AGP Executive Report

Western Chimpanzee Conservation: Tacugama’s Willie “Pa Willie” Tucker says habitat loss, illegal wildlife trade and climate pressures are driving threats to Sierra Leone’s critically endangered western chimpanzees, while community livelihood support helps cut hunting pressure. Police Accountability: A commercial bike rider in Blama lost a finger after an alleged violent police operation; the bike riders’ union is calling for a full investigation and better respect for citizens’ rights. City Partnerships & Climate: Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr met Canada’s High Commissioner to deepen cooperation, including waste-to-energy ideas for a cleaner, greener Freetown. Rainy-Season Preparedness: NDMA warns Port Loko residents to prepare for flooding, windstorms and thunderstorms, urging people not to block drainage channels. ECOWAS Summit Logistics: Government has launched an official website for the ECOWAS Mid-Year Statutory Meetings 2026, with programme, accreditation and travel details. Youth Football: SLFA begins a nationwide U-17 boys talent hunt from 13 July, with regional selections feeding into a national assessment. Education & Mobility: Sierra Leone hosts its first Study Abroad Summit, highlighting limited local university spaces and encouraging students to return with skills. Media Reform: CJID pushes West African journalism to rebuild around data skills and regional cooperation, including expanded support for investigative and environmental reporting. Sports Recognition: Cricket Sierra Leone’s chairman Francis Trevor Samura receives an ICC Long Service Award for two decades of grassroots and infrastructure work. Business & Mining Risk: Trustco warns delays at Meya Mining could materially affect its investment and loan exposure as the diamond project remains in development. Diplomacy: Sierra Leone strengthens ties with the GCC in Riyadh and receives Jamaica’s High Commissioner credentials in Freetown. Health Training: A Chinese medical team trained nearly 150 nursing students and faculty in first-responder emergency care at Central University.

ECOWAS & Regional Leadership: Sierra Leone will host the ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit on 19 July at the new ECOWAS complex in Lungi, with government saying it will spend about US$86m and member states add US$15m. Digital ID & Payments: Sierra Leone signed an MoU with Bhutan and SIGN to design and build a national digital identity platform, aiming for secure, interoperable credentials to power public services and economic growth. Local Governance & Gender Inclusion: The Gender Ministry engaged Bradford Chiefdom in Moyamba to roll out a gender-responsive local governance project meant to strengthen inclusive service delivery and women’s participation. Media & Accountability: CJID announced plans to expand environmental and climate journalism across West Africa and to support investigative reporting and independent newsrooms in Sierra Leone and other countries. Health Training: A Chinese medical team ran emergency “first responder” training in Freetown for nearly 150 nursing students and faculty, focusing on CPR, airway management and emergency coordination. Transport & Safety: Sierra Leone’s Parliament reviewed Freetown Polytechnic’s progress and challenges, while separate reporting highlights ongoing concerns around fuel quality and the temporary suspension of the $25 airport security fee pending audit and contract review. Sports & Community: CAF invited bids for AFCON 2028/2032/2036, with analysts asking whether Sierra Leone can host—alone or jointly—alongside local football developments including Luawa FC’s relegation.

Deportation Watch: The US DHS has published an updated “worst of the worst” list of 374 West Africans marked for deportation, with Nigeria leading (124) and Sierra Leone named among those targeted (26). Immigration Spillover: Eswatini says it has accepted 11 people deported from the US under a bilateral arrangement to host third-country nationals, with rights to be protected while they remain temporarily. Anti-Trafficking Push: EOCO and INTERPOL are stepping up regional action against human trafficking, migrant smuggling and online scams, including the “Model Q” recruitment scheme. Airport Fees: Sierra Leone’s Internal Affairs Ministry has suspended the $25 Airport Security Fee at Freetown International Airport pending a contract review and audit. Local Accountability: PPRC has ordered APC to publish constituency candidate lists within 72 hours and set rules for unopposed candidates and unresolved disputes. Freetown Safety & Streets: SLRA, SLRSA and police launched “Operation Push Back” to clear encroachments on pedestrian walkways in Freetown’s CBD and Western Corridor. Digital ID Partnership: Sierra Leone signed an MoU with Bhutan and SIGN to build a digital identity platform. Regional Leadership: Government says it will spend about US$86m to host Sierra Leone’s ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit in Lungi.

