AGP Executive Report

Judiciary Health Upgrade: Sierra Leone’s Judiciary has started work on its first-ever Judiciary Clinic in Freetown, with a sod-turning ceremony at the Main Law Courts Building to support judges, magistrates and staff with dedicated care facilities. Water Regulation: The Sierra Leone Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission (SLEWRC) has set approved sachet water prices nationwide and warned operators against selling above the rates or reducing the 500ml standard. Football Camp: Leone Stars began intensive training ahead of two FIFA-friendly matches against Liberia, with John Keister leading as caretaker coach while the SLFA continues its search for a substantive head coach. Peacebuilding via Entertainment: Musicians led by Empress P met the ICPNC to support national peace messaging ahead of Peace Day celebrations. Public Health Capacity: A Chinese medical team delivered ENT training to nursing students at Njala University’s Bo campus, focusing on practical protocols for common conditions. Governance & Revenue: Government reported NLe 4.52bn in Q1 2026 domestic revenue, while extractives and fisheries recorded zero returns. Diplomacy for ICJ Bid: Sierra Leone’s ICJ candidate, Prof. Charles Jalloh, held meetings in Brussels to seek support ahead of the November 2026 elections. Domestic Dispute in Spotlight: “Loko Woman” was invited by police for questioning over an alleged domestic violence complaint.

Maternal & Child Health: Sierra Leone’s Gender Minister urged stronger newborn care after calling preventable newborn deaths a major concern, pointing to gaps across antenatal, delivery and postnatal services and the need to tackle child marriage and harmful practices. Public Finance: Government says Q1 2026 domestic revenue hit NLe 4.52bn, with income tax leading, but extractives and fisheries recorded zero returns, widening the gap against projections. Trade & Agriculture: Sierra Leone was named the EU’s third-largest supplier of organic cocoa, with the EU pushing for more investment and better port capacity. Judiciary & Health: Work has started on the first-ever Judiciary Clinic in Freetown to support judges and staff, with a sod-turning ceremony at the Main Law Courts. Water Regulation: SLEWRC set nationwide approved sachet water prices and warned of enforcement for overcharging or reducing the 500ml standard. Sports: Leone Stars began intensive training for FIFA friendlies against Liberia, with John Keister leading as caretaker while SLFA continues coach recruitment. Football Administration: SLFA President Babadi Kamara visited the training camp and urged unity and professionalism ahead of the June 6 and June 9 fixtures. Domestic Violence Probe: Police invited “Loko Woman” for questioning over an alleged domestic violence complaint filed by “Loko Man.” Migration: Mauritanian coast guard operations rescued 181 Gambians among 911 migrants intercepted over five days. Diplomacy: Sierra Leone’s ICJ candidate Prof. Charles Jalloh began Brussels engagements to seek support ahead of the November 2026 elections. International Relations: Türkiye’s ambassador in Freetown highlighted Turkish investment plans in energy, mining, construction and health projects.

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 Hunt’s resignation, with the mission currently led by Chargé d’Affaires Jared Yancey. Infrastructure Financing: President Julius Maada Bio met First Bank Group officials at State House to discuss blended financing for roads, electricity, water, bridges and industrial infrastructure. Public Trust Ahead of 2028: A CHRDI poll shows widespread distrust in Sierra Leone’s two main parties—50.9% least confidence in SLPP and 37.3% in APC—raising concerns about confidence in election-era leadership. Census Peace Work: ICPNC and Statistics Sierra Leone are collaborating to promote peace and public confidence ahead of the decennial census. Digital Skills: Rokel Commercial Bank and EST Applied Intelligence UK hosted a Walton Gilpin Cyber Circuit to train students on securing Sierra Leone’s digital future. Health Infrastructure: Government is nearing completion of two 100-bed hospitals in Zimmi and Kpakedu, Pujehun, to expand access under the Free Healthcare Initiative. Football Development: SLFA and FIFA began a three-day review of Sierra Leone’s amateur football structures, mapping grassroots and non-elite pathways. Tourism & Culture: The Ministry of Tourism announced the return of the One Nation Reggae Festival (Nov 25–30, 2026). Ebola Alert: WHO-linked coverage highlights rising Ebola risks across East and Central Africa, with travellers urged to take precautions.

