AGP Executive Report

Constitutional Showdown: Sierra Leone’s constitutional amendment dispute is heating up as the APC prepares to challenge the process in court, while the Inter-Religious Council urges restraint and national interest; Sylvia Blyden also warns President Bio that assent could be overturned by the Supreme Court. Police Protest Notice: Citizens Advocacy Network (CAN) has notified Sierra Leone Police of a planned peaceful protest and procession on Aug. 26 over alleged constitutional violations. Local Infrastructure Pressure: Residents of Karene District have appealed to First Lady Fatima Maada Bio to intervene in urgent bridge construction on the Makeni–Kamakwie highway after rainy-season disruptions. Public Finance & Accountability: EU-funded training has brought 46 Sierra Leone auditors together in Freetown to improve management letter report writing and strengthen accountability. Ebola Update (Regional Impact): The DRC Ebola outbreak has become the deadliest in the country’s history, with 2,325 deaths and 4,945 confirmed cases as it spreads to a sixth province. Education Funding Debate: Baze University’s VC calls for stronger government support for private universities and greater TETFund backing. ECOWAS Tourism Talks: ECOWAS held a COPITOUR consultative meeting in Abuja with Sierra Leone among participating states to boost regional tourism and jobs. Youth & Digital Life: A UNICEF/GSMA U-Report poll gathered 211,300 responses across 119 countries on how young people experience life online.

Constitutional Crisis: Sierra Leone’s constitutional amendment fight deepened as President Bio summoned MPs back to Parliament, while the APC said it will challenge the “purported amendment” in court and warned Bio could face Supreme Court backlash if he assents; the Inter-Religious Council urged calm, consensus and constitutional restraint. Budget & Fiscal Pressure: Government proposed an NLe31.1bn budget for the 2027 fiscal year, with recurrent spending dominating and limited capital space. Corruption & Revenue Loss: The Anti-Corruption Commission alleged serious compromise at the National Revenue Authority’s ASYCUDA system, linked to over 300bn leones missing through unauthorised deletions. Public Accountability Training: EU-funded training brought 46 Sierra Leone auditors together to improve management letter report writing. Health Watch (Regional): DRC Ebola hit new grim milestones, with deaths rising to 2,325 and case fatality jumping to 46%. Agribusiness: Sierra Leone Brewery (SLBL) recorded its highest-ever sorghum supply and set higher 2027 local sourcing targets. Security: Police in Port Loko recovered two rusted AK-47 rifles reportedly buried in a rice bag.

Constitutional Crisis: Sierra Leone’s constitutional amendment process is under fresh scrutiny as APC leader Abdul Kargbo insists the Speaker cannot amend the Constitution without the required two-thirds majority, while legal commentators say the Supreme Court must clarify what “two-thirds of MPs” means for future electoral reforms. Local Governance Push: Vice President Juldeh Jalloh has begun nationwide regional consultations in Kenema to strengthen decentralisation and improve service delivery, with recommendations expected to feed into policy and possible legislation. Infrastructure for Trade: SLRA has opened bidding for a 39-kilometre Sierra Leone–Guinea–Liberia highway in Kailahun, aimed at boosting cross-border trade and regional integration. Health Funding Worry: Britain’s planned sharp cuts to bilateral aid could significantly reduce support for Sierra Leone’s health gains, including programmes tied to maternal and child care. Energy Costs: Data shows Sierra Leone has Africa’s most expensive residential electricity tariff, highlighting mounting pressure on household budgets. Security Update: Police in Port Loko reportedly recovered two rusted AK-47 rifles buried in a rice bag, with investigations ongoing. Youth & Jobs: The new Liberation People’s Party leader, Pastor Mohamed Samuel Kamara, used his first TV appearance to outline plans focused on youth unemployment and local economic development.

