AGP Executive Report

Land Rights Clash: The Sierra Leone Lawyers’ Society has challenged Lands Minister Turad Senesie’s claim that individuals do not own land, warning the remarks could mislead the public and citing the Conveyancing Act 1881 and court decisions on private land ownership. Freetown City Progress: Freetown City Council Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr launched the “Transform Freetown, Transforming Lives” mid-term report (2024–2026), saying 50 interventions reached 161,565 beneficiaries, created jobs, and secured external funding, with climate action and human capital among the biggest focus areas. Human Rights & Stigma: The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) trained 180 faith leaders and civil society groups in Bo and Kenema to tackle stigma and discrimination, linking religious teachings to human rights principles. Security Update: Police arrested four suspects after an attempted armed robbery at the GOAL-Sierra Leone office in Magburaka, Tonkolili, following a breach of the premises and a quick community-police response. Global Health Watch: A West Africa-focused review highlights a mental health toll from climate extremes, noting major research gaps across countries including Sierra Leone. Ebola Alert (DR Congo): Congo’s Ebola outbreak has spread to a seventh province, Sud-Ubangi, raising regional concern.

Ebola Update (DR Congo): Congo’s record-breaking Ebola outbreak has spread to a seventh province, Sud-Ubangi, after lab tests detected the rare Bundibugyo virus strain, with officials reporting a fatal case in Gwaka and warning the outbreak is still accelerating despite earlier declines in the epicentre. City Development (Freetown): Freetown City Council Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr launched the “Transform Freetown, Transforming Lives” mid-term report (2024–2026), citing progress across climate action, heritage tourism, the digital economy and human capital, including thousands of beneficiaries and jobs. Human Rights & Health (HRCSL): Sierra Leone’s Human Rights Commission took its stigma-reduction push to religious leaders, training 180 faith leaders and civil society representatives in Bo and Kenema to challenge misinformation and protect key populations. Security (Magburaka): Police arrested four suspects over an attempted armed robbery at the GOAL-Sierra Leone office on Bumbuna Road, after a breach of the premises was spotted and a rapid response team intervened. International Cooperation (WAIIS 2026): China signalled support for Sierra Leone’s investment drive ahead of WAIIS 2026, with talks focused on boosting Chinese private-sector participation in regional integration and climate/renewables work. Women’s Rights (UN push): Sierra Leone’s First Lady Fatima Maada Bio returned home to a major welcome after a UN resolution milestone tied to stronger protection and opportunities for girls and women.

Ebola Update: Ebola in DR Congo has spread to a seventh province, South-Ubangi, after lab tests confirmed the Bundibugyo virus in a suspected case, with officials warning the outbreak remains out of control. Telecom & Investment: The US will lend $100m to Africell, which operates in Sierra Leone, as Washington pushes to expand regional telecom infrastructure amid US-China competition. Anti-Stigma Drive: Sierra Leone’s Human Rights Commission (HRCSL) is taking its fight against stigma to religious leaders, training 180 faith leaders and civil society groups in Bo and Kenema. WAIIS 2026 Push: China says it is ready to explore opportunities for Chinese firms to invest in Sierra Leone ahead of the West Africa Integration and Investment Summit (WAIIS) 2026. Child Protection: Sierra Leone’s First Lady Fatima Maada Bio received a huge homecoming after helping secure a UN resolution creating an International Day to end child, early and forced marriage. Security: Police arrested four suspects over an attempted armed robbery at the GOAL-Sierra Leone office in Magburaka, Tonkolili. Sports & Community: Fourahbay beat Brookfields 5-4 on penalties to reach the COFA Round of 8.

