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WE WILL DELIVER

CHIEF MINISTER

WE WILL DELIVER

DR. DAVID MOININA SENGEH

Editor’s Note

Dear Readers,

Let me first and foremost, welcome you to the first ever Radical Inclusion Magazine in Sierra Leone. I am thrilled to bring you a collection of stories and insights that delve into the leadership of our current Chief Minister of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr David Moinina Sengeh. This “Radical Inclusion Magazine” is particularly dedicated to Chief Minister, Dr David Moinina Sengeh for his outstanding leadership contribution and humanitarian support demonstrated for the people of this country under the leadership of His Excellency President Dr Julious Maada Bio.

However, I am honored to share stories of the Chief’s Diary. A Diary I considered as the Chief’s own personal account of leadership reflection that gives detailed accounts of critical decisions made and policies formulated, activities and programs implemented and also, the chief’s interactions with citizens, community members and stakeholders highlighting relationships and community dynamics showcased by Dr Sengeh.

This Radical Inclusion Magazine, you’ll find not only inspiring articles but also gives you a deeper understanding on the importance of being part of the Radical Inclusion Movement, an ideology that centers around the beliefs that everyone, regardless of their tribe, background, gender, identity, or beliefs, should be welcomed and valued in all spaces. This approach emphasizes the importance of actively creating environments that foster diversity, inclusion and belonging, rather than merely tolerating differences. I personally believed that through unity, collaboration , innovation and inclusion we all can make a difference in changing the narratives and make Sierra Leone a better place.

In addition, let me also encouraged you to follow the “Chief’s Diary” a personal facebook account of the Honourable Chief Minister, Dr David Moinina Sengeh and the Radical Inclusion Movement.

As you dive into these pages, please do not hesitate to share your thoughts with us. Connect with us on facebook ( Chief’s Diary) or send us your feedback via email @ kamaramohamed848@gmail.com

we love hearing from you!

Thank you for being part of our community.

Enjoy the read!

Sincerely,

Amb. Mohamed Kamara Editor-in-Chief, Radical Inclusion Magazine

RADICAL INCLUSION

1. Biography of Dr David Moinina Sengeh

2. Concept of Radical Inclusion

3. The Chief’s Diary: Digitalization and Feed Salone - Be the Next Green Gold Millionaire in Sierra Leone

4. The Chief’s Diary: Human Development is on a Steady Progress in Sierra Leone - Lessons from Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle.

5. Chief’s Diary: What will the $1 Billion US Government Investment do over 5 years for you, the Businesses, the Poor and Ordinary?

6. Article By: Mohamed Kamara: President Bio Joins Citizens in Kailuhun to Celebrates One Year Anniversary of Feed Salone Project

7. Chief’s Diary: Launching a $2 million Sierra Leone Agricultural Transformation Office in Kigali ($142m committed for feed Salone)

8. Chief Diary: Politics of Unity, Freedom and Justice - Pujehun as a Case Study

9. aof the Truth and Reconciliation Commission as Sierra Leone expands Orthotic and Prosthetic Clinicians by 100%

10. Chief’s Diary: Politics of Unity, Freedom, and Justice - Pujehun as a Case Study.

11. Article By: Mohamed Kamara: Chief Minister has attracted the US International Development Finance Corporation in Washington D.C to support Sierra Leone WGovernment Through Investments and Infrastructural Development.

12. Chief’s Diary: Government for the People

13. Chief’s Diary: The Story of OJ - Sharing has no Limits no Boundaries

14. Chief’s Diary: Lounging in Lungi

15. Article By: Mohamed Kamara: Chief Minister facilitated a Peace Dialogue between LAJ and Amb Kao Denero in Freetown.

16. Chief’s Diary: President Bio’s good macroeconomic policies at the heart of Sierra Leone’s Transformation. Learn how...

17. Chief’s Diary: Today, Steady Bongo Accomplished his Life’s Mission.

18. Chief’s Diary: Christmas Season - Joy to the World. 48 hours in Kailuhun, Kenema, Bo and Pujehun.

19. The Chief’s Diary: The SLPP is the most inclusive party ever, and we are making it even more inclusive.

20. The Chief’s Diary: The SLPP is the most inclusive party ever, and we are making it even more inclusive

21. Empty page for note taking.

BIOGRAPHY OF DR. DAVID MOININA SENGEH

Dr. David Moinina Sengeh was born and raised in Sierra Leone in 1986; he is a Sierra Leonean politician who is currently serving as the Chief Minister of the Republic of Sierra Leone after being appointed by President Julius Maada Bio in 2023.

Dr. Sengeh obtained his Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Biomechatronics where he developed award-winning technology for human augmentation in designing comfortable prosthetic interfaces.

He attained his Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Sciences from Harvard College. Prior to his university, he attended the Red Cross Nordic United World College in Flekke, Norway and the Prince of Wales Secondary School in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

Prior to his appointment as Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh was providing strategic and policy leadership for the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) and the Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI).

