AGP Executive Report

EU Aid Freeze: The European Commission has suspended about €18m (around $20m) in budget support to Sierra Leone after the country allegedly sheltered Dutch cocaine fugitive Jos “Bolle Jos” Leijdekkers, with Dutch officials saying further funds could be withheld if extradition talks stall. Police & Justice: Sierra Leone Police used daily briefings to keep the public informed, while the Attorney-General’s Office held a stakeholder mixer on AI to strengthen justice delivery. Road Safety Crackdown: SLP launched night operations removing unauthorised vehicle lighting across Freetown. Transport & Services: Guma Valley Water restored pipe-borne supply after repairs, and SLRSA arrested five people over fraudulent vehicle licences after a cyber intrusion. Health & Education: UNICEF and the UK backed neonatal care at Makeni with £32,000 equipment, and the World Bank donated digital learning materials to EBKUST and other universities. Governance & Politics: APC announced winners of partial district executive elections nationwide. Security & Regional Health: Congo’s Ebola death toll passed 4,000 as cases rose to 8,300, with conflict and access problems worsening the response.

EU Aid Freeze Over “Bolle Jos”: The European Commission suspended about €18m in budget support to Sierra Leone after the Netherlands said Freetown is not cooperating on extradition of Dutch cocaine fugitive Jos Leijdekkers. Government Pushback: Sierra Leone says the July delay was procedural and tied to financing-agreement amendments, not a new punishment over the case. Maritime Security Boost: Sierra Leone Navy completed EU- and Portuguese-backed training to tackle illegal fishing and trafficking, including boarding and surveillance. Maternal Health Drive: UNFPA supports a national review to speed up Sierra Leone’s MPDSR push, citing major gains in maternal and skilled-birth coverage. Education vs Hunger: The Education Minister linked food security to learning as he opened the World Food Prize Youth Institute in Freetown. Judiciary & AI: Chief Justice Komba Kamanda says courts are ready to use AI to improve access to justice and information, while staying human-centred. Water Disruption: GVWC scheduled a 12-hour Freetown water shutdown for repairs at Mile 13. Football: SLFA set the 2026 Unity Cup for Oct 3–4 in Bo, plus a two-season ban for match official Foday Momoh.

EU aid suspension over “Bolle Jos”: The European Commission has halted €18m in budget support to Sierra Leone, with more payments at risk, after Sierra Leone refused to extradite Dutch cocaine kingpin Jos Leijdekkers. Local governance: In Njaluahun Chiefdom (Kailahun), Lt. Col. Musa Gbow won the Paramount Chieftaincy election with 888 votes (71.15%), according to NEC results. Information access in Sierra Leone: NaCCED chairman Joseph Munda Bindi attended the ICIC–IDUAI conference in Lungi, focused on access to information and integrity in the digital age. Health systems: Sierra Leone’s Health Ministry sent a delegation to India to strengthen hospital equipment management and biomedical engineering capacity. Flood recovery support: Caritas Freetown, with CAFOD support, delivered building materials to 40 flood-affected households in Western Area. Community security: Police in the Mano River Division met Community Safety Volunteers and Local Policing Partnership Boards to boost border-area safety with better coordination. Education funding reform: Government is considering scrapping the per-pupil capitation grant model for a cost-based approach tied to real school running costs.

Flood Recovery: Caritas Freetown, with CAFOD support, delivered building materials (cement, zinc sheets, timber and nails) to 40 flood-affected households in Western Area communities to help repair homes and boost resilience. Higher Education & Environment: Central University hosted a European delegation to advance a proposed Master’s programme in Waste Management and Circular Economy, focusing on curriculum, exchanges and practical solutions. Health Systems: Sierra Leone’s Health Ministry sent a delegation to India to strengthen hospital equipment management and biomedical engineering capacity, including factory testing discussions with a medical systems firm. Public Health Communication: NPHA and partners trained journalists and bloggers in Freetown ahead of 2026 World Meningitis Day to spread accurate prevention and treatment messages. Governance & Social Protection: Government is considering a statutory framework to strengthen legal protection and welfare for older persons, upgrading the National Social Safety Net unit’s mandate. Freetown Policing: 70 newly recruited Metropolitan Police officers completed six weeks of training, with Mayor Aki-Sawyerr urging professionalism and human-rights respect. Sports: Leone Stars returned home after back-to-back AFCON qualifying defeats; attention now turns to November double-headers vs DR Congo.

