AGP Executive Report

Leone Stars vs Liberia: Sierra Leone edged Liberia 1-0 at the Southern Arena in Bo, with Abdul Jarju Kabia scoring in the 67th minute, setting up a return leg in Monrovia on Tuesday. Football Governance: The SLFA’s appointment of French coach Didier Gomes da Rosa has sparked public debate, with fans and musician Camouflage questioning the sidelining of Mohamed Kallon and reported pay differences. Parliament & Accountability: Parliament launched an investigation into “Musa Dollar” Musa Koroma over alleged illegal fees and government contracts, including container charges and a 2021 NCRA deal. Health Policy: The Basic and Senior Secondary Education Minister Conrad Sackey announced planned legislation to criminalise examination malpractice. Public Health & Ebola Preparedness: Sierra Leone’s Ebola readiness and surveillance messaging continues amid wider regional concern, while a virologist urged caution and transparency in outbreak claims. Women’s Rights (FGM): The Fatima Bio FGM controversy continues to ripple through national debate, with renewed arguments over Sierra Leone’s legal position and international pressure. Local Services: SLPTA confirmed a Kissy Bus Depot fire destroyed five government buses and reported no casualties.

Municipal Governance & Accountability: A new commentary argues Freetown’s decay is “popularized” because authority is blurred between city and central government, leaving citizens unsure who plans, regulates, funds, and maintains. Parliament Oversight: Parliament has launched an investigation into “Musa Dollar” Musa Koroma’s business dealings, probing alleged illegal fees and government contracts, including container charges tied to CTN certificates and a revenue contract for cash registers. Health & Preparedness: Sierra Leone’s Ebola readiness remains in focus as debates on transparency and vigilance continue; meanwhile, the Ministry of Basic Education says it will criminalise examination malpractice to protect the credibility of national certificates. Women’s Rights & FGM Politics: The First Lady’s latest FGM-related controversy keeps the debate hot, with multiple voices arguing over legality, UN commitments, and the role of Bondo-related practices. Sports & National Pride: Leone Stars beat Liberia 1-0 in Bo, with Abdul Jarju Kabia scoring, as the SLFA unveils coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa and fans look to the Monrovia return leg. Public Services: SLPTA says a fire at Kissy Bus Depot destroyed five government buses and reports no casualties, while investigations continue. Energy & Housing: Kandeh Yumkella commissioned an Integrated Energy Centre in Fogbo, and Sierra Leone signed an MoU in Dakar for affordable housing for civil and public servants.

Leone Stars vs Liberia: Sierra Leone beat Liberia 1-0 in Bo’s Southern Arena friendly, with Abdul Jarju Kabia scoring in the 66th minute; the return leg is Tuesday in Monrovia. Sports Governance: SLFA appointment politics stay hot as Camouflage criticises the choice of French coach Didier Gomes da Rosa over Mohamed Kallon. Public Health & Preparedness: Sierra Leone’s health system gets a boost with a Mercy Ships partnership extension, while Ebola preparedness remains in focus amid renewed DRC cases. Social Protection: NASSIT seeks to extend social security to Sierra Leone’s informal workers, and the Social Welfare Ministry received a UNFPA vehicle to expand obstetric fistula care. Education Integrity: The Basic Education Ministry plans legislation to criminalise examination malpractice. Local Services: SLPTA says a Kissy Bus Depot fire destroyed five government buses and no casualties have been reported. Economy & Connectivity: Communications Minister Salima Bah cites $400m telecom investment since 2021 and improved fibre coverage. Housing: Sierra Leone signs an MoU for affordable housing for civil and public servants via So Afri Loge.

