Environmental officials warn that the widespread practice of charcoal production is leading to deforestation and the loss of economic trees, impacting climate and food.
The charcoal trade, a primary livelihood for many in Sierra Leone, is accelerating deforestation and environmental degradation, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. The practice involves cutting down trees, including fruit-bearing ones like mango and orange, leaving land exposed and hindering regrowth. This contributes to habitat loss and biodiversity decline, while also exacerbating climate change effects.
Director of Natural Resource Governance at the EPA, Paul Lamin, acknowledged the limited alternative energy options for the population, noting that only 15% of households have access to clean cooking. He stated that the burning of wood for charcoal releases significant greenhouse gases, contributing to air pollution and harming human health. Traditional wood energy, including charcoal, is estimated to emit 2.4 GT of carbon dioxide equivalent annually.
Experts warn that the increasing demand for charcoal, coupled with unsustainable production methods, will worsen climate change. This, in turn, can reduce future wood-energy supplies by impacting forest health. The widespread reliance on charcoal for cooking, particularly in Freetown and other urban centers, highlights a critical energy access gap in the country.
Why it mattersFarmers are affected as the cutting of economic trees for charcoal production threatens food security and leaves land vulnerable to climate change impacts.
Read in ASJ →The constitutionally powerful office has historically served as a political cul-de-sac, with no vice president ever elected to the presidency.
The office of Vice President in Sierra Leone, though constitutionally powerful, has consistently failed to serve as a pathway to the presidency. Analysis suggests that vice presidents are often appointed for political balancing, regional appeasement, or to neutralize rivals, rather than to cultivate future leadership. This practice has resulted in most vice presidents lacking a clear succession plan or an independent political base, hindering their presidential ambitions.
Historical examples illustrate this pattern. Sorie Ibrahim Koroma and Francis Minah, under Siaka Stevens, were influential but not groomed for succession, with Minah facing peril. Solomon Ekuma Berewa, despite being well-prepared and involved in governance, lost the 2007 election, demonstrating that competence alone was insufficient. Victor Bockarie Foh's tenure was brief and politically constrained, and Samuel Sam-Sumana's experience highlights how estrangement from the president can lead to political isolation.
The current vice president faces a similar historical trajectory, where the office's structure and political realities have historically prevented its occupants from ascending to the presidency. The recurring debate questions whether the vice presidency is a curse or a blessing, with evidence suggesting it often acts as a political liability rather than an incubator for presidential success.
Why it mattersThe vice presidency in Sierra Leone is a political cul-de-sac, affecting the career trajectory of individuals holding the office and preventing them from reaching the presidency.
Read in ASJ →A coalition of civil society groups called for the finance minister's dismissal, but the ministry argues global shocks, not local mismanagement, caused hardship.
A coalition of civil society groups, the "CSOs Consortium on Public Accountability," has called for the immediate dismissal of Sierra Leone’s Minister of Finance, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura. The ministry, however, contends that this call is flawed, confusing economic hardship with mismanagement and populist frustration with policy failure. It argues that global shocks, including COVID-19 disruptions, the Russia-Ukraine war's impact on food and fuel prices, and aggressive global monetary tightening, have significantly affected the economy.
The ministry points to data from the Bank of Sierra Leone and IMF Country Reports, which indicate that inflation peaked due to these global shocks but has since declined through coordinated fiscal and monetary tightening. The IMF reports also explicitly note improved fiscal discipline and reduced central bank financing have helped moderate inflationary pressures. Given that Sierra Leone imports over 70 percent of its consumption basket, the ministry asserts that inflation can only be managed, not eliminated.
Regarding debt, the ministry states that while Sierra Leone remains at high risk of debt distress, the debt is predominantly concessional, commercial borrowing has been restrained, and debt management reforms have improved transparency. It highlights the absence of Eurobond exposure or hidden debt, attributing the country's ability to avoid default and maintain IMF program engagement to disciplined macro-fiscal management under Minister Bangura.
Why it mattersInvestors are affected by the government's claims of disciplined macro-fiscal management and restrained commercial borrowing, which suggest stability and a commitment to managing debt sustainably.
Read in ASJ →Sierra Leone's First Lady is undertaking a nationwide tour using state resources, raising concerns about political campaigning ahead of the 2028 elections.
The First Lady of Sierra Leone is conducting a nationwide tour that critics allege is a state-funded political campaign, utilizing government vehicles, security personnel, public funds, and state media. This tour is seen by some as a "full-scale institutional hijack" of the ruling party, the SLPP, with resources belonging to citizens being used to promote her potential 2028 presidential ambition.
While other potential aspirants and ministers are reportedly prohibited from early campaigning, the First Lady's activities are presented as unrestricted, raising questions about double standards and the misuse of public office. The tour's extravagance, including a large entourage and branded materials, is occurring while citizens face economic hardship, inflation, and unemployment.
The alleged political maneuvering extends to the party hierarchy, with reports of loyalists being installed in key positions. The SLPP Chairman's role in directing delegates is described as "monarchical decree," further fueling perceptions that the party is operating as a family enterprise rather than a democratic institution.
Why it mattersSierra Leoneans are affected by the alleged misuse of public funds and resources for political ambition while they face economic hardship and unemployment.
Read in ASJ →Artisanal miners in Kono recount sexual violence and lack of recourse after reporting incidents to mine authorities.
Women in Sierra Leone's Kono district are enduring rape and sexual harassment while seeking income in abandoned mines, a practice that became common after the civil war. Janet, 32, recounted being raped at 15 while scavenging for diamonds in Jaiama Nimikor, an experience that led to an unplanned pregnancy and community stigma. She now sends limited support to the child raised by a relative, funded by her continued mining work.
Haja, 48, a widow and mother of three, also shared her experience of being raped by a man in her village while working in the mines. She fled her community due to shame, leaving her children behind, and reported the incident to the camp master. The camp master dismissed her claim, suggesting the perpetrator might have been her boyfriend, leaving her with no support or justice.
These women turned to mining as a primary source of income after the civil war and the death of spouses, often scavenging in already depleted pits. The lack of formal employment opportunities forces them into dangerous environments where they face exploitation. Despite reporting incidents, victims often find no accountability from mine authorities or community leaders, exacerbating their trauma and economic hardship.
Why it mattersWomen miners in Kono are affected by rape and harassment, which impacts their safety and economic stability.
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