AGP Executive Report

Energy Deal in Freetown: ECOWAS leaders signed an intergovernmental agreement backing the Nigeria–Morocco African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, a nearly 6,900km project meant to move up to 30 billion cubic metres of natural gas yearly through 13 West African countries to Morocco and onward to Europe. Regional Politics: President John Dramani Mahama urged ECOWAS to close ranks and implement decisions that deliver peace and development, while Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye was elected ECOWAS chair, succeeding Julius Maada Bio. Xenophobia Diplomacy: ECOWAS endorsed Ghana’s petition to the African Union over xenophobic attacks in South Africa, with Nigeria and Ghana pushing for a united regional stance and AU action. Security on the Ground (Sierra Leone): Sierra Leone deployed 74 newly trained police officers to the Eastern Region to strengthen community policing and crime prevention ahead of the wider ECOWAS summit period. Migration Crackdown (Gambia): Gambia intercepted 43 prospective irregular migrants in Sifoe Village, including Gambians, Senegalese, and Sierra Leoneans, in a joint border operation.

ECOWAS Leadership Change: Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye was elected ECOWAS Chairman at the 69th summit in Sierra Leone, taking over from Julius Maada Bio, while Biram Diop was appointed President of the ECOWAS Commission. Xenophobia Row: Nigeria’s Tinubu, speaking through VP Kashim Shettima, urged ECOWAS to speak with one voice and push the South Africa xenophobia issue to the African Union, noting Nigeria has evacuated 1,490 citizens in seven batches. Energy Deal for the Region: West African leaders signed an intergovernmental agreement for the Nigeria–Morocco Atlantic gas pipeline, a roughly $25–$27bn project expected to run about 6,000–6,800km across 13 countries, with up to 30bn cubic metres of gas annually. Sierra Leone at the Summit: Sierra Leone wrapped up the 69th ECOWAS session in Lungi, highlighting renewed unity and commissioning of the ECOWAS Logistics Depot to boost peace and emergency response. Local Livelihoods: Sierra Leonean women are increasingly turning to rickshaw (kekeh) driving to survive amid unemployment, reshaping informal transport in Freetown. Port & Disaster Readiness: NDMA and the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority reaffirmed plans to coordinate port expansion with disaster preparedness, including temporary congestion measures at Hastings. Banking Recognition: Access Bank won 16 Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2026, citing strength in digital banking, SME support, sustainability, and customer experience.

ECOWAS Summit in Freetown/Lungi: Sierra Leone hosted the 69th ECOWAS Heads of State and Government summit with major venue upgrades, including the Julius Maada Bio International Convention Centre inaugurated in Lungi as leaders arrived. Regional diplomacy: Nigeria’s VP Kashim Shettima travelled to represent President Tinubu, while ECOWAS ministers backed Ghana’s AU petition over xenophobia and endorsed the “Accra Next Steps” reparatory justice push. Former president returns: Ernest Bai Koroma arrived in Sierra Leone for the summit after treason charges were discontinued, with Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr welcoming him at Lungi. Local politics and accountability: APC MPs said they will scrutinise the cost of the Julius Maada Bio conference centre for value-for-money. Health and training: A Chinese medical team launched hybrid Traditional Chinese Medicine nursing training for local nurses, and Sierra Leone also ramped up health preparedness ahead of the summit. Public safety: Police chief Fayia Sellu urged recruits to stay disciplined during on-the-job training. Human interest: Women in Freetown increasingly turn to rickshaw (kekeh) driving to survive amid weak job prospects.

