AGP Executive Report

Parliament & Governance: Sierra Leone’s Parliament adjourned debate on the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill 2025, with lawmakers set to continue on Monday, August 10, as they weigh changes including a presidential election threshold (55% vs 50%+1), a possible shift to Proportional Representation, and a 30% women-candidate requirement. Digital Identity & Public Services: The NCRA chief urged Sierra Leone to anchor Digital Public Infrastructure on existing legal identity systems, warning against duplication that could weaken progress, while Sierra Leone also continues public-private dialogue on national digital ID. Economy & Delivery: President Maada Bio told Parliament the country is entering a “Year of Action and Accelerated Delivery,” citing improved macro indicators and pledging faster delivery of jobs and services. Food Security: Bio said school feeding now reaches over one million pupils across 15 districts, tied to Feed Salone and rising local rice production. Corruption & Mining: Corruption Watch SL alleges its team was assaulted during an anti-corruption and illegal mining sensitisation campaign in Koinadugu District. Ebola Watch (Regional): DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surpassed 4,000 confirmed cases, with WHO urging a full human trial of an existing vaccine for cross-protection. Youth & Innovation: Orange Sierra Leone’s Orange Social Venture Prize 2026 crowned eight finalists after 138 applications, spotlighting youth-led solutions.

ECOWAS Diplomacy: Sierra Leone has formally handed over the ECOWAS Permanent Representatives’ Committee (PRC) chairmanship to Senegal in Abuja, following President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s election as ECOWAS chair. Digital Governance & Fraud: Sierra Leone is consulting the private sector on a trusted digital identity framework, while government warns citizens to “pause and verify” amid rising mobile money fraud and WhatsApp hijacking. Public Services & Procurement: NPPA is learning from Liberia’s e-GP system as Sierra Leone pushes digital public procurement reforms, and the NRA-UNDP partnership is set to boost domestic revenue mobilisation and procurement efficiency. Constitutional Reform: Parliament adjourned debate on the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, with lawmakers continuing discussions on electoral thresholds and possible PR changes on August 10. Health: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has crossed 4,000 confirmed cases with 1,850 deaths, as experts fear the virus may be mutating and that the real toll could be higher. Sports & Youth: NSA is exploring a partnership with Celtic FC to strengthen football development, while Orange Sierra Leone’s OSVP 2026 spotlights young innovators in Freetown.

Constitution Talks Stall: Parliament adjourned debate on the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill 2025 until Monday, August 10, as MPs remain divided over electoral reforms, the presidential threshold, and the proposed shift toward Proportional Representation. Fuel Price Pressure: The Native Consortium and Research Centre questioned the basis for Sierra Leone’s latest fuel price increase, pointing to lower global crude prices and demanding clear explanations from government and the Petroleum Regulatory Agency. Revenue Boost Push: The National Revenue Authority and UNDP reaffirmed their partnership to strengthen domestic revenue mobilisation and public financial management, including procurement and asset management improvements. Digital ID Consultations: Sierra Leone is consulting private sector and other stakeholders on a trusted digital identity framework using open-source technology and verifiable credentials, as the country positions MOSIP-based ID as a backbone for digital transformation. Mobile Money Scams Warning: The Ministry of Communication warned citizens to independently verify digital requests for money amid rising mobile money fraud and WhatsApp hijacking, saying many cases involve social engineering. Health System Upgrade: The Ministry of Health unveiled new leadership for Sierra Leone’s laboratory, diagnostic and blood services, aiming to improve coordination and access to modern equipment. Legal Profession Reset: The Sierra Leone Bar Association dissolved its executive and elected a five-member caretaker body to steer the association toward fresh elections after a governance crisis. Food Security Through Local Farms: WFP launched the 2026/27 home-grown school feeding year, buying over one million kilograms of rice and pulses from Sierra Leonean smallholder farmers to support school meals and rural livelihoods.

