AGP Executive Report

Media Reform: BBC Media Action and the Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG) have urged major changes to Sierra Leone’s media sector, including strengthening the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) as an independent, financially sustainable public broadcaster and protecting community media. National Development Planning: The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) says it is pushing 10 “bankable” projects across the blue economy, tourism, fisheries, sea transport and agriculture, while validating community-level planning pilots in Maforki and Marampa. Political Tensions: SLPP’s Moses Mambu has walked back remarks that the next election could be in 2030, saying it was “out of fun,” while also floating a personal view on extending presidential tenure. Anti-Examination Crackdown: ACC Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala warns Sierra Leone is “in big trouble” over examination malpractice, saying it has grown into an organised practice involving people inside the system. International Investment Signals: Information Minister Chernor Bah says Sierra Leone is seeking U.S. private-sector investment to finally build the Lungi Bridge, not direct U.S. government funding. Youth and Skills Links: Youth Affairs Minister Ibrahim Sannoh met Saudi officials to expand cooperation on youth development, skills training, entrepreneurship and education.

SLPP Succession Tensions: SLPP national chairman Jimmy Batilo Songa sparked a fresh internal rift by suggesting President Bio should “pick” the next flagbearer, a claim the party secretary general called unauthorised and “very wrong,” as 2028 succession politics heat up. Lungi Bridge Investment Clarified: Information Minister Chernor Bah said the government is seeking U.S. private-sector investment to build the Freetown Lungi Bridge, not direct U.S. government funding. U.S. Ambassador-Designate Focus: Daniel Travis outlined an economic agenda for Sierra Leone centred on U.S. commercial interests in energy, infrastructure and critical minerals if confirmed. Digital Protection Plans: MoCTI unveiled draft critical information infrastructure protection plans for energy, health, education and defence/security under the National Digital Transformation Agenda. Makeni–Kamakwie Road Pressure: SEND Sierra Leone and NMJD urged urgent action on stalled works, the Mathehun Bridge collapse, ferry disruptions and bypass deterioration, calling for released funds and contract fixes. Teachers’ Salary Push: SLTU’s Foday Kuyateh demanded better pay and conditions ahead of school reopening, urging the Wages and Compensation Commission to address disparities. Police Drug Bust: Sierra Leone Police arrested a couple in Aberdeen and recovered 858 suspected Kush wraps/sachets, handing them to TOCU for further investigation.

Digital Security: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation has unveiled draft Sector-Specific Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) Protection Plans for Energy, Health, Education and Defence/Security, with validation workshops stressing cyberattack and service-disruption risks. Education & Pay: The Sierra Leone Teachers Union is pushing Government for a salary and conditions review ahead of September school reopening, saying teachers are not earning the equivalent of US$100 monthly and calling on the Wages and Compensation Commission to address pay disparities. Crime Update: Police in Aberdeen, Freetown, arrested a couple and recovered 858 suspected Kush wraps and sachets, plus items including scales and rolling papers, with suspects transferred to the Transnational Organised Crime Unit. Local Governance: The Ministry of Local Government has declared null and void the purported removal of Nimikoro Chiefdom Speaker Sahr Abdulai Komassi, saying the action was unauthorised and illegal. Parliament & Ports: Lawmakers urged urgent support for the Kent Harbour and Port Project, citing congestion at the existing quay and the need for more capacity to boost trade and revenue. EU Urban Project: The EU and Freetown City Council launched the SURGE initiative to strengthen municipal management, improve service delivery, and expand economic opportunities, including King Jimmy Market reconstruction. Health & Rights: UNICEF Sierra Leone bid farewell to World Bank country manager Dr Abdu Muwonge, while a separate global focus highlights rising colorectal cancer risks and the need for better screening and prevention.

