Journalist and Human Right Activist in hot waters

Austin Thomas, a prominent Senior Journalist and activist, finds himself embroiled in a storm of controversy and danger as the Sierra Leone government accuses him of involvement in the recent failed coup attempt on November 26, 2023. This shocking accusation has undoubtedly shaken the foundations of not only the press, but also the political landscape in Sierra Leone. The government has gone as far as to issue a bounty of Le50 million for any individual providing information leading to his arrest, indicating the seriousness with which they view his alleged role in the coup attempt.

Austin Thomas has long been a vocal and ardent advocate for press freedom, social justice, and democratic governance in Sierra Leone. His commitment to these causes has made him a thorn in the side of the government, which has sought to stifle dissent and maintain a tight grip on power. As a Senior Journalist, his investigative reports and critical commentary have often put him at odds with the authorities. However, the recent allegations of his involvement in the failed coup attempt have taken the antagonism between Thomas and the government to a new and dangerous level.

The accusations leveled against Austin Thomas are weighty indeed. According to government sources, he is alleged to have played a role as an informant and one of the sponsors of the ill-fated coup. These allegations have not only tarnished his reputation but have also put his life in grave danger. Understandably, in the face of such serious charges, Thomas has chosen to go into hiding, avoiding the inevitable persecution and potential danger that awaits him should he return to Sierra Leone.

The government’s decision to place a bounty on his head speaks volumes about their determination to apprehend him. The Le50 million reward serves as a testament to the gravity of the situation and the lengths to which the government is willing to go to bring him to justice. However, with the allegations against Thomas and the government’s actions in mind, the reasons for his decision to stay away from Sierra Leone become abundantly clear.

Austin Thomas may have valid reasons to fear for his safety and well-being. Given the gravity of the allegations and the apparent lack of due process, returning to Sierra Leone under the current circumstances poses an imminent risk to his life and freedom. The government’s eagerness to apprehend him, coupled with the potentially biased legal system, creates a dangerous environment that is far from conducive to a fair trial.

Furthermore, Thomas’s status as an outspoken critic and activist puts him at odds with a government that has shown little tolerance for dissent. The crackdown on press freedom and the targeting of activists in Sierra Leone has created a climate of fear and repression, where those who dare to speak out against the government risk facing severe repercussions. With these factors in mind, it is understandable why Thomas would rightfully fear returning to a country where his fundamental rights may be jeopardized.

It is crucial to note that these allegations against Austin Thomas remain just that – allegations. It is imperative that any accusations of wrongdoing be subjected to a transparent and fair legal process, one that upholds the principles of justice and due process. Until such a framework is in place, Thomas’s decision to remain in hiding is a prudent one, considering the potential risks he faces should he return to Sierra Leone.

The situation surrounding Austin Thomas serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by journalists and activists in environments where press freedom and dissent are under threat. It also highlights the need for an independent and impartial legal system that upholds the rule of law and protects the rights of individuals, regardless of their affiliations or viewpoints.

Austin Thomas’s current predicament underscores the urgent need for a fair and just resolution to the allegations against him. The government of Sierra Leone must ensure that any legal proceedings are conducted in a transparent and impartial manner, respecting the principles of justice and human rights. Until such conditions are met, the grave risks facing Austin Thomas should he return to Sierra Leone raise serious concerns about his safety and well-being. It is incumbent upon the government to address these concerns and work towards a resolution that upholds the principles of justice and the rule of law.

ORANGE-SL DONATES FOOD ITEMS TO THE PAUL SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND

Orange SL on Thursday 23rd November 2023 donated food items comprising of rice, cooking oil, onions, tomatoes, mayonnaise, and Maggie to staff and pupils of Paul School for the Blind at their Baiama Road campus in Bo Southern Sierra Leone.

Speaking at the event, the Area Business Manager South-Augustus Bendu in his opening statement described the event as an all-important one seeing that management heeded the cry for help from the staff and pupils of this noble institution. He said despite the school’s situation, the leadership has not relented in securing support from outsiders and Orange being a listening company has heard and responded accordingly. This he said has once again demonstrated the company’s benevolence in extending its support to the physically challenged in society regardless of where they are located.

The Head Teacher- Mr Mohamed S Conteh said the items received can never be timelier than now as the kids are out of food supplies. He expressed appreciation to the leadership of Orange for such a gesture. He said as a school they have a list of needs ranging from learning materials, desktop computers, brails, and even mobility to take the kids to and from school.

In his keynote address, the deputy commercial Director of B2B @⁨Bollor Orange⁩ said kindness is a language the deaf can hear and the blind can see. He said he’s very proud of the stakeholders’ relationship between the leadership of Bo and the Paul School for the Blind. 

As a business, donation of such nature falls under the company’s CSR pillars which is held in high esteem.

He said as a business, Orange SL continues to reinforce its position to not only provide telecommunications services but to care for marginalized people in our society. 

He furthered that Orange is building and refurbishing schools, providing support to the medical sector as well as empowering women and youths in the society to acquire digital skills training, entrepreneurs, and many more.

Other speakers commended Orange for such magnanimity and hope they continue such kindness.

The event was climaxed by an appreciation song done by the kids of the school showering praises for the Leadership of Orange and the General Secretary.

Hisham Mackie in the spotlight again: Over $13.5 Million TELTAC Deal to be investigated

By Abu Bakarr Kargbo

Hisham Mackie… guilty?

Several efforts to get his own side of the story have proven futile. But by all indications, Lebanese Business Tycon, Hisham Mackie is once again in the spotlight as there have been several public calls to mount a thorough investigation on his alleged involvement in ripping off the nation.

A report from the World Bank has indicated that Teltac Africa Ltd owes the government and people of Sierra Leone $13,578,934.99.

The report exposed the huge financial gaps in the gateway contract between the government of Sierra Leone represented by SIERRATEL and TELTAC, a telecoms service provider.

It would be recalled that TELTAC, owned by Hisham Mackie, got the contract for the control of the country’s international gateway, which regulates the traffic into and out of the country in terms of calls and other telecom services.

The Report highlighted the difference between what the service regulator TELTAC claimed to have paid to the government of Sierra Leone as proceeds from the international gateway, and what SIERRATEL claimed to have received. According to the Report, TELTAC paid $71,957,755.14 to SIERRATEL for the period June 2007 to June 2016. But SIERRATEL’s records indicate TELTAC paid $58,378,820.15 for the period June 2007 to June 2016, leaving a difference of $13,578,934.99.