Makeni, Sierra Leone | |
|---|---|
| Country | Sierra Leone |
| Province | Northern Province |
| District | Bombali District |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Alhaji Andrew Kanu (APC) |
| Population (2004) | |
| • Total | 175,900 (5th) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Greenwich Mean Time) |
Makeni is the largest city in the Northern Province of Sierra Leone and the 5th largest in the country, with an estimated population of 175,900 (2004 census). The city serves as the capital and administrative center of Bombali District as well as the Northern Province. Makeni lies about 30 miles southwest of Magburaka and 100 miles east of Freetown. The current president of Sierra Leone, Ernest Bai Koroma was born and raised in Makeni.
It is known for its market and was known for its mosque until the Sierra Leone Civil War, when it became a base for the RUF.
The population of Makeni is predominantly from the Limba and Temne ethnic groups. The city has always been a stronghold of the ruling All People's Congress (APC).
The city of Makeni is governed with a city council form of government, which is headed by a mayor, in whom executive authority is vested. The mayor is responsible for the general management of the city and for seeing that all local and national laws are enforced. The mayor is elected directly by the residents of Makeni. The current mayor of Makeni is Alhaji Andrew Kanu and he is a member of the ruling All People's Congress (APC). The city along with the entire Bombali District has always been a stronghold of the APC.
The biggest and most popular football club from Makeni is the Wusum Stars of the Sierra Leone National Premier League, the top football league in the country. They won the Sierra Leonean FA Cup in 1979.
The local radio station that serves Makeni and the Bombali District is Radio Mankneh 95.1. Sierra Leone's national radio and televesion stations, SLBS are on the air in the city, as well as The bbc world service, CNN International, and several other private stations are on the air for those who have satellite.