Constitutional Crisis: Sierra Leone’s constitutional amendment fight is heating up as APC rejects Parliament’s handling of the “two-thirds” threshold and calls for Supreme Court intervention, while Speaker Segepoh Thomas’s ruling and Supreme Court referral keep the legal question alive. Finance & Appointments: Questions are growing over President Bio’s appointment of Karefa Kargbo as Finance Minister, with critics pointing to his NPRC-era political history amid fiscal pressure. Local Governance: Vice President Juldeh Jalloh has begun nationwide regional consultations on local governance and decentralisation, aiming to improve service delivery through listening sessions and coordination committees. Health & Aid: Britain is set to cut direct bilateral aid to Sierra Leone sharply, raising fears for health services and public programmes. Energy Costs: Sierra Leone is reported as having Africa’s most expensive residential electricity tariff, pushing household bills higher. Environment & Food Systems: MoECC and partners have kicked off a Global Environment Facility project to bring nature-based solutions to farmers under the Feed Salone agenda. Sports: SLFA supports clubs with $5,000 each for CAF campaigns, while Star Sport Academy faces a tough CAF build-up after a 4-0 loss in the West Africa Champions Cup. Crime & Justice: Dutch drug trafficker Jos Leijdekkers’ alleged presence in Sierra Leone is again under scrutiny after the extradition of Irish crime boss Daniel Kinahan.

Ebola Watch: WHO says the DRC Ebola outbreak is moving faster than any previous one, with fears it could spread beyond the north-east as infections outpace contact tracing. Local Governance: VP Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh has started nationwide regional consultations in Kenema to strengthen decentralisation and improve service delivery, with a coordination committee to support local institutions. Constitutional Crisis: Opposition and legal voices are pressing for Supreme Court clarity on the constitutional amendment process, while APC rejects the passage and calls for court interpretation. Health Funding Shock: UK Aid cuts threaten Sierra Leone’s health gains, with bilateral assistance set to drop sharply over coming years. Environment & Food Security: MoECC and partners have kicked off a Global Environment Facility project to bring nature-based solutions to farmers and support the Feed Salone agenda. Business & Telecom Safety: Orange Sierra Leone launches a new scam alert and fraud reporting tool to help customers verify suspicious calls and mobile money fraud. Youth & Skills: Sierra Leone is rolling out electoral and political education in universities via ECSL-led curriculum work, and youth initiatives continue with grants to chiefdom youth councils. Infrastructure & Safety Concern: Sylvia Blyden questions Fatih Bora’s silence after a Lungi Hilton Airport hotel construction site landslide reportedly killed at least two people.

Constitutional Showdown: Dr. Ibrahim Bangura is urging President Julius Maada Bio to withhold assent to the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, calling for Supreme Court review and faster clarification on constitutional requirements after Parliament’s disputed handling. Political Pressure: The Sierra Leone Labour Congress also asks the President not to assent, saying public position papers were ignored and warning the bill could weaken citizens’ direct influence over MPs. Electoral Education Push: The Electoral Commission (ECSL) is working with universities to draft a curriculum that brings electoral and political education into tertiary institutions. Local Governance Drive: VP Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh begins a two-week regional tour to strengthen decentralisation and improve service delivery in Kenema, Bo, Makeni and Port Loko. Health Funding Worry: UK Aid is set to cut bilateral support to Sierra Leone sharply, raising concerns for the health sector. Youth & Jobs: International Youth Day activities include grants to 15 chiefdom youth councils and the launch of youth-focused initiatives and a youth employment portal. Sports & CAF: SLFA provides $15,000 total support to three clubs ahead of CAF campaigns, while Star Sport Academy suffers a 4-0 setback in a regional test. Digital Safety: Orange Sierra Leone launches a scam alert and fraud reporting tool for customers.

