Sia Tolno: A Rising Singer From Sierra Leone

Sia Tolno is from Sierra Leone and critics are comparing her sound to that of the late great Miriam Makeba and Tina Turner.

Fiber Optic Cable Emerges from the Sea in Liberia

Getting online is difficult in Liberia. Connections are slow, and internet access can be very expensive. But that may be starting to change. Last week, a fiber optic cable arrived in Liberia. The cable literally emerged from the sea. As Bonnie Allen reports from Monrovia, it’s expected to eventually bring the country a decent high-speed internet connection.

Sierra Leone’s Independent Radio Network

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Lisa Mullins talks with Ambrose James, Sierra Leone Country Director for Search for Common Ground, about the Independent Radio Network in Sierra Leone.
Slideshow: independent radio in Sierra Leone

Naomi Campbell testifies in Charles Taylor trial

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The civil war in Sierra Leone lasted a decade and left thousands dead or maimed. The former president of neighboring Liberia, Charles Taylor, is on trial for war crimes committed during the conflict. Prosecutors allege Taylor directly supported one faction, so he could gain access to Sierra Leone’s natural resources particularly diamonds. A special tribunal in The Hague, Netherlands is hearing the case and Thursday British supermodel, Naomi Campbell testified about receiving ‘dirty stones’ from Taylor.
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• Video: See Naomi Campbell’s testimony
• Q&A: Trying Charles Taylor

The trial of Liberia’s former leader

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Anchor Marco Werman speaks with human rights lawyer Alpha Sesay, a human rights lawyer from Sierra Leone who has been monitoring the trial of former Liberian president Charles Taylor. Taylor stands before the Hague on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity during his presidency.

International Medical Corps: A Thousand Words

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For 25 years, International Medical Corps has been training doctors and providing medical care in some of the world’s most troubled places. Along the way, the group has collected photos from the field. Now, those photos have been published in a new book called A Thousand Words. We feature some favorites of Nancy Aossey, CEO of International Medical Corps. Download MP3

• Start the audio slideshow
• Buy the book
• More about International Medical Corps

Entire program – July 14, 2009

Today on The World: Former Liberian president Charles Taylor testifies at his own war crimes trial, the first in a series of reports on the rise, fall, and resurgence of the Taliban and the musical soundscapes of Italian pianist and composer Ludovico Einaudi. >>>Listen

Charles Taylor takes the stand

Former Liberian president Charles Taylor testified at his own war crimes trial in The Hague today. He’s facing 11 charges relating to the civil war in Sierra Leone…including murder, rape, and terrorism. Anchor Jeb Sharp speaks with the BBC’s Adam Minott, who’s at The Hague. >>>Listen

Reaction to Taylor trial

People in Charles Taylor’s home country Liberia and in neighboring Sierra Leone are watching his trial closely. Anchor Jeb Sharp has details. >>>Listen