AGP Executive Report

Ebola Preparedness: Sierra Leone’s health authorities are stepping up coordination as UK airports issue warnings and staff are told to stock PPE amid the DRC outbreak, with scientists saying new vaccines could blunt future impacts. Water Security: Guma Valley Water Company warns deforestation, encroachment and settlement growth are threatening Freetown’s catchments, with contamination risks pushing up treatment costs. Public Safety & Justice: Sierra Leone Police plan to commission major projects, including a new forensic lab at TOCU and upgrades to Masingbi Police Station to improve response capacity. Elections & Governance: ECSL and UNDP launch an Elections Project Committee to strengthen peaceful, credible polls, bringing together key state bodies, parties and media. Local Politics: Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr meets kush addicts under Congo Cross Bridge, urging residents not to pay for waste collection and pushing access to rehab services. Parliament: Parliament adjourns after the reported death of Kono MP Lucinda Finda Kelly. Football: SLFA appoints Didier Gomes Da Rosa as Leone Stars head coach and outlines June friendlies vs Liberia, while FIFA TDS conference reaffirms youth grassroots development. Human Rights & Courts: INCHR urges Sierra Leone’s legislature to pass the War Crimes Court bill (Economic and War Crimes Courts, including an Anti-Corruption Court). Security Sector Coordination: Internal Affairs holds an inter-agency meeting to strengthen security cooperation ahead of the rainy season.

Public Safety Upgrade: Sierra Leone Police say IGP William Fayia Sellu will commission three projects this month, including upgrading Masingbi Police Station into a divisional HQ and unveiling the first modern forensic lab at the TOCU in Rogbangba Junction to boost investigations and response. Digital Rights & Cyber Governance: CHRDI brings in Dylan Presman (White House ONCD) as a Fulbright Specialist to help develop a Privacy and Personal Data Protection advocacy toolkit for journalists and human rights defenders in Freetown. Women in Governance: MoGCA, with Trocaire and partners, is pushing stronger women’s representation through NEWMaP, focusing on coordination, mentorship, and participation in decision-making. Maternal Health Delivery: Moyamba’s rehabilitated maternity ward has been commissioned, with officials and partners citing improved care for mothers and newborns. Education Reform Learning: Minister Conrad Sackey meets Rwanda education officials in Kigali to study Rwanda’s digital assessment approach and data-driven reforms. International Health Watch: Coverage highlights the evolving Ebola situation in Uganda and DRC, with Kenya activating enhanced surveillance and public guidance. Leone Stars Prep: SLFA caretaker coach John Keister outlines objectives for June friendlies vs Liberia in Bo and Monrovia. Diplomacy & Regional Tech: Sierra Leone’s communications minister argues Africa must move from isolated digital public infrastructure to interoperable regional ecosystems for trade and cross-border services.

Rare Earths Diplomacy: Sierra Leone’s Mines Minister Julius Daniel Mattai says the country wants to cooperate with Russia on newly found rare earth minerals, pointing to a 2024 MoU and plans for training and geological work. Right to Information: Transparency International chapters launched a new West Africa report on access-to-information laws in Liberia, Ghana, Togo and Sierra Leone, highlighting strong legal frameworks but persistent implementation gaps for citizens and media. Women in Governance: MoGCA and partners met in Freetown under NEWMaP to push stronger women’s representation in decision-making, with gender advocates calling for sustained coordination and mentorship. Maternal Health Upgrade: Moyamba’s rehabilitated maternity ward was commissioned, boosting newborn and maternal care capacity in the district. Education Reform Learning Tour: Sierra Leone’s education minister met Rwanda officials in Kigali to study Rwanda’s digital assessment system and data-driven education reforms. Rule of Law & Judiciary Care: Sierra Leone’s Judiciary began construction of its first Judiciary Clinic in Freetown to support judges and court staff wellbeing. Public Finance Watch: Government says Q1 2026 domestic revenue hit NLe 4.52bn, but extractives and fisheries recorded zero returns, widening the gap. Water Regulation: SLEWRC approved nationwide sachet water prices and warned of enforcement for overcharging or reducing the 500ml standard. Civil Society Alarm: A commentary argues independent civil society activism in Sierra Leone is “dead” without Edmond and Neneh, warning of co-optation and shrinking watchdog space.