Constitutional Showdown: Dr Ibrahim Bangura (APC flagbearer aspirant) urged President Bio to withhold assent to the recently passed Constitutional Amendment Bill, saying Parliament’s handling raises constitutional questions and backing the Speaker’s referral to the Supreme Court for an advisory opinion. Labour Pushback: The Sierra Leone Labour Congress also appealed to Bio not to assent, arguing key position papers were ignored and warning the bill could weaken citizens’ direct electoral sovereignty by shifting power to political parties. EU Engagement: The EU Delegation held talks with APC leadership amid the amendment dispute, as political debate continues over whether a two-thirds majority is required. Local Governance Drive: VP Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh launched a two-week regional tour (Kenema, Bo, Makeni, Port Loko) to strengthen decentralisation and service delivery, with consultations involving Paramount Chiefs and local stakeholders. Youth & Jobs Focus: International Youth Day activities included grants to 15 Chiefdom Youth Councils for self-led development under YAGGS, plus the launch of youth policy initiatives and a youth employment portal. Health & Safety: WHO recommended a Phase III trial of an Ebola vaccine for Bundibugyo virus as Congo’s outbreak nears record levels, while Africa CDC reported about 4,000 confirmed cases and 1,800 deaths in Central Africa. Protected Areas: NPAA continued demolitions at Aberdeen Creek in the Ramsar-protected Sierra Leone River Estuary to stop encroachment.

Constitutional Reform Clash: Sierra Leone Labour Congress has urged President Maada Bio to withhold assent to the Constitutional Amendment Bill, saying Parliament ignored position papers from religious groups, CSOs and labour, and warning the changes could weaken citizens’ ability to elect MPs freely. EU-APC Dialogue: The EU Delegation met APC leadership in Freetown to encourage dialogue as the constitutional amendment debate continues after APC MPs walked out of Parliament. Parliament Recall: Bio has summoned an emergency sitting for 20 August to approve presidential nominees, including key ministerial posts. Youth & Jobs Push: Government launched three youth initiatives and handed grants to 15 chiefdom youth councils under the EU-funded YAGGS project, while farmers are set to get direct access to agriculture officials via an upgraded IVR system. Anti-Fraud Tech: Orange Sierra Leone rolled out a new scam alert and fraud reporting tool to help customers verify and report mobile money and telecom scams. Protected Areas Enforcement: NPAA demolished structures at Aberdeen Creek in a Ramsar-protected zone to stop encroachment. Health Watch: WHO recommended a Phase III trial of the Ebola vaccine Ervebo for Bundibugyo virus as Congo’s outbreak worsens. Mining Update: Gold exports surged over 400% in H1 2026, even as overall mineral exports fell, highlighting the need for diversification.

Constitutional Crisis: The Sierra Leone Labour Congress has urged President Julius Maada Bio to withhold assent to the Constitutional Amendment Bill, saying Parliament ignored position papers from religious groups, CSOs and labour, and that the changes could weaken citizens’ direct electoral sovereignty. EU-APC Talks: The EU Delegation held a “rich and informative exchange” with APC leadership as the constitutional amendment dispute deepens after APC MPs’ parliamentary walkout. Parliament Recall: Bio has summoned an emergency sitting for 20 August to approve presidential nominees, following major appointments announced at State House. Road Safety & Trade: SLRSA is seeking stronger technical cooperation with Nigeria’s FRSC under a five-year MoU, while SLPHA leads a multi-agency push to decongest Freetown’s Queen Elizabeth II Quay to cut port delays. Youth & Climate: Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr launched the third cohort of the Bloomberg Youth Climate Action Fund 2.0, with Sierra Leone cities including Freetown, Kenema and others participating. Sports: Sierra Leone’s Under-19s beat Mozambique by eight wickets in the ICC Africa Division 2 qualifier. Health Watch: WHO says Congo’s Ebola outbreak is on track to become the deadliest ever, with deaths already surpassing 2,000.

Constitutional Showdown: President Bio has summoned an emergency parliamentary sitting for 20 August to approve presidential nominees, as Sierra Leone’s constitutional amendment dispute deepens with fresh legal challenges and public pushback over whether the two-thirds threshold was properly met. Legal & Media Tensions: ILRAJ raised constitutional red flags over Parliament’s handling of the 2025 amendment bill, while SLAJ welcomed the referral of key constitutional questions to the Supreme Court and urged restraint. Youth, Climate & Jobs: Freetown launched the third cohort of the Bloomberg Youth Climate Action Fund 2.0, with Sierra Leone cities including Freetown, Kenema and others set to back youth-led climate projects. Digital Education Push: Sierra Leone is expanding digital education, adding 278 tech-enabled schools in six months and targeting 751 by year-end. Oil & Mining Signals: Bio says Sierra Leone is positioning for potential oil production after a proposed $225m deal, while gold exports surged over 400% in H1 2026 even as diamonds and mineral sands fell. Trade & Transport: SLPHA and partners launched a multi-agency operation to decongest Freetown’s Queen Elizabeth II Quay, removing unroadworthy trucks and tightening licence checks. Road Safety Cooperation: SLRSA met Nigeria’s envoy to strengthen road safety ties under a five-year cooperation framework.

