AGP Executive Report

Court Fight: Wi Duti Movement chair Zainab Sheriff has taken her four-year incitement conviction to the High Court, as government moves to block the appeal. Anti-Corruption/Justice: Opposition MP Kamarainba Mansaray renewed calls for bail for Admire Bio, reportedly held at CID over an alleged gold scam, while Vickie Remoe publicly questioned the case and a proposed “Aminata” oil concession. Human Rights & Policing: A traffic police officer at Mile 91 is accused of handcuffing a driver to a tree, triggering demands for accountability and proper procedure. Health System Pressure: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health investigated rising maternal deaths at Bo Regional Hospital, citing preventable causes and referral, staffing, and documentation gaps. Education Policy: MBSSE signed an MoU with J-PAL Africa to strengthen evidence-based education decisions and improve the school subsidy programme. Local Governance/Resettlement: MoPED joined EDSA for on-the-spot verification of project affected persons in Pujehun under the ESLEAP energy access programme. International Spotlight: UN Secretary-General António Guterres appointed Nigerian Ahunna Eziakonwa as Special Adviser on Africa, succeeding Cristina Duarte. Human Trafficking: Chief Minister Sengeh said a trafficking operation involving 63 people was intercepted and victims are being prepared for reintegration.

Bail and rights row: Opposition figure Mohamed Kamarainba Mansaray urged Police IGP William Fayia Sellu to grant bail to Admire Bio, reportedly detained at CID over an alleged gold scam, arguing for rule of law and due process. First Lady education cost debate: Kamarainba also questioned the reported $210,000+ cost of First Lady Fatima Bio’s UCLA graduation, pushing for investment in local universities. Health system pressure: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health launched an investigation into rising maternal deaths at Bo Hospital, citing preventable causes and referral/documentation gaps. Human trafficking bust: Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh said 63 people were intercepted in a major trafficking operation into Guinea and promised safe reintegration for victims. Hajj reforms claim: Sengeh defended new Hajj administration changes, saying the programme is now more transparent, debt-free, and safer. Police-professionalism concerns: A traffic police officer at Mile 91 was accused of handcuffing a driver to a tree, sparking calls for accountability. UN appointment with Sierra Leone links: UN Secretary-General António Guterres appointed Nigerian Ahunna Eziakonwa as Special Adviser on Africa, with prior senior roles including in Liberia and Sierra Leone. Education policy push: MBSSE signed an MoU with J-PAL Africa to strengthen evidence-based education decisions and improve the school subsidy programme. Human rights partnership: HRCSL signed an MoU with Men on a Mission Global to coordinate action on justice, gender equality, mental health, youth empowerment, and community protection. Drug enforcement: Police arrested two suspects at Jendema border with suspected Tramadol/Tapentadol, renewing public concern over illicit drugs.

Housing & Accountability: Southwark Council in London has repossessed a two-bedroom social housing flat rented by Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Fatima Jabbe-Bio, after a year-long investigation into alleged tenancy misuse; the council says the property will be reassigned to families on its waiting list. First Lady vs Opposition: Fatima Bio responded to Sylvia Blyden’s criticism, accusing the APC of spreading fake news and insisting eviction in the UK requires a court order. Urban Governance: Freetown City Council announced price caps for “Dorti Mus Go” waste collection, setting maximum charges by waste weight for households and businesses to curb arbitrary pricing. Public Finance & Courts: A man, Amadu Kamara, was remanded at Pademba Road Court over alleged theft from the Ministry of Finance, including items stolen from the ITC unit. Police-Media Relations: IGP William Fayia Sellu urged stronger police–journalist partnership at the SLAJ AGM, stressing responsible journalism and public trust. Drugs & Borders: Police arrested two Sierra Leoneans at Jendema border with 974 cards and packs of suspected Tramadol/Tapentadol, with investigations ongoing. Education Partnerships: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Technical and Higher Education met Nigeria’s NTAC to deepen university capacity, including plans for a second medical school at Njala University. International Appointments: UN Secretary-General António Guterres appointed Nigeria’s Ahunna Eziakonwa as Special Adviser on Africa, with prior senior roles including posts in Sierra Leone.

