AGP Executive Report

U-23 AFCON Qualifiers: Sierra Leone’s Young Leone Stars have been drawn against Burkina Faso in the first round, with the first leg in Freetown on 28 September and the return in Burkina Faso on 6 October; the winner advances to face Zambia in the next stage. CAF Draw Details: CAF has released the full 2027 U-23 AFCON qualifying fixtures, including all first-round ties and the second-round matchups, with first legs set for 28 September and returns on 6 October. Water Safety in Freetown: The Water Ministry has stepped up checks on private water companies after a five-day monitoring exercise across 41 facilities, assessing water quality, hygiene, filtration, UV treatment, chlorine levels, storage, and regulatory records—findings showed mixed compliance and areas needing urgent fixes. Police Action: A 26-year-old man, Ka-desh Hodge of Piggots, has been charged in Freetown with unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition after a search in the Villa area. Public Health & Workplaces: A malaria survey across 10 West African countries found 62% of workers receive no workplace malaria prevention support, including in Sierra Leone—raising concerns about absenteeism and health costs. Politics & Constitution: APC deputy publicity secretary Pope Kamara says the party’s national executive can only be dissolved by an APC National Delegates Conference, while separate commentary urges President Bio to pause before assenting to the constitutional amendment bill. Immigration Capacity: The Chinese Embassy supported Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Internal Affairs with training for immigration and border management staff.

ECOWAS Cross-Border Push: ECOWAS has opened a temporary joint border post at Bo-Waterside (Liberia–Sierra Leone) to speed up trade and coordinated border management while the permanent facility is built. Regional Security: ECOWAS is preparing to deploy a stabilisation force in 2027, with equipment being readied at Freetown’s logistics hub. Infrastructure Watch: A U.S.-based firm, Acrow Corporation, is reported to be set to build the long-awaited Lungi Bridge, linking Freetown to the airport—though details and confirmation from Sierra Leone authorities are still pending. Public Holiday: Sierra Leone has declared Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026 a nationwide public holiday for Eid Mawlid (Moulid-Un-Nabi). Health & Safety: A new study warns that children with disabilities in Sierra Leone face high levels of school violence, including physical, sexual and psychological abuse. Youth & Jobs: ILO is urging an actionable youth employment plan in the region, including work on employability and school-to-work transitions. Sports & Youth: CAF confirmed Sierra Leone among the nations in the 2028 U-23 AFCON qualifiers draw.

Infrastructure & Transport: The U.S. Ambassador-designate says Sierra Leone has agreed with Acrow Corporation to build the long-awaited Lungi Bridge, aiming to link Freetown directly to the airport—though details on financing and timelines were not yet confirmed by local officials. Governance & Accountability: Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee orders physical verification and further probe into Kambia District Council projects after audit queries, including payments without proper documents and weak revenue mobilisation. Human Rights & Climate: Sierra Leone’s Human Rights Commission warns climate change is increasingly threatening rights to water, food, shelter, healthcare and livelihoods, urging stronger integration of climate concerns into national policy. Public Service: Government declares Tuesday, August 25, 2026 a nationwide public holiday for Moulid-Un-Nabi. Sports Administration: SLFA issues new technical team requirements for the 2026/27 season and names Sierra Leonean officials for WAFU-A Women’s Champions League qualifiers in The Gambia. Regional Economy: China-Sierra Leone trade hit $2.3bn in 2025, with exports to China rising and talks to expand beyond fishing into palm oil, coffee and cocoa. Justice System: A magistrate rejects a no-case submission in a US$210,000 gold fraud matter involving Admire Bio Jalloh and her husband, sending it to the High Court for trial. Health & Safety: HRCSL flags climate impacts in Moyamba and Kambia after field research with UNDP and Irish Aid support.