Judiciary & Rule of Law: Sierra Leone’s Judiciary has begun construction of its first-ever Judiciary Clinic in Freetown, with a sod-turning ceremony led by Chief Justice Komba Kamanda, aiming to support judges and court staff with proper healthcare facilities. Public Health: The Gender Minister urged stronger newborn care systems at the Pediatric Association of Sierra Leone conference, linking preventable newborn deaths to gaps in antenatal, delivery and postnatal services and calling for faster action. Regulation & Cost of Living: The Sierra Leone Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission set approved nationwide sachet water prices (NLe 9 factory; NLe 10 wholesale) and warned of enforcement for sellers charging above rates or reducing the 500ml standard. Governance & Economy: Domestic revenue hit NLe 4.52bn in Q1 2026, but extractive and fisheries sectors recorded zero returns, widening the gap against projections. Trade & Diplomacy: Sierra Leone was praised by the EU for being a top organic cocoa supplier, while Professor Charles Jalloh began diplomatic outreach in Brussels to support his ICJ judge bid. Sports & National Pride: Leone Stars started intensive training ahead of FIFA friendlies vs Liberia, with SLFA President Babadi Kamara urging professionalism and unity. Politics & Trust: A CHRDI poll found many Sierra Leoneans lack confidence in both major parties ahead of 2028, with SLPP and APC topping “least confidence” lists.

Public Health & Social Policy: Sierra Leone’s Gender Minister urged stronger newborn care to cut preventable deaths, citing gaps across antenatal, delivery and postnatal services and the impact of child marriage and teenage pregnancy. Economy & Accountability: Government says it collected NLe 4.52bn in Q1 2026, but extractives and fisheries recorded zero returns—highlighting a major revenue mobilisation gap. Trade & Agriculture: Sierra Leone was named the EU’s third-largest supplier of organic cocoa, with calls for deeper European investment and better port capacity. International Law & Diplomacy: Professor Charles Jalloh began Brussels engagements to win support for Sierra Leone’s ICJ bid in November 2026. Governance & Regulation: SLEWRC set approved nationwide sachet water prices and warned of enforcement; Parliament also moved on financial-system strengthening via a new act. Justice & Services: The Judiciary started construction of its first-ever Judiciary Clinic in Freetown to support judges and staff wellbeing. Sports & Youth Leadership: President Bio welcomed the new NSA Executive Director; SLFA launched intensive Leone Stars training ahead of FIFA friendlies vs Liberia. Migration & Security: 181 Gambians were among 911 migrants rescued by Mauritania’s coast guard over five days; separate reports also flag US deportation lists including Sierra Leoneans. Public Trust: A CHRDI poll shows widespread distrust in both SLPP and APC ahead of 2028 elections.

U.S.-Sierra Leone Diplomacy: President Donald Trump has nominated career diplomat Daniel Travis as the next U.S. Ambassador to Sierra Leone, filling the vacancy left by Bryan David Hunt; the post is now awaiting Senate action. Infrastructure Finance: President Bio met First Bank Group to discuss blended financing for roads, electricity, water, bridges and industrial infrastructure, with Finance Minister Fantamadi Bangura pushing for implementable deal structures. Elections & Public Trust: A CHRDI poll ahead of 2028 shows low confidence in both major parties—50.9% least trust SLPP and 37.3% least trust APC—highlighting a wider crisis of confidence. Accountability Tools: The Institute for Governance Reform launched the Salone Development Scorecard to track 100 National Development Plan targets in real time, aiming to close the gap between government promises and lived results. Education Reform: JAMB pledged technical support for Sierra Leone’s Centralised Admissions System, following stakeholder engagement and Cabinet approval for a unified digital admissions platform. Health Infrastructure: Government says two 100-bed hospitals in Pujehun (Zimmi and Kpakedu) are nearing completion to expand access under the Free Healthcare Initiative. Public Safety: Separate reports from Massachusetts describe a car-break-in case involving juveniles after a pursuit—no direct Sierra Leone link, but it dominated the week’s local crime coverage.