Constitutional Tension: Sierra Leone’s constitutional amendment debate is heating up as SLPP PR0 Moses Mambu hints the next election could be 2028 or 2030, while APC figures and former anti-corruption commissioner Ady Macauley push back on whether Parliament met the required constitutional threshold for the 2025 Amendment Bill. Local Governance: The Ministry of Local Government has nullified the purported removal of Nimikoro Chiefdom Speaker Sahr Abdulai Komassi, calling it unauthorised and illegal, and reaffirmed him as the legitimate speaker. Parliament & Development: MPs are urging urgent government support for the Kent Harbour and Port Project, arguing congestion at the current quay is hurting trade and revenue. Public Service & Recognition: MP Mariama Zombo was named among Sierra Leone’s 50 Most Influential Women for work on child protection and women’s empowerment. Immigration Capacity: China’s embassy-backed training strengthened Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Immigration Department staff skills in immigration and border management. Health & Work: A West Africa survey says 62% of workers get no workplace malaria support, including Sierra Leone, raising concerns for productivity and health costs.

Constitutional Crisis: Sierra Leone’s constitutional amendment debate is heating up, with multiple voices urging President Julius Maada Bio to take responsibility and pause before assent, as critics warn Parliament is being treated like an extension of the ruling SLPP and question whether required thresholds were met. Human Rights Pressure: Another human rights advocate has filed a petition to the ICC over alleged abuses during the NPRC regime (1992–1996), adding fresh international scrutiny to Sierra Leone’s accountability debate. Local Governance & Delivery: A Kono-focused scorecard challenges the SLPP’s ten-year promises, praising some gains like electricity while questioning how much transformation has reached communities. Immigration & Borders: The Chinese Embassy supported training for Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Internal Affairs staff to strengthen immigration and border management capacity. Public Services & Economy: The Ministry of Finance has completed final consultations on a revised Public Financial Management Act, aiming to modernize fiscal oversight and digital treasury systems. Workplace Health: A survey says 62% of West African workers, including in Sierra Leone, get no workplace malaria prevention support. Urban Order: Police cleared makeshift stalls and street traders along Krootown Road in Freetown, raising concerns among small traders about disruption. Culture & Skills: Sierra Leone photographers are calling for government support as camera and equipment costs rise, threatening their ability to serve official needs like passports and exams.

Public Finance Reform: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Finance has completed the final stakeholder consultations on a revised Public Financial Management Act, aiming to modernize fiscal planning, treasury management, oversight and digital financial systems before Cabinet and Parliament. Urban Order in Freetown: Police carried out an early-morning operation to remove street traders and dismantle makeshift stalls along Krootown Road, targeting congestion and unauthorized trading in the Central Business District. Regional Trade & Borders: ECOWAS opened a temporary joint border post at Bo-Waterside to support coordinated customs, immigration and security while work continues on the permanent ECOWAS Bo-Waterside–Jendema Joint Border Post. Health at Work: A survey across 10 West African countries found 62% of workers get no workplace malaria prevention support, including Sierra Leone, highlighting a gap between awareness and employer action. China Ties: China-Sierra Leone trade hit $2.3bn in 2025, and the two countries marked 55 years of diplomatic relations with expanded cooperation across media and other sectors. Human Rights & Climate: The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone warned that climate change is increasingly threatening rights to water, food, shelter, healthcare and livelihoods, based on field research in Moyamba and Kambia.

