AGP Executive Report

Human Rights & Justice: Sierra Leone’s Parliament has ratified the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights protocol, a move CHRDI calls a major step for justice, accountability, and stronger rights protection beyond national borders. Health & Training: A Chinese medical team delivered first-responder emergency care training at Central University, reaching nearly 150 nursing students and faculty with practical airway and emergency response skills. Child Protection: The First Lady met police units to renew action against child marriage and SGBV under “Hands Off Our Girls,” urging communities and parents to keep girls in school. Courts & Rights: Sierra Leone’s High Court opened trial proceedings over alleged forced FGM initiation tied to the Bondo Society, with five accused facing charges including conspiracy and causing grievous bodily harm. ECOWAS Summit Focus: An IPAM lecturer says ECOWAS integration must be judged by real outcomes—faster border processes, safer corridors, and lower costs for traders—especially as leaders meet in Freetown. Community & Livelihoods: A farming programme is helping amputees rebuild lives through sustainable agriculture and small commercial plots, turning skills into income.

High Court FGM Trial: Sierra Leone’s High Court has opened the trial of five people accused of forcibly subjecting a woman to female genital mutilation, with prosecutors alleging she was detained without consent in Kissy and later escaped and reported the case. Child Protection Push: First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio met police officials to strengthen collaboration against child marriage and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, urging communities and leaders to protect girls’ education and rights. ECOWAS Summit Focus: As Sierra Leone hosts the 2026 ECOWAS Heads of State Summit, an IPAM lecturer says regional integration must deliver practical results for citizens, not just agreements—like faster borders, safer corridors, and lower costs. Sports for Peace: The National Sports Authority announced a nationwide football tournament for Kekeh and bike riders to promote unity, youth empowerment, and talent identification. Disability Inclusion: NaCSA has started rehabilitating the Njama–Manor feeder road in Moyamba to improve access for farmers, traders, and schoolchildren, supporting livelihoods and local development. Ebola Support: China CDC experts joined international efforts to bolster the Ebola response in the DRC and Uganda, adding to a joint Africa CDC–WHO coordination platform. Visa Updates: India’s 2026 e-Visa list includes Sierra Leone, while Botswana also published a visa-free entry list that covers Sierra Leone among other African countries. Creative Industry: The Actors Guild Sierra Leone met Freetown’s mayor to explore partnerships in arts, culture, tourism promotion, and youth empowerment through film and theatre.

Justice & Politics: Sierra Leone’s government has discontinued coup-related charges against former President Ernest Bai Koroma, triggering fresh debate over reconciliation versus accountability and what the withdrawal means for public trust. Sports & Youth: Naomi Coker, England’s table tennis youth champion, has switched allegiance to represent Sierra Leone at the ITTF Africa Youth Championships, while the National Sports Authority plans a nationwide football tournament for Kekeh and bike riders to promote peace and identify talent. Health & Climate Resilience: Freetown trained frontline health workers to tackle heat-health risks under a C40 Cities-backed project, building early warning and response capacity. Infrastructure & Local Development: NaCSA has begun rehabilitation of the Njama–Manor feeder road in Moyamba to improve access for farmers, traders and schoolchildren. Maritime Security: Sierra Leone is among early contributors to a Gulf of Guinea rapid reaction maritime task force aimed at piracy, smuggling and illegal fishing. Regional Governance: Opposition figures are questioning the value of hosting the ECOWAS summit, while peacebuilding partners are engaging correctional and justice institutions in Kambia. Travel & Mobility: Botswana has listed Sierra Leone among African countries eligible for visa-free entry in 2026.