Deportations and public safety: The U.S. released names and photos of 26 Sierra Leoneans among 355 West Africans facing removal, with charges ranging from homicide and rape to fraud and drug trafficking. Accountability and service delivery: The Institute for Governance Reform launched the Salone Development Scorecard to track, in near real time, progress on 100 targets in Sierra Leone’s 2024–2030 National Development Plan. Health emergency watch: Congo’s Ebola outbreak rose to 321 confirmed cases with 48 deaths, as health teams intensify isolation and contact tracing. Gender and policy debate: A new call seeks the recruitment of 20 female drivers for the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, while debate on FGM/C continues to split opinion on how fast and how to tackle the practice. Local politics and policing: Police arrested three over the alleged murder of APC figure Abdulram Omega Sesay in Port Loko, and the Sierra Leone Police pushed community policing in Karene. Education reform: JAMB pledged technical support for Sierra Leone’s planned Centralised Admissions System, drawing on Nigeria’s model. EU aid pressure: Dutch officials say they want the EU to consider cutting development aid to Sierra Leone over drug trafficking concerns.

Maritime Security Push: Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu commissioned three new naval vessels and a Combined Maritime Task Force for the Gulf of Guinea, pledging sustained investment to curb piracy and crude-oil theft. Agriculture & Risk Protection: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Agriculture, with UNCDF and EU support, reiterated plans to expand agricultural insurance and financing to protect farmers from production risks. Hajj Update: All 2,626 Sierra Leonean pilgrims completed the main Hajj rites in Makkah, with the Presidential Hajj Taskforce confirming remaining farewell rites before departure. Police & Community Safety: Sierra Leone Police stepped up community policing in Karene, urging stronger public partnership and timely information-sharing. Justice & Media: The Judiciary highlighted reforms under Chief Justice Komba Kamanda, including decentralised Court of Appeal sittings and Sexual Offences Model Courts, while urging accurate court reporting. Sports Administration: SLFA appointed John Keister as caretaker Leone Stars coach for June friendlies against Liberia, with squad and fixtures confirmed. Public Order Concerns: In Freetown, social media claims eight people faced witchcraft allegations, with reports of confessions by three—no official verification yet. Education Reform: JAMB pledged technical support for Sierra Leone’s Centralised Admissions System to improve transparency in tertiary admissions.

Ebola Response Watch: WHO says the DRC’s Ebola outbreak has become a public health emergency of international concern, with cases and deaths rising fast and no vaccine or direct treatment yet for this strain—raising pressure on regional preparedness. Police Discipline: AIG John Martin Senesie ordered immediate corrective action in the Sierra Leone Police OSD, citing absenteeism, weak procedure adherence, and improper conduct, including social media use while in uniform. Judiciary Reforms: The Judiciary highlighted Chief Justice Komba Kamanda’s reforms, including decentralising Court of Appeal sittings and commissioning sexual offences model courts, while urging ethical, accurate court reporting. Electoral Security: Sierra Leone Police provided calm, violence-free security for Guinean legislative and municipal elections in Freetown. Drug-Trade Politics: Chief Minister David Sengeh rejected claims Sierra Leone is a “drug state,” while APC’s whip Abdul Kargbo hit back, accusing the government of downplaying the crisis. Business Registration Digital Push: Parliament ratified a 15-year BOT deal to digitise online business registration, aiming to cut bottlenecks and improve transparency. Mining Court Update: The Court of Appeal dismissed Octea Mining’s appeal, clearing the way for MAPO’s Kono case to proceed. Regional Diplomacy: Sierra Leone reaffirmed support for Morocco’s autonomy plan at the UN C-24 seminar. Sports Administration: SLFA appointed John Keister as caretaker Leone Stars coach for June friendlies vs Liberia.

Parliament & Digital Economy: Sierra Leone lawmakers ratified a 15-year Build-Operate-Transfer deal for an Online Business Registration System, with Multi GIS E-Services set to run and maintain the platform before it reverts to government. Drug Epidemic Politics: Chief Minister David Sengeh rejected claims that Sierra Leone is a “drug state,” but the APC parliamentary whip Abdul Kargbo hit back, saying the government is downplaying the crisis. Courts & Mining Accountability: The Court of Appeal dismissed Octea Mining’s appeal, clearing the way for MAPO’s case against the company to proceed in Kono. Public Trust: A CHRDI poll says public confidence in institutions has hit a breaking point, with half of respondents saying they trust none. Health & Preparedness: China donated 18,000 vials of Ribavirin to support Lassa fever response, while health authorities stepped up Ebola preparedness coordination with partners. Governance & Services: MoPED inspected resettlement compliance for Sierra Rutile expansion in Sembehun, and the MBSSE warned a BECE 2026 timetable circulating online is fake. Sports & Media: SLFA opened media accreditation for Leone Stars friendlies and the FA Cup final in Bo, and appointed three Sierra Leonean women to FIFA U-17 qualifier roles.