He previously served as the Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) and Chief Innovation Officer for the Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation since 2018 to 2023 respectively.

In February 2023, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh received the “Best Minister Award” in the World, as part of the ongoing 10th edition of the World Government Summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

However, the award recognizes the exceptional efforts of Government Ministers by demonstrating excellence in the public sector, implementing successful reforms and inspiring Government leaders and service providers to promote innovation within their domain to better serve the needs of their citizens.

Dr. Sengeh was a Research Manager at IBM Research Africa (in Kenya and South Africa), leading a healthcare team that designed and implemented AI-enabled systems for the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and management of disease.

He has held Fellowship positions at Harvard, University of Pennsylvania and other institutions over the years. He is credited for seeding the development of the innovation ecosystem in Sierra Leone through Global Minimum and the Innovate Salone program, which he co-founded in 2007, and which has supported the innovation and entrepreneurial journeys of thousands of Sierra Leoneans.

He holds several patents and has published academic articles across fields of education,healthcare and augmentation, and artificial intelligence.

Dr. Sengeh is on Forbes under 30 in Technology (2013), a Senior TED Fellow, a National Geographic Emerging Explorer, on the Wired Smart List 2013, winner of the Lemelson-MIT National Collegiate Student Prize, an Obama Foundation Leaders: Africa Fellow and most recently, a WEF Young Global Leader.

Recently, Dr David Sengeh was the leading representative of government in the Tripartite Committee that was established and supported by development partners aimed at providing electoral reforms in Sierra Leone.

He was also appointed by President Bio to head the ruling SLPP Political-Party Constitutional Review Committee geared towards ensuring intra-party reforms.

Chief Minister Dr. David Sengeh has spoken to audiences globally on topics related to digital governance, education, youth innovation, prosthetics design, fourth industrial revolution and more.

He is popularly known for the Radical Inclusion Movement (RIM). he is an afrobeats rapper, fashion designer and regularly plays football.

Concept of Radical Inclusion

Radical inclusion is a concept that emphasizes the importance of creating environments where everyone feels welcome, valued, and included, regardless of their background, identity, or beliefs. It goes beyond traditional and tribal notions of inclusion by actively seeking out and embracing diversity in all its forms. This approach fosters a sense of belonging and encourages participation from all individuals, especially those who may have been marginalized or excluded in the past.

Key principles of Radical Inclusion include:

Active Engagement: Radical Inclusion focuses actively in seeking out diverse voices and perspectives to ensure that everyone has a seat at the table.

Empowerment: Radical Inclusion aims to providing individuals with the tools and opportunities they need to contribute meaningfully to the development of Sierra Leone.

Cultural Competence: Radical Inclusion encompass understanding and respecting different cultures, identities, beliefs and experiences to create a truly inclusive environment for all.

Continuous Learning: Radical Inclusion recognizing that inclusion is an ongoing process that requires reflection, education, innovation, empowerment and adaptation for all people.

In Sierra Leone, the National Policy on Radical Inclusion in Schools was approved in 2021. The policy’s goal is to ensure that all children have access to quality education, regardless of their circumstances. This includes children who are: Pregnant, Learning parents, disabilities, those from poor backgrounds,

and Living in remote areas. The policy also aims to address the needs of children who face specific obstacles. For example, new parents returning to school may need additional support, as those students with disabilities in non-special schools.

Sierra Leone’s Former Minister of Education, who currently serving as the Chief Minister Dr David Sengeh, is known for his out-of-the-box thinking and adherence to Radical Inclusion. He was so instrumental in overturning the country’s ban on educating pregnant girls as a result we can proud to say there has been a decrease number of teenage pregnancy, early marriage and illiteracy in Sierra Leone especially among girls. this is what Radical Inclusion is all about.

However, by Implementing and preaching Radical Inclusion ideology can lead to richer discussions, inclusive governance, innovative solutions, empowerment and a stronger sense of community participation and development in governance.

CHIEF’S DIARY: DIgItIzAtIon AnD

FEED SAlonE - bE tHE nExt gREEn golD

mIllIonAIRE In SIERRA lEonE

The data on food production, import substitution, job creation, and other important metrics around Feed Salone over the past year has been incredible. You can read more in the One Year Feed Salone report found online at www.feedsalone.gov.sl.

However, as a digital nerd and Chief Innovation Officer of Sierra Leone, I wanted to pinpoint something that has the potential to even further transform our agricultural sector and the economy. “It is the digital database for a nationwide soil map”. How do we know what to grow and where to grow it? This database can inform that answer. It is akin to the nationwide geophysical survey we did for the mining sector (something which already is transforming our mining sector), but this is even better. Unlike the geophysical mining survey, which still requires major investments to further understand the mineral resources available at each location, the ground truth and easy experimentation data for modeling is easy to get in this instance. Now is -

the time to invest in agriculture in Sierra Leone. You might just be the next green gold millionaire. The data is currently available with the Ministry of Agriculture, and further machine learning and analyses are being applied to further support your investments.

