AGP Executive Report

Freetown Power: Residents in Calaba Town and Wellington allege EDSA staff demanded money to restore electricity after weeks of erratic supply. They are calling for an investigation. Supreme Court Tensions: APC former ministers have asked the Supreme Court to consider releasing Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara after his contempt detention, citing his apology. SLPP officials accuse the APC of political theatrics as the constitutional amendment dispute deepens friction between the parties. Regional Diplomacy: Sierra Leone is coordinating the African C-10 committee pressing for two permanent UN Security Council seats with veto power, as ministers meet in Libya. Football: The 2026/27 Leone Rock Premier League opens, with East End Lions hosting Ports Authority and Musa Tombo set for his Waterloo FC debut. Digital Security: A cyberattack affected 44 .sl web addresses, including one government site. Authorities say the threat has been neutralised and restoration work is under way.

Regional Diplomacy: President Julius Maada Bio has arrived in Geneva to address the Geneva Peace Forum and deliver a lecture on leadership, with regional security and democratic governance on the agenda. Justice and Politics: Former justice minister Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara has been granted bail after his detention for contempt during a tense Supreme Court hearing on proposed constitutional amendments. Cybersecurity: Sierra Leone says hackers affected 44 websites using its .sl domain, including a government site; authorities say the threat has been neutralised and restoration work is under way. Health: World Mental Health Day was marked with a Freetown awareness walk and calls to tackle stigma. The government also says 105 ambulances are deployed nationwide to support emergency referrals. Business and Innovation: Four Sierra Leonean startups showcased their work at the ECOWAS Startup Awards in Abuja, among 60 finalists selected from about 10,600 applicants. Football: SLFA Technical Director John Keister and two match officials will represent Sierra Leone at the WAFU A U-20 tournament in Mali later this month.

Constitutional Tensions: APC lawmakers and flagbearer hopefuls called for Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara’s release after his detention during the Supreme Court’s constitutional amendment hearing; a later report says he was granted bail. Diplomacy: President Julius Maada Bio arrived in Geneva to address the Peace Forum and deliver a leadership lecture. Sierra Leone and Germany also reviewed delays in customs clearance, tax refunds and road maintenance affecting their development partnership. Health: The government says 105 ambulances are operating nationwide to support emergency referrals. On World Mental Health Day, officials urged action to end stigma, while a regional report highlighted Sierra Leone’s severe specialist shortage and estimated that 98.8% of people needing formal mental health care go untreated. Education: The government has declared public university lecturers’ strike unlawful and ordered them back to work ahead of Monday’s reopening. Cybersecurity: Hackers targeted .sl websites, affecting 44 addresses, including one government site; authorities say the threat has been neutralised. Public Safety: A young man died while trying to tackle a fire in Kolleh Town, renewing concerns about emergency access in Freetown’s crowded communities.

Constitutional Dispute: The Supreme Court has again adjourned hearings over the contested constitutional amendment, while opposition lawyer Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara was granted bail after his contempt detention. Health and Education: Government says 105 ambulances are operating nationwide to support emergency referrals, and has declared public university lecturers’ strike unlawful, ordering them back to work as talks continue. Freetown: A family is seeking answers after a 31-year-old man was allegedly beaten to death; separately, a young man died in a Kolleh Town fire while trying to save property. Development Partnership: Sierra Leone and Germany discussed customs delays, tax refunds and road maintenance at talks in Freetown. Police Service: Police say a resignation letter from a constable citing 23 years without promotion is unauthentic and that she remains in service. Drug Trafficking: The Netherlands is seeking Ghana’s help to disrupt the network of fugitive Jos Leijdekkers, believed to be in Sierra Leone.

Constitutional Dispute: Opposition lawyer Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara was granted bail after a tense Supreme Court contempt case, unfolding alongside a challenge to the passage of constitutional amendments. The Lawyers’ Society had urged his unconditional release. Health Services: The government says 105 ambulances are operating nationwide to support emergency referrals and reduce preventable maternal and child deaths, though poor roads and difficult terrain remain barriers. University Strike: The government has declared public university lecturers’ industrial action unlawful and ordered them back to work before classes reopen on Monday, while talks continue. Development Partnership: Sierra Leone and Germany discussed customs delays, unpaid tax refunds, residence permits and road maintenance at consultations in Freetown. Public Safety: A young man died while trying to contain a fire in Kolleh Town, renewing concern over emergency access in the crowded settlement. In Moeba, a family alleges a 31-year-old man was beaten to death; authorities have not confirmed the claim. Police Service: Police questioned the authenticity of a resignation letter attributed to a Daru constable who said she had gone 23 years without promotion, saying she remains in service.

