AGP Executive Report

ECOWAS Summit in Freetown/Lungi: Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja to represent President Bola Tinubu at the 69th ECOWAS mid-year summit at the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre, with focus on peace and security, democratic governance, economic integration, trade, infrastructure and sustainable development. Former President Koroma Returns: Former President Ernest Bai Koroma has arrived in Sierra Leone to attend the summit after the government discontinued his treason case, a move Parliament endorsed and which authorities say supports reconciliation and national cohesion. Lungi Facilities Commissioned: Ahead of the summit, President Bio’s administration commissioned the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre and the ECOWAS Logistics Depot in Lungi, with leaders describing them as symbols of Sierra Leone’s renewed regional role and preparedness. Education & Tech: Over 120 pupils graduated from DSTI/UNICEF’s Tech for Kids Level 1 programme in Makeni, showcasing digital skills and boosting interest in future intakes. Media Oversight: Parliament’s Information and Civic Education committee summoned SLENA management to review operations, finances and reforms, noting budget approval but lack of released procurement funds. Sports: Waterloo Community FC welcomed SLFA’s disciplinary ruling that upheld their forfeit win and promotion, urging fans to keep the playoff final peaceful.

ECOWAS Summit in Lungi: President Julius Maada Bio and First Lady Fatima Bio arrived in Lungi ahead of the 69th ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State meeting, with ribbon-cutting for the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre and the ECOWAS Logistics Depot—projects framed as symbols of national renewal and regional readiness. Regional Governance Push: The ECOWAS Council of Ministers opened in Freetown with calls for unity, institutional reforms, and better delivery on citizens’ expectations as leaders prepare for the summit. Higher Education Reform: The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education met Tertiary Education Commission staff to strengthen higher education quality assurance and restart full operations. Parliament Oversight: A parliamentary committee summoned Sierra Leone News Agency (SLENA) management to review performance, finances, and reforms, noting continued operations despite procurement funding delays. Sports Discipline & Promotion: Waterloo Community FC welcomed SLFA’s disciplinary ruling that awarded them a forfeit win and promotion, urging fans to keep matchdays peaceful. Politics Within Parties: The National Grand Coalition postponed its national delegates conference after a PPRC directive, citing unresolved internal disputes and legal petitions. AfDB Budget Support Returns: The African Development Bank concluded a mission on renewed budget support, reviewing reforms and readiness for possible disbursement. Visa-Free Update: Sierra Leone was again left off South Africa’s 2026 visa-free list, keeping travel access tighter for many citizens. Tech & Culture: Sierra Leone’s music sector is exploring ethical AI use, while a survey found 54% of Freetown residents rely on social media for news.

ECOWAS Security Push: Nigeria urged ECOWAS to issue a firm position on xenophobic attacks in South Africa, calling for collective action and stronger dialogue with the Alliance of Sahelian States to tackle insecurity. ECOWAS Summit Spotlight in Freetown: Sierra Leone is in final preparations to host the 69th ECOWAS Authority summit, with President Bio touring the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre and projecting readiness for regional leaders. Treason Case Update: Sierra Leone dropped treason charges against former President Ernest Bai Koroma on health grounds, allowing him to return home, drawing praise from West African elders including Goodluck Jonathan. Banking Recognition: Access Bank won 16 Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2026, highlighting gains in digital banking, SME support, customer experience and sustainable finance, including Best Bank awards in Sierra Leone. Protected Areas Review: NPAA began a five-day IMET assessment of five national parks and a wildlife sanctuary to strengthen biodiversity conservation and management effectiveness. Youth at EU Dialogue: Minister Haja Ramatulai Wurie stressed youth inclusion in decision-making during an EU-Sierra Leone youth dialogue marking 50 years of partnership. Digital News Shift in Freetown: A Meraki Analytics survey found 54% of residents rely on social media for news, while 23% still depend on radio/TV/newspapers. Visa-Free Travel Mix-Up: Sierra Leone was excluded from South Africa’s 2026 visa-free list for 32 African countries, leaving travellers to face visa requirements.

