AGP Executive Report

Judiciary & Rule of Law: Sierra Leone’s judges and court staff paid tribute to Chief Justice Komba Kamanda for completing his tenure as Chairman of the ECOWAS Judicial Council, praising reforms and regional judicial leadership. Constitutional Politics: Parliament is set to reconvene Friday to handle a supplementary budget and continue debate on the Constitutional Amendment Bill, after a marathon session that reignited fights over electoral rules and women’s representation. Women in Governance: Sierra Leone’s Gender Minister Dr. Isata Mahoi pushed for stronger women’s political leadership across Africa, while ECOWAS unveiled a regional plan to expand women’s political participation. Public Service Digitalisation: The Sierra Leone Police launched an online Police Clearance Certificate portal via WanGov, with support centres in Freetown for applicants without internet access. Cybersecurity: NatCA reassured the public it is monitoring ongoing cybersecurity incidents affecting digital services and urged stronger protections and vigilance. Health Capacity: Government launched the country’s first Advanced Field Epidemiology Training Programme to boost outbreak investigation and emergency response.

Constitutional Reform Showdown: Sierra Leone Parliament will reconvene Friday to consider a supplementary budget and resume debate on the Constitution Amendment Bill after a marathon sitting, with key proposals including shifting the presidential election threshold to a simple majority and keeping a 30% women’s representation on party nominee lists—while critics warn the changes could weaken democracy and representation. Judiciary Under Pressure: The Judiciary suspended court sittings nationwide for the Sierra Leone Bar Association AGM, while the American Bar Association condemned personal attacks on judges by government officials, stressing judicial independence. Women’s Political Leadership: ECOWAS launched a push to expand women’s political leadership across West Africa, building on a declaration adopted in Freetown. Cybersecurity Alert: NatCA reassured the public it is monitoring ongoing cybersecurity incidents affecting digital services and urged operators and citizens to strengthen protections. Police & Digital Services: Sierra Leone Police launched an online Police Clearance Certificate application process via the WanGov platform, with support centres in Freetown for applicants without internet access. Wanted Notice: Police declared 18-year-old Abdulai Koroma wanted over offences linked to the August 10, 2022 protests. Regional/Global Legal Watch: The ICC voted to remove chief prosecutor Karim Khan amid sexual misconduct allegations, with Khan denying the claims.

Constitutional Reform in Parliament: MPs adjourned the second reading debate on Sierra Leone’s Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2025 to July 31 after hours of sharp exchanges, with the fight centring on how to elect MPs—First-Past-the-Post versus Proportional Representation and the proposed electoral threshold. Police Oversight Upgrade: The Independent Police Complaints Board moved to implement 22 reforms after a 2025 review, with Cabinet endorsement and an implementation matrix aimed at strengthening independence and accountability. Digital Economy Push: Government launched a public-private dialogue to operationalise the Electronic Transactions Act 2018, tackling long-standing enforcement gaps for e-signatures, dispute resolution and certification. Tourism Sector Plan: The Ministry of Tourism began work to form a National Tourism Federation, mapping stakeholder associations and a roadmap for sector collaboration. Local Governance & Chiefs: Preparations for the 2026 National Council of Paramount Chiefs conference in Bo focus on revenue, land governance, conflict prevention and environmental sustainability. US Visa Changes Affect Freetown: From August 1, the US will end routine visa processing at its Abuja mission and 24 other African posts, including Freetown, routing applicants to regional hubs. Health System Spotlight: A study highlights persistent challenges in managing pre-eclampsia, pointing to gaps in diagnosis, supplies and monitoring that worsen maternal outcomes. Sports Infrastructure: SLFA president inspected construction of a 435-seater pavilion at the Football Academy in Kingtom, part of upgrades to improve training and match hosting.

