AGP Executive Report

Former President Koroma’s Return: Dr Ernest Bai Koroma arrived in Makeni to a massive welcome, after the Attorney-General discontinued his treason-related case in July and lifted conditions on his medical bail—reviving political attention around the 2023 coup aftermath. Judiciary & Rule of Law: First Lady Fatima Maada Bio attended the 2026/2027 Judicial Year church service at Saint George’s Cathedral, underscoring institutional cooperation as the courts renew their work. Land Administration: The Lands Ministry certified and licensed 18 land surveyors to strengthen land rights and reduce boundary disputes under the Survey Act. Digital Finance: Fatima Bio launched Flot, a Sierra Leonean fintech platform for digital payments and travel services, aiming to expand access for businesses and travellers. Social Protection: The Ministry of Social Welfare advanced reforms through a delivery clinic, including progress on a 56-bed facility for persons with disabilities and plans to regulate social work services. Human Trafficking & Migration: Sierra Leone’s suspension of overseas recruitment via the Guinea route is being framed as a deeper governance and trafficking risk issue, while NAPTIP and Expertise France inaugurated the PROTECT project to boost anti-trafficking capacity across West Africa. Security Flashpoint: Reports say three people were shot dead in Freetown after tensions between Kroo Town Road FC supporters and an APC flagbearer aspirant’s office escalated. International Spotlight: Amnesty renewed claims that Russia recruits foreign fighters through deception and coercion, including testimonies from Sierra Leoneans.

Digital Finance Push: First Lady Fatima Maada Bio officially launched Flot, a Sierra Leone fintech platform offering digital payments and Visa-powered international card services, aiming to make cross-border transactions and travel easier. Land Administration Reform: The Ministry of Lands certified and licensed 18 land surveyors under the Survey Act, a step meant to strengthen secure tenure and reduce boundary disputes. Social Protection Overhaul: The Ministry of Social Welfare is advancing reforms through a delivery clinic, including a near-complete 56-bed facility for persons with disabilities and a proposed framework to register and license social workers and service institutions. Political Tensions in Freetown: Three residents were reportedly shot dead after violence between Kroo Town Road FC supporters and the APC flagbearer aspirant Sheik Alhaji Mohamed Kamara’s office, raising fresh security concerns. Reconciliation Momentum: Former President Ernest Bai Koroma attended Sunday service in Freetown and met the Peace Commission to discuss conflict prevention and national cohesion. International Security & Influence: Amnesty alleges Russian-linked recruiters are targeting vulnerable Sierra Leoneans for the Ukraine war, while Ukraine says it has sanctioned Russia’s “shadow fleet” vessels and related entities.

Social Protection Push: Sierra Leone’s Social Welfare Ministry says it’s advancing reforms to strengthen social protection and inclusion, including a near-complete 56-bed facility for persons with disabilities and a proposed framework to register and license social workers and set standards for care institutions. Digital Payments: First Lady Fatima Bio officially launched Flot, a Sierra Leone fintech platform offering digital payments, Visa-powered cards and travel solutions, aimed at expanding access for travellers and businesses. Land Administration: The Lands Ministry certified and licensed 18 land surveyors under the Survey Act to improve secure tenure and reduce boundary disputes. Freetown Violence: Three people were reportedly shot dead after tensions between Kroo Town Road FC supporters and APC flagbearer aspirant Jagaban’s office escalated following a football match; police intervened as the situation spread. Political Reconciliation: Former President Ernest Bai Koroma attended Sunday service in Freetown and met the Peace Commission to support conflict prevention and national cohesion. Land Rights Dispute: The Lawyers’ Society challenged Lands Minister Turad Senesie’s remarks suggesting individuals don’t own land, citing the Conveyancing Act and court decisions. Regional Security: Sierra Leone’s military logistics featured in calls for stronger ECOWAS maritime cooperation to tackle shared security threats. Ukraine-Russia Sanctions: Ukraine imposed sanctions on vessels tied to Russia’s shadow fleet and on Rostec-linked entities, with some ships reportedly flying Sierra Leone and other flags. Telecom Funding: The US EXIM approved a $99.6m loan to Africell to buy network equipment from American and allied suppliers instead of Huawei. Ebola Update (DRC): Congo confirmed three new Ebola cases in a displaced persons camp in Ituri, raising fears of spread amid poor sanitation.