Education Integrity Push: Sierra Leone’s Basic and Senior Secondary Education Minister Conrad Sackey says new legislation will criminalise examination malpractice, warning that “real success does not need leakage” and targeting fraud across the academic system. Public Health at Borders: The Health Ministry and NPHA have launched a Health Travel Portal at Freetown International Airport to streamline health checks and traveller documentation. Food Security Surveillance: Agriculture received motorbikes and diagnostic tools to strengthen border surveillance at Freetown Port, Lungi Airport, Gbalamuya and Jendema. Social Protection & Housing: NASSIT, with Egypt’s embassy, moves to extend social security to Sierra Leone’s informal workers, while Sierra Leone signed an MoU with So Afri Loge for affordable housing for civil and public servants. Governance & Rule of Law: The Sierra Leone Bar Association leadership dispute is back in focus after the National Investment Board received an urgent application over the AGM postponement. Transport Incident: A fire at the SLRA Kissy parking ground destroyed five government buses; causes are under investigation. Politics & Economy: A CHRDI poll says more Sierra Leoneans trust APC than SLPP on economy and security. Ebola Preparedness: Sierra Leone highlights ongoing preparedness as DRC cases remain a concern, with renewed focus on safety planning.

Public Health & Borders: Sierra Leone launched a Health Travel Portal at Freetown International Airport to centralize travellers’ health documents and streamline entry/exit screening. Ebola Preparedness: With Ebola risk still in focus after DRC case revisions, UK health authorities urged NHS staff to check PPE stocks and isolate suspected cases; Sierra Leone also pushed safety planning and coordination. Governance & Institutions: The National Investment Board received an urgent complaint over Sierra Leone Bar Association’s failure to hold a mandatory AGM, with possible default under the Companies Act. Security & Justice: Spanish authorities allege a Dutch fugitive linked to Sierra Leone helped mastermind a record 30-ton cocaine shipment seized at sea, prompting fresh scrutiny of trafficking networks. Local Accountability: Bo District residents in Bumpeh Town demand justice after fires left dozens homeless, alleging coordinated wrongdoing. Sports & Politics: State House communications director Myk Berewa criticized SLFA over the Leone Stars coaching change; SLFA then welcomed new head coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa and reaffirmed youth development plans. Infrastructure & Development: President Bio inspected progress on the ECOWAS Conference Centre in Lungi. Education & Skills: DSTI and UNICEF held graduations for Tech 101 and Tech for Kids digital literacy programmes in Freetown. Culture & Rights Debate: First Lady Fatima Bio’s critics and supporters continued trading arguments over Bondo Society/FGM, with competing claims about child protection and cultural identity.

Ebola Preparedness: Sierra Leone’s health authorities are stepping up coordination as UK airports issue warnings and staff are told to stock PPE amid the DRC outbreak, with scientists saying new vaccines could blunt future impacts. Water Security: Guma Valley Water Company warns deforestation, encroachment and settlement growth are threatening Freetown’s catchments, with contamination risks pushing up treatment costs. Public Safety & Justice: Sierra Leone Police plan to commission major projects, including a new forensic lab at TOCU and upgrades to Masingbi Police Station to improve response capacity. Elections & Governance: ECSL and UNDP launch an Elections Project Committee to strengthen peaceful, credible polls, bringing together key state bodies, parties and media. Local Politics: Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr meets kush addicts under Congo Cross Bridge, urging residents not to pay for waste collection and pushing access to rehab services. Parliament: Parliament adjourns after the reported death of Kono MP Lucinda Finda Kelly. Football: SLFA appoints Didier Gomes Da Rosa as Leone Stars head coach and outlines June friendlies vs Liberia, while FIFA TDS conference reaffirms youth grassroots development. Human Rights & Courts: INCHR urges Sierra Leone’s legislature to pass the War Crimes Court bill (Economic and War Crimes Courts, including an Anti-Corruption Court). Security Sector Coordination: Internal Affairs holds an inter-agency meeting to strengthen security cooperation ahead of the rainy season.

