John Baimba Sesay

Senior Manager, Communications, @c40cities Freetown Co-Chair's Office

[John Baimba Sesay @johnbaimbasesay]

At #WorldCitiesSummit2026 in Singapore, Mayor of Freetown & Co-Chair of @c40cities @yakisawyerr joined global leaders to champion climate action, nature-based solutions, resilient urban development, and direct climate finance for cities.

These engagements are also helping unlock new investment opportunities for Freetown to accelerate climate resilience and improved urban services.

[John Baimba Sesay @johnbaimbasesay]

Moderating engagements on fostering local governance and ensuring effective service delivery is always a privilege. Today, I moderated one strategic session with our Council of Tribal Heads and city Councillors with a focus on driving grassroots community ownership of Freetown's new waste management system under the updated Byelaws, spearheaded by Mayor @yakisawyerr.

Effective waste management is deeply intertwined with climate resilience. To tackle our climate challenges sustainably, we must build on these local governance structures and empower our traditional and elected leaders to lead the change from the ground up.

#LocalGovernance
#ClimateAction

[Freetown City Council @FCC_Freetown]

We signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Sierra Leone Police in respect of the effective enforcement of Freetown’s new Solid and Liquid Waste Collection bylaws (Statutory Instrument No. 14 of 2024). Compliance with the new bylaws is being promoted through #DortiMusGo

[John Baimba Sesay @johnbaimbasesay]

Just a gentle reminder that the Medical and Dental Association is currently holding its Mid-Year Review in Kenema and will host its AGM in November. Thankfully, there have been no roadblocks, no excessive noise, no dramatic declarations, and no public spectacles. Just professionals gathering to discuss professional matters. How refreshingly old-fashioned.

In a few days, my own professional body, the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), will convene its AGM in Makeni. As one would expect, and as history has shown, there will be no roadblocks there either. No "war rooms," no court injunctions, no social media gladiators, and certainly no need for anyone to prepare for combat.

It is always fascinating to observe how some professional associations manage to conduct elections, meetings, and leadership transitions without inconveniencing the public or turning internal affairs into national entertainment.

I know of a certain professional group that is still navigating social media battles, internal divisions, and, dare I say, occasional physical confrontations. If memory serves me right, some of these difficulties can be traced back to events surrounding roadblocks in Kenema a couple of years ago.

In any event, I wish them well. Perhaps one day civility, mutual respect, tolerance, and democratic principles will finally become more popular than roadblocks, threats, and endless Facebook dissertations.

Until then, some of us will continue attending AGMs the boring way. 😀

[Paul Kagame @PaulKagame]

Congratulations to our #VisitRwanda partner Paris Saint-Germain @PSG_inside on their well-deserved UEFA @ChampionsLeague title and on being crowned champions for the second consecutive year.

Congratulations as well to @Arsenal on reaching the final and fighting with determination until the very end.

Both clubs have made their supporters proud, but tonight, PSG proved to be the better team!

[John Baimba Sesay @johnbaimbasesay]

@masiemra

Beyond holding up trousers, suspenders for me, are a statement of confidence. A fine pair shows I am ready to make a distinct impression. Over the years, they have become a staple in my wardrobe, a classic habit introduced to me by then ambassador Pa Victor Bockarie Foh during our time serving together as diplomats in China. We have a deal for a new pair😊

[Osman Benk Sankoh @masiemra]

Ages ago, my good old friend @johnbaimbasesay passed these legendary braces down to me, a fashion masterstroke he picked up from former VP Victor Foh during his time in China. Since then, I have worn them so much that they have practically become part of my DNA. In these photos, I am rocking them one more time as a tribute to John. But honestly, I think I have overused them to the point of retirement.
So John, my brother, consider this a public service announcement: time to hook me up with a fresh pair of your signature braces before these ones apply for pension

#SaloneX #SaloneTwitter

[John Baimba Sesay @johnbaimbasesay]

Can music change how we treat our environment and manage our waste ? We think so! Amazing experience collaborating with #LXG Nega Don Lxg to sensitize residents of Freetown about waste management efforts by FCC. A new music video for a cleaner Freetown soon. Stay tuned!

[John Baimba Sesay @johnbaimbasesay]

Senegal's recent political upheaval perfectly illustrates that a week, let alone 24 hours, is a lifetime in politics. As a keen follower of Senegalese geopolitics, the sudden dismissal of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, the dissolution of the government, and the subsequent resignation of Parliament Speaker El Malick Ndiaye are deeply intriguing. May common sense prevail

[John Baimba Sesay @johnbaimbasesay]

Freetown is leading the way, steadily progressing with the implementation of the Susan’s Bay Care Block initiative. Adapted from Bogotá's globally acclaimed Care Blocks model, this project brings essential services directly into our densely populated urban communities.