FGM Funding Push: Activists welcomed a new $15.5m fund to accelerate ending female genital mutilation, as donor support declines and UN 2030 goals remain off track. Judicial Protection for Women: Sierra Leone’s Chief Justice Komba Kamanda urged stronger, gender-sensitive court enforcement of women’s reproductive rights across Africa. Youth Skills & Jobs: Sierra Leone outlined plans at the Youth Knowledge Forum in Rabat—expanding technical institutes into community colleges, boosting apprenticeships, and focusing on digital, AI, cybersecurity, and green-economy skills. Land Reform: Government says it is modernizing land administration with digital records, stronger development controls, decentralized planning, and formal title registration. Biodiversity Protection: The new Conservation Trust Fund chair met NDMA to strengthen biodiversity protection, including plans for offset mapping in key protected areas. Cyberstalking Law Concerns: WoME-SL raised worries about Section 44 of Sierra Leone’s Cyber Security and Crime Act, warning it could chill freedom of expression. Child Marriage at UN Level: First Lady Fatima Maada Bio celebrated a UN resolution backing an International Day to end child, early, and forced marriage. Sports & Community Football: Fourahbay beat Brookfields on penalties in the COFA Round of 16, booking a quarterfinal spot. FGM Alternative Rite: In Port Loko, 55 women took part in “Bloodless Bondo,” challenging the idea that Bondo must involve cutting. Port Congestion Alarm: Labour Congress called Queen Elizabeth II Quay congestion a national emergency and urged faster completion of Gento Port.

Youth Employment & Skills: Sierra Leone outlined its plan to prepare young people for work in a changing economy at ICESCO’s Youth Knowledge Forum in Rabat, stressing technical training, digital transformation, entrepreneurship and wider access to opportunities. TVET Reform: Government says Technical Institutes across all 16 districts are being expanded and upgraded into community colleges, with apprenticeships, internships, mobile training units and a dual apprenticeship policy to better match labour-market needs. Land & Governance: Sierra Leone is pushing land administration reforms with digital records, stronger development controls and formal title registration, while also running a five-day workshop to turn APRM Second-Generation recommendations into a national programme of action. Port Congestion: The Sierra Leone Labour Congress calls Queen Elizabeth II Quay congestion a national emergency and urges faster completion of Gento Port to ease delays and costs. Cyber Rights: WoME-SL has raised concerns about Section 44 of the Cyber Security and Crime Act 2021 with the Human Rights Commission, warning it could chill freedom of expression. Child Marriage Push: First Lady Fatima Maada Bio’s campaign helped secure a UN resolution making November 27 an International Day to end child, early and forced marriage. Community Football: Fourahbay beat Brookfields 5-4 on penalties to reach the COFA Round of 8, sparking fireworks at the Parade Grounds.

Land Reform Push: Sierra Leone’s Lands Ministry says it’s modernising land administration with digital records, stronger development controls, decentralised planning and formal title registration to cut disputes and unplanned settlements. Governance Reform via APRM: The APRM Sierra Leone office has started a five-day workshop in Freetown to turn APRM recommendations into a National Programme of Action with clear institutions, indicators, timelines and costs. Local Governance Drive: Vice President Juldeh Jalloh wraps up a decentralisation tour in Port Loko, pledging stronger local governance and the recruitment of about 800 Native Administrative Officers. Port Congestion Crisis: The Sierra Leone Labour Congress calls Queen Elizabeth II Quay congestion a national emergency and urges faster completion of the Gento (Kent Harbour and Logistics Port) project. Cyber Rights Concern: WoME-SL has taken concerns about Section 44 of the Cyber Security and Crime Act to the Human Rights Commission, warning it could chill freedom of expression. School Feeding Boost: Government and WFP launch the 2026/27 home-grown school feeding programme with 1 million kg of locally produced rice for over 250,000 pupils. Police Cooperation: Sierra Leone Police mark UN International Day of Police Cooperation, stressing partnerships for safer communities and accountable policing. Security & Justice: Internal Affairs Minister Morie Lengor urges closer police-community cooperation as security threats evolve, while calls grow for an investigation into Pastor Francis Mambu’s controversial allegations. Sports: ZIFA confirms the Warriors’ home venue for AFCON 2027 qualifiers as Zimbabwe’s National Sports Stadium.

