Sierra Digest

Sierra Leone Issues Public Health Alert Over Rising Measles Cases

Sierra Leone’s National Public Health Agency (NPHA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, has issued a nationwide public alert following a growing outbreak of measles affecting several districts across the country.

According to an official press release issued on Wednesday, health authorities confirmed that 41 measles cases were recorded between January and April 2026 across eight districts, with a national test positivity rate of 75 percent.

Western Area Urban, including Freetown, has emerged as the most affected region, accounting for 15 confirmed cases. Health officials noted a sharp increase in April alone, during which nine cases were reported, raising concerns about active community transmission.

The NPHA warned that measles remains a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through the air when infected individuals cough, sneeze, or breathe near others. Authorities stressed that the disease can lead to severe illness and death, particularly among young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.

In response to the outbreak, the Ministry of Health and the NPHA are urging members of the public to seek immediate medical attention if they or their children develop symptoms associated with measles, including high fever, red watery eyes, runny nose, cough, and skin rash.

Health authorities also encouraged parents and guardians to ensure that children receive the two free doses of the measles vaccine available at government health facilities nationwide.

Officials advised families to keep sick children away from schools and crowded public spaces while avoiding self-medication or reliance on traditional remedies that do not treat the disease.

Citizens have additionally been encouraged to report suspected cases to the nearest health facility or through the government’s toll-free emergency line, 117.

As part of the emergency response, the government says field teams are already being deployed to affected communities, particularly in Western Area Urban and other impacted districts, to identify and manage cases.

The NPHA also announced plans to conduct ring vaccination campaigns around confirmed infections in an effort to interrupt further transmission. Authorities say infection prevention and control measures are also being strengthened at healthcare facilities across the country.

Executive Director of the National Public Health Agency, Brig. Gen. Prof. Foday Sahr, assured the public that there is no cause for panic, emphasizing that measles is both preventable and treatable when detected early.

“We urge all communities to cooperate with health authorities and act promptly to protect their families,” the statement said.

The outbreak has renewed attention on vaccination coverage and public health preparedness in Sierra Leone, with health experts warning that declining immunisation rates could increase the risk of further spread if urgent preventive measures are not maintained.

Spain Seizes Record Co***ne Shipment Linked to Vessel From Freetown, Intensifying Pressure on Sierra Leone

By: Foday Kanneh

Sierra Leone has come under growing international scrutiny following the interception of a cargo vessel that departed from Freetown carrying what Spanish authorities believe to be the largest co***ne shipment ever seized in the Atlantic Ocean.

Spain’s elite Guardia Civil unit confirmed that officers uncovered between 35 and 40 tonnes of co***ne aboard a cargo ship intercepted off the coast of Western Sahara. The vessel, a 90-metre ship registered in the Comoros Islands, reportedly left Freetown on April 22 en route to the Mediterranean before being stopped during a coordinated anti-narcotics operation.

The ship was later escorted to Las Palmas in Gran Canaria, where Spanish judicial authorities have taken control of the investigation. Twenty-three crew members were arrested as part of the operation.

The case has further intensified concerns surrounding Sierra Leone’s alleged links to international drug trafficking networks, particularly following reports confirming the presence in the country of Jos Leijdekkers, one of Europe’s most wanted fugitives.

Europol identifies the 34-year-old Dutch national as a central figure in major co***ne trafficking operations across Europe. A court in Rotterdam previously sentenced him in absentia to 24 years in prison after convicting him of orchestrating the shipment of nearly seven tonnes of co***ne and ordering a murder.

The developments have sparked political concern at home. Opposition leader Abdul Kargbo, in an open letter addressed to President Julius Maada Bio, warned that Sierra Leone’s repeated association with international narcotics investigations risks severely damaging the country’s diplomatic reputation, economic prospects, and global image.

Among ordinary citizens, the revelations have triggered frustration and anxiety.

Mariama Turay, a 22-year-old student at Fourah Bay College, said the scandal was tarnishing the image of innocent Sierra Leoneans abroad.

“People overseas are beginning to look at us with suspicion,” she said. “That is not the identity of our country, and the government must take decisive action.”

Rashid Kamara, a youth leader from Shell, Freetown’s East End, expressed similar concerns, arguing that the country was increasingly being exploited as a transit hub for international drug traffickers.

“Our young people are already battling the Kush crisis,” he said. “Now the world is beginning to associate Sierra Leone with global drug trafficking. There must be accountability.”

Security analysts have repeatedly warned about Sierra Leone’s vulnerability to transnational organised crime, pointing to weak coastal surveillance, alleged corruption at Freetown Port, and limited maritime enforcement capacity as major risks exploited by international trafficking syndicates.

The Sierra Leonean government says investigations remain ongoing. As of publication, no Sierra Leonean nationals had been publicly named or arrested in connection with the seizure.

DISCLAIMER: This story was produced as part of an academic practical assignment in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Online Journalism course taught by Tanu Jalloh, Lecturer in Charge. The publication is intended for educational purposes to demonstrate digital reporting, sourcing, and online news writing skills.

Tanu Jalloh

President Bio Highlights Agricultural Push as Feed Salone Campaign Gains Momentum

President Julius Maada Bio has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to transforming Sierra Leone’s agricultural sector, declaring that the country is rapidly scaling up domestic food production through stronger partnerships with private investors and commercial farmers.

Speaking during a visit to P*e Cee Agriculture in Lungi, the President toured large onion fields and described the project as a clear example of how public-private collaboration can help reduce Sierra Leone’s dependence on imported food while creating jobs for local communities.