US–Liberia Deportation Deal: Liberia says it will receive the first 20 of up to 1,200 “third-country” deportees under a Trump push to outsource returns, with the US$5m payment tied to shelter, food and job training. Ebola in DRC: The Democratic Republic of the Congo reports Ebola has surpassed 5,500 confirmed cases and 2,642 deaths, with new positives still rising in Ituri, North Kivu and Haut-Uele. Sierra Leone Football (WAFU-A): Four Sierra Leonean officials have been appointed for the 2026 WAFU-A Women’s Champions League qualifiers in The Gambia, covering coordination, discipline and refereeing. Constitutional Reform Scrutiny: A review of the “Tripartite Deal” argues key recommendations were altered or dropped in parliament, raising questions over what is truly “actionable” and by whom. Domestic Football Standards: SLFA issued new technical team requirements for clubs ahead of the 2026/27 season, urging compliance on coaching and technical staffing. WhatsApp Scam Alert: A Sierra Leone woman describes a WhatsApp takeover scam that wiped access to her account and led contacts to send money. Local Politics/Security: Police stepped up security in Njaluahun Chiefdom ahead of the Aug. 30 paramount chieftaincy election, urging stakeholders to keep the peace. SLPP Flagbearer Process: SLPP chairman Jimmy Batilo Songa urged constituency leaders to await President Bio’s directive on the party’s next flagbearer.

Liberia-Drug Case: Former Liberian VP Jewel Howard-Taylor was arrested on Aug 19 and charged with drug trafficking and money laundering, after a 2021 Monrovia meeting with Nigerian socialites Obi Cubana, E-Money and Ned Okonkwo resurfaced online. US Immigration: A US judge in Manhattan struck down Trump’s immigrant visa suspension affecting 75 countries, including Sierra Leone, calling it “patently unlawful,” reopening pathways for families. Deportations to West Africa: The US has begun sending “third-country” deportees to Liberia under a deal, with about 20 arriving as part of a 1,200-person plan; lawyers warn it can be used to bypass asylum routes. Freetown Politics: SLPP chairman Jimmy Batilo Songa urged constituency leaders to await President Bio’s directive on the party’s flagbearer, sparking calls for a transparent process. Local Governance: Nimikoro Chiefdom’s speaker dispute escalated after a petition challenges an alleged irregular replacement. Health & Media: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Information pushes stronger Africa–China media cooperation, while MRCG calls for better protections against online abuse of women. Energy Jobs: Energy Minister Cyril Arnold Grant permanently absorbed 50% of EDSA contract workers into civil service roles. Sports: Leone Stars completed the first week of home-based training for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.

US Visa Ruling: A US federal judge in Manhattan struck down Trump’s policy suspending immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, including Sierra Leone, calling it “patently unlawful” and beyond the Secretary of State’s authority—potentially reopening pathways for affected families. Local Energy Jobs: Sierra Leone’s Energy Ministry says it has permanently absorbed 50% of EDSA contract workers into full-time civil service roles, fulfilling a welfare promise to staff. WASH Funding Plan: Government outlines a 10-year WASH programme needing about US$7bn, with an initial US$180m World Bank-backed phase underway. Media & Women Online: Sierra Leone’s journalists’ body (SLAJ) and partners push for stronger protections against sexual harassment and online abuse in the media sector. Justice Sector Concern: CARL-SL raises alarms over reports of fuel shortages disrupting inmate court transport, warning it could delay trials. Regional Cocoa Ties: Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner meets COCOBOD to deepen cocoa-sector cooperation and knowledge transfer.