Reconciliation & National Cohesion: President Julius Maada Bio’s move to facilitate the return of former President Ernest Bai Koroma after more than two years in Nigeria is being framed as a fresh push for peace, dialogue and unity, with Koroma and the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) stressing proactive conflict prevention. Land Governance: The Lawyers’ Society of Sierra Leone has challenged the Lands Minister’s claim that no one owns land in Sierra Leone, warning the public about misleading interpretations of land rights and title. Local Development Planning: MoPED has extended its participatory Chiefdom Development Planning exercise in Sorogbema Chiefdom, urging communities to prioritize income-generating projects and align plans with national development priorities. Civic Education & Youth Opportunities: MoICE is exploring Canadian academic partnerships with the University of the Fraser Valley, focusing on exchanges, scholarships and broader access for Sierra Leonean youth. Digital Finance: First Lady Fatima Bio officially launched Flot, a Visa-powered fintech platform aimed at making international payments and travel easier for Sierra Leoneans. Security & Military Leadership: RSLAF held a Change of Command at the 14th Infantry Battalion in Pujehun, while ECOWAS-linked regional maritime cooperation remains a key theme in senior military engagements. Elections Watch (APC): APC rescheduled outstanding ward and constituency elections to Tuesday, September 15, citing unresolved petitions. Human Rights & Policing: Sierra Leone police are hunting LGBTQIA+ activists after a raid on a private gay party, with activists now on the run. Public Health: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has spread to a seventh province, with confirmed cases and deaths rising sharply, raising regional alarm. Migration & Consular Protection: VP Juldeh Jalloh held a town hall with Sierra Leoneans in Guinea on migration, consular protection, employment and cross-border trade.

Reconciliation Push: President Bio’s facilitation of former President Ernest Bai Koroma’s return after two years in Nigeria is being framed as a fresh start for peace and national cohesion, with Koroma meeting the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion to shift from crisis response to prevention. AFCON Blow: Sierra Leone’s Mustapha Bundu is set to miss AFCON qualifiers after a thigh injury with tendon involvement confirmed by his German club. Ebola Update (DRC): Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged past 7,000 cases and spread to a seventh province, with officials reporting a new confirmed case in Sud-Ubangi. Land Rights Clash: The Lawyers’ Society challenged Lands Minister Turad Senesie’s claim that individuals don’t own land, citing the Conveyancing Act and court recognition of private title. Chief Minister Salary Row: Lawyer Mamoud Bah questioned Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh’s reported response on his monthly income, calling for transparency. Migration/Consular Work: VP Juldeh Jalloh held a town hall in Guinea with Sierra Leoneans on migration, consular protection, and safer cross-border employment. Freetown Governance: Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr launched the “Transform Freetown, Transforming Lives” mid-term report, citing jobs, training, and external funding across climate action, heritage tourism, digital economy, and human capital. APC Party Politics: The APC rescheduled outstanding ward and constituency elections after petitions were referred for decisions by the PPRC.

ECOWAS Security & Naval Cooperation: Sierra Leone’s regional security focus got a boost as the ECOWAS Standby Force chief of staff met Nigeria’s naval chief, who urged stronger ECOWAS Standby Force readiness and wider African maritime participation to counter terrorism and cross-border crime. Ebola Spillover Watch: Congo’s Ebola outbreak keeps widening—officials say it has reached a seventh province, with testing confirming the Bundibugyo strain in Sud-Ubangi, raising fears for neighboring areas. Land Reform Push: Lands Minister Turad Senesie told reporters Sierra Leone lacks formal legal land title for most occupants, and said draft legislation is headed to Parliament to register land and issue title certificates. Freetown City Governance: Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr launched her “Transform Freetown, Transforming Lives” mid-term report, citing thousands of beneficiaries, jobs, and external funding across climate action, heritage tourism, the digital economy, and human capital. Health & Data: NCRA began validating Sierra Leone’s 2025 vital statistics report, while the Health Ministry took over a rehabilitated Tombo maternity unit to strengthen maternal and newborn care. Labour Oversight: The Labour Ministry suspended overseas recruitment via the Guinea route and ordered agencies to submit documents as investigations begin. Human Rights & Stigma: HRCSL trained religious leaders to challenge stigma and discrimination against key populations, linking faith teachings to human rights. International Tech Competition: U.S. EXIM announced a $99.6m loan to Africell to expand American telecom tech in Africa, with Africell operating in Sierra Leone.

