AGP Executive Report

Ebola Watch: The WHO says the Ebola response in DR Congo must be scaled up, warning that transmission chains still aren’t fully tracked; deaths have now passed 3,000 with cases above 6,100, as weak surveillance, insecurity and unsafe burials hamper containment. Health Financing: The UN’s ECA trained delegates from Botswana, Ethiopia, Sierra Leone and Togo to build the economic case for health spending, using country-owned data to link health services to jobs, households and government budgets. Agriculture & Investment: Sierra Leone and other West African states launched a $5m rice investment facility at the Africa Food Systems Forum 2026, with government plans for rice zones and agro-processing clusters and calls for private sector participation. Education Exchange: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Technical and Higher Education bid farewell to 11 students selected for studies in India under a new partnership with NIST University. Labour Rights Pressure: CHRDI demands accountability from the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority over alleged labour law violations, saying it has not received a response after more than a month. Politics & Courts: The APC filed Supreme Court challenges over the Constitution (Amendment) Bill process, seeking guidance on constitutional amendment procedures. Youth & Skills: Orange Foundation Sierra Leone wrapped its Next Gen Summer Camp 2026, training children in coding, web development and 3D design.

Ebola Update: WHO chief Tedros says DR Congo’s Ebola response must be scaled up as deaths pass 3,000 and cases top 6,100, warning that “chains of transmission” still aren’t fully found and broken. Constitutional Court Battle: Sierra Leone’s APC has filed two Supreme Court cases challenging the Constitution (Amendment) Bill process, including actions by the Speaker, as legal arguments heat up ahead of party moves. APC Party Dispute: A High Court interim injunction restrains former APC executive members from running party affairs, while Osman Timbo’s separate Supreme Court action seeks interpretation of key constitutional sections. SLPP Succession Politics: SLPP Chairman Jimmy Batilo Songa reiterates support for President Julius Maada Bio ahead of 2028, even as internal succession talk grows. Local Safety & Infrastructure: Tragedy struck Waterloo’s New Site after a fire killed three children; residents and officials renew calls for stronger fire prevention and emergency response. Transport Pressure: Karene’s decades-old Kabba ferry crossing is again under fire, with fresh demands for a permanent bridge. Youth & Sports: SLFA President Babadi Kamara visits the U-17 camp ahead of WAFU-A qualifiers; Ram Kay beats Guinea’s Bafing FC 4-0 in a regional women’s tournament. Community Development: Foto4Change expands deaf students’ visual storytelling in Sierra Leone, while Orange Foundation Sierra Leone wraps its Next Gen Summer Camp 2026.

ECOWAS Power and Politics: Sierra Leone’s President Maada Bio begins a new ECOWAS push for unity and dialogue after the bloc’s fractures, while Sierra Leone’s Francess Piagie Alghali takes up a key ECOWAS peace and security role as the region tackles coups, terrorism and poverty. Regional Electricity Integration: The World Bank says West Africa has expanded cross-border power links with over 4,000km of transmission lines, improving access for millions including in Sierra Leone. Ebola Emergency in Congo: UN relief warns the DRC outbreak is moving faster than response, with cases topping 6,000 and deaths near 2,950 as insecurity and health system strain worsen spread. Sierra Leone Courts and Parties: The High Court orders APC former executives to stop acting as executives, and another case sends two lawyers accused of defrauding a businessman over US$114,000 to trial with bail granted. Ports and Governance: Parliament reviews SLPHA performance, citing US$19m transferred to government over three years and berth upgrades, including plans for Kent and Banana Island seaports. Youth and Migration: IOM Sierra Leone wraps up a youth empowerment project aimed at reducing irregular migration, handing over livelihood support to communities. Police Clearance for LPP Tour: Sierra Leone Police approve LPP nationwide consultations in Pujehun, Kailahun and Moyamba with strict conditions on meetings and security coordination. Sports: Kumba Brima scores on her Spanish debut for Alavés, and Sierra Leone’s football links also appear in regional coverage as Pitso Mosimane is unveiled as South Africa’s Bafana coach.