“I kicked off my day witnessing firsthand how our partnership with the private sector is revolutionizing farming,” President Bio said during remarks captured on-site by Sierra Digest. “We are drastically cutting down onion imports and creating vital jobs for our communities. Feed Salone is scaling up rapidly — and we are eager to team up with more private sector partners to feed Salone.”

The President’s comments come amid ongoing efforts under the government’s “Feed Salone” initiative, a flagship programme aimed at boosting local food production, improving food security, and strengthening agricultural value chains across the country.

For decades, Sierra Leone has relied heavily on imported agricultural products, including onions, rice, and other staple foods — a dependence critics say has exposed the country to rising global food prices and supply chain disruptions.

Government officials argue that expanding commercial farming operations could significantly reduce import costs while opening new employment opportunities for young people in rural communities.

The onion project in Lungi is increasingly being presented by authorities as a model for future agricultural investment, particularly in areas with strong irrigation potential and access to transport infrastructure.

Supporters of the initiative say the visible growth of local farms reflects a broader shift toward self-sufficiency and economic diversification under the Bio administration.

“This is not only about agriculture,” one official close to the project said. “It is about building local industries, empowering farmers, and keeping more money circulating within Sierra Leone’s economy.”

However, some analysts caution that long-term success will depend on sustained investment, access to financing for local farmers, storage facilities, transportation networks, and consistent government support beyond high-profile visits and announcements.

Agriculture remains one of Sierra Leone’s largest sources of employment, yet many farmers continue to face challenges including poor road access, limited mechanisation, climate-related risks, and rising production costs.

Despite those concerns, the government insists the Feed Salone strategy is beginning to deliver measurable results and attract growing private sector interest.

As images from the President’s visit continue circulating online, many Sierra Leoneans are now debating whether the country may finally be on the path toward becoming not just a consumer of imported food, but a competitive agricultural producer within the region.

For supporters of the initiative, the message from Lungi was clear: Sierra Leone intends to feed itself — and perhaps eventually export to others.

Prominent Sierra Leonean musician, model, and vocal advocate for women's rights and political accountability, "Zainab Sheriff," returned to Pademba Road Magistrate Court No. 1 in Freetown today for her fourth court appearance in the ongoing case.

The entertainer, known for her bold activism, including leadership in the "Wi Duti Lapa" movement, faces charges of **incitement** and **threatening language** under the Public Order Act of 1965. These stem from statements she allegedly made at a political rally criticizing election irregularities and calling for accountability.

Despite multiple bail applications—including recent ones supported by women's rights groups like the 50/50 Group and legal advocates such as LAWYERS and ILRAJ—bail has been denied each time, with the court citing the case being at a "crucial stage." Sheriff, who pleaded not guilty, remains remanded in custody at the Female Correctional Facility.

Her continued detention has sparked widespread debate about free speech, the treatment of outspoken women in politics, and whether the charges reflect intolerance for dissent rather than genuine threats to public order. Supporters, including civil society organizations and activists, argue that bail should be the default under Sierra Leone's updated Criminal Procedure Act, and they continue to rally for her release as the proceedings move forward.

The case has drawn attention amid broader discussions on women's empowerment in Sierra Leone, especially with calls highlighting the irony of detaining a prominent advocate for gender equality and democratic participation.

🚨 BREAKING‼️‼️‼️

Urgent alert / Call to awareness

MBSSE bans “school camping” nationwide!

Effective immediately (directive issued March 6, 2026), no more camping on school premises in any government or private school across Sierra Leone.
This is the Ministry's FINAL WARNING to proprietors, principals, heads, and admins.
Why? Nationwide monitoring uncovered serious educator misconduct and extortion harming students' studies and education integrity.

Share if you support better, fairer schools!

Security and peacebuilding priority (focused on challenges and resolve)

In a productive session held this morning, the Government met with Dr. Mamadou Tangara, the African Union Commission's Special Representative for Mali and the Sahel and Head of MISAHEL.
Serving presently as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, the Government reaffirmed its resolute commitment to proactive, constructive engagement in tackling the ongoing security threats confronting the Sahel region.
Such exchanges reinforce collective resolve to advance peacebuilding, counter instability, and safeguard the well-being of communities throughout West Africa and the broader Sahel.

Iran has named Mojtaba Khamenei as the country's new Supreme Leader after his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in U.S.-Israeli strikes. Iran's Assembly of Experts—an 88-member group of senior clerics elected to pick the leader—chose him for the role. This marks a big change during the ongoing conflict. Digest!

The recent hike in fuel prices in Sierra Leone, where petrol and diesel now cost Le32.00 per litre (up from Le28.50), effective March 7, 2026, is hitting everyday people hard. This increase, caused by global issues like tensions in the Middle East and higher import costs, means higher transport fares for okadas, poda-podas, and taxis, which pushes up the price of food, goods, and everything we buy at the market. Many families already struggling with the cost of living now face even more hardship, as small businesses suffer and daily life gets tougher—what do you think about this change, is it fair or should the government do something to help? Let's hear your views!

Breaking News 🚨
Reports indicate that Iran is using large inflatable decoys shaped like tanks, helicopters, and missile launchers to mislead U.S. and Israeli surveillance and military systems.
These inflatable models are designed to look realistic from the air. As a result, drones and reconnaissance aircraft may mistake them for real military equipment. This tactic can cause enemy forces to target the fake equipment instead of the actual weapons and vehicles.
Military analysts say this method is a low-cost but strategic way to protect real assets, confuse surveillance systems, and reduce the risk of damage from airstrikes.

‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️

Just moments before the tragic incident that claimed the lives of the Ayatollah and 40 high-ranking generals, a key individual exited the premises—a mere 10 minutes prior. Iranian forces have now detained him for interrogation, amid growing suspicions that he may have compromised sensitive details about their commander's whereabouts.