OCHA Situation Report
Sierra Leone
June 2003
17 July 2003


Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)

SECURITY HIGHLIGHTS

According to UNAMSIL, the security situation across the country remained
calm and stable during the reporting period. However, due to the fluid
Liberia security situation and the recent arrests by the special court,
security has been tightened up both within and along the border areas.

Sierra Leone - Liberia border situation

The Special Court indictment of President Charles Taylor of Liberia and
the resumed hostilities in that country have been an issue of concern
affecting the country particularly the eastern border area. The following
resulted due to the recent events in Liberia:

a) AFL soldiers surrender - Another 136 AFL soldiers crossed the border
and surrender to the security forces in Sierra Leone mid this month.  Of
these 136 surrendering combatants, 40 were identified as child combatants
(under 18 years) and delivered to UNHCR who registered them, and conducted
a protection interview. They were relocated by UNHCR and SC-UK to Dauda
waystation in Kenema to begin family tracing, while IMC carried out
pre-departure medical screening.

As the internment facility at Mapeh reached its capacity, a joint
assessment mission by NaCSA, SLP, WFP, ICRC and National Security Council
identified an alternative sight at Mafanta, a former prison in Magburaka.
The site needs extensive renovation however, once fully repaired will have
a capacity for up to 600 interns. The 95 adult combatants were relocated
on 17 June to Magburaka, where they were provided with bedding,
toiletries, basic utensils and temporarily housed under the custody of the
police in a school campus until initial repairs at Mafanta have been
completed.

UNHCR provided plastic sheeting to support the facility and WFP agreed to
provide an initial three-month food ration to the internees.  UNAMSIL and
ICRC also pledged support to the new facility, as further donor support is
sought. Residents of Magburaka were however not pleased with the
encampment of these fighters in their mist. At a meeting summoned on 18
June by key stakeholders including UNAMSIL Civil Affairs and OCHA, it was
resolved that the community be sensitised to accept the situation on a
temporary basis until they are moved to Mafanta.

b) Refugees in Kailahun - UNHCR reported that about 2,500 refugees arrived
in Kailahun this month. This includes the 40 child ex-combatants who were
initially received by RSLAF-IMATT.  The refugees have crossed the border
through Saama, Sandia and Baidu border points in Kissi Teng Chiefdom in
Kailahun District. Refugees are first taken to Kailahun waystation and
transited in Dauda waystation and eventually relocated to Tobanda Camp.
Illegal trade in foodstuff and looted items are reported along the border
villages.

c) Pujehun border situation - A prior report that 1-2,000 refugees and
returnees were heading towards the border in Pujehun was not
substantiated. No new arrivals were reported during the month.

UN Secretary General call for sustained peace in West Africa

Secretary-General Kofi Annan warned that sustained peace in Sierra Leone
is "inconceivable" without peace in neighbouring States. In Mr. Annan's
18th report to the Security Council on UNAMSIL, he highlighted the
prevailing progress made in downsizing UNAMSIL, tangible progress in the
disarmament of ex-fighters and resettlement of the displaced but, that the
conflict in Liberia and that of Ivory Coast, command significant security
concerns for the sub-region. He concluded that a gradual withdrawal of
UNAMSIL from Sierra Leone by the end of 2004 would be desirable, except if
the security situation in Liberia deteriorates to a level that would
require a prolonged presence of the UN Mission to protect the Government
and the territorial integrity of the country.

Two police stations commissioned in Makeni

President Kabba commissioned two police stations in Makeni and Kamakwei,
at a ceremony held at the Rogbaneh police station in Makeni. The
Vice-President also represented the President in commissioning a third
police station in the North in Yele. The Department for International
Development (DFID) funded the construction of the police stations aimed at
strengthening law and order, internal security and good governance through
out the country.

New Police Inspector General Mr. Brima Acha Kamara takes office

Sierra Leonean police officer Mr. Brima Acha Kamara took over the reins of
the Sierra Leone Police on 1 June.  He pledged to stabilise the force and
to address problems of corruption, low police morale, and the lack of
public confidence in the police force.

Unamsil power display

In line with the adjustment and withdrawal plan of UNAMSIL, an exercise
code-named Diamond Ring was carried out in Pujehun and Bonthe mid June,
with the aim of ensuring that UNAMSIL remains a robust and coherent force
with the capacity to deal with any threat. The Ghanaian battalion 7
(UNAMSIL Force Reserve), the RSLAF and SLP participated in this exercise
during which, tactical drills, such as Cordon and Search of suspected arms
caches, vehicle drills, deterrence patrolling and coordination with M124
gunship were practiced.

Ex-Combatants seeking registration in the east

UNAMSIL reported an increase in the numbers of ex-combatants seeking to
register for NCDDR training before the Eastern Regions deadline of 30 June
2003.

DONOR

European Union provides £220 million aid to Sierra Leone

The European Union (EU) announced on Thursday 19 June, their intention to
provide €220 million ($258 million) in assistance to Sierra Leone over the
next five years. The money will be used to help rebuild the country after
a decade of civil war, and to implement the government's poverty reduction
strategy. It is meant to contribute to the establishment an efficient link
between out-phasing relief action, ongoing rehabilitation programmes and
long-term development objectives.

Humanitarian

Joint Humanitarian Review Mission to West Africa

A Joint sub-regional Humanitarian review mission led by OCHA and UNHCR,
comprising of UNHCR, WFP, UNICEF, UNDP, OCHA, IOM, Save the Children,
Oxfam and donor representatives from the US, UK, Sweden, France and ECHO
visited Guinea, Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone from the 22 June to 2 July.
The aim of the mission was to examine cross cutting themes in all
countries in the region in order to develop a more robust sub-regional
strategy to strengthen humanitarian response in the sub-region.

The mission was in Sierra Leone on Sunday 29 June to Tuesday 2 July and
held meetings with the various donor partners and government key
stakeholders including the Vice President. The team also visited the
Liberian soldiers internment camp in Mapeh and a way station for returnees
in Port Loko, as well as refugee camps in Bo and Kailahun districts to get
first hand information of the humanitarian situation in the camps,
security situations with the UNAMSIL and general development issues. The
mission is to write their finding in July and hold a follow up regional
meeting in Dakar on 17 and 18 July.

