Dr. David Moinina Sengeh

Chief Minister Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone

State House, Freetown, Sierra Leone

December 26, 2024

FOR THE ATTENTION OF · The Government of Sierra Leone, Office of the President,

State House, State Avenue, Freetown,

Sierra Leone

Phone: +23278888099/+23280084736

Email: info@statehouse.gov.sl Website: State House.

• Ministry of Energy O.A.U. Drive Tower Hill, Freetown, Sierra Leone Phone: +232-75-550-211 Email: info@sliepa.gov.sl Website: https://www.sliepa.gov.sl/
• Anergi and TCQ Power Block A1, 34 Impala Rd, Chislehurston, Sandton 2196, South Africa Email: https://harith.africa/contact/ Website: https://harith.africa/
• U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) 1100 New York Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20527 Email: Info@dfc.gov Website: https://www.dfc.gov/
• Siemens Energy Otto-Hahn-Ring 6, 81739 Munich, Germany Tel.: +49 911 6505 6505 Email: support@siemens-energy.com Website: https://www.siemens-energy.com/us/en/home.html
• Shapoorji Pallonji Shapoorji Pallonji And Company Private Limited SP Centre, 41/44, Minoo Desai Marg, Colaba, Mumbai – 400005, Maharashtra, India Phone: +91-22-67490000 Website: https://www.shapoorjipallonji.com/about/

Dear Dr David Moinina Sengeh

Subject: Transparency, Accountability, and Public Trust in the Nant Power Project and Democratic Governance

We, members of the Sierra Leone Advocacy Movement (SLAM), write with urgency and purpose, representing the voice of a nation yearning for progress, transparency, and 2 justice. Sierra Leone, indeed, stands at a crossroads, with monumental opportunities to shape its destiny through projects like the Nant Power Project, yet arrangements pertaining to its implementation so far are shadowed by gaps in governance, secrecy, and a growing disconnection between leadership and the will of the people. (Photo: Sengeh and Bio).

The Promise and Peril of the Nant Power Project It is no doubt that, if proper systems and structures are put in place and strictly adhered to, the Nant Power Project holds the potential to transform Sierra Leone’s energy landscape by nearly doubling its electricity capacity. This initiative could invigorate our economy, improve quality of life, and signal Sierra Leone’s readiness for global investment. Yet, the opacity surrounding its terms and implications raises serious concerns, some of which are highlighted below:

1. Secrecy in Contractual Terms: The public so far lacks access to the full Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) and financial details, leaving questions about debt repayment terms, cost implications, and tariff structures unanswered.

2. Limited Public Engagement: This project affects every Sierra Leonean, yet communities have not been adequately informed or consulted about potential environmental impacts, electricity pricing, and long-term national obligations.

3. Accountability Mechanisms: Up to its current status, we see no clear framework for monitoring the project’s implementation, ensuring adherence to timelines, or assessing compliance with social and environmental standards.

4. Economic Risks: The debt-financing structure, while providing immediate resources, could burden future generations with repayments and high tariffs. Affordable electricity must not become a privilege for the few while leaving the majority behind.

1. Electricity Access Disparity: While the Nant Power Project promises to transform Sierra Leone’s energy landscape, it is imperative to ensure equitable access across urban areas. Presently, Western Freetown enjoys reliable electricity, while Eastern parts remain underserved. This disparity disproportionately affects poorer communities, making it difficult for small businesses to thrive and exacerbating poverty. Without a commitment to equitable distribution, such projects risk deepening existing divides.

The Bigger Picture: Tying Infrastructure Transparency to Electoral Justice The Nant Power Project cannot be implemented in isolation. The secrecy in its preliminary arrangements so far mirrors a broader governance crisis exemplified by the recent electoral process. The Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) has been accused of non-transparency in declaring the June 24, 2023 multi-tier elections results, thereby undermining public trust and democratic integrity. As electoral processes lack credibility, so do the mandates of those signing national agreements that will shape the nation’s future. The opacity surrounding the Nant Power Project and the ECSL’s actions are two sides of the same coin – a governance system that neglects the people it serves.

Urban Electricity Disparity and Governance Failures: The glaring inequalities in electricity access between Western and Eastern Freetown mirror the broader governance challenges rooted in opacity and exclusion. These inequalities are not just technical issues but manifestations of a governance system that prioritizes revenue over social equality. Addressing this disparity requires a transparent and participatory approach, ensuring that infrastructure projects like the Nant Power Project serve all citizens, irrespective of socioeconomic status.

SLAM’s Call to Action

We call upon your administration and all parties involved in the Nant Power Project to embrace transparency, accountability, and public participation as cornerstones of good governance. This is not just about fulfilling contractual obligations but about restoring trust in leadership and institutions. In view of the above, SLAM is recommending the following actions:

Immediate Full Disclosure:

• Publish the complete terms of the Nant Power Project’s PPA, financial agreements, and environmental impact assessments.
• Allow public and parliamentary scrutiny of these docu uments in order to ensure they serve Sierra Leone’s best interests.
• We may use existing legal tools, such as the Freedom of Information (FIO) Act, to ensure that citizens and advocacy groups can access critical details about the deal. Ensuring FOI compliance would demonstrate your administration’s commitment to transparency, thereby serving as a precedent for future largescale projects.

4 II. Establish Independent Oversight Mechanisms:

• Form an independent body comprising government, civil society, and international experts to monitor project implementation and ensure adherence to best practices.

1. Public Engagement and Awareness Campaigns:
2. Conduct town hall meetings and media campaigns as a way of educating/sensitizing citizens on the benefits and risks of the Nant Power Project.

• Engage communities in Freetown and nationwide in order to address concerns about affordability, environmental impact, and long-term viability.