ECOWAS Summit Prep: Sierra Leone’s security and local authorities have kicked off a major clean-up in Lungi ahead of the 18–19 July ECOWAS Summit, with RSLAF and Sierra Leone Police recruits clearing streets, drainage and public spaces around key venues. Maritime Security: Sierra Leone is among the first countries committing resources to an Africa-led Gulf of Guinea rapid reaction maritime task force aimed at tackling piracy, smuggling and illegal fishing. Roads for Communities: NaCSA has started rehabilitating the Njama–Manor feeder road in Moyamba to improve access for farmers, traders and schoolchildren, supported by Germany’s KfW. Health & Climate Resilience: Freetown has trained frontline health workers to respond to heat-related illnesses as extreme heat risks rise, under a C40 Cities-backed project. Tertiary Sports Push: The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education and the Ministry of Sports renewed plans to revive tertiary sports through better facilities and inter-collegiate competitions. Disability Inclusion: Liberia’s NCD launched a training-of-trainers workshop for disability inclusion leaders, with future spillover training planned for Sierra Leone and neighbours. Local Governance Debate: Opposition figures questioned the value of spending on the Lungi conference centre for summits, urging investment in citizens instead.

Maritime Security: Sierra Leone is among the first six countries backing an Africa-led Gulf of Guinea Combined Maritime Task Force to tackle piracy, smuggling, armed robbery and illegal fishing. ECOWAS Summit Prep: With about 600 delegates expected for the 18–19 July ECOWAS Summit in Freetown, RSLAF and police have started a major clean-up in Lungi ahead of arrivals. Local Governance & Services: Opposition leader Femi Claudius-Cole criticised government spending on the $124m Lungi International Conference Centre, arguing funds should go to citizens’ needs. Peacebuilding & Justice: ICPNC met Kambia Correctional Centre to discuss how stronger institutional support can improve peacebuilding, justice delivery and social cohesion. Business & Investment: MeCure Industries secured approval to raise its capital target to N50bn as revenue jumped to N77.69bn and profit rose sharply, aiming for expansion across West Africa including Sierra Leone. Human Rights: A UN forum heard that fewer than 1% of trafficking victims are officially identified, leaving most victims invisible to protection systems. Health Data Capacity: Rwanda is sharing its national health intelligence system with Sierra Leone and other countries to strengthen locally owned health data. Education Inclusion: WESOFOD-SL distributed teaching and learning materials and accessibility support to five primary schools in Pujehun for children with disabilities.

ECOWAS Summit Prep: Sierra Leone is gearing up for a major ECOWAS Summit on 18–19 July 2026, with about 600 delegates expected in Freetown, and security, transport and hotel demand already rising. Clean-Up Drive: Ahead of the meeting, RSLAF and police have launched a large environmental clean-up in Lungi, targeting sanitation and public safety around key areas. Conference Centre Check: VP Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh inspected the newly completed Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre in Lungi, set for commissioning on 18 July. Judicial Reform: Chief Justice Komba Kamanda made an unannounced visit to inspect the new Kenema Sexual Offences Model Court and check court performance. Child Protection Alert: The Gender Ministry urged the public to stop sharing a viral alleged child abuse video, warning reposts can worsen harm and may break the law. Business & Investment: MeCure Industries seeks to raise capital up to N50bn (from N30bn) after a 177% jump in 2025 profit, while Chams Holding declared a N270m dividend after 18% revenue growth.

ECOWAS Summit Prep: Sierra Leone is set to host the ECOWAS Heads of State summit on 18–19 July 2026, with about 600 delegates expected, as officials say security, transport, hotels and conference facilities are ready and business for hospitality and tourism should rise. Judicial Reform: Chief Justice Komba Kamanda made an unannounced inspection in Kenema of the new Sexual Offences Model Court, checking construction progress and the performance of judges and magistrates handling sensitive cases. Child Protection Online: The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs urged the public to stop sharing a viral alleged child abuse video, warning reposting can worsen the victim’s trauma and may breach child protection laws. Education Support After Fire: The Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Conrad Sackey, visited Nyapui School of Excellence for Girls in Kenema after repeated fires, while partners also moved to rebuild and urgently support boarding with beds and mattresses. Inclusive Education in Pujehun: WESOFOD-SL, with support from Trócaire under the APEAL project, distributed teaching and learning materials and accessibility support to five primary schools for children with disabilities. Health Data Learning: Rwanda is sharing its national health intelligence system with seven countries including Sierra Leone, aiming to strengthen local ownership of health data and reduce reliance on externally managed systems. Business Expansion: MeCure Industries is seeking to raise capital up to N50bn (from N30bn) to expand production and grow across West Africa, after strong 2025 results. Community Safety: Heavy downpour in Freetown’s Upper Jalloh Terrace killed two school children, renewing calls for caution around slopes and embankments during the rainy season.