Local Governance: Vice President Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh has wrapped up his decentralisation tour in Port Loko, pledging stronger local governance and service delivery, including plans to recruit about 800 Native Administrative Officers to boost grassroots capacity. Development Planning: Sierra Leone is turning APRM recommendations into a practical National Program of Action through a five-day Freetown workshop (7–11 Sept) to align reforms with the Medium-Term National Development Plan. Port & Jobs: The Sierra Leone Labour Congress says congestion at Freetown’s main port is an economic emergency and urges urgent completion of the Kent Harbour and Logistics Port. Security & Policing: The Internal Affairs Minister called for tighter police partnerships with communities and international partners, highlighting reforms like community policing and a review of the Police Act. Education & Agriculture: The Home-Grown School Feeding Programme begins with procurement of one million kg of locally produced rice for meals for over 250,000 pupils across five districts. Sports & Media: SWASAL has opened an investigation into an alleged assault on sports journalist Hilton John at the Southern Arena in Bo, while ZIFA confirmed the Warriors’ home venue for AFCON 2027 qualifiers. Justice & Rights: Chief Justice Komba Kamanda urged stronger judicial protection of women’s sexual and reproductive health rights, stressing real-life impact of court decisions. Controversy: Calls are mounting for an investigation into Pastor Francis Mambu’s allegations, with Attorney-General Alpha Sesay urged to act.

Child Marriage Push: The UN’s adoption of November 27 as the International Day for the Elimination of Early and Forced Child Marriage is being hailed as a major human-rights win, with Sierra Leone’s First Lady Fatima Maada Bio cited among backers of the global push. Police Cooperation: Sierra Leone Police marked UN International Day of Police Cooperation on Sept 7, with leaders calling for stronger partnerships to protect vulnerable people and build public trust in policing. School Feeding Boost: Government and WFP launched the 2026/27 Home-Grown School Feeding Programme with one million kg of locally sourced rice to support meals for over 250,000 pupils. Judicial Protection for Women: Chief Justice Komba Kamanda urged African courts to make women’s reproductive health rights real, not “aspirational promises,” focusing on the impact on women facing hardship and limited access to care. Welfare Grants: The Ministry of Social Welfare disbursed Le300,000 in welfare grants to 15 organisations serving children, women, youth and older persons in Freetown. Sports Journalism Probe: SWASAL opened a fact-finding investigation into an alleged assault and denial of access involving journalist Hilton John at the Southern Arena. Cross-Border Trade: Traders and travellers at the Sierra Leone–Liberia border praised improved immigration services under a new leadership at Jendema/Mano River Bridge. Health & Service Delivery: Connaught Hospital reopened a rehabilitated Patient Registration Post to improve patient experience.

Judicial Rights Push: Chief Justice Komba Kamanda urged African courts to strengthen enforcement of women’s sexual and reproductive health rights under the Maputo Protocol, warning that rights must become real benefits, not “aspirational promises.” Child Marriage Spotlight: The UN adopted November 27 as the International Day to End Child, Early and Forced Marriage, with Sierra Leone playing a leading role and First Lady Fatima Maada Bio backing the push. Political Return: Former President Ernest Bai Koroma returned to Sierra Leone after treason charges were withdrawn, ending over two years in Nigeria and setting the stage for a politically charged run-up to 2028 elections. Women in Security: The RSLAF commissioned 70 women as certified military drivers after a 15-week all-female training programme to boost women’s peacekeeping readiness. Health Service Upgrade: Connaught Hospital opened a rehabilitated Patient Registration Post to improve patient experience and service delivery. Diplomacy & Neighbours: Foreign Affairs Minister Mohamed Rahman Swaray assessed Sierra Leone’s embassy operations in Liberia, including progress on rehabilitating the chancery building. Environment & Waste: Freetown is expanding biodigesters to turn waste into energy, cutting fuel costs and improving sanitation for residents. Border Trade Improvements: Communities at the Sierra Leone–Liberia border praised improved immigration services under a new leadership at the Mano River Bridge.

