African Peer Review Mechanism is making progress

Interview with Amos Sawyer

UPDATED: Wednesday, February 8, 2012 01:58 AM

In 2003 the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), the continental development plan, initiated the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM). Since then 30 countries have joined the voluntary arrangement. How well has this process been working, and what lies ahead? A member of the APRM's Panel of Eminent Persons, Amos Sawyer — who was Liberia's interim president in 1990–94 and currently chairs that country's Governance Commission — spoke with Africa Renewal's managing editor, Ernest Harsch.

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Sierra Leone opposition leader: Ruling party trying to stir violence ahead of November poll

FREETOWN, Sierra Leone — The top opposition presidential candidate is accusing Sierra Leone's ruling party of provoking violence ahead of November polls.

Retired Brig. Gen. Julius Maada Bio alleged late Monday that the government wants to use the violence to call a state of emergency and extend the president's tenure.

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Combating HIV infections among African women

Schoolgirl Nomasonto Masango giggles as she lists the things she and her friends want boyfriends to buy them. "If you have an older boyfriend, he can buy you things and it is nice to show your friends that you have things," says Nomasonto. The most prized items are cell phones, jewelry and fashionable clothes.

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THIS IS JUST A THOUGHT FOR THE DAY; RICH MUSLIMS Countries need to be more generous toward THE NEEDY

Muslim Religion is designed to be most peaceful and sacred. The perception behind this is Rich Muslim should be able to help poor suffering Muslims when they are in need. Why Nations like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, or the Arab League, aren't using their wealth to help Muslims, when they are in need? Most of our Fellow Muslim countries turn towards the West when times are hard. Does this have to do with the types of governments than the people in general? Most Muslim dictators do not care much to help others as long as they remain in power.

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Families feeling bite of back-to school costs

FAMILIES in the City of Stirling are feeling the brunt of back-to-school expenses with many saying there is not enough information readily available on how the State Government can help alleviate their financial woes.

Two Balga families have called for the WA Education Department to work with Centrelink and local educational services to make parents more aware of the assistance options available to them.

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Saving lives in Sierra Leone

Dr Alison Weightman, Cardiff University link partner, with midwife Emeline Kalokoh at the educational workshop

Dr Alison Weightman, from the University's Information Services Directorate, works with colleagues at the University of Sierra Leone on projects covered within the Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutions, including a DeIPHE (Development Partnerships in Higher Education) funded community health project as well as strengthening library and IT links.

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Top UN official to leave Sierra Leone; opposition expresses concern ahead of November polls

Sierra Leone — Political parties in Sierra Leone say a top U.N. representative to the nation is leaving as polls approach later this year.

Michael von der Schulenburg is scheduled to leave Monday.

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A GUIDE TO SIERRA LEONE during the Golden Years 1970 - 1984

1979 Freetown

Welcome to Sierra Leone!
We hope that the information below will help make your stay in Sierra Leone a bit more enjoyable, whether you are just passing through, or are here as a Volunteer. PRICES, etc. ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME, BUT INFORMATION HERE CAN BE USED AS A REASONABLE GUIDE. If you have suggestions or comments to add, please let us know. Unless specifically otherwise stated, all prices are quoted in Sierra Leonean Currency.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Sierra Leone lies between Liberia and Guinea in West Africa. The land generally
rises from the low-laying coastal areas to mountainous plateau areas along the
inland borders.

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