Housing & Local Governance: Government signed an MOU for affordable housing and university student hostels, while IGR and MoPED launched Local Council Development Plans to boost citizen participation and service delivery. Freetown Environment: PI-CREF and Mayor Aki-Sawyerr reviewed progress on the Tree Town initiative and discussed moving toward a municipal carbon credit programme by September 2026. Parliament & Appointments: Parliament approved six presidential nominees, including regional commissioners for the Local Government Service Commission and a DG for the Public Transport Authority. Economy & Investment: NIB boss Dr Edward Hinga Sandy urged stronger investment support for SMEs at an investor roundtable aimed at turning interest into closed deals. First Lady Politics: First Lady Fatima Bio responded to Sylvia Blyden amid renewed controversy over APC-linked fake news, while London’s Southwark Council moved to reclaim a subsidised flat tied to her tenancy. Legal/Anti-Corruption: ACC-SL and LACC reaffirmed cross-border anti-corruption cooperation, including personnel exchanges and joint investigations. Public Services: Freetown Polytechnic received major classroom furniture support under a China Education Project. Energy Politics: Information Minister Chernor Bah said SLPP could win a landslide in 2028 if energy becomes the campaign focus.

ECOWAS Trade Warning: West African trade ministers in Accra warned that bilateral deals struck outside the ECOWAS customs framework could weaken the bloc’s bargaining power, as they pushed to cut border costs and boost intra-regional trade. Education Support: Sierra Leone’s Technical and Higher Education ministry handed Freetown Polytechnic a major classroom furniture boost under the China Education Project, with thousands of desks and chairs planned nationwide. Anti-Corruption Cooperation: Sierra Leone’s ACC and Liberia’s LACC reaffirmed cross-border anti-corruption work, including personnel exchanges and “borderless investigation” protocols. Immigration Decentralisation: Sierra Leone expanded immigration services to Bo, aiming to reduce citizens’ need to travel to Freetown for passports and related services. Electoral Legal Reforms: The Electoral Commission met the Attorney General to kick off a review of Sierra Leone’s electoral laws, targeting reforms from June to December 2026. Justice System Capacity: Sudreau Global Justice Institute ran commercial mediation and plea-bargaining trainings for judicial leaders across Africa, including Sierra Leone. Human Rights Oversight: HRCSL told Parliament that enforcement of Sierra Leone’s Sexual Offences Law remains only partially effective, citing gaps in forensic capacity and prosecutions. Maritime Modernisation: Parliament passed a revised Merchant Shipping Act, with the maritime administration calling it a milestone for investment and security at sea. Sports & National Focus: Leone Stars wrapped up friendlies vs Liberia 1-0 and 3-1, with preparations shifting to AFCON 2027.

Non-Refoulement Clash: Sierra Leone is accused of breaching its international legal duties by taking in US-deported third-country nationals and then returning them to their home countries, despite risks of persecution or torture. First Lady Under Fire: APC figure Sylvia Blyden urged First Lady Fatima Bio to stop linking the APC to her personal controversies, as London authorities move to seize and evict her taxpayer-subsidised council flat. Electoral Legal Reforms: The Electoral Commission met the Attorney General to kick off a June–December 2026 overhaul of Sierra Leone’s election laws, including the Public Elections Act. Anti-Drug Pressure: Government says it’s intensifying cooperation with Western partners to find fugitive cocaine kingpin “Bolle Jos,” amid EU and Dutch aid pressure. Child Protection: The Gender Minister lamented Parliament’s removal of an anti-FGM clause for minors from the revised Child Rights Act. Food Security Push: A new report warns hunger worsens when climate and conflict hit health and food systems without coordination. Sports & Youth Football: Leone Stars drew level with Liberia after a 1-0 win and a 3-1 loss, while SLFA launched a CAF C Diploma coaching course in Freetown. Townhall Announcement: Government confirmed a Presidential Townhall 2026 in Makeni on 30 June, focused on the Big Five, the economy, gender empowerment, and ECOWAS/global leadership.