Constitutional Crisis: ILRAJ and APC figures are pushing back hard on Parliament’s handling of the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2025, arguing the two-thirds threshold was misapplied and warning that the Speaker’s “final” ruling should not shut out court review; SLAJ also welcomed a Supreme Court referral but urged restraint as the dispute moves through legal channels. Digital Education Push: Sierra Leone is accelerating digital learning, adding 278 tech-enabled schools in six months and targeting 203 more to reach 751 by year-end, with plans to anchor platforms in local communities and align content to the national curriculum. Youth & Jobs Focus: Moyamba marked International Youth Day 2026 with youth-led SDG actions, while separate coverage highlights how Sierra Leone’s 500,000-jobs pledge depends heavily on private sector growth, not government alone. Cybersecurity Warning: Authorities urged citizens to “stop, think and verify” amid rising mobile fraud and WhatsApp hijacking, warning against sharing verification codes. Health Watch (Regional): Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged past 2,000 deaths, with WHO and partners struggling against fast spread and containment barriers. Aviation Safety: BAGAIA is strengthening regional cooperation on aircraft accident investigation after a board meeting in Abuja.

Constitutional Crisis: Sierra Leone’s constitutional amendment fight deepened as ILRAJ raised “constitutional red flags” over Parliament’s reported passage, arguing the two-thirds threshold was misapplied and that the Speaker’s interpretation should have been clarified by the Supreme Court first. Media & Legal Pressure: The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) welcomed the referral of constitutional questions to the Supreme Court but urged restraint as the matter moves through legal channels. Speaker’s Finality: Speaker Segepoh Thomas said his parliamentary ruling is final and cannot be challenged in court, while also referring a separate constitutional question to the Supreme Court for an opinion. Opposition Pushback: The APC rejected the vote, saying its MPs withdrew and the two-thirds requirement was not met, while APC MP Ibrahim Barrie defended the walkout as a principled stand to protect the Constitution. Governance & Appointments: President Bio announced a fresh round of appointments across ministries, agencies, and diplomatic missions, including nominations for Finance and Foreign Affairs. Youth & Jobs: Labour leaders said the 500,000 jobs pledge can’t be delivered by government alone and pointed to private sector investment as the real engine. Cyber Safety: Authorities warned SIM card dealers and users about mobile fraud, urging “stop, think and verify,” and warned penalties for improperly registered SIMs. Agriculture Delivery: Government and MAFS set a 12-month delivery agenda for “Feed Salone,” targeting bottlenecks in financing, procurement, customs, and contractor oversight.

Constitutional Reform Fallout: Sierra Leone’s Parliament passed the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill, 2025 after an APC walkout, with critics saying the vote did not meet the required two-thirds majority; the Speaker says the matter has been referred to the Supreme Court for interpretation, while APC MPs and opposition figures warn the process could undermine trust ahead of 2028. Cybersecurity Crackdown: The National Cybersecurity Coordinating Centre issued a “stop, think and verify” warning over mobile scams and WhatsApp takeovers, stressing citizens must never share verification codes or two-step PINs; SIM card dealers and businesses face fines up to Le25,000 and possible jail. Judiciary Reform Spotlight: Chief Justice Komba Kamanda’s reform drive is highlighted as improving access to justice and modernising court administration. Education Results: The 2026 NPSE results were released, with 164,714 candidates sitting; pass rate is 78.2%, and Bethany Davis (Tower Hill Kindergarten & Primary, Freetown) topped the candidates with a T-score of 351. Football Development: SLFA opened applications for its third CAF C Diploma coaching course (Aug 24–Nov 4, 2026). Energy & Infrastructure: A solar-plus-battery project is reported as supporting grid expansion, while road and ports reforms are framed as key to Sierra Leone’s growth push. Public Appointments: President Bio announced major cabinet and public service appointments, including nominations affecting finance, foreign affairs, employment, energy, mining and revenue administration.

