AGP Executive Report

Parliament & Justice Reform: Sierra Leone’s Parliament ratified the International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed) Convention and the Second Optional Protocol to the ICCPR aimed at abolishing the death penalty, with the Attorney General saying mediation can cut costs and create jobs for professional mediators. Fisheries Leadership: President Bio swore in Ahmed Saybom Kanu as Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, after Parliament approval, tasking him to help deliver the ministry’s goals. Public Procurement Oversight: NPPA and the Sierra Leone Roads Authority jointly monitored five feeder road sites in western Freetown, checking progress, materials, specifications and timelines to strengthen accountability. Housing Financing Push: Sierra Leone moved to expand affordable housing through mortgage support for low-income earners and plans for student hostels, with Shelter Afrique discussions highlighting a new Country Planning Act 2025. Digital Education Drive: Deputy Minister Sarjoh Aziz-Kamara called for dedicated digital investment funds and sustainable financing to scale AI, coding and robotics learning across schools and TVET. Debt Watch: Sierra Leone’s public debt stock rose to NLe 62.7 billion at end-2025, with projections of further increase by end-2026. Drug Concern: Reports highlight rising misuse of Indian tapentadol mixed with kush, with officials warning of an escalating synthetic opioid problem in Freetown. EU Pressure on Extradition: An EU lawmaker urged stronger action on Sierra Leone to extradite a convicted fugitive, linking the case to wider cocaine trafficking concerns. Infrastructure for Events: A new Lungi multi-purpose complex nearing completion is set to boost Sierra Leone’s conference and event-hosting capacity. Sports: Leone Stars lost 3–1 to Liberia in a heated friendly in Monrovia.

World Cup, visas and security: Reports say the US is delaying or denying entry for some Asian and African teams and officials ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, raising fresh concerns about fairness and discrimination. Leone Stars vs Liberia: Sierra Leone’s Leone Stars lost 3–1 to Liberia in a heated friendly at Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium, with a late red card turning the tide. Ebola quarantine row in Kenya: Protests erupted in Nanyuki over a US plan to quarantine Americans exposed to Ebola, as officials argue it’s needed to protect the US while residents demand more transparency. Public finance pressure: Sierra Leone’s public debt stock rose to NLe 62.7 billion at end-2025, with projections pointing to further increases by end-2026. Lungi event boost: A new multi-purpose complex near completion in Lungi is set to expand Sierra Leone’s capacity to host major conferences and diplomatic events. Youth leadership in Liberia: YPLS Africa launched its 13th cohort in Liberia with participants from Sierra Leone and other countries, pushing ethical governance and youth-led change. Digital education push: Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister Aziz-Kamara called for dedicated digital investment funds to speed up digital learning and skills across Africa. EU drug-trafficking warning: EU lawmakers urged tougher action on Sierra Leone over cocaine trafficking and extradition failures, including possible sanctions and funding suspension. Environment action: Orange Sierra Leone and Tacugama planted 5,000 trees at the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary to mark World Environment Day.

Cancer Care Push: Merck Foundation marks World Cancer Day 2026 by expanding cancer training across Africa, including Sierra Leone, with scholarships for clinical oncology and pain management to grow the continent’s first oncologists and cancer care teams. EU Drug Pressure: Sierra Leone’s opposition APC warns the EU may move toward sanctions and even suspend development support over allegations that the country is a cocaine transit hub and that extradition requests are not being met. Wildlife Enforcement: An EU-supported taskforce in Liberia seized 735kg of pangolin scales, arresting two suspects and pointing to a wider trafficking supply chain linked to West Africa and Asian markets. Health System Reform: Sierra Leone’s Health Minister Dr. Austin Demby urged urgent system redesign to end preventable maternal and child deaths, stressing action at community, household and facility levels. Violence Against Children Data: The Salone Development Scorecard reports high levels of physical and sexual assault, with domestic violence and child rape figures still far above government targets. Environment Action: Orange Sierra Leone and Tacugama planted 5,000 trees at Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Western Area Peninsula National Park to mark World Environment Day. TVET Skills Update: The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education held talks on TVET reform, including upgrading curricula and linking training to labour market needs, with a focus on agriculture and entrepreneurship. Youth Leadership: YPLS Africa launched its 13th cohort in Liberia, drawing participants including Sierra Leoneans, with a push for ethical governance and youth-led transformation.