EBEMA Youth Movement: Sierra Leone’s First Lady Fatima Maada Bio praised EBEMA Young Professionals after their inaugural meeting in Kenema, saying the movement is “bigger than any one individual.” Media & Rights: Sierra Leone’s Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG) pushed for stronger protections for women facing online abuse, while SLAJ called for tougher action against sexual harassment in the media. Energy Jobs: The Energy Ministry permanently absorbed 50% of EDSA contract workers into civil service roles. WASH Planning: Transform Sierra Leone began community engagement in Madina (Pujehun) on water, sanitation, hygiene and environmental conservation. Agriculture Link: Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner in Accra met COCOBOD to explore cocoa-sector knowledge transfer and a more unified cash-crop authority. Sports Prep: Leone Stars completed the first week of home-based training ahead of AFCON 2027 qualifiers. Justice & Prisons: CARL-SL raised alarm over fuel shortages disrupting prisoner transport to court, warning of trial delays. Water Investment: Government outlined a 10-year WASH roadmap targeting about US$7bn for safer water and sanitation. Regional Security: ECOWAS logistics depot at Lungi supports movement of equipment toward a counter-terrorism force by 2027.

Ebola Response in DRC: Frontline health workers in the Democratic Republic of Congo say they’re living in fear and still not being paid as the Ebola outbreak spreads fast, with more patients pouring into treatment centres. ECOWAS Security Push: ECOWAS has started moving Chinese-donated military and logistics equipment from Nigeria to Sierra Leone, a step toward deploying a regional counter-terrorism force by 2027. Higher Education Reforms: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Technical and Higher Education says universities have signed performance contracts to drive reforms like centralised admissions, certificate security, and digital payments. Tax Leadership Change: The National Revenue Authority has handed over leadership from outgoing Commissioner General Jeneba Bangura to new NRA boss Abu Martin Kanneh. Gender & Rights: Sierra Leone strengthens its FGM fight with a planned national steering committee, while Women in the Media Sierra Leone calls for stronger safeguarding and gender justice in newsrooms. Education Costs: The Sierra Leone Teachers Union wants the school subsidy raised from NLe10 to NLe100 per child per term. Health in Schools: Freetown City Council is piloting low-sodium school meals to cut sodium intake by 15%. Sports & Youth: FC Kallon launches a free youth challenge series for 2026/27, and SLFA honours grassroots coach Victor Cole with a tactical coaching board.

Police Professionalism Drive: DIG Andrew Mustapha Kamara led a Freetown West Region lecture pushing professionalism, accountability and integrity across six divisions, stressing proper conduct, lawful arrests and zero tolerance for bribery. Healthier School Meals: Freetown City Council and Parene Health Care advanced a pilot low-sodium school meal policy, targeting a 15% sodium cut in six municipal schools with WHO-aligned guidelines for vendors. Entrepreneurship Push: Sierra Leone marked World Entrepreneurship Day with training and dialogues for SMEs, including an online programme to help businesses compete in the digital economy. Justice System Concern: CARL-SL says a fuel shortage disrupted prisoner transport to court, risking trial delays and longer pre-trial detention. Renewables & Women’s Jobs: Easy Solar and SEND Sierra Leone trained and will deploy female solar technicians to support solar freezer and generator installations nationwide. Police Hospital Upgrade: Saving Lives Initiative donated medical equipment, including oxygen concentrators and monitors, to expand Police Hospital capacity. Governance & Oversight: Auditor-General Abdul Aziz challenged 35 new ASSL entrants to uphold integrity and professionalism. Youth Peacebuilding: ICPNC trained secondary students on peacebuilding, conflict prevention and dialogue under Catch Them Young. Ebola Watch (Regional): UN warns DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is spreading fast and funds may run dry soon.