1. Electoral Reform and Governance Alignment:

• Commit to the administration of electoral justice following the outcomes of the June 24, 2023 elections, as well as electoral reforms that prioritize transparency and fairness, as this is foundational for gaining public trust in governance.
• Align large-scale infrastructure projects with the will of the people through inclusive consultations and equitable policies.

1. Affordability Guarantees:

• Ensure electricity tariffs are structured to be affordable for all, particularly for low-income households.

1. Long-term Sustainability and Renewable Energy Integration:

• Incorporate renewable energy strategies to future-proof Sierra Leone’s energy sector and reduce reliance on costly fossil fuels.
• Equitable Distribution Plans:
• Commit to publishing detailed electricity distribution plans to address current urban disparities.
• Ensure that underserved areas, particularly Eastern Freetown, are prioritized for improved access to electricity.

A Vision for Sierra Leone

At SLAM, we believe in a Sierra Leone where leadership is accountable, resources are equitably distributed, and every citizen has a voice in decisions that shape their future. 5 The Nant Power Project can either be a beacon of this vision or a cautionary tale of missed opportunities and misplaced priorities. This is not just a call to action – it is a moral imperative. Sierra Leone cannot afford to be burdened with opaque deals or democratic lapses. To the companies involved, we urge you to act as responsible global partners by championing transparency and community engagement. To the Bio administration, we demand leadership that inspires trust, upholds democratic principles, and protects the interests of its people.

The Way Forward

Sierra Leone’s development must reflect the principles of equity and inclusion. Addressing urban electricity disparity is not just a matter of infrastructure but of justice and dignity. The Nant Power Project, if implemented with transparency and equity, can be a cornerstone of this vision, demonstrating to Sierra Leoneans that their voices and needs matter.

Let this letter therefore mark the beginning of a new era where Sierra Leone’s development is guided by accountability, inclusivity, and justice. Together, we can build a legacy of progress that honors the aspirations of every Sierra Leonean. Whilst awaiting your speedy responses and actions with hope and resolve, we wish to assure you of our commitment to upholding the ideals of unity, progress, and justice that we consider sacred in our beloved nation.

Yours faithfully,

Dr. Alfred A. Veenod Fullah DIRECTOR-GENERAL

CC: Office of the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone

• Ministry of Energy, Sierra Leone
• Anergy & TCQ Power, South Africa
• US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), USA
• Siemens Energy, Germany
• Shapoorji Pallonji, India
• Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL)
• Leonardo Santos Simao, Representative of the Secretary-General & Head of UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS)
• African Union (AU)
• Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
• Amnesty International
• Antony Blinken, United States Secretary of State
• Brian Forni, Vice President, Congressional and Public Affairs
• The Rt. Hon Patricia Scotland, Commonwealth Secretary-General
• Leonardo Santos Simao, Representative of the Secretary-General & Head of UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS)
• Karim Ahmad Khan, Chief Prosecutor, International Criminal Court (ICC)
• Richard YOUNG, Chief de Division, Afrique de l’Ouest
• Ursula Von Der Lyen, European Commissioner
• The United Nations Representative in Sierra Leone
• Bola Tinubu, President of Nigeria & Chairman of ECOWAS
• Oumar Touray, President of ECOWAS Commission
• Madam Fatoumata Jallow-Tambajang, former VP of The Gambia
• E Nana Akufo Addo, President of Ghana
• Bassiru Faye, President of Senegal
• Mamadi Doumbouya, President of Guinea
• Joseph Boakai, President of Liberia
• David Lammy, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth & Dev Affairs, UK
• Neil Alan John Coyle, MP for Bermondsey & Old Southwark, UK
• Ambassador Aly Diallo, Ambassador of the Republic of Guinea to the UK&I
• Ambassador Mohammad Maidugu, Acting High Commissioner of Nigeria in the UK&I
• Her Excellency Dr Fatou Bensouda, Head of Mission, The Gambia high Commission, UK&I
• E Fatimata Dia, Ambassador of Senegal to the UK&I
• E Gurly T. Gibson-Schwarz, Ambassador of Liberia to the UK&I
• British High Commissioner to Sierra Leone
• Ambassador of the United States of America to Sierra Leone
• Head of the European Union Delegation in Sierra Leone
• General Consul of Canada in Sierra Leone
• Ambassador of China to Sierra Leone
• Ambassador of Germany to Sierra Leone
• Ambassador of Lebanon to Sierra Leone
• Ambassador of Iran to Sierra Leone
• Ambassador of Brazil to Sierra Leone
• Ambassador of Sweden to Sierra Leone
• Ambassador of Libya to Sierra Leone
• Ambassador of Egypt to Sierra Leone
• Ambassador of Cuba to Sierra Leone
• Ambassador of Guinea to Sierra Leone
• Ambassador of Liberia to Sierra Leone
• High Commissioner of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to Sierra Leone High Commissioner of Ghana to Sierra Leone
• High Commissioner of The Gambia to Sierra Leone
• General Consul of Italy in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul-General of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul-General of Ireland in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul-General of Japan in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul-General of India to Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul of Senegal in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul of Switzerland in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul of Syria in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul of Turkey in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul of Mali in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul of Romania in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul of Norway in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul of Hungary in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul of France in Sierra Leone 5
• Honorary Consul of Belgium in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul of The Netherlands in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul of Spain in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul of Serbia in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul of Austria in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul of Denmark in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul of Russia in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul of Malaysia in Sierra Leone
• Honorary Consul of South Africa in Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone Advocacy Movement (SLAM-Global) Motto: Trust, Unity and Social Justice Email: advocacy1@slam-global.org.uk Mobile: UK – +447725982424/+447564115946 EU – +46734836874/+34676768005 US – 01732-619-9510/01608-772-3917