Constitutional Reform Showdown: Sierra Leone’s Parliament adjourned its heated debate on the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill, 2025, until Friday, 31 July, after marathon sessions over electoral rules—especially whether to keep First-Past-the-Post or lock in Proportional Representation, with MPs arguing over representation and the cost of by-elections. Parliamentary Process: The Attorney-General, Alpha Sesay, said the Bill draws from the Edmond Cowan Constitutional Review and public position papers, framing it as “not partisan but generational.” Local Governance & Public Services: Residents and vendors raised parking and congestion fears during a consultation on the proposed Blu Cay Marina near Potter’s Cay, warning the project could worsen an already strained freight and boat-loading area. Women’s Rights & Accountability: Government and partners launched work to operationalise the AU Accountability Framework on ending FGM and child, early and forced marriage, aiming to turn continental commitments into measurable national action. Environment & Land-Use: In Pamoronko, informal settlement residents joined co-design talks on climate-resilient land-use reforms, pushing for policies that reflect lived realities. Regional & International Policy: The US announced it will end routine visa processing at its Abuja embassy and 24 other African missions from 1 August, shifting routine services to regional hubs. Sports Infrastructure: SLFA President Babadi Kamara inspected construction of a 435-seater pavilion at the SLFA Football Academy in Kingtom, a project valued at over US$250,000.

Constitutional Amendments Vote: Sierra Leone’s Parliament is set for a pivotal debate and vote on the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill 2025, with the Opposition warning that any change must meet the two-thirds threshold (about 99 votes) to be valid, while MPs and civil voices argue over major election reforms—especially PR versus FPTP and the proposed presidential winning threshold. Parliament Watch: APC leadership says it will back reforms only if the process stays procedural and legal, as SLPP and APC MPs publicly oppose an independent presidential candidates clause. Local Governance & Peace: Chief Minister Sengeh received ICPNC’s annual report and strategic plan, as government reports a decline in tensions during Paramount Chief elections. Education Compliance: MBSSE warns schools not to charge parents for report cards, urging complaints via hotline 8060. Mining Communities: Government says it’s developing a framework to increase benefits for mining host communities, including roads, electricity and water, building on the 1% mining revenue allocation. Railway Regulation: Sierra Leone Railways Development and Regulatory Authority consults stakeholders on a draft railway regulatory framework ahead of Cabinet and Parliament. Digital & Payments: Visa expands Visa Pay access across Africa, including Sierra Leone, to speed up digital payments. Gender Protection: The Gender Ministry and Trócaire reaffirm partnership to protect women and children. Agriculture Delivery: Agriculture Minister Kpaka introduces new deputy ministers as Feed Salone mid-year reviews push results in Bo.

Constitutional Amendments Vote: Sierra Leone’s Parliament is set for a crucial debate and vote on the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill 2025, with Attorney-General Alpha Sesay framing reforms as a shift from a “constitution of survival” to “prosperity,” while Opposition Leader Abdul Kargbo insists any amendment must meet the two-thirds threshold (about 99 votes). Electoral System Fight: MPs from both SLPP and APC oppose a clause allowing independent presidential candidates, and Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr urges rejection of PR and retention of the 55% nationwide presidential threshold. Public Participation Pushback: Citizens’ Barray calls for stronger public participation, warning that simplified, accessible civic education was missing. Education Enforcement: MBSSE warns schools not to charge parents for report cards, saying it is illegal and urging complaints via toll-free line 8060. Hajj Registration: Government announces 2027 Hajj registration is open, with cost set at US$7,000 and a 30 October 2026 deadline. Labour Compliance: MELSS meets commercial banks to push compliance with labour laws, focusing on workers’ entitlements and safety. Regional Governance: ECOWAS launches a technical mission in Freetown to prepare projects under its Regional Fund for Stabilization and Development.