One year ago, President Bio asked us all to Feed Salone. The entire government heard, the partners (public and private listened), and citizens went into the bushes to farm. This is an example of what I’ve been preaching.... One Direction, One Government, One Country, One People. Together #WeWillDeliver. And when we do, our health, our environment and our lives will be better for it. Together wewillfeedsalone.

HUMAN DEVELOPMENT IS ON A STEADY PROGRESS IN SIERRA LEONE- LESSONS FROM HEISENBERG UNCERTAINTY PRINCIPLE

Iam an engineer and a politician. Let’s learn a theory that applies to both the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle. This principle states that you can’t measure the position and the velocity of an object exactly, at the same time, even in theory.

This is true in physics as well as in human development. You can’t measure human development and the rate of progress at the same time as the policies are being implemented. As political leaders, we are driven to deliver things that will transform the lives of our citizens. So, how do we check the pulse of the citizens?

We use a multi-pronged approach. We listen to the people in the streets. We look at independent international data on well-defined indicators and compare across the world.

On the Economy and Human Development, we use the GDP and Human Development Index. For Sierra Leone, both of these have been going up year on year. Since 2018, our GDP has been going up (including a steep rise after the global covid crisis). This is because we are producing more agriculture, more services, and exporting more minerals. This means the lives of our people are progressing. One thing of note is that the disparity and inequality index are also going down in Sierra Leone. This means it’s not just a few benefiting, but more and more of everyone else. If you are interested in delving deeper, you can look at the IMF and HDR websites to learn more for yourself.

On life Expectancy and Livelihoods: Life expectancy has been increasing in Sierra Leone steadily. While there is a perception that many young people are dying (yes, we do see lots more on our timelines since it’s our generation), many also live longer.

On Human Capital Development: Human capital is an area our government is known for and something President Bio has championed. This is an area in which we have seen a lot of progress as well. Sierra Leone has reduced child mortality and increased learning outcomes and made tremendous progress in addressing malnutrition. See more at the World Bank site.

Dr. David Moinina Sengeh Chief Minister

Republic of Sierra Leone

The Chief’s Diary: Vision, Hope, Dreams, Impact20 years on, President Bio Keeps Implementing

If there was any day on which I could look back and think my life’s work makes sense in service to humanity and Sierra Leone, it’s today. Allow me to share a couple of stories about how the war, my education, President Bio’s vision, the Big Five, Radical Inclusion, and the future of Sierra Leone all align. At the onset, I must thank the thousands of people who’ve helped along this incredible journey: my family and friends. But I’ll highlight Paul Bottino and David Edwards at Harvard, Nicholas Negroponte, and Hugh Herr at MIT, Solomon Assefa at IBM, and President Bio.

1991: An 11-year war breaks in Sierra Leone. Tens of thousands are killed and maimed

1992: Valentine Strasser, Julius Maada Bio, and co overthrow the then government to bring back peace and democracy.

1996: Julius Maada Bio becomes Head of State and initiates peace talks and conducts a democratic election. War continues.

2002: The Lomé Peace Accord signed in 1999 leads to the end of the civil war, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission is established.

2004: The Truth and Reconciliation Commission report is presented with lots of recommendations. A couple of recommendations ask for the training of orthotic and prosthetic clinicians. I get a scholarship to study abroad, and I engage in the development of child friendly TRC Report via Children’s Forum Network under the leadership of now Minister Chernor Bah.

2006: I enroll at Harvard to study engineering after discussion with Amputees on the need for improved prosthetic technology. Harvard doesn’t do prosthetic research, so I focus on TB vaccines.

2010: I take class at MIT called Developing World Prosthetics. Graduate from Harvard. Visit NRC in the holiday and engage amputees. Enroll at MIT to do prosthetic research with Professor Hugh Herr (himself a double amputee).

2012: Invent a new type of prosthetic socket. Leading to being named Forbes 30 under 30 and delivering a TED Talk in 2014 among other awards. My vision was clear - to bring prosthetic technology to Sierra Leone.

2016: After winning prestigious graduate student prize at MIT for inventions (Lemelson-MIT), graduate with PhD and start working at IBM in Nairobi. While at MIT, mentor an intern student from Rwanda later. That student Claudine is now teaching in Sierra Leone and leading on MIT-Sierra Leone relations.

2018: President Bio appoints me as Chief Innovation Officer and asks to develop the National Innovation and Digital Strategy after establishing Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation.

2019: Official visit to MIT. President Bio witnesses MOU signing between Sierra Leone and MIT via Ministry of Tertiary and Higher Education and Njala University.

2022: President Bio visits MIT again and signs up to a $24 million project to develop a Bionic Center at MIT with official capacity development in Sierra Leone cooked with state of the art solutions.

2023: MIT Professor Hugh Herr visits Sierra Leone finally and signs MOU with Ministry of Health and engages President Bio on his vision. 16 students begin an international program to prepare students to engage in clinical work and technical studies in O&P.