Drug Policy Clash: Chief Minister David Sengeh rejected claims that Sierra Leone is a “drug state,” saying the drugs originate abroad and calling the criticism “mind games,” while the APC parliamentary whip Abdul Kargbo hit back, arguing the government is downplaying the drug epidemic. Digital Governance: Parliament ratified a 15-year BOT concession for the Online Business Registration System (OBRS), with Multi GIS E-Services set to develop and run the platform before it transfers back to government. Justice in Kono: The Court of Appeal dismissed Octea Mining Limited’s appeal, clearing the way for MAPO’s case to proceed in the High Court in Koidu. Public Trust Pressure: A CHRDI poll says half of respondents do not trust any public institutions, adding to calls for transparent reforms. Ebola Preparedness: Health authorities stepped up Ebola readiness coordination with partners, using WHO readiness checklists and focusing on surveillance and rapid response. Media & Rights: A report says women in Sierra Leone’s media face sexual harassment at about twice the rate of men, and another lawyer warns of government “grip” on SLAJ and the Bar Association. Sports Administration: SLFA opened media accreditation for Leone Stars fixtures and announced FIFA appointments for three Sierra Leonean female officials. Parliament & Climate: Lawmakers held a national green investment dialogue on community green energy zones and climate finance monitoring.

Football & Sports Governance: SLFA opened media accreditation for the Leone Stars friendly vs Liberia and the 2026 Orange FA Cup final in Bo, with applications due by Thursday, 4 June. Public Health & Preparedness: Sierra Leone received 18,000 ampoules of Lassa fever drugs from China, while partners met to strengthen Ebola readiness using WHO checklists, focusing on surveillance, rapid response, and community protection. Parliament & Regional Politics: Hon. Rosemarie Bangura was elected Vice Chair of the West African Regional Caucus, boosting Tonkolili’s voice in regional legislative cooperation. Labour & Financial Services: The Employment Ministry intervened in UTB staff concerns after assets and operations were transferred to Rokel Commercial Bank, promising rights and entitlements under the law. Local Government & Institutions: Vice President Juldeh Jalloh reopened the Government Printing Department to restore state printing capacity and improve transparency. Justice: A murder suspect, Santigie Conteh, was committed to the High Court for trial in Port Loko. Diplomacy & Elections Support: ECSL will provide logistical support for Guinea’s legislative and municipal elections for Guinean nationals voting in Sierra Leone. Health & Community Support: Plan International distributed dignity kits to 300 adolescent girls in Moyamba for Menstrual Hygiene Day. International Spotlight: Africa Day celebrations at the UN pushed unity, integration, and governance reform under AU themes. Tragedy: Chief Minister David Sengeh’s close protection officer died in a fatal vehicle accident.

Ebola Response Under Strain: In eastern DR Congo, community attacks on Ebola treatment centres are driving staff and suspected patients to flee, with experts stressing that rebuilding trust is now as urgent as medical care. Public Health Funding Pressure: Reports say US aid cuts and USAID/CDC disruptions are weakening global outbreak readiness, while a controversial US plan to send Ebola-exposed Americans to Kenya faces legal and medical pushback. Parliament & Finance Reform: Parliament passed amendments to the Credit Reference Act to strengthen Sierra Leone’s financial system, set rules for credit bureaus, and expand access to credit. Government Restart Moves: Vice President Juldeh Jalloh reopened the Government Printing Department, aiming to restore official publishing, records, and transparency. Energy & Safety Regulation: NPRA reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s moratorium on new fuel station construction, warning of sanctions during a compliance assessment. Public Trust Snapshot: A CHRDI poll found 50% of Sierra Leoneans trust no state institution, with ECSL (19%) and ACC (10%) the highest. Digital & Telecom Steps: Sierratel presented a SIM card to the VP during talks on Sierra Leone’s digital transformation. International Appointments: India appointed Norbu Negi as its next High Commissioner to Sierra Leone.

