AGP Executive Report

EU Aid Freeze Over “Bolle Jos” Case: The EU has suspended €18m in 2026 budget support to Sierra Leone, saying Freetown is not cooperating on the extradition of Dutch cocaine fugitive Jos “Bolle Jos” Leijdekkers, while Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister David Moinina Senfeh insists the delay is procedural and tied to unmet budget-support triggers. Drug Money Claims: Dutch media reports allege Leijdekkers has been funneling billions into Sierra Leone’s economy and enjoys high-level protection, raising fears of corruption and economic damage. Digital Banking Security: Sierra Leone Commercial Bank (SLCB) earns ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification, strengthening information security as digital banking expands. Justice Sector and AI: The Attorney-General’s Office convenes stakeholders on AI to improve justice delivery, with Chief Justice Komba Kamanda urging responsible, human-centred tech adoption. Energy Governance: ECOWAS and partners launch REGIS-WA to harmonize regional energy data and governance, supporting cross-border clean energy integration. Education Partnerships: The World Bank donates digital learning materials to EBKUST and other universities, boosting blended learning and research capacity. Diaspora Spotlight: Sierra Leone Diaspora Excellence Awards open nominations across multiple categories. Sports: Juma Bah makes his FC Augsburg debut after Leone Stars duty.

EU–Sierra Leone Aid Dispute: Sierra Leone says it is not dependent on Brussels after the EU postponed/withheld budget support amid the “Bolle Jos” extradition row, with Freetown insisting the delay was administrative and not a new punishment. Justice & AI: The Attorney-General’s Office convened stakeholders on AI, justice and the rule of law, while Chief Justice Komba Kamanda assured the judiciary is ready to adopt AI responsibly to improve access to justice. Education & Digital Learning: The World Bank donated digital learning materials to EBKUST and other public universities to expand blended learning and research capacity. Higher Education Partnerships: Education Minister Haja Ramatulai Wurie joined President Bio in advancing global partnerships, including work with MIT on prosthetics and orthotics. Labour Dialogue: The Labour Ministry reopened talks with the Employers Federation to strengthen implementation of Sierra Leone’s labour laws. Maritime Security: Sierra Leone Navy completed EU- and Portuguese-supported training to boost capacity against illegal fishing and trafficking. Ebola Update (DRC): Congo’s Ebola death toll rose above 4,000 as cases spread across multiple provinces. SLAJ Membership: Sierra Leone Association of Journalists opened applications for 2026 membership. Sports: Sierra Leone U-20 Shooting Stars were drawn in WAFU Zone A Group B with Senegal, Mauritania and Guinea-Bissau.

EU–Sierra Leone Aid Standoff: The European Commission has suspended €18m in 2026 budget support, with another €22.5m at risk, after Dutch Justice Minister David van Weel said Freetown is not cooperating on the extradition of Dutch cocaine fugitive Jos Leijdekkers (“Bolle Jos”). Government Response: Sierra Leone insists the EU delay was procedural and not a new punishment tied to any individual, saying disbursements were rescheduled to 2027 and 2028. Maritime Security: The Sierra Leone Navy completed EU- and Portuguese-supported training to boost capacity against illegal fishing, human trafficking and other maritime crimes. Judiciary & AI: Chief Justice Komba Kamanda says the courts are ready to embrace AI and technology to improve access to justice, while keeping the rule of law and human-centred services. Local Governance: APC strongman Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara (JFK) challenges the gazetting of new districts and councils, citing legal and consultation concerns. Media & Press Freedom: SLAJ opened 2026 membership applications for journalists, with set education, experience and vetting requirements. Education & Hunger: The Education Minister links food security to learning, urging youth to tackle hunger and climate challenges through the World Food Prize Youth Institute.