First Lady Housing Probe: Southwark Council has finally evicted Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Fatima Jabbe-Bio, from a taxpayer-subsidised London council flat after a 12-month investigation found it wasn’t her principal residence. EU Aviation Safety: The EU Air Safety List update bans 154 airlines from European skies, with Sierra Leone among countries whose certified carriers are barred due to inadequate oversight. Anti-FGM Fight: The Gender Minister says Parliament removed an anti-FGM clause for minors from the revised Child Rights Act, while a chief minister is accused of failing to act on alleged Bondo initiation of schoolgirls. Governance & Contracts: ILRAJ demands full disclosure on the Government Printing Department modernisation deal, questioning the legal basis and revenue-sharing terms. Clean Cooking Strategy: Sierra Leone convenes a national workshop to push its clean cooking agenda, aiming to cut firewood/charcoal use and improve health and livelihoods. Sports Administration: SLFA launches a CAF C Diploma coaching course in Freetown and clarifies the new Leone Stars coach’s salary and three-year mandate. Regional Security: ECOWAS marks 51 years by stressing coordinated action against trafficking, drugs and irregular migration.

Regional Security Agenda: Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner Martha Kanagbo, speaking at ECOWAS’s 51st anniversary in The Gambia, urged member states to confront trafficking, drug abuse and irregular migration with intelligence and enforcement that are regional by default. Leone Stars Governance: The Sierra Leone Football Association moved to cool salary rumours around new head coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa, saying he has a three-year mandate to qualify for AFCON 2027 and that pay is handled by government via the NSA and Ministry of Sports. Anti-Corruption Push: ICPC and Kenya’s EACC called for Africa-wide, evidence-based anti-graft strategies that rely on shared learning and cross-border cooperation rather than siloed national efforts. Parliament & Justice Reform: Sierra Leone’s Parliament ratified the International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed) convention and the Second Optional Protocol to the ICCPR on abolishing the death penalty. Public Procurement Oversight: NPPA and SLRA jointly monitored feeder road works in western Freetown, checking quality, specifications and timelines to strengthen accountability. Sports Result: Leone Stars lost 3–1 to Liberia in Monrovia in a heated friendly, with a late red card shaping the final minutes.

Parliament & Justice: 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, as the Attorney General framed both as part of the country’s reform and justice agenda. Government Appointments: President Bio swore in Ahmed Saybom Kanu as Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, and also appointed academic Joe A. D. Alie as Chancellor of Eastern Technical University. Local Oversight & Infrastructure: NPPA and SLRA jointly monitored feeder road projects across western Freetown, checking progress, material quality, and compliance with specifications. Public Finance: Sierra Leone’s public debt stock closed 2025 at NLe 62.7 billion, with external debt still the larger share and 2026 projections pointing to further increases. Civic Engagement: Government announced the 2026 National Presidential Town Hall for June 30 in Makeni under the “Year of Action” theme. Health & Maternal Care: Princess Christian Maternity Hospital reported maternal deaths falling from 84 (2024) to 64 (2025), targeting near-zero preventable cases by 2026. Education & Digital Skills: MBSSE explored a partnership with China’s Legden Holdings to bring AI, coding, and robotics into classrooms, while a deputy minister called for dedicated digital investment funds to scale digital learning across Africa. Sports & Diplomacy: Leone Stars lost 3–1 to Liberia in Monrovia’s friendly return leg, while SLFA President Babadi Kamara departed for FIFA World Cup opening events and the FIFA Summit. Humanitarian/Community Support: ChildFund distributed school and baby kits to support girls re-enrolled under a KOICA-funded education project. International Pressure on Sierra Leone: An EU lawmaker urged the European Commission to press Sierra Leone to extradite convicted fugitive Jos Leijdekkers, linking the case to Europe-bound cocaine trafficking concerns.