Ebola Response Trust Crisis: In eastern DR Congo, community attacks on Ebola treatment centres are being linked to fear, rumours, and the high stakes around death and burial—experts say rebuilding trust is now the core of the response. US Ebola Evacuation Plan Sparks Backlash: Ebola specialists criticize a policy to send Americans exposed to the virus to Kenya, warning it could deter humanitarian workers and be unrealistic to match US-level care. Sierra Leone Governance Under Strain: A CHRDI poll finds 50% of Sierra Leoneans trust no state institution, with the ECSL (19%) and ACC (10%) the highest named. Freetown Building Safety Alarm: Health Alert Sierra Leone accuses the Lands/Housing ministry of weak enforcement and permit approvals for unqualified contractors, after repeated building collapses. National AI Push: Sierra Leone has started work on its first national AI strategy with the ICT ministry and the World Bank. Fuel Station Moratorium: NPRA reiterates Sierra Leone’s March 2026 moratorium on new fuel station construction remains in force pending a compliance assessment. Digital Connectivity & Telecom Dialogue: Orange Sierra Leone takes part in NATCA’s Consumer Parliament, while Sierratel presents a SIM card to VP Juldeh Jalloh as part of the digital transformation agenda. Health & Education Infrastructure: Government begins a US$3.5m COMAHS faculty building in Kossoh Town, and UNICEF validates a draft child safeguarding policy. Elections Watch: APC re-engages ECSL and electoral stakeholders after PPLC talks, pledging dialogue for peaceful, credible polls. International Spotlight: UN marks Peacekeepers Day, urging member states to invest in peacekeeping as global conflict rises.

Foreign Nationals Verification: Sierra Leone will start a nationwide biometric verification for all foreign nationals on June 1, with a multi-agency task force checking residence and work permits at workplaces, businesses, institutions and homes. Parliament & Regional Leadership: The Sierra Leone Parliament celebrated the election of MPs Rosemarie Bangura and Bashiru Silikie to key Pan-African and West African parliamentary roles. Electoral Engagement: The APC re-engaged with the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone after joining a Political Parties Liaison Committee meeting, pledging continued dialogue for peaceful, credible elections. Cost of Living Poll: A CHRDI survey says 43% of Sierra Leoneans are most worried about rising costs, while 23% cite unreliable electricity and water—66% facing either goods-price pressure or utility failures. Hajj Updates: Sierra Leone’s Hajj contingent reached Arafat with 2,626 pilgrims, and the Sierra Leone Embassy in Saudi Arabia denied rumors of deaths among female pilgrims. Digital Identity Push: Government is moving from issuing biometric documents to enforcement, while separate coverage highlights the global push toward stronger, reusable digital identity systems. Finance & Security: The Finance Minister warned West Africa faces rising cybercrime and financial crime risks, calling for stronger regional intelligence-sharing and monitoring.

Maritime Security: Three oil tankers were hit by drones off Türkiye’s Black Sea coast, with crews reported safe; two Sierra Leone-flagged vessels (Altura, Velora) were attacked while conducting ship-to-ship operations, raising fresh concerns about sanctions evasion and regional sea-lane safety. Public Health Preparedness: Sierra Leone’s health leadership says the country has recorded no Ebola cases, but has stepped up nationwide surveillance, airport screening, and Level Two readiness, including plans for isolation capacity at Lungi. Digital Border Controls: Government announced a Sierra Leone Travel Portal to collect travelers’ movement and health data for the past 21 days to strengthen monitoring and outbreak response. Ebola Funding Alarm: Britain’s Ebola aid for the current DRC crisis is reported at just 5% of what it spent in the last major outbreak, as WHO warns the situation is accelerating. Diplomacy & Cooperation: Sierra Leone’s new Chinese ambassador hosted internal affairs officials for renewed bilateral engagement, while the Chief Minister promoted digital inclusion at Orange’s Orange Digital Center. Hajj Update: Sierra Leone’s embassy in Saudi Arabia denied rumors of deaths among female pilgrims in the 2026 Hajj contingent.