AGP Executive Report

US Deportations Continue: Sierra Leone received a first plane carrying nine migrants expelled from the United States under President Trump’s crackdown, with Foreign Minister Timothy Musa Kabba saying the deportees are from Nigeria, Ghana, Guinea and Senegal; they were met by police and medics, described as traumatised after months in detention, and will be housed in a hotel with returns expected within two weeks, under a deal allowing up to 300 people a year from ECOWAS states. Humanitarian Response: The NDMA has asked Turkey for urgent help after a windstorm devastated Kono District, destroying about 149 houses and displacing over 900 people. Governance & Labour: The ACC highlights open governance gains at OGP Week, while the Labour Ministry and IOM launch a committee to better protect migrant workers. Culture & Sports: Freetown is set for the One Nation Reggae Festival, and Sierra Leone Basketball Federation reports more female coaches. Ebola Watch: Coverage continues to focus on the fast-moving DRC outbreak and preparedness needs, but local updates were limited today.

Mangrove & Livelihoods: Mangrove loss is squeezing Sierra Leone’s oyster harvesters, a women-led trade that keeps families fed and in school fees, as forests shrink under pressure from human expansion. Workplace Rights: A new multi-country study finds 69% of sexual harassment cases in media workplaces go unreported, with women facing higher rates and fear of retaliation driving silence. Ebola Watch: WHO has declared a new Ebola Public Health Emergency of International Concern as outbreaks in DRC and Uganda spread, with the Bundibugyo variant raising alarms because there are no licensed vaccines or targeted treatments. Maritime Security: Nigeria’s Navy says President Tinubu will flag off the AU Combined Maritime Task Force in June, with Sierra Leone among participating countries, targeting piracy and illegal fishing in the Gulf of Guinea. Deportations: Sierra Leone confirmed the first batch of US-deported migrants arrived at Lungi, with details on numbers and next steps still unclear.

Deportations Continue: Sierra Leone has confirmed the arrival of the first batch of migrants deported from the United States, with a flight bringing 25 people from Senegal, Ghana, Guinea and Nigeria to Freetown’s airport; officials say Sierra Leone has agreed to accept up to 300 deportees a year under an ECOWAS-linked arrangement, but it’s still unclear whether they’ll stay or be sent onward. Ebola Response Pressure: Aid group Direct Relief says it is preparing to ship $2.5 million in emergency medical supplies to tackle a deadly Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo, where there is no vaccine for the rare Bundibugyo strain. Maritime Security Push: Nigeria’s President Tinubu is set to flag off the African Union combined maritime task force for the Gulf of Guinea, with Sierra Leone listed among participating countries. Youth Football Build-Up: The Flamingos’ possible 2026 U-17 Women’s World Cup path is clearer after FIFA’s draw, but qualification hinges on their Guinea tie. Local Community Spotlight: Girl Scouts in Freetown replaced flags on 100 veterans’ graves, reading names aloud and teaching flag etiquette.

Court Sentencing: A 33-year-old Freetown man, Cavel Brown, was jailed for 1 year 9 months after pleading guilty to possessing a modified flare gun and 9mm ammunition, with the court noting one round was already loaded and a ski mask was found. Ebola Alarm: International attention is back on Central Africa as the WHO warns the new DRC Ebola outbreak is spreading fast, driven by the rare Bundibugyo strain with no vaccine or treatment, and cases/deaths are rising. Deportations to Sierra Leone: Sierra Leone received nine migrants deported from the US under Trump’s crackdown, with authorities saying they will be housed temporarily and sent back within weeks, under an ECOWAS-linked arrangement. Public Health & Accountability: Makeni Regional Hospital launched an internal probe into nurses accused of demanding money from patients’ relatives. Education Watch: In Pujehun, DDCC raises alarm over children in some communities being deprived of formal schooling, with many limited to Quranic education. Maritime Skills: Sierra Leone signed an MoU with the Philippines to expand maritime training and jobs for young seafarers.

Ebola Emergency: Sierra Leone is watching a fast-rising Ebola crisis in eastern DR Congo as WHO warns of “scale and speed” — with reports of 131 deaths and 500+ suspected cases, plus confirmed spillover into Uganda, and no vaccine or treatment for the rare Bundibugyo strain. Maternal Health: A Sierra Leone study highlights how early screening for postpartum bleeding and maternal sepsis could save mothers by flagging risk sooner. Deportations Deal: Nine migrants deported from the US have arrived in Freetown under a third-country arrangement, with authorities saying they’ll be housed and supported while they return home. Nutrition Push: The Church of Jesus Christ is donating $25m to UNICEF’s child nutrition drive, with matching funds doubling its impact, including support in Sierra Leone. Professional Standards: ICAG is pushing reforms to strengthen trust, ethics, and accountability in accountancy. Sports & Community: Sierra Leone’s football and local charity events continue, including a memorial cricket match raising funds for education in Sierra Leone.