Former President Return: Ernest Bai Koroma has returned to Freetown after more than two years in Nigeria, following the withdrawal of treason charges tied to the 2023 uprising, with Nigeria and ECOWAS described as key to the diplomatic process. Tourism & Culture: Miss Sierra Leone 2026, Mariyam Lorba Konneh, came home after representing the country at Miss World in Vietnam, with the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs promising a grand national welcome. Women & Peacekeeping: The RSLAF commissioned 70 women as certified military drivers after a 15-week all-female training programme supported by UN Women to boost women’s participation in peacekeeping. Public Health & Misinformation: Africa CDC says managing rumours is crucial to stop disease outbreaks, after regional reports highlighted deadly “genital theft” misinformation that sparked violence. Press Freedom: SLAJ is urging a dedicated constitutional chapter for freedom of expression and press freedom, arguing current protections are not strong enough. Child Marriage Push: The UN has adopted Nov 27 as an International Day to end child, early and forced marriage, led by Sierra Leone and championed by First Lady Fatima Maada Bio. Environment & Cities: Freetown is using biodigesters to turn waste into energy, improve sanitation, cut fuel costs, and support market traders.

Koroma’s Return: Former Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma has returned to Freetown after treason charges were dropped, ending more than two years in Nigeria; Nigeria and ECOWAS described the homecoming as a diplomatic confidence-building success. Civic Participation: Sierra Leone is pushing civic responsibility and citizen participation, using a National Civic Education Strategy (2024–2030) with Civic Days, town halls, school engagements and community outreach. Press Freedom: The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) is calling for a dedicated constitutional chapter to strengthen press freedom and freedom of expression. Child Marriage Fight: The UN General Assembly adopted November 27 as an International Day to end child, early and forced marriage, with Sierra Leone’s First Lady Fatima Maada Bio playing a key role. Environment & Land Rights: Green Scenery engaged land-affected communities in Pujehun on environmental rights, legal literacy and safer advocacy. Health Support: A Chinese medical team provided free consultations to over 300 residents at Wilberforce Health Centre in Freetown. Tourism & Culture: Mariyam Lorba Konneh is set for a grand national homecoming after Miss World 2026.

Politics & Justice: Former Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma returns to Freetown after treason charges were dropped, with Nigeria’s diplomatic push helping end the two-year exile and raising hopes for reconciliation ahead of 2028 elections. Human Rights: The UN Human Rights Council opens its autumn session in Geneva, with Sierra Leone-linked child-protection momentum also in the spotlight as global rights discussions cover detention, disappearances, water and sanitation, and sanctions’ impacts. Health & Community: A 27th Chinese medical team provided free consultations to 300+ residents at Wilberforce Health Centre in Freetown, while the U.S. Embassy opened Peace Corps applications for Americans to serve in Sierra Leone in health and education. Women, Children & Protection: Sierra Leone’s First Lady Fatima Maada Bio and partners celebrated the UN’s adoption of Nov 27 as the International Day to end child, early and forced marriage, and MARWOPNET trained border stakeholders on reporting mechanisms to protect cross-border women traders from sexual exploitation and abuse. Sports & Culture: Rodney Strasser wins a U.S. sports honour; Mariyam Lorba Konneh prepares for a grand Miss World homecoming; and Sierra Stars arrive in Dakar for WAFU-A U-17 qualifiers.

UN Human Rights: The UN Human Rights Council opens its 63rd session in Geneva on Sept. 7, with debates ranging from Belarus, Russia, Iran and Ukraine to Palestine and other occupied territories, plus talks on rights of older persons, clean water, modern slavery, arbitrary detention and enforced disappearances. Child Marriage Push: Sierra Leone-led efforts got a major boost as the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution setting Nov. 27 as the International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early and Forced Marriage, with India co-sponsoring; the campaign is tied to Sierra Leone First Lady Fatima Maada Bio’s advocacy. Health Outreach: A Chinese medical team carried out a free community outreach at Wilberforce Health Center in Freetown, delivering 300+ consultations across internal medicine, surgery, eye care, ENT and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Women at Borders: MARWOPNET trained border stakeholders in Pujehun on reporting mechanisms to protect cross-border women traders from sexual exploitation and abuse. Local Sports: Star Sport Academy held Medina United to a 0-0 draw in Bo in their CAF Champions League debut. Football Community: Cline Town advanced to quarterfinals after beating Calaba Town Community 5-3 on penalties. Local Governance: VP Juldeh Jalloh begins consultations in Makeni and Port Loko as part of the decentralisation drive. Traditional Leadership: Parliament issued a notice on the critical illness of Kailahun Paramount Chief Representative Cyril Foray Gondor II.

