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Published 29th June 2018

Vol 59 No 13

Sierra Leone

Koroma accused of grand corruption

Julius Maada Bio at his inauguration ceremony, Freetown, 12 May 2018. Pic: Shi Song/Xinhua News Agency/PA Images
Julius Maada Bio at his inauguration ceremony, Freetown, 12 May 2018. Pic: Shi Song/Xinhua News Agency/PA Images

A transition team report – exclusively obtained by AC – lists wholesale plunder, ethnic favouritism… and how ex-President Koroma profited from it

President Julius Maada Bio is to appoint a judicial commission of inquiry into massive state plunder and fraud during Ernest Bai Koroma's two terms of office after receiving an explosive report from his 12-member transition team, our sources in Freetown say. The team, led by Bio's new Chief Minister, Professor David Francis, was charged with taking stock of government finances and administration. The report, which landed on the President's desk this week, is expected to be published in the next few days.

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Putting on the brakes

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The lone general

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Full of sound and fury…

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Adieu à Françafrique

The investigation of Vincent Bolloré highlights how the old business networks are losing influence in French former colonies

When the French billionaire industrialist Vincent Bolloré was placed under formal investigation by Paris prosecutors on suspicion of bribing foreign officials in Africa, commentators wondered whether it was...

Bombs, smoke and mirrors

With five weeks to polling day, an explosion at a rally in Bulawayo and arguments at the electoral commission threaten the vote

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Trading blocs hit the blocks

Does Morocco really want to join Ecowas? Its application is going nowhere and clashes with other commitments and interests

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Discontent takes wing

High opinions of the President are crashing to Earth amid accusations of favouritism, ineptitude and luxurious living at public expense

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Masisi steps out of Khama's shadow

Sacking a spy chief, ending the alcohol levy and promising to open up the economy, the new President is junking his predecessor's policies

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Pointers

Scuttle diplomacy

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A proconsul retires

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Abiy scores – so far

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Sparks still fly

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