2024: White Coat Ceremony for 11 students participating in a joint Sierra Leone - MIT Program to train category 1 and 2 clinicians. This is 1000% more than currently exists. I launched the training program coming back full circle from when I was a student.

All of this aligns with the Big Five. The technology, infrastructure development in Freetown, Bo, Kono, etc; human capital development and job creation. Most importantly, the NRC provided care to about 50 patients in 2023 and already 109 in 2024. When thesWWe students finish, they’ll be providing care for over 300. That’s magic. That’s the power of dreaming, having a vision, taking action, and driving impact.

Personally, I have sent multiple patients to these centers, including a victim of war from 1991, a student who got an amputation last month and more. And every time, they get quality care.

For me, matters of inclusion are not a political issue. They are about lives and livelihoods. They are our lives work as children, activists, academics, civic leaders, and politicians.

Days like today is why we have absolutely no doubt that with #RadicalInclusion, Together #WeWillDeliverWW

Dr. David Moinina Sengeh

Chief Minister

Republic of Sierra Leone

THE CHIEF’S DIARY: POLITICS OF UNITY, FREEDOM, AND JUSTICE - PUJEHUN AS A CASE STUDY.

Today was a point of inflection in my journey of public service. The Radical Inclusion Movement activity put into perspective why I am here and why I am giving my all in service to President Bio, the people of Pujehun and to all Sierra Leoneans. It clearly demonstrated that there are no hard lines between who we are as professionals and as citizens in the community. Here are two concept I would want you to reflect on; Politics and Power as a means of doing Good According to Dr Sengeh he has learned from President Bio how he uses his power to do good. He picks up calls from ordinary citizens, invites them to listen to their stories, and addresses the needs of his fiercest opponents. There are countless times he has shared with President Bio massages from ordinary citizens, and he acts immediately.

Today, we welcomed 33 young men from prisons. We paid their fines. Some of their crimes were frequenting a place where people smoke and driving a motor bike without license. The only reason they were in the cell was because of their poverty. Another 10 will walk out later after serving their sentences in jail (now that they have paid their fines). The vision of President Bio to give us a new Criminal Procedural Act will transform the justice sector. It decriminalize poverty. It was super inspiring today to see the Pujehun District Development Association President Mr Patrick Ansu Kaikai donate Nle 10,000 to pay fines for others who might be in prison. “Goodness inspires goodness” The politics that. President Bio

has taught us is a politics of doing good, and that is what he has learned and always doing as Chief Minister. Doing Good to Free Others and Not to Control What I have learned from Dr Sengeh that, “when bad politicians do good, they use it to control others. It is like training pets, sit, and move, run and then you get a bone. Bad politicians want to keep people on a leash, but what they do not understand is that they themselves are not free at the end. them. This group of young people started as selffunded volunteers and received donations from a few stakeholders in the interest of keeping their city clean. When he was approached months ago, he asked them to write a proposal to the District Council and then decided to go a step further to sustainably support them. Why” because Dr Sebgeh believes in Human Capital Development of President Bio. The Kekehs will be used to deliver transportation services to citizens, create jobs for youth, and provide revenue for the youth and the organization. This is freedom. What is more inspiring is that the District Council have now added “Clean Pujehun” into their budget for the next cycle. This is what we call Radical Inclusion. It demonstrate what unity, freedom, and justice can look like. There is no perfect justice, and there can be more unity and freedom and Pujehun is on the right path. The youth, the women, and ordinary citizens are leading that transformational change and his conviction that together #wewilldeliver.

PRESIDENT BIO JOINS CITIZENS IN KAILUHUN TO CELEBRATE ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF FEED SALONE PROJECT

By: Mohamed Kamara

On the 17th October 2024 (World Food Day) marks a remarkable event witnessing the one year anniversary celebration of the Feed Salone Projects in Kailahun district. This celebration serves as a significant milestone ever in the country’s history especially in Agriculture sector.

However, It is imperative to note that Feed Salone is the government big five agenda of President Bio since he was re-elected in office. It’s an initiative that focuses to create policies that seek to promote farming activities, food security, formulating macroeconomic polices and enabling environment for local farmers not just to farm but to see reasons to farm and how people can invest in agriculture in making sure citizens are able to produce food they eat.

Also, providing support to local farmers whiles encouraging foreign investment in improving food sustainability in Sierra Leone.

However, people like Chief Minister, Dr David Moinia Sengeh has been instrumental in promoting and supporting the feed salone initiative of President Bio to the people of Sierra Leone. As a result of that, Dr Sengeh has pioneered his own farm across districts where thousands of sierra leoneans are benefiting through job creation, provides fertilizers and seeds support to people especially to local farmers in Pujehun, Kenema and Bo etc.

He believes that through Radical Inclusion, everybody is included irrespective of their tribe, race, gender, background, identity or beliefs. He always encouraged citizens to farm and support the feed salone project to achieve human capital development for a better salone wherever he goes.