Local Governance: Sierra Leone’s government has gazetted the creation of Bandajuma and Kpanguima districts and established new/reorganised local councils, including Freetown and city councils, giving legal force to decentralisation plans. Public Accountability & Civic Space: The Right to Access Information Commission (RAIC) opened the 17th International Conference of Information Commissioners in Lungi, with Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh urging stronger international cooperation to fight misinformation and protect access to reliable information. Sports (Leone Stars): Popular journalist Hawa Dauda called for action over Leone Stars’ AFCON 2027 qualifying slide, while Musa Kallon urged better health and nutrition checks before national duty and Hilton John questioned Sierra Leone’s tactical response after a 1-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea. Justice: A Freetown magistrate granted bail to a mother and two daughters accused of alleged assault and public insult, after they pleaded not guilty. Community & Safety: Protests erupted over the reinstated Cabbage Beach fence, with MP Lincoln Deal joining vendors and residents demanding public access and safety. Regional Travel: Tanzania removed Nigerian nationals from its referred visa category, ending special clearance requirements.

Visa & Mobility: Tanzania removed Nigerians from its “referred” visa category, ending the special clearance step; other countries like Sierra Leone still face referral requirements. Cabbage Beach Tension: In Freetown, Coalition of Independents leader Lincoln Bain was arrested after protesters tore down parts of a fence at Cabbage Beach; government says fencing was only for temporary erosion works and must be removed. Cost of Living: Sierra Leone’s inflation climbed to 15.66% in August, driven mainly by housing and transport. Public Transport Scrutiny: Stakeholders challenged SLPTA over Waka Fine bus availability, with the authority promising more data after commuters reported long waits. Governance & Civic Space: Sierra Leone’s UPR review urged concrete action to protect civic space, including ending harassment of activists and journalists. Information Access: VP Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh opened ICIC+IDUAI talks in Lungi, pushing stronger information governance and integrity. Water & Infrastructure: Guma Valley Water Company sought Le32.538m for 2027 to expand water access and complete key projects. Politics in SLPP: Lands Minister Turad Senesie said he’s not eligible for SLPP flagbearer now, citing constitutional requirements.

AFCON Qualifiers: Sierra Leone’s Leone Stars remain winless after Equatorial Guinea beat them 1-0, and the SLFA president Babadi Kamara called it a “painful moment” for players and fans, urging more commitment and better finishing. Regional Football: DR Congo kept their perfect start by beating Zimbabwe 2-1 in Harare, while Tunisia were held 2-2 by Botswana. Ebola Update: The DRC reported Ebola cases have surpassed 8,000 with 3,901 deaths, as WHO warns the outbreak is still not under control amid health-worker shortages and community mistrust. Local Governance & Cybercrime: Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr says her WhatsApp was hacked and her number is being used to solicit money, urging residents to ignore any messages until further notice. Transport Infrastructure: Chief Minister David Sengeh says Lungi Bridge feasibility studies will begin in November with US$1.6m support from USTDA. Public Information: Sierra Leone’s push for information access and integrity continues, with media and institutions urged to strengthen trust and responsible reporting.

AFCON Qualifiers (Sierra Leone): Equatorial Guinea beat Sierra Leone 1-0 in Yaoundé as Loren Zúñiga scored in the opening minute, leaving the Leone Stars still searching for their first points after a 3-2 loss to Zimbabwe. Digital Governance: Sierra Leone says its digital sovereignty push is about local control—highlighting a national digital ID covering over 93% of the population, a scaling payment switch, and a data exchange platform. UNGA & Reparatory Justice: President Bio used the Amistad story in Quincy to renew Sierra Leone’s call for reparatory justice tied to the transatlantic slave trade. Public Administration: About a dozen Sierra Leone ministers attended an executive seminar at Columbia University focused on turning policy into measurable delivery outcomes. Health Watch: In the wider region, DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surpassed 8,000 confirmed cases and 3,901 deaths, with humanitarian access still a major challenge. Local Governance/Access: Protests over the Cabbage Beach fence continue after government ordered it removed following safety concerns and a rescue incident.