APC Supreme Court Challenge: Sierra Leone’s opposition APC has taken its fight over the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2025 to the Supreme Court, arguing the Speaker wrongly allowed passage by simple majority instead of the required two-thirds vote. Party Politics: A High Court order also compels APC to hold nationwide delegate elections within 21 days, while limiting the current executives’ ability to call themselves national officials. Tax Push: The National Revenue Authority has started rolling out Smart GST machines to 10,000 registered businesses to curb revenue leakages and improve electronic record-keeping. Healthcare Digitisation: The Ministry of Health is partnering with DSTI to digitize primary healthcare management and reporting, replacing manual paperwork with real-time data and dashboards. Labour & Skills Links: Sierra Leone’s Labour Ministry is exploring deeper cooperation with China to strengthen labour administration, skills development and employment services. Community Policy Drafting: MoPED is advancing Sierra Leone’s first Community-Based Organisations policy, aiming to complete it by December 2026. Education Reform Debate: A commentary urges Sierra Leone to protect educators’ welfare alongside tougher action on exam malpractice and weak controls. Dumpsite Danger: Another report spotlights the hazardous Waterloo/Bomeh dumpsite, where residents say promised relocation and safer facilities have not materialised. ECOWAS Leadership Shift: ECOWAS has ushered in new Commission President Gen. Birame Diop, pledging renewed unity and engagement with Sahel states.

ECOWAS Unity Push: New ECOWAS Commission President General Birame Diop says the bloc must rebuild unity and reopen meaningful engagement with Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, arguing “geography remains the same” despite their withdrawal. APC Party Court Order: Sierra Leone’s High Court directs the opposition APC to hold nationwide delegate elections within 21 days, while restraining current executives from calling themselves national officials. Tax Crackdown Tech: The National Revenue Authority begins rolling out Smart GST machines to 10,000 registered businesses to improve electronic receipts, compliance and reduce revenue leakages. Healthcare Digitisation: The Ministry of Health moves to digitize primary healthcare management and reporting, replacing manual paperwork with automated tools and dashboards. Education Attendance Enforcement: The Education Minister Conrad Sackey says teachers absent from assigned schools for six consecutive terms could be removed from the payroll, using a fingerprint/GPS “We Day Ya” attendance system. Environment Grants: UNDP Sierra Leone signs US$511,000 grant agreements with 12 civil society organisations for biodiversity, climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods. Ebola Update (DRC): Ebola in the DRC crosses 6,000 cases with 2,911 deaths as response efforts intensify. Media Safety: WIMSAL launches a safeguarding policy to protect journalists from sexual harassment and abuse. SLPP Party Support: Chief Minister Dr David Moinina Sengeh equips SLPP secretaries with laptops, modems and training to strengthen party administration.

Teacher Attendance Crackdown: Sierra Leone’s Education Minister Conrad Sackey says teachers who are absent from assigned schools for six consecutive terms—without following disciplinary steps—could be removed from the government payroll, using a new “We Day Ya” digital system with fingerprints, GPS and tablets to track attendance and flag “ghost teacher” manipulation. Education Integrity: SLTU President Ibrahim Bankapoma Kargbo links exam malpractice to factors including a growing betting culture, misuse of technology, poor conditions of service, poverty and favouritism in employment. Media Safety: Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL) has launched a safeguarding policy to protect journalists from sexual harassment, setting standards for reporting and response. Environment & Livelihoods: UNDP Sierra Leone signed US$511,000 grant agreements with 12 civil society organisations for biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration and climate resilience from Sept 1, 2026 to July 31, 2027. Protected Areas: NPAA stepped up efforts to protect Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary, citing illegal hunting, forest degradation and encroachment. Women-Led SMEs: UNDP has begun verifying women-led SMEs in Sierra Leone’s post-rice production value chain under the EWASME project. Regional Peace & Tourism: ECOWAS adopted a framework to strengthen tourism business associations across West Africa, while also unveiling books documenting ECOMOG and other peacemaking interventions. Health Alerts Beyond Sierra Leone: The DRC Ebola outbreak has surpassed 6,000 infections and 2,900 deaths, and mpox is spreading with a new Guinea-Bissau outbreak linked to strains seen in Sierra Leone.