Together we will deliver on our mandate, Together we will build Sierra Leone, and Together we will feedsalone as he always says. #wewilldeliver

THE CHIEF’S DIARY: GOVERNMENT FOR THE PEOPLE

Often, when we think of government, we imagine some bureaucrats, mostly men in suits (or agbadas) holding meetings, posing and claiming to be solving problems.

Maybe some (or depending on who’s in government, a lot) of that happens.

H owever, on an everyday basis, as Chief Minister of Sierra Leone, what I experience is a true form of democracy, even if imperfect, that promotes government for the people. Here’s a snapshot of my day today highlighting five examples of how government is working for the people.

• I met a set of Cluny Sisters today. One of them works with learners who are hard of hearing (deaf) at St Joseph’s in Northern Makeni, and the other runs an excellent school in Eastern Kono (one of the best in the country). They brought forward various issues, which I helped address, including setting up meetings for them with ministers of higher education (to talk about tech voc institutes) and another with the Ministry of Health. A third action with the Ministry of Basic Education was also taken to ensure students can register for their exams. Of course, as Catholic leaders who were advocating for the welfare of the poor, they made requests for their students, which we also addressed. I promised to engage the German Embassy on their behalf as well for some long-term funding that’s been now cut.

• I met the Ambassador of Cuba to Sierra Leone and we spoke about ways of deepening ties between our two countries in multiple sectors including Healthcare (oncology and other specialists care), energy, higher education, foreign service and more. Our two countries have a great historical tie, including Cuban doctors coming to SL during ebola and covid. I advocated for more scholarships for students, among other things.

• I met a citizen of our country who works in Italy. A medical doctor, he was in town visiting family. However, we spoke about how he represents Sierra Leone in Italy and his intentions to return and serve his country soon.

• A cross section of the bike riders union executive came to see me. We spoke about how the 1,250,000 registered riders are contributing to the economy (writing this makes me question the usual 70% unemployed youth statistic). If Bike riding is a job, and most of the riders are between 18 and 40... then something is wrong with that statistic, but I digress. We spoke about enhanced technology, registering with the NCRA, digitizing their systems, compliance,and more. Truly inspiring group. No wonder I had them as a strong pillar during my nationwide tours on Radical Inclusion while as Minister at MBSSE (I wrote about this in my book then).

• I met with a delegation from the Bonthe District Family who came to give me an award for my contributions to education. The award was given during their 15-years anniversary dinner last month, which I sadly missed. We spoke about the ongoing works in Bonthe and our efforts to correct the historical biases they experienced before.

Yes, there are many other activities I did today, including technical work with my team at State House, field visits at Youyi Building late this evening, a meeting at the SLPP Party office, and more. All these engagements were meaningfully touching the lives of individuals, communities, and millions of people. This is why I believe in the power of change via democracy. It isn’t perfect, but when you have the right people as leaders, they form a government for the people. This is exactly what President Bio has done and together #WeWillDeliver for the people. Let no one tell you that they have the magic bullet to solve our problems. It isn’t magic. It’s the everyday manual, grunt work of listening to the people and solving their problems. That’s what keeps me

THE CHIEF’S DIARY: THE STORY OF OJ - SHARING HAS NO LIMITS NO BOUNDARIES

The book of Proverbs in the Bible is full of wisdom, and it is one of my favorite. One important chapter is Proverbs 23. It speaks on how one should behave themselves when dining with kings and leaders. It’s important for me because for 6 years in government, I have the honor to regularly eat with my boss, the President. Even when I was Minister of Education, I would still find ways of joining lunch whenever possible. Now, as Chief Minister, our meal times are part of our work schedule. We start in his office and end over breakfast or start at lunch and continue in the conference room. It’s when we relax, it’s when we share stories, and it’s when we work.

For me, those meal times are when I’ve learned a lot from my boss, President Bio. In fact, I wrote about this in my book Radical Inclusion.

So today, I want to share a short story. I’ll call it the story of OJ. No, not the Story of OJ, the Jay Z rap song, but the story of the Orange Juice at our meal table.

The orange juice in this photo is from two days ago. If you emptied the container, it won’t fill a single glass. Yet, every day, and for years, the President will always pour into his glass and leave anywhere between a quarter or half for me. This is his drink. This is juice that won’t fill his glass, but he still pours some and leaves some to share.

Every day, I notice his generosity, humility, and love for God. For it is only for the love of God, can a king or president choose to pour his own fresh orange juice to less than half a glass and leave the rest for his staff.

Every day, I leave our dining room. Every day, I strengthen my own ability to be more generous and to share even when it isn’t enough.

Every day, I think about the OJ in our dining room. Every day, I feel we each can be kinder to the other person.

Every day, I think about the way my boss shares so selflessly and without exception, I better understand his commitment and service to our country. To be of service to others, you must love to share everything without condition.

The message is simple, read Proverbs 23 and whether you are king or not, the dining table is one of the best places to teach and learn. We need the fear of God to help us attain that wisdom.