Anti-Trafficking Push: EOCO and INTERPOL have stepped up a regional crackdown on human trafficking, migrant smuggling and online scam networks, using a workshop in Accra to boost intelligence sharing and joint operations across West and Central Africa. Public Finance Accountability: Parliament’s PAC met the Government Audit Committee and Internal Audit Directorate to tackle slow implementation of audit recommendations that continue to weigh on Sierra Leone’s PEFA public financial management ratings. Women, Peace & Security: The Gender Ministry opened a three-day workshop to strengthen monitoring and reporting under the Women, Peace and Security agenda, using the ECOWAS Continental Results Framework. Health at Borders: Sierra Leone introduced a mandatory online health declaration for all travellers via the Health Travel Portal, with a QR/reference code required before departure. Urban Safety & Cleanliness: SLRA and SLRSA launched “Operation Push Back” to clear illegal encroachments on Freetown pedestrian walkways, while FCC received 40 dustbins from WAICA Re for school waste management under #DortiMusGo. Tourism Upgrade: Sierra Leone signed an MoU with Passporter Limited to pilot an AI-powered tourism planning and branding initiative for a three-month period. Sports: SLFA’s National Division One Playoffs begin today in Port Loko, with ten clubs chasing two promotion slots.

Health & Travel: Sierra Leone has introduced a mandatory online Health Declaration for all travellers entering or departing, effective from June 18, with forms submitted via the official Health Travel Portal within 72 hours before travel and a QR/reference number to be shown on request. NGO Crackdown: The Ministry of Planning ordered seven NGOs to suspend operations after a review found registration and compliance breaches, including failure to maintain a verifiable office in Sierra Leone, saying the move is to strengthen accountability. Tourism & Tech: Sierra Leone signed an MoU with Passporter Limited to run a three-month AI-powered tourism branding pilot, offering smarter trip planning and better visibility for tourism packages. Football: The SLFA National Division One Playoffs begin today in Port Loko, with ten clubs chasing two promotion spots; opening fixtures include Western United vs Marampa Stars and Great Scarcies vs Waterloo FC. Public Procurement: Sierra Leone’s NPPA launched new e-GP modules for procurement requisitions and bid publication to boost transparency and reduce manual steps. Governance & Rights: CARL-SL urged President Bio to protect workers’ pension savings by ordering an independent audit of NASSIT after concerns its investments are underperforming. Civic & Heritage: Freetown Mayor Aki-Sawyerr met the Monuments and Relics Commission to protect the De Ruyter Stone ahead of the EU-funded King Jimmy Market project, including plans for a design competition for a protective display structure.

ECOWAS Summit Prep in Freetown: Sierra Leone is set to host the 69th ECOWAS Heads of State summit on 19 July 2026, with a busy run of statutory meetings in Freetown from 12–17 July and President Julius Maada Bio commissioning the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre and an ECOWAS logistics depot on 18 July. China Support for Logistics: China has handed over 15 protocol vehicles to Sierra Leone to boost transport and hosting capacity ahead of the summit. Road Safety Deal: Sierra Leone and Nigeria signed a five-year road safety MoU between SLRSA and FRSC, focused on training, enforcement, crash data, public education and technology. Public Procurement Goes Digital: Sierra Leone’s NPPA launched new e-GP modules for procurement requisitions and bid publication to improve transparency and reduce manual steps. Workers’ Pensions Under Scrutiny: CARL-SL urged President Bio to order an independent audit of NASSIT after concerns that pension investments are underperforming. Free Education, Quality Worries: A veteran educator praised Bio’s Free Quality Education for boosting access, but warned quality gaps need urgent action. Football Administration: SLFA honoured retiring Head of Administration Elma Kamara for 26 years of service.