Constitutional Dispute: Former Attorney-General Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara was granted bail after being detained for contempt during the Supreme Court hearing on disputed constitutional amendments. The case was adjourned to October 13, with the ruling SLPP saying it will abide by the court’s decision. Investment and Jobs: President Julius Maada Bio and investor Tony Elumelu urged West African governments to provide stable policies and attract private capital into energy, agriculture, minerals and digital industries. Power Sector: A nationwide taskforce is cracking down on electricity theft, including meter tampering and illegal connections, as losses strain EDSA’s finances. Cybersecurity: Attackers hijacked Sierra Leone’s .sl domain registry, alongside Ghana’s and American Samoa’s, to obtain unauthorised certificates for Google and other major websites; Google says the certificates have been revoked. Child Nutrition: Construction has begun in Bombali District on an EU-funded factory to produce fortified foods for children aged six to 23 months, with plans for a women-led enterprise to run it.

Constitutional Showdown: The Supreme Court continued hearing challenges to the 2025 constitutional amendment, with further submissions shaping the timetable. The SLPP says it will accept the court’s ruling. Food and Farming: Construction has begun in Bombali on an EU-backed fortified-food factory for young children, planned for operation by a women-led enterprise using local ingredients. Cybersecurity: Attackers hijacked Sierra Leone’s .sl domain registry and those of Ghana and American Samoa to obtain unauthorized security certificates for Google and other sites. Google says its systems were not breached and the certificates have been revoked. Investment: President Julius Maada Bio and investor Tony Elumelu are urging West African businesses and governments to turn regional integration plans into investment, industry and jobs ahead of a November summit in Freetown. Football: Leone Stars fell eight places to 130th in FIFA’s rankings after two AFCON qualifying defeats, while midfielder Ibrahim Fullah scored and assisted twice in MK Dons’ 7–1 win.

Regional Investment: President Julius Maada Bio called for stronger government–business cooperation at a Lagos meeting with Tony Elumelu and Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The push aims to mobilise investment ahead of the West Africa Investment and Industrialisation Summit in Freetown, November 16–18. Constitutional Case: The Supreme Court adjourned its hearing on disputed constitutional amendments after APC counsel challenged the State’s court filings. The case centres on whether Parliament needed a two-thirds majority to pass the changes. Cybersecurity: Hackers took control of third-party domain infrastructure for Sierra Leone’s .sl registry and obtained unauthorised certificates for Google and other domains. Google says its systems were not breached; Chrome blocked the certificates and authorities revoked them. Health: Sierra Leone and Germany have unveiled plans for a child-friendly isolation unit at Ola During Children’s Hospital, with staff training included. Policing: Sierra Leone is the first African country selected for INTERPOL’s database-management training, intended to improve police information-sharing on cross-border crime. Football: Sierra Leone fell eight places to 130th in FIFA’s latest rankings after losing both AFCON qualifying matches.

Constitutional Showdown: The Supreme Court began hearing challenges to Parliament’s passage of the 2025 Constitutional Amendment Bill. Applicants say it required a two-thirds vote; former Attorney-General Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara questioned the State’s readiness, while the Speaker was absent. Port Safety: A container fire at Queen Elizabeth II Quay in Freetown was extinguished with no deaths reported; authorities are investigating. Football: Sierra Leone fell eight places to 130th in FIFA’s rankings after losing both AfCON qualifiers. The Shooting Stars are preparing for the WAFU U-20 tournament, opening against Guinea-Bissau on October 16. Cybersecurity: Hackers compromised the .sl registry and obtained unauthorized HTTPS certificates, including for Google domains. Google says its systems were not breached and Chrome blocked the certificates. Youth Employment: The government plans to reshape the National Youth Service to connect skills training and national service with jobs. EU Aid Dispute: The row over fugitive Dutch drug trafficker Jos Leijdekkers continues: Dutch officials link withheld aid to his extradition, while Sierra Leone says the funding delay was procedural and insists any extradition must follow the law.