Ebola Watch: Uganda confirmed six new Ebola cases, bringing its total to 15, with 12 in treatment and one death, as 668 contacts remain under follow-up. Deportations: The US released names and photos of 26 Sierra Leoneans among 355 West Africans facing removal, with charges ranging from homicide and rape to drug trafficking and fraud. Accountability for Development: 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. Health & Safety: Sierra Leone’s Health Ministry and NPHA received 16 motorbikes to boost disease surveillance nationwide. Local Governance & Justice: Police arrested three over the alleged murder of APC politician Abdulram Omega Sesay in Port Loko. Media Under Pressure: Police raided the office of Voice of Salone after it published a cocaine seizure story, asking the editor to provide more details. Education & Jobs: JAMB pledged technical support for Sierra Leone’s Centralised Admissions System, while the Gender Ministry called for 20 female drivers to apply in Freetown. Sports: Leone Stars caretaker coach John Keister was named for Liberia friendlies.

Maritime Security: President Tinubu used Nigeria’s Navy @70 to commission three new vessels and a Gulf of Guinea task force, pledging stronger maritime security and anti-oil theft operations. Freetown Health: Sierra Leone’s Health Ministry and NPHA received 16 WHO motorbikes to boost disease surveillance and faster outbreak response, especially in remote areas. Agriculture & Risk: MAFS and partners held an agricultural insurance workshop to expand insurance and financing options for farmers under the Feed Salone agenda. Hajj Update: Sierra Leone’s 2,626 pilgrims completed the main Hajj rites in Makkah, with only the farewell Tawaf remaining. Community Policing: Police in Karene urged closer community partnership to strengthen community-oriented policing and public trust. Sports: SLFA named John Keister as caretaker Leone Stars coach for friendlies vs Liberia, and unveiled the squad for the June FIFA window. Legal Affairs: Sierra Leone Bar Association postponed its 2026 AGM citing logistical challenges. Public Safety: A Milton Margai University student reportedly drowned at Sugar Land Beach in Freetown. Local Justice: Three of eight accused of witchcraft in Mama Beach reportedly confessed and were found guilty, though details weren’t officially confirmed.

Ebola Watch (DRC): WHO says the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has already hit over 500 cases and 130 deaths, with the emergency declared on 17 May—raising fears it could grow further. Health & Maternal Care: Sierra Leone’s Gender Minister urged urgent action to cut preventable newborn deaths, while Orange Sierra Leone and partners refurbished maternity wards in York to strengthen maternal services. Police Discipline: AIG John Martin Senesie warned officers in the Police OSD against indiscipline, absenteeism and unethical conduct, stressing readiness and proper weapon handling. Justice Reforms: The Judiciary highlighted major reforms under Chief Justice Komba Kamanda, including decentralised Court of Appeal sittings and sexual offences model courts. Governance & Business: Parliament ratified a 15-year deal for an Online Business Registration System, and the Chief Minister rejected claims that Sierra Leone is a “drug state,” sparking fresh political pushback. Sports & Youth: SLFA appointed John Keister as caretaker Leone Stars coach for friendlies vs Liberia; Youth Minister hailed a Special Olympics Sierra Leone MoU as a milestone for inclusion. Regional Security: Sierra Leone Police provided security for Guinean legislative and municipal elections in Freetown.

Road Safety: A driver was pulled to safety after a crash into a tree on Chace Road in Freetown early Saturday; police say the driver may face charges. Electricity & Accountability: A new poll says public trust in Sierra Leone’s institutions has hit a breaking point, with half of respondents saying they trust none; the findings add pressure on government to deliver real reforms. Digital Governance: Parliament ratified a 15-year BOT deal for an Online Business Registration System, aiming to make business registration faster and more transparent. Public Health Support: China’s 27th medical team donated 18,000 vials of Ribavirin to help Sierra Leone tackle Lassa fever and other viral hemorrhagic diseases. Energy Access (Regional): A World Bank-backed West Africa power programme says it has expanded electricity access to over 3 million people across the region, including Sierra Leone. Mining & Justice: Sierra Leone’s Court of Appeal dismissed Octea Mining’s appeal, allowing MAPO’s case in Kono to proceed. Sports & Media: SLFA opened media accreditation for Leone Stars friendlies and the FA Cup final in Bo, and announced FIFA appointments for three Sierra Leonean female officials. Social Issues: A report on Sierra Leone’s media industry finds women face sexual harassment at about twice the rate of men. Drug Debate: Chief Minister Sengeh rejected claims Sierra Leone is a “drug state,” while the APC whip criticised his remarks.