National Recovery Committee (NRC) meeting held in Kabala, Koinadugu
district

On 10 June, the VP chaired the 6th NRC meeting in Kabala, Koinadugu
district, which was attended by representatives from ministries, donors as
well as NGOs and focused on the district's priorities. In response to
their recommendations for action (see their excellent report), DRC members
were informed that the local market would be rehabilitated by NaCSA; that
the EU would fund the rehabilitation of the road from Kabala to Koidu;
that DFID would look into the possibility of having a transmission centre
in the district; and that USAID would assist in the area of water.
Finally, the Government stressed that it would take particular measures to
ensure that education is available free of charge for girl-children and
that teachers are trained.

US Ambassador inaugurates community development initiatives in Koinadugu

U.S. Ambassador Peter Chaveas led a U.S. Embassy delegation to Sierra
Leone's northern Koinadugu District to inaugurate community development
initiatives in three villages. The projects included a new school and a
well for Kamadugu Sokuralla, a well and health post in Kondeya, and a well
and a market square in Yataya. Funding was provided by USAID, and the
projects overseen by the Christian Children's Fund (CCF). The distinct
aspects of these projects were the high level of community involvement and
input of labour and local materials.

UN ends embargo on sale of rough diamonds of Sierra Leone

The United Nations Security Council ended an embargo on the sale of rough
Sierra Leonean diamonds when the ban expired on Friday 6 June 2003. The
embargo on Sierra Leonean "conflict diamonds" was first imposed in July
2000 to cut off a source of funding for the country's RUF rebels. An
exception to the global ban was made for diamonds that were exported
through official channels accompanied by a Certificate of Origin stating
that the gems came from legitimate source. Security Council members now
believe that the system is capable of functioning without the threat of
punitive measures and that the situation no longer merited sanctions.

Conclusions of the 4R review mission

The UN Agencies and a donor team that embarked on a 4R (Repatriation,
Reintegration, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction) mission last month
recognised the good work of the UN Country Team to date and demonstrated
commitment to further UN Country Team support in Sierra Leone. The mission
concluded that although progress has been made on bridging "the gap" and
signs are encouraging within the country, much remains to be done; that
the conflict in Sierra Leone was a complicated one, and the recovery
process is equally challenging; that only through the integrated and
concerted efforts of stakeholders - the UN community, NGO partners,
Government and communities themselves - can peace and stability reign and
bear fruit; that the UN Country Team and partners would continue efforts
to analyse, design and raise funds and implement fitting response to the
needs that lie ahead.

The Western Area Urban and Rural District Recovery Committees (DRCs)

These are now functioning, as they have been lagging behind all the other
districts in the provinces. OCHA and UNAMSI Civil Affairs have been
instrumental in getting line ministries on board. The Vice-President
launched the Urban DRC on Thursday 26 June. District Recovery monitoring
forms are already out and collection of data are in progress.

Sierra Leone Red Cross Society hosts partnership meeting in Freetown

The Sierra Leone Red Cross Society (SLRCS) held a three day partnership
meeting on 20 to 22 May at Lakka Beach in Freetown. The purpose of the
meeting was to discuss and agree on development support to the society's
Strategic Plan 2004-2006.

The Secretary General SLRCS Mr. Arthur Cummings, head of delegation ICRC
Mr Christian Brunner, Head of Delegation IFRC Ms Jacquelyn Wright and Ms
Sarah Muscroft Senior Humanitarian Affairs Officer UNOCHA, gave a
contextual overview of Sierra Leone. The overview entailed political,
socio economic and the humanitarian challenges facing the nation's
transition from emergency relief to development. A thorough review of the
strategic plan included the recruitment, management and retention of
volunteer staff, problem analysis, objectives, strategies, achievements of
programmes, and commitment by partners to fund programmes.

The meeting attracted partners from the Swedish, British, Netherlands,
German, Danish and Spanish Red Cross Societies.

Koinadugu district gains Red Cross Branch status

Koinadugu district in the northern province of Sierra Leone has been
granted a Red Cross Branch status by the national President of the Sierra
Leone Red Cross Society, Dr. M A S Jalloh. Speaking at the opening
ceremony Dr Jalloh reminded the new office that the Red Cross and Red
Crescent movement is a worldwide family that works towards alleviating
human suffering and restoring respect for the human being. He further
advised them to work towards diversifying fundraising activities and put
the National Society in a good stead to act as auxiliary to government but
at the same time maintaining its autonomy in carrying out its humanitarian
activities in accordance with the society's principles.

The launching of the Koinadugu office in Kabala district sums the number
of branch offices in the country to eleven. Pujehun and Kailahun districts
are those without branch offices as yet.

SLRCS attends workshop on disaster management in Ghana

The SLRCS participated in a ten day Special Relief and Management training
workshop held in Ghana on 31 May to 10 June. The workshop was jointly
organised by the Disaster Management and Coordination Division of the
Federation Geneva Secretariat, the Regional Delegation for West Africa and
the Ghana Red Cross Society. The workshop was to train experienced and
skilled disaster managers from West African National Societies who can be
deployed at short notice on regional disaster response missions.

POLITICAL

Security Council heads for West African in search of peace in the
sub-region

Members of the United Nations Security Council arrived in Guinea Bissau on
Friday 27 June, starting their special mission to six countries in the
conflict-plagued West African sub-region. The aim of the mission was to
search for new opportunities for progress towards peace and stability in
West Africa. The mission had been postponed after having been slated to
head to the area in mid-May. The council mission visited Nigeria, Ghana,
Cote d'Ivoire, Guinea, Guinea Bissau and Sierra Leone. During the course
of their one day visit to Freetown, Dr. M. Diallo, the Acting Humanitarian
Coordinator made the UN Country team's presentation to the mission members
on the present state of affairs in the country. In addition to the
Government, the Security Council mission met with UNAMSIL, the diplomatic
corps, representatives of civil society and NGOs, the Special Court and
the TRC. They will present their report to the full Council on 10 July
2003

President Kabba tours on going construction work of the Special Court

President Kabba toured the 11.5-acre site of the Special Court on Tuesday
24 June. During his tour, he commended the staff for the enormous progress
that has been made in the construction work, noting the significance of
the institution to enhance peace and to be a legacy to the country. The
administrative buildings are already occupied by Court staff while the
Court complex facilities are hoped to be completed by the end of the year.

Second session of Sierra Leone's second parliament opened

President Kabbah officially opened the Second Session of Sierra Leone's
Second Parliament Friday 20 June.