Ebola Fear Debate: A new discussion questions why Ebola dominates public anxiety and how travel screening gaps can fuel criticism, especially as outbreaks continue in the region. Ebola Preparedness in the Region: Kenya’s health authorities say 67 people tested negative and borders are on high alert, while officials also point to expertise from DRC and Sierra Leone for any future response. Health System Strengthening: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Technical and Higher Education held strategic talks to reform TVET, linking skills training to labour market needs and a planned Centre of Excellence in Agriculture. Maternal and Child Health Push: Health Minister Austin Demby urged health professionals to drive “Triple Zero” goals, stressing action at community, household, and facility levels. Violence Against Children Concerns: The Salone Development Scorecard reports high physical and sexual assault figures, with domestic violence and child rape still alarming. Infrastructure Financing: Liberia secured US$125m from the World Bank for energy, digital integration, and road connectivity—an example of regional development momentum. Immigration Deal Watch: Reuters reports CAR agreed to accept US “third-country deportees,” raising legal concerns about bypassing protections. Political Party Expansion: APC commissioned a new party hall at Mamamah near the proposed airport city site, signalling deeper local organisation. Child Protection at UN: Sierra Leone’s Gender Minister Isata Mahoi represented the country at a UN meeting on ending violence against children. Fistula Support: Social Welfare received a UNFPA vehicle to expand obstetric fistula rehabilitation outreach to remote communities.

Violence Watch: Sierra Leone’s Salone Development Scorecard says physical and sexual assault cases remain alarmingly high, with 3,053 reported at Rainbo Centres in 2025 and the police recording 15,188 cases involving women and children—domestic violence and child rape figures also rising. Public Safety & Health: The Ministry of Health’s Dr. Austin Demby urged health professionals to lead the push toward “zero preventable maternal and child deaths,” calling for “Triple-Zero Champions” at the SLMDA congress. Women’s Dignity: The Social Welfare Ministry received a UNFPA vehicle to expand obstetric fistula care, aiming to reach remote communities with social support alongside surgical rehabilitation. Energy & Jobs: Dr. Kandeh Yumkella commissioned an Integrated Energy Centre in Fogbo Village to boost clean power for entrepreneurship, digital connectivity, and skills in rural areas. Digital Growth: Sierra Leone’s telecom sector has attracted over $400m since 2021, with major gains in fibre coverage and service quality. Border Readiness: Agriculture received equipment to strengthen border surveillance and diagnostics at key entry points like Freetown Port and Lungi Airport. Governance & Trust: A CHRDI poll shows more public confidence in the APC than the SLPP on economy and national security ahead of 2028. Sports: Leone Stars camp in Bo gets a morale boost ahead of a home friendly against Liberia, with a new head coach set to meet the team.

Deportation Deals: The Central African Republic has agreed to accept “third-country” migrants deported by the United States, following similar arrangements involving countries including Sierra Leone—raising fresh concerns over opaque transfers and bypassing of US legal protections. Ebola Preparedness: Kenya says it remains Ebola-free after testing 67 people, while intensifying screening at entry points and expanding isolation capacity at referral hospitals. FGM Debate: Sierra Leone’s First Lady Fatima Maada Bio’s past remarks have reignited arguments over Female Genital Mutilation, with lawmakers and commentators trading views on law, culture, and child protection. Governance & Accountability: A Sierra Leone Bar Association president argues Auditor-General Lara Taylor-Pearce’s removal was part of an unconstitutional process, blaming the judiciary for avoiding a substantive ruling. Health & Social Protection: The Social Welfare Ministry received a UNFPA vehicle to expand obstetric fistula care to remote communities, while NASSIT pushes to extend social security to Sierra Leone’s informal sector. Energy & Jobs: Dr Kandeh Yumkella commissioned an Integrated Energy Centre in Fogbo Village, and telecom investment topped $400m over five years. Sports & Community: Leone Stars camp in Bo gets a morale boost ahead of a friendly vs Liberia. Security Spotlight: Police Chief William Fayiah Sellu faces renewed questions after reports linked a major cocaine shipment to a Sierra Leone-based network.