Leone Stars in Monrovia: Sierra Leone’s national team held final match-situation training and a last team meeting ahead of Tuesday’s Liberia friendly at the SKD Stadium, with caretaker coach John Edward Keister and newly appointed head coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa urging discipline and unity. SLFA leadership abroad: SLFA President Babadi Kamara left for FIFA World Cup opening events in Mexico City and a FIFA Summit in Miami, aiming to deepen international football ties. Public finance watch: Sierra Leone’s public debt stock closed 2025 at NLe 62.7bn, with external debt still dominating and projections pointing to further rise by end-2026. Civic engagement: Government announced the 2026 National Presidential Town Hall will be held June 30 in Makeni under the “Year of Action” theme, continuing decentralised dialogue with President Julius Maada Bio. Health progress: Princess Christian Maternity Hospital reported maternal deaths falling from 84 (2024) to 64 (2025), targeting near-zero preventable cases by 2026 with specialist staffing and partner support. Education & skills: Deputy Minister Sarjoh Aziz-Kamara called for dedicated digital investment funds at an Accra digital education round table, stressing financing for digital learning and TVET readiness. Hajj logistics: The final batch of 267 home-based Hajj pilgrims departed Makkah for Freetown, expected to arrive early Wednesday. International spotlight: EU moves to pressure Sierra Leone over cocaine trafficking and extradition failures are back in focus, with Parliament urging tougher action.

Drug Trafficking & EU Pressure: Sierra Leone is facing fresh EU scrutiny after European Parliament lawmakers urged tougher action over alleged cocaine trafficking links and extradition failures, including possible sanctions and suspension of development support. Anti-Crime & Police Discipline: Sierra Leone’s Internal Affairs Minister ordered tougher action on police discipline, warning against extortion at checkpoints and directing faster handling of pending cases. Gender-Based Violence Watch: The Salone Development Scorecard reports physical and sexual assault cases remain high, with 3,053 reported by Rainbo Centres in 2025 and police recording 15,188 cases involving women and children. Freetown Justice Debate: Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr visited imprisoned social commentator Zainab Sheriff and questioned consistency in how the law is applied after her conviction. Health Security at Borders: The Ministry of Health launched a Health Travel Portal at Lungi requiring travellers to submit health and travel history 72 hours ahead to strengthen surveillance and outbreak response. Ebola Preparedness: Health officials and partners discussed readiness planning, including using regional expertise from countries that have handled Ebola outbreaks. Local Governance & Services: Pujehun residents renewed calls for a mortuary facility and better hospital facilities during a civic engagement series. Sports & Transparency: SLFA disclosed revenue from the Leone Stars’ friendly vs Liberia and the team arrived in Monrovia for the return match.

Police Discipline Push: Sierra Leone’s Internal Affairs Minister Morie Lengor ordered tougher action on police discipline, warning against booking and extortion at checkpoints and directing faster handling of pending cases. Health Security at Borders: The Ministry of Health launched a Sierra Leone Health Travel Portal at Lungi Airport, requiring travellers to submit health and travel details 72 hours ahead to strengthen surveillance and speed screening amid Ebola concerns. Maternal and Child Deaths: Health Minister Austin Demby urged system reform at community, household and facility levels, calling health workers to become “Triple Zero Champions” to cut preventable maternal and newborn deaths. Violence Against Children Data: A Salone Development Scorecard report says physical and sexual assault cases remain high, with Rainbo Centres and police figures showing domestic violence and rape still far above targets. Freetown Politics & Justice: Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr visited imprisoned social commentator Zainab Sheriff, reigniting debate over consistency in how the law is applied. Sports Governance: SLFA disclosed Leone Stars vs Liberia friendly revenue (Le 336,270) and unveiled new coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa as the team prepares for the return leg. Party Expansion: APC commissioned the Sat Koroma Memorial Hall at Mamamah near the proposed airport city site. Regional Watch: Reuters reports Central African Republic agreed to accept US “third-country deportees,” adding to similar deals involving Sierra Leone.

Leone Stars vs Liberia: Sierra Leone edged Liberia 1-0 at the Southern Arena in Bo, with Abdul Jarju Kabia scoring in the 67th minute, setting up a return leg in Monrovia on Tuesday. Football Governance: The SLFA’s appointment of French coach Didier Gomes da Rosa has sparked public debate, with fans and musician Camouflage questioning the sidelining of Mohamed Kallon and reported pay differences. Parliament & Accountability: Parliament launched an investigation into “Musa Dollar” Musa Koroma over alleged illegal fees and government contracts, including container charges and a 2021 NCRA deal. Health Policy: The Basic and Senior Secondary Education Minister Conrad Sackey announced planned legislation to criminalise examination malpractice. Public Health & Ebola Preparedness: Sierra Leone’s Ebola readiness and surveillance messaging continues amid wider regional concern, while a virologist urged caution and transparency in outbreak claims. Women’s Rights (FGM): The Fatima Bio FGM controversy continues to ripple through national debate, with renewed arguments over Sierra Leone’s legal position and international pressure. Local Services: SLPTA confirmed a Kissy Bus Depot fire destroyed five government buses and reported no casualties.