ECOWAS Summit Prep: President Julius Maada Bio toured the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre in Lungi, saying it is “buzzing with anticipation” ahead of the 69th ECOWAS Authority summit in Freetown. Protected Areas Management: The NPAA has started a five-day IMET assessment workshop in Makeni to review management effectiveness across Western Area Peninsula, Gola, Outamba-Kilimi, Loma Mountains and Tiwai Island, with findings expected to strengthen biodiversity commitments. AfDB Budget Support Returns: The AfDB ended a 10-day appraisal mission, renewing engagement on budget support after a three-year pause, with $11.5m linked to governance, mining/transport reforms and audit follow-through. Koroma Treason Case Dropped: Sierra Leone has discontinued treason charges against former President Ernest Bai Koroma on health grounds, allowing him to return home, with ECOWAS and Nigeria cited in the resolution. Visa Access Update: Sierra Leone was again left off South Africa’s 2026 visa-free list, while the U.S. will stop routine visa processing in Freetown from 1 August, shifting applicants to regional hubs. Digital Security Skills: Rokel Commercial Bank hosted a cybersecurity and digital finance empowerment programme in Freetown, urging communities to prevent fraud and protect digital banking. Food Security Deal: Sierra Leone and Korea signed a $5.6m rice project to modernise production in Kambia, supporting seeds, irrigation, machinery and farmer capacity through 2030.

Treason Case Dropped: Former President Ernest Bai Koroma’s high-profile treason prosecution has been discontinued, with the Attorney-General filing a Notice of Discontinuance and ending bail conditions—allowing Koroma to return to Sierra Leone. Reconciliation Politics: Goodluck Jonathan praised the move as statesmanship and a victory for dialogue, while the decision is framed as a step toward national peace and unity. ECOWAS Summit Readiness: President Bio inspected the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre in Lungi ahead of the ECOWAS Summit, as government finalises venue and delegate arrangements. Food Security Deal: Sierra Leone and Korea signed a $5.6m rice production agreement for the Kambia district’s Rokupr area, targeting modern seed production, irrigation rehabilitation and farmer capacity building. Digital & Cyber Skills: Rokel Commercial Bank hosted its Walton Gilpin Cyber Circuit Series 3, training communities on cybersecurity and digital financial safety. Fuel Prices Cushioning: NPRA says Sierra Leone’s fuel subsidy remains in effect (15–31 July 2026) to keep pump prices below market costs. Tourism & Sports: Government launched a Community Beach Sports Tourism Initiative to link beach football/volleyball with cleaner-coast efforts and community participation. Regional Mobility: Liberia launched free roaming with Ghana, Sierra Leone and The Gambia under ECOWAS’s Free Roaming initiative. US Visa Shift: The US Embassy in Freetown will stop routine visa processing from 1 August 2026, moving applicants to regional centres in Liberia, Ghana or Senegal.

ECOWAS Summit Readiness: President Julius Maada Bio inspected the ECOWAS Summit venue in Lungi, touring the new conference centre and hotel ahead of Heads of State arrival, with officials and engineers checking final preparations. Fuel Price Relief: NPRA says Sierra Leone will keep subsidising petrol and diesel through the 15–31 July 2026 pricing window, with government subsidy per litre to cushion consumers from global cost swings. US Visa Shift: The U.S. Embassy in Freetown will stop routine visa processing from 1 August 2026, sending applicants to regional centres in Monrovia, Accra or Dakar, while keeping American Citizen Services running in Sierra Leone. Justice Update: Sierra Leone discontinued the treason case against former President Ernest Bai Koroma, ending proceedings and removing the matter from the court docket, with bail conditions ended. Regional Politics & Security: Nigeria urged ECOWAS to strengthen collective action against terrorism and transnational crime while maintaining dialogue with Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. Digital Banking Talk: Rokel Bank MD Dr. Walton Gilpin is set to deliver an IPAM lecture on digital trust, financial inclusion and customer relationship management. Opinion: A legal commentary revisits who can stop criminal cases in Sierra Leone, separating the powers of the Attorney-General and the DPP.