Hajj & Health: 267 Sierra Leonean home-based pilgrims departed Saudi Arabia for Freetown, with the full 2026 Hajj run completed earlier this week. Maternal Health: The Social Welfare Ministry received a UNFPA vehicle to expand obstetric fistula care, including outreach to remote communities. Mpox Diagnostics: A portable CRISPR-based assay reported from Sierra Leone’s 2025 mpox response is set to improve rapid field detection. Public Health & Safety: Sierra Leone’s agriculture ministry received border surveillance and diagnostic equipment for key entry points, aiming to speed up detection of pests and contamination. Telecom & Digital Skills: Sierra Leone’s telecom sector has attracted over $400m since 2021, while DSTI and UNICEF graduated youth from digital literacy programmes in Freetown. Climate & Water: A global drinking-water quality assessment highlights unsafe water risks across Africa, while another piece warns climate change is reshaping daily life in Sierra Leone. Governance & Economy: A CHRDI poll says Sierra Leoneans show more confidence in APC than SLPP on economy and security. Sports: SLFA president Babadi Kamara rallied Leone Stars in Bo ahead of the Liberia friendly.

Mpox Preparedness: Scientists report a portable CRISPR-based assay for Mpox detection, built for fast, on-the-spot testing after Sierra Leone’s 2025 outbreak, with field evaluation pointing to a major leap for outbreak control. Climate & Daily Life: A new report says climate change is already breaking Sierra Leone’s farming rhythm, with floods and erratic rains driving big GDP losses and real hardship. Social Protection for Informal Workers: NASSIT signs up with Egypt to expand social security coverage for Sierra Leone’s informal sector, where nearly 90% of workers lack retirement or invalidity benefits. Affordable Housing for Public Servants: Sierra Leone signs an MoU with So Afri Loge to deliver affordable housing through land and tax incentives, aiming to move quickly to joint venture and approvals. Health Capacity Building: DSTI and UNICEF graduate participants from digital literacy programmes in Freetown, while lab scientists from Sierra Leone and other countries train to strengthen infectious disease diagnostics. Border Surveillance Boost: The Ministry of Agriculture receives motorbikes and diagnostic equipment to improve surveillance at Freetown Port, Lungi Airport, and key border posts. Telecom Investment: The communications ministry says Sierra Leone has attracted over $400m in telecom investment since 2021, expanding fibre coverage and service quality. Sports & Politics: State House communications critic Myk Berewa warns SLFA over the Leone Stars coaching change ahead of AFCON qualifiers, while SLFA president Babadi Kamara rallies players in Bo before the Liberia friendly. Public Safety & Justice: Bo residents demand accountability after the Bumpeh fire disaster left dozens homeless. Crime Watch: A major cocaine case alleges a Dutch kingpin used Sierra Leone as a hideout, raising fresh questions about security oversight.

Public Opinion & Security: A new CHRDI poll says Sierra Leoneans trust the opposition APC more than the ruling SLPP to manage the economy and national security, with 50.9% least confident in SLPP versus 37.3% for APC. Ebola Preparedness: Sierra Leone is among countries raising concerns as Ebola risks stay in focus, with safety plans stressing “identify, isolate and inform” and global updates on the DRC outbreak. Drug Trafficking Shock: Spanish authorities allege a Dutch fugitive with a Sierra Leone base masterminded a record 30-ton cocaine shipment seized off the coast. Sovereignty & Yenga: Critics question government priorities as Yenga remains under Guinean control while attention shifts to receiving US deportees. Digital Skills: DSTI and UNICEF held graduations for Tech 101 and Tech for Kids digital literacy programmes in Freetown. Youth, Jobs & Power: A youth electric-vehicle pilot is announced, but the big question remains: where will reliable electricity come from? Elections & Governance: ECSL and UNDP launch an Elections Project Committee to strengthen peaceful, credible polls. Infrastructure Watch: President Bio inspects progress on the ECOWAS conference centre in Lungi. Health & Economy Hardship: A survey-backed commentary says most Sierra Leoneans report extreme or severe hardship, with salaries running out before payday.

