President Bio Fails to Attend 2025 Presidential Town Hall in Kenema
Fatmata Grace Bangura On the second day of the Presidential Town Hall in Kenema, held Monday, June 17, 2025, President Julius Maada Bio who was expected to attend was not present.
The event, which drew residents from across Kenema District and beyond, was set for the President to speak directly to citizens about his government’s work so far and the challenges ahead. Many looked forward to asking him questions in person.
However, Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, announced that the President would not attend. He explained that the Presidential Town Hall is meant for the presidency and executive branch to engage with citizens, and that Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh was there to represent the President.
Minister Bah also said that nearly all cabinet-level senior officials were present to respond to questions on behalf of the President.
The Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, led the main part of the engagement, taking questions and sharing updates from the government.
While the President’s absence was unexpected, the session went on with representatives answering on his behalf. It remains to be seen whether the responses from the Chief Minister and other cabinet officials met the expectations of the residents who had hoped to engage directly with the President.