AGP Executive Report

First Lady Housing Row: Sierra Leone’s First Lady Fatima Jabbe-Bio has been evicted from a London council flat in Southwark after a long-running tenancy probe, with the property now set to be reallocated to families on the council waiting list. EU Aviation Safety: The EU Air Safety List update bans 154 airlines from European skies, including carriers tied to inadequate oversight; Sierra Leone appears among the countries with banned certified airlines. Football & Travel Politics: FIFA chief Gianni Infantino reacted to a Somali referee being denied U.S. entry for the 2026 World Cup, saying the situation is unfortunate and that FIFA “doesn’t control everything.” SLFA Coaching Update: The Sierra Leone FA says new Leone Stars coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa earns far less than rumours, confirming a three-year contract and that government—not SLFA—pays salaries and logistics. Child Protection Debate: The Gender Minister says Parliament removed an anti-FGM clause for minors from the revised Child Rights Act, despite executive support. Governance & Transparency: ILRAJ demands full disclosure on a Government Printing Department modernisation deal, questioning the legal basis and revenue-sharing terms. Clean Cooking Strategy: Sierra Leone convened stakeholders to push its national clean cooking roadmap, targeting deforestation, indoor air pollution, and livelihood gains. Sports Development: SLFA launched a CAF C Diploma coaching course in Freetown to expand certified youth and grassroots training.

ECOWAS at 51: Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner to The Gambia, Martha Kanagbo, used the ECOWAS 51st anniversary to push for a tougher, coordinated regional response to trafficking, drug abuse, irregular migration and other cross-border crime. Cybersecurity push: West African teams from 12 countries, including Sierra Leone, are competing in Accra in an ECOWAS cybersecurity hackathon aimed at building practical defenses against ransomware and other cyber threats. Leone Stars coaching clarity: The SLFA says new head coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa has a three-year contract and rejects claims he earns $25,000 monthly, saying government pays the technical staff through the NSA and Ministry of Sports. Cocaine trafficking pressure: A European MP, Malik Azmani, is calling for EU sanctions and funding suspension against Sierra Leone unless authorities extradite drug suspects and crack down on the “cocaine hub” allegation. Freetown governance/legal reforms: Parliament ratified the International Organisation for Mediation convention and the Second Optional Protocol to the ICCPR on abolishing the death penalty. Regional migration rules: Kuwait tightened domestic worker recruitment, banning many African source countries including Sierra Leone, while allowing only 10 approved countries.

Parliament & Justice: Sierra Leone’s Parliament ratified the International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed) Convention and the Second Optional Protocol to the ICCPR aimed at abolishing the death penalty. Fisheries Leadership: President Bio swore in Ahmed Saybom Kanu as Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources. Public Procurement & Roads: NPPA and SLRA jointly monitored five feeder road sites in western Freetown, checking progress, material quality, and compliance. Housing & Planning: Shelter Afrique talks in Rabat pushed mortgage financing for low-income earners and student hostel development, alongside a new Country Planning Act 2025 to modernize zoning and safety controls. Education & Tech: MBSSE explored a partnership with China’s Legden Holdings to bring AI, coding and robotics into schools. Health: Princess Christian Maternity Hospital reported maternal deaths falling from 84 (2024) to 64 (2025), targeting near-zero preventable cases. Football: Leone Stars lost 3–1 to Liberia in Monrovia after a late red card; preparations continue for the return friendly, with 5,000 free tickets announced. EU Pressure on Drugs Case: EU lawmaker Malik Azmani urged the EU to press Sierra Leone to extradite convicted cocaine figure Jos Leijdekkers. World Cup & Climate: Reports highlight record carbon emissions from the expanded 2026 World Cup, driven largely by travel. Domestic Work Migration: Kuwait restricted domestic worker recruitment to 10 approved countries and banned 27 others, including Sierra Leone.