Constitutional Reform Deadlock: Parliament adjourned debate on Sierra Leone’s Constitution (Amendment) Bill until Monday, August 10, as MPs remain split over electoral changes, presidential thresholds, and the legality of the process, with the two-thirds majority requirement (about 99 of 149 MPs) still looming. Diaspora Voting Rights: A fresh push argues Sierra Leone should not tighten restrictions on citizens abroad while silencing their political voice, warning the approach could disenfranchise key diaspora voters. PR vs FPTP Fight: Lawmakers and commentators continue trading arguments over whether proportional representation should expand beyond elections, including in Cabinet appointments, while critics warn of unintended powers for the President ahead of 2028. Digital Public Infrastructure: Sierra Leone convened a national public-private dialogue to guide a national digital ID and broader digital public infrastructure, focusing on trusted identity, secure payments, and interoperable data exchange. Floods in Freetown: Severe flooding hit Freetown, with reports of three deaths, hundreds displaced, and contaminated water sources after heavy rains. GAVI Vaccine Payment: The Finance Ministry assured stakeholders it will immediately process Sierra Leone’s GAVI co-financing payment to protect vaccine procurement and cold-chain equipment. Mobile Money Fraud Crackdown: Communication authorities renewed efforts to curb mobile money fraud as cases surge across the country.

Flood Disaster: Severe flooding in Freetown has killed three people, including a five-year-old girl, after heavy rains triggered flash floods, erosion and slope incidents; NDMA says hundreds of homes in Juba were completely flooded, with two children still missing and boreholes contaminated. Constitution & Elections: Parliament’s constitutional amendment debate continues as the Attorney General says a referendum could be held before or alongside the 2028 polls, while opposition and commentators warn about possible shifts in electoral rules and PR/PR-related powers. Diaspora Rights: An op-ed argues Sierra Leone is attacking the rights of citizens in the diaspora by proposing tighter eligibility for parliamentary office, calling it “national self-harm.” Digital ID & Public Services: Sierra Leone convened a public-private dialogue to build national Digital Public Infrastructure, including a trusted digital identity ecosystem; the Ministry of Information also announced digital reforms for public service HR and attendance monitoring. Mobile Money Fraud: Parliament pressed government and telecom operators over rising cyber-enabled mobile money scams, with Minister Salima Bah outlining steps to curb WhatsApp hijacking and impersonation fraud. Mining & Regulation: Authorities say JM Mining’s large-scale licence never became valid because statutory fees and written acceptance were not completed, so the conditional offer lapsed. Sports & Welfare: SLFA paid Le75,000 ex gratia to the family of late player Bureh Ganso Koroma following an independent investigation.

Mobile Money Fraud Crackdown: Parliament pressed the Ministry of Communication, Innovation and Technology and mobile operators to explain and tackle a surge in cyber-enabled financial scams, including WhatsApp hijacking and impersonation, with Minister Salima Bah outlining government response measures. Constitutional Reform Debate: Attorney-General Alpha Sesay says Sierra Leone could hold a constitutional referendum before or alongside the 2028 elections as lawmakers remain deadlocked over the 1991 Constitution (Amendment) Bill, including the shift from FPTP to PR. Electoral Security Prep: The Office of National Security wrapped nationwide workshops to map baseline political risks and threats ahead of the 2028 polls, aiming to strengthen conflict prevention and early warning. Public Procurement Digital Push: Liberia’s PPCC rolled out ICT equipment for Phase Two of its e-GP system, a reminder of the wider push for more transparent procurement systems across the region. Cleaner Fuel Standards: NPRA-led talks in Freetown reaffirmed commitments to implement ECOWAS cleaner fuel and vehicle standards to cut emissions and improve fuel quality. Mining Licence Clarification: Sierra Leone’s Mines Ministry and NMA said JM Mining’s large-scale licence application lapsed because statutory conditions were not met, denying claims of withdrawal. Road Safety Accountability: SLRSA reviewed mid-year performance of station managers, urging stronger professionalism and better enforcement. Illegal Fishing Anger: Fishermen protested illegal trawling that they say is cutting catches and damaging nets, threatening livelihoods. Census Monitoring Dispute: APC protested exclusion from key 2026 Population and Housing Census activities, demanding equal monitoring access. Legal Profession Tensions: Alpha Sesay met SLBA President Tuma Jabbie ahead of an EGM amid ongoing governance and police-interference allegations.