Education & Food Security: Sierra Leone’s Education Minister Conrad Sackey says hunger is directly harming children’s learning, urging youth to turn ideas from the World Food Prize Youth Institute into long-term solutions. Judiciary & AI: Chief Justice Komba Kamanda assures the courts are ready to adopt AI and technology to improve access to justice, while keeping the rule of law and human-centred services. Maritime Security: The Sierra Leone Navy completes EU- and Portuguese-supported training to boost capacity against illegal fishing, human trafficking and other maritime crimes. EU Funding Pressure: The European Commission suspends €18m budget support over Sierra Leone’s refusal to arrest and extradite Dutch fugitive “Bolle Jos,” while government insists the EU delay was procedural, not linked to the case. Entrepreneurship Push: Entrepreneurship support organisations begin consultations toward an independent national, member-led association to strengthen the startup ecosystem and standards. Public Procurement Transparency: NPPA and BAN sign an MoU to improve transparency, accountability and citizen participation in Sierra Leone’s procurement system. Local Politics: APC supporters reportedly cross over to SLPP during the Ebema Movement launch in Kenema. Sports: Sierra Leone’s Shooting Stars are drawn in WAFU U-20 Group B with Senegal, Mauritania and Guinea-Bissau.

EU Funding Freeze Over “Bolle Jos” Case: The European Commission has suspended €18 million in budget support to Sierra Leone, with more payments at risk, after Dutch authorities say Freetown has not cooperated on arrest and extradition of convicted cocaine fugitive Jos Leijdekkers (“Bolle Jos”). Judicial Dispute Clarification: Sierra Leone’s government insists the EU delay is not linked to the Bolle Jos judicial dispute, saying the Commission cited process timing for the 2026 reporting cycle and proposed rescheduling into 2027/2028. Procurement Transparency Push: NPPA and the Budget Advocacy Network signed an MoU to strengthen transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in Sierra Leone’s public procurement system, including monitoring beyond contract awards. Police Accountability Call in Bo: Commercial bike riders in Bo allege extortion and arbitrary arrests by plainclothes officers, and demand clarity on which police unit is authorised to check licences and documents. Entrepreneurship Support Gets Organised: Entrepreneurship support organisations began consultations to form an independent, member-led national association to improve standards and reduce fragmented support as the Startup Act process advances. Judicial Cooperation With Liberia: Sierra Leone’s judiciary offered expertise to Liberia as it moves toward a proposed War and Economic Crimes Court, citing lessons from the Special Court for Sierra Leone and anti-corruption mechanisms. Health & Research Partnerships: Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh highlighted renewed collaboration with Harvard University across health and education, including work linked to maternal health improvements. Climate-Resilient Farming: Danabelsandy launched a community-led agriculture project for 210 farmers, aiming to boost rural livelihoods with climate-resilient practices. Local Governance Update: Government gazetted two new districts and established new local councils, expanding local administration.

Health & Research Partnerships: Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh says Sierra Leone is deepening collaboration with Harvard University, highlighting work that helped cut maternal mortality in Bo and Makeni and pushing “one plan, one budget, one report.” Education & Skills: MoPED presented its Le40.7bn FY2027 budget and 2027–2029 strategic plan to the Finance Ministry, while the Defence Ministry sought NLe7.59bn for recruitment, border security, surveillance, cybersecurity and military healthcare. Local Governance: Government gazetted Bandajuma and Kpanguima districts and new/reorganised city councils in Freetown and Lungi, giving legal effect to decentralisation plans. Waste Management & Higher Learning: Central University hosted a European delegation on a proposed Master’s programme in Waste Management and Circular Economy. Land Administration: A World Bank mission engaged Port Loko communities and land committees on Sierra Leone’s land title registration reforms. Tax Reform: NRA and UNDP met Freetown businesses on tax compliance, Electronic Cash Registers and the Block Management System. Sports & Public Pressure: Leone Stars’ recent AFCON qualifier loss to Equatorial Guinea drew criticism over tactics and substitutions, with calls for action if points aren’t recovered.