Constitutional Crisis in Parliament: Sierra Leone’s MPs passed the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill, 2025 after a tense walkout by the opposition APC, with the Speaker saying the bill can proceed by simple majority while APC lawmakers argue the constitution demands a two-thirds vote; the reforms would cut the presidential win threshold from 55% to 50%+1, introduce proportional representation for legislative elections, set a 30% women’s quota, and require a regional, gender and minority balance in appointments, while the Speaker has referred the voting procedure to the Supreme Court for interpretation. Security Tightened in the Chamber: Parliament also tightened security after the Speaker reported an intruder allegedly trying to enter with a “missile,” restricting party representatives allowed inside as voting nears. Finance Governance Push: The Ministry of Finance has started consultations to review the Public Financial Management Act, 2016, with stakeholder input scheduled for August 14. Education Spotlight (NPSE 2026): WAEC results for the 2026 National Primary School Examination were released, with pass rate at 78.2% and top candidate Bethany Davis (Tower Hill) scoring the highest aggregate T-score of 351; top schools and candidates were also announced. Ebola Update (DR Congo): Congo’s Ebola death toll has crossed 2,000 as the outbreak spreads fastest on record, with confirmed cases rising to 4,381 and health systems strained. Development Finance (EBID): ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development approved over $510m for projects across West Africa, including roads, a regional hospital, renewable energy and private-sector support.

Constitutional Crisis in Parliament: Sierra Leone’s Parliament has passed the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill, 2025, but the fight over procedure is far from over. Opposition APC lawmakers walked out after arguing the bill should meet the constitutionally required two-thirds majority, while the Speaker allowed a simple majority approach; the Speaker has now referred the voting method to the Supreme Court for an opinion within three months. Electoral Rules at Stake: The amendments would lower the presidential win threshold from 55% to 50%+1, introduce proportional representation for MPs, and set a 30% quota for women in political nominations—changes APC leaders say could weaken legitimacy ahead of 2028. Security Tightened: Parliament also tightened security after an alleged intruder was stopped while attempting to enter with an object described as a “missile,” prompting restricted access inside the chamber. Public Debate Continues: APC figures, including Abdul Kargbo and Samura Kamara, reiterated threats of boycott and legal objections, while President Bio urged lawmakers to vote “Yes” for reforms. National Recognition: President Bio conferred the GCOR honour on outgoing World Bank country manager Dr. Abdu Muwonge. Culture & Youth: Miss World 2026 hopeful Mariyam Konneh arrived in Vietnam for the 75th festival.

Constitutional Showdown: President Julius Maada Bio urged Parliament to pass the contested Constitution (Amendment) Bill, pushing electoral changes ahead of 2028—lowering the presidential threshold from 55% to 50%+1, introducing proportional representation, and reserving 30% of political nominations for women—while the APC warns the reforms could cement SLPP control and says it will reject PR and the threshold changes. Parliament Access Fight: Opposition Leader Abdul Kargbo threatened to boycott parliamentary proceedings if opposition executives are blocked from the Well of Parliament, escalating tensions as lawmakers prepare to vote. APC’s Clear Line: The APC says it supports some parts of the bill, including a 30% women’s quota and dual-citizens’ eligibility for parliamentary seats, but rejects changes it says would reshape the electoral framework. Ebola Update (Region): WHO and partners report Ebola in DR Congo is outrunning the response, with cases and deaths continuing to rise fast. Youth, Tech & Learning: Indian edtech firm Edubex says it is expanding globally with AI-enabled learning and partnerships, while ELEKTROS highlights momentum around lithium and EV charging technology. Environment & Waste: A Sierra Leone youth innovator is tackling e-waste and plastic pollution by turning discarded electronics into solar lamps and recycling plastics into backpacks.