AGP Executive Report

Border Security MoU: Sierra Leone’s Immigration Department and Police signed an MoU in Freetown to boost border governance, intelligence sharing, joint investigations, and coordinated responses to security and migration challenges. Child Data Protection: The Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation is reviewing how children’s vaccination records are collected and shared, with UNICEF and CDPI pushing cybersecurity and data protection “from the design stage.” Ebola Watch (DRC): Africa CDC says the eastern Congo Ebola outbreak is spreading beyond Ituri into North Kivu and Haut-Uele, with 6,843 cases and 3,310 deaths reported, amid insecurity and displacement. Health Support Line: The Ministry of Health launched a toll-free mental health helpline (5116) to encourage people facing emotional distress to seek support. Women’s Rights at UN: First Lady Fatima Maada Bio returned to a huge welcome after a UN General Assembly resolution she spearheaded on protecting girls and women. Skills for Jobs: Sierra Leone outlined a youth employment push at the Youth Knowledge Forum in Rabat, stressing practical skills, digital transformation, entrepreneurship, and wider access to opportunities. World Bank Partnership: World Bank Africa West and Central VP Ousmane Diagana met Sierra Leone’s finance leadership to reaffirm support and focus on measurable results, revenue mobilisation, and cash-flow management. Sports Governance: SLFA marked Babadi Kamara’s election as WAFU-A first vice president with a commemorative presentation. Tourism Vendor Dispute: An opposition MP demanded written guarantees for Cabbage Beach vendors after proposed erosion control works raised fears of displacement.

Ebola Watch: Africa CDC says eastern DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is accelerating beyond Ituri, with cases rising sharply in North Kivu and Haut-Uele amid insecurity, displacement and health worker strikes. Mental Health & Safety: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health launches a toll-free suicide support line (5116) urging people in distress to seek help. Judicial Protection: Chief Justice Komba Kamanda calls for stronger, gender-sensitive enforcement of women’s reproductive health rights across African courts. Local Politics & Governance: Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh dismisses speculation about his SLPP flagbearer ambitions, saying he’s focused on delivering for President Bio and the public. Diplomacy & Law: Sierra Leone’s Foreign Ministry investigates alleged misuse of official diplomatic documents after Sidie Tunis was denied a U.S. visa. Public Services: World Bank reaffirms support for Sierra Leone’s development agenda, stressing measurable results and improved cash-flow and revenue management. Security/Foreign Influence: Reports say Russia plans new “Russian Houses” in Sierra Leone and other African states, expanding cultural and educational influence. Economy/Jobs: Sierra Leone highlights youth skills and employment priorities at a global knowledge forum in Rabat. Sports Administration: SLFA finance oversight gets a boost as its Finance Committee begins work to strengthen transparency.

Child Marriage at UN: Sierra Leone’s First Lady Fatima Maada Bio helped secure a UN General Assembly resolution creating an International Day to prevent and eliminate child, early and forced marriage, set for November 27. Youth Skills & Jobs: Government is expanding technical institutes into community colleges, boosting apprenticeships and work-based learning, and pushing a youth employment strategy focused on practical skills and digital transformation. Cyber Rights: Women on Mining and Extractives Sierra Leone (WoME-SL) has raised concerns with the Human Rights Commission over Section 44 of the Cyber Security and Crime Act, warning it could chill freedom of expression. Land Reform: The Lands Ministry says it is modernizing land administration with digital records, stronger development controls, decentralized planning and formal title registration. Port Congestion: The Sierra Leone Labour Congress calls Queen Elizabeth II Quay congestion an economic emergency and urges faster completion of the Gento (Kent Harbour/Logistics) Port. Fuel Pressure: With global oil prices near $100, Sierra Leone faces renewed risk of fuel-cost strain after recent petrol and diesel hikes. Local Governance Push: VP Juldeh Jalloh’s decentralisation tour in Port Loko highlighted plans to recruit about 800 native administrative officers to strengthen chiefdom-level governance.