Child Marriage Push at UN: Sierra Leone’s First Lady Dr Fatima Maada Bio helped secure UN General Assembly approval of November 27 as the International Day to Eliminate Child, Early and Forced Marriage, with the resolution backed by dozens of countries and framed as a “call to action” for stronger laws, education and sustained political will. Local Governance Consultations: Vice President Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh will lead the second leg of the Government’s decentralisation tour this weekend in Makeni and Port Loko, holding talks with traditional leaders and local councils on how national policies can deliver real community results. Chieftaincy Election Readiness: The Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs convened stakeholders in Pujehun to prepare for the Paramount Chieftaincy Election in Kpanga Krim Chiefdom and promote peace ahead of voting. Sports—Warriors Coach Update: Zimbabwe coach Ramon Català named a provisional AFCON qualifiers squad that includes several overseas-based players, but Washington Navaya was left out despite leading the local scoring charts. Football—Community Cup Drama: Cline Town Community beat Calaba Town Community 5-3 on penalties after a 0-0 draw to reach the quarterfinals. Health & Safety—Port Bribery Warning: Chief Minister Dr David Moinina Sengeh warned police at Freetown’s Queen Elizabeth II Quay against demanding bribes from truck drivers during the port decongestion drive.

Child Marriage Push at the UN: Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, helped secure a UN General Assembly resolution making November 27 the International Day to End Child, Early and Forced Marriage, with Sierra Leone leading the initiative and calling for stronger laws, enforcement, and funding. Peacekeeping Readiness: CHRDI trained 128 RSLAF personnel on International Humanitarian Law, and on preventing gender-based violence and sexual exploitation and abuse ahead of UN deployment. Local Governance Consultations: Vice President Juldeh Jalloh begins the next leg of the decentralisation tour this weekend, consulting leaders in Makeni and Port Loko on how national policies can deliver local results. Chiefdom Election Preparations: The Ministry of Local Government convened stakeholders in Pujehun to prepare for the Kpanga Krim Paramount Chieftaincy election and promote peace. Political and Community Updates: The LPP leader visited Pujehun to explain his party’s agenda; Parliament also issued a notice on the critical illness of Kailahun Paramount Chief Cyril Foray Gondor II. Anti-Bribery Warning at the Port: Freetown’s Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh warned police at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay against demanding bribes from truck drivers during port decongestion.

Child Marriage Push at UN: Sierra Leone’s First Lady Fatima Maada Bio urged global action at the UN General Assembly, backing a resolution that sets 27 November as an International Day to eliminate child, early and forced marriage, with Sierra Leone as main sponsor and dozens of co-sponsors. Decentralisation Consultations: Vice President Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh will hold the second leg of the government’s regional decentralisation drive this weekend in Makeni and Port Loko, meeting traditional and local council leaders to improve how national policies deliver locally. Anti-Bribery Port Warning: Freetown’s Chief Minister Dr David Moinina Sengeh warned police at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay against demanding money from truck drivers, saying anyone caught soliciting bribes will face immediate action. Local Governance & National Cohesion: Former President Ernest Bai Koroma is expected back in Freetown this weekend, then in Makeni next week, as part of stakeholder engagement linked to peace and cohesion efforts. Health System Upgrade: NPHA and GOAL launched a plan to modernise Sierra Leone’s epidemic response with digital contact tracing, aiming to speed up detection and reduce delays. Legal Challenge: The Lawyers’ Society filed a Supreme Court action challenging the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2025, arguing constitutional procedures and voting thresholds must be properly followed. AFCON Qualifiers Kickoff: CAF has released the schedule for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, with Sierra Leone set to travel to Equatorial Guinea in the opening phase.