SLPP Party Affairs: Sierra Leone’s SLPP has temporarily stepped aside Constituency 109 chairman James Fomba pending an independent probe into two circulating social media videos, after his response to a District Executive invitation left key timing unclear. Legal & Governance Reform: Attorney-General Alpha Sesay says a Constitutional Amendments Bill would shift Sierra Leone from First-Past-The-Post to Proportional Representation, lower the presidential threshold to 50%+1, require 30% women on party lists, and allow dual citizens to contest parliament under conditions. Digital Higher Education: The Technical and Higher Education Minister outlines plans to expand AI and technology in universities, including an AI-enabled learning management system and continued lecturer upskilling. Health Services Upgrade: Health Minister Austin Demby highlights expanded diagnostics, including a 128-slice CT scanner and mobile ultrasound for maternal care. Ebola Watch (Regional): DR Congo reports Ebola cases surpassing 8,000 for the first time, with 8,067 confirmed cases and 3,901 deaths. Civic Day (Diaspora Link): Foreign Affairs Minister Swaray urges Sierra Leoneans abroad to bring practical ideas and expertise home, stressing measurable results. Infrastructure & Jobs: Government confirms work has started on the $55m Black Johnson industrial fishing harbour, with a temporary jetty expected within two months.

CAN 2027 Qualifiers: DR Congo travel to Harare on Monday to face Zimbabwe after winning 2-0 in the opener, while Zimbabwe aim to build on their dramatic 3-2 comeback over Sierra Leone. Constitution & Elections: Attorney-General Alpha Sesay says a Constitutional Amendments Bill could shift Sierra Leone from First-Past-The-Post to Proportional Representation, lower the presidential threshold to 50%+1, and require 30% women on party candidate lists. Civic Day in New York: Ministers outlined plans on higher education AI tools, expanded diagnostic and emergency health services, real-time tracking of 600 development indicators, and a diaspora call for practical expertise. Fisheries Infrastructure: Government confirms the $55m Black Johnson industrial fishing harbour is underway, with a temporary jetty expected within two months. Social Protection: Welfare Minister Karminty urges disability policies to become practical services, backed by better data and support for assistive needs. Local Fundraising: Rotaract Club of Freetown-Sunset seeks about Le245,000 to finish Lirem Secondary School in Lumley. Sports Media: SuperSport secured rights to beam AfCON Pamoja 2027 qualifiers through to finals.

Traffic Discipline Push: Sierra Leone Police DIG Andrew Mustapha Kamara urged traffic officers to uphold professionalism, discipline, integrity and ethical conduct, stressing fair treatment of motorists and respect for human rights. Tourism Tech Leap: The Tourism Ministry soft-launched “WAKABOT,” an AI tourism chatbot and trip-planning platform, as part of World Tourism Day 2026 activities. UN Security Council Reform Debate: At UNGA81, Russia’s Sergey Lavrov backed India and Brazil for permanent UNSC seats while opposing more Western permanent members; Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio again argued the Council still reflects the 1945 world. Digital Economy Roundtable: Sierra Leone used a UNGA side meeting to link energy, telecoms and trade for digital growth, including the Sierratel–Africell mobile virtual network model. Pharmacy Modernisation: Sierra Leone’s pharmacy authorities flagged ongoing informal medicine sales as a key barrier to a more professional, digitally enabled sector. Sports & Community: Bo Stadium received a major cleaning exercise with RSLAF, SLP and SLCS support, while Western Area Mini-League organizers asked to finish suspended community fixtures. Court Update: The Uroy Joseph murder trial heard crime-scene photographs and a bloodstained pipe allegedly tied to the Arthur James case.

UNGA Diplomacy: Sierra Leone used UN General Assembly side talks to link energy, telecoms and trade for digital growth, including the Sierratel–Africell network model. Digital & Energy Planning: Three ministries and private partners discussed how power supply, data infrastructure and 5G can move together to attract investment. Social Protection Links: NASSIT’s DG met Ghana’s SSNIT to strengthen regional pension and insurance cooperation, focusing on compliance and digital reforms. Sports & Security: Sports officials thanked the RSLAF, police and correctional service after a major cleaning exercise at Bo Stadium ahead of upcoming fixtures. Tourism Spotlight: First Lady Fatima Bio was named an Iconic Woman of the Year at UNGA81, while Miss World Sierra Leone 2026 Mariyam Lorba Konneh was appointed MTCA brand ambassador. Economy & Politics: An APC member blamed rising living costs for weakening support for the SLPP, citing inflation figures. Citizenship & Investment: Sierra Leone reportedly unveiled new citizenship pathways for foreign entrepreneurs and investors. Justice in Court: The Uroy Joseph murder trial heard crime-scene images and a bloodstained pipe allegedly tied to the Arthur James case. Football: Leone Stars arrived in Yaoundé for a crucial AFCON qualifier vs Equatorial Guinea after a dramatic 3-2 loss to Zimbabwe. Local Governance: District development coordination reported a 73.28% action-point implementation rate across 15 districts.