In his speech he complimented the steady progress of peace, democracy,
stability and economic growth in the country. He pledged his government's
intent to institute measures to address problems in areas that had failed
to perform and also highlighted the following plans for the country:

a) The civil service, which the president noted had been plagued by
political intrusion, a lack of resources and a decade of conflict, will be
restructured to develop a professional, independent and well-paid public
sector.

b) The mining sector -The President also pointed to problems in Sierra
Leone's mining sector, where he said "the age-old problem of smuggling,
exploitation, cheating and chaos in the diamond mining areas have not been
brought under full control". He therefore announced tighter government
controls on diamond mining in the country, henceforth. He said the
government would rigorously enforce existing diamond mining and trading
legislation and would invite an internationally acclaimed diamond mining
company to determine and recommend the conditions that must be implemented
in order to bring maximum revenue to Sierra Leone.

c) Education -.President Kabbah also touched on the need to improve on the
schools noting that government will henceforth seek to match the level of
funding for school reconstruction and rehabilitation with funding for
recruitment, training and improving the conditions of service for
teachers. He expressed particular concern over the relative lack of
educational opportunities for the nation's girls and disclosed governments
intention to award scholarships to all girls who make a success at the
primary NPSE examinations in the north and east of the country, as these
regions currently experience the lowest educational rates for girls at
this level.

d) Bumbuna Hydro Project - The President informed the gathering that
funding and modalities for the completion of the Bumbuna (hydro) project
are now in place and that the contractors have assured the government of
its completion next year.

e) Agriculture - The president also stated that his government had reached
an agreement with the Chinese government to rehabilitate and upgrade the
National Workshop at Cline Town for the manufacturing and production of
essential spare parts and machinery for agriculture and industry. He added
that 1,200 hectares of inland valley swamp in the Western Area and Seven
districts have been rehabilitated. "Government has this year supplied
tractors to agricultural stations through out the country for use by local
farmers" he said.

Cabinet held in Makeni

In continuation of their "meet the people stride", the government held its
second cabinet meeting in Makeni town, Bombali district, northern province
on the 11 June. The President and his cabinet ministers held meetings with
the Paramount chiefs and development stakeholders of the north at the
Makeni town hall, during which each minister enumerated on achievement and
future plans for the region. The Vice President also used this opportunity
to open the rehabilitated Mathora Girls School and the Boys High School of
Makeni.

Former President for the Organisation for Petroleum Exporting Countries
(OPEC) Dr. Rilwanu Lukman, may be adviser on petroleum matters in Sierra
Leone

The Nigeria special adviser and one time president of OPEC, Dr. Rilwanu
Lukman has been earmarked to serve as adviser on petroleum matters in
Sierra Leone. On request by President Kabba of Sierra Leone, President
Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria promised this offer as part of a technical
assistance this country would receive from Nigeria.  Sierra Leone is for
the first time, on the process of exploring oil reserves recently
discovered in the country. The bid results are yet to be out since three
bidders submitted bids to the Vice President last month for offshore
exploration.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission held thematic hearings in Freetown
focusing on children and youths and their rights abused during the war.
Official hearings were also held in Kenema, Bo, Pujehun and Kono. In Kono
a mass grave of over 1000 people was identified in Tombodu village and, in
Pujehun a mass grave of about 35 people also identified in Shan Malign.
Next hearing is to commence in Bonthe and Tonkolili districts 7 to 11
July.

SPECIAL COURT of Sierra Leone

Special Court indicts two former militia leaders

The UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone on Thursday 26 June indicted
two former leaders of the disbanded pro-government militia movement
(kamajor) for crimes against humanity committed during the country's
10-year civil war. The indictees, Allieu Kondewa, the Chief Initiator of
the Civil Defence Force (CDF), and Moinina Fofanah, the CDF's Director of
war, were both detained on 27 June.

President Charles Taylor's account frozen following indictment by Sierra
Leone's Special Court

At the request of Sierra Leone's U.N.-backed war crimes tribunal,
Switzerland's Justice Minister announced Monday 22 June the freezing of
any bank accounts determined to belong to Liberian President Charles
Taylor or his close associates. Accounts belonging to Taylor, his
relatives, and members of his government were blocked and the court also
asked the Swiss authorities to turn over relevant bank records. The
Special court takes the above measure after the Chief Prosecutor announced
on Wednesday 4 June, the indictment of Liberian President Charles Taylor
for war crimes and crimes against humanity. The Chief Prosecutor, David
Crane called for the Liberian leader to be arrested in Accra where he was
attending ECOWAS-sponsored peace talks with representatives of LURD rebels
seeking to overthrow his government. Crane said the indictment of Taylor
was judicially approved on March 7, but that it had remained sealed until
then. However the Ghanian authorities failed to arrest Taylor who swiftly
dashed back to Liberia.

Reported death of Former Junta Leader and Special Courts's Indictee Johnny
Paul Koroma yet to be confirmed

The Special Court is currently investigating the reported death of Mr.
Johnny Paul Koroma. Chief investigator Alan White of the United
Nations-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone reported on Monday 16 June,
that he has credible information that the Sierra Leone's former military
leader, Johnny Paul Koroma, was killed two weeks ago in Lofa County in
neighbouring Liberia. Sierra Leone News, an Internet publication
maintained that Koroma was executed on the order of the Liberian President
in late May, by two of his loyalists - Ziza Maza, a follower of Taylor
Security Chief General Benjamin Yeaten and Roland Doe. There has been no
independent confirmation of these reports.

Foday Sankoh rejected for hospitalisation

Special Court officials' reported that Sierra Leone's former rebel leader
Foday Sankoh, who is in urgent need of medical treatment outside of Sierra
Leone, could not be accepted for hospitalisation by any country in the
sub-region. The United Nations Security Council also refuses to lift the
travelling band imposed on him.  Sierra Leone's Special Court indicted
Foday Sankoh earlier this year for war crimes and crimes against humanity
allegedly committed by his rebel group during the country's civil war.
According to the Special Court's medical officer, Dr. Donald Harding,
Sankoh is in a catatonic state, and is incapable of walking, talking or
feeding himself and his condition is growing worse everyday. He needs
special medication facilities worth $600,000, not available in Sierra
Leone. The court's Registrar and its Chief of Defence, together with
Sankoh's younger brother and his Senegalese-born wife, appealed to the
international community to accept him on humanitarian grounds.

US Government called on to honour $10 million pledge for Special Court

Four leading members of the U.S. House International Relations Committee
called on the Bush administration Friday 13 June to release an additional
$10 million pledged for the Special Court for Sierra Leone. They also
suggested that the court could be facing an additional security threat in
the wake of its announcement of the indictment of Liberian President
Charles Taylor.