Public Safety Upgrade: Sierra Leone Police say IGP William Fayia Sellu will commission three projects this month, including upgrading Masingbi Police Station into a divisional HQ and unveiling the first modern forensic lab at the TOCU in Rogbangba Junction to boost investigations and response. Digital Rights & Cyber Governance: CHRDI brings in Dylan Presman (White House ONCD) as a Fulbright Specialist to help develop a Privacy and Personal Data Protection advocacy toolkit for journalists and human rights defenders in Freetown. Women in Governance: MoGCA, with Trocaire and partners, is pushing stronger women’s representation through NEWMaP, focusing on coordination, mentorship, and participation in decision-making. Maternal Health Delivery: Moyamba’s rehabilitated maternity ward has been commissioned, with officials and partners citing improved care for mothers and newborns. Education Reform Learning: Minister Conrad Sackey meets Rwanda education officials in Kigali to study Rwanda’s digital assessment approach and data-driven reforms. International Health Watch: Coverage highlights the evolving Ebola situation in Uganda and DRC, with Kenya activating enhanced surveillance and public guidance. Leone Stars Prep: SLFA caretaker coach John Keister outlines objectives for June friendlies vs Liberia in Bo and Monrovia. Diplomacy & Regional Tech: Sierra Leone’s communications minister argues Africa must move from isolated digital public infrastructure to interoperable regional ecosystems for trade and cross-border services.

Rare Earths Diplomacy: Sierra Leone’s Mines Minister Julius Daniel Mattai says the country wants to cooperate with Russia on newly found rare earth minerals, pointing to a 2024 MoU and plans for training and geological work. Right to Information: Transparency International chapters launched a new West Africa report on access-to-information laws in Liberia, Ghana, Togo and Sierra Leone, highlighting strong legal frameworks but persistent implementation gaps for citizens and media. Women in Governance: MoGCA and partners met in Freetown under NEWMaP to push stronger women’s representation in decision-making, with gender advocates calling for sustained coordination and mentorship. Maternal Health Upgrade: Moyamba’s rehabilitated maternity ward was commissioned, boosting newborn and maternal care capacity in the district. Education Reform Learning Tour: Sierra Leone’s education minister met Rwanda officials in Kigali to study Rwanda’s digital assessment system and data-driven education reforms. Rule of Law & Judiciary Care: Sierra Leone’s Judiciary began construction of its first Judiciary Clinic in Freetown to support judges and court staff wellbeing. Public Finance Watch: Government says Q1 2026 domestic revenue hit NLe 4.52bn, but extractives and fisheries recorded zero returns, widening the gap. Water Regulation: SLEWRC approved nationwide sachet water prices and warned of enforcement for overcharging or reducing the 500ml standard. Civil Society Alarm: A commentary argues independent civil society activism in Sierra Leone is “dead” without Edmond and Neneh, warning of co-optation and shrinking watchdog space.

Judiciary & Rule of Law: Sierra Leone’s Judiciary has begun construction of its first-ever Judiciary Clinic in Freetown, with a sod-turning ceremony led by Chief Justice Komba Kamanda, aiming to support judges and court staff with proper healthcare facilities. Public Health: The Gender Minister urged stronger newborn care systems at the Pediatric Association of Sierra Leone conference, linking preventable newborn deaths to gaps in antenatal, delivery and postnatal services and calling for faster action. Regulation & Cost of Living: The Sierra Leone Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission set approved nationwide sachet water prices (NLe 9 factory; NLe 10 wholesale) and warned of enforcement for sellers charging above rates or reducing the 500ml standard. Governance & Economy: Domestic revenue hit NLe 4.52bn in Q1 2026, but extractive and fisheries sectors recorded zero returns, widening the gap against projections. Trade & Diplomacy: Sierra Leone was praised by the EU for being a top organic cocoa supplier, while Professor Charles Jalloh began diplomatic outreach in Brussels to support his ICJ judge bid. Sports & National Pride: Leone Stars started intensive training ahead of FIFA friendlies vs Liberia, with SLFA President Babadi Kamara urging professionalism and unity. Politics & Trust: A CHRDI poll found many Sierra Leoneans lack confidence in both major parties ahead of 2028, with SLPP and APC topping “least confidence” lists.