ECOWAS Summit Boost: Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio commissioned the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre and the ECOWAS Logistics Depot in Lungi, calling them strategic assets for regional peace, emergency response, and preparedness ahead of the 69th ECOWAS Authority summit. Regional Diplomacy: Vice President Juldeh Jalloh framed the projects as proof of “Sierra Leonean Exceptionalism,” while the Speaker of Parliament Segepoh Solomon Thomas said the summit shows Sierra Leone is ready to drive a “borderless” West Africa. Education Oversight: Parliament’s Information and Civic Education committee summoned Sierra Leone News Agency (SLENA) over performance and finances, noting procurement funds for 2026 have not been released. Higher Education Reform: The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education re-engaged Tertiary Education Commission staff to strengthen quality assurance and higher education reforms. Security & Drugs: Police and RSLAF arrested three suspects at Mile 38 Checkpoint for suspected cannabis possession; investigations continue. Football Discipline & Promotion: SLFA’s Emergency Disciplinary Committee upheld Waterloo FC’s forfeit win after the Marampa Stars playoff semifinal was abandoned, confirming Waterloo’s promotion; meanwhile Bo Rangers won the Leone Rock Premier League for a fourth straight season.

ECOWAS Summit in Freetown: President Julius Maada Bio and First Lady Fatima Bio arrived in Lungi for the 69th ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government session, with Sierra Leone hosting regional leaders to tackle peace and security, economic integration and democratic governance. Health Preparedness: The Ministry of Health has deployed ambulances, “Hospital on Wheels” and medical teams to Lungi ahead of the summit, with doctors stationed at the conference centre for rapid response. Regional Politics: ECOWAS ministers opened a two-day meeting in Freetown calling for unity and institutional reforms to restore public confidence in the integration project. Public Debate: Veteran journalist Thomas Dixon questioned Bio’s ECOWAS-focused push and hinted at a possible cabinet reshuffle after the summit. Sports: Waterloo FC secured promotion to the Premier League after SLFA disciplinary action following an abandoned playoff semifinal against Marampa Stars. Youth & Skills: Minister Haja Ramatulai Wurie urged youth inclusion in decision-making at an EU-Sierra Leone youth dialogue, while Sierra Leone’s NPAA began IMET assessments for protected areas. Health Crisis Watch: Police arrested a man in Kono with 104 wraps of suspected Kush as authorities intensify anti-drug efforts.

ECOWAS Summit Prep: Sierra Leone is stepping up health readiness in Lungi for the 18–19 July ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit, with ambulances, “Hospital on Wheels,” and doctors stationed at the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre. Youth & Governance: Minister Haja Ramatulai Wurie urged youth inclusion at the EU–Sierra Leone Youth Dialogue, while the EU-backed push highlights young people at the centre of decision-making. Protected Areas: NPAA began a five-day IMET assessment of five national parks and sanctuaries to improve biodiversity management. Sports: SLFA awarded Waterloo FC promotion after Marampa Stars’ abandoned play-off match over crowd violence and misconduct; in other football news, Leone Stars coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa is set to receive an official vehicle. Health & Infrastructure: China donated ICT equipment to support Sierra Leone’s 600-bed hospital project, now over 90% complete. Economy/Finance: Access Bank won 16 Euromoney Awards, including “Best Bank” recognition for Sierra Leone. Justice & Politics: Sierra Leone dropped treason charges against former President Ernest Bai Koroma on health grounds, allowing him to return. Travel Access: Sierra Leone was excluded again from South Africa’s 2026 visa-free list. Public Safety: Police in Kono arrested a man with 104 wraps of suspected Kush amid the ongoing drug crisis. Digital Media: A survey found 54% of Freetown residents rely on social media for news.