Census Credibility Row: The opposition APC has protested its repeated exclusion from key 2026 Population and Housing Census activities, demanding equal monitoring access for both major parties, citing missed access to cartographic mapping and mock testing and accusing Statistics Sierra Leone of failing to respond to its letters. Constitutional Amendment Deadlock: Parliament reconvenes to continue debate on the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Act 2025 after a late-night session, with lawmakers already removing a clause that would have allowed independent presidential candidates, while disagreements persist over PR versus FPTP and the presidential threshold. Fuel Prices Up: Sierra Leone’s government increased petrol to NLe35 per litre (from NLe33) and diesel to NLe40 (from NLe35), citing changes in international prices and the exchange rate, with subsidies maintained. Power Sector Milestone: Sungrow commissioned the World Bank-backed RESPITE solar-plus-storage project, adding 35MWh of battery capacity via eight PowerTitan units—Sierra Leone’s first major national-scale grid-connected power project in nearly a decade. Energy/EV Investor Buzz: ELEKTROS reiterated its Sierra Leone hard-rock lithium push and its U.S. EV charging patent strategy amid rising investor interest in electrification and critical minerals. Diplomacy: President Bio toured the new Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre with Gabon’s President Oligui Nguema and agreed on a structured partnership to deepen cooperation. Sports & Culture: Team Sierra Leone closed the Glasgow Commonwealth Games with historic performances, while model Almon Sall won African Pageant King of the Year 2026.

Constitutional Showdown: Sierra Leone Parliament reconvenes to continue the Constitution (Amendment) Bill debate after Monday’s long, deadlocked session, with lawmakers already deleting a clause that would have allowed independent presidential candidates—leaving the fight over PR vs FPTP and the presidential threshold still unresolved. Rule of Law Under Pressure: An op-ed and related commentary renew calls to stop police interference in Sierra Leone Bar Association processes, after the Bar’s AGM was blocked and leadership disputes spilled into public view. Fuel Costs Rise: Government increases petrol to NLe35 and diesel to NLe40 per litre, citing updated pricing formula and exchange-rate changes, with subsidies of NLe2.11 (petrol) and NLe3.04 (diesel). Power Sector Upgrade: Sungrow commissions a World Bank-backed RESPITE solar-plus-storage project, adding 35MWh battery capacity to help cut long outages. Regional Diplomacy: President Julius Maada Bio meets Gabon’s Oligui Nguema, agreeing a structured partnership across natural resources, agriculture, maritime security and trade. Youth Support Delays Ease: NaCSA says Makeni youth grant payments are largely resolved after protests, with remaining beneficiaries cleared for disbursement by Thursday. Sports & Pride: Team Sierra Leone wraps up Commonwealth Games 2026 with standout performances in swimming, boxing and track cycling, despite missing medals.

Fuel Prices: Sierra Leone’s government raised petrol to NLe35 per litre (from NLe33) and diesel to NLe40 (from NLe35), citing updated petroleum pricing and exchange-rate changes, while keeping subsidies at NLe2.11 for petrol and NLe3.04 for diesel. Power Supply: Sungrow commissioned a World Bank-backed RESPITE solar-plus-storage project, adding 35MWh battery capacity to help cut long outages that can last up to 18 hours. Women’s Political Leadership: West African leaders adopted the Abuja Regional Action Agenda to speed women’s political participation, building on ECOWAS gender parity commitments. Constitution & Elections: The APC rejected proposals to make proportional representation permanent, arguing the 1991 Constitution treats PR as an emergency measure, while Parliament resumes heated debate on the Constitution Amendment Bill. Sports Governance: SLFA staff marked Babadi Kamara’s first year as SLFA president, highlighting FIFA sanctions lifted, major league sponsorships, and Sierra Leone’s return to international football. Youth Funds: NaCSA said Makeni youth empowerment grant payments are largely resolved after protests, with remaining beneficiaries cleared for disbursement by Thursday. ECOWAS Public Health Role: A Sierra Leonean expert, Patrick Hansil Lansana, was elected to an ECOWAS RCCE network position.