Port Congestion & Jobs: The Sierra Leone Labour Congress calls Queen Elizabeth II Quay congestion a national emergency and urges the government to speed up Kent Harbour/Gento Port completion to cut delays and costs. Fuel Costs & Public Scrutiny: Government raised petrol to NLe40 and diesel to NLe45 after global oil prices hit around $100; a local commentary demands the full pricing math be published. Power Supply Pressure: BEL warns of possible load shedding tonight due to high demand and limited supply. Decentralisation & Local Governance: VP Juldeh Jalloh ends a Port Loko decentralisation tour, pledging about 800 Native Administrative Officers to strengthen chiefdom administration and service delivery. Transport Delivery Focus: The Transport Ministry outlines road, rail, aviation and maritime priorities at a State House delivery clinic. Digital Child-Safe Systems: Government and UNICEF launch a national workshop to embed child-rights safeguards into Sierra Leone’s digital systems. Football Funding & Officials: SLFA releases a second round of regional football funding (US$50,000 per Regional FA) and Sierra Leone’s Agnes Abdul Gbla officiates WAFU-A U-17 qualifiers in Senegal. Security Sector Partnerships: The Internal Affairs Minister urges closer police-community cooperation and highlights ongoing police service reforms.

Fuel & Transport Costs: Government increased petrol to NLe40.00 and diesel to NLe45.00 per litre, saying it will absorb part of the pass-through via subsidies; transport fares were also adjusted across Freetown and provincial routes after the pump-price rise. Health Supplies: MoH unveiled a US$2.5m consignment of essential medicines and SRHR supplies for emergency obstetric and delivery care, including postpartum hemorrhage and sepsis treatments. Digital Child Protection: Government and UNICEF launched a three-day workshop to build child-rights safeguards into Sierra Leone’s digital systems, linking privacy, cybersecurity and responsible data use to the country’s digital sovereignty push. Policing Partnerships: Sierra Leone Police marked UN International Day of Police Cooperation, with Internal Affairs Minister Morie Lengor calling for stronger police-community-government and international partner collaboration as security threats evolve. Revenue & Tax: IMF and NRA pledged deeper cooperation on tax compliance and revenue mobilisation, with focus on reducing leakages in the informal sector and strengthening GST enforcement. Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Swaray urged ambassadors to be more results-driven—prioritising investment, trade promotion, consular protection and digitised performance. Politics & Reconciliation: ECOWAS commended Sierra Leone for facilitating former President Ernest Bai Koroma’s return after charges were discontinued, framing it as a step toward unity and lasting peace. Land Governance: Freetown Area Rep. Fonseca addressed the Belama Phase 5 land ownership dispute, pointing to overlapping titles and past administration changes. Sports: ZIFA confirmed the Warriors’ home venue for AFCON 2027 qualifiers as Harare’s National Sports Stadium. Public Debate: Calls are mounting for an investigation into Pastor Francis Mambu’s controversial allegations, with Attorney-General Alpha Sesay at the centre of the demand.

Fuel Prices: Government announced new nationwide pump prices from Sept 8—petrol at NLe40.00/litre and diesel at NLe45.00/litre—citing global oil market pressures and saying it will absorb part of the increase via subsidies to protect consumers and keep Waka Fine fares unchanged. Social Welfare: The Ministry of Social Welfare disbursed Le300,000 in welfare grants to 15 organisations in Freetown, with Le20,000 each, targeting children, women, youth and older persons, alongside plans to strengthen oversight under the Professional Social Work Regulatory Law. Political Parties Regulation: The Political Parties Regulation Commission deregistered the National Progressive Democrat (NPD) effective Sept 7 for alleged breaches of the Political Parties Act 2022, warning stakeholders not to engage NPD members in party activities. Judicial Rights: Chief Justice Komba Kamanda urged stronger enforcement of women’s sexual and reproductive health rights under the Maputo Protocol, stressing courts must translate rights into real outcomes for women facing hardship and limited access to services. Reconciliation Politics: ECOWAS commended President Bio for facilitating former President Ernest Bai Koroma’s return after charges were discontinued, framing it as a step toward national unity and peace. Water Regulation: NWRMA stepped up enforcement against unregulated raw water abstraction, conducting compliance visits and pushing registration and permitting for businesses and institutions. Ebola Response: A clinical trial for an oral Ebola drug (NV-387) was registered in the Pan African Clinical Trials database for the DRC outbreak, as health authorities warn the epidemic could expand further. ECOWAS Currency Push: ECOWAS directed its Commission to fast-track work toward launching the ECO single currency, reviewing progress ahead of a proposed July 1, 2027 rollout.