Ebola Watch (DRC): Congo’s record Ebola outbreak has surged past 7,000 confirmed cases and spread to a seventh province, with officials warning the response is being slowed by staff, partner and funding shortages. Human Rights & Policing (Sierra Leone): Sierra Leone police are hunting LGBTQIA+ activists after a raid on a private gay party in Freetown, with two activists reported to have escaped. Labour & Migration Oversight: The Labour Ministry has suspended overseas recruitment through the Guinea route, citing allegations that agencies are using it to move workers for jobs abroad without proper safeguards. Civil Data Systems: The National Civil Registration Authority has started validating Sierra Leone’s 2025 Vital Statistics Report, focusing on the quality and reliability of vital event data. Local Governance: Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr launched her mid-term “Transform Freetown, Transforming Lives” report, citing jobs created, beneficiaries reached and external funding secured. Health Services: The Ministry of Health has taken over the rehabilitated Tombo maternity unit to strengthen maternal and child care. Foreign Aid & Diplomacy: Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh pushed back on Dutch aid threats, saying Sierra Leone does not depend on EU support. Security & Justice: Sierra Leone’s SLMDA condemned the circulation of graphic photos of late Dr. Adrian Hanciles, urging police action and the public to stop sharing. International Tech Politics: The U.S. is backing Africell with a $99.6m loan to expand American telecom equipment in Africa, including operations in Sierra Leone.

Border Security MoU: Sierra Leone’s Immigration Department and Police signed an MoU in Freetown to boost border governance, intelligence sharing, joint investigations, and coordinated responses to security and migration challenges. Child Data Protection: The Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation is reviewing how children’s vaccination records are collected and shared, with UNICEF and CDPI pushing cybersecurity and data protection “from the design stage.” Ebola Watch (DRC): Africa CDC says the eastern Congo Ebola outbreak is spreading beyond Ituri into North Kivu and Haut-Uele, with 6,843 cases and 3,310 deaths reported, amid insecurity and displacement. Health Support Line: The Ministry of Health launched a toll-free mental health helpline (5116) to encourage people facing emotional distress to seek support. Women’s Rights at UN: First Lady Fatima Maada Bio returned to a huge welcome after a UN General Assembly resolution she spearheaded on protecting girls and women. Skills for Jobs: Sierra Leone outlined a youth employment push at the Youth Knowledge Forum in Rabat, stressing practical skills, digital transformation, entrepreneurship, and wider access to opportunities. World Bank Partnership: World Bank Africa West and Central VP Ousmane Diagana met Sierra Leone’s finance leadership to reaffirm support and focus on measurable results, revenue mobilisation, and cash-flow management. Sports Governance: SLFA marked Babadi Kamara’s election as WAFU-A first vice president with a commemorative presentation. Tourism Vendor Dispute: An opposition MP demanded written guarantees for Cabbage Beach vendors after proposed erosion control works raised fears of displacement.

Ebola Watch: Africa CDC says eastern DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is accelerating beyond Ituri, with cases rising sharply in North Kivu and Haut-Uele amid insecurity, displacement and health worker strikes. Mental Health & Safety: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health launches a toll-free suicide support line (5116) urging people in distress to seek help. Judicial Protection: Chief Justice Komba Kamanda calls for stronger, gender-sensitive enforcement of women’s reproductive health rights across African courts. Local Politics & Governance: Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh dismisses speculation about his SLPP flagbearer ambitions, saying he’s focused on delivering for President Bio and the public. Diplomacy & Law: Sierra Leone’s Foreign Ministry investigates alleged misuse of official diplomatic documents after Sidie Tunis was denied a U.S. visa. Public Services: World Bank reaffirms support for Sierra Leone’s development agenda, stressing measurable results and improved cash-flow and revenue management. Security/Foreign Influence: Reports say Russia plans new “Russian Houses” in Sierra Leone and other African states, expanding cultural and educational influence. Economy/Jobs: Sierra Leone highlights youth skills and employment priorities at a global knowledge forum in Rabat. Sports Administration: SLFA finance oversight gets a boost as its Finance Committee begins work to strengthen transparency.