#WeWillDeliver for this country.

THE CHIEF’S DIARY: LOUNGING IN LUNGI

I have traveled through the Lungi International Airport so many times, and each time is unique. But over the past recent years, it became monotonous if not slightly irritating. But today was different, and I highly recommend it.

• I took the 2:00pm ferry (45 mins ride) from Gov’t Wharf. Easy, no stress, and absolutely relaxing while enjoying the Serra Lyoa “Lion Mountains” in the background and some cool breeze.

• We drove to the Civil War Memorial in Lungi and got a tour from the founder, Joseph Kaifala. Never again.

• Then, we had lunch at the new Lungi Airport Hotel. Delicious seafood fried rice with Maltina pineapple. Everything is affordable.

• We returned back to the airport (everything is 15 mins away from the airport) and went through security just in time to board.

For those who choose to go to Guinea and make drama about it- that’s OK, but wi wae de use salone in fine, fine airport experience na wi borku. Together #Wewilldeliver

CHIEF MINISTER FACILITATE A PEACE DIALOGUE BETWEEN LAJ AND AMB KAO DENERO IN FREETOWN.

The Chief Minister, Dr David Monaina Sengeh of the Republic of Sierra Leone has recently mediated a peace dialogue between Amb Kao and LAJ. As a man who believes in peace, love and national unity, he deem fits to resolved the long social media dispute between these two giant hip-hop rappers in the Sierra Leone music industry. It appears that the reasons for this controversy is hardly explain due to the fact that the issue had started way long before now. this is not the first time of them having such misunderstanding. however, what stood out most is that, this mediation process has proffer a tangible solutions to the aging issue existed between LAJ and Kao Denero. Despite this controversy, LAJ and Kao Denero have huge number of followers and fans supporting their music and promoting their songs. Both the parties are Ambassadors appointed by His Excellency Dr Julious Maada Bio, one who is Kao Denero is serving as Entertainment Ambassador and the other LAJ is serving as Peace Ambassador.

Both LAJ and Kao Denero have contributed immensely in the entertainment industry and they are well known both nationally and internationally for their styles of music.

As a music lover and supporter of Sierra Leone music, the Honourable Chief Minister Dr David Moinina Sengeh deem it necessary to facilitate a peaceful dialogue between LAJ and Kao Denero considering their impacts in our society in making sure that peace, love and unity exist not just between them but also in the entertainment industry. Dr Sengeh believes that music plays a vital role in promoting a peaceful society for all. During the peace dialogue, The Honourable Chief Minister thank the parties for answering his call to meditate their peace process which has been going on for a month now without a remedy. He further reminded both parties that they are Ambassadors, they should not only sing about peace but also to uphold and promote peace ,

unity, love and national cohesion in the country by serving as Role models in society. Dr Sengeh also encouraged Kao and LAJ to continue in upholding peace, unity and love among themselves as brothers in the music industry and work collaboratively in promoting sierra leone music internationally. He further advising them that they should be more focused about their music careers in promoting their songs globally. However, Dr Sengeh assured Kao Denero and LAJ for his continued support to promote Sierra Leone Entertainment Industry and also reiterate government commitment to support the entertainment industry in the country and address some other related matters.

In Conclusion, Both Kao Denero and LAJ thank the Chief Minister Dr Sengeh for his timely intervention to meditated a peace between them. They express apologies and promised to upholding peace, unity and love among themselves and in the social media space. the ceremony ended up with joyful pictures.

THE CHIEF’S DIARY: WHAT WILL THE $1BILLION U.S

GOVERNMENT INVESTMENT DO OVER 5 YEARS FOR YOU, THE BUSINESSES, THE POOR AND THE ORDINARY?

• t will more than double baseload energy supply in the country. As of today, the US DFC has already disbursed money https://www.dfc.gov/media/ press-releases/nant-project-receives-its-first-disbursement-sierra-leone. This means in 18 months, we will have a 108MW LNG supply that’s cheaper than existing diesel supply. It means more businesses will have lights and more homes too.

• It will build transmission lines all over the country and interconnect with CLSG which is also a cheap option. Via the MCC. Procurements will be done over the next 18 months for construction within 5 years.

• It will help reform EDSA and drive progressive policies

• It will create thousands of construction jobs and more service jobs

• It will lead to a new 5 star hotel in Lungi in 24 months and a possible exhibition center. This will create more jobs

• It is why we have a new airport today... the investment from DFC.

• Indirectly, it will further stabilize the economy by lowering our burden on diesel price volatility for energy

• See, investments in infrastructure is critical for us. It is part of President Bio’s medium term national development plan. It is part of the Big Five. It didn’t happen because we sat at home. It is happening because President Bio went to look for it, for you.

Don’t fall for propaganda. Stay informed

CHIEF MINISTER HAS ATTRACTED THE U.S INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT FIANCE CORPORATION TO SUPPORT SIERRA LEONE THROUGH INVESTMENTS AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT.

