AGP Executive Report

Cybersecurity & Youth Innovation: Nigeria won the $10,000 grand prize at the 4th ECOWAS Regional Cybersecurity Hackathon 2026 in Accra, beating teams from 12 member states including Sierra Leone, with solutions targeting ransomware, phishing, online fraud and threats to critical infrastructure. Education Scholarships: NUKaFS-SL announced 16 scholarship beneficiaries under the Hamid Gbawuru Marah Academic Excellence, Inclusion and Impact Scholarship Award 2025/2026, awarding about NLe 105,595 to students across Sierra Leone. Police & Alleged Scam: Veteran journalist Atomic Pen released photos of two Italian men linked to Admire Bio’s alleged gold scam, while opposition figures renewed calls for due process and bail for Admire Bio amid her detention at CID. Land Administration: The Lands Ministry launched Customary Land Registration in Bekeh Loko Chiefdom, Port Loko, starting field activities after stakeholder engagement and chiefdom consent. Energy & Industry Links: Mines Minister Julius Daniel Mattai is set to participate in Africa Energy Forum 2026 in Cape Town, focusing on critical minerals and industrialisation, while MoPED and EDSA continue verification for energy project affected persons in Pujehun. Health & Community Support: Save the Children and government handed over upgraded Maternal and Child Health posts in Port Loko, aiming to cut travel burdens and improve care for mothers and infants. Governance & Rights: Yeabu Zainab Sheriff’s appeal against a four-year incitement conviction reached the High Court as government seeks to block it.

Courtroom & Rights: Wi Duti Movement chair Zainab Sheriff’s appeal against a four-year incitement sentence reaches the High Court as government moves to block it, after her rally speech was ruled to amount to incitement to murder and threatening language. Energy & Resettlement: MoPED and EDSA begin a four-day on-the-spot verification for Project Affected Persons under ESLEAP in Pujehun, ahead of expanded solar power and stronger distribution networks. Politics & Allegations: Opposition figure Kamarainba Mansaray urges police IG William Fayia Sellu to grant bail to Admire Bio, detained over an alleged gold scam, while he also renews criticism of First Lady Fatima Bio’s reported US education costs. Business & Policy: Media entrepreneur Vickie Remoe raises concerns over a proposed “Aminata” oil concession, warning it could disadvantage existing local players. Health & Development: Save the Children and government hand over upgraded Maternal and Child Health Posts in Port Loko, expanding care for mothers and infants. Labour & Standards: Minister Mohamed Rahman Swaray meets ILO leadership in Geneva to push labour reforms and decent work, including new global frameworks on platform work and gender equality. Education Evidence: MBSSE signs an MoU with J-PAL Africa to strengthen evidence-based education decisions, including school subsidy improvements. Anti-Corruption Cooperation: Sierra Leone’s ACC meets Liberia’s asset recovery team to boost cross-border tracing and recovery of stolen public assets. International Spotlight: UN appoints Nigerian Ahunna Eziakonwa as Special Adviser on Africa, succeeding Cristina Duarte.

Human Trafficking Crackdown: Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh says a major operation dismantled a trafficking network moving 63 people from Waterloo to Guinea, with 23 adults and 40 children arrested and reintegration plans underway. Hajj Reforms: Sengeh also claims major changes to the Hajj administration—via a VP-led oversight and a dedicated secretariat—have improved logistics, reduced delays and errors, and delivered a “debt-free” pilgrimage this year. Education Policy with Research: The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education signed an MoU with J-PAL Africa to strengthen evidence-based decisions in school subsidies and education planning. Police-Media Partnership: IGP William Fayia Sellu urged journalists at SLAJ’s AGM to uphold responsible reporting as the police renew their cooperation with the media. Health Support in Port Loko: Save the Children and government handed over an upgraded Maternal and Child Health Post in Rogballan Kasseh, part of wider facility renovations in Port Loko and Pujehun. Labour Cooperation: Employment Minister Mohamed Rahman Swaray met the ILO Director-General in Geneva to push labour reforms and decent work. International Spotlight: UN Secretary-General António Guterres appointed Nigerian expert Ahunna Eziakonwa as Special Adviser on Africa.