SUBREGIONAL

LIBERIA

President Taylor asked to step down

Monrovia, the capital city of Liberia is now calm after three weeks of
battle between the LURD rebels and the Government forces of Liberia in the
city, despite the on going peace talks and the cease fire agreement signed
in Akosombo, Ghana on Tuesday 17June. The ceasefire never took effect as
fighting continued until the rebels crossed the St. Paul's bridge to the
strategic port of the city. They claim to have withdrawn to the suburbs of
the city purely on humanitarian grounds to give the peace process a
chance.

The US president Bush urged President Taylor to step down in the interest
of his people while France, Britain, ECOWAS and Taylor himself called on
the US to take a lead in restoring peace in Liberia. The UN secretary
General has urged the Security Council to dispatch a multinational
intervention force.

The ECOWAS delegates have been in Ghana since 4 June to broker a peace
agreement between the government and the two rebel groups, MODEL and LURD.
The peace talks stumbled on the very first day when the Special Court of
Sierra Leone announced the indictment of President Charles Taylor who
hastily abandoned the peace talks and returned home, to escape a possible
arrest by the Ghanian Government. Before his departure he promised to step
down and not contest the next elections in the interest of peace in his
country and the sub-region but he reneged immediately he returned home. He
called for dismissal of his indictment, made threatening remarks of war on
Sierra Leone, emphasised his intention to hold office until January 2004
and, to run for the next Presidential election. President Taylor's
pronouncements plunged the whole peace process in to a dilemma and a
second attack on the city during the month.

Deplorable humanitarian situation in Monrovia

The humanitarian situation continues to worsen in the capital city.
Foreign nationals and international staffs were evacuated in the second
week of June. The refugee camps of VOA and Banjor around the capital city
were overrun while UNHCR raised concern for about 15,000 Sierra Leonean
refugees that resided in that country before the latest upsurge. Those in
camps around the city converged to the stadium and high school on Newport
Street at the start of the fight. They were gradually returning to the
camps after the signing of the ceasefire when the second fighting ensued
putting them at a high risk.

Safe drinking water had already been a problem and there were reports of
cholera, diarrhoea and measles outbreak among the refugees in the national
stadium and high school. About 700 people were reportedly killed with
thousands of casualties in the past three weeks of fighting. The ICRC
however received 12 tonnes of medications late June to help treat victims
in the city hospital. Amidst massive looting of warehouses, and vehicles,
UNHCR distributed food to hundreds of refugees who sought refuge in the
agency compound.

UNHCR plans sea evacuation for Sierra Leoneans in Liberia

UNHCR is making preparations to evacuate Sierra Leonean and other refugees
trapped in the Liberian capital, Monrovia. Plans are on in the Sierra
Leonean capital, Freetown, to send a ship to Monrovia to evacuate over
1,000 refugees who fled to the UNHCR compound, UN and embassy premises in
the Liberian capital in the wake of the rebel onslaught. The refugees are
among an estimated more than 15,000 Sierra Leoneans who were previously
assisted by UNHCR in refugee camps around Monrovia. UNHCR intends to
evacuate as many Sierra Leone citizens as possible depending on improved
security situation in the city.

SECTORAL

AGRICULTURE

FAO AND WFP assessment of the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) for Sierra
Leone

The two UN agencies assessment of the MDG reveal that food insecurity
remains a threat in rural areas of Sierra Leone due to low production, low
income, poor transportation and marketing systems. Poverty remains
persistent. The poor are deprived and unemployed. They also state that
Sierra Leone lacks information to monitor progress on MDG targets; that
capacity to monitor indicators are non existent or inadequate; and that
national resources to address the goals are limited or lacking. These
challenges they recommend should be priorities to ensure food security and
achievement of the MDG in the country.

WFP and UNHCR on Joint Food Assessment Mission (JFAM)

The WFP country office and UNHCR hosted the Joint Food Assessment Mission
(JFAM) from the 12 - 16 June.  The delegation consisted of UNHCR, WFP,
USAID, EC, Swiss DC and Government of Sierra Leone representatives.  
Field visits were made to Kailahun and Bo, and to refugee camps at
Bandajuma and Tobanda that involved OCHA regional staff and other related
organisations. The wrap-up meeting was held in Dakar on 19 June 2003.

EDUCATION

Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) work at CREP Centres

The NRC reported a decrease in attendance of school children at the CREP
Centres in Kailahun. They held two radio discussion programmes on the
importance of education especially for girls. They also distributed
plastic sandals to all the CREP Centres in Kailahun and Kambia and
repaired centres previously destroyed by storms. They intend to hold a
training workshop for the teachers to improve their standards in
Mathematics and English in early July.

The NRC also conducted monthly in-service training workshops in Kono,
Kailahun and Kambia. These focused on preparation of end of year tests for
the CREPS pupils, compilation of report cards and prevention of teenage
pregnancies. The co-ordinator for the Distance Education Programme gave a
short briefing and a brief evaluation session on the previous distance
education training at the workshop in Kono.

NRC on CEIP activities

Fifty-eight packages were distributed to both Phase I & II beneficiaries
and 81 pupils and 63 teachers were interviewed during assessment of the
impact of CEIP assistance in the Kailahun schools. Parents and guardians
were sensitized on the need to monitor the study habits of children at
home. A community sensitization meeting was held at Lunsar, Marampa
Chiefdom on 20 June. Issues discussed included empowering Child Welfare
Committees, reintegration activities in the community, referral points and
the activities of CEIP.

NRC Youth Pack Project

Teaching in the academic and vocational skills training in all four
centres of Kukuna, Kasirie, Rokupr and Mambolo are rapidly progressing.
Tools for vocational training have been distributed to the trainees.

Day of the African Child celebrated

Sierra Leone joined other African states to commemorate the Day of the
African Child, 16 June, marked to recall the day innocent black children
were killed in South African while on a peaceful demonstration demanding
their right to quality education, good food and safe drinking water.

The celebration spearheaded by the Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender and
Children's Affairs (MSWGCA) and UNICEF held a feeding program for over
1000 children in the Victoria Park on Saturday 14 June. They also had
radio programmes for children promoting the theme of this year's
celebration, "Popularising the African charter on the Rights and welfare
of the child" for which Sierra Leone focused on the right to be registered
at birth.

Plan Sierra Leone in collaboration with UNICEF and partners launched a
campaign calling for all African families to register their children after
birth. Free registration centres were established and radio programmes
encouraged parents to go register their children. Similar activities were
also organised at district levels.