ECOWAS Stabilization Push: ECOWAS has launched a technical mission in Freetown to prepare projects under its Regional Fund for Stabilization and Development, with Germany’s KfW backing, as Sierra Leone’s ministries move to set priorities and an implementation roadmap. Parliament Budget Calendar: Finance Minister Sheku Bangura will present Sierra Leone’s FY2026 Supplementary Budget and economic policy statement to Parliament on July 31. Local Governance & Chieftaincy: The Ministry of Information and Civic Education will hold a weekly press briefing on July 28 on the 2026 National Council of Paramount Chiefs conference, focusing on chieftaincy’s role in security and governance. Judiciary Spotlight: Chief Justice Komba Kamanda was honoured in Nigeria for maritime jurisprudence leadership, and will chair a technical session at the seminar. Health Supply Delivery: NMSA delivered 12 truckloads of essential medicines to Kenema to strengthen last-mile access under the Free Healthcare Programme. Sports & Youth: Halle Harris became the first Sierra Leonean swimmer to reach a Commonwealth Games semifinal (Glasgow 2026), while Star Sport Academy appointed the country’s first sports psychologist. Public Accountability: APC flagbearer aspirant Ady Macauley argued Sierra Leone’s FPTP system hasn’t caused violence in past by-elections, calling for broader fixes to election conduct and institutions. International Scrutiny: BBC reports have raised questions about Dutch fugitive Jos Leijdekkers’ alleged presence in Sierra Leone, including claims he attended a church service with President Bio’s family.

ECOWAS & Diplomacy: Sierra Leone’s judiciary spotlighted Chief Justice Komba Kamanda in Nigeria, honouring his maritime law leadership and his role moderating a judges’ seminar. Parliament & Elections Oversight: Speaker Segepoh Solomon Thomas named opposition APC MP Aminata Sesay to an ad hoc parliamentary oversight committee for the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone, aimed at strengthening credible, free and fair elections. Budget Watch: Finance Minister Sheku Bangura will present Sierra Leone’s FY2026 supplementary budget to Parliament on July 31. Governance & Traditional Authority: The Ministry of Information will hold a weekly press briefing on July 28 on how Paramount Chiefs can reinforce security and governance ahead of the 2026 conference. Anti-Corruption & Service Delivery: SLRSA and the Anti-Corruption Commission trained Road Safety Corps personnel on ethics, integrity and anti-corruption compliance. Health Supply: NMSA delivered 12 truckloads of essential medicines to Kenema under the Free Healthcare Programme. Economy Risk: The IMF warned Sierra Leone’s public debt remains at high risk of distress despite recent economic gains. Public Safety & Education: The Law School set dates for 2026 entrance exam number collection, while the government continues to push public service and civic engagement. Sports & Youth: Halle Harris made history as the first Sierra Leonean swimmer to reach the Commonwealth Games semifinal in Glasgow 2026.

Electoral Oversight: Parliament Speaker Segepoh Solomon Thomas named APC MP Aminata Sesay to an ad hoc oversight committee for Sierra Leone’s electoral commission, aiming to strengthen ECSL monitoring ahead of credible, free and fair polls. Anti-Corruption & Policing: SLRSA and the ACC ran a two-day ethics and integrity workshop for Road Safety Corps personnel in Freetown, stressing Anti-Corruption Act compliance and public trust. Justice & Accountability: An op-ed warns that presidential immunity should not become a “burial cloth for justice,” arguing it could shield powerful figures from accountability for past killings and unanswered cases. Digital Government: Sierra Leone Police began distributing 39 laptops to Local Unit Commanders to start a more paperless, networked administrative system under its 2025–2029 plan. Governance Coordination: Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh defended his office’s “close the gap” coordination role, saying it supports ministries where capacity and time fall short. Public Safety Probe: Internal Affairs Minister Morie Lengor received the IPCB report on the Kailahun bike rider death and unrest, promising his ministry will study findings and act. Youth & Nutrition: Vice President Juldeh Jalloh urged more investment in maternal and child nutrition in the first 1,000 days, linking early choices to national resilience.