Drug Trafficking Crackdown: Spain says a Dutch cocaine kingpin masterminded a record 30-ton shipment seized off West Africa, reigniting scrutiny of Sierra Leone as a possible transit hideout. Youth & Energy Reality Check: The Ministry of Youth Affairs unveiled 50 electric vehicles for youth transport jobs, but the plan hinges on reliable electricity, skills, oversight, and road conditions to avoid idle fleets. Ebola Focus: New reporting warns the DRC outbreak could be worse than counted, while scientists say next-generation vaccines could blunt future Ebola impacts; Sierra Leone is also watching global preparedness moves. Elections & Democracy: ECSL and UNDP launched an Elections Project Committee to strengthen peaceful, credible polls, bringing together security, legal, parties, and media bodies. Public Safety Upgrade: Sierra Leone Police plan to commission three projects, including a modern forensic lab and upgrades to improve response and investigations. Local Governance on Kush: Freetown Mayor Aki-Sawyerr met kush addicts under bridges, urging residents to stop paying for waste collection and push for rehab access. Electricity Access Tracking: AfDB’s Mission 300 Progress Tracker (MapAfrica) is monitoring grid and solar projects, including the CLSG interconnection’s household electrification gains. Hardship on the Ground: A Sierra Leone economic survey says most people face severe hardship, with salaries running out before payday.

Public Safety Upgrade: Sierra Leone Police say they will commission three major projects soon, including upgrading Masingbi Police Station into a divisional headquarters and unveiling a new modern forensic laboratory at TOCU in Rogbangba Junction to strengthen investigations and response. Energy Access Tracking: The AfDB launched the Mission 300 Progress Tracker (MapAfrica) to monitor electricity expansion across Africa in real time, listing 74 active projects and tracking the CLSG interconnection’s impact on household electrification. Tough Economic Reality: A new survey paints a grim picture of hardship, with most Sierra Leoneans reporting extreme or severe financial stress and salaries running out before payday. Kush Addiction Response: Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr met youth affected by kush addiction, urging residents to stop paying addicts for waste collection and pushing for access to government rehab centres. Agriculture & Food Security: The Ministry of Agriculture showcased its Feed Salone Agenda in China, highlighting digital input distribution via an e-voucher system and a geo-tagged farmers registry. Women’s Livelihoods in Malen: CCSL and Christian Aid support displaced women in Malen Chiefdom with savings and loan groups to rebuild small businesses after land conflict. Digital Integration Push: Sierra Leone’s communications minister calls for interoperable regional digital ecosystems, not isolated national DPI projects, to boost trade and financial integration.

Ebola Response in Focus: China dispatched its first medical expert team to the DRC as the rare Bundibugyo strain spreads, while Kenya activated enhanced surveillance and border screening and urged the public to use Ebola hotlines. Digital Transformation: Sierra Leone’s Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Salima Monorma Bah, called for interoperable regional digital ecosystems instead of isolated national DPI projects, arguing it’s now an economic infrastructure issue. Power and Jobs: The World Bank said West Africa’s regional power programme has expanded electricity access to over 3 million people, built 4,000+ km of transmission lines, and is preparing a regional electricity market. Water Sector Partnerships: SALWACO intensified talks with Catholic Relief Services to support its 2026–2030 strategic plan, targeting better water and sanitation delivery. Women’s Representation: Sierra Leone’s Gender Ministry pushed stronger women participation in governance through NEWMaP-related engagements in Freetown. Health and Child Survival: The Gender Minister urged stronger newborn care systems to cut preventable deaths, citing gaps from antenatal to postnatal services. Domestic Revenue Watch: Sierra Leone collected NLe 4.52bn in Q1 2026, but extractives and fisheries recorded zero returns. Trade and Agriculture: Sierra Leone’s organic cocoa was highlighted as a major EU supply, with calls for more investment and better port protection. Domestic Dispute in the Spotlight: Police invited “Loko Woman” for questioning over an alleged domestic violence case.