UN Appointments: UN Secretary-General António Guterres has named Nigerian development leader Ahunna Eziakonwa as Special Adviser on Africa, taking over from Cristina Duarte, with decades of UN experience including senior roles in Liberia and Sierra Leone. Justice Reform: Chief Justice Komba Kamanda highlights reforms aimed at strengthening judicial independence and access to justice, including taking the Court of Appeal to the provinces, sexual offences model courts, and court digitisation—while noting funding and backlog pressures remain. Anti-Corruption Cooperation: Sierra Leone’s ACC Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala met Liberia’s asset recovery team in Monrovia to boost cross-border cooperation on tracing, recovering and safeguarding public assets. Police-Media Partnership: IGP William Fayia Sellu urged closer trust and cooperation with journalists at the SLAJ AGM, stressing responsible reporting to strengthen democracy and social cohesion. Housing Deal: The government signed an MoU for affordable housing and university student hostels, signalling more public-private partnerships to ease accommodation challenges. Economy Watch: The IMF says Sierra Leone’s progress under its reform programme is real, but warns of weaker revenue and rising external pressures. First Lady Row: First Lady Fatima Bio responds to Sylvia Blyden amid renewed online allegations tied to UK housing. Health & Safety: A report on visa denials for midwifery experts includes Sierra Leone among those affected, raising concerns for maternal and newborn care efforts.

IMF Update: The IMF says Sierra Leone’s economy has stabilized under its ECF programme, citing a 1.3% domestic primary surplus in 2025 and progress on inflation and the exchange rate, but warns 2026 is getting tougher as revenue disappoints and spending pressures rise. Housing Deal: Government has signed an MOU to deliver affordable housing units and university student hostels through a public-private partnership, aiming to ease accommodation stress. Local Governance Push: IGR and MoPED have launched Local Council Development Plans to strengthen citizen participation, accountability, and service delivery at the grassroots. Trade & Industry Pressure: A Sierra Leonean writer has issued an open letter to the Trade Minister challenging support for concessions for a foreign firm while local businesses face harsh economic conditions. First Lady Fallout: First Lady Fatima Bio again responds to Sylvia Blyden’s allegations, while separate reports say London’s Southwark Council has repossessed a subsidized flat linked to her tenancy. Anti-Corruption Cooperation: ACC-SL and Liberia’s LACC reaffirm cross-border cooperation to tackle corruption using their existing MoU framework. ECOWAS Minerals Agenda: ECOWAS ministers meet on minerals and industrialisation to strengthen regional integration and support AfCFTA.

London Housing Fallout: Southwark Council has repossessed a taxpayer-subsidised London flat from Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Fatima Bio, after a year-long probe into whether she unlawfully kept the tenancy while living in the presidential palace in Freetown. Anti-Corruption Cooperation: Sierra Leone’s ACC-SL and Liberia’s LACC reaffirmed “borderless investigation” cooperation to plug cross-border loopholes, including personnel exchanges and joint training. Maritime Reform: Parliament has passed Sierra Leone’s revised Merchant Shipping Act, with the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration calling it a major step to modernise the sector and attract investment. Media Funding: The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists says it received its 2026 government subvention of SLE 2.7 million, stressing audits and independence. Energy Politics: SLPP Information Minister Chernor Bah says the party could win a landslide in 2028 if energy becomes the campaign focus, citing major power projects. Legal/Policy Risk: A legal analysis warns Sierra Leone may breach non-refoulement duties after reports of accepting US “third-country” deportees and then returning them to their countries of origin.

ECOWAS Cybersecurity Push: A Ghana-based firm, 00SEC, designed the challenges for the ECOWAS cybersecurity hackathon in Accra, where 12 West African teams will build defences for governments, banks and infrastructure over 48 hours. First Lady in London Housing Row: Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Fatima Bio, has been evicted from a taxpayer-subsidised London council flat she kept while living in the presidential lodge in Freetown, with Southwark Council saying the property will be reallocated to a family on its waiting list. IMF Review Update: The IMF says Sierra Leone’s third review under the ECF/RSF is progressing, citing a 2025 domestic primary surplus and exchange-rate and inflation stabilization, while warning revenue weakness and rising spending pressures must be managed. Governance Watch: ILRAJ is demanding full disclosure on a Government Printing Department modernisation deal, questioning the legal basis and financial terms of a reported partnership. Child Protection Debate: The Gender Minister says an anti-FGM clause for minors was removed from the revised Child Rights Act in Parliament, despite executive support. Digital Access: Google’s Ask Gemini in Chrome is rolling out to more African markets, including Sierra Leone. Business & Markets: The stock market closed higher, gaining N99bn on sustained buying interest.