Leone Stars vs Liberia: Sierra Leone’s national team held final match-situation training in Monrovia ahead of Tuesday’s friendly return leg, with newly appointed coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa joining the camp and officials backing the squad. Tickets & turnout: Liberia’s institutions bought 5,000 free around-the-field tickets for the Monrovia clash, to be collected from 1:00 p.m. Town hall in Makeni: Government announced the 2026 National Presidential Town Hall on June 30 at Makeni’s Public Square under the “Year of Action” theme, continuing decentralised civic dialogue with President Julius Maada Bio. Hajj homecoming: The final batch of 267 Sierra Leonean home-based pilgrims departed Makkah for Freetown, expected to arrive early Wednesday. Education & digital push: Deputy Minister Sarjoh Aziz-Kamara urged dedicated digital investment funds at a major Africa digital education round table in Ghana. Health progress: Princess Christian Maternity Hospital reported a 22% drop in maternal deaths in 2025, from 84 to 64. Public finance: Sierra Leone’s public debt stock rose to NLe 62.7 billion at end-2025, with projections of further growth by 2026. Infrastructure: A new Lungi multi-purpose complex is nearing completion, promising a conference centre, auditorium and hotel to boost event hosting. Regional learning: A Guinea delegation visited Sierra Leone’s school feeding programme to study its homegrown meal model.

Drug Trafficking & EU Pressure: Sierra Leone faces fresh warnings from the European Parliament, with lawmakers urging tougher EU action over alleged cocaine transit links and extradition failures—APC’s Abdul Kargbo says sanctions or aid suspension could follow. Public Safety & Health at Home: Sierra Leone Police Medical Services delivered healthcare supplies to regional commanders in the south-eastern areas to boost officer welfare and readiness. Border Health: The Ministry of Health launched a Sierra Leone Health Travel Portal at Lungi Airport, requiring travellers to submit health and travel details in advance to strengthen disease surveillance amid Ebola concerns. Environment: Orange Sierra Leone and Tacugama planted 5,000 trees at the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Western Area Peninsula National Park for World Environment Day. Local Governance & Services: Freetown City Council signed an MoU with police to enforce the #DortiMusGo waste management initiative, including rules on approved collectors and payment channels. Health System Focus: Health Minister Dr. Austin Demby urged health professionals to drive “Triple Zero” action to cut preventable maternal and child deaths. Sports: FC Kallon and other clubs are monitoring Shooting Stars goalkeeper Mustapha Lawal as his contract expires.

UN Peacekeeping Tribute: Sierra Leone’s Foreign Affairs State Minister Shama Obaed Islam praised Bangladeshi UN peacekeepers for risking their lives for global peace and national honour, including recognition for families who send loved ones abroad. City Waste Enforcement: Freetown City Council signed an MoU with the Sierra Leone Police to enforce the #DortiMusGo waste management push, requiring residents to register with approved collectors and pay only through authorised mobile channels, with illegal dumping and burning prohibited. Health Border Security: The Ministry of Health launched a Sierra Leone Health Travel Portal at Lungi Airport, asking travellers to submit health and travel details at least 72 hours ahead to improve surveillance and speed up screening. TVET Reform Talks: The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education held strategic meetings on TVET reform, including plans to modernise curricula and link training with labour market needs, especially in agribusiness. Infrastructure Financing: Government secured US$125m from the World Bank for energy, digital integration and road connectivity projects. Crime & Safety Focus: Internal Affairs Minister Morie Lengor ordered tougher action on police discipline, warning against checkpoint extortion and demanding faster case handling. Violence Against Children: A Sierra Leone Development Scorecard report says physical and sexual assault cases remain high, with domestic violence and child rape figures still alarming. Leone Stars Update: Leone Stars arrived in Monrovia ahead of the Liberia return friendly after a 1-0 win in Bo, while SLFA disclosed match revenue of Le 336,270.

Leone Stars’ Liberia friendly: Sierra Leone beat Liberia 1-0 at the Southern Arena in Bo, with Abdul Jarju Kabia scoring in the 67th minute; the return leg is set for Tuesday in Monrovia. Football leadership: The Sierra Leone Football Association unveiled new Leone Stars head coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa, tasking him with AFCON qualification and promising close work with local coaches. Local governance and accountability: Parliament has launched an investigation into “Musa Dollar” Musa Koroma’s business dealings, including alleged unlawful fees and government contracts. Health and preparedness: Minister of Health Dr. Austin Demby praised health workers at the SLMDA congress, pushing a “Triple-Zero Champions” push to cut preventable maternal and child deaths. Energy and services: A rainstorm reportedly caused low electricity voltage in parts of Western Freetown, while SLRTC is investigating a Kissy Bus Depot fire that destroyed buses. Women’s rights debate: The First Lady’s FGM-related remarks and her withdrawal from a UK event have reignited national debate on the practice and public messaging. Climate and water: Commentary highlights how climate shocks are disrupting farming and flooding lives, and another report flags unsafe drinking water risks across Africa.

