Hi, I’m Sallu Kamuskay from Sierra Leone
a Blogger. Youth Organizer. Storyteller

Between the Peace Diamond and the Truth: My Journey Working as a Fixer with a Foreign Journalist in Sierra Leone

In August 2023, I received a call that took me back to Koyardu Village, the community where Sierra Leone’s famous 709-carat “Peace Diamond” was discovered in 2017. My long-time collaborator, Santigie Bayo Dumbuya, founder of We Yone Child Foundation, recommended me to Janne Körkkö, a photo and video journalist from Yle Broadcast, one of Finland’s biggest media companies. 

Janne came to Sierra Leone to work on a few stories: revisiting the legacy of the Peace Diamond and documenting the rise of Kush, a dangerous synthetic drug devastating communities and the former child soldiers. I was contracted as a fixer and local journalist to identify sources, coordinate interviews, interpret, and support the reporting process.

Returning to Koyardu

Before Janne’s arrival, I travelled to Koyardu to reconnect with the community. In 2017, the 709-carat diamond was sold at auction in New York for $6.5 million (£4.8 million). Half of the proceeds, about $3.8 million, was reportedly set aside for development projects in the village.

Six years later, there was little to show. The school was not well finished, clinics, or visible infrastructure that was well equipped. Many villagers didn’t want to talk. They felt abandoned and hurt.

As a fixer, my role went beyond logistics. It involved rebuilding trust. I explained to community members why sharing their story mattered that people around the world wanted to know what happened after the headlines. After long discussions, they agreed to speak.

Meeting Johnbull

One of the key interviews was with Komba Johnbull, the young man who discovered the diamond. I met him at his welding shop in Calaba Town, Freetown. Initially, he refused to talk. His life had changed since 2017, not entirely for the better.

After a private conversation, he agreed to share his experience. Standing just steps from where he once found the diamond, we took a photo together. It reminded me that fixers often bridge the gap between silence and storytelling.

The Kush Crisis

The second story focused on the rise of Kush, a cheap synthetic drug that is destroying young lives across Sierra Leone. For this, I helped identify victims and families willing to speak. Their stories were painful of addiction, lost opportunities, and communities struggling to cope.

As a journalist, it was heartbreaking to hear how deeply this crisis has affected young people. It’s a reminder of the urgent conversations that need to happen about youth, drugs, and the future of the country.

Working with Janne Körkkö

The two weeks working with Janne were both intense and inspiring. His humility, humor, and dedication stood out. Together, we interviewed ex-combatants, former child soldiers, heads of secret societies, community leaders, and families whose lives were shaped by both the diamond and the drug. For me, this work is more than journalism. It’s about giving people the courage to tell their stories, even when the world has moved on. It’s about making sure their voices are heard

This experience reinforced the critical role of local journalists and fixers in international reporting. We are more than translators or guides we are cultural interpreters and connectors who make stories possible.

Janne will be presenting materials from Sierra Leone from 2013-2023 at his master’s party on October 18th. I am wishing him the very best.

Sierra Leonean-American Chidi Blyden Joins National Board of World Affairs Councils of America

Chidi Blyden, a respected figure in international policy and development, has been appointed to the National Board of Directors of the World Affairs Councils of America (WACA). The announcement was made as WACA welcomed four new board members to begin its new fiscal year.

Blyden joins Col. Susan Seaman Boré (USMC, ret.), Ambassador (ret.) Alina Romanowski, and Angela Weck as part of the board’s latest additions. The organization says the new members will bring fresh insight and leadership as it continues to support and connect over 90 local World Affairs Councils across the United States.

Reacting to the news, Chidi Blyden expressed her appreciation for the appointment and spoke about the importance of the organization’s work.

“I am honored to be a part of the World Affairs Councils of America, an organization dedicated to international policy, education, engagement, and domestic affairs,” she said. “Their commitment to making complex global issues accessible to all is truly commendable.”

Blyden also noted her interest in working with local WACA chapters across the country to help raise awareness on the importance of U.S. state and local governance, Africa’s global relevance, and the role of the Western Hemisphere in shaping international affairs.

The World Affairs Councils of America also used the occasion to thank outgoing board members Mimi Gregory, Mimi Burke, and Maryanne Maldonado for their service and leadership over the years.

WACA is one of the oldest and largest non-partisan, non-profit international affairs organizations in the United States. Through events, discussions, and educational programs, it aims to promote a better understanding of global issues among the American public.

Chidi Blyden is widely known for her work in U.S.-Africa relations and international peacebuilding. Her addition to the board is expected to strengthen WACA’s focus on bridging global conversations with local communities across the U.S.

Three Things You Should Try When You Visit Kenema

A day ago, I had the opportunity to travel to Kenema with the team at Spark Media, a video production company, and Salone Messenger, a news outlet I work for to cover the Presidential Town Hall organized by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education. My role was to support the Spark Media team with content and media coverage while also writing articles and updates about the event for Salone Messenger.

While our main focus was reporting on the Town Hall. The first of its kind to be held outside the capital city, Freetown, I also took time to explore Kenema. During my two-day stay, I made it a point to interact with locals and try new food.
Kenema is a beautiful town, rich in culture, friendliness, and more. Of all the experiences I had, here are three things I think every visitor must try when they visit Kenema:

1. The Goat Meat at Goat Kingdom

This was one of the best highlights of my trip. If you’re in Kenema and you love good food, Goat Kingdom is where you need to go. The goat meat cooked with soap, potato leaf or any sauce gives a different taste. It’s not just about the taste. The Goat Kingdom is know for cooking any sauce with goat. Do not come to the goat Kingdom if you don’t like goat meat. The rice served with goat potato leaves

2. The Jelly – Sweet, Cold, and Refreshing

There’s something about jelly in Kenema that just hits differently. Maybe it’s the hot weather but having jelly here is almost a tradition. Sold by local vendors on the street, this treat is perfect after a long walk or a busy day of filming and reporting like mine. If you’re visiting, don’t skip it. It’s cheap, and refreshing.

3. The People 

One of the most unforgettable parts of my trip was the people of Kenema. From the students participating in the Civic Education Quiz and Debate, to the community leaders and everyday folks I met along the way. Everyone I spoke to was kind, open, and full of pride. Whether you’re asking for directions or just striking up a conversation, Kenema people will welcome you like family.