Also, the MSWGCA took this opportunity to officially open the trauma
healing and skills training centre for children at Gloucester Street in
Freetown. The centre is established to train street and disadvantaged
children to enable them become useful citizens. The centre was funded by
Government through the National Commission for War Affected Children
(NACWAC) and would be run by the local organisation of the Catholic
Mission, the Children Associated with the War (CAW).

FOOD AID

WFP conducts emergency school feeding programme

WFP conducted emergency School Feeding Baseline Survey for 2003 from 16 -
21 June 2003 in Port Loko sub-office operational areas.  The objective of
this exercise was to provide baseline data for School Feeding Programmes
(SFP) to be implemented by WFP starting September 2003.

WFP gives food aid to road workers in Port Loko

A sensitization of communities along the stretch of roads to be jointly
repaired by WFP/UNOPs/SLRA was accomplished in Port Loko.  A total of
208.8 MT of assorted food items were pre-positioned for 2,756 participants
engaged in rice cultivation at Marampa chiefdom.

WFP FOOD AID NATIONWIDE

During June, WFP supported an approximate total of 345,417 with 3,400 MT
of food. Vulnerable group feeding (VGF) programmes (refugees,
resettlement, returnees and TFC/SFP institutions) supported approximately
40,000 beneficiaries with 1,139 MT of food. The Emergency School Feeding
(ESF) Programme supported 234,000 school children with 814 MT of food.
Food for training supported 12,800 beneficiaries with 75,165 MT of food.  
Safety net institutional feeding provided 46 MT of food to 3,012
beneficiaries.

WFP also started preparations for the supply of the two-month ration to
those Sierra Leoneans who repatriated in April 2003. The majority of the
13,000 people returned to the WFP operational areas in Kailahun district.

HEALTH

New Medicine Sans Frontiers, France (MSF) health facility for Liberian
refugees in Sierra Leone

MSF opened a new health centre for about 40,000 Liberian refugees living
in eastern Sierra Leone. The centre already in use includes male, female
and paediatric wards, a pharmacy, an isolation ward and a laboratory. A
therapeutic feeding centre to treat acutely malnourished children is still
under construction to be completed within the next six weeks.

REFUGEE

NRC ends operations in Jembe camp

NRC ended its management of the Jembe Refugee Camp at the end of June,
handing over the management of the camp to a Sierra Leonean NGO-
Arch-Diocese Development Office (ADDO). NRC has undertaken training of the
ADDO management team and supported them in the transition phase. ADDO will
also be receiving technical back stopping from CRS. Meanwhile the
reconstruction and renovation of houses in Extension II to alleviate
congestion in the camp proper is progressing steadily. Effective measures
were taken to improve the structures lateral stability, rigidity and
resistance to rain and wind damage. Nearly all construction materials were
transported to the camp and distributed to the intended beneficiaries.

The emergency housing reconstruction project is nearing completion. More
than half of the housing reconstruction was completed - 621 houses needed
complete reconstruction in addition to 100 houses needing reroofing.

UNHCR celebrates World Refugee Day

The UNHCR Sierra Leone joined the international world on 20 June to
commemorate the World Refugee Day. This day is marked by the United
Nations to mobilise and focus the world's attention to refugee issues in
the universe. The theme of this year's celebration was "Refugee Youths -
Building the Future", and was commemorated by a march pass of youths, HCR
and other UN agencies, government and partner NGOs. The march pass lead by
the UNAMSIL and school bands started from You-you building to Victoria
Park where various speakers addressed the youths on building a better
future. Prior to this UNHCR had organised a series of radio discussion
programs, and local musical performances in the camps. They were also to
have a live Internet connection with some schools in Switzerland and UNHCR
Headquarters in the Largo camp on the World Refugee Day.

UNHCR Camp verification exercise

The phase 3 of the verification exercise was completed in Bandajuma,
Gondama and Largo camps.  In Jembe camp, the 3rd Phase of the Census,
which started on 2 June is still continuing. The remaining four camps will
follow. The UN refugee agency and the government of Sierra Leone started
this large-scale registration exercise that will eventually enable
refugees in the country to receive identity cards and enjoy better
protection and assistance. The exercise involves also urban refugees in
Freetown, Kenema and Bo districts. The census, which is gathering
information on the number and bio-data of refugees in the country, will
help UNHCR to plan programmes more effectively to ensure better protection
and assistance to people of concern to the agency. A drop in 10% of total
refugee population is speculated.

Returnee/Displaced Repatriation/Resettlement

UNHCR conducts campaign for vulnerable repatriation in Ghana

UNHCR held a week-long campaign in Ghana aimed at encouraging Sierra
Leonean refugees to return home.

UNHCR Returnee repatriation from Guinea

This month, 1,158 Sierra Leone returnees from the Republic of Guinea have
been repatriated and resettled. UNHCR in Sierra Leone has informed
colleagues in Guinea that it would not be advisable to continue
repatriation of SL refugees from Guinea beyond 15 July 2003 due to
deterioration of the roads in SL during the rainy season. UNHCR Guinea
plans to repatriate 2,000 out of the 17,235 Sierra Leoneans currently
registered as refugees in Guinea before 15 July.  A decision is yet to be
taken on when to begin repatriation again if the operation is temporarily
halted on 15 July.

The Amputee and War Wounded

Camps of the amputee and war wounded are still operating since the
Norwegian Refugee Council is yet to resettle the remaining 70 families.
However plans for internal consolidation of the camps are in progress. NRC
hopes to resettle 35 families by the end of June and the rest will be
resettled after the rains. It is hoped that by December 2003 all Camps
would be closed.

Clay Factory

The Clay Factory settlement has been a concern for a while now as
occupants of this place have been threatened with eviction. Government
after resettling these people in 1998 do not recognize this settlement,
though most returned. UNAMSIL, OCHA, NaCSA, Sierra Leone Police and Sierra
Leone Roads Authority are discussing how to tackle the problem as this
settlement has evolved around displacement of these people during the war.
The issue of concern is that approximately 7,500 people occupying the
factory are demanding IDP benefits before leaving the factory. The Factory
has been identified for a project of which SLRA is the implementing
agency.

IDPs still residing at the National Workshop in Freetown

Even though resettlement of IDPs (except Amputees and War Wounded) has
officially closed, the National Workshop still has some former IDPs who
claim to be homeless and therefore cannot move from the workshop. Staffs
of OCHA and NaCSA too are addressing this issue. The two agencies intend
to bring onboard line ministries such as Social Welfare and Housing. This
is because in principle, the government and not Humanitarian agencies
should deal with homelessness.

