AGP Executive Report

ECOWAS Summit Prep: Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh inspected the newly completed Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre in Lungi ahead of the 19 July ECOWAS Heads of State summit. Regional Finance: The 39th ECOWAS Administration and Finance Committee session opened in Freetown at Bintumani, setting the agenda for the mid-year summit. Diplomacy: Nigeria reaffirmed ties with Sierra Leone after its High Commissioner presented Letters of Credence to President Bio; Bio also received new envoys from Nigeria, Jamaica and Angola. Energy & Power: Parliament ratified amendments for the 120MW Bekongor III Hydroelectric Power Project, with tariff adjustments and expected job creation. City Sanitation: Freetown City Council and police begin strict enforcement of sanitation byelaws under the DortiMusGo campaign, with fines for non-compliance. Justice & Safety: Chief Justice Kamanda made an unannounced inspection of Kenema’s new sexual offences model court; meanwhile, heavy downpour in Upper Jalloh Terrace killed two children. Health Outreach: WACP (Liberia chapter) launched a free specialist medical outreach in New Kru Town; WAHO marked its 39th anniversary calling for stronger regional health cooperation. Sports & FIFA: FIFA says it will examine a proposal to expand the World Cup to 64 teams from 2030—an opening that could boost Sierra Leone’s qualification hopes. Education: Minister Conrad Sackey visited Nyapui School of Excellence for Girls in Kenema after repeated fire damage; partners also pledged support to rebuild. Online Child Protection: Authorities urged the public to stop sharing a viral alleged child abuse video, warning reposts can be criminal.

ECOWAS Summit Prep: Sierra Leone’s airport authority (SLCAA) has announced temporary security and traffic rules at Freetown International Airport in Lungi from 17–19 July, restricting terminal access to verified passengers and authorized staff while keeping commercial flights running. City Sanitation Crackdown: Freetown City Council and Sierra Leone Police have launched strict joint enforcement of sanitation byelaws under the DortiMusGo campaign, with fines of NLe 5,000 or prosecution for businesses and residents operating without registered waste service providers. Education Recovery in Kenema: Minister Conrad Sackey visited Nyapui School of Excellence for Girls after repeated fire damage, while partners including NDMA, UNDP and others pledged support and handed over beds and mattresses to help restore learning and boarding. Justice Oversight: Chief Justice Komba Kamanda made an unannounced inspection of the new Kenema Sexual Offences Model Court to speed up victim-friendly justice and check court readiness. Child Protection Alert: The Gender Ministry urged the public to stop sharing a viral alleged child abuse video, warning reposts can deepen harm and may be criminal. Energy Deal: Parliament ratified amendments for the 120MW Bekongor III Hydroelectric Power Project, including a tariff adjustment and expected job creation. Diplomacy: Canada held its first full Canada Day celebration in Freetown, reaffirming cooperation on health, education, defence training and trade. Regional/International: Cricket Sierra Leone’s chairman Francis Trevor Samura attended the ICC annual conference in Scotland.

Child Protection Online: Sierra Leone’s Gender and Children’s Affairs Ministry urges the public to stop sharing a viral video alleging sexual abuse of a child, warning reposts deepen harm and may breach child protection laws. Airport Security for ECOWAS: The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority announces temporary security and traffic controls at Freetown International Airport (Lungi) from 17–19 July, restricting terminal access to verified passengers and authorized staff while keeping commercial flights running. Local Sanitation Crackdown: Freetown City Council and Sierra Leone Police launch strict enforcement of sanitation byelaws under the DortiMusGo campaign, with fines or prosecution for businesses and residents operating without FCC-registered waste collection. Parliament Energy Move: Parliament ratifies amendments enabling the 120MW Bekongor III Hydroelectric Power Project, with lawmakers citing job creation and tariff adjustments. Rain Disaster: A heavy downpour in Upper Jalloh Terrace kills two schoolchildren after a sidebank collapse, renewing calls for caution around embankments during the rainy season. Diplomacy at State House: President Bio receives new envoys from Nigeria, Jamaica and Angola, reaffirming stronger bilateral and regional cooperation. Education Recovery: Partners begin rebuilding Nyapui School of Excellence for Girls in Kenema after a fire, including immediate support for boarding facilities.

Digital Skills Push: Sierra Leone launched a Digital Skills Training Programme for 1,000 civil servants, with the first cohort starting 17 July in Freetown, as government aims to build baseline tech competence across ministries. Anti-Corruption Drive: The ACC and Transparency International Sierra Leone marked African Anti-Corruption Day (11 July) with a call to scale integrity and accountability actions nationwide. Healthcare Capacity: A China-Sierra Leone Nursing Training Center ran a second specialized course, linking Chinese experts to Freetown via telemedicine and training more than 40 nurses in clinical and triage skills. Community Development: NaCSA commissioned rehabilitated projects in Moyamba, including a NA court, town market, primary school and a completed tap water scheme in Taiama Town. Freetown Justice: A Pademba Road court remanded a mother and daughter and others over alleged conspiracy to murder and murder in Kroo Town, with no plea taken pending preliminary investigation. Sports & Culture: SLFA Division One playoffs continued in Port Loko with promotion race matches, while Blue Mountain Village announced “Reggae on the Mountain” (24–26 July) featuring JUNO winner Kirk Diamond.

Digital Skills Push: Sierra Leone has launched a Digital Skills Training Programme for 1,000 civil servants, with the first cohort starting 17 July in Freetown, aiming to build baseline digital competence across ministries. ECSL & AI Elections: The Electoral Commission highlighted its inclusion-focused AI and election management work after an Electoral Officer presented Sierra Leone’s AI strategy in New Delhi. ECOWAS Summit Setup: Government has unveiled the official website for the ECOWAS Mid-Year Statutory Meetings 2026, giving delegates and the public a single place for programme, accreditation and travel details. Urban Climate Cooperation: Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr met Canada’s High Commissioner to discuss waste-to-energy and other sustainable city projects. Youth & Football: SLFA kicked off U-17 Boys Talent Hunt nationwide and continued Division One playoffs in Port Loko. Conservation Spotlight: Tacugama’s Willie Tucker spoke on threats to Sierra Leone’s western chimpanzees and community-based protection efforts. Safety & Health Alerts: NDMA warned Port Loko residents to prepare for rainy-season flooding and storms; separate reports also flagged a Blama bike-rider finger injury and ongoing US visa restrictions affecting Sierra Leone.

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.