Treason Case Ends: Sierra Leone has discontinued treason and other criminal proceedings against former President Ernest Bai Koroma, with the Attorney-General filing a Notice of Discontinuance and ending his bail conditions, clearing the way for him to return home after more than two years in exile in Nigeria. Justice Debate: Opinion pieces and public reactions are questioning what the decision means for other people linked to the 2023 attempted coup, and whether justice was applied consistently. ECOWAS Summit Focus: As Sierra Leone hosts the 2026 ECOWAS Heads of State Summit, ECOWAS officials and Sierra Leone’s finance leadership are meeting on regional economic convergence, infrastructure and digital payments. Labour Rights: MELSS, ECOWAS and the ILO launched a workshop in Freetown to strengthen protection for domestic workers and improve enforcement of labour standards. Public Health Preparedness: The National Public Health Agency wrapped up a leadership workshop to strengthen surveillance, laboratories and emergency response capacity. Heat-Health Training: Freetown City Council trained frontline healthcare workers to tackle heat-related illnesses as extreme heat risks rise. Regional Mobility & Visas: India released its 2026 e-Visa eligible list that includes Sierra Leone, while The Gambia and Botswana published 2026 visa-free entry lists for selected African countries.

Treason Case Update: Sierra Leone has dropped treason and related charges against former President Ernest Bai Koroma on health grounds, clearing the way for him to return home; Koroma thanked President Julius Maada Bio, ECOWAS leaders and Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu in a formal statement. Justice Debate: An opinion piece says the decision raises hard questions about equal justice—if charges against the most powerful figure can be withdrawn, what happens to others tied to the same 2023 coup attempt. Parliament Welfare Push: Speaker Segepoh Solomon Thomas says Parliament will introduce a performance assessment system for MPs, while the House also moves toward a healthcare and insurance scheme to improve lawmakers’ welfare. Public Health Capacity: The National Public Health Agency (NPHA) concluded a three-day leadership workshop in Freetown to strengthen surveillance, laboratories, emergency response and overall institutional performance. ECOWAS Summit Prep: ECOWAS Commission President Omar Alieu Touray visited President Bio at State House as Sierra Leone steps up preparations to host the ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit in Lungi. Road Rehabilitation: NaCSA has begun rehabilitation of the Njama–Manor feeder road segment in Moyamba to improve access for farmers, traders and schoolchildren. Heat-Health Training: Freetown City Council trained frontline health workers to better detect and manage heat-related illnesses as extreme heat risks rise.

Politics & Justice: Sierra Leone has dropped treason charges against former President Ernest Bai Koroma over his alleged role in the 2023 attempted coup, with officials citing health grounds; Koroma says peace, justice and reconciliation must triumph, and he is now free to return to Sierra Leone. Health & Climate Resilience: Freetown City Council and health authorities have trained 35 frontline workers over two days to tackle heat-related illnesses, including early warning, treatment, public awareness, and better data collection under a C40 Cities-supported project. ECOWAS Summit Prep: The ECOWAS Commission president met President Bio as Sierra Leone steps up preparations to host the mid-year summit in Lungi, while government ministries also push to revive tertiary sports and MPs’ welfare. Energy & Economy: The IMF commended Sierra Leone’s economic progress but urged deeper revenue reforms, while electricity support is expected to rise by US$42.5m to keep power flowing. Roads & Safety: Residents in Bo have urged SLRSA to remove an abandoned truck blocking New Gerihun Road after nearly a week, warning of crash risks. Diplomacy: Nigeria’s High Commissioner presented Letters of Credence to President Bio, reaffirming stronger bilateral ties.