AI Expansion: Google says “Ask Gemini” in Chrome is rolling out to Sierra Leone and other African markets, aiming to make the browser more helpful with built-in AI. Sports & Society: Sierra Leone’s Leone Stars coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa’s pay and contract details are clarified by the SLFA after public speculation. Governance & Parties: The Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) has published the Liberation People’s Party (LPP) constitution, rules and regulations in the Government Gazette for public review. Child Protection & Health: The Gender Minister says an anti-FGM clause for minors was removed from the revised Child Rights Act, while an anti-FGM campaigner accuses the Chief Minister of failing to act on alleged Bondo initiation of schoolgirls. Anti-Corruption & Accountability: ILRAJ demands full disclosure on the Government Printing Department modernisation deal. Regional Security: ECOWAS marks 51 years with renewed focus on tackling trafficking, drugs and irregular migration. Energy & Environment: Sierra Leone convenes a workshop to advance its clean cooking strategy, targeting reduced firewood/charcoal use and better household air quality.

Child Protection & FGM: Sierra Leone’s Gender Minister, Dr. Isata Mahoi, says Parliament removed an anti-FGM clause from the revised Child Rights Act despite executive support, calling it a harmful practice linked to health damage, early marriage and girls’ school dropouts. Governance & Transparency: ILRAJ has demanded full disclosure on the Government Printing Department modernisation deal, questioning the legal basis and requesting unredacted financial terms. Regional Security: ECOWAS marked its 51st anniversary with calls for coordinated action against trafficking, drug trade and irregular migration, warning national efforts can’t match the cross-border scale. Digital Security: A 12-nation ECOWAS cybersecurity hackathon in Accra is training young defenders to respond to ransomware, scams and other cyber threats. Trade & Jobs: Sierra Leone’s Trade Ministry workshop focused on AfCFTA regulatory audits for services like finance, communications and tourism to unlock export potential. Sports & National Team: SLFA clarified Didier Gomes Da Rosa’s salary and contract, saying he has a three-year mandate to qualify Leone Stars for AFCON 2027. Football Result: Leone Stars lost 3–1 to Liberia in a heated friendly in Monrovia. Clean Cooking: Sierra Leone convened stakeholders to advance the National Clean Cooking Strategy, aiming to cut firewood/charcoal use and improve health and livelihoods. Roads Oversight: NPPA and SLRA monitored feeder road projects in western Freetown, checking quality, timelines and compliance. Townhall: Government announced a Presidential Townhall 2026 in Makeni on 30 June under “Year of Action,” covering the Big Five, economy, gender and ECOWAS/global leadership.

Parliament & Justice Reform: Sierra Leone’s Parliament ratified the International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed) Convention and the Second Optional Protocol to the ICCPR aimed at abolishing the death penalty, with the Attorney General saying mediation can cut costs and create jobs for professional mediators. Fisheries Leadership: President Bio swore in Ahmed Saybom Kanu as Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, after Parliament approval, tasking him to help deliver the ministry’s goals. Public Procurement Oversight: NPPA and the Sierra Leone Roads Authority jointly monitored five feeder road sites in western Freetown, checking progress, materials, specifications and timelines to strengthen accountability. Housing Financing Push: Sierra Leone moved to expand affordable housing through mortgage support for low-income earners and plans for student hostels, with Shelter Afrique discussions highlighting a new Country Planning Act 2025. Digital Education Drive: Deputy Minister Sarjoh Aziz-Kamara called for dedicated digital investment funds and sustainable financing to scale AI, coding and robotics learning across schools and TVET. Debt Watch: Sierra Leone’s public debt stock rose to NLe 62.7 billion at end-2025, with projections of further increase by end-2026. Drug Concern: Reports highlight rising misuse of Indian tapentadol mixed with kush, with officials warning of an escalating synthetic opioid problem in Freetown. EU Pressure on Extradition: An EU lawmaker urged stronger action on Sierra Leone to extradite a convicted fugitive, linking the case to wider cocaine trafficking concerns. Infrastructure for Events: A new Lungi multi-purpose complex nearing completion is set to boost Sierra Leone’s conference and event-hosting capacity. Sports: Leone Stars lost 3–1 to Liberia in a heated friendly in Monrovia.