Education Integrity: Sierra Leone Teachers Union (SLTU) president Ibrahim Bankapoma Kargbo says exam malpractice is being driven by a mix of betting culture, misuse of technology, poor teacher conditions of service, poverty and favouritism in employment. Media Safeguarding: Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL) has launched a safeguarding policy to protect journalists from sexual harassment, with clear standards for prevention, reporting and accountability. School Materials: Education Minister Conrad Sackey responds to claims over missing school materials, citing nationwide distribution of 523,717 literacy books and 13,500 teacher guides across all regions and districts. Protected Areas: NPAA steps up protection for Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary after concerns over illegal hunting, forest degradation and encroachment, urging community reporting and conservation support. Women’s Economic Support: UNDP begins verification of women-led SMEs in Sierra Leone under the EWASME project, targeting post-rice production businesses for finance and market support. Party Politics: A High Court ruling continues to shape the APC leadership dispute, with Alfred Peter Conteh’s challenge focused on who truly “owns” the party. Child Protection Push: First Lady Dr Fatima Bio plans to table a UN resolution seeking an International Day to End Child Marriage.

APC Court Injunction: Sierra Leone’s High Court has issued an interim order stopping Osman Foday Yansaneh and Lansana Dumbuya from acting as APC National Chairman and National Secretary General, barring them from convening or running party affairs while the case continues. Party Power Struggle: The ruling adds to the APC leadership crisis that has already seen court battles over who controls the party’s structures and mandate. UNDP for Women-Led SMEs: UNDP has begun verification of women-led SMEs in Sierra Leone’s post-rice production value chain under the EWASME project, aiming to expand access to finance, markets and skills for hundreds of enterprises. Media & Advertising Standards: SLACPRP met the Independent Media Commission to push for stronger ethical advertising rules, responsible communication and better standards across traditional and digital media. Education Updates: The University of Sierra Leone has dropped the requirement for hard-bound dissertation submissions, moving to electronic-only submissions. Child Marriage Push: First Lady Dr Fatima Bio plans to table a UN resolution seeking an International Day to End Child Marriage, building on her Hands Off Our Girls campaign. Teachers’ Concerns: The SLTU says a government teacher promotion pledge of about 3,000 promotions is still not implemented, raising fresh worries over welfare and working conditions.

Disaster Response: Sierra Leone confirms 17 nationals among the dead after a deadly Conakry landfill landslide, with Guinean authorities reporting 34 fatalities as recovery and identification continue; the Sierra Leone Embassy says it has confirmed 54 survivors. Education & Youth: University of Sierra Leone scraps hard-bound dissertation submissions, moving to electronic-only submissions to cut costs and waste; IPAM also sets resit exam dates for 2025/26 students starting 7 September. Media & Governance: SLACPRP meets the Independent Media Commission to push ethical advertising and responsible communication standards, while Minister Chernor Bah backs the push for stronger PR and media professionalism. Women’s Rights: First Lady Fatima Bio plans to table a UN resolution for an International Day to End Child Marriage on 4 September, and Josephine Kamara renews calls for a clear legal ban on FGM. International Engagement: UNDP begins verification of women-led SMEs in Sierra Leone under the EWASME project, and Sierra Leone prepares to host two major information conferences in September at Lungi.