APC Political Dispute: The Political Parties Regulation Commission set a deadline of Sept 8, 4:45pm for petitions challenging APC Internal Elections Complaint Board rulings, with hearings slated for Sept 9 in Freetown—while it also deregistered the National Progressive Democrat Party. Former President Return: Ernest Bai Koroma is back in Sierra Leone after more than two years in Nigeria, following Sierra Leone’s decision to suspend/drop treason proceedings; President Bio welcomed him and called for unity, with Nigeria and ECOWAS officials describing the return as a diplomatic confidence-building process. Electoral Commission Reform Work: The Electoral Commission says it has developed the policy reforms from the Tripartite Committee’s 80 recommendations but is waiting to validate its 2025–2029 Strategic Plan before formally adopting them. Women in Security: RSLAF commissioned 70 women as certified military drivers to boost peacekeeping readiness, supported by UN Women and the Elsie Initiative Fund. Child Marriage Push: Sierra Leone-backed UN action declared Nov 27 an international day to end child, early and forced marriage, following Sierra Leone’s resolution at the UN. Justice & Accountability: A call is renewed for Attorney-General Alpha Sesay to investigate Pastor Mambu’s public claims, urging authorities to examine whether there is any basis behind allegations. Border Governance: Jendema border users praised improved immigration services under a new senior officer posted in Dec 2025.

Former President Return & Reconciliation: President Julius Maada Bio received Ernest Bai Koroma at State House in Freetown after treason proceedings were dropped, urging unity and peace as Koroma pledged “whatever it takes” for reconciliation. Regional Diplomacy: Nigeria coordinated Koroma’s safe, dignified return from Abuja after ECOWAS-led engagements, with Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and Olusegun Obasanjo accompanying him. Electoral Governance: The Political Parties Regulation Commission set a Sept 8 4:45pm deadline for petitions against APC Internal Elections Complaint Board rulings, with hearings set for Sept 9 in Freetown; it also deregistered the National Progressive Democrat Party. Civic & Rights Agenda: SLAJ is calling for a dedicated constitutional chapter to strengthen freedom of expression and press independence. Child Protection Push: The UN adopted Sierra Leone First Lady Fatima Maada Bio’s resolution making Nov 27 the International Day to end child, early and forced marriage. Border Service Improvements: Jendema border users praised the Mano River Bridge immigration head for more professional, respectful processing.

Return of Koroma: Nigeria facilitated the safe return of former Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma to Freetown after more than two years in Nigeria, with Foreign Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu accompanying him on President Bola Tinubu’s instruction, following Sierra Leone’s withdrawal of treason proceedings. Reconciliation Push: Koroma, speaking after his return, urged unity and an “open hand” approach, saying Sierra Leoneans should move forward together ahead of the 2028 presidential election. Child Marriage Ban Day: The UN designated November 27 as the International Day for the elimination of child, early and forced marriage, with Sierra Leone leading the resolution and First Lady Fatima Maada Bio championing it. Climate & Waste Tech in Freetown: Freetown City Council is expanding biodigesters to turn organic waste into biogas, cut fuel costs, and improve sanitation—Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr highlighted installations in Congo Town and Hagan Street Market. Land Rights & Legal Literacy: Green Scenery Sierra Leone engaged communities in Pujehun to strengthen legal literacy and protection for environmental rights defenders, linking training to Sierra Leone’s land laws. Local Governance & School Admissions: A ministerial directive warns SHS heads not to admit students outside Ghana’s CSSPS process, underscoring how placement systems shape access and integrity. Regional Politics Watch: Sidie Mohamed Tunis demanded investigation into alleged misuse of official documents in a US visa application tied to his name.