China-Sierra Leone Health: A China-Sierra Leone Nursing Training Center opened in Freetown on July 3, starting a new round of training for local nursing professionals. ECOWAS Logistics: China donated 15 presidential vehicles to Sierra Leone ahead of the 69th ECOWAS summit, boosting preparations in Freetown. Labour Reform: Sierra Leone’s Employment Ministry began a three-day workshop in Freetown to prepare for ratifying six ILO conventions and the UN migrant workers rights convention. Digital Economy Push: Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr urged students at CODE’s matriculation to lead the digital economy, linking skills training to jobs and entrepreneurship. AI for Elections: ECSL staff are in India for AI and electoral management training, while the ECSL chief leads Sierra Leone’s delegation to an election forum in Egypt. Football Development: SLFA launched a CAF D coaching course in Freetown to strengthen grassroots football, and also released Leone Stars’ AFCON 2027 qualifiers fixtures. Cross-border Trade: Sierra Leone reopened the Yenga border with Guinea after a diplomatic breakthrough, easing movement and trade. Energy Access Recognition: Easy Solar won an Ashden Award for its energy-as-a-service work in rural Sierra Leone.

Border Reopening: Sierra Leone and Guinea have reopened the Yenga border crossing after sustained diplomatic talks, restoring movement and trade at the Koindu-Nongoa point in Kailahun—after the crossing was shut since April 28, 2025. Digital Skills Push: Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr urged students at CODE’s matriculation to lead in the digital economy, pointing to a youth-heavy city and the need for practical tech training. AI for Jobs: PI-CREF chair Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella challenged IPAM students to embrace AI and other market-ready skills to become job creators. Elections Capacity: ECSL staff began an AI and elections training in New Delhi, while the ECSL chief led Sierra Leone’s delegation to an election management forum in Egypt. Football Development: SLFA launched a CAF D grassroots coaching course in Freetown and released fixtures for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. Energy Access Win: Easy Solar received an Ashden Award for its Energy as a Service work in rural Sierra Leone. Airport Fee Dispute: Government suspended the US$25 airport security fee at Freetown International Airport pending a contract review and audit, raising concerns about possible liabilities.

Airport Fee Review: Sierra Leone has suspended the US$25 airport security fee at Freetown International Airport from 6 July to December while the contract with Securiport (SL) is reviewed and an independent audit is carried out, raising fears of possible contract costs. Policing in the North East: Police have commissioned the new Masingbi Divisional Headquarters to boost local presence and community-centred security, with leaders calling it a long-overdue upgrade. Community Safety Volunteers: In Kenema, police are leaning on Community Safety Volunteers as manpower remains tight, urging better support and lawful conduct. Human Rights & Accountability: CHRDI condemned alleged military abuse shown in a viral video, calling for suspensions and prosecutions where warranted. Education Support: A headmistress in Pujehun urgently appealed for rehabilitation of United Muslim Association Primary School after worsening infrastructure left pupils learning in unsafe conditions. Public Health Preparedness: MoH and NPHA assessed strategic border entry points across Sierra Leone for Ebola readiness, focusing on screening, referral and coordination. Digital Protection: The Gender Ministry warned against sharing explicit images involving children and women, urging reporting via district offices or the 116 child helpline. Skills for Persons with Disabilities: In Pujehun, 30 people with disabilities graduated from vocational training under the TECH-VOC project.

ECOWAS Diplomacy in Focus: Sierra Leone is set to host the ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit 2026 (12–19 July) in Lungi, a major regional gathering seen as a milestone for President Bio’s diplomacy. Airport Fees: Sierra Leone has suspended the US$25 airport security fee for international passengers at Freetown International Airport from 6 July, pending a contract review and independent audit. Public Health & Capacity: Sierra Leone’s Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh wrapped up high-level talks in Hamburg on child nutrition and global shock risks, urging more flexible financing for small economies. Security Cooperation: Nigeria’s COAS convened African army chiefs in Port Harcourt for the Third African Land Forces Forum, pushing a unified front against continental security threats. Justice & Rights: Sierra Leone’s Attorney General met UNESCO officials on ethical AI for justice reform, while police and FSU personnel trained to better investigate and prosecute SGBV cases. Child Protection: A man in Freetown was sentenced to 15 years (or a fine) for helping arrange the marriage of a 16-year-old girl. Infrastructure & Safety: President Bio vowed to upgrade the Makeni–Freetown highway into a dual carriageway, calling it a “death trap.” Health Training: A China-Sierra Leone Nursing Training Center was launched in Freetown to build long-term nursing capacity.