In an remarkable event, The Chief Minister, Dr David Monaina Sengeh recently served as a Panelist at the International Development Finance Corporation. It 5 years Anniversary held in Washington D.C. this event aims to bring government officials, development partners and inventors around the world to discuss infrastructural sustainability especially in Africa. By Investing in sustainable infrastructure, it stimulates economic development by creating jobs in green sectors, reducing long-term operating costs through energy efficiency, and attracting businesses that prioritize sustainability.

He highlighted President’s Bio ambition and vision for Sierra Leone by explaining some of the steps been taken at cabinet level to formulate polices that will attract investors like IDFC and other development partners to come and invest in Sierra Leone. He further explained that all those efforts and commitments are part of the good governcenece policies of President Bio’s government in the last six years to promote transparency and effective and efficient service delivery for the people as promised in his manifesto.

Dr Sengeh, however gives an update of over 1 Billion USD grants benefited from the United States to the government of Sierra Leone since 2018. $600m + to the private sectors via DFC and $450m via MCC.

captured in President Bio’s medium term national development plan.

In addition, this effort by the Honourable Chief Minister, Dr Sengeh has also attracted the U.S International Development Fiance Corporation to announced it’s first disbursement out of $292m loan to support CECA SL Generation Limited, an entity that will construct and operate a 105MW combined-cycle power plant in Freetown, Sierra Leone (the “Nant Project”). You can find the full report at the Link.https:// www.dfc.gov/media/press-releases/nant-project-receives-its-first-disbursement-sierra-leone.

In Conclusion, this investments are not only timely for our country but also focuses in addressing various global challenges, including climate change, resource depletion, social inequality and creating more jobs in green sectors, reducing long-term operating costs through energy efficiency and enhance infrastructural development. Interestingly, this investments are also captured in President Bio’s medium term national development plan.

THE CHIEF’S DIARY: PRESIDENT BIO’S

GOOD MACROECONOMIC POLICIES AT THE HEART OF SIERRA LEONE’S TRANSFORMATION

Macroeconomics isn’t just theory. It is well noted that good macroeconomic policies are preconditions for economic progress. Basic revenue and expense controls by the state, good monetary policies, a strong central and commercial banking system, stable currency, managing debt, and understanding risks require good leadership. When these things align, citizens will feel it in their pocket.

But how does one know that the government’s macroeconomic policies are paying off?

will know when international banks are willing to lend to the state and private companies seeking to invest there. The more investments there are, the more jobs, and the more development.

But how does one know that the government’s macroeconomic policies are paying off?

Dr. David Moinina Sengeh Chief Minister Republic of Sierra Leone

Well, in the international financial systems for poor countries, the best indicator is whether a country is in an IMF program. A related indicator is whether the World Bank and the EU will provide you with direct budget support. These are critical for any government anywhere in the world. Furthermore, one will know when international banks are willing to lend to the state and private companies seeking to invest there. The more investments there are, the more jobs, and the more development.

So, how well is Sierra Leone doing now? Here are 5 ways of knowing.

1. Earlier this year, Sierra Leone signed a new IMF extended credit facility program. This means the government is able to invest in its national development plan and infrastructure. It means the government is in control.

2. The World Bank extended and expanded its budget support to the government. This is only possible when the World Bank believes the government is managing its resources well, meeting its budget balancing targets, and taking progressive governance policies. In Sierra Leone, these pre-conditions are well in line with our leadership’s direction.

3. The EU provided $11m direct budget support to Sierra Leone again. The last such support was in December 2020. This is a big indication that the government of Sierra Leone is progressing in its commitments for fiscal and good governance policies.

4. Foreign Direct Investment is booming in Sierra Leone. From the British International Investment to the Chinese Government to the US Development Finance Corporation, foreign governments are spending hundreds of millions of dollars in the private sector in Sierra Leone.

5. Independence of Central Bank and its growing reforms. The central bank is well on its way to rolling out one of the best switch payment systems in the region. Fully integrated across banks and mobile money, this will lower the cost of transaction and bring in efficiencies never seen before. The cost of cash transactions is 3% extra. Now imagine when everyone starts using digital currencies, online payments, and mobile money (we have near 100% 3G connectivity and 100% satellite coverage).

How does all this affect the everyday citizen?

1. Predictability and stability: Over the past one year, the currency has been stable against the US dollar, and prices are predictable. This allows for planning and proper investment. The government has also strengthened internal security and continues to make the courts independent.

2. Transaction costs are going to be lower with the upgrades in the banking system. Mobile money.

3. The government can spend more money to build roads and other critical infrastructure with direct budget support.

4. Better credit rating for government is good for the private sector and good for citizens and investors.

5. Good governance policies work for all of us. This is pretty much why government exists.

Are things perfect today? Far from it. However, when it comes to the economy, #WeAreDelivering.

THE CHIEF’S DIARY: TODAY, STEADY BONGO ACCOMPLISHED HIS

LIFE’S MISSION.

