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Sierra Leone’s President, Julius Maada Bio, has come under scrutiny following the emergence of photos showing him disembarking from a private jet.
The controversy stems from the jet’s registration, which reportedly links it to an address in Connecticut, USA, where a Gerald Group office is located. Gerald Group is a major metals trader currently locked in a takeover battle with Sierra Rutile, a mining company in Sierra Leone.
The photos, said to be from President Bio’s trip to the US last month, were met with accusations of “doctored photos” by a Gerald Group spokesperson. However, a reputable jet spotting website reportedly shows an image of the same plane with clear registration and markings, including the flags of both Sierra Leone and the US.
Sierra Leone’s President leaving for Brussells last year in an image taken from his official Facebook account
Despite these details, the Gerald Group spokesperson declined to confirm or deny ownership of the jet, instead issuing a statement dismissing “market rumours” and accusing media outlets of spreading “erroneous information.” This comes after Gerald Group previously denied allegations of money laundering in Sierra Leone last week.
The controversy adds another layer to the already complex relationship between Gerald Group and Sierra Leone. Gerald Group is currently attempting a hostile takeover of Sierra Rutile with a $40 million offer. This coincides with an ongoing dispute between Sierra Rutile and the Sierra Leonean government regarding mining royalties.
Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio and entourage leaving the plane.
Gerald Group, through its subsidiary Marampa Mines, is no stranger to such disputes in the West African nation. In 2021, Marampa Mines faced a similar standoff with the government over its iron ore mine, eventually resolving the issue with a 10% stake in the mine and a $20 million cash payment to the government.
With over 200 employees worldwide, Gerald Group is a significant player in the global metals trade. However, their recent actions in Sierra Leone have raised questions about transparency and potential conflicts of interest.
So it’s now become a norm that Maada Bio should not associate with decent people?
Maada Bio seen or flying on a private jet is not a crime that shows clearly how respectful and honored he is. If Gerald Group is to takeover Sierra Rutlile Ltd where deceitful EBK sold the nation’s share , Maada Bio should not near them ? You said Rutlile is closing so if another company is coming why can’t you happy? Maada Bio should encourage the Gerald Group and rub skin with them. You can report that in the foreign press.