US Denaturalisation Push: The US Department of Justice filed denaturalisation cases against 40 people from 20+ countries, including two Nigerians, accusing them of serious crimes ranging from child sexual abuse and espionage to fraud and identity theft. Constitutional Debate in Sierra Leone: Dr Sylvia Olayinka Blyden says the “two-thirds” amendment discussion has “blind spots,” pointing to constitutional developments between 1961 and 1978 that are often overlooked. ECOWAS Court Updates: ECOWAS swore in five new Community Court of Justice judges in Abuja, including Liberia’s Cllr. Charlyne Brumskine, with leaders urging impartial, credible decisions to rebuild public trust. Ebola Alert: Sierra Leone’s NPHA urged calm and vigilance after Kenya confirmed its first imported Ebola case linked to travel from the DRC, calling for screening and cooperation at entry points. Local Governance Watch: Government says Freetown West City Council is meant to bring services closer to residents, while lawyers’ groups warn the restructuring instruments lack proper consultation and viability checks. Public Safety & Services: Sierra Leone Police launched road maintenance in Koidu, and SLPTA DG Isaac Ken Green assured all 50 Waka Fine buses will be on the roads before year-end.

ECOWAS Justice: ECOWAS has sworn in five new judges for the Community Court of Justice for a four-year, non-renewable term, appointed after the July 19, 2026 Lungi session—Désiré Henri Aihou (Benin), Awa Bah (Gambia), Charlyne M. Brumskine (Liberia), Henrietta Uzoamaka Didigu (Nigeria) and Yaouza Ouro-Sama (Togo). Freetown Governance: Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr says the Freetown City Council is still delivering services despite funding pressure, including clearing illegal dumpsites at nine locations with 360 cleaning personnel. Transport Update: SLPTA says only 8 of 100 government buses are operational, while it also assures the public that all 50 Waka Fine buses will be on the roads before year-end. Immigration Services: Sierra Leone Immigration has launched four Regional Headquarters (Bo, Kenema, Makeni, Port Loko) to bring services closer to citizens. Sports & Youth: SLFA signs a FIFA Arena Project deal for Albert Academy and Bo School, and SLBA expands boxing beyond Freetown with equipment and training. Public Safety: An 11-year-old boy drowned at Whitestone while trying to save a teammate, renewing calls for better water safety for children.

Constitutional Court Watch: Sierra Leone’s Supreme Court is set to hear matters on the Constitutional Amendment Bill 2025 on Oct 7, a case that puts the court’s independence under public scrutiny. Security Sector Updates: Sierra Leone Police reshuffled 13 senior officers in a new transfer order, while immigration officers received training from police on using communication handsets for better field coordination. Justice & Governance: Sierra Leone will develop a national AI roadmap for the justice sector with UNESCO support, starting with the security sector, as stakeholders discuss digital case management and safeguards. Economy & Jobs: Marampa Mines is reportedly preparing to cut about 925 jobs as it restructures amid weak iron ore prices and high freight costs. Sports: Sierra Leone’s U-20 team is confirmed for the 2026 WAFU-A U-20 Championship in Mali (Oct 15–30), and CAS dismissed Aminata Bangura’s appeal in the SLFA ethics dispute. Regional Integration: ECOWAS public sensitisation campaigns push mutual recognition of the ENBIC biometric ID card by Dec 2026, with Sierra Leone among early adopters. Business & Trade: Sierra Leone says it is ready to lease land to Russian investors to cultivate coffee, aiming for direct coffee trade in a few years. Public Notices: NASSIT warned the public against unauthorized occupation, development, sale or leasing of its properties without written approval.

Police & Security: Sierra Leone Police reshuffled 13 senior officers in Transfer Order No. 246/10/2026, including postings across Central, Kissy, Port Loko, Kenema, Masiaka, Harbour, Kailahun and Waterloo. Jobs & Industry: Marampa Mines says it may cut about 925 jobs as it restructures under its “Marampa Reset,” citing weak iron ore prices and high freight costs. Public Procurement: Sierra Leone will host the 2026 African Public Procurement Network (APPN/RACOP) Conference in Lungi (24–27 Nov), with a focus on transparency, accountability and e-procurement. Justice & Tech: Sierra Leone’s judiciary and the Attorney-General’s Office, with UNESCO, will develop a national AI roadmap for the justice sector, starting with the security sector. Courts & Crime: Two Chinese nationals were remanded over alleged US$54,825 tyre fraud in Freetown, while a 23-year-old man was remanded for allegedly stealing EDSA copper-plated cable. Social Protection: NASSIT warned the public against occupying, developing, selling or leasing its properties without written authorization. Regional Mobility: ECOWAS public sensitisation campaigns push biometric ID mutual acceptance by Dec 2026, with Sierra Leone among early adopters. Sports: CAS dismissed Aminata Bangura’s appeal in the SLFA election dispute, upholding the Ethics Board ruling.