World Cup, visas and security: Reports say the US is delaying or denying entry for some Asian and African teams and officials ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, raising fresh concerns about fairness and discrimination. Leone Stars vs Liberia: Sierra Leone’s Leone Stars lost 3–1 to Liberia in a heated friendly at Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium, with a late red card turning the tide. Ebola quarantine row in Kenya: Protests erupted in Nanyuki over a US plan to quarantine Americans exposed to Ebola, as officials argue it’s needed to protect the US while residents demand more transparency. Public finance pressure: Sierra Leone’s public debt stock rose to NLe 62.7 billion at end-2025, with projections pointing to further increases by end-2026. Lungi event boost: A new multi-purpose complex near completion in Lungi is set to expand Sierra Leone’s capacity to host major conferences and diplomatic events. Youth leadership in Liberia: YPLS Africa launched its 13th cohort in Liberia with participants from Sierra Leone and other countries, pushing ethical governance and youth-led change. Digital education push: Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister Aziz-Kamara called for dedicated digital investment funds to speed up digital learning and skills across Africa. EU drug-trafficking warning: EU lawmakers urged tougher action on Sierra Leone over cocaine trafficking and extradition failures, including possible sanctions and funding suspension. Environment action: Orange Sierra Leone and Tacugama planted 5,000 trees at the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary to mark World Environment Day.

Cancer Care Push: Merck Foundation marks World Cancer Day 2026 by expanding cancer training across Africa, including Sierra Leone, with scholarships for clinical oncology and pain management to grow the continent’s first oncologists and cancer care teams. EU Drug Pressure: Sierra Leone’s opposition APC warns the EU may move toward sanctions and even suspend development support over allegations that the country is a cocaine transit hub and that extradition requests are not being met. Wildlife Enforcement: An EU-supported taskforce in Liberia seized 735kg of pangolin scales, arresting two suspects and pointing to a wider trafficking supply chain linked to West Africa and Asian markets. Health System Reform: Sierra Leone’s Health Minister Dr. Austin Demby urged urgent system redesign to end preventable maternal and child deaths, stressing action at community, household and facility levels. Violence Against Children Data: The Salone Development Scorecard reports high levels of physical and sexual assault, with domestic violence and child rape figures still far above government targets. Environment Action: Orange Sierra Leone and Tacugama planted 5,000 trees at Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Western Area Peninsula National Park to mark World Environment Day. TVET Skills Update: The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education held talks on TVET reform, including upgrading curricula and linking training to labour market needs, with a focus on agriculture and entrepreneurship. Youth Leadership: YPLS Africa launched its 13th cohort in Liberia, drawing participants including Sierra Leoneans, with a push for ethical governance and youth-led transformation.

Ebola Fear Debate: A new discussion questions why Ebola dominates public anxiety and how travel screening gaps can fuel criticism, especially as outbreaks continue in the region. Ebola Preparedness in the Region: Kenya’s health authorities say 67 people tested negative and borders are on high alert, while officials also point to expertise from DRC and Sierra Leone for any future response. Health System Strengthening: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Technical and Higher Education held strategic talks to reform TVET, linking skills training to labour market needs and a planned Centre of Excellence in Agriculture. Maternal and Child Health Push: Health Minister Austin Demby urged health professionals to drive “Triple Zero” goals, stressing action at community, household, and facility levels. Violence Against Children Concerns: The Salone Development Scorecard reports high physical and sexual assault figures, with domestic violence and child rape still alarming. Infrastructure Financing: Liberia secured US$125m from the World Bank for energy, digital integration, and road connectivity—an example of regional development momentum. Immigration Deal Watch: Reuters reports CAR agreed to accept US “third-country deportees,” raising legal concerns about bypassing protections. Political Party Expansion: APC commissioned a new party hall at Mamamah near the proposed airport city site, signalling deeper local organisation. Child Protection at UN: Sierra Leone’s Gender Minister Isata Mahoi represented the country at a UN meeting on ending violence against children. Fistula Support: Social Welfare received a UNFPA vehicle to expand obstetric fistula rehabilitation outreach to remote communities.