HIV/AIDS

National policy guidelines for HIV/AIDS programmes

International and local consultants have completed the development of a
national policy guideline for HIV programme implementation. This is to be
circulated by National AIDS Secretariat to AIDS project implementing
partners.

Training in HIV/AIDS counselling to be offered at the Milton Margai
College of Education (MMCE)

The MMCE and UNFPA are collaborating on the introduction of a diploma
course in HIV/AIDS counselling in the college.

CARE on condom social marketing

Care continues with its condom social marketing in Freetown, distributing
the condoms to local vendors to sell at three sachets for two hundred
leones. Sales have been encouraging though vendors attempt to over price
then.  A poster called "Protector Plus" advertising as well as showing the
cost of the condom is pasted at all vendor points.

HUMAN RIGHTS

University of Sierra Leone offers courses in Peace and conflict studies

The University of Sierra Leone in partnership with the University of
Bradford (UB) in the UK have developed curriculum and introduced Peace
Studies in theniversity of Sierra Leone. Arrangement and advertisements
have been prepared for the commencement of full time courses at Fourah Bay
College in a one-year middle level diploma in Peace Building and conflict
studies, and a three-month course for community workers in the same field.
The objective of the programme is to improve intellectual and practical
competence of people and organisations engaged in peace and conflict
resolution in the country and elsewhere.

Roads

WFP and partners launch Feeder road construction in Kailahun and Kambia
districts

The WFP Daru sub office in partnership with Sierra Leone Roads Authority,
NaCSA, UNDP, a local NGO called CAST and village work crews launched the
Feeder Roads Projects in Malema and Njaluahun chiefdoms in Kailahun
district.  Working committees were formulated, tools and equipment were
verified and the various partners reaffirmed their commitment to the
projects. Similarly the same project commenced in Kambia district too.

Shelter

NRC amputee/war wounded housing programme

Eleven amputees/war-wounded and their families were on June 12 resettled
in Fadugu and Kabala in the Koinadugu district by NRC. In the Bombali
district, the constructions of 8 houses in Masongbo town were completed
and the resettlement of beneficiaries and their dependants into the new
houses took place on 26 June. The construction of 6 houses in Motema and 5
in Bumpeh both in the Nimikoro chiefdom and 6 in Koeyor in the Gbense
chiefdom in the Kono district are ongoing. Resettlement of beneficiaries
to Motema, Bumpeh and Koeyor is planned to take place during the last week
of July or early August when the construction of 17 houses is scheduled
for completion.

CRS construction works

The Catholic Relief Services (CRS) continues with their housing
reconstruction activities in Koinadugu in the target communities of Fadugu
Kafogo Kondembaia Lengekoro Mongo Bendugu with over 90% of all houses
completely roofed.  In Kanikay the rehabiliation of the MCH post is almost
complete.  In Sengbe, Foredugu, Rogbere and Makiteh the construction of
the market is in progress.  In Kailahun housing reconstruction activities
are nearing completion, with 85% of the targeted houses already roofed,
and 55% of these occupied.  The MCH post construction at Niahun Buyama,
Bombohun, Jokibu and Siama is also nearing completion.

In Kenema phase III of camp construction in Largo is nearing completion,
with 75% of the targeted 1,505 shelters already occupied.  And in the
transitional housing project at Grafton construction activities are in
progress, with 27 houses already roofed.

SGBV

UNDP gives funds for SGBV sensitisation

Through the Resident Coordinator funds, UNDP released $ 5,000 to WFP for
SGBV sensitization activities in the refugee camps.

OCHA holds workshop on sexual exploitation prevention

UNOCHA held two Centralized Sexual Exploitation Prevention workshops in
Freetown.  A total of 35 individuals from 18 different organizations,
including two donor and one Government Ministry were involved.

Procedural working group

UNOCHA coordinated the production of the draft of Human Right Manual II
and distributed to the wider humanitarian body, including all I/NGOs, UN
Agencies, Donors and Line Ministries.

Community Working Group

The UNICEF-supported consultants from Canada finalized DRAFT II of the
violence against women and children manuals, incorporating a clearer
reflection of the realities of Sierra Leone.  A new TOR was created
reflecting current accomplishments and planned activities.  This group
will be working on the guidelines for the flow of information for an
allegation of violence against women and children.

UNOCHA on gender assessment in camps

UNOCHA conducted a gender equality assessment in the camp management teams
in five refugee camps. Findings revealed 35% female staffing in the camp
management team in the five camps. Although there has been some
improvement over the last year, there remains a definite lack of gender
equity in camp management staffing.  One of the concerns for ensuring that
Sexual Exploitation and Abuse is curtailed, was that an all male or mostly
male camp management team would not be the most advisable to respond to
Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) cases.  It was advised that camp
management agencies employ more women to strengthen the SEA follow up.

REGIONAL

SOUTHERN REGION

Security

The region remains calm and quiet. Air reconnaissance by UNAMSIL military
gunboats continue as well as patrols by RSLAF, IMATT, PAKBAT, MILOBS and
the SLP in the border area with Liberia. Securities at Bonthe Island
continue to stay red alert. A new Nepalese battalion has been deployed in
Bonthe. The new contingent of Bangladeshi military Peacekeepers - BANBAT
11 arrived in Bo to take over security and peacekeeping operations from
BANBAT 7 who departure on 13 June 2003.

Political

Election of section chiefs in Kakua Chiefdom in Bo

The election of Section Chiefs for Kakua Chiefdom was conducted on 20 June
2003 at the Local Administrative Court Number 2 in Bo Town.

Humanitarian

Training of DRC members in the south

OCHA facilitated the training of respective DRC's members in the southern
region on the National Recovery Strategy Monitoring System 2nd Data
Collection Exercise 5 - 20 June 2003. The objective was experience sharing
on the filling of the forms, to clarify grey areas, develop work plans
before the teams set out for the data collection exercise, and the
retrieval and delivering of collected data to Sierra Leone Information
System for data pack production.

Training of Moyamba DRC members

OCHA in collaboration with CARE-SL facilitated the training of DRC members
in Moyamba on data collection for the preparation of the DRC report for
the consideration of the joint session of the NRC/DRC meeting slated for
12 August 2003. The committees have made it a priority to meet, sensitize
and establish Chiefdom Recovery Committees in all fourteen and eleven
chiefdoms in Moyamba and Bonthe districts respectively.