ECOWAS Summit Prep: VP Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh inspected the newly completed Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre in Lungi, ahead of the 19 July 2026 ECOWAS Heads of State summit, with officials checking plenary halls, media facilities, ICT and external works. Youth & Cleanliness Drive: APC leader Abdul Kargbo led a Lungi youth clean-up and beautification ahead of the summit, urging civic pride and a welcoming environment for visiting leaders. Child Protection Online: Sierra Leone’s Gender Ministry urged the public to stop sharing a viral alleged child abuse video, warning reposts worsen the victim’s trauma and may breach child protection laws. Justice for Survivors: Chief Justice Komba Kamanda made an unannounced inspection of the new Kenema sexual offences model court, focusing on accountability and faster, victim-friendly handling of SGBV cases. Education Disruption: Education Minister Conrad Sackey visited Nyapui School of Excellence for Girls in Kenema after repeated fires, pledging support to restore learning. Disaster Watch: A heavy downpour in Upper Jalloh Terrace, Wellington, killed two children after a sidebank collapsed, renewing calls for caution near vulnerable slopes and waterways. Healthcare Outreach: WACP Liberia Chapter launched free specialist medical services in New Kru Town, combining consultations, screenings and referrals. Community Rebuild: NaCSA commissioned rehabilitated projects in Taiama Town, Kori Chiefdom, including a court, market, school and tap water.

ECOWAS Summit Prep: APC leader Abdul Kargbo led a youth clean-up in Lungi to make the district look clean and welcoming ahead of the ECOWAS Heads of State meeting in Freetown. Judicial Reform: Chief Justice Komba Kamanda made an unannounced inspection of the new Kenema sexual offences model court, checking construction and the performance of judges and magistrates handling SGBV cases. Child Protection Online: The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs urged the public to stop sharing a viral alleged child abuse video, warning reposts can worsen harm and may be criminal. Education Recovery: Minister Conrad Sackey visited Nyapui School of Excellence for Girls in Kenema after repeated fires, while partners including NDMA and UNDP moved to rebuild and support affected students. Disaster Risk: A heavy downpour in Upper Jalloh Terrace killed two children after a sidebank collapsed, renewing calls for caution near slopes and embankments. Community Development: NaCSA unveiled rehabilitated community projects in Moyamba, including a court, market, school and tap water. Health Training: A China-Sierra Leone nursing training centre ran specialized courses, including emergency “first responder” skills for nurses and students. Sports & Society: Sierra Leone hosted its first Study Abroad Summit to help students plan overseas education and address limited university spaces.

Education & Recovery: Education Minister Conrad Sackey visited Nyapui Senior Secondary School of Excellence for Girls in Kenema to assess fire damage, pledging support as repeated outbreaks disrupt dormitories, classrooms and learning. Justice & Accountability: Chief Justice Komba Kamanda made an unannounced inspection of the new Kenema Sexual Offences Model Court, checking construction and also the performance of judges and magistrates handling SGBV cases. Child Protection Online: The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs urged the public to stop sharing a viral alleged child abuse video, warning reposts worsen trauma and may break child protection laws. Disaster & Safety: A heavy downpour in Upper Jalloh Terrace, Wellington, killed two children after a sidebank collapsed, renewing calls for caution around embankments during the rainy season. Community Development: NaCSA and partners commissioned rehabilitated projects in Moyamba’s Kori Chiefdom, including a court, market, school and tap water, handing over key items to support community services. Healthcare Skills: A China-Sierra Leone team delivered specialized emergency care and nursing training, boosting first-responder and clinical skills for students and frontline nurses.

