It will be recalled that incidents of violence and disorder occurred in Bo city in the southern province on 9th September 2011, Bumbuna in the northern region on 18th April, 2012 and most recently in Wellington in the western area on 5th June, 2012. In all of the above instances, there was loss of life in circumstances that suggest violence or unfair means by persons engaged in culpable or negligent conduct either of the deceased or other persons. (Photo: HE President Ernest Bai Koroma)
It has therefore pleased his Excellency the president to establish a coroner’s inquiry to look into the respective circumstances that led to the death of civilians in Bo, Bumbuna and Wellington on the diverse dates mentioned above, pursuant to the coroner’s act chapter 9 of the laws of Sierra Leone 1960 as amended.
The coroner is empowered to make recommendations as to the culpability of any person or persons or organizations including committal for trial before the high court for any offences that may be disclosed by the inquiry.
The general public is assured that modalities have been put in place for the speedy conclusion of this task. The cooperation of all is hereby solicited and government continues to entreat all concerned to exercise patience.
Othman Sheriff is an experienced Sierra Leonean development professional, peacebuilding practitioner, professional journalist and human rights advocate with over two decades of engagement in community development, youth empowerment, education, humanitarian assistance and international development cooperation. Born and raised in Kenema District, Eastern Sierra Leone, he has dedicated much of his professional career to improving the socioeconomic conditions of vulnerable and marginalised populations, particularly disadvantaged young people, women, children and underserved rural communities.
As the Founder and Programme Director of Youth in Action for Development (YAD), Sheriff has played a leading role in mobilising international development assistance and coordinating community-driven interventions aimed at poverty reduction, sustainable livelihoods, social inclusion and grassroots development. Over the years, he has facilitated the mobilisation and implementation of development projects worth billions of Leones, supported by international development partners, including European development institutions, humanitarian organisations and United Nations agencies.
A committed advocate for free and inclusive Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Sheriff spearheaded the establishment of the Youth Resource Academy (YRA) in 2018, through which he has championed access to practical, employment-oriented education for underprivileged youth, particularly young women, school dropouts, single mothers, widows, unemployed youth and individuals from economically disadvantaged households. So far, the Academy has provided vocational, technical and entrepreneurship training opportunities to more than 2,000 youth helping them acquire marketable skills, pursue self-employment and improve their economic independence. He also solicit funds to provide start up kits for the youth who graduated from the academy.
In addition to his development and humanitarian work, Sheriff serves as the Editor-in-Chief and CEO of Critique Echo Newspaper, using journalism as a platform to promote accountability, responsible governance, social justice and public awareness of critical socioeconomic and human rights issues.
He is a dedicate member of many international peacebuilding networks including the United Religions Initiative (URI), International Association of Educators for World Peace (IAEWP), Intercultural Leaders Network of the United Nations Alliance of Civilisations (UNAOC)`s Youth Solidarity Fund, and the alumni Association of King Hamad Youth Empowerment Awards.
Through his leadership, advocacy and international partnerships, Sheriff continues to champion a vision of Sierra Leone in which disadvantaged young people have equitable access to education and economic opportunities, women and girls live free from violence and discrimination, human rights are respected, and communities are empowered to pursue peaceful, inclusive and sustainable development.
It will be recalled that incidents of violence and disorder occurred in Bo city in the southern province on 9th September 2011, Bumbuna in the northern region on 18th April, 2012 and most recently in Wellington in the western area on 5th June, 2012. In all of the above instances, there was loss of life in circumstances that suggest violence or unfair means by persons engaged in culpable or negligent conduct either of the deceased or other persons. (Photo: HE President Ernest Bai Koroma)
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