ECOWAS Summit Prep: President Bio toured the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre in Lungi, saying it is “buzzing with anticipation” ahead of the 69th ECOWAS Heads of State summit, as Sierra Leone finalises hosting plans. Regional Integration Push: Nigeria backed the West Africa Integration and Investment Summit (WAIIS-2026) as a flagship ECOWAS platform, urging stronger financial discipline and deeper private-sector participation. Judicial-Marine Cooperation: Sierra Leone is set to join a Nigeria-hosted International Maritime Seminar for Judges in Abuja (22–24 July), bringing together chief justices and judges from across West Africa to tackle maritime dispute adjudication. Politics & Justice: Former President Ernest Bai Koroma’s treason case was discontinued, with Goodluck Jonathan praising the move as statesmanship and reconciliation—while observers note the legal precedent it may set for future prosecutions. Digital Shift in Freetown: A Meraki Analytics survey found 54% of residents rely on social media for news, with 23% still using radio/TV/newspapers. Cybersecurity Skills: A Sierra Leonean cybersecurity researcher in India plans to return home with drone forensics and AI-driven crime-scene expertise to strengthen digital security and investigations. Sports & Tourism: Government unveiled a Community Beach Sports Tourism Initiative linking beach football/volleyball with cleaner-coast efforts, targeting events around major festivals. Agriculture Deal: Sierra Leone and Korea signed a $5.6m rice project to modernise production in Kambia (2026–2030). Visa Shock: A new U.S. proclamation lists Sierra Leone among countries facing suspended new visa issuance from 1 Jan 2026, affecting travel planning for many.

ECOWAS Summit Readiness: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health inspected Lungi Government Hospital ahead of the 69th ECOWAS Heads of State and Government Summit, focusing on emergency response, critical care and newly equipped A&E and High Dependency units. Human Rights Milestone: CHRDI welcomed Sierra Leone’s ratification of the African Court Protocol, saying it strengthens justice, accountability and access to rights through the continental system. Appeal Watch: Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr visited convicted musician and activist Zainab Sheriff at the female correctional centre, saying both remain hopeful for a successful appeal. US Visa Shift: The U.S. Embassy in Freetown will stop routine visa processing from 1 August 2026, directing applicants to regional centres in Monrovia, Accra or Dakar while keeping American Citizen Services open. Fuel Prices: NPRA said Sierra Leone continues fuel subsidies for 15–31 July 2026 to cushion consumers from international price changes and keep regulated pump prices stable. Digital Banking: Rokel Bank MD Dr. Walton Gilpin is set to deliver an IPAM lecture on digital trust, customer relationship management and financial inclusion. Local Livelihoods: A Sierra Leone farming programme is helping amputees learn sustainable agriculture and start small income-generating plots.

Health & Training: A 27th batch of China’s Hunan medical team delivered “First Responder” emergency care training at Central University, reaching nearly 150 nursing students and faculty with practical airway-management simulations. Justice & Rights: Sierra Leone’s High Court opened trial of five people accused of forcibly initiating a woman into the Bondo Society through alleged forced FGM. Politics & Rule of Law: Sierra Leone discontinued the treason case against former President Ernest Bai Koroma, ending proceedings and bail conditions, while a legal advocate urged the court to formally acquit and discharge for finality. ECOWAS in Freetown: ECOWAS finance and macroeconomic officials met Sierra Leone’s finance leadership ahead of the mid-year summit, as Nigeria urged stronger ECOWAS unity against terrorism and called for prompt payment of the community levy. Social Protection: First Lady Fatima Maada Bio and police officials renewed efforts to fight child marriage and SGBV under “Hands Off Our Girls.” Community Resilience: A Sierra Leone farming programme is helping amputees rebuild lives through sustainable agriculture and small commercial plots. Sports: Leone Stars goalkeeper Francis Koroma completed a move to Nigeria’s Katsina United FC.

ECOWAS Summit Prep: ECOWAS’s Finance Committee wrapped up a three-day meeting in Freetown, feeding recommendations into the July 19 summit agenda on governance and financial management. Regional Economy Talks: ECOWAS Macroeconomics Commissioner Dr Kalilou Sylla met Sierra Leone’s Finance Minister ahead of the mid-year summit, focusing on infrastructure, digital payments and the ECO single-currency roadmap. Domestic Justice: Sierra Leone’s government dropped treason charges against former President Ernest Bai Koroma, with public debate now turning to whether the legal process will be formally closed in court. Child Protection: First Lady Fatima Maada Bio and police leadership renewed collaboration to combat child marriage and SGBV under the “Hands Off Our Girls” push. Labour Rights: MELSS, ECOWAS and the ILO launched a workshop in Freetown to strengthen protection and enforcement for domestic workers. Health Supply: NMSA intensified nationwide distribution of essential medicines and supplies across multiple districts. Public Health Systems: NPHA concluded a leadership workshop to strengthen Sierra Leone’s national public health institute capacity. Drug Crisis: Kush continues to claim young lives, with renewed calls for prevention and rehabilitation. Travel Compliance: SLCAA reminded international passengers to complete the online Health Declaration before flying to Freetown. Parliament Oversight: Speaker Thomas plans a performance assessment system for MPs, and Parliament moved toward an MPs’ healthcare and insurance scheme. Culture & Youth: Actors Guild Sierra Leone met the Freetown Mayor to explore partnerships for creative industries and youth empowerment.