Ebola Surge in DR Congo: The death toll from the new Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo has climbed to 131, with 543 suspected cases reported, as WHO warns the virus may be spreading faster than first thought and an emergency response ramps up across DR Congo and neighbouring Uganda. AFCON Qualifiers Draw: Nigeria’s Super Eagles have been placed in Group L for AFCON 2027 qualifiers alongside Tanzania, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, with the campaign running from September 2026 to March 2027. TB Funding Push: Anglophone African MPs meeting in Cape Town pledged to boost domestic funding to cut reliance on donors in the fight against tuberculosis. Sierra Leone Governance: The government has started moves to introduce a new code of conduct for presidential appointees, seeking clearer ethical standards and stronger public trust. First Lady Housing Row: Sierra Leone’s first lady defended keeping a London council flat while living in the presidential palace, saying she has “not committed any crime.”

Ebola Crisis Deepens in DRC: The death toll from the Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has crossed 130, with more than 500 suspected cases reported as WHO warns the spread may be faster than first thought. Health Response Under Pressure: Officials say cases are widening across Ituri, while Uganda has recorded confirmed cases and a death; WHO is holding emergency meetings and international partners are ramping up support as fears grow over undetected transmission. AFCON 2027 Qualifiers Set the Stage: CAF’s draw in Cairo has placed Sierra Leone in Group E alongside DR Congo, Equatorial Guinea and Zimbabwe, with qualifiers running from September 2026 to March 2027. Governance and Integrity Moves: Sierra Leone is set to introduce a new code of conduct for presidential appointees, with the Anti-Corruption Commission asked to back the framework. Public Scrutiny at Home: Sierra Leone’s first lady Fatima Bio again defended keeping a London council flat while living in the presidential palace, saying she has “not committed any crime.”

Ebola Emergency: The WHO has declared the DRC and Uganda Ebola outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, as deaths rise and suspected cases spread—prompting new U.S. travel screening and monitoring for arrivals from affected areas. Free Speech Crackdown: Calls are growing for the release of Sierra Leonean singer Zainab Sheriff, jailed for four years over remarks linked to an election-rigging speech, with critics saying it’s meant to silence dissent. First Lady Housing Row: Fresh backlash follows reports that First Lady Fatima Bio keeps a taxpayer-subsidised council flat in London while living in the presidential lodge in Freetown, even as housing demand in the UK remains high. Inflation Watch: New figures show Sierra Leone’s inflation edging up to 10.24% (March 2026), reflecting ongoing pressure from a weak currency and import dependence. Sports & Culture: Football fans get a boost with the FA Cup final set between East End Lions and Mighty Blackpool, while a Chinese medical team marks Nurses Day with an acupuncture cultural promotion event in Freetown.

Ebola Alarm Escalates: The WHO has declared the Congo–Uganda Ebola outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, with reports of at least 88 deaths and hundreds of suspected cases, while officials warn the real spread may be bigger and that the Bundibugyo strain has no approved vaccine or targeted treatment. US Tightens Travel: The U.S. has introduced new Ebola travel restrictions, including enhanced screening and monitoring for arrivals from affected areas, and plans to coordinate with airlines and customs as Americans are evacuated from outbreak zones. Local Health Push: Sierra Leone’s 27th Chinese medical team marked International Nurses Day with a “Wonders of Acupuncture” Traditional Chinese Medicine promotion event at the Sierra Leone–China Friendship Hospital, featuring a street parade and training remarks. Politics & Governance: Opposition APC figure Samura Kamara calls for expanded talks to resolve the party’s internal crisis, while Sierra Leone’s Auditor General report again spotlights alleged financial mismanagement and missing assets. Culture & Community: Sierra Leone’s First Lady Fatima Jabbe-Bio is reported to still hold subsidised council housing in London, and women’s rights groups in Banjul urged stronger action against violence against women.

Ebola Alert Escalates: The WHO has declared the Congo and Uganda Ebola outbreak a “public health emergency of international concern,” citing more than 80 deaths and hundreds of suspected cases, while stressing it’s not yet a pandemic emergency. Health Response at Home: Sierra Leone’s NPHA says there are no confirmed or suspected cases locally, but it’s keeping heightened vigilance and monitoring the regional situation. Deportation Deal: Sierra Leone has agreed to accept up to 300 ECOWAS deportees from the U.S. per year (max 25 monthly), with the first flight due May 20. Open Contracting Push: Sierra Leone showcased progress in transparent public procurement at an Open Government Partnership meeting in Rabat. Sports: Police beat Sea View Farm in the Sir Curtly Ambrose Parish League, and Kallum Cesay’s extra-time strike keeps Salford City on course for Wembley.

Ebola Emergency: The WHO has declared the Congo’s new Ebola outbreak a “public health emergency of international concern,” after reports of at least 80 deaths and hundreds of suspected cases in eastern DRC’s Ituri province, with fears of wider spread as neighbouring Uganda reports an imported case and health officials say there’s no vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain. Sierra Leone Alert: Sierra Leone’s health authorities say there are no confirmed or suspected cases at home, but they’re stepping up surveillance and preparedness while closely monitoring the regional situation. Deportation Deal: Sierra Leone has agreed to accept hundreds of West African “third-country deportees” from the US, with the first flight due May 20 carrying 25 people from Senegal, Ghana, Guinea and Nigeria. ECOWAS Child Protection: ECOWAS Parliament adopted a resolution urging urgent action to protect street children and end exploitation across the region. Fuel Pressure: A new report flags rising fuel prices across Africa, with Sierra Leone listed among the countries facing steep increases.