Infrastructure & Trade: U.S.-based Acrow Corporation is reportedly set to build Sierra Leone’s long-awaited Lungi Bridge, linking Freetown to the airport, though details on financing and timelines are still unconfirmed. Local Accountability: Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee has ordered physical verification and further investigation of Kambia District Council projects after audit queries, including payments without documents and issues around community participation. Human Rights & Climate: The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone warns climate change is increasingly threatening rights to water, food, shelter, healthcare and livelihoods, following field research in Moyamba and Kambia. Economy & Diplomacy: China-Sierra Leone trade hit $2.3bn in 2025, up nearly 30%, with Sierra Leone’s exports to China rising more than 40% and talks to expand beyond fishing. Security & Elections: Sierra Leone Police have stepped up security preparations in Njaluahun Chiefdom ahead of the Aug. 30 paramount chieftaincy election, urging stakeholders to preserve peace. Education & Leadership: Miss World Sierra Leone 2026 Mariyam Lorba Konneh is taking Sierra Leone’s drug crisis to the global stage through her “Beauty with a Purpose” programme. Regional Mobility: A UK ancestry visa scheme could open a five-year route to live and work in the UK for eligible Commonwealth citizens, including Sierra Leoneans.

U-23 Football Draw: CAF confirmed 48 nations for the 2028 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations qualifiers, with Sierra Leone among the teams joining host Egypt in the race to the finals. Drug Abuse Advocacy: Miss World Sierra Leone 2026 Mariyam Lorba Konneh used the Miss World Head-to-Head challenge to spotlight Sierra Leone’s drug crisis, poverty and addiction through her “Beauty with a Purpose” programme that has supported nearly 300 women. Climate & Rights: HRCSL warned that climate change is increasingly threatening rights to water, food, shelter, healthcare and livelihoods after field research in Moyamba and Kambia. Public Finance Scrutiny: Parliament’s PAC ordered physical verification and further probes into Kambia District Council projects after audit queries over missing documents, revenue weaknesses and unpaid withholding tax. Trade Figures: China’s ambassador says China-Sierra Leone trade hit $2.3bn in 2025, up nearly 30%, with exports to China rising and talks to expand beyond fishing. Ebola Update (Region): DRC reported Ebola surpassing 5,500 cases with 2,642 deaths, as new infections continue in Ituri and North Kivu. Immigration Court Ruling: A US judge struck down Trump’s immigrant visa freeze for 75 countries, including Sierra Leone, reopening case-by-case processing. Water Plan: Sierra Leone outlined a 10-year WASH programme needing about $7bn to expand safe water and sanitation, with an initial $180m World Bank-backed phase underway.

Constitutional Politics & Party Process: SLPP National Chairman Jimmy Batilo Songa urged constituency chairmen to await President Julius Maada Bio’s directive on the party’s next flagbearer, sparking fresh calls for a free and transparent process. Security Ahead of Elections: Sierra Leone Police stepped up preparations in Njaluahun Chiefdom ahead of the Aug. 30 Paramount Chieftaincy Election, warning against intimidation and violence. Digital Rights & Online Safety: Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG) held a forum in Freetown on women’s online abuse, pushing for stronger protections and accountability in digital spaces. Women’s Leadership & Inclusion: LEAP Africa concluded its Leadership Accelerator Programme for young women, selecting 31 participants from Sierra Leone and other countries for a Nairobi boot camp. Higher Education Reforms: The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education secured university leaders’ performance contracts, including plans for centralised admissions, secure certificate production and digital fee payments. Water & Sanitation Investment: Government outlined a 10-year WASH programme needing about US$7bn, with an initial US$180m World Bank-backed phase already underway. Land Governance: Lands Ministry reported completion of boundary harmonisation in Bombali’s Mapaki Village, with community members signing agreements to secure customary land rights. Regional Security Cooperation: ECOWAS began moving Chinese-donated logistics equipment from Nigeria to Sierra Leone to support its planned counter-terrorism force by 2027.