Child Marriage at UN: Sierra Leone’s First Lady Fatima Maada Bio helped secure a UN General Assembly resolution creating an International Day to prevent and eliminate child, early and forced marriage, set for November 27. Youth Skills & Jobs: Government is expanding technical institutes into community colleges, boosting apprenticeships and work-based learning, and pushing a youth employment strategy focused on practical skills and digital transformation. Cyber Rights: Women on Mining and Extractives Sierra Leone (WoME-SL) has raised concerns with the Human Rights Commission over Section 44 of the Cyber Security and Crime Act, warning it could chill freedom of expression. Land Reform: The Lands Ministry says it is modernizing land administration with digital records, stronger development controls, decentralized planning and formal title registration. Port Congestion: The Sierra Leone Labour Congress calls Queen Elizabeth II Quay congestion an economic emergency and urges faster completion of the Gento (Kent Harbour/Logistics) Port. Fuel Pressure: With global oil prices near $100, Sierra Leone faces renewed risk of fuel-cost strain after recent petrol and diesel hikes. Local Governance Push: VP Juldeh Jalloh’s decentralisation tour in Port Loko highlighted plans to recruit about 800 native administrative officers to strengthen chiefdom-level governance.

Port Congestion & Jobs: The Sierra Leone Labour Congress calls Queen Elizabeth II Quay congestion a national emergency and urges the government to speed up Kent Harbour/Gento Port completion to cut delays and costs. Fuel Costs & Public Scrutiny: Government raised petrol to NLe40 and diesel to NLe45 after global oil prices hit around $100; a local commentary demands the full pricing math be published. Power Supply Pressure: BEL warns of possible load shedding tonight due to high demand and limited supply. Decentralisation & Local Governance: VP Juldeh Jalloh ends a Port Loko decentralisation tour, pledging about 800 Native Administrative Officers to strengthen chiefdom administration and service delivery. Transport Delivery Focus: The Transport Ministry outlines road, rail, aviation and maritime priorities at a State House delivery clinic. Digital Child-Safe Systems: Government and UNICEF launch a national workshop to embed child-rights safeguards into Sierra Leone’s digital systems. Football Funding & Officials: SLFA releases a second round of regional football funding (US$50,000 per Regional FA) and Sierra Leone’s Agnes Abdul Gbla officiates WAFU-A U-17 qualifiers in Senegal. Security Sector Partnerships: The Internal Affairs Minister urges closer police-community cooperation and highlights ongoing police service reforms.

Fuel & Transport Costs: Government increased petrol to NLe40.00 and diesel to NLe45.00 per litre, saying it will absorb part of the pass-through via subsidies; transport fares were also adjusted across Freetown and provincial routes after the pump-price rise. Health Supplies: MoH unveiled a US$2.5m consignment of essential medicines and SRHR supplies for emergency obstetric and delivery care, including postpartum hemorrhage and sepsis treatments. Digital Child Protection: Government and UNICEF launched a three-day workshop to build child-rights safeguards into Sierra Leone’s digital systems, linking privacy, cybersecurity and responsible data use to the country’s digital sovereignty push. Policing Partnerships: Sierra Leone Police marked UN International Day of Police Cooperation, with Internal Affairs Minister Morie Lengor calling for stronger police-community-government and international partner collaboration as security threats evolve. Revenue & Tax: IMF and NRA pledged deeper cooperation on tax compliance and revenue mobilisation, with focus on reducing leakages in the informal sector and strengthening GST enforcement. Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Swaray urged ambassadors to be more results-driven—prioritising investment, trade promotion, consular protection and digitised performance. Politics & Reconciliation: ECOWAS commended Sierra Leone for facilitating former President Ernest Bai Koroma’s return after charges were discontinued, framing it as a step toward unity and lasting peace. Land Governance: Freetown Area Rep. Fonseca addressed the Belama Phase 5 land ownership dispute, pointing to overlapping titles and past administration changes. Sports: ZIFA confirmed the Warriors’ home venue for AFCON 2027 qualifiers as Harare’s National Sports Stadium. Public Debate: Calls are mounting for an investigation into Pastor Francis Mambu’s controversial allegations, with Attorney-General Alpha Sesay at the centre of the demand.