Ebola Alert in the Region: WHO has declared the new Ebola outbreak in DR Congo a public health emergency of international concern, with reports of hundreds of suspected cases and dozens of deaths in Ituri, plus one related death in Uganda—while Sierra Leone says it has no confirmed or suspected cases but is keeping heightened vigilance. Deportations to Sierra Leone: Sierra Leone agreed to accept hundreds of West African “third-country deportees” from the US, with the first flight due May 20 carrying 25 people from Senegal, Ghana, Guinea and Nigeria. Local Governance Strain: In Ghana’s Kadjebi District Assembly, delayed sitting allowances nearly derailed proceedings after members demanded arrears be paid. ECOWAS Child Protection: ECOWAS Parliament adopted a resolution pushing member states to act urgently against street children, hunger, abuse and exploitation. Health Scholarships: Merck Foundation marked World Hypertension Day 2026 by funding nearly 1,000 scholarships for future cardiovascular and diabetes specialists across 52 countries.

Ebola Alarm: Sierra Leone is on heightened alert after a new Ebola outbreak in DR Congo’s Ituri province, with reports of 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths, plus a related imported death in Uganda; Sierra Leone’s health authorities say there are currently no confirmed or suspected cases at home but surveillance is being intensified. Deportation Deal: The U.S. is accelerating removals under “third-country” arrangements—Sierra Leone has agreed to take up to 300 ECOWAS citizens per year (max 25 a month), with the first flight due May 20. Local Governance Friction: Kadjebi District Assembly nearly stalled when members’ sitting allowances were delayed, sparking anger and demands for immediate payment. Human Rights Push: ECOWAS Parliament adopted a resolution to protect street children and end exploitation, urging member states to fund and enforce child protection measures. Sports Spotlight: Sierra Leone midfielder Kallum Cesay scored an extra-time winner as Salford City reached the English League Two play-off final.

Ebola Alarm in Congo: Health officials in DR Congo’s Ituri province say a new Ebola outbreak is spreading fear, with 65 deaths and 246 suspected cases reported, and Africa CDC warning of high risk of regional spread toward Uganda and South Sudan. Cross-border Health Watch: Uganda has confirmed one imported death linked to the Bundibugyo strain, and tests are ongoing to identify the exact variant. Sierra Leone Angle: The week also carried a reminder of how fast outbreaks can escalate—especially where insecurity and population movement disrupt contact tracing. Politics & Governance: In Sierra Leone, President Bio warned against “mago mago” succession politics, while opposition leader Abdul Kargbo pushed for people-centred ECOWAS reforms amid democratic and security concerns. Culture & Spotlight: Elsewhere, Ja Rule and Ashanti touched down in Trinidad for an R&B festival, and Tanzanian philanthropist Mo Dewji was named among Time100’s top 100.

Ebola Alarm in Congo: Africa CDC says a new Ebola outbreak has been confirmed in DR Congo’s Ituri province, with 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths, and only four deaths confirmed so far; officials are testing samples and warn the outbreak could spread because of mining-linked movement and security gaps near borders with Uganda and South Sudan. ECOWAS Politics: Sierra Leone’s opposition APC leader Abdul Kargbo urged people-centred ECOWAS reforms, citing insecurity, democratic decline, and weakening trust in institutions across the region. Sierra Leone Leadership Talk: President Maada Bio warned against “mago mago” succession politics, telling would-be contenders to wait for constitutional, democratic processes. Energy Cost Pressure: A regional report says Sierra Leone’s fuel prices rose 12.3% during the Middle East oil shock, alongside bigger hikes elsewhere. Local Culture Spotlight: The Sowei mask remains a key West African symbol tied to Sande initiation rites, inspiring new storytelling and art.

AI for Finance: Bloom Bank Africa Liberia teamed up with Oakwood Knowledge Academy for a one-day AI workshop in Monrovia, pushing finance professionals to use AI for strategy, reporting, customer service, risk and decision-making. Child Protection Push: ECOWAS Parliament adopted a resolution urging member states to protect street children, end exploitation and move them off the streets, with education, healthcare and birth registration included. Sanctuary vs Safety Clash: In the U.S., Fairfax County officials faced fresh congressional grilling over sanctuary policies tied to the killing of Stephanie Minter by Sierra Leonean Abdul Jalloh, while prosecutors defended not diverting resources to immigration enforcement. Opioid Crisis Warning: AFP reports Indian-made tapentadol tablets are still reaching West Africa and being mixed into “kush,” driving addiction and deaths—Sierra Leone and Nigeria are named among key destinations. Sierra Leone in the Spotlight: Don Jazzy and Tiwa Savage joined a presidential birthday dinner in Freetown with local rapper Star Zee.