Once fully operational, this vital hub will serve as a one-stop centre providing: childcare, adult education & skills training, nutrition support and GBV response services.

This week, as Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr OBE has the distinct honour of hosting a high-level delegation from Metropolis, the City Hub and Network for Gender Equality (CHANGE), and IDRC-CRDI to engage on the initiative.

Forming part of the delegation are representatives from the Nairobi City Council, here for a peer-to-peer learning exchange to explore how this life-changing model can be adapted to their own city context.

Driven by @FCC_Freetown, the initiative is a massive step forward for human capital development and supporting Freetown’s vulnerable caregivers

[John Baimba Sesay @johnbaimbasesay]

Freetown is undergoing a significant urban transformation under the Transform Freetown – Transforming lives development roadmap led by Mayor @yakisawyerr

Through the city-to-city cooperation partnership between Freetown and Zurich, major regeneration work will reshape the Central Business District with improved pedestrian infrastructure, #enhanced public spaces, and climate-conscious urban interventions.

Key components of the project include the installation of interlocking blocks and pavement slabs to create safer, more accessible walkways for residents.

The initiative also includes the installation of 196 solar-powered streetlights across 11 streets within the #CBD. In addition, #greening interventions and the introduction of a controlled parking system are aimed at reducing congestion and creating a more organised and resilient city centre.

These interventions reflect Freetown’s broader commitment to #sustainable urban development, #climate resilience, and building a more liveable city.

[John Baimba Sesay @johnbaimbasesay]

Freetown is strengthening local capacity for data-driven clean air action.

Under the Unlocking Air Quality Improvements in Freetown initiative through @c40cities African Cities for Clean Air Initiative in collaboration with @BreatheCities, @FCC_Freetown technical teams were trained to operate air quality sensors, analyse real-time data via the Clarity Dashboard, configure pollution alerts, and track pollution trends.

Building local expertise and expanding access to reliable air quality data will support evidence-based action to protect public health and strengthen climate resilience.

#TransformFreetown
#TransformingLives
#AirQuality

[John Baimba Sesay @johnbaimbasesay]

Delighted to have moderated the @FCC_Freetown stakeholders’ workshop, culminating in today's launch by Mayor of Freetown of the Unlocking Air Quality Improvements in Freetown project. This initiative establishes the city's first air quality sensor network to tackle pollution and protect public health.

Supported through the @c40cities African Cities for Clean Air Initiative, and in collaboration with #BreatheCities, the work will strengthen Freetown’s capacity to monitor air pollution, identify major pollution sources, and advance evidence-based policies that improve health outcomes, particularly for vulnerable communities disproportionately impacted by poor air quality. It will deploy 12 low-cost air quality monitors in strategic, high-risk locations across the city

Key Project Highlights:

City-Owned Sensor Network: Twelve low-cost monitors are being installed across vulnerable low-income communities, schools, and health facilities to generate real-time data on localized pollution hotspots.

Evidence-Based Policymaking: The data will feed into the city’s first comprehensive baseline assessment of air pollution, making it easier to measure the specific health and economic impacts of exposure.

Inclusive Communication Strategy: The council is shifting from top-down messaging to community-driven awareness. This ensures residents in affected areas fully understand air quality data and associated health risks.

This initiative is a massive step as it will empower city planners with the exact data needed to advance targeted, equitable climate action and improve health outcomes for all Freetonians.

[Freetown City Council @FCC_Freetown]

Starting work today confident that the time away has yielded outcomes that will strengthen our democracy - Mayor @yakisawyerr OBE

[C40 Cities @c40cities]

Buzz said it best ➡️
#EarthDay #EarthDay2026

[Freetown City Council @FCC_Freetown]

Earth Day reminds us climate action starts with people. In Freetown, we’ve been working with communities to build a more resilient city because protecting our environment is protecting our future- @yakisawyerr OBE, Mayor of Freetown, @c40cities Co-Chair

[John Baimba Sesay @johnbaimbasesay]

Process Over Personality: What the Sall Nomination Reveals About AU Governance https://t.co/KtmHyFtg6N

[John Baimba Sesay @johnbaimbasesay]

Plural voices, uneasy power: The stakes of Sierra Leone’s media revolution https://t.co/7ndm8tY5wK via @Concord Times Communication