Municipal Governance & Accountability: A new commentary argues Freetown’s decay is “popularized” because authority is blurred between city and central government, leaving citizens unsure who plans, regulates, funds, and maintains. Parliament Oversight: Parliament has launched an investigation into “Musa Dollar” Musa Koroma’s business dealings, probing alleged illegal fees and government contracts, including container charges tied to CTN certificates and a revenue contract for cash registers. Health & Preparedness: Sierra Leone’s Ebola readiness remains in focus as debates on transparency and vigilance continue; meanwhile, the Ministry of Basic Education says it will criminalise examination malpractice to protect the credibility of national certificates. Women’s Rights & FGM Politics: The First Lady’s latest FGM-related controversy keeps the debate hot, with multiple voices arguing over legality, UN commitments, and the role of Bondo-related practices. Sports & National Pride: Leone Stars beat Liberia 1-0 in Bo, with Abdul Jarju Kabia scoring, as the SLFA unveils coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa and fans look to the Monrovia return leg. Public Services: SLPTA says a fire at Kissy Bus Depot destroyed five government buses and reports no casualties, while investigations continue. Energy & Housing: Kandeh Yumkella commissioned an Integrated Energy Centre in Fogbo, and Sierra Leone signed an MoU in Dakar for affordable housing for civil and public servants.

Leone Stars vs Liberia: Sierra Leone beat Liberia 1-0 in Bo’s Southern Arena friendly, with Abdul Jarju Kabia scoring in the 66th minute; the return leg is Tuesday in Monrovia. Sports Governance: SLFA appointment politics stay hot as Camouflage criticises the choice of French coach Didier Gomes da Rosa over Mohamed Kallon. Public Health & Preparedness: Sierra Leone’s health system gets a boost with a Mercy Ships partnership extension, while Ebola preparedness remains in focus amid renewed DRC cases. Social Protection: NASSIT seeks to extend social security to Sierra Leone’s informal workers, and the Social Welfare Ministry received a UNFPA vehicle to expand obstetric fistula care. Education Integrity: The Basic Education Ministry plans legislation to criminalise examination malpractice. Local Services: SLPTA says a Kissy Bus Depot fire destroyed five government buses and no casualties have been reported. Economy & Connectivity: Communications Minister Salima Bah cites $400m telecom investment since 2021 and improved fibre coverage. Housing: Sierra Leone signs an MoU for affordable housing for civil and public servants via So Afri Loge.

Education Integrity Push: Sierra Leone’s Basic and Senior Secondary Education Minister Conrad Sackey says new legislation will criminalise examination malpractice, warning that “real success does not need leakage” and targeting fraud across the academic system. Public Health at Borders: The Health Ministry and NPHA have launched a Health Travel Portal at Freetown International Airport to streamline health checks and traveller documentation. Food Security Surveillance: Agriculture received motorbikes and diagnostic tools to strengthen border surveillance at Freetown Port, Lungi Airport, Gbalamuya and Jendema. Social Protection & Housing: NASSIT, with Egypt’s embassy, moves to extend social security to Sierra Leone’s informal workers, while Sierra Leone signed an MoU with So Afri Loge for affordable housing for civil and public servants. Governance & Rule of Law: The Sierra Leone Bar Association leadership dispute is back in focus after the National Investment Board received an urgent application over the AGM postponement. Transport Incident: A fire at the SLRA Kissy parking ground destroyed five government buses; causes are under investigation. Politics & Economy: A CHRDI poll says more Sierra Leoneans trust APC than SLPP on economy and security. Ebola Preparedness: Sierra Leone highlights ongoing preparedness as DRC cases remain a concern, with renewed focus on safety planning.