ECOWAS Summit Prep in Freetown: Sierra Leone’s Foreign Affairs Minister Timothy Musa Kabba says preparations are complete for the 18–19 July ECOWAS Summit, with about 600 delegates expected and hotels nearing full occupancy, boosting hospitality and services. Power Sector Funding: The IMF says Sierra Leone needs an extra US$42.5m this year to help EDSA pay Independent Power Producers and avoid electricity disruptions while fiscal reforms continue. Road Safety Call in Bo: Residents urge SLRSA to remove an abandoned truck blocking New Gerihun Road, warning it’s creating crash risks for pedestrians and motorists. Lungi Conference Centre Spending Debate: Opposition leader Femi Claudius-Cole criticises government spending on the $124m Lungi International Conference Centre, arguing funds should go to direct investment in citizens. Anti-Trafficking Warning: A UN forum hears that fewer than 1% of trafficking victims are officially identified, leaving most victims “invisible” to protection and justice systems. Health Data Cooperation: Rwanda shares its national health intelligence model with Sierra Leone and other countries, pushing for countries to own and use their health data for better policy decisions. Diplomatic Moves: Nigeria’s High Commissioner presents Letters of Credence to President Julius Maada Bio, pledging stronger ties. Maritime Security: ISS reports Sierra Leone is among the first countries backing a Gulf of Guinea rapid reaction maritime task force to tackle piracy, smuggling and illegal fishing.

ECOWAS Summit in Freetown: Sierra Leone is gearing up to host a major ECOWAS Summit on 18–19 July 2026, with about 600 delegates expected, as preparations for security, transport, accommodation and conference facilities are reported complete. Diplomacy: Nigeria’s High Commissioner presented Letters of Credence to President Julius Maada Bio in Freetown, reaffirming stronger bilateral ties and regional integration. Health Capacity: Sierra Leone and China inaugurated a Nursing Training Center at the China-Sierra Leone Friendship Hospital to boost nursing skills and strengthen the health workforce. Public Finance Watch: The IMF commended Sierra Leone’s macroeconomic progress but urged deeper revenue reforms, while reporting a 10% revenue shortfall in the first quarter of 2026 linked to weak tax compliance. Pensions Assurance: NASSIT says pension payments remain uninterrupted despite scrutiny of some investments. Regional Health Data: Rwanda is sharing its national health intelligence system with Sierra Leone and other countries to improve data-driven healthcare. Business & Growth: MeCure Industries secured approval to raise capital to N50bn to expand production and push further into West Africa, including Sierra Leone.

ECOWAS Summit Prep: Sierra Leone is set to host the ECOWAS Summit on 18–19 July 2026, with about 600 delegates expected in Freetown, as government says security, transport, hotels and conference facilities are ready. Regional Governance: The 39th ECOWAS Administration and Finance Committee opened in Freetown at the Bintumani International Conference Centre, with member states discussing administrative and financial priorities ahead of the mid-year summit. Infrastructure & Diplomacy: Vice President Juldeh Jalloh inspected the new Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre in Lungi ahead of commissioning, while Sierra Leone also received new diplomatic credentials from Togo and Canada marked a fresh Canada Day celebration in Freetown. Health & Skills: Sierra Leone and China inaugurated a Nursing Training Center to strengthen the health workforce, and WAHO marked its 39th anniversary calling for stronger regional cooperation on healthcare. Economy & Business: The IMF says Sierra Leone recorded a 10% revenue shortfall in Q1 2026, mainly linked to weak tax compliance, while MeCure Industries seeks to raise capital up to N50bn to expand production and push into West Africa. Social Protection: Authorities urged the public to stop sharing a viral video allegedly showing child sexual abuse, warning reposts can worsen harm and may be criminal.

ECOWAS Summit Prep: Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh inspected the new Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre in Lungi, ahead of the 19 July ECOWAS Heads of State summit and its 18 July commissioning. Regional Health: WAHO marked its 39th anniversary with a push for stronger ECOWAS cooperation, sustainable funding, tech innovation and better readiness for emerging health threats. Diplomacy: Nigeria presented Letters of Credence to President Julius Maada Bio, reaffirming deeper ties; Bio also received new envoys from Nigeria, Jamaica and Angola. Security & City Services: SLCAA announced temporary airport access rules for 17–19 July, while Freetown City Council and police began strict enforcement of sanitation byelaws under the DortiMusGo campaign. Public Health Access: WACP (Liberia chapter) held a free specialist medical outreach in New Kru Town, combining consultations, screenings and prevention education. Social Protection: Sierra Leone’s Gender Ministry urged the public to stop sharing a viral alleged child abuse video, warning it can worsen harm and breach child protection laws. Tech & Connectivity: CSquared added capacity on the 2Africa West cable to strengthen internet resilience across West and Central Africa.