Fuel Prices: Government announced new nationwide pump prices from Sept 8—petrol at NLe40.00/litre and diesel at NLe45.00/litre—citing global oil market pressures and saying it will absorb part of the increase via subsidies to protect consumers and keep Waka Fine fares unchanged. Social Welfare: The Ministry of Social Welfare disbursed Le300,000 in welfare grants to 15 organisations in Freetown, with Le20,000 each, targeting children, women, youth and older persons, alongside plans to strengthen oversight under the Professional Social Work Regulatory Law. Political Parties Regulation: The Political Parties Regulation Commission deregistered the National Progressive Democrat (NPD) effective Sept 7 for alleged breaches of the Political Parties Act 2022, warning stakeholders not to engage NPD members in party activities. Judicial Rights: Chief Justice Komba Kamanda urged stronger enforcement of women’s sexual and reproductive health rights under the Maputo Protocol, stressing courts must translate rights into real outcomes for women facing hardship and limited access to services. Reconciliation Politics: ECOWAS commended President Bio for facilitating former President Ernest Bai Koroma’s return after charges were discontinued, framing it as a step toward national unity and peace. Water Regulation: NWRMA stepped up enforcement against unregulated raw water abstraction, conducting compliance visits and pushing registration and permitting for businesses and institutions. Ebola Response: A clinical trial for an oral Ebola drug (NV-387) was registered in the Pan African Clinical Trials database for the DRC outbreak, as health authorities warn the epidemic could expand further. ECOWAS Currency Push: ECOWAS directed its Commission to fast-track work toward launching the ECO single currency, reviewing progress ahead of a proposed July 1, 2027 rollout.

APC Political Dispute: The Political Parties Regulation Commission set a deadline of Sept 8, 4:45pm for petitions challenging APC Internal Elections Complaint Board rulings, with hearings slated for Sept 9 in Freetown—while it also deregistered the National Progressive Democrat Party. Former President Return: Ernest Bai Koroma is back in Sierra Leone after more than two years in Nigeria, following Sierra Leone’s decision to suspend/drop treason proceedings; President Bio welcomed him and called for unity, with Nigeria and ECOWAS officials describing the return as a diplomatic confidence-building process. Electoral Commission Reform Work: The Electoral Commission says it has developed the policy reforms from the Tripartite Committee’s 80 recommendations but is waiting to validate its 2025–2029 Strategic Plan before formally adopting them. Women in Security: RSLAF commissioned 70 women as certified military drivers to boost peacekeeping readiness, supported by UN Women and the Elsie Initiative Fund. Child Marriage Push: Sierra Leone-backed UN action declared Nov 27 an international day to end child, early and forced marriage, following Sierra Leone’s resolution at the UN. Justice & Accountability: A call is renewed for Attorney-General Alpha Sesay to investigate Pastor Mambu’s public claims, urging authorities to examine whether there is any basis behind allegations. Border Governance: Jendema border users praised improved immigration services under a new senior officer posted in Dec 2025.

Former President Return & Reconciliation: President Julius Maada Bio received Ernest Bai Koroma at State House in Freetown after treason proceedings were dropped, urging unity and peace as Koroma pledged “whatever it takes” for reconciliation. Regional Diplomacy: Nigeria coordinated Koroma’s safe, dignified return from Abuja after ECOWAS-led engagements, with Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and Olusegun Obasanjo accompanying him. Electoral Governance: The Political Parties Regulation Commission set a Sept 8 4:45pm deadline for petitions against APC Internal Elections Complaint Board rulings, with hearings set for Sept 9 in Freetown; it also deregistered the National Progressive Democrat Party. Civic & Rights Agenda: SLAJ is calling for a dedicated constitutional chapter to strengthen freedom of expression and press independence. Child Protection Push: The UN adopted Sierra Leone First Lady Fatima Maada Bio’s resolution making Nov 27 the International Day to end child, early and forced marriage. Border Service Improvements: Jendema border users praised the Mano River Bridge immigration head for more professional, respectful processing.

Return of Koroma: Nigeria facilitated the safe return of former Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma to Freetown after more than two years in Nigeria, with Foreign Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu accompanying him on President Bola Tinubu’s instruction, following Sierra Leone’s withdrawal of treason proceedings. Reconciliation Push: Koroma, speaking after his return, urged unity and an “open hand” approach, saying Sierra Leoneans should move forward together ahead of the 2028 presidential election. Child Marriage Ban Day: The UN designated November 27 as the International Day for the elimination of child, early and forced marriage, with Sierra Leone leading the resolution and First Lady Fatima Maada Bio championing it. Climate & Waste Tech in Freetown: Freetown City Council is expanding biodigesters to turn organic waste into biogas, cut fuel costs, and improve sanitation—Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr highlighted installations in Congo Town and Hagan Street Market. Land Rights & Legal Literacy: Green Scenery Sierra Leone engaged communities in Pujehun to strengthen legal literacy and protection for environmental rights defenders, linking training to Sierra Leone’s land laws. Local Governance & School Admissions: A ministerial directive warns SHS heads not to admit students outside Ghana’s CSSPS process, underscoring how placement systems shape access and integrity. Regional Politics Watch: Sidie Mohamed Tunis demanded investigation into alleged misuse of official documents in a US visa application tied to his name.