard-fought 0-0 draw. In another closely contested encounter, Bai Bureh Warriors and Abacha City shared the spoils with a 1-1 draw, courtesy of goals from Mohamed S Mansaray and Kerifa Koroma.
The action-packed weekend continued with a commanding 3-0 victory for BO Rangers FC over Kamboi Eagles. Mohamed Kabba, Bailor Bah, and Ibrahim Kamara were the goalscorers for the victorious BO Rangers FC.
In a high-scoring affair, FC Kallon emerged victorious over Mighty Blackpool with a 3-1 scoreline, while the match between Old Edwardians and Diamond Stars FC ended in a goalless draw.
The opening weekend of the Leone Rock Premier League 2025-2026 season has set the tone for an exciting and unpredictable campaign.