ECOWAS Summit Prep: Sierra Leone’s Freetown City Council and the Sierra Leone Police have launched strict joint enforcement of sanitation byelaws under the DortiMusGo campaign, with teams registering households and businesses using approved waste providers and fining offenders 5,000 New Leones or prosecuting them. Airport Access Rules: The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority has announced temporary security and traffic management measures at Freetown International Airport in Lungi for July 17–19, restricting terminal access to passengers with valid documents and authorized staff, while meeters and greeters will be kept out. Digital Public Service Push: Government has launched a Digital Skills Training Programme for 1,000 civil servants, starting July 17, to build baseline digital competence across ministries and improve service delivery. Gender & Leadership: Minister Haja Ramatulai Wurie has been admitted as a Founding Fellow to the African Academy for Women in Political Leadership, with the inaugural cohort set for August 3 in Kigali. Child Protection Warning: Authorities are urging the public to stop sharing a viral alleged child abuse video, saying reposting compounds harm and may breach Sierra Leone’s child protection laws. International Ties: Canada marked its first full Canada Day celebration in Freetown, highlighting development cooperation and defence training gains. Energy Diplomacy: Sierra Leone is among countries gaining momentum in global energy dialogue, with Pakistan joining the International Energy Forum as a new member—alongside Sierra Leone’s earlier inclusion.

Canada–Sierra Leone Ties: Canada marked its first full Canada Day celebration in Freetown, with the High Commissioner and Sierra Leone’s foreign affairs deputy highlighting $18.5m in recent Canadian aid, growing trade, and expanded training for Sierra Leone’s armed forces. Child Protection Online Abuse: The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs urged the public to stop sharing a viral alleged abuse video, warning reposts deepen harm and may breach child protection laws. Freetown Sanitation Crackdown: The Freetown City Council and Sierra Leone Police launched strict enforcement of sanitation byelaws under the DortiMusGo campaign, with fines for residents and businesses operating without registered waste service providers. ECOWAS Summit Airport Rules: The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority announced temporary security and traffic measures at Lungi airport for the ECOWAS summit, restricting terminal access while keeping commercial flights running. Digital Skills for Civil Servants: Government launched a Digital Skills Training Programme for 1,000 civil servants, with the first cohort starting 17 July to support the country’s digital transformation. Regional Diplomacy: President Bio received credentials from new envoys from Nigeria, Jamaica and Angola, reaffirming cooperation across security, culture, agriculture and mining. Women in Political Leadership: Minister Haja Ramatulai Wurie was admitted as a Founding Fellow to the African Academy for Women in Political Leadership in Kigali. Local Leadership Updates: Malal Mara Chiefdom installed a new Paramount Chief, Momodu Sheku Kamara (Bailal N’soila III), as communities look to boost agriculture and youth opportunities.

ECOWAS Summit Logistics: Sierra Leone’s Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) has announced temporary security and traffic rules at Lungi ahead of the ECOWAS Summit, restricting terminal access to passengers with valid travel documents and authorised staff while keeping commercial flights running. City Cleanliness Crackdown: Freetown City Council and the Sierra Leone Police have launched strict joint enforcement of sanitation byelaws under the DortiMusGo campaign, with offenders facing a NLe 5,000 fine or prosecution. Diplomacy at State House: President Maada Bio received letters of recall and credence from three newly accredited envoys—Nigeria, Jamaica and Angola—reaffirming stronger bilateral and regional cooperation. Digital Government Push: The Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation has launched a Digital Skills Training Programme for 1,000 civil servants, with the first cohort starting 17 July. Community Development: NaCSA commissioned rehabilitated community projects in Moyamba, including a court, market, school and tap water scheme. Leadership News: Sierra Leone’s Minister Haja Ramatulai Wurie was admitted as a founding fellow to the African Academy for Women in Political Leadership in Rwanda. Tourism & Partnerships: Tourism Minister Nabeela Tunis called for deeper cultural and creative collaboration with China during the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties. Opinion & Governance Debate: New commentaries continue to challenge “orders from above” thinking and warn against moral surrender in public life.