Diplomatic Updates: President Julius Maada Bio received letters of recall and credence from three newly accredited envoys—Nigeria, Jamaica and Angola—reaffirming stronger bilateral ties and sector cooperation. Public Safety & Disaster: A heavy downpour in Upper Jalloh Terrace, Wellington, killed two school children after a sidebank collapse swept into a residential compound, renewing calls for stricter slope and embankment safety. Education Recovery: NDMA and partners began rebuilding Nyapui School for Girls in Kenema after a fire, handing over 100 bunk beds and 200 mattresses to support students’ return to safe boarding. Local Governance & Peace: Kamakwie Police mediated a dispute between the Regent Chief of Sanda Loko and commercial motorbike riders, preventing a potential breach of peace. Anti-Corruption Push: ACC-SL and Transparency International Sierra Leone marked African Anti-Corruption Day, urging scaled-up integrity actions and stronger accountable institutions. Health Capacity Building: Chinese medical teams delivered specialized nursing and emergency first-responder training across Sierra Leone, boosting frontline skills for patient care. Tourism & Culture: Tourism Minister Nabeela Tunis called for deeper collaboration with China during the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties, linking culture and tourism to future growth. Community Development: NaCSA unveiled rehabilitated community projects in Moyamba, including court, market, school and water facilities, urging residents to protect and maintain them.

Youth Mental Health: Sierra Leone’s youth wellbeing debate is heating up, with advocates arguing mental health must be treated as a development priority, not just a healthcare issue. Education & Exams: A fresh look at “Camp or Tramp” questions how public examinations are being handled, raising concerns about cheating culture and governance. Equal Citizenship: Parliament is urged to complete the “Equal Citizenship” journey started in 1996, as calls grow to finish constitutional reforms on dual citizenship. Wildlife Conservation: Western chimpanzees are “running out of time” as habitat loss and illegal trade threaten the species, with Tacugama’s work highlighted. Public Safety & Rights: A bike rider in Blama lost a finger after an alleged violent police encounter; the commercial riders union demands investigation. Local Governance: Gender Ministry engagement in Bradford Chiefdom pushes inclusive local governance and wider participation for women and marginalised groups. Education Access Abroad: Sierra Leone hosts its first Study Abroad Summit to expand international education pathways. Road Safety: “Operation Push Back” targets illegal encroachments on pedestrian walkways in Freetown. Airport Fees: Government suspends the $25 airport security fee pending a contract review and audit. Media Reform: CJID calls for West African journalism to rebuild around data skills and regional cooperation, while expanding environmental and investigative reporting support. STEM Training: A Chinese medical team trained nearly 150 nursing students and staff in emergency first responder care in Freetown.

APC Politics: APC flagbearer aspirant Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara (JFK) is intensifying his constituency tour ahead of the party’s July 18, 2026 constituency elections, meeting delegates and residents to hear concerns on cost of living, healthcare and food security while urging unity. Wildlife & Climate: Tacugama’s Willie Tucker says western chimpanzees face habitat loss, illegal wildlife trade and climate pressure, with community livelihood support helping reduce hunting and forest dependence. Police Accountability: A commercial bike rider in Blama lost a finger after an alleged violent confrontation during a drug operation; the bike riders’ union demands a full investigation. Education & Youth: Sierra Leone hosted its first Study Abroad Summit for nearly 1,000 students, highlighting limited university spaces and encouraging overseas study with a return-to-service push. STEM & Health Training: APRIL-STEM completed a curriculum pilot in Sierra Leone, training teachers and students, while Chinese medical teams ran emergency “first responder” training for nursing students. Gender & Governance: Orange-SL and the Gender Ministry reaffirmed plans to empower women, protect children and expand digital inclusion; the ministry also engaged Bradford Chiefdom on inclusive local governance. Media Reform: CJID called for a journalism rethink across West Africa, pushing data skills and regional cooperation to defend democracy against disinformation. Local Administration & Public Safety: Government suspended the $25 airport security fee pending review and audit, and launched “Operation Push Back” to clear pedestrian walkways in Freetown. ECOWAS & Diplomacy: Sierra Leone will host the ECOWAS mid-year summit in Lungi, with President Bio to commission the new conference centre; Bio also received Jamaica’s High Commissioner’s credentials. Sports & Culture: CAF invited bids for AFCON 2028/2032/2036, raising the question of whether Sierra Leone can host; Sierra Leone also signed an AI tourism branding MoU to boost destination marketing.