Public Health & Social Policy: Sierra Leone’s Gender Minister urged stronger newborn care to cut preventable deaths, citing gaps across antenatal, delivery and postnatal services and the impact of child marriage and teenage pregnancy. Economy & Accountability: Government says it collected NLe 4.52bn in Q1 2026, but extractives and fisheries recorded zero returns—highlighting a major revenue mobilisation gap. Trade & Agriculture: Sierra Leone was named the EU’s third-largest supplier of organic cocoa, with calls for deeper European investment and better port capacity. International Law & Diplomacy: Professor Charles Jalloh began Brussels engagements to win support for Sierra Leone’s ICJ bid in November 2026. Governance & Regulation: SLEWRC set approved nationwide sachet water prices and warned of enforcement; Parliament also moved on financial-system strengthening via a new act. Justice & Services: The Judiciary started construction of its first-ever Judiciary Clinic in Freetown to support judges and staff wellbeing. Sports & Youth Leadership: President Bio welcomed the new NSA Executive Director; SLFA launched intensive Leone Stars training ahead of FIFA friendlies vs Liberia. Migration & Security: 181 Gambians were among 911 migrants rescued by Mauritania’s coast guard over five days; separate reports also flag US deportation lists including Sierra Leoneans. Public Trust: A CHRDI poll shows widespread distrust in both SLPP and APC ahead of 2028 elections.

U.S.-Sierra Leone Diplomacy: President Donald Trump has nominated career diplomat Daniel Travis as the next U.S. Ambassador to Sierra Leone, filling the vacancy left by Bryan David Hunt; the post is now awaiting Senate action. Infrastructure Finance: President Bio met First Bank Group to discuss blended financing for roads, electricity, water, bridges and industrial infrastructure, with Finance Minister Fantamadi Bangura pushing for implementable deal structures. Elections & Public Trust: A CHRDI poll ahead of 2028 shows low confidence in both major parties—50.9% least trust SLPP and 37.3% least trust APC—highlighting a wider crisis of confidence. Accountability Tools: The Institute for Governance Reform launched the Salone Development Scorecard to track 100 National Development Plan targets in real time, aiming to close the gap between government promises and lived results. Education Reform: JAMB pledged technical support for Sierra Leone’s Centralised Admissions System, following stakeholder engagement and Cabinet approval for a unified digital admissions platform. Health Infrastructure: Government says two 100-bed hospitals in Pujehun (Zimmi and Kpakedu) are nearing completion to expand access under the Free Healthcare Initiative. Public Safety: Separate reports from Massachusetts describe a car-break-in case involving juveniles after a pursuit—no direct Sierra Leone link, but it dominated the week’s local crime coverage.

Deportations and public safety: The U.S. released names and photos of 26 Sierra Leoneans among 355 West Africans facing removal, with charges ranging from homicide and rape to fraud and drug trafficking. Accountability and service delivery: The Institute for Governance Reform launched the Salone Development Scorecard to track, in near real time, progress on 100 targets in Sierra Leone’s 2024–2030 National Development Plan. Health emergency watch: Congo’s Ebola outbreak rose to 321 confirmed cases with 48 deaths, as health teams intensify isolation and contact tracing. Gender and policy debate: A new call seeks the recruitment of 20 female drivers for the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, while debate on FGM/C continues to split opinion on how fast and how to tackle the practice. Local politics and policing: Police arrested three over the alleged murder of APC figure Abdulram Omega Sesay in Port Loko, and the Sierra Leone Police pushed community policing in Karene. Education reform: JAMB pledged technical support for Sierra Leone’s planned Centralised Admissions System, drawing on Nigeria’s model. EU aid pressure: Dutch officials say they want the EU to consider cutting development aid to Sierra Leone over drug trafficking concerns.

Maritime Security Push: Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu commissioned three new naval vessels and a Combined Maritime Task Force for the Gulf of Guinea, pledging sustained investment to curb piracy and crude-oil theft. Agriculture & Risk Protection: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Agriculture, with UNCDF and EU support, reiterated plans to expand agricultural insurance and financing to protect farmers from production risks. Hajj Update: All 2,626 Sierra Leonean pilgrims completed the main Hajj rites in Makkah, with the Presidential Hajj Taskforce confirming remaining farewell rites before departure. Police & Community Safety: Sierra Leone Police stepped up community policing in Karene, urging stronger public partnership and timely information-sharing. Justice & Media: The Judiciary highlighted reforms under Chief Justice Komba Kamanda, including decentralised Court of Appeal sittings and Sexual Offences Model Courts, while urging accurate court reporting. Sports Administration: SLFA appointed John Keister as caretaker Leone Stars coach for June friendlies against Liberia, with squad and fixtures confirmed. Public Order Concerns: In Freetown, social media claims eight people faced witchcraft allegations, with reports of confessions by three—no official verification yet. Education Reform: JAMB pledged technical support for Sierra Leone’s Centralised Admissions System to improve transparency in tertiary admissions.