Constitutional Reform Showdown: Parliament is set to resume heated debate on Sierra Leone’s Constitution (Amendment) Bill today after a long, divisive sitting last week, with lawmakers still split over key electoral changes. Rule of Law at the Bar: The Sierra Leone Bar Association’s AGM and elections were disrupted by police at Bintumani, with the SLBA now moving toward a caretaker body approved by members on August 6, while ILRAJ and victims’ rights groups press for adherence to court orders and the rule of law. Youth Funds in Makeni: NaCSA says most Makeni youth grant payments under the World Bank-supported Youth-Led Enterprise Support Project are now resolved after delays linked to ID and bank details. Power for Reliability: Sungrow commissioned a 35 MWh solar-plus-storage project in Sierra Leone under the World Bank’s RESPITE plan to cut long outages. Transport Boost: Jagaban’s $3m bus fleet has cleared customs at Freetown Port, paving the way for a new commuter service. Regional Public Health: Sierra Leone’s Patrick Hansil Lansana was elected Vice President of ECOWAS’s Risk Communication and Community Engagement network. Tobacco Control Push: Sierra Leone reaffirmed its stance against tobacco industry interference during ATIM training in Lagos.

Public Transport Boost: Jagaban’s $3 million bus fleet has cleared customs at Queen Elizabeth II Quay in Freetown, with 25 new buses set for rollout to improve commuter access to jobs, healthcare and education. Rule of Law at the Bar: The Sierra Leone Bar Association is calling an Aug. 6 EGM to approve a caretaker body after police blocked its July 31 AGM at Bintumani, with ILRAJ warning of rule-of-law and independence concerns. Diplomacy: Gabon President Brice Oligui Nguema arrives in Freetown for a three-day state visit aimed at deepening cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, tourism and governance. ECOWAS Youth Opportunity: ECOWAS has opened applications for its 2027 Young Graduates Immersion Programme, offering a one-year fully funded placement across West Africa. Regional Trade: The Nigeria–Sierra Leone Trade Fair 2026 kicks off in Freetown, running to Aug. 9, to link manufacturers and investors across ECOWAS. Agriculture Under Pressure: Falaba farmers in Sierra Leone say crops are being destroyed by cattle herders reportedly from Mali, accusing authorities of failing to protect livelihoods.

ECOWAS Peacekeeping: Nigeria has deployed 86 troops to Guinea-Bissau under the ECOWAS Stabilisation Support Mission, with commanders urging discipline and respect for local laws. Rule of Law at the Bar: Sierra Leone Bar Association elections and AGM plans have been thrown into turmoil after police blocked lawyers from entering the Bintumani venue, with ILRAJ calling for rule-of-law protection and warning of governance fallout. ECOWAS Data Push: ECOWAS adopted new guidelines to harmonise regional statistics, approving methodological guides for key economic and public finance indicators. Trade & Business: The Nigeria–Sierra Leone Trade Fair 2026 has kicked off in Freetown, running to August 9 and aiming to boost manufacturing trade and investment across West Africa. Budget Update: Parliament approved Sierra Leone’s 2026 supplementary budget to cushion the economy from global oil-price shocks and related spending pressures. Digital Skills for Police: 30 female SLP officers completed ICT training to support the force’s digital transformation agenda.

ECOWAS Public Health Leadership: Sierra Leone’s Patrick Habsil Lansana has been elected Vice President of the ECOWAS Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) Network, with a new regional executive set to strengthen trust-building and community engagement across West Africa. Digital Policing Push: Thirty female Sierra Leone Police officers completed ICT training in Microsoft Office, internet use and digital information management, boosting the force’s digital transformation agenda. Bar Association Crisis: Tensions inside the Sierra Leone Bar Association deepened after police blocked lawyers from holding an AGM at Bintumani, with Martina Egbenda’s team alleging governance and membership-list irregularities and calling out possible interference. Budget and Revenue Pressure: Parliament approved a 2026 supplementary budget to cushion rising oil prices and global shocks, while lawmakers also plan to grill the National Revenue Authority over domestic revenue shortfalls. Women’s Political Leadership Drive: ECOWAS ministers in Abuja backed electoral reforms and financing to boost women’s participation, with a 2035 gender parity target. Land Reform Learning: Sierra Leone’s lands delegation wrapped up a Ghana study tour and heads to Kenya to continue reform learning, including digital land systems. Ebola Update (Regional): DRC’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak has surged to become the world’s second-largest on record, driven by gaps in contact tracing.