Treason Case Update: Sierra Leone has dropped treason charges against former President Ernest Bai Koroma, citing health grounds, clearing the way for his return from Nigeria and reigniting debate over peace, reconciliation, and whether justice was applied consistently. Public Health Systems: In Freetown, the National Public Health Agency wrapped up a leadership workshop to strengthen surveillance, labs, emergency response, and governance, while the National Medical Supplies Agency intensified nationwide distribution of essential medicines and supplies across multiple districts. Healthcare Under Heat Stress: Freetown City Council trained frontline health workers to tackle heat-related illnesses as extreme heat risks rise. Parliament Welfare & Performance: Parliament moved to introduce a healthcare and insurance scheme for MPs and a performance assessment system to track attendance, conduct, and contributions. Travel Compliance: SLCAA reminded international passengers to complete the online Sierra Leone Health Declaration before travel to avoid delays. Local Accountability: A USL staff member alleged police assault in Freetown, with no official police response reported yet. Sports & Youth: NSA announced a nationwide football tournament for Kekeh and bike riders to promote unity and identify talent.

ECOWAS Summit Prep: The UN Country Team met Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister in Freetown to coordinate preparations for the upcoming ECOWAS mid-year summit in Lungi, with both sides reaffirming support for regional integration and development priorities. Former President Koroma Case Closed: Sierra Leone’s Attorney-General discontinued criminal proceedings against former President Ernest Bai Koroma; the notice says the case is no longer before any court, his bail ends immediately, and he is free to return home. Road Rehabilitation (Moyamba): NaCSA has started rehabilitating the Njama–Manor feeder road (Segment III) in Moyamba, aiming to improve access for farmers, traders, and schoolchildren, supported by KfW through German Financial Cooperation. Health & Climate Resilience: Freetown City Council launched training for frontline healthcare workers to strengthen responses to extreme heat, as part of a wider heat-health action plan. Tertiary Sports Push: The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education and the Sports Ministry renewed plans to revive tertiary sports through better facilities and inter-collegiate competitions. Parliament MPs’ Welfare: The Leader of Government Business says a motion on MPs’ welfare will soon be tabled, framing improved lawmakers’ conditions as a right. Fuel Costs Watch: Reports say Nigeria’s petrol import landing costs jumped over 15% amid Middle East tensions, raising regional fuel-price concerns.

Former President Koroma Case Closed: Sierra Leone’s Attorney-General has filed a notice to discontinue all criminal proceedings against former President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, ending the treason-related case and discharging his bail so he can return home. ECOWAS Summit Logistics & Spending Debate: Opposition figure Femi Claudius-Cole criticised government spending on the $124m Lungi International Conference Centre, arguing summit costs should go to citizens instead. Power Sector Funding: The IMF says Sierra Leone needs an extra US$42.5m this year to help EDSA meet payments to independent power producers and avoid electricity disruptions. Road Safety Call: Residents in Bo urged SLRSA to remove a truck parked on New Gerihun Road for nearly a week, warning of crash risks. Justice & Crime in Freetown: A civil servant appeared in court over alleged theft of US$5,210, while another man was sentenced to 18 months for stealing T-shirts (with an option to avoid custody if restitution is made). Regional Cooperation: Sierra Leone and China held talks on early warning and security collaboration, while Nigeria’s High Commissioner presented credentials to President Bio. Visa Updates Affect Travellers: UK entry-clearance rules now cover Sierra Leone and other African countries for travel or transit, and Kenya’s visa-free list includes Sierra Leone but not Nigeria.