SLPP Flagbearer Row: SLPP National Chairman Jimmy Batilo Songa urged constituency chairmen to await President Julius Maada Bio’s directive on the party’s next flagbearer, sparking pushback from members who want a free and transparent process. Ebola Warning: A renewed call for stronger, more coordinated action against Ebola in DR Congo says the outbreak is spreading faster and risks repeating past response failures. Women’s Digital Rights: MRCG held a national forum in Freetown to tackle online abuse and strengthen protections for women and journalists in Sierra Leone’s digital spaces. WASH Funding Plan: Government outlined a 10-year WASH programme needing about US$7 billion, with an initial US$180 million phase supported by the World Bank. Higher Education Reforms: MTHE says universities have signed performance contracts as it pushes centralised admissions, secure certificates, digital fee payments and stronger research links. Land Governance: A boundary harmonisation event in Bombali saw land-owning families sign agreements to secure customary land rights. Energy Jobs for Women: Easy Solar and SEND Sierra Leone trained and will deploy female solar technicians to expand renewable energy installations. Justice System Strain: CARL-SL reports fuel shortages disrupted prisoner transport to court, raising fears of trial delays.

Women’s Digital Rights: Sierra Leone is pushing stronger protections for women online after a national forum by the Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG) in Freetown, where advocates flagged risks to safety, privacy, expression and participation and called for better accountability and safeguarding for journalists. Water & Sanitation Planning: Government outlined a 10-year WASH programme needing about US$7 billion to expand safe water, sanitation and waste management, strengthen institutions and financing, and coordinate partners under one framework. Higher Education Reforms: The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education says universities have signed performance contracts as it moves on centralised admissions, secure local certificate production, digital fee payments and stronger research-industry links. Land Governance: In Bombali, landowners signed boundary harmonisation agreements in Mapaki Village under customary land rights registration, with community consensus and transparency highlighted. Justice System Strain: CARL-SL reports a fuel shortage disrupted prisoner transport to court, risking trial delays and calling for urgent fixes to logistics and funding disbursement. Entrepreneurship Push: Sierra Leone marked World Entrepreneurship Day 2026 with programmes training SMEs to go online and build capacity for growth.

Water & Sanitation Push: Sierra Leone’s government says it has mapped a 10-year WASH plan needing about US$7bn, with priorities on safe water, sanitation, waste management, stronger institutions and financing—alongside an initial US$180m World Bank-backed phase. Higher Education Reforms: The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education is driving reforms as universities sign performance contracts, including centralised admissions, secure local certificate production, digital fee payments and stronger research-industry links. Land Rights in Bombali: Landowners in Mapaki Village, Paki Masabong Chiefdom (Bombali) completed a boundary harmonisation event, agreeing and signing boundary maps to secure customary land rights. Youth & Media Safeguarding: NAYCOM commissioner Joseph Maada Lahai urged young leaders toward diplomacy and civic responsibility at a Liberia UN conference, while WIMSAL called for stronger safeguarding and accountability to protect women journalists. Education Funding Debate: SLTU wants the school subsidy raised from NLe10 to NLe100 per child per term, citing delays and inadequate support. Justice System Strain: CARL-SL reports a fuel shortage disrupted prisoner transport to court, risking trial delays. Renewables Jobs for Women: Easy Solar and SEND Sierra Leone trained and will deploy female solar technicians to expand solar freezer and generator installations.

ECOWAS Security Build-Up: ECOWAS has started moving Chinese-donated military and logistics equipment from Nigeria to Sierra Leone, following the opening of the Lungi logistics depot—seen as a key step toward a regional counter-terrorism force by mid-2027. Higher Education Reforms: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) says universities have signed performance contracts to push reforms including centralised admissions, local certificate production, digital payments via WanGov, and stronger research-industry links. Media Safeguarding: Women In The Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL) is calling for stronger safeguarding and gender justice measures to protect journalists from harassment and exploitation. Tax Leadership Change: The National Revenue Authority (NRA) has completed a leadership handover, with Abu Martin Kanneh taking over and pledging tighter tax compliance and reduced revenue leakages. Education Funding Pressure: The Sierra Leone Teachers Union wants the school subsidy raised from NLe10 to NLe100 per child per term, citing delays and insufficient support for schools. Renewables & Jobs for Women: Easy Solar and SEND Sierra Leone are training and deploying female solar technicians to expand renewable energy installations. Entrepreneurship Push: Sierra Leone marked World Entrepreneurship Day with programmes supporting SMEs to go online, train trainers, and strengthen dialogue between government and businesses.

