The Latest Breaking News from Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone’s President Bio leading in provisional vote results

Bio, 59, is seeking a second term and is seen as the frontrunner in the race for the Sierra Leone presidency.

Al Jazeera · Jun 26, 2023

Clashes at opposition headquarters overshadow Sierra Leone elections

Voters in Sierra Leone are waiting for the results of a general election that was overshadowed by violence at the opposition headquarters.

Radio France Internationale · Jun 26, 2023

Police fire tear gas at Sierra Leone opposition after vote

One person was severely wounded after police surrounded the APC headquarters during a post-election news conference.

Al Jazeera · Jun 26, 2023

African leaders in Sierra Leone played a key role in ending the transatlantic slave trade

Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone on the west African coast, was named for the freed slaves who were returned to Africa by British members of the movement to end slavery. Founded in 1787 by a group of 400 black Britons from London, the colony ultimately became a refuge for…

The Conversation · Jun 20, 2023

Sierra Leone gears up for presidential election amid economic crisis, looming protests

Sierra Leoneans are heading to the polls on Saturday, June 24, to select their next president amid mounting frustration due to an ailing economy, rising unemployment and the loom of deadly protests

The Independent UK · Jun 18, 2023

How do the Sierra Leonean elections work? A basic guide

Sierra Leone elects a new president and government this June. Here’s what you need to know about the election.

Al Jazeera · Jun 13, 2023

Five nations elected to U.N. Security Council, but Belarus denied

The United Nations General Assembly elected Algeria, Guyana, Sierra Leone, Slovenia and South Korea to the U.N. Security Council on Tuesday for two-year terms starting on Jan. 1, 2024, while Belarus - allied with Russia in its invasion of Ukraine - was denied a spot.

Reuters · Jun 6, 2023

Familiar faces, concerns linger ahead of Sierra Leone’s June vote

Ahead of the June 24 poll, a rematch of the 2018 vote, identity issues and economic stagnation are also on the ballot.

Al Jazeera · Jun 1, 2023

‘Great loss to the nation’: Storm fells Sierra Leone’s historic freedom symbol, the Cotton Tree

A giant tree that towered over Sierra Leone's capital for centuries and symbolised freedom has crashed down during a heavy rainstorm.

The New Daily · May 25, 2023

Centuries-old cotton tree, a national symbol for decades, felled by storm in Sierra Leone

Sierra Leon's President Julius Maada Bio says heavy rains felled the centuries-old Cotton Tree that has stood as the country's national symbol for decades

The Independent UK · May 25, 2023