Ebola Response: WHO and Africa CDC backed the DRC’s request to release 70,000 Ervebo vaccine doses for the Bundibugyo outbreak—50,000 for frontline health workers and 20,000 for a Phase 3 trial, as officials warn the outbreak is spreading faster than containment. Public Health Basics: WHO/UNICEF report shows sanitation gaps in West African health facilities remain severe, with Ghana at 16% meeting basic sanitation standards—highlighting toilets, menstrual hygiene and access for people with limited mobility. Health Leadership: Sierra Leone’s new Chief Medical Officer, Dr Mustapha Sundifu Kabba, set out a push for a more coordinated, accountable health system aligned with national priorities. Governance & Rights: Sierra Leone Police disallowed a planned August 26 protest by the Citizens Advocacy Network over alleged constitutional amendment concerns, escalating the public order vs constitutional assembly debate. Digital Economy: Sierra Leone moves to close a seven-year legal gap for digital commerce, aiming to strengthen rules for businesses, consumers and investors. Mobile Money Fraud: Orange Sierra Leone launched a Scam Alert tool to help subscribers verify and report fraud attempts. Football: SLFA President Babadi Kamara inspected progress on a new 435-seater pavilion at the SLFA Technical Centre, while Sierra Leone’s U-17 team began preparations for WAFU-A qualifiers in Senegal.

Constitutional Crossroads: Sierra Leone’s Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2025 is under fresh legal and political heat, with calls for President Bio to assent and others arguing the process is unconstitutional and should be reviewed by the Supreme Court. Digital Economy & Payments: Government has started closing a seven-year legal gap affecting digital commerce, aiming to turn the Electronic Transactions Act into enforceable rules for businesses and consumers. Public Order Clash: Sierra Leone Police disallowed a planned Aug. 26 protest by the Citizens Advocacy Network, citing the Public Order Act and CAN’s refusal to attend an “ethical interview” with the IGP. Education & Exams: WAEC says 2026 WASSCE school candidates can now access digital certificates online, while it also set a September deadline for releasing withheld NPSE results. Health Watch: A measles outbreak in Kono has 55 patients in treatment, but isolation beds and funding are stretched. Water & Trust: SALWACO is reviewing a 2026–2030 branding strategy to rebuild public confidence in water and sanitation services. Regional Mobility: Reports say Guinean authorities have restricted Sierra Leoneans transiting through Conakry airport, sparking concern over travel costs and access. Sports: Leone Stars preparations continue with a home-based camp ahead of AFCON 2027 qualifiers, including the return of goalkeeper “Fabianski.”

Constitutional Crisis: Pressure is building on President Julius Maada Bio over the Constitutional Amendment Bill, with civil society, lawyers, religious groups and opposition voices urging him to “hold the pen” and consider whether Parliament’s process was lawful. Protest Plans: The Citizens Advocacy Network (CAN) says it will stage a peaceful march on 26 August to challenge alleged constitutional violations in the amendment process. Local Security: Sierra Leone Police stepped up community policing in Kailahun, donating five motorbikes to the Local Policing Partnership Board to improve visibility and faster response. Anti-Fraud Push: The government is designing a framework to tackle mobile money fraud and strengthen consumer protection as digital finance expands. Football Update: SLFA named a new technical and administrative team for the Leone Stars’ U-20 preparations, while goalkeeper “Fabianski” Mohamed Kamara returned to the squad ahead of international fixtures. Urban Development: Freetown Mayor Aki-Sawyerr launched construction of the King Jimmy Market under the SURGE project, with EU and city council funding. Environment & Accountability: Green Scenery launched a legal literacy and protection project for environmental rights defenders amid a defamation lawsuit.

Constitutional Crisis: Pressure is building on President Julius Maada Bio to “hold the pen” and reject assent to Sierra Leone’s controversial Constitutional Amendment Bill, as lawyers and civil society argue the parliamentary vote was unconstitutional and may now face Supreme Court scrutiny. Human Rights & Accountability: Green Scenery launches a 12-month push to strengthen legal literacy and protect environmental rights defenders, warning of intimidation linked to corporate land acquisition and a defamation case described as a SLAPP. Public Safety & Cleanliness: A garbage pile near Fourah Bay College on the Hillside bypass has been cleared after public outcry over flies and blocked movement. Gender Equality: Sierra Leone’s Gender Ministry rolls out the 2025 Gender Accountability Framework Report to track progress under the GEWE Act 2022, with support from partners including UN Women. Community Policing: Police in Kailahun step up community policing by donating five motorbikes to the Local Policing Partnership Board to improve visibility and faster responses. Sports: Leone Stars goalkeeper Mohamed “Fabiaski” Kamara returns to the squad ahead of upcoming international fixtures. Health Watch: Sierra Leoneans are also following the worsening Ebola situation in DR Congo, now reported as the deadliest in the country’s history.

