Sierra Leone is preparing for a crucial election with incumbent President Julius Maada Bio and opposition leader Samura Kamara as the main contenders. The election, which follows a history of civil unrest, sees 3.4 million eligible voters choosing a new president, parliament members, and local representatives. Key issues include the economy, corruption, and living conditions. Campaigns have been mostly peaceful, but tensions are rising with opposition protests and calls for electoral commissioners to resign. The ECOWAS observer team is working to ensure a peaceful process. The election outcome is expected to be very close, potentially leading to a runoff if no candidate secures 55% of the votes.

Sierra Leone is preparing for a crucial general election with President Julius Maada Bio seeking reelection against main opponent Samura Kamara of the All People's Congress. The election, which follows a history of civil unrest, sees economic issues and corruption as central campaign themes. Tensions have risen with opposition protests and calls for electoral commissioners to resign. The Economic Community of West African States is monitoring the situation, aiming for a peaceful election process. A runoff will occur if no candidate secures 55% of the vote.

Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio has issued an internal government memo directing all ministers and their deputies to cease traveling abroad as a measure to reduce government spending. This decision comes amid criticism of President Bio's own frequent overseas travels and aims to address the economic challenges facing Sierra Leone.

Sierra Leoneans face significant challenges in obtaining Schengen visas, as they must travel long distances or incur high costs to apply from neighboring countries. The process is both time-consuming and expensive, with lengthy waiting periods. Sierra Leoneans in Germany have unsuccessfully appealed to the German Foreign Ministry to facilitate visa issuance within Sierra Leone.