Digital Economy & Energy: Three Sierra Leone ministries teamed up with private-sector partners during UNGA week to strengthen the country’s digital infrastructure, linking telecoms, data systems and energy security to attract investment. Local Development Delivery: District Development Coordination progress hit 73.28% as government reviewed DDCC action points, with Bonthe leading at 100% and Koinadugu lagging at 44%, while flagging health financing and drug challenges. UN Security Council Reform: World leaders renewed pressure for UN Security Council overhaul, with Sierra Leone pushing Africa’s case for permanent representation. Agriculture Funding: Ten African countries, including Sierra Leone, increased pledges to IFAD, signaling rural transformation as a global priority. Maternal Health Upgrade: Freetown’s Cottage Hospital received a rehabilitated 10-bed postnatal ward to improve care for mothers and newborns. Police Integrity: The police leadership warned officers against bribery and drug-related misconduct, stressing discipline and public trust. Banking Leadership Change: UBA Sierra Leone announced CEO Samoura’s resignation effective Sept 30, with an acting MD expected pending regulator approval. AFCON Qualifiers: Leone Stars were set back in Group E after a dramatic 3-2 loss to Zimbabwe, while preparations continue for the next qualifier.

UN Diplomacy: Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio met UN chief António Guterres in New York, discussing peace and security, Africa’s representation, and UN–Sierra Leone partnership, while Bio urged a shift from reacting to conflicts to preventing them early. Global Governance Push: Nigeria’s UNGA address, delivered by VP Kashim Shettima for President Tinubu, renewed the call for at least two permanent UN Security Council seats for Africa with veto rights, plus five non-permanent seats. Women’s Rights: UN Women (Spotlight Initiative) began a three-day co-creation workshop in Freetown to shape a Women’s Movement Building Strategy to end violence against women and girls. Disability Livelihoods: Government launched a US$990,000 project to rehabilitate skills training centres in Kambia and Kenema for persons with disabilities, aiming at sustainable jobs and market access. Sports—Leone Stars: Leone Stars held recovery in Yaoundé after a 3-2 AFCON qualifier loss to Zimbabwe; Sierra Leone now sit bottom of Group E. Cricket: Sierra Leone beat Ghana by 13 runs in a rain-affected T20 clash in Lagos, strengthening their standings.

UN Security Council Reform: Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, speaking through VP Kashim Shettima at UNGA81, demanded at least two permanent African seats on the UN Security Council with veto powers, plus five non-permanent seats, arguing the 1945 power setup can’t govern the 2026 world. Regional Security & Terrorism: Shettima also warned that strong national defenses can’t stop cross-border threats like terrorism and cyber attacks, calling for stronger international cooperation and non-military measures. Sierra Leone Football: In AFCON 2027 qualifiers, Sierra Leone surrendered a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 to Zimbabwe in Morocco, despite goals from Alie Conteh and Sallieu Tarawallie. Sierra Leone at AEW 2026: Sierra Leone will pitch its offshore oil and gas prospects at African Energy Week in Cape Town, with PDSL set for upstream forums and investment sessions. Child Marriage Push: First Lady Fatima Maada Bio backed the UN’s new international day against child, early and forced marriage, tying it to her own experience and urging stronger global action.

AFCON Qualifiers: Sierra Leone’s Leone Stars squandered a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 to Zimbabwe in their 2027 AFCON opener in Morocco, leaving them third in Group A after the first round. UN Security Council Reform: President Bola Tinubu renewed Nigeria’s push for at least two permanent African seats on the UN Security Council with veto rights, arguing the 1945 power structure no longer fits 2026 realities. Cost of Living & Fuel: A Sierra Leone civil society leader accused oil marketers of driving a fuel scarcity plan to push prices higher, urging government to freeze pump prices as costs ripple through transport and food. Health: WHO warned DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is still uncontrolled and that North Kivu is facing a shortage of health workers for treatment centres. Governance & Sports: Former SLFA officials raised questions about executive travel and spending, while RAM Kamara FC signed goalkeeper Isatu Sesay ahead of the 2026 Women’s Unity Cup. Agriculture: Sierra Leone validated its first national agricultural insurance policy to reduce farmers’ production risks and improve access to financing.