Sierra Leone’s president, Julius Maada Bio, has secured a second term in office amidst an economic downturn. Bio won 56% of the votes, while his rival, Samura Kamara, received 41%. With a voter turnout of 83%, Bio will be tasked with lifting the USD 3.5 bln economy out of a slump amid widespread discontent over rising living costs and unemployment. Kamara criticized Bio for failing to attract foreign investment, which has left the country largely dependent on aid.