Diplomacy & Appointments: Australia named career diplomat Keara Shaw as its next High Commissioner to Ghana, with non-resident accreditation covering Sierra Leone and several other West African states. Health & Training: JICA and Ghana’s NMIMR completed an eight-week infectious-disease lab skills course for professionals from Sierra Leone and other African countries. Justice & Rights: CHRDI condemned alleged military abuse in a viral video, calling for suspensions and prosecutions; meanwhile, Sierra Leone’s Justice Minister Alpha Sesay met UNESCO on ethical AI for justice reform. Public Safety: Sierra Leone Police will commission the new Masingbi Police Division in Tonkolili, expanding community policing coverage. Local Governance: A Sierra Leone Telegraph commentary warns that weak local government funding is undermining service delivery and accountability. Freetown Matters: Freetown City Council urged residents to stop littering and use registered waste collectors; a fire destroyed properties at New England Ville with no deaths reported. Child Protection: A man linked to a 16-year-old’s wedding in Freetown was sentenced to 15 years or a fine. Sports Administration: The Sports Ministry asked the former NSA executive director to refund funds tied to Leone Stars and U-20 campaigns.

SGBV Justice Push: Sierra Leone Police Legal and Justice Support Department and the Family Support Unit (FSU) completed a one-day training to improve investigation and prosecution of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence cases, with survivor-centred case management and stronger police-prosecutor coordination. Fire in Freetown: A devastating blaze destroyed several properties at New England Ville on July 4; no deaths reported, and authorities are still assessing damage and investigating the cause. Police Expansion: IGP William Fayia Sellu will commission the new Masingbi Police Division in Tonkolili to bring policing services closer to communities and improve response to security concerns. Health Cooperation: A China-Sierra Leone Nursing Training Center was launched at the Sierra Leone-China Friendship Hospital, starting a two-month programme for over 40 nurses across major hospitals. ECOWAS Summit Logistics: Government received 15 Chinese-donated presidential vehicles ahead of the 69th ECOWAS Summit. Governance & Integrity: UNODC, ACC and the Ministry of Sport launched a Corruption Risk Management workshop in Freetown to strengthen integrity systems in the sports sector. City Cleanliness Call: Freetown City Council urged residents to stop littering and use FCC-registered waste collectors to support sanitation efforts. Human Development Index: Sierra Leone ranked 13th of 16 West African countries in the latest HDI report, placing it 185th globally.

ECOWAS Solidarity: Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio visited Ghana to commiserate with President John Dramani Mahama after the June 29 floods, where about 48,000 people were displaced and 12 died, with seven still missing. Anti-Corruption Training: UNODC, Sierra Leone’s ACC and the Ministry of Sport launched a three-day Corruption Risk Management workshop in Freetown, with the Ministry of Sport named as the pilot institution. Human Development Index: Sierra Leone ranked 13th out of 16 West African countries in a new Human Development Index report, scoring 0.467 and placing 185th globally. Marriage Registration Rules: The Registrar General’s office outlined how civil and Islamic marriages are registered, including checks to prevent fraud and bigamy. Airport Fee Pause: Sierra Leone’s Internal Affairs Ministry temporarily suspended the USD 25 airport security fee at Freetown International Airport from Monday, pending an audit and review of the fee system. Sports Integrity: UNODC/ACC/Ministry of Sport training plus earlier anti-corruption capacity efforts underscore a push for cleaner governance in public institutions. Local Community Support: A lawyer donated three electric light bulbs to Magistrate Court No. 8 on Pademba Road to improve courtroom lighting. Culture & Entertainment: Rising Afropop-R&B star Strange Kyss and rapper Drizilik released new music ahead of shows, while Atical Foyoh departed Freetown for Canada. Football Pathways: Sierra Leone international Hindolo Mustapha joined Wigan Athletic on loan for the 2026-27 League One season.