Shelter assistance to Bumpe Town, Gallinas Perri Chiefdom

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in addition to relief items donated to the
victims of the fire disaster announced that they would provide 121 shelter
units through the use of NaCSA funds. Modalities are being worked out to
release the funds.

Inter Agency Forum (IAF)

At the IAF meeting, concern was raised over the poor attendance of
agencies at this meeting. Defaulters were to be reminded over the radio
station to cooperate.

Agencies Consultative Meetings

At this meeting WATSAN, Lassa fever, replacement of plastic sheeting, camp
verification, agriculture support and the pending rape cases in the
Magistrate Court were highlighted.

New NGO - Right To Play - established in Bo camps

This new humanitarian NGO is committed to improve the lives of the most
disadvantaged children and their communities through sport for
development. To mark the Day Of The African Child (16 June) Save The
Children in collaboration with Camp Management and Right To Play organized
programmes for the children in the Jimmy Bagbo camp. They also
collaborated to observe the World Refugee Day in this camp.

Host Community projects.

In a bid to encourage and harmonize the relationship between host
communities and the refugees, UNHCR and NaCSA organised the design of a
compensation package for the communities to benefit from the assistance
given to refugees. Host communities were encouraged to identify a project
of their choice and establish Project Management Committees to oversee the
implementation of the project. The approach employed is the direct
community financing.

Food Aid

WFP

WFP provided school feeding programme for some schools in Bo,
supplementary feeding for five camps in the region, food for training for
17 institutions in Bo, five orphanage homes and 273 amputees including
dependants in the region. They also commenced construction of warehouses
in Tiaima, Bandajuma, Tobanda, Gondama and Jimmi Bagbo.

MSF-Belgium

 MSF-Belgium continues to provide supplementary feeding assistance to
malnourished children and lactating mothers in Bandjuma camp.

Food and housing committee to include more women in Jimmy Bagbo camp

Refugee Executive and UNHCR held a pre-distribution meeting in Jimmy Bagbo
camp, where it was agreed to dissolve the current food and housing
committee and re-elect another with more female representation.

Camp management

IRC distributes books

IRC has completed the distribution of books in Jimmy Bagbo camp. The
incentives for teachers will be taken over by Peace Winds Japan in July.

School reconstruction in Taiama camp

The reconstruction of 5 school structures is on going with 2 nearing
completion. A total of 1,611 pupils are now attending school.  About 180
school benches need to be provided soonest. The construction of NaCSA and
UNHCR offices has also commenced.

Save The Children Fund assist foster parents

In Bandajuma camp, Save The Children Fund issued a consignment of
materials and other items to three groups of foster parents as start off
assistance to undertake income generation activities in the form of petty
trading to augment their income base.

Nurses call off strike at Jimmy Bagbo

The striking Nurses at Jimmi Bagbo called off their strike action whilst
discussions on the incentive payment continue. Meanwhile, the staff
quarter under construction is progressing.

Lassa fever control in Jimmy Bagbo

As a measure to control Lassa fever outbreak in Jimmy Bagbo camp, the CHO
has requested the construction of a temporary shelter at the centre for
the isolation of discharged Lassa patients. The recommended period is
three months. However, normal referral and discharge cases continue to
dwindle down.

Housing construction in Taiama Camp

The demarcation and allocation of plots followed by purchase and
distribution of local materials is on going. Total of 279 plots have been
allocated to 279 families with a caseload of 1,203. Out of the plots
allocated, 207 super structures have been constructed with 118 completed
and occupied.

Fire disaster at Jimmy Bagbo camp

There was fire disaster in Phase IV during which booth 168 of community 8
was completely burnt and booth 167 and 169 slightly affected. The victims
were supplied with local materials to reconstruct their booths.

SGBV workshops in Bandaguma camp

Conciliation Resources and MSF-Belgium conducted various workshops on SGBV
and enhancement of women and men in decision making in Bandajuma Camp. The
SGBV component of MSF-B also conducted a-two-day workshop for 20
participants drawn from the refugees and the host community.

Network Movement for Justice and Development on SGBV

Network Movement for Justice and Development held bi-lateral discussions
with Jimmy Bagbo Camp Management to throw light on their operations in the
camp. In collaboration with the community, focus groups have been
established for the identification and control of gender-based violence
within those communities.

WATSAN

 In Bandajuma camp, the 20,000 litres of water bladder that was destroyed
by a refugee was replaced with a 10,000 litres bladder. Fifteen community
latrines have also been covered with bamboo thatch in the same camp.

In Jimmy Bagbo camp, 26 hand dug wells now in use have improved the
availability of safe drinking water. Fifty-two single drop hole family
latrines constructed by MSF have been formally handed over to Peace Winds
Japan.

In Taiama camp 13 out of 20 hand dug well are now functioning, 188
functioning showers and 57 latrines provided by MSF-France.

EASTERN REGION

Security

The period under review was generally calm. Border patrols by security
agencies on the Sierra Leone-Liberia border intensified after the
indictment of Charles Taylor by the Special Court in Freetown.

RSLAF located two platoons in Buedu to act as a Rapid Reaction Force (RRF)
should security on the border deteriorate. A recent police post has been
made operational in Koindu. One Moiwo, an aide to late Sam Bockarie was
arrested by SLP. Police HQ in Freetown later ordered that Moiwo be located
and sent to Freetown immediately.

Nimiyama chiefdom declared arms free

SLP in collaboration with UNDP on the 17 June, declared Nimiyama chiefdom
in Kono district arms free. The chiefdom was awarded a certificate and
twenty thousand US dollar cheque at Jiama Sewafa after completing the
community small arms collection exercise.

Ex-combatants receive driving licences in Kono

Under the NCDDR programme 55 ex-combatants who under went a two months
training as drivers received their licenses on the 7 June in a
well-attended occasion held in Kono.

Village chief abducted by AFL in Kailahun

On 4 June, the AFL entered Fangamandu, a border village, opened fire and
abducted the town chief. It is alleged that the chief was involved in
cross-border trade with the AFL and failed at some point to meet his part
of the arrangement. The chief was taken to Monrovia and negotiations are
going on between AFL and SLP for his release.

Crime rate increase in Kailahun

There is a sudden increase in crime in the district and this is most
noticeable in Daru. Rape and sexual violence is frequently reported and
ex-combatants are the main culprits for this crime.

Unexploded bomb located in Segbwema

Pakbatt V located one unexploded bomb in Segbwema, which was disposed off
in collaboration with RSLAF Bomb Experts.