Return of Koroma: Former Sierra Leone president Ernest Bai Koroma has returned to Freetown after more than two years in Nigeria, following Sierra Leone dropping treason charges tied to the 2023 coup attempt; Nigeria’s foreign minister said the move capped sustained diplomacy aimed at peace and reconciliation, while former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan said Nigeria served as Koroma’s “home away from home” and urged dialogue on his return. Reconciliation Push: In his first remarks after coming back, Koroma pledged to work “openly” with everyone and said “whatever it takes” to move the country forward, urging Sierra Leoneans not to dwell on past disagreements. Legal/Integrity Watch: Sierra Leone’s Foreign Ministry has launched an internal probe into alleged misuse of official documents in a U.S. visa application linked to SLPP MP Sidie Mohamed Tunis, after Tunis said a consular officer questioned him over a supposed “executive assistant” visa claim. International Engagement: The U.S. Embassy in Freetown opened Peace Corps applications for Americans to volunteer in Sierra Leone in health and education. Sports Administration: SLFA president Babadi Kamara was elected Vice President of WAFU Zone A, boosting Sierra Leone’s role in regional football governance. Global Child-Marriage Agenda: Sierra Leone’s role in a UN-backed push to mark Nov 27 as an international day against child, early and forced marriage continues to draw attention, with UN and partner countries highlighting the need to translate the pledge into local action.

Child Marriage Push at UN: Sierra Leone led a UN General Assembly resolution making November 27 the International Day to end child, early and forced marriage, with India co-sponsoring and the First Lady Fatima Maada Bio calling it a “call to action” for stronger laws and institutions. Cross-Border Women Protection: In Pujehun, MARWOPNET trained border and security stakeholders on reporting mechanisms to protect cross-border women traders from sexual exploitation and abuse, drawing on research involving hundreds of women. Local Governance & Traditional Elections: The Ministry of Local Government convened stakeholders in Pujehun ahead of the Kpanga Krim chieftaincy election, with the ECSL promising a free, fair and orderly process. Political Developments: Vice President Juldeh Jalloh says former President Ernest Bai Koroma will return to Sierra Leone this weekend after treason charges were dropped, framed as national cohesion ahead of 2028. Security/Justice Capacity: CHRDI completed training for 128 RSLAF personnel on international humanitarian law and preventing GBV and SEA ahead of UN peacekeeping deployment. Education & Youth Support: Eastern Technical University has started construction of a new postgraduate complex, while GEED Foundation donated school supplies to 300 children in Freetown’s wharf communities. Disaster Preparedness: NDMA’s Erica Konneh urged more inclusive early warning systems at an Africa forum in Addis Ababa.

UN Diplomacy on Child Marriage: The UN General Assembly unanimously adopted Sierra Leone-led efforts to mark November 27 as the International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early and Forced Marriage, with First Lady Fatima Maada Bio calling it a “call to action” and urging sustained political will. Local Governance & Peace: Ahead of the Kpanga Krim Chieftaincy election, the Ministry of Local Government convened stakeholders in Pujehun to promote readiness and calm. Justice & National Cohesion: Vice President Juldeh Jalloh says former President Ernest Bai Koroma will return to Sierra Leone this weekend after treason charges were dropped. Security & Courts: A Freetown magistrate denied bail to a businessman accused under the Arms and Ammunition Act and remanded him for further hearing. Humanitarian Capacity: CHRDI trained 128 RSLAF personnel for UN peacekeeping, focusing on IHL and prevention of GBV/SEA. Education Support: GEED Foundation donated school supplies to 300 children in Freetown wharf communities. Political Outreach: LPP leader Pastor Mohamed Samuel Kamara visited Pujehun to introduce his party agenda and rally support for 2028. International Engagement: Sierra Leone’s President invited UAE officials to the West Africa Integration and Investment Summit in Freetown (Nov 17–18, 2026).