Road Safety & Anti-Corruption: SLRSA and the Anti-Corruption Commission trained Road Safety Corps personnel in ethics, integrity and the Anti-Corruption Act, urging transparency and accountability in enforcement. Immunity vs Justice: A Sierra Leone Telegraph op-ed warns that any move toward presidential immunity could entrench impunity and delay justice for victims. Mobile Money Security: APC presidential aspirant Sylvia Olayinka Blyden says she will reform mobile money identity systems on day one to curb fraud, after public anger over a WhatsApp scam response. Police Digital Push: Sierra Leone Police began a paperless shift by distributing 39 laptops to Local Unit Commanders, enabling electronic correspondence through the national fiber network. Governance Coordination: Chief Minister Sengeh defended the Chief Minister’s Office role as “closing the gap” across ministries, not replacing them. Legal Profession Reform: The Lawyers’ Society submitted amendments to the proposed Legal Practitioners Act, 2025, including broader representation and stronger judicial oversight. Elections Watch: APC’s IEMC says constituency elections in unaffected areas were peaceful, with results to follow strict procedures. Health & Regional Crisis: DRC Ebola deaths surged past 1,300, described as spreading “like a wildfire,” with no approved vaccines for the variant. Sports & Public Life: Mayor Aki-Sawyerr celebrated her son Jordan carrying Sierra Leone’s flag at the Commonwealth Games; British High Commission also wished Team Sierra Leone success.

ECOWAS Summit Health Response: President Bio praised Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health for “meticulous planning” and rapid medical coordination during the 69th ECOWAS Heads of State summit in Freetown and Lungi. Legal Reform: The Sierra Leone Lawyers’ Society submitted a position paper on the proposed Legal Practitioners Act, 2025, backing modernisation but pushing changes on representation, disciplinary powers, and judicial oversight. Police Digital Push: Sierra Leone Police began a paperless drive by distributing 39 laptops to Local Unit Commanders, aiming for electronic correspondence under the SDP 2025–2029. Governance Debate: Chief Minister Sengeh defended the Chief Minister’s Office coordination role, saying it must “close the gap” without replacing other institutions. Security & Scams: Dr. Sylvia Olayinka Blyden criticised Chief Minister Sengeh’s public response to a WhatsApp scam attempt, arguing it exposes weaknesses in national security. Sports & Youth: Sierra Leone’s Vice President urged investment in maternal and child nutrition in the first 1,000 days, while the British High Commission wished Team Sierra Leone success at the Commonwealth Games. Regional Health Alert: Ebola deaths in DR Congo surged past 1,300, with the outbreak described as spreading “like a wildfire.”

International Justice: The ICC has removed chief prosecutor Karim Khan in an unprecedented vote by member states, citing “serious misconduct” and a “serious breach of duty” amid sexual misconduct allegations he denies. Cybersecurity & Governance: In Sierra Leone, Minister of Information Chernor Bah says he narrowly escaped a WhatsApp scam and calls for stronger action; Chief Minister Sengeh backs arrests and harsher deterrence, while political commentator Dr Sylvia Olayinka Blyden criticises the government’s response and links scams to wider security gaps. Local Administration: Chief Minister Sengeh defends his office’s cross-government coordination role, saying it exists to “close the gap” rather than replace ministries. Development Planning: CRS launched a digital coordination and visualization platform in Freetown to map projects, reduce duplication, and improve monitoring. Water Infrastructure: Sierra Leone is exploring a partnership with Egyptian firm METIPRO to modernise water systems, including desalination options. Sports & Youth: Sierra Leone’s NSA explores e-sports expansion after a British roundtable in Glasgow; meanwhile, the Commonwealth Games spotlight continues with Mayor Aki-Sawyerr celebrating her son Jordan’s flag-bearing role. Law & Parliament: Parliament is set to debate and vote on a constitutional amendment bill on 28 July. Judiciary Recognition: Chief Justice Komba Kamanda was honoured at an international maritime law seminar in Nigeria.