Constitutional Tension: Sierra Leone Police have barred a planned Aug. 26 protest by the Citizens Advocacy Network, warning of legal consequences over alleged constitutional breaches in the amendment process. Tax Administration Push: New NRA Commissioner General Abu Martin Kanneh took office pledging tighter tax compliance and action against revenue leakages, including in the informal sector. Local Governance Focus: VP Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh opened a policy coherence symposium, urging ministries to stop working in silos and coordinate on issues like food security, jobs and healthcare. Disability Inclusion: The Political Parties Regulation Commission stepped up efforts to boost meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in party politics, including calls for party databases. Water Utility Trust: SALWACO is reviewing a 2026–2030 branding strategy to rebuild public confidence and improve how the utility is experienced by customers. Ebola Regional Alarm: UN and WHO-linked reporting says DRC Ebola has killed over 2,500 and is spreading rapidly, with vaccine allocation updates and warnings of mounting pressure on health systems. Migration Deal Watch (Regional): Liberia began receiving U.S. third-country deportees under a deal, with Sierra Leone listed among countries involved in similar arrangements.

Deportation Deal Hits Liberia First: The first group of 20 people deported from the U.S. arrived in Liberia under a deal to accept up to 1,200 third-country deportees over a year, with most coming from Latin America (Venezuela, Cuba, Colombia) and officials saying arrivals can seek asylum or leave. Constitutional Tension in Sierra Leone: Sierra Leone is again at a constitutional crossroads as lawmakers and legal voices clash over the process for the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, with calls for restraint and Supreme Court review. Local Governance Focus: VP Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh opened a national symposium pushing stronger policy coordination so government programmes deliver results on food security, youth jobs and healthcare. Disability Inclusion in Politics: The Political Parties Regulation Commission stepped up moves to boost meaningful participation of persons with disabilities, including urging formal party membership and better representation. Human Rights Goes Rural: HRCSL held mobile complaints hearings in Moyamba and Kenema to bring justice and human rights services closer to remote communities. Digital Commerce Regulation: Sierra Leone moved to close a seven-year legal gap affecting digital commerce, aiming for clearer rules to protect businesses, consumers and investors. Ebola Alarm in the Region: WHO and Africa CDC warned the DRC Ebola outbreak is worsening, with fatality rates above 46% and health systems under strain. Education Access Update: WAEC released 2026 WASSCE digital certificates online for school candidates to download from the WAEC digital platform. Freetown Market Upgrade: Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr launched construction of the King Jimmy Market, a major local economic and historical landmark project.

Constitutional Crisis: Pressure is mounting on President Julius Maada Bio to reject or carefully review the controversial constitutional amendment bill, as civil society, lawyers, religious bodies and the Labour Congress urge “hold the pen” ahead of Supreme Court-linked questions over Parliament’s process and the two-thirds threshold. Local Governance & Economy: Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr has launched construction of the historic King Jimmy Market under the SURGE project, with EU and city council funding, aiming to replace unsafe, outdated trading conditions with a modern indoor market. Public Health & Safety: A garbage dumpsite near Fourah Bay College was cleared after public outcry over flies and blocked movement, renewing calls for sustained waste management. Humanitarian & Regional Migration: Liberia says it will accept up to 1,200 third-country deportees from the U.S. within a year, starting with 20 arriving in Monrovia, described as “humanitarian” and without compensation. Sports: Leone Stars begin AFCON 2027 qualifiers preparations with the return of goalkeeper “Fabianski” Mohamed Nbalie Kamara, putting his current form under scrutiny. Education & Research: AMEU and the University of Sierra Leone’s IPAM renewed academic cooperation, focusing on joint research, exchanges and postgraduate opportunities across the Mano River region.