Ebola Update: The Bundibugyo strain outbreak in eastern DRC has surged past 3,626 confirmed cases, becoming the world’s second-largest Ebola epidemic on record, with health teams still battling growth without an approved Bundibugyo vaccine. Rule of Law & Bar Crisis: Sierra Leone’s Justice Minister is accused of interfering with the Bar Association as fallout continues after police blocked access to the SLBA AGM venue; the SLBA says the interference is unlawful, while its PRO Alfred Kamanda has resigned over the police action. Budget & Economy: Parliament approved Sierra Leone’s 2026 supplementary budget to cushion global oil-price shocks and the Middle East conflict, citing higher fuel subsidies and revenue shortfalls. Governance & Digital Reform: NPPA and the National Investment Board begin talks to link digital systems to improve procurement oversight and supplier verification. Women’s Political Participation: ECOWAS ministers push electoral reforms and financing to boost women’s leadership, with a 2035 parity target. Local Development: MP Hawa Kallon expands agriculture through “Operation Feed Your Community,” supporting farmers with seedlings, tractors, and livestock. Energy Access: China’s Sungrow commissioned a solar-plus-storage project tied to Sierra Leone’s grid under the World Bank RESPITE programme.

Constitutional & Legal Storm: A fresh legal critique says the ICC prosecutor Karim Khan’s removal lacked anything resembling a trial, raising alarms about due process and the Rome Statute’s independence safeguards. Rule of Law in Focus: Sierra Leone Bar Association postpones its AGM after alleging unlawful police interference, with the PRO Alfred Kamanda resigning over the blockade at the venue. Digital Governance: NPPA and the National Investment Board move to link digital systems to speed up supplier verification and improve transparency in public procurement. Public Health Capacity: Government launches Sierra Leone’s first Advanced Field Epidemiology Training Programme to strengthen outbreak investigation and emergency response. Climate Resilience in Freetown: SLURC engages communities in Thompson Bay and Pamoronko to promote climate-resilient land-use practices. Energy & Investment: Sierra Leone switches on a solar-plus-storage project under RESPITE, aiming to cut long grid outages. Sports & Community: SLFA confirms full payment of prize money to winners of its 2025/26 competitions. Diplomacy: Deputy Information Minister briefs media on Gabon President Oligui Nguema’s state visit to Sierra Leone on 2 August.

Constitutional Reform Debate: Sierra Leone’s Parliament is set to reconvene Friday to consider a supplementary budget and resume debate on the Constitutional Amendment Bill 2025, after a marathon session earlier this week sparked heated exchanges over election rules and governance changes. Women’s Representation: The bill’s push for 30% women’s representation on party nominee lists is drawing fresh scrutiny, with commentators warning the real fight is how constitutional changes protect gains under the GEWE Act and the 30% quota. Judiciary Independence: The American Bar Association has condemned personal attacks on judges by government officials, warning that rhetoric targeting courts threatens judicial independence and public trust. Energy & Power Access: Sierra Leone has switched on a World Bank-backed solar-plus-storage project, part of RESPITE, aiming to raise national electricity access from 16% to 36% amid long daily outages. Public Health Capacity: The government has launched Sierra Leone’s first Advanced Field Epidemiology Training Programme to strengthen outbreak investigation, surveillance, and emergency response. Digital Services: Sierra Leone Police have rolled out an online Police Clearance Certificate application process through the WanGov platform, with support centres for people without internet access. Diplomacy: Gabon President Brice Oligui Nguema is expected in Sierra Leone on August 2 for a state visit to deepen cooperation in trade, mining, technology, education and energy.