Governance & Accountability: A Sierra Leone Bar Association president argues the removal of Auditor-General Lara Taylor-Pearce was a constitutional bypass, saying the judiciary avoided ruling on key breaches and left the rule of law weakened. FGM Debate: Fresh public back-and-forth follows First Lady Fatima Bio’s remarks and later withdrawal from a UK event, as voices warn Sierra Leone risks political and economic fallout if it uses FGM debates to gain power. Health & Ebola Preparedness: Kenya’s health authorities say they’ve tested 67 people and found no Ebola cases, while surveillance and isolation capacity are being expanded. Education Integrity: The Basic and Senior Secondary Education Ministry plans legislation to criminalise examination malpractice, promising tougher action against fraud. Transport & Fire Safety: SLRTC/SLPTA investigations continue after a Kissy Bus Depot fire destroyed government buses, with officials urging calm as rumours spread. Football: Leone Stars beat Liberia 1-0 in Bo; Didier Gomes Da Rosa was unveiled as new head coach, and fans are watching the return leg in Monrovia. Energy & Community: Dr Kandeh Yumkella commissioned an Integrated Energy Centre in Fogbo Village to expand clean power, connectivity, and skills for rural entrepreneurs.

Leone Stars vs Liberia Friendly: Sierra Leone beat Liberia 1-0 at the Southern Arena in Bo, with Jarjue Kabia scoring in the 67th minute to give the home side early momentum ahead of the return leg in Monrovia on Tuesday. Football Governance: SLFA President Babadi Kamara urged the team in camp and backed the push toward AFCON 2027, as reactions continue around the Leone Stars coaching changes. Hajj Travel: The first batch of 267 Sierra Leonean home-based Hajj pilgrims (out of 2,626) departed Saudi Arabia for Freetown, with arrivals expected early Sunday. Health & Women’s Care: The Social Welfare Ministry received a UNFPA vehicle to expand obstetric fistula support to remote communities, strengthening long-term rehabilitation and reintegration. Public Transport Fire Probe: SLRTC/SLPTA confirmed a Kissy Bus Depot fire destroyed five provincial government buses, with investigations underway and no casualties reported so far. Education Integrity: The Basic and Senior Secondary Education Ministry says it will criminalise examination malpractice to protect the credibility of Sierra Leone’s certificates. Ebola Preparedness Legacy: Sierra Leone continues preparedness work linked to the 2014 outbreak as health authorities monitor renewed Ebola risks in the region. Water Safety Warning: A global drinking-water quality assessment highlights unsafe water risks, with many African countries among the worst affected.

Transport & Safety: SLRTC has launched an investigation into the Kissy Bus Depot fire that destroyed six buses, while the SLPTA says the blaze hit provincial buses only and caused no reported casualties so far. Public Services & Social Protection: NASSIT is pushing to extend social security to Sierra Leone’s informal workers through collaboration with Egypt. Housing & Jobs: Sierra Leone signed an MoU with So Afri Loge for affordable housing for civil and public servants, with land and tax incentives promised. Education Reform: The Basic Education Ministry says it will criminalise examination malpractice to protect the credibility of Sierra Leone’s certificates. Health at Borders: The Health Ministry and NPHA launched a Health Travel Portal at Freetown International Airport to streamline health checks for travellers. Ebola Preparedness: Sierra Leone is stepping up preparedness as Ebola concerns grow in the DRC, with renewed focus on detection and response. Politics & Governance: A CHRDI poll shows more public confidence in APC than SLPP on economy and security, while the Sierra Leone Bar Association’s AGM dispute is before the National Investment Board. Football: Leone Stars camp in Bo ahead of Liberia friendlies, as SLFA welcomes Didier Gomes Da Rosa—amid public criticism over the coaching change.

