Executive Newspaper

Parliament & NGOs Hold Dialogue for Strategic Collaboration
The Parliament of Sierra Leone, in observance of International NGO Week, on Tuesday 24th February 2026 hosted a high-level dialogue session with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) at the State Hall of Parliament.
The dialogue was held under the theme: “Bridging the Gap: Deepened Collaboration Between NGOs and the Parliament of Sierra Leone.”
The primary objective of the session was to establish a formal, structured, and continuous collaborative approach between Parliament and the NGO community. Discussions were focused on creating an enabling environment for NGOs, addressing legal and bureaucratic challenges, improving transparency through the Open Information Initiative, and institutionalizing NGO contributions to legislative processes beyond ad-hoc consultations. The engagement also aimed to enhance accessibility between NGOs and parliamentary leadership.
In her welcome address, the Director-General of Parliament, Madam Finda Fraser, underscored the importance of NGO Week as a milestone in strengthening partnerships. She reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to collaboration, research, and national development, noting that the doors of Parliament remain open to meaningful partnerships.
Delivering the declaration of purpose, the Hon. Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, commended Parliament for organizing the open dialogue session. He referenced previous engagements with NGOs, including discussions on human capital development, health, and education. He described the session as a continuation of earlier consultations aimed at mobilizing resources and fostering national development. The Vice President also spoke on the need for sustained collaboration for the general good of the country.

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IMF Disburses $79.8 Million

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded a review mission on the progress of the IMF Extended Credit Facility Program in the country on Thursday, 26th February 2026, at the Ministry of Finance Conference Hall, George Street, Freetown.


This meeting attracted IMF Staff, Senior Government Officials from the Ministry of Finance, the Bank of Sierra Leone, the National Revenue Authority, and other government stakeholders.
The Mission Chief for Sierra Leone Christian Saborowski stated the focus of the mission is to assess progress on the structural benchmarks, implementation of Memorandum of Economic and Financial Policies (MEFP) Commitments, follow up actions on Governance and Corruption Diagnostics (GCD), Public Financial Management(PFM) Reforms including improvements in expenditure controls and budget transparency, domestic revenue mobilization with measures to broaden the tax base and enhance compliance, Public debt management, and steps to strengthen debt recording etc.
The Minister of Finance, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, thanked the Fund for the continuous support in strengthening the country’s economy, as he highlighted the progress in reducing inflationary pressure through prudent monetary policy coordination with the Bank of Sierra Leone, and strengthening governance and transparency in public financial management.
He added that the government is also following up on Governance and Corruption Diagnostics (GCD) report recommendations, with progress in enhancing asset declaration and publication compliance frameworks, and improving legal and institutional frameworks to promote accountability and reduce fiscal risks.
Mr Bangura reaffirmed commitment to meeting the remaining benchmarks in sustaining macroeconomic stability and continued technical support and policy coordination to maintain reform progress.
The Financial Secretary, Matthew Dingie, commended the team from the IMF and urged all sectors of governance to work together to implement the programme’s reforms.
The mission findings will inform the preparation of the formal review report for the spring meeting slated for April this year.
The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed the first and second reviews of Sierra Leone’s arrangement under the Extended Credit Facility Programme and the immediate disbursement of $79.8 million in December 2025.

Sierra Leone Marks 17th Armed Forces Day Celebration
Sierra Leone ON 18th February 2026, commemorated its 17th Armed Forces Day, marking another year of honouring the men and women of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) for their service, sacrifice and commitment to national peace and security.


Observed annually on February 18, Armed Forces Day has become a significant date on the country’s national calendar. The celebration pays tribute to the gallantry of soldiers who defended the nation during its darkest days and those who continue to safeguard the country’s territorial integrity and democratic order.
Armed Forces Day was instituted following the end of Sierra Leone’s brutal civil war in 2002. The date, February 18, commemorates the formal declaration of the end of the war, which lasted from 1991 to 2002. After years of conflict that claimed thousands of lives and displaced many more, the establishment of Armed Forces Day was seen as a symbolic step toward reconciliation, stability and national rebuilding.
Since its inception, the day has been marked with military parades, wreath-laying ceremonies, interdenominational thanksgiving services and public displays showcasing the professionalism and discipline of the armed forces.
The 2026 observance therefore marks the 17th celebration of Armed Forces Day since it was officially instituted.
Armed Forces Day serves several important purposes:
To honour fallen heroes who paid the ultimate price during the civil war and in subsequent peacekeeping missions.
To recognise the transformation of the military into a professional and democratically accountable institution.
To strengthen civil-military relations by fostering public appreciation and trust in the armed forces.
To celebrate peace and national unity, reminding citizens of the progress made since the end of the conflict.
In recent years, Sierra Leone’s armed forces have also gained recognition for participating in international peacekeeping missions, contributing to global peace efforts while enhancing the country’s image abroad.
As Sierra Leone celebrates its 17th Armed Forces Day, the occasion stands not only as a remembrance of the past but also as a reaffirmation of the country’s commitment to peace, stability and national development.
The day remains a solemn yet proud reminder that from the ashes of war, a renewed and professional armed force emerged—dedicated to protecting the Republic and its people.