Electricity Access Boost: The World Bank says its West Africa power integration programme has extended electricity access to over 3 million people, building 4,000+ km of transmission lines across 15 countries to enable cross-border power trading. Digital Business Services: Parliament ratified a 15-year BOT deal for an Online Business Registration System, with Multi GIS E-Services set to develop, run and maintain it before transfer back to government. Drug State Row: Chief Minister David Sengeh rejected claims Sierra Leone is a “drug state,” blaming external sources for illicit drugs while admitting local distribution continues; the APC whip hit back, saying the remarks downplay the crisis. Public Trust Alarm: A CHRDI poll reports half of Sierra Leoneans don’t trust any public institution, warning this could weaken democracy and safety. Court in Kono: The Court of Appeal dismissed Octea Mining’s appeal, allowing MAPO’s case over alleged harms in Kono to proceed. Health Support: China donated 18,000 vials of Ribavirin to help Sierra Leone tackle Lassa fever and other viral hemorrhagic diseases. Women in Media: A new report finds women in Sierra Leone’s media face sexual harassment at about twice the rate of men, with online abuse most common. Ebola Preparedness: Health authorities held a partners’ coordination meeting to strengthen surveillance and rapid response as regional Ebola risks evolve.

Football & Media: 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. Health Security: Sierra Leone received 18,000 ampoules of Lassa fever drugs from China, while a Chinese medical team donated 18,000 Ribavirin vials to boost antiviral supplies. Ebola Preparedness: Health authorities held a partners’ coordination meeting to strengthen surveillance, rapid response, and community protection as Ebola risks rise in the region. Maternal Health: Save the Children handed over rehabilitated maternal health facilities in Pujehun, improving water, sanitation, solar power, and staff accommodation. Labour & Banking: The Labour Ministry intervened as UTB staff sought clarity over the bank’s transition to Rokel Commercial Bank. Politics & Regional Ties: Hon. Rosemarie Bangura was elected Vice Chair of the West African Regional Caucus. Elections Support: ECSL will provide operational logistics for Guinea’s legislative and municipal elections for Guineans in Sierra Leone. Public Service: VP Juldeh Jalloh reopened the Government Printing Department. Road to Trial: A murder suspect, Santigie Conteh, was committed to the High Court in Port Loko for trial. Diplomacy: India appointed Norbu Negi as its next High Commissioner to Sierra Leone.

Ebola Watch: Eastern DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is spreading fast, with WHO warning of rising cases and Uganda reporting related infections; meanwhile, health workers say attacks on Ebola clinics are driven by fear and mistrust, especially around deaths and burials. Health Policy: The Trump administration’s plan to send Americans exposed to Ebola to Kenya faces legal pushback, as experts warn that matching US-level care abroad would be costly and could deter volunteers. Government & Institutions: Sierra Leone’s Vice President Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh has reopened the long-collapsed Government Printing Department, now equipped to produce official documents and gazettes. Diplomacy: India has appointed Norbu Negi as its next High Commissioner to Sierra Leone. Finance & Law: Parliament passed amendments to strengthen Sierra Leone’s financial system through the Credit Reference Act 2025. Education & Youth: SLOAN-SL has set interview dates for 2026/2027 student loans across regional centres. Sports: Leone Stars are set for two friendlies against Liberia in the June FIFA window, with John Keister reportedly taking charge as caretaker coach.

Ebola Response in Focus: In DR Congo, attacks on Ebola treatment facilities are being linked to fear, mistrust, and disputes around death and burial—health workers say rebuilding trust is now central as the outbreak spreads. Outbreak Update: Nearly 1,000 suspected cases of a rare Ebola strain have been reported in DR Congo, with related cases now recorded in Uganda. Policy Backlash: Ebola experts criticize a plan to send Americans exposed to the virus to Kenya, warning it could deter aid workers and is not a “rational response.” Local Health & Safety: Sierra Leone’s NPRA reiterates a nationwide moratorium on new fuel station construction, warning against illegal sites while compliance checks continue. Digital & Development: Sierra Leone begins developing its first national AI strategy with the World Bank, while the government also moves on child safeguarding policy with UNICEF. Freetown Education: University of Makeni opens online admissions for 2026/2027. Sports: Sierra Queens face Benin in a do-or-die U-17 qualifier second leg. Maritime Security: Drone attacks in the Black Sea hit Russia-linked “shadow fleet” tankers, including vessels registered under Sierra Leone.

Black Sea Security: Drone attacks hit three tankers near Türkiye’s northern coast, including Sierra Leone-flagged Altura and Velora, while the Palau-flagged James II was also struck; crews were reported safe and coast guard boats responded, with no claim of responsibility yet. Digital Identity & Migration: Sierra Leone is set to start a nationwide biometric verification for all foreign nationals from June 1, with inspections across workplaces and residences to enforce residence and work permits. Consumer & Connectivity: Orange Sierra Leone took part in NATCA’s 7th Consumer Parliament in Kenema, pushing for better service quality, consumer protection, and digital inclusion. Daily Hardship Survey: A CHRDI poll says 43% of Sierra Leoneans cite rising cost of living as their top struggle, while 23% point to unreliable electricity and water. Health Support: A Chinese medical team held a free clinic in Freetown, including gynecological ultrasound services and public health talks. Sports: Leone Stars will play Liberia in two friendlies (June 6 in Bo, June 9 in Monrovia) ahead of upcoming competitions.