Energy Security: African leaders say the Middle East crisis has exposed Africa’s dependence on external energy and weak crisis monitoring, calling for stronger energy sovereignty and early warning systems. Emergency Care Training: A new batch of Chinese medical teams trained nearly 150 nursing students and staff in first-responder emergency skills at Central University in Freetown. Road Safety & Transport: Sierra Leone-linked cross-border road fears rise after a Guinea crash killed seven and injured 13 on a Freetown-bound passenger route. Airport Fees Review: Government suspended the $25 Freetown International Airport security fee while an audit and contract review continue. Local Governance: The Gender Ministry engaged Bradford Chiefdom on gender-responsive local governance to boost inclusive service delivery. Media & Environment: CJID plans to expand environmental and investigative journalism support across West Africa, including Sierra Leone. Digital ID & Tourism: Sierra Leone signed a deal with Bhutan and Sign Foundation for a digital identity platform, and another MoU to pilot AI tourism branding. Freetown Streets: SLRA/SLRSA launched “Operation Push Back” to clear illegal encroachments on pedestrian walkways in Freetown’s CBD and Western Corridor.

Emergency Care Training: A new Chinese medical team trained nearly 150 nursing students and faculty at Central University in Freetown on first responder skills, CPR and AED use, with practical simulations and certificates for those who met standards. Media for Climate Accountability: CJID announced plans to expand environmental and climate journalism across West Africa, including Sierra Leone, and to fund investigative reporting and strengthen independent newsrooms amid shrinking funding. Airport Fee Review: Sierra Leone has suspended the $25 Airport Security Fee at Freetown International Airport while an independent special audit and contract review continue, with Securiport still handling core operations. Digital Identity & Tourism Push: Sierra Leone signed a MoU with Bhutan and Sign Foundation to build a digital identity platform, and separately signed an AI tourism partnership to boost destination marketing and trip planning. Road Safety & Urban Cleanup: SLRA, SLRSA and police launched “Operation Push Back” to clear illegal encroachments on pedestrian walkways in Freetown’s CBD and Western Corridor. NGO Crackdown: Government ordered seven NGOs to halt operations over registration and compliance breaches. Sports & Youth: CAF invited bids to host AFCON 2028/2032/2036, raising questions on whether Sierra Leone can bid, while Sierra Leone’s Ali Conteh arrived in Sarajevo for a UEFA qualifier with Inter Turku.

Airport Fees Review: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Internal Affairs has temporarily suspended the $25 Airport Security Fee at Freetown International Airport, effective July 6, saying it will use the pause to review the contract and complete an independent special audit, while clarifying the Securiport (SL) Limited contract is not terminated and diplomatic passport holders remain exempt. Politics at Home: Public debate is still swirling around whether former President Ernest Bai Koroma will ever return to Sierra Leone after leaving for medical treatment abroad, with his absence tied to ongoing legal questions and the APC’s internal politics. NGO Crackdown: The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development ordered seven NGOs to suspend operations immediately after a review found registration and operational breaches, including failure to maintain a verifiable office in Sierra Leone, saying the move aims to strengthen accountability. Urban Safety Push: SLRA, SLRSA and the police launched “Operation Push Back” to clear makeshift structures and illegal encroachments on pedestrian walkways in Freetown’s Central Business District and Western Corridor. Tourism Tech Deal: Sierra Leone signed an MoU with Passporter Limited to pilot an AI-powered tourism branding and trip-planning initiative for a three-month period. Health and Skills: China opened a China-Sierra Leone Nursing Training Center in Freetown, starting its first training for local nursing professionals, while SLFA began a three-week CAF D coaching course to boost grassroots football.