Cybercrime & Security: Chief Minister Dr David Moinina Sengeh ordered the immediate identification and arrest of suspects behind a failed WhatsApp scam targeting Minister Chernor Bah, saying Sierra Leone must make phone fraud “costly” through firm prosecution. Governance & Law: Parliament is set to debate and vote on the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Act, 2025 on 28 July, with Attorney General Alpha Sesay expected to pilot the bill. Anti-Corruption/Customs Scrutiny: Sonoco Sierra Leone faces allegations that duty-free imported iron rods were diverted into the local market instead of serving the declared project purpose. Regional Integration: ECOWAS reaffirmed plans for an ECO single currency rollout in phases, with criteria like inflation and monetary stability guiding early adopters. International Justice: The ICC removed chief prosecutor Karim Khan for “serious misconduct,” the first time a chief prosecutor has been ousted. Legal Education: The Council of Legal Education released a supplementary shortlist of 93 FBC applicants for the 31 July 2026 Sierra Leone Law School entrance exam.

ICC Accountability: Sierra Leone’s motion failed, but ICC member states voted to remove chief prosecutor Karim Khan after sexual misconduct allegations, with diplomats saying the decision followed a finding of “serious misconduct.” ECOWAS Money & Integration: ECOWAS reaffirmed plans to launch a single ECO currency in 2027 in phases, with unresolved issues around a future central bank and how to handle CFA franc members. Energy Politics: An energy expert urged Nigeria’s Tinubu to pause the $27bn African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, warning it could become another “memorandum of misunderstanding” without clear commercial terms. Sierra Leone Elections Oversight: Parliament set up an ad hoc committee to oversee the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone, chaired by Opposition Leader Abdul Kargbo. Constitutional Reform: Parliament set a date for debate on Sierra Leone’s first-ever constitutional amendment. Police & Public Order: Sierra Leone Police warned Kenema bike riders amid a union leadership dispute and began a strategic planning workshop for local unit commanders. Public Service: Cabinet approved June 23 as an annual national commemoration for UN World Public Service Day. Sports Diplomacy: Sierra Leone’s aquatics team arrived in Glasgow for the 2026 Commonwealth Games after a government rallying visit.

Police & Public Order: Sierra Leone Police warned Kenema bike riders to avoid any acts that could disrupt public peace amid a leadership dispute in the Kenema District Bike Riders Union, urging court resolution for legal disagreements. Parliament & Law: Parliament set the stage for the first-ever debate on a Constitutional Amendment Bill next week, while also establishing an Ad Hoc Committee to oversee the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL), chaired by Opposition Leader Abdul Kargbo. Judicial Accountability: The High Court ordered the Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA) to publish the voter list and audited accounts ahead of its AGM and executive elections. International Agreements: Parliament ratified seven international treaties to strengthen intellectual property protection and related legal frameworks. Public Service & Governance: Cabinet approved June 23 as an annual national commemoration for UN World Public Service Day, with the Ministry of Public Administration and Political Affairs as lead coordinator. Security Planning: The SLP began a strategic action planning workshop for Local Unit Commanders to improve service delivery and crime prevention. Elections Peace Effort: Artists For Peace Sierra Leone met the Inspector General to partner on non-violence and peace messaging ahead of elections. Regional Integration & Connectivity: Air Peace and Etihad signed an interline pact to boost travel links across West/Central Africa and the Middle East, including Freetown.

ECOWAS & Diplomacy: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Tourism says hosting the 69th ECOWAS Summit boosted the country’s global image and tourism prospects, pointing to the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre in Lungi and the ECOWAS Logistics Depot as key infrastructure for conferences, culture and regional integration. Elections & Public Safety: Artists For Peace Sierra Leone met the Inspector General of Police to build a peace-focused, politically neutral campaign using music and public engagement ahead of elections. Parliament & Oversight: The ECOWAS Parliament’s Sierra Leone delegation tabled its 2026 First Ordinary Session report in Parliament for members’ consideration. Rule of Law & Civil Society: The High Court ordered the Sierra Leone Bar Association to publish the voter list and audited accounts ahead of its AGM and executive elections, following a legal challenge. Business & Regional Growth: President Bio welcomed revived Chamber of Commerce leadership at State House, linking their renewed role to support for the West Africa Integration and Investment Summit. Health Crisis: Reports from the DRC say Ebola deaths have surpassed 1,000, with the outbreak spreading faster than the worst on record.