Maritime Security: Three tankers were hit by drones off Türkiye’s Black Sea coast during Eid al-Adha. The Palau-flagged James II was attacked near Türkeli, while Sierra Leone-flagged Altura and Velora were struck during ship-to-ship operations; all crews were reported safe and no group claimed responsibility. Public Health Watch: Ebola fears are rising as the WHO declares a global health emergency over outbreaks in eastern DR Congo and Uganda, with reports of hundreds of suspected cases and major funding pressure. Sierra Leone Diplomacy: The Sierra Leone Embassy in Saudi Arabia denied rumours that a female Sierra Leonean pilgrim died during the 2026 Hajj, saying the official contingent has recorded no fatalities. Local Governance & Services: Sierra Leone-linked coverage also highlights wider regional concern over surveillance and preparedness as authorities intensify infectious-disease monitoring.

Ebola Watch: Sierra Leone’s Public Health Labs say they are fully operational and able to detect epidemic-prone diseases, including the Ebola strain reported in Congo, as WHO warns the DRC outbreak is spreading faster than it can be contained. US Quarantine Plan: The Trump administration says Americans exposed to Ebola in Africa will be sent to a facility in Kenya for care and quarantine, aiming to keep cases out of the US. Public Health Capacity: WHO reports over 900 suspected Ebola cases in the DRC and raises risk levels inside the country, while health officials push for faster case identification. Local Governance & Services: In Freetown’s wider region, school funding battles are forcing difficult choices—one committee is sticking with a “level-service” budget despite a funding shortfall, with staffing and programming cuts looming if gaps aren’t covered. Energy for Rural Businesses: Geres launches a four-year rural clean energy project in Sierra Leone to power small businesses and cooperatives, targeting women and youth entrepreneurs in underserved communities. Digital Finance: Afrimoney launches a prepaid Visa card in Freetown to expand digital payments and financial inclusion via mobile money.

Digital Finance: Afrimoney Prepaid Visa Card launched in Freetown to expand digital payments and financial inclusion, letting users transact via mobile money without needing a traditional bank account. Public Health: WHO warns Ebola in DR Congo is spreading faster than containment; WHO says cases and deaths are rising, with enhanced airport screenings rolling out in several countries. Cybersecurity & Justice: Sierra Leone’s NC3 runs a five-day cybercrime and electronic evidence workshop with INTERPOL, EU and Council of Europe support to strengthen how digital cases are handled in court. Eid & Politics: PDL leader Alimamy Bakarr Sankoh urges unity and urgent political reforms for Sierra Leone ahead of Eid-ul-Adha; APC flagbearer Dr. Ibrahim Bangura also joins Eid prayers in Makeni, stressing peace and cohesion. Diplomacy: President Julius Maada Bio hosts former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, Tinubu’s special envoy, for talks on peace and regional cooperation. Economy & Jobs: Union Trust Bank transition worries workers and customers as Rokel Commercial Bank prepares to take over, with calls for fair redundancy and benefits. Disaster Response: Government leads emergency response after a five-storey building collapse in East End Freetown, with no deaths reported so far.

Ebola Alarm: Russia says it has developed a vaccine targeting a new Ebola strain tied to the DRC outbreak, as WHO reports the crisis is still accelerating with hundreds of suspected cases and deaths, and Uganda now reports confirmed cases too. Freetown Emergency Response: Sierra Leone’s government launched a multi-agency rescue after a five-storey building collapsed on Kissy Road, with no deaths reported so far and investigators pointing to possible substandard materials and poor construction. Cybercrime Push: NC3 is running a five-day cybercrime and electronic evidence workshop with INTERPOL, EU support, and Council of Europe delivery to strengthen how digital cases are handled in court. Health & Regulation: NDLEA unveiled a new drug treatment and rehabilitation framework to standardize care as synthetic drugs spread and centres multiply. Immigration Crackdown: A nationwide verification of foreign nationals starts June 1. Local Life: Another fire hit Nyapui Secondary School’s boarding home in Kenema, the second boarding blaze this year. Sports: Nigeria’s Super Eagles beat Zimbabwe 2-0 in the Unity Cup semi-final, with Femi Azeez scoring twice.