Tens of thousands of people nationwide have gathered, not to mourn, but to celebrate the life of the legendary Sierra Leonean, the late Lansana Sheriff, Steady Bongo.

As we watched his mortal remains sink into a hole 6 feet deep, laying beside her late mother, it all clicked for me. This was his life’s mission. To bring the entire country together; all tribes, religions, sexes, and ages behind one mission: love, unity, peace, and the celebration of the arts.

Walking beside his children and holding hands with his dancers, I felt his presence ever more present. They assured me they would continue making music and touring. That’s what Steady would have wanted anyway. Today, I am even more committed to propagating the ideals of Radical Inclusion because that’s our guaranteed way of ensuring that everyone can fully participate in and benefit from the work of government, no matter your background, where they come from, how the look or how much money they have.

I met Steady less than a year ago, but it felt like a lifetime. His impact on my life was so profound that I constantly heard his words in my ears. He was a man on a mission, and he ensured it would be completed via every action he took.

Today, I am even more committed to propagating the ideals of Radical Inclusion because that’s our guaranteed way of ensuring that everyone can fully participate in and benefit from the work of government, no matter your background, where they come from, how the look or how much money they have.

Together #WeWillDeliver

THE CHIEF’S DIARY: CHRISTMAS SEASON - JOY TO THE WORLD. 48 HOURS IN KAILAHUN, KENEMA, BO, PUJEHUN

This has been a phenomenonal, even if tiring, holiday season. There is so much joy and love to share among people. All people. At the heart of it all has been the principle of RADICAL INCLUSION. Here’s a snapshot of my last 72 hours.

23rd in Kailahun: we ate, danced and mourned together at Hon Quintin’s home. So much love for our legend Steady Bongo whose death brought together our nation.

24th day in Bo: we walked the streets with youth, visited them, and talked governance. The people want progress and suddenly they also want to be part of that process.

24th night in Kenema: we celebrated Christmas eve with ordinary party members and various leaders of our party and government at Hon Nyuma’s home. National party leaders, constituency champions, judges, ordinary youth, ministers and MPs all eating and dancing as we entered Christmas. Hon Nyuma shows us that we must eat and share with everyone, no barriers.

25th in Pujehun: we went to church, hosted lunch for children at the SLPP Party Office and adults at my home, and played football with the community.

Here are a few take away

1. Infrastructure: Thanks to government, traveling between these locations is easy and safe. It takes 40 minutes from Bo to Kenema, 45 minutes from Bo to Pujehun and about same from Kenema to Daru. Between all our major cities are good quality road Infrastructure.

Our government will continue doing more. In Moyamba and Bonthe, there’s now power in the main cities in addition to Bo, Kenema, Kailahun, Kono that our government added. Pujehun is expected to go live with power by New Years period. #WeAreDelivering

2. Security and Peace: Our security officers are largely disciplined. At every stop I listen to the discussions. The police and military are working well together. Citizens are also very peaceful as we’ve seen. Thousands peacefully and safely are enjoying their holidays. Let’s stay the course and development will accelerate. #WeAreDelivering

3. Progress: Things can always be better but there’s progress. Speaking to people in the markets, on the streets, in the villages and in pubs, they want to see more progress in education, they want to be engaged further on our progressive bills, they want more jobs, and they want to participate in Feed Salone. It’s been incredible to see and hear people feel part of the governance and delivery process. #WeAreDeliveringW

4. Radical Inclusion is everywhere: There’s no part in these places I’ve been where people don’t tell me about Radical Inclusion. They understand it, they own it and are championing it. And yes, executive and major members of APC joined in these activities. In Kenema, Kailahun, Bo, Pujehun, Radical Inclusion Movement is in every community as people work together to bring more justice to society.

This is why I believe that together #WeWillDeliver.

I continue to wish every Sierra Leonean lots of love, joy and peace. Let’s share the love and the joy.

THE CHIEF’S DIARY:

THE SLPP IS THE MOST INCLUSIVE PARTY EVER, AND WE ARE MAKING IT EVEN MORE INCLUSIVE

Earlier today, my wife Kate Krontiris joined me in Unity Hall at the SLPP Headquarter for a National Executive Council meeting of the great Sierra Leone People’s Party. At the end of a lovely and warm NEC meeting, she and I made a donation to the SLPP to make it more inclusive.

Unity Hall is a beautiful meeting room overlooking the ocean on one end and the mountains on the other side. The challenge, however, is that it sits on the 4th floor, which limits elders and people with disabilities from accessing it and participating in discussions and decisions that shape our future.

As a family, disability issues and inclusion are dear to us. One of our daughters is a founding member of the Freetown Sign Club, which teaches students and teachers sign language. To make the SLPP more inclusive, we committed to the construction of a 10-person elevator to be installed asap. We want our elders, our sick, our people with disabilities and everyone to fully experience the beauty of what we mean when we say “One Country, One People.” This too for us is what we mean when we say RADICAL INCLUSION - we take actions that get us to a more just society.

Together #WeWillDeliver