ECOWAS Summit Prep in Freetown: Sierra Leone’s government says about 600 delegates are expected for the 18–19 July ECOWAS Summit, with preparations finished and hotels nearing full occupancy. Security & Cleanliness Drive: RSLAF and police have started a major clean-up in Lungi ahead of the summit, targeting sanitation and key entry points for visiting leaders. Diplomacy: Nigeria’s High Commissioner presented Letters of Credence to President Julius Maada Bio, pledging stronger ties. Health Cooperation: Sierra Leone and China launched a Nursing Training Center in Freetown to boost the national health workforce. Economy & Revenue: The IMF commended Sierra Leone’s progress but urged deeper revenue reforms to better withstand shocks. Pensions Assurance: NASSIT says pension payments remain uninterrupted despite scrutiny of some investments. Local Governance & Skills: Freetown City Council councillors completed computer literacy training to improve digital service delivery. Human Security: China’s defence attaché met Sierra Leone’s early warning centre to explore security cooperation and staff training. Public Safety: An elderly woman in Ganta, Liberia, was electrocuted after a high-tension line fell in heavy rain.

Education & Youth: Sierra Leone’s COMAHS reiterates a strict 75% attendance rule for semester exams, warning of “no sacred cow” enforcement after students circulated inaccurate claims. Health & Training: Sierra Leone and China inaugurated a Nursing Training Center at the China-Sierra Leone Friendship Hospital in Freetown to boost nursing capacity and skills transfer; WAHO also marked its 39th anniversary calling for stronger ECOWAS cooperation, financing, tech and preparedness. Politics & Governance: SLPP leaders held high-level consultations on the possible return of former President Ernest Bai Koroma, stressing constitutional due process and national unity. Diplomacy: Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner Kaisamba presented Letters of Credence to Togo’s President, while Nigeria reaffirmed ties after its envoy presented credentials in Freetown. Regional Meetings: ECOWAS’s Administration and Finance Committee opened in Freetown ahead of the mid-year summit. Economy & Revenue: The IMF reports Sierra Leone saw about a 10% revenue shortfall in Q1 2026, mainly linked to weak tax compliance. International Travel: UK updated visa rules affecting Nigerians and many other African countries, with entry clearance required for short visits.

ECOWAS Summit Prep: Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh inspected the newly completed Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre in Lungi ahead of the 19 July ECOWAS Heads of State summit. Regional Finance: The 39th ECOWAS Administration and Finance Committee session opened in Freetown at Bintumani, setting the agenda for the mid-year summit. Diplomacy: Nigeria reaffirmed ties with Sierra Leone after its High Commissioner presented Letters of Credence to President Bio; Bio also received new envoys from Nigeria, Jamaica and Angola. Energy & Power: Parliament ratified amendments for the 120MW Bekongor III Hydroelectric Power Project, with tariff adjustments and expected job creation. City Sanitation: Freetown City Council and police begin strict enforcement of sanitation byelaws under the DortiMusGo campaign, with fines for non-compliance. Justice & Safety: Chief Justice Kamanda made an unannounced inspection of Kenema’s new sexual offences model court; meanwhile, heavy downpour in Upper Jalloh Terrace killed two children. Health Outreach: WACP (Liberia chapter) launched a free specialist medical outreach in New Kru Town; WAHO marked its 39th anniversary calling for stronger regional health cooperation. Sports & FIFA: FIFA says it will examine a proposal to expand the World Cup to 64 teams from 2030—an opening that could boost Sierra Leone’s qualification hopes. Education: Minister Conrad Sackey visited Nyapui School of Excellence for Girls in Kenema after repeated fire damage; partners also pledged support to rebuild. Online Child Protection: Authorities urged the public to stop sharing a viral alleged child abuse video, warning reposts can be criminal.