Education Funding Reform: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Education and Sports plans to scrap the per-pupil capitation grant and move to a cost-based model that targets real school running costs, location needs and structural requirements, aiming to curb headcount fraud and protect vulnerable schools. Tax Modernisation in Freetown: The National Revenue Authority, with UNDP support, met businesses on tax compliance, Electronic Cash Registers and the Block Management System to improve transparency and taxpayer services. Local Government Update: Government gazettes the creation of Bandajuma and Kpanguima districts and establishes new/reorganised city councils including Freetown City Council, Freetown West City Council and Lungi City Council. Food Security Youth Ideas: MAFS and MBSSE convened 16 secondary pupils in Freetown to present research-backed proposals on food security and agriculture, with finalists selected for further recognition. Transport Accountability: Stakeholders questioned SLPTA’s Waka Fine bus availability, citing long waits and asking for clearer operational statistics; SLPTA promised updated documentation. Sports Pressure on Leone Stars: Media and football voices renewed calls for action after Leone Stars’ AFCON qualifying struggles, including criticism of tactics and concern over lost points. Defence Budget Request: The Ministry of Defence seeks NLe7.59 billion for 2027 to recruit and train personnel, strengthen border security and surveillance, and expand military healthcare and barracks development.

Civic Space in Diaspora: Sierra Leone Advocacy Movement (SLAM) – Global says it is apolitical and exists to amplify Sierra Leoneans’ welfare and concerns, launching in the US with Dr. Alfred Veenod Fullah. Land Governance: A World Bank mission in Port Loko engaged district and village land committees under the Sierra Leone Land Administration Project, reviewing progress and gaps in recording and registering land rights. Transport Accountability: SLPTA faces public scrutiny over Waka Fine bus availability, with stakeholders questioning whether reported operational numbers match what commuters see; the SLPTA boss promised more data. Politics & Party Rules: Lands Minister Turad Senesie says he is not eligible to seek SLPP flagbearer status, citing constitutional requirements, as succession talk grows ahead of 2028. Information Integrity: VP Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh opened ICIC+IDUAI in Lungi, urging stronger access to information and governance in the digital age. Infrastructure Push: Lungi Bridge feasibility studies are set to begin in November with US$1.6m USTDA support, including traffic and environmental/social studies. Health & Safety: Freetown Mayor Aki-Sawyerr warns her WhatsApp was hacked and her number is being used to solicit funds. Ebola Context: Reports say DRC Ebola cases have surpassed 8,000 amid health-worker shortages. Sports: Leone Stars’ AFCON qualifier loss to Equatorial Guinea draws criticism over late tactical changes, while DR Congo’s perfect start continues in Group E.

Information Integrity & Access: Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh opened Sierra Leone’s ICIC+IDUAI conference in Lungi, urging stronger international cooperation to expand reliable access to information and improve information governance. SLPP Flagbearer Court Threat: Hon. Musa Tarawally’s lawyers say SLPP’s public notice warning against transactions in his name lacked proper authority and they’re ready to seek court action. Public Transport Accountability: Stakeholders challenged SLPTA over Waka Fine bus availability, saying far fewer buses than claimed are seen on the roads; the DG promised extra documentation. SLPP Succession Debate: Lands Minister Turad Senesie cited SLPP constitutional rules to rule out any immediate flagbearer bid, saying he’s waiting for guidance from President Bio. Cybercrime Alert: Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr warned her WhatsApp was hacked and her number is being used to solicit funds. Solar Waste Pilot: Sierra Leone moves toward its first solar waste management pilot after a Spain benchmarking mission on end-of-life panels and batteries. Higher Education Crisis: UASA lecturers remain on indefinite strike, with students and parents stuck as talks stall amid cost pressures. Lungi Bridge Feasibility: Feasibility studies for the Lungi Bridge are set to start in November with US$1.6m USTDA support. Ebola Update: DRC Ebola cases rose above 8,000 as health-worker shortages and spread to new zones continue to strain response.

ECSL Electoral Reform Consultations: The Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) has begun regional stakeholders’ validation in Kenema for its 2025–2029 strategic plan, with Chief Electoral Commissioner Edmond Sylvester Alpha urging transparency, public education and stronger stakeholder engagement to build election confidence. Digital Sovereignty Push: At UNGA in New York, Communications Minister Salima Monorma Bah said Sierra Leone is moving from DPI policy to delivery, citing a national digital ID covering over 93% of the population and a scaling national payment switch. AFCON Qualifier Focus: Leone Stars face Equatorial Guinea in Yaoundé after a 3–2 opening loss to Zimbabwe, with both sides on zero points heading into Matchday 2. Health & Tourism: Sierra Leone’s Tourism Ministry mobilised hundreds for a World Tourism Day health walk in Freetown, linking healthy living with environmental sustainability. Food & Nutrition Angle: A new Oceana-led study says more equitable fishing access could help West African countries, including Sierra Leone, retain nutrient-rich fish locally to tackle malnutrition. Governance & Justice: Attorney-General Alpha Sesay outlined constitutional amendments that could shift Sierra Leone from First-Past-The-Post to Proportional Representation and adjust presidential thresholds, alongside gender and representation requirements.