Flood Solidarity: Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio visited Ghana to commiserate with President John Mahama after the June 29 floods, as Mahama said about 48,000 people were displaced, 12 died and seven were unaccounted for, with the Ghana Armed Forces clearing waterways and debris. ECOWAS Push for Results: Bio also urged West African leaders to move beyond promises at the official commissioning of the new ECOWAS headquarters in Abuja, stressing jobs, democracy, integration and peace. Anti-Corruption Training: UNODC, the Anti-Corruption Commission and the Ministry of Sport launched a three-day Corruption Risk Management workshop in Freetown to help the ministry identify and reduce corruption vulnerabilities. Airport Fee Pause: Sierra Leone’s Internal Affairs Ministry temporarily suspended the $25 airport security fee at Freetown International Airport from Monday, pending an audit and review of the fee collection system. Education Discipline: Eastern Technical University rusticated 58 students for exam malpractice and forged passes for the 2025/2026 academic year. Public Health Preparedness: NPHA and the Ministry of Health introduced a new readiness framework, AORG, to measure outbreak response capability in practice, not just on paper. Water Safety Skills: SALWACO completed water quality training for staff in Makeni to strengthen safe drinking water monitoring. Court Updates: Pademba Road Court denied bail to two Freetown businessmen accused over theft of a US$37,100 medical machine, as committal proceedings continue. Youth in Custody: Osman Japtay was remanded over alleged fraudulent conversion of $12,000. Tech for Creators: Google Play launched a $1m Indie Games Fund for African studios, and a separate Google–Idris Elba initiative offers AI tools access for 100,000 African creators, including Sierra Leone.

ECOWAS Headquarters Commissioned: Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio, as ECOWAS chair, urged West African leaders to deliver results citizens can feel—jobs, democracy, integration and peace—at the official commissioning of the China-aided ECOWAS headquarters in Abuja. Regional Infrastructure Push: The same week, ECOWAS leaders and partners highlighted stronger coordination and security support tied to the new complex. Roads Funding: Sierra Leone’s wider region focus also echoes in Nigeria’s infrastructure drive, where leaders backed large-scale road rehabilitation under SPARK-style programmes. Police & Justice: Sierra Leone Police trained 44 Family Support Unit investigators and court prosecutors on handling Sexual and Gender-Based Violence cases, aiming to improve survivor-centred investigations and case outcomes. Sports: SLFA set dates for the 2026 National Men’s Division One Playoffs in Port Loko, with a mandatory pre-playoff meeting and strict player registration deadlines. Tech for Creators: Google and Idris Elba launched a $1m initiative to give 100,000 African creators free access to AI tools, including Gemini, with Sierra Leone included.

Forensic Upgrade in Freetown: Sierra Leone Police have commissioned a new Transnational Organised Crime Unit (TOCU) forensic laboratory at Hastings to strengthen scientific investigations and prosecutions, including relocating operations from Connaught Hospital and reviving dormant forensic capacity at Police HQ. Anti-Checkpoint Transparency Push: Corruption Watch Sierra Leone has issued a seven-working-day ultimatum to Koinadugu DISEC to release documents authorising the Malaforia Checkpoint, citing concerns over accountability and the number of checkpoints. Parliament Oversight on Maritime Trade: The Parliamentary Transport and Aviation Committee has begun an inspection tour of maritime institutions, starting with SLPHA and SLMA, including a site visit to the Queen Elizabeth II Quay to probe container demurrage issues. AfCFTA Milestone: Sierra Leone received continental recognition for AfCFTA implementation progress after gazetting its tariff schedule and completing a readiness assessment, highlighted at ministerial meetings in Abuja and Lagos. Education Reform Agenda: Minister Conrad Sackey outlined plans for a new Education Sector Plan by 2027, shifting toward lifelong “Five Cs” skills to match labour market needs. Regional Integration Drive: ECOWAS headquarters was commissioned in Abuja, with Tinubu urging a move from importing to building a regional production base.