Education & Research Expansion: Eastern Technical University has started building a new postgraduate complex at its Panderu Town campus, with plans for a School of Postgraduate Studies plus an ICT training and innovation hub. Public Accountability: President Julius Maada Bio received the 2025 Annual Monitoring and Evaluation Report from NaMEA, urging tougher oversight so government programmes deliver results. Child Protection Diplomacy: First Lady Fatima Maada Bio helped secure UN adoption of an annual International Day to eliminate child, early and forced marriage on 27 November. Local Governance Push: VP Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh will hold the next leg of the decentralisation consultations in Makeni and Port Loko. Immigration Services Reform: Sierra Leone’s Immigration Department is moving to digitize passport services and expand access for Sierra Leoneans abroad under a 14-month plan. Anti-Corruption at the Port: Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh warned police against demanding bribes from truck drivers at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay. Rights & Land Concerns: A new report flags land access and benefit-sharing worries tied to a forestry carbon project in Tonkolili and Port Loko. Justice in the Courts: A Freetown magistrate denied bail to a businessman accused of illegal firearms possession, keeping him in custody pending further hearing.

Child Marriage Push at UN: Sierra Leone’s First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio helped secure UN General Assembly adoption of a resolution setting 27 November as an International Day to eliminate child, early and forced marriage, calling it a “call to action.” Decentralisation Consultations: Vice President Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh begins the second leg of the government’s regional decentralisation tour this weekend with consultations in Makeni and Port Loko. Immigration Reform: Sierra Leone’s Immigration Department plans to digitize passport services and expand diaspora access abroad under a 14-month reform plan, including online applications and support at selected centres. Port Decongestion, Anti-Bribery Warning: Chief Minister Dr David Moinina Sengeh warns police at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay against allegedly demanding money from truck drivers, saying offenders will face immediate consequences. Regional Justice & ICJ Bid: Sierra Leone renews its push for Professor Charles C. Jalloh’s International Court of Justice election, stressing fair geographical representation for West Africa. Legal Challenge to Constitutional Amendment: The Lawyers’ Society files a Supreme Court action challenging the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill, 2025, arguing constitutional procedures and voting thresholds must be properly followed. Public Health Digital Upgrade: NPHA and GOAL launch a roadmap to modernise Sierra Leone’s epidemic response through digital contact tracing. Human Rights Watchdog: CHRDI demands an independent investigation into alleged labour rights violations at the SLCAA.

Finance Leadership Handover: Sierra Leone’s outgoing Finance Minister Sheku Ahmed Bangura handed over to Karefa K. F. Kargbo, with both sides pledging continuity on fiscal reforms and closer coordination with MDAs. Public Accountability & Rights: The Independent Police Complaints Board clarified that recording police officers on duty is not a crime, while also noting the need for respectful conduct during police-citizen interactions. Water & Service Delivery: Guma Valley Water Company began installing 2,120 water meters across Freetown to improve billing accuracy and accountability, with only active customers currently being billed. Health & Justice: A High Court remanded businessman Ibrahim Kamara over alleged cannabis possession in Kono, while international coverage also flags the worsening Ebola situation in DR Congo and new vaccine trials. Governance & Oversight: Parliament’s oversight team learned SLPHA transferred $19m to government over three years, alongside port upgrades and new patrol vehicles. Diplomacy & Foreign Policy: Iran’s embassy in Sierra Leone posted a Minesweeper-style Hormuz taunt to “Uncle Sam” amid escalating US-Iran tensions. Human Rights Agenda: First Lady Fatima Bio arrived in New York to push a UN draft resolution to end child marriage, building on her “Hands Off Our Girls” campaign.

Finance Shake-Up: Sierra Leone’s new Finance Minister Karefa A. F. Kargbo was sworn in after a handover from Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, with pledges to strengthen fiscal performance and reforms. Housing, Jobs, Agriculture: Cabinet approved about US$73.8m in development financing to boost affordable housing, climate-resilient rice farming, food security and farmer incomes. Police Accountability: The Independent Police Complaints Board clarified that recording police officers on duty is not a crime, while also noting practical rules like the 72-hour licence production period. Tax Enforcement: The NRA sealed Mineret Company Limited over roughly US$1m in tax arrears and signalled more business crackdowns. Justice System: A High Court remanded businessman Ibrahim Kamara over alleged cannabis possession in Kono, while the Correctional Service proposed university education for people in custody. Ebola Watch (Regional): DRC Ebola deaths passed 3,000 with cases above 6,000, and WHO urged scaling up response and breaking transmission chains. Politics & 2028: APC flagbearer aspirant Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara denied supporting Solomon Berewa in 2007, as he positions for APC leadership ahead of 2028.