AFCON Qualifiers (Sierra Leone): Leone Stars face Equatorial Guinea today in Yaoundé (4:00pm Sierra Leone time) after a 3-2 opening loss to Zimbabwe, while the group’s other key game has Zimbabwe hosting DR Congo in Harare (6:00pm). Constitution & Elections: Attorney-General Alpha Sesay says Sierra Leone’s Constitutional Amendments Bill could shift the country from First-Past-The-Post to Proportional Representation, cut the presidential threshold to 50%+1, and require 30% women on party candidate lists. Digital Education Reform: Minister Dr Haja Ramatulai Wurie outlines plans to expand AI and technology in higher education, including an AI-enabled Learning Management System under the World Bank-supported Higher Education Management Information System. Tourism Innovation: The Tourism Ministry soft-launches WAKABOT, an AI tourism chatbot and trip-planning platform for World Tourism Day 2026. Information Rights: UN marks International Day for Universal Access to Information, focusing on protecting information integrity in the digital age. Fisheries Infrastructure: Government confirms construction of the $55m Black Johnson Industrial Fishing Harbour has started, with a temporary jetty expected within two months.

Constitutional Overhaul: Attorney-General Alpha Sesay says a new Constitutional Amendments Bill could shift Sierra Leone from First-Past-The-Post to Proportional Representation, lower the presidential threshold to 50% plus one vote, boost women’s representation on party lists, and allow dual citizens to contest parliament and serve in Cabinet. Higher Education Digital Reform: The Technical and Higher Education Minister outlines plans to expand AI and technology in universities via a World Bank-backed learning platform with AI-assisted academic support, alongside lecturer remuneration and industrial action dialogue. Fisheries Infrastructure: Government confirms the $55m Black Johnson Industrial Fishing Harbour is underway, funded through a China grant via a contractor, with a temporary jetty expected within two months. Tourism Tech Push: Tourism Ministry soft-launches AI chatbot “WAKABOT” to help visitors plan trips and discover Sierra Leone, tied to World Tourism Day. Youth Jobs Drive: Youth Minister Sannoh reiterates the 500,000 jobs target and highlights expanded programmes for 70,000+ youths through cash transfers, skills training and local-language vocational training. Women’s Legal Protection: Gender Minister Mahoi unveils legal reforms aimed at strengthening women and girls’ rights, including land rights and ending child marriage. UNGA Digital Economy Roundtable: Communications Minister Salima Bah leads a UNGA side meeting linking energy, telecoms and trade to expand Sierra Leone’s digital economy. Cost of Living Politics: An APC lawmaker links rising hardship to weakening public confidence, citing inflation data as pressure continues.

Official Information Act: A Sierra Leonean rights analysis warns the government is pushing a behind-closed-doors move to weaken the Official Information Act, using “cost” claims as a cover for reducing public access. Opposition Mining Jobs: APC’s Tunde Scott accuses the Bio administration of worsening job losses in mining, citing Koidu Holdings’ 2025 halt and alleging more licence cancellations. Tourism Tech: The Tourism Ministry soft-launches WAKABOT, an AI tourism chatbot, as part of World Tourism Day 2026. Digital Economy Planning: A UNGA roundtable brings together energy, telecom and trade officials to map how power and connectivity can drive Sierra Leone’s digital growth. Pharmacy Regulation: World Pharmacists Day coverage highlights the push to modernise pharmacy care while informal medicine sellers keep operating outside regulation. Labour Migration: In New York, the Labour Minister meets IOM on safer, legal migration pathways and protection for Sierra Leonean workers abroad. UN Reform Push: African leaders, including Sierra Leone’s president, renew calls for UN Security Council reform and fairer global finance. Ebola Watch: DRC’s Ebola outbreak report says deaths have surpassed 8,300 and confirmed cases are nearing 8,000. Sports & Local Talent: AFCON 2027 qualifiers deliver shocks and comebacks, while Sierra Leone’s Leone Stars face Zimbabwe after throwing away a two-goal lead in a dramatic opener.

