Category: Opinions

By John Baimba Sesay

Rio in Brazil was buzzed with energy as over 300 mayors from around the world gathered for the C40 World Mayors Summit, held from 3–5 November 2025. A key precursor to COP30, the summit of mayors and global climate leaders provided a platform for city to share solutions, forge partnerships, and discuss how to accelerate bold, city-led climate action toward a sustainable and resilient urban future.

When our leaders often repeat the phrase “Sierra Leone is a resilient nation,” it’s not just political rhetoric; it’s a verifiable truth. From the late President Tejan Kabbah’s declaration of “Di War Don Done,” to Ernest Bai Koroma’s announcement that “The Ebola epidemic in Sierra Leone is over,” and President Maada Bio’s lifting of all public health measures for COVID-19, each leader has leaned on that phrase to rally the nation. And rightly so.

The Ministry of Local Government’s letter to the Freetown City Council wasn’t an attempt to silence or embarrass anyone, it was a legitimate administrative step to ensure that figures shared publicly are accurate, traceable and can inform the national response to the Kush crisis.