AU Diplomacy: The AU’s PRC session opened in Addis Ababa as leaders flagged supply-chain shocks, fertilizer delays, conflicts and the Ebola threat, warning the 2027 AU budget will be an austerity one. Right to Information: Transparency International launched a new West Africa study on how RTI laws are working in Liberia, Ghana, Togo and Sierra Leone, pointing to strong legal frameworks but persistent access gaps for citizens and journalists. Power and Utilities: The World Bank says West Africa’s power integration is boosting electricity supply and cross-border trade, with millions gaining access since 2019 and Sierra Leone included in the regional power pool. Water Sector: SALWACO is pushing a stronger water delivery plan through a partnership with Catholic Relief Services, aiming to improve services and revenue under its 2026–2030 strategy. Gender and Governance: MoGCA and partners are working to increase women’s representation in decision-making through NEWMaP, while the Gender Minister urged urgent action to cut newborn deaths. Education Reform: Sierra Leone’s education minister met Rwanda officials to learn from Rwanda’s digital assessment system for more data-driven reforms. Economy and Trade: Sierra Leone collected NLe 4.52bn in Q1 2026, but mining and fisheries recorded zero returns; meanwhile, Sierra Leone’s organic cocoa won major EU recognition. Sports and Society: Leone Stars began intensive training for friendlies vs Liberia, and musicians led by Empress P met ICPNC to support peace messaging.

Economy & Revenue: Sierra Leone’s domestic revenue hit NLe 4.52 billion in Q1 2026, with income tax leading (NLe 1.86bn), but the extractive and fisheries sectors recorded zero returns, widening a major gap against projections. Agriculture & Trade: Sierra Leone’s organic cocoa has earned major EU recognition, with the EU ambassador saying the country is now the third-largest supplier to the EU market—while urging more European investment and better port capacity. Banking & Infrastructure Finance: First Bank CEO Olusegun Alebiosu met Parliament Speaker Segepoh Solomon Thomas to present investment proposals, and separately a First Bank delegation met President Julius Maada Bio to discuss large-scale financing for roads, electricity, water and industrial infrastructure. Governance Watch: The Salone Development Scorecard was launched to track progress on 100 national development targets in real time, aiming to close the gap between government promises and citizens’ lived realities. Sports: Leone Stars began intensive training ahead of FIFA friendlies against Liberia, with matches set for June 6 (Bo) and June 9 (Monrovia). Public Life & Justice: The Sierra Leone Bar Association election is framed as a test of the rule of law, while police invited “Loko Woman” for questioning over an alleged domestic violence case. Health: The Gender Minister urged stronger newborn care systems to cut preventable deaths, calling for action on antenatal, delivery and postnatal services.

Diplomacy & Finance: President Julius Maada Bio met First Bank Group in Freetown to discuss large-scale blended financing for Sierra Leone’s infrastructure and industrial priorities, including roads, electricity, water, bridges and other key projects. Public Accountability: The Institute for Governance Reform launched the Salone Development Scorecard to track 100 National Development Plan (2024–2030) targets and report progress in a more citizen-focused way. Politics & Trust: A CHRDI poll says 50.9% of Sierra Leoneans have the least confidence in the SLPP to manage the economy and national security ahead of 2028, while 37.3% feel least confident in the APC. Digital Skills: Rokel Commercial Bank and EST Applied Intelligence UK hosted the Walton Gilpin Cyber Circuit University Edition in Freetown to train students for Sierra Leone’s digital security future. Education Reform: JAMB pledged technical support for Sierra Leone’s move toward a Centralised Admissions System to improve transparency in tertiary admissions. Tourism: The Ministry of Tourism announced the return of the One Nation Reggae Festival, Volume 2, set for 25–30 November 2026.

Ebola Watch: Uganda confirmed six new Ebola cases, bringing its total to 15, as health authorities intensify contact tracing and surveillance amid rising regional fears. DRC Crisis Response: In eastern DRC, WFP says the fast-moving Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is worsening hunger and displacement, with supplies and frontline teams being scaled up in conflict-hit areas. US Deportations: The US released names and photos of 26 Sierra Leoneans among 355 West Africans facing deportation, with charges ranging from violence and sexual offences to fraud and drug trafficking. Digital Accountability: The Institute for Governance Reform launched the Salone Development Scorecard to track 100 priority targets under Sierra Leone’s 2024–2030 plan, aiming to close the gap between government promises and lived realities. Education Reform: JAMB pledged technical support for Sierra Leone’s move to adopt a Nigeria-style Centralised Admissions System for universities and TVET. Health & Tech for Communities: Orange Foundation and the ICT ministry launched the Orange Village project in Felei-Tech City, Bo, to build a school and hospital and boost local digital services. Local Life: Sierra Leone Bar Association postponed its 2026 AGM due to operational challenges.