Ebola Watch: WHO chief Tedros warns DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is “far from being under control,” saying it’s moving faster than any previous epidemic and risks spreading further as deaths pass 2,300. AFCON 2027 Strategy: Leone Stars kick off AFCON 2027 qualifiers with a camp built around homegrown players, aiming to return to the tournament after missing 2023 and 2025. Constitutional Amendment Debate: Sierra Leone’s Information Ministry holds a press briefing to clarify updates on the proposed constitutional amendment bill, as political voices continue to clash over process and assent. Anti-Corruption Push: The Anti-Corruption Commission rolls out a faster digital asset declaration system and warns public officers of salary withholding and dismissal for defaults. Digital Finance Security: Government launches a national roadmap workshop to combat mobile money fraud, bringing regulators, operators, and law enforcement together. Sports Spotlight: Sierra Leone international Ali Conteh shines for Inter Turku with two goals and an assist in a comeback win. Local Football Call-Ups: Bai Bureh Warriors’ Amara Kamara and Capio Bangura finally earn Leone Stars camp invitations after league snubs.

SLPP vs World Bank: SLPP communications official Abdul Muniru pushed back on World Bank-style economic warnings on Liberty Online TV, saying such concerns may reflect lenders’ own interests rather than Sierra Leone’s needs. Ebola Update (DRC): WHO chief Tedros warned the DRC Ebola outbreak is “far from being under control,” with insecurity and weak health systems driving rapid spread; the outbreak has reportedly passed 2,300 deaths. Football (Sierra Leone abroad): Yayah Kallon joined Slovenian top-flight NK Olimpija Ljubljana on a free transfer, signing until June 2029. Industrial safety training: Sierra Leone’s NDMA sent two senior officials to a two-week emergency management and work safety training in China. Labour action (education): UASA issued a 21-day strike notice over non-implementation of reviewed conditions of service and a demand for a 100% salary increase. Local governance & welfare: Police Wives Association delivered a solar-powered borehole and 10,000-liter water tank to Masiaka barracks to ease safe water shortages. Sports (Leone Stars): Coach Didier Gomez Da Rosa began a home-based training camp ahead of 2027 AFCON qualifiers. Crime (Freetown): Police declared a wanted suspect, Yusif Sannoh, over an alleged office break-in and theft after a school event. Road condition (Kissy): Residents urged authorities to rehabilitate the deteriorating Old Road in Kissy.

Finance Shake-Up: Sierra Leoneans are questioning President Bio’s appointment of Karefa Kargbo as Finance Minister, with critics pointing to his NPRC-era background as the country faces fiscal pressure and debt concerns. Constitutional Tension: A civil society group, Citizens Advocacy Network, has notified police of a peaceful Aug 26 protest and procession over alleged constitutional violations in the amendment process. Education Crackdown: The Education Ministry says it is acting against schools allegedly charging parents for NPSE results, warning that children’s access to results should not be priced. Health & Ebola Watch: Sierra Leone’s health authorities are also in the spotlight regionally as DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak hits 2,325 deaths and spreads to a sixth province, with WHO warning it could surpass the 2014-16 West Africa disaster. Public Safety: Sierra Leone Police begin a six-week intensive training for 70 recruits for the Freetown City Council Metropolitan Police. Health Infrastructure: Health Ministry officials inspected $3.5m medical training projects in Jui and Lakka to expand in-country capacity. Diplomatic Handover: Timothy Kabba has handed over Foreign Affairs duties to Mohamed Rahman Swarray.