SAS History Spotlight: A detailed look at Operation Barras, the 2000 Sierra Leone rescue that freed British soldiers held by the West Side Boys, including how the mission was planned and executed. Education Updates: University of Sierra Leone drops hard-bound dissertation submissions in favour of electronic-only filing, while IPAM sets resit dates and fees for final-year and postgraduate students. Child Protection Push: First Lady Dr Fatima Bio plans to table a UN draft resolution for an International Day to End Child Marriage. Governance & Politics: A High Court injunction freezes two APC executive figures from running party affairs, as Sierra Leone’s internal political leadership remains in dispute. Public Sector & Media Standards: Minister Chernor Bah backs SLACPRP to strengthen ethics and professionalism in communications and public relations. Sports & Culture: SLEMA is launched to strengthen churches and expand gospel mission, and DAZN secures LaLiga EA SPORTS rights across Sub-Saharan Africa.

University Policy Shift: The University of Sierra Leone has scrapped the requirement for hard-bound dissertation copies, moving to electronic-only submissions from Aug. 28 to cut costs and waste. Teacher Welfare Pressure: The Sierra Leone Teachers Union says a government pledge to promote about 3,000 teachers is still unimplemented, warning of lingering welfare and salary-related concerns. Public Communications Push: Information Minister Chernor Bah backed the Sierra Leone Association of Communication and Public Relations Professionals to strengthen ethics, accreditation, and misinformation mitigation. Child Marriage Advocacy: First Lady Fatima Bio plans to table a UN resolution for an International Day to End Child Marriage, building on her “Hands Off Our Girls” campaign. FGM Legal Ban Renewed: Josephine Kamara renewed calls for an explicit legal ban on FGM, arguing it should be treated as a human rights violation. ECOWAS at 50 Debate: ECOWAS honoured ECOMOG commanders and journalists, while Nigeria’s Defence Minister Musa reopened debate over who restored peace in Liberia and Sierra Leone. APC Leadership Court Move: A High Court injunction bars two APC executives from running party affairs pending further hearing. International Events in Lungi: Sierra Leone begins preparations to host UNESCO’s universal access to information event and the International Conference of Information Commissioners in September. Mining Logistics: Leone Rock Metal Group says new locomotives have arrived to boost efficiency across its rail and port operations.

ECOWAS Remembers ECOMOG: ECOWAS honoured ECOMOG commanders and journalists killed during the Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea-Bissau wars at an Abuja ceremony tied to the book “Fighting Bushfires,” with Nigeria’s Defence Minister Christopher Musa also recalling the sacrifices of West African troops. Sierra Leone Media Reform: BBC Media Action and the Media Reform Coordinating Group pushed proposed reforms to strengthen Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation and protect community media voices, following consultations with journalists and civil society. Health Financing Push: Sierra Leone’s Health Minister Dr Austin Demby met UNECA to advance health financing reforms, citing gains from the “300 Days of Activism” including reduced maternal deaths and improved outreach to zero-dose children. Local Development Planning: Maforki Chiefdom validated a 10-year development plan under Sierra Leone’s chiefdom planning pilot, prioritising livelihoods, education, healthcare, clean water, youth and women’s development. Investment Pipeline: MoPED presented fresh plans to attract investment and mobilise resources, including 10 bankable projects across sectors like fisheries, tourism and the blue economy, plus community-level planning pilots in Maforki and Marampa. Industry Logistics Boost: Leone Rock Metal Group said new locomotives have arrived to improve efficiency and sustainability across its Tonkolili-to-Pepel railway and port operations. Global Spotlight: Congo began Ebola vaccinations with Ervebo for frontline workers as the outbreak spread to new health zones. Regional Security Politics: Atiku Abubakar vowed to revive ECOMOG and restore ECOWAS unity if elected in 2027, promising a one-year plan to end Nigeria’s insecurity. International Recognition: First Lady Fatima Maada Bio was named among OncoDaily’s 100 Influential Women in Oncology for 2026.

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.