Political

District and town council elections campaign in Kono

The residents of Kono have started to openly campaign for the district and
town council positions despite speculations that this election may not
take place until next year.

Lack of a magistrate court in kailahun

There is no resident magistrate in the district and court sessions are
presided over in Kenema. The district also lacks prisons. Prison Officers
have the challenge of keeping criminals. Suspects for serious crimes are
transferred to Kenema while minor cases are released on bail. It is
fitting to have a resident magistrate court and detention cells in
Kailahun district.

 Humanitarian

NaCSA on community sensitisation in Kailahun

NaCSA held sensitisation activities in six chiefdoms on its new approach
of Direct Community Financing. The strategy on direct financing is a way
forward to ensure sustainability of development interventions. This
approach will help communities to better prioritise their development
challenges and gain ownership of their self- identified and implemented
projects.

District Recovery Committee (DRC)

DRC met thrice this month in Kailahun to discuss the second data
collection exercise aimed at monitoring progress on NRS benchmarks. The
final meeting saw the revision and conclusion of data collected to be
submitted to OCHA and UNAMSIL Civil Affairs for onward transmission to
Freetown.

In Kono, OCHA in collaboration with UNAMSIL Civil Affairs facilitated a
DRC training session on Friday 6 June. The objective of the training was
to explain to line ministries the technical areas in the district database
collection forms.  The 19 June was scheduled for a final review of the
completed forms.

Child protection

Failure to follow up on rape cases in Kailahun

At the child protection meeting it was noted that the police do not follow
up on cases of rape and domestic violence to the point of prosecution.
Most times, cases are settled within the family and offenders set free
with no feedback to child protection agencies. It was suggested that SLP
be represented on the Child Protection Committee, as this will help to
ensure follow up on future cases.

Abducted children still held in Kailahun

It was also observed at this meeting that children abducted during the war
are still with ex commanders in certain villages in Kailahun. Fifteen
girls in this category have been identified and documented in Baiwalla and
arrangements are being made to reunite them with their parents.

Camp Management

The Kailahun Waystation has been expanded and now has total of 36
shelters, which accommodate 1,000 people in anticipation of refugee
movement into Kailahun district.

Camp schools

The need for more schools in the district is paramount as a large
proportion of children of school going age are not in school. The three
Kissi chiefdoms are more affected. The education office has been completed
but could not be used as officials are awaiting furniture.

Health

The Ministry of Health and Sanitation represented by the DMO facilitated
the launching of the District HIV/AIDS Committee chaired by the Chiefdom
Speaker. The committee among other functions is responsible for
harmonising HIV/AIDS education and mobilising resources for HIV/AIDS
intervention.

MSF -Belguim to pull out of hospital management in Kono

In order to avert pending demonstration and conflict, the senior district
officer, OCHA, and NaCSA held meeting with the civil society group to
educate them on the rationale for the departure of MSF-Belgium from the
hospital in Koidu. The community is not happy that MSF-Belgium is leaving
because this organisation has been rendering free medical services to
them. The community is concerned that they would not afford the high
medical cost that may be levied by the government officials. A phasing out
strategy providing a three-months free medical has been planned by
MSF-Belgium.

WATSAN

Unavailable hand pump heads

The brands of pump recommended by the Ministry of Energy and Power
ministry Inkar and PB Mark II are expensive and not easily available in
country. The NGOs have therefore been permitted to temporarily use the
available pumps while the issue is to be discussed with authorities in
Freetown.

Lack of safe drinking water and toilets at entry points in Kailahun

Most refugee entry points in Kailahun lack safe drinking water and toilet
facilities. These need to be urgently addressed as an influx of refugees
may pose a health problem.

Human rights

Human rights training in Kono

The Human Right Office in Koidu town, Kono district conducted a two-day
seminal for Human Right Monitors.  The training particularly targeted
schoolteachers with the theme, "strengthening a culture of human right and
peace in schools and educational institutions".

NORTHERN REGION

Security

Security in the region was calm with a reduced incidence of armed robbery.

Jail Break at Magburaka Prison

Twelve inmates in the Magburaka Prison mysteriously escaped early in the
morning on Wednesday 18 June. Residents blame the escape on the poor
security facilities at the prison.

NCDDR scales down

The National Commission for Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration
(NCDDR) has embarked on a drastic scaling down process as their mandate
ends coming December. All district level offices would be closed down and
staff made redundant.  Only regional offices would remain operational with
a skeletal staff size.

Political

Cabinet Sitting in the Regional Capital Makeni

 At the cabinet session held in Makeni on 11 June, major issues
deliberations on included prioritisation of the region for development,
and provision of more agricultural inputs in order to boost food
production in the region.

Humanitarian

NaCSA on community sensitisation

The National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA) embarked on community
sensitisation in the entire north to share the new programme dispensation
of 'direct community financing'. This new approach calls for communities
to initiate and implement sub-projects, and more importantly to manage
projects finances.

District recovery data collection

The data collection exercise has been completed in Koinadugu, Bombali,
Kambia and Port Loko. These would be forwarded to SLIS for processing of
data packs.

District recovery committee

The Bombali District Recovery Committee also successfully drafted a report
and forwarded to the NRC. Preparations are already underway to host the
NRC/DRC on the 8 July in Bombali district.

Food Aid

CARE gives food aid in Tonkolili district

Care injected 422.7 metric tons of food into six chiefdoms in the
Tonkolili district to 4,944 farm families. This includes 60Kg Bulgur
Wheat, 18Kg Lentils, 7.5 Kg Vegetable oil per farm family.

PLAN Sierra Leone gives food aid in Tonkolili district

Plan also supported another six chiefdoms in the same district 4,944
beneficiaries in 18 communities with 296,650 Kg of Bulgur, 89,000 Kg of
Lentils and 37,065 Kg of Vegetable Oil.

Education

Teachers College Lecturers' end Strike

The three-month old Teachers Colleges Lecturers strike ended 9 June in the
region. The resumption of academic activities forestalled proposed strike
by Makeni Teachers College students on the same date. Students were
concerned that their final and other examinations would be interrupted by
the strike.

FAWE on sensitisation for Girl-child education in Port Loko

FAWE has embarked on household sensitisation on the values for the
education of girls in the Port Loko Township.

Roads

Kamakwie to Rokulan Road impassable

The bypass road on the riverbed bridge near Rokulan flooded and collapsed.
Passengers going to Kamakwie from Makeni now have to go through Rogbere,
Port Loko, Kambia, Madina Tonko and Tompari Ferry, posing undue hardship
on them.


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