AGP Executive Report

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Constitutional Reform Showdown: President Julius Maada Bio urged Parliament to pass the Constitutional (Amendment) Bill as the 10 August vote nears, arguing reforms are needed for the 2028 elections and to widen participation, including a 30% women’s quota and proportional representation. Opposition Pushback: APC MPs and leaders say they support reform in principle but reject proportional representation and a proposed “simple majority” presidential threshold, warning it could let the ruling SLPP retain State House with a lower vote share. Women, Youth at the Centre: Bio’s address put women and youth inclusion front and centre, while critics warn the changes could reshape Sierra Leone’s political balance for years. Banking Access Boost: The Bank of Sierra Leone extended commercial bank hours in the Queen Elizabeth II Quay and Cline Town areas to 8:30am–8:00pm to improve service delivery and support revenue mobilisation. Digital Skills for Jobs: In Kenema, 80 youth graduated after nine months of digital literacy training and internships under the Ready Salone/SkYE Fund project. Energy Reality Check: New data says about 5.98 million people in Sierra Leone lacked electricity access in 2025, highlighting the scale of the energy gap.

Constitutional Reform Push: President Julius Maada Bio urged MPs and Sierra Leoneans to back the 2025 Constitutional Amendment Bill, saying the 1991 Constitution no longer matches the country’s post-conflict needs for inclusion, justice, stability and accountability. Banking Access: The Bank of Sierra Leone extended commercial bank hours in the Queen Elizabeth II Quay and Cline Town areas to 8:30am–8:00pm to improve service delivery and support revenue mobilisation. Digital Skills for Jobs: In Kenema, 80 youth graduated after nine months of ITC-supported digital training and workplace experience under the Ready Salone–Skills for Youth Employment (SkYE) Fund. Tax Compliance Upgrade: The NRA and SICPA wrapped up a three-day excise Product Tracing System workshop for beverage, tobacco, cement, sugar, cooking oil and fertiliser traders in Freetown. Digital Public Infrastructure Dialogue: MoCTI concluded a national DPI dialogue focused on building digital trust and transaction infrastructure, with the Bank of Sierra Leone and NCRA stressing secure digital identity. Energy Access Gap: New data says nearly 6 million people in Sierra Leone lacked electricity access in 2025, highlighting the scale of the rural energy challenge. Football Boost: SLFA increased Premier League seed money to NLe225,000 per club for 2026/27, and Star Sports Academy drew Medina United for a CAF Champions League preliminary tie.

Youth Skills & Jobs: 80 Sierra Leonean youth graduated in Kenema after nine months of ITC-supported digital training and workplace experience under YAD’s Ready Salone–SkYE Fund project, aiming to boost employability in the digital economy. Digital Governance: Government says it will roll out Electronic Government Procurement and automated audit tracking to local councils, pushing more transparent public spending and tighter financial discipline. Tax Compliance: NRA and SICPA concluded a three-day Product Tracing System workshop for excise taxpayers in Freetown, focusing on tax stamps and compliance under the 2026 Finance Act. Power Access Gap: New data says nearly 6 million people in Sierra Leone still lack electricity access, highlighting a widening rural energy divide. Youth Unemployment Fight: President Bio told Parliament that skills training and job creation are central to tackling youth unemployment, pointing to programmes linking training to real employers. Food Security & Accountability: Bio says Feed Salone is increasing production and cutting prices, while civil society warns a 5% rice import duty raised revenue but delivered limited benefits to women farmers. Sports: SLFA president Babadi Kamara raised Premier League seed money to NLe225,000 per club and Star Sports Academy will debut in the CAF Champions League preliminary round against Gambia’s Medina United.

State Accountability & Anti-Corruption: President Julius Maada Bio used Parliament’s State Opening to push a “Year of Action and Accelerated Delivery,” warning that no office or political status will shield anyone from scrutiny over waste and corruption. Food Security Push: He also said Feed Salone is boosting rice output and cutting prices, with school feeding now reaching over one million pupils across 15 districts. Digital Government Rollout: Government plans to launch electronic procurement and automated digital audits across local councils to reduce revenue leakages and improve transparency. Public Safety & Crime: Bio warned drug cartels that Sierra Leone’s waters, ports and airports will not be used as transit routes, promising stronger surveillance and enforcement. Politics: The Political Parties Regulation Commission has certified the Liberation People’s Party as legally registered under the 2022 Act. Sports Development: SLFA announced new artificial-turf facilities and increased Premier League seed money to NLe225,000 per club. Tech & Connectivity: QCell launched a new 035 mobile number series to expand access, while a World Bank report highlights AI use in Sierra Leone education via WhatsApp.

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.