UN Security Council Reform: Russia’s UNGA push backed India and Brazil for permanent UNSC seats while opposing more Western members, as African leaders renewed calls for fairer global representation. Digital Economy & Energy: Sierra Leone used a UNGA side roundtable to link energy, telecoms and trade for digital expansion, including work around Sierratel and Africell. Drug Trafficking Allegations: The Economist reports a wanted Dutch cocaine trafficker allegedly built a Sierra Leone drug transit network with political and security links. Women in Politics: INEC’s final 2027 candidate list shows women at just 9.65% of cleared candidates, sparking renewed debate on gender access to power. Labour Migration: Sierra Leone’s labour minister met IOM on safer, legal pathways and better protection for migrant workers. Health Sector Modernisation: Pharmacy authorities flagged informal medicine trade as a barrier to digitising and professionalising pharmacy care. Sports: Zimbabwe’s Warriors stunned Sierra Leone 3-2 after a 2-0 halftime deficit in AFCON 2027 qualifiers. Banking Leadership: UBA Sierra Leone announced CEO Samoura’s resignation effective Sept 30, with an acting MD expected. Local Development: District coordination progress hit 73.28% implementation of action points, with key challenges flagged.

UN Security Council Reform: African leaders, including Sierra Leone, pushed for UN Security Council changes at UNGA 81, with calls for Africa to get at least two permanent seats and fairer global financial rules. Debt Relief Push: Sierra Leone also backed debt cancellation and reforms to the global financial architecture, including better access to Special Drawing Rights, at the G77 and China meeting in New York. Labour Migration Protection: Sierra Leone’s Labour Minister Umaru Napoleon Koroma met IOM officials to strengthen safe, legal migration pathways and protect workers from exploitation and fraudulent recruitment. Digital Future Drive: Three Sierra Leone ministries teamed up with private partners to shape the country’s digital future, linking energy security, connectivity, and trade. Banking Leadership Change: UBA Sierra Leone announced CEO/MD Mohamed Alhajie Samoura’s resignation effective September 30, with Francis Esiemokhai set to act pending Bank of Sierra Leone approval. Education & Campus Updates: University of Sierra Leone set 2026 graduation dates and fees, while IPAM commissioned new banking facilities and upgraded lecture rooms. Sports: Zimbabwe stunned Sierra Leone 3-2 in CAN 2027 qualifiers after trailing 2-0 at halftime.

Banking Leadership Change: UBA Sierra Leone confirms CEO/MD Mohamed Alhajie Samoura has resigned effective 30 September 2026, with Executive Director Francis Esiemokhai set to act as MD pending Bank of Sierra Leone approval. Correctional Reform Budget: The Sierra Leone Correctional Service presents its 2027–2029 budget to the Ministry of Finance, prioritising inmate and staff welfare, mechanised agriculture, digital record-keeping, and reducing overcrowding. Land Governance Upgrade: A World Bank team visits Bakeh Loko in Port Loko to support the Sierra Leone Land Administration Project, testing systematic title registration as a blueprint for nationwide rollout. Education & Campus Finance: IPAM (University of Sierra Leone) commissions new banking facilities for four banks and upgrades postgraduate lecture rooms and a Students’ Information Unit. Women’s Safety Strategy: UN Women launches a co-creation workshop in Freetown to build a Women’s Movement Building Strategy to end violence against women and girls. Digital Standards for Developers: Christex Foundation showcases an AI-assisted “DPG Pipeline” to help Sierra Leonean developers meet Digital Public Goods standards. Disability Livelihoods: Government launches a US$990,000 PWD skills-training project via UNDP, commissioning centres in Kambia and Kenema. Elections Media Readiness: SLAJ meets ECONEC to strengthen journalists’ safety, election reporting, and counter misinformation ahead of 2028. Football (Regional): Zimbabwe’s Marshall Munetsi scores twice as Warriors beat Sierra Leone 3-2 in AFCON 2027 qualifying, after trailing 2-0 at half-time.