Violence Watch: Sierra Leone’s Salone Development Scorecard says physical and sexual assault cases remain alarmingly high, with 3,053 reported at Rainbo Centres in 2025 and the police recording 15,188 cases involving women and children—domestic violence and child rape figures also rising. Public Safety & Health: The Ministry of Health’s Dr. Austin Demby urged health professionals to lead the push toward “zero preventable maternal and child deaths,” calling for “Triple-Zero Champions” at the SLMDA congress. Women’s Dignity: The Social Welfare Ministry received a UNFPA vehicle to expand obstetric fistula care, aiming to reach remote communities with social support alongside surgical rehabilitation. Energy & Jobs: Dr. Kandeh Yumkella commissioned an Integrated Energy Centre in Fogbo Village to boost clean power for entrepreneurship, digital connectivity, and skills in rural areas. Digital Growth: Sierra Leone’s telecom sector has attracted over $400m since 2021, with major gains in fibre coverage and service quality. Border Readiness: Agriculture received equipment to strengthen border surveillance and diagnostics at key entry points like Freetown Port and Lungi Airport. Governance & Trust: A CHRDI poll shows more public confidence in the APC than the SLPP on economy and national security ahead of 2028. Sports: Leone Stars camp in Bo gets a morale boost ahead of a home friendly against Liberia, with a new head coach set to meet the team.

Deportation Deals: The Central African Republic has agreed to accept “third-country” migrants deported by the United States, following similar arrangements involving countries including Sierra Leone—raising fresh concerns over opaque transfers and bypassing of US legal protections. Ebola Preparedness: Kenya says it remains Ebola-free after testing 67 people, while intensifying screening at entry points and expanding isolation capacity at referral hospitals. FGM Debate: Sierra Leone’s First Lady Fatima Maada Bio’s past remarks have reignited arguments over Female Genital Mutilation, with lawmakers and commentators trading views on law, culture, and child protection. Governance & Accountability: A Sierra Leone Bar Association president argues Auditor-General Lara Taylor-Pearce’s removal was part of an unconstitutional process, blaming the judiciary for avoiding a substantive ruling. Health & Social Protection: The Social Welfare Ministry received a UNFPA vehicle to expand obstetric fistula care to remote communities, while NASSIT pushes to extend social security to Sierra Leone’s informal sector. Energy & Jobs: Dr Kandeh Yumkella commissioned an Integrated Energy Centre in Fogbo Village, and telecom investment topped $400m over five years. Sports & Community: Leone Stars camp in Bo gets a morale boost ahead of a friendly vs Liberia. Security Spotlight: Police Chief William Fayiah Sellu faces renewed questions after reports linked a major cocaine shipment to a Sierra Leone-based network.

Hajj & Health: 267 Sierra Leonean home-based pilgrims departed Saudi Arabia for Freetown, with the full 2026 Hajj run completed earlier this week. Maternal Health: The Social Welfare Ministry received a UNFPA vehicle to expand obstetric fistula care, including outreach to remote communities. Mpox Diagnostics: A portable CRISPR-based assay reported from Sierra Leone’s 2025 mpox response is set to improve rapid field detection. Public Health & Safety: Sierra Leone’s agriculture ministry received border surveillance and diagnostic equipment for key entry points, aiming to speed up detection of pests and contamination. Telecom & Digital Skills: Sierra Leone’s telecom sector has attracted over $400m since 2021, while DSTI and UNICEF graduated youth from digital literacy programmes in Freetown. Climate & Water: A global drinking-water quality assessment highlights unsafe water risks across Africa, while another piece warns climate change is reshaping daily life in Sierra Leone. Governance & Economy: A CHRDI poll says Sierra Leoneans show more confidence in APC than SLPP on economy and security. Sports: SLFA president Babadi Kamara rallied Leone Stars in Bo ahead of the Liberia friendly.