Ebola Response Watch: WHO says the DRC’s Ebola outbreak has become a public health emergency of international concern, with cases and deaths rising fast and no vaccine or direct treatment yet for this strain—raising pressure on regional preparedness. Police Discipline: AIG John Martin Senesie ordered immediate corrective action in the Sierra Leone Police OSD, citing absenteeism, weak procedure adherence, and improper conduct, including social media use while in uniform. Judiciary Reforms: The Judiciary highlighted Chief Justice Komba Kamanda’s reforms, including decentralising Court of Appeal sittings and commissioning sexual offences model courts, while urging ethical, accurate court reporting. Electoral Security: Sierra Leone Police provided calm, violence-free security for Guinean legislative and municipal elections in Freetown. Drug-Trade Politics: Chief Minister David Sengeh rejected claims Sierra Leone is a “drug state,” while APC’s whip Abdul Kargbo hit back, accusing the government of downplaying the crisis. Business Registration Digital Push: Parliament ratified a 15-year BOT deal to digitise online business registration, aiming to cut bottlenecks and improve transparency. Mining Court Update: The Court of Appeal dismissed Octea Mining’s appeal, clearing the way for MAPO’s Kono case to proceed. Regional Diplomacy: Sierra Leone reaffirmed support for Morocco’s autonomy plan at the UN C-24 seminar. Sports Administration: SLFA appointed John Keister as caretaker Leone Stars coach for June friendlies vs Liberia.

Parliament & Digital Economy: Sierra Leone lawmakers ratified a 15-year Build-Operate-Transfer deal for an Online Business Registration System, with Multi GIS E-Services set to run and maintain the platform before it reverts to government. Drug Epidemic Politics: Chief Minister David Sengeh rejected claims that Sierra Leone is a “drug state,” but the APC parliamentary whip Abdul Kargbo hit back, saying the government is downplaying the crisis. Courts & Mining Accountability: The Court of Appeal dismissed Octea Mining’s appeal, clearing the way for MAPO’s case against the company to proceed in Kono. Public Trust: A CHRDI poll says public confidence in institutions has hit a breaking point, with half of respondents saying they trust none. Health & Preparedness: China donated 18,000 vials of Ribavirin to support Lassa fever response, while health authorities stepped up Ebola preparedness coordination with partners. Governance & Services: MoPED inspected resettlement compliance for Sierra Rutile expansion in Sembehun, and the MBSSE warned a BECE 2026 timetable circulating online is fake. Sports & Media: SLFA opened media accreditation for Leone Stars friendlies and the FA Cup final in Bo, and appointed three Sierra Leonean women to FIFA U-17 qualifier roles.

Drug Policy Clash: Chief Minister David Sengeh rejected claims that Sierra Leone is a “drug state,” saying the drugs originate abroad and calling the criticism “mind games,” while the APC parliamentary whip Abdul Kargbo hit back, arguing the government is downplaying the drug epidemic. Digital Governance: Parliament ratified a 15-year BOT concession for the Online Business Registration System (OBRS), with Multi GIS E-Services set to develop and run the platform before it transfers back to government. Justice in Kono: The Court of Appeal dismissed Octea Mining Limited’s appeal, clearing the way for MAPO’s case to proceed in the High Court in Koidu. Public Trust Pressure: A CHRDI poll says half of respondents do not trust any public institutions, adding to calls for transparent reforms. Ebola Preparedness: Health authorities stepped up Ebola readiness coordination with partners, using WHO readiness checklists and focusing on surveillance and rapid response. Media & Rights: A report says women in Sierra Leone’s media face sexual harassment at about twice the rate of men, and another lawyer warns of government “grip” on SLAJ and the Bar Association. Sports Administration: SLFA opened media accreditation for Leone Stars fixtures and announced FIFA appointments for three Sierra Leonean female officials. Parliament & Climate: Lawmakers held a national green investment dialogue on community green energy zones and climate finance monitoring.