Health Security & Travel: Sierra Leone’s Health Ministry and NPHA launched a Health Travel Portal at Freetown International Airport to collect travellers’ health info, streamline entry/exit checks, and share updates on health protocols. Ebola Watch: With the DRC’s Ebola case count revised down to 344, WHO says safety measures like contact tracing are in place, while UK health authorities urged hospitals and clinics to prepare for suspected cases. Football & Politics: SLFA welcomed new Leone Stars head coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa, as State House communications director Myk Berewa warned SLFA over Kallon’s dismissal and warned of backlash if AFCON qualification fails. Governance Dispute: The National Investment Board received an urgent application over Sierra Leone Bar Association’s postponed AGM, treating it as a possible cancellation under the Companies Act. Public Services: DSTI and UNICEF held graduations for Tech 101 and Tech for Kids digital literacy programmes in Freetown. Environment & Water: Guma Valley Water Company warned deforestation and encroachment are threatening Freetown’s water catchments and raising contamination risks. Sports Crowd Power: Leone Stars received a hero’s welcome in Bo ahead of the Liberia friendly.

Leone Stars Coaching Shake-up: Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) has appointed French coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa as Head Coach, with former boss Mohamed Kallon publicly wishing the team well after the change. Ebola Preparedness & Policy Debate: Multiple reports focus on Ebola risk and response gaps, including fears the DRC outbreak could be larger than recorded, plus renewed debate over whether Americans exposed to Ebola should be repatriated to the U.S. Freetown Water Under Threat: Guma Valley Water Company warns deforestation, encroachment and sanitation problems are degrading key catchments feeding Freetown, raising costs and public health risks. Freetown Youth & Drugs: Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr met kush addicts under Congo Cross Bridge, urging residents not to pay for waste collection and pushing for access to rehab services. Governance & Security: The Ministry of Internal Affairs held an inter-agency meeting at the Sierra Leone Correctional Service to strengthen security cooperation, with plans for a proactive strategy. Football Development Push: SLFA President Babadi Kamara pledged stronger grassroots youth football development at a FIFA Talent Development Scheme conference. Climate Talks Access: Visa hurdles are shrinking delegations from Sierra Leone and other vulnerable countries to the Bonn climate talks. Parliament Loss: Kono MP Lucinda Finda Kelly has died, with Parliament adjourning proceedings for condolences.

Police & Justice Upgrade: Sierra Leone Police chief IGP William Fayia Sellu is set to commission three major public-safety projects, including upgrading Masingbi Police Station into a divisional HQ and unveiling a modern forensic lab at TOCU in Rogbangba Junction. Agriculture & Food Security: The Feed Salone Agenda is showcased in China, with Sierra Leone highlighting digital input delivery via an E-Voucher system and a geo-tagged Farmers Registry to improve transparency and resilience. Disaster Management Partnership: JICA’s new country representative, Satora Matsuyama, visits NDMA leadership in Freetown to deepen cooperation on flood mitigation and staff capacity building. Women’s Livelihoods: CCSL and Christian Aid support displaced women in Malen Chiefdom through 21 savings-and-loan groups to rebuild small businesses after land conflict. Health Recognition: Surgeon Dr. Sheku Dennis Massaquoi earns global recognition for surgical innovation and education in resource-limited settings. Sports: Leone Stars caretaker coach John Keister outlines objectives for June friendlies vs Liberia (Bo June 6; Monrovia June 9). Digital Rights: CHRDI welcomes a White House cyber official as a Fulbright Specialist to help build a Sierra Leone privacy and data protection advocacy toolkit.

Critical Minerals Talks: Sierra Leone’s Mines Minister Julius Daniel Mattai says the country has rare earth mineral deposits and wants cooperation with Russia, citing a 2024 MoU and training for Sierra Leonean specialists. Health & Capacity Building: A 27th Chinese medical team delivered its first public academic lecture to nursing students at Njala University (Bo Campus), focusing on early detection and standardized nursing interventions for common ENT conditions. Maternal Health Upgrade: Moyamba Government Hospital commissioned a rehabilitated maternity ward, boosting services for mothers and newborns. Women in Agriculture: Sierra Leone’s First Lady Dr Fatima Maada Bio handed over food-processing equipment to women farmers and agro-processors to cut post-harvest losses and add value. Water Sector Partnerships: SALWACO is deepening partnerships, including with Catholic Relief Services, to strengthen water and sanitation delivery under its 2026–2030 plan. Governance & Gender: MoGCA and partners pushed for stronger women representation in governance through NEWMaP-related engagements in Freetown. Education Reform Learning: Education Minister Conrad Sackey met Rwanda education officials to study Rwanda’s digital assessment approach for Sierra Leone’s reforms. Power & Regional Trade: A World Bank-backed West Africa power programme says it expanded electricity access to over 3 million people and strengthened cross-border electricity trade.

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.