LGBT Deportations Fallout: A Reuters report says a US immigration judge protected a Togo gay man, Abdou Latifou, but he was later deported to Sierra Leone—where colonial-era laws can mean life in prison for gay men—highlighting a wider pattern of US deportation deals sending protected migrants to hostile countries. Health in Freetown: Sierra Leone’s Health Ministry, NPHA and partners held a meningitis awareness walk ahead of World Meningitis Day, urging early care and vaccination. Education Support: ActionAid Sierra Leone backed a new school facility in Freetown’s East End for 1,300+ learners, adding classrooms, toilets and a computer room. Agriculture Jobs & Feed Salone: Agriculture Minister Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka toured poultry projects, including hatchery and layer investments, as Feed Salone pushes private-sector growth. Port & Youth Agenda: SLPHA says its 2027 priorities include port infrastructure, youth employment and women’s empowerment, linking the port to Feed Salone supply chains. Sports Infrastructure & Results: East End Lions completed a new artificial-turf pitch at the Trade Centre; and Bo Rangers beat East End Lions 2-1 to win the 2026 Unity Cup. Local Safety: Police and EMS responded to a fatal front-loader incident at Excel Recycling in Freetown. Governance Watch: The Children’s Forum Network elected a new national executive to strengthen child-led advocacy.

Workplace Safety: A 52-year-old recycling yard worker, David Torres, was killed after being struck by a front loader at Excel Recycling on Freetown’s South Coast; police and EMS responded and investigations are ongoing. Public Health: Sierra Leone’s Health Ministry, NPHA and partners held a meningitis awareness walk from Cotton Tree to the Youyi Building ahead of World Meningitis Day, stressing symptoms, early care and vaccination. Education & Youth: ActionAid supported a new school facility for 1,300+ learners at National Islamic Mission School in East End, adding classrooms, toilets and a computer room. Agriculture & Jobs: Agriculture Minister Henry Musa Kpaka toured major poultry projects under Feed Salone, including hatchery and layer investments expected to expand production and employment. Ports & Trade: SLPHA says it will back the “Big Five Game Changers” in 2027 with port infrastructure upgrades, youth employment and women’s empowerment, noting the port’s role in moving farm inputs and food. Governance & Rights: The Lawyers’ Society demanded withdrawal of statutory instruments creating new districts and councils, alleging missing consultation and parliamentary steps. EU Funding: Government rejected claims that EU budget support delays are linked to the Dutch extradition row over Jos “Bolle Jos” Leijdekkers, saying the issue is procedural timing. Sports: Bo Rangers beat East End Lions 2-1 to win the Unity Cup, while Ram Kamara FC won the Women’s Unity Cup, defeating Mogbwemo Queens 2-1.

EU–Sierra Leone Aid Freeze: The EU suspended €18m in 2026 budget support after Sierra Leone rejected extradition of Dutch fugitive Jos “Bolle Jos” Leijdekkers; Sierra Leone says the delay is procedural and tied to financing timing. Governance & Local Councils: The Lawyers’ Society demands government withdraw statutory instruments creating new districts/cities and councils, citing missing public consultation and parliamentary steps. Anti-Corruption & Transparency: ACC Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala highlights Sierra Leone’s access-to-information and anti-corruption work at an international information commissioners forum in Lungi. Ports & Jobs: Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority pledges to back the “Big Five” agenda via port upgrades, youth employment, women in maritime, and support for Feed Salone. Public Safety: Harbour Police step up community sensitisation against vandalism and theft of public utilities, warning it disrupts services and endangers lives. Children’s Rights: CFN elects a new national executive to strengthen child-led advocacy. Sports: East End Lions travel to Bo for Unity Cup clash with Bo Rangers; they also sign Egyptian forward Magdy Gamal Fouda.