AGP Executive Report

Cancer Care Training: Merck Foundation says it is expanding cancer capacity in Sierra Leone and across Africa, offering hundreds of scholarships for oncology and pain-management training under its Cancer Access Program, alongside World Cancer Day 2026 awareness efforts. Ebola Preparedness Talk: A Sierra Leone-linked Ebola preparedness discussion highlights how lessons from the 2014 outbreak still shape current planning, while Kenya is said to be considering medics from Sierra Leone and the DRC for any future response. Drug-Trafficking Sanctions Warning: APC’s Abdul Kargbo warns Sierra Leone could face EU sanctions or loss of development support over drug-trafficking concerns and alleged refusal to extradite suspects. Police Welfare: Sierra Leone Police Medical Services delivered healthcare supplies to regional police commands in the south-eastern areas to boost officer welfare and readiness. Waste Management Push: Freetown City Council signs an MoU with Sierra Leone Police to enforce the #DortiMusGo waste management initiative, including rules on approved collectors and penalties for illegal dumping. Hajj Returns: A second batch of 266 Sierra Leonean home-based pilgrims arrived safely in Freetown after completing the 2026 Hajj. Local Sports: FC Kallon is among clubs reportedly tracking Nigeria’s Mustapha Lawal, while Leone Stars continue preparations for Liberia friendlies. Health Skills Boost: JICA and NMIMR (Ghana) train biomedical professionals from Sierra Leone and other countries in modern lab techniques to strengthen infectious-disease diagnosis. Environment Day: Orange Sierra Leone and Tacugama planted 5,000 trees at Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Western Area Peninsula National Park for World Environment Day 2026.

Ebola Anxiety vs Real Risk: A new opinion piece argues Ebola fear is out of proportion to the actual danger for many people, and says how the public reacts can shape funding, care-seeking, and containment. Police Discipline Crackdown: Sierra Leone’s Internal Affairs Minister ordered tougher action on police discipline, warning against misconduct at checkpoints and directing faster handling of pending cases. Health Preparedness: Kenya’s health chief says the country remains Ebola-free and plans to draw on experts from DRC and Sierra Leone if an outbreak emerges. Waste Management Push: Freetown City Council and the Sierra Leone Police signed an MoU to enforce the #DortiMusGo waste management initiative, including rules on registered collectors and approved payment channels. TVET Reform Talks: The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education held strategic engagements on TVET reform, linking skills training to labour market needs and job creation. Maternal and Child Health Drive: Health Minister Austin Demby urged health professionals to lead “Triple Zero” efforts to end preventable maternal and child deaths. Leone Stars Football: Sierra Leone’s Leone Stars arrived in Monrovia for the return friendly against Liberia, and SLFA disclosed the Bo match revenue of Le 336,270. First Lady FGM Controversy: Lawyer Basita Michael weighed in on the debate around First Lady Fatima Bio’s cancelled speaking engagement, calling for broader consistency in how the world responds to rights issues.

Leone Stars vs Liberia: Sierra Leone beat Liberia 1-0 in a tense friendly at the Southern Arena in Bo, with Abdul Jarju Kabia scoring in the 66th minute to give the home side early momentum ahead of the return leg in Monrovia on Tuesday. Leone Stars camp & coaching shake-up: SLFA President Babadi Kamara visited the team in Bo to urge a “soldiers” mindset, while fans continue to react to the appointment of new head coach Didier Gomes da Rosa after Mohamed Kallon’s dismissal. Local football spotlight: Kallum Cesay marked his return to the Leone Stars after nearly four years, praising the squad’s progress and the new coaching direction. First Lady Fatima Bio and FGM row: Fatima Bio withdrew from a UK event over concerns about misrepresentation and anti-FGM pressure, while the ACC Commissioner defended her global advocacy and impact. Anti-corruption in Parliament: Parliament launched an investigation into Musa Koroma (“Musa Dollar”) over alleged illegal fees and government contracts. Health & services: The Ministry of Health praised medical practitioners at the SLMDA congress, and the Social Welfare Ministry received a UNFPA vehicle to boost obstetric fistula care in remote areas. Migration policy watch: The Central African Republic agreed to accept “third-country deportees” from the US, including cases involving Sierra Leone under opaque arrangements.

Leone Stars’ Liberia win: Sierra Leone’s Leone Stars edged Liberia 1-0 at the Southern Arena in Bo, with Abdul Jarju Kabia scoring in the 67th minute to give the home side early momentum ahead of Tuesday’s return leg in Monrovia. Football leadership shake-up: The victory came amid talk in camp after Mohamed Kallon’s firing and caretaker coach John Keister’s stint, while SLFA President Babadi Kamara rallied the team and backed the newly appointed coach, Didier Gomes Da Rosa. Health and Ebola readiness: Kenya’s Health CS Aden Duale said the country remains Ebola-free after testing 67 people and screening 88,000 travellers, with isolation and labs on high alert. Anti-corruption spotlight: Parliament has launched an investigation into “Musa Dollar” Musa Koroma over alleged illegal fees and government contracts, including container tracking charges and a revenue contract for cash registers. Education integrity: The Basic and Senior Secondary Education Minister Conrad Sackey announced plans to criminalise examination malpractice to protect the credibility of Sierra Leone’s certificates. Women’s rights debate: The First Lady Fatima Bio withdrew from a UK event over concerns about misrepresentation and anti-FGM pressure, reigniting national discussion around FGM and leadership messaging. Energy for rural communities: Kandeh Yumkella commissioned an Integrated Energy Centre in Fogbo Village, aimed at clean power, skills, and entrepreneurship support. Social protection push: NASSIT and Egypt’s embassy discussed extending social security to Sierra Leone’s informal sector, where most workers lack retirement and invalidity benefits. Hajj departures: 267 home-based Sierra Leonean pilgrims left Saudi Arabia for Freetown, with arrivals expected early on 7 June.

Leone Stars vs Liberia: Sierra Leone beat Liberia 1-0 in a tense friendly at the Southern Arena in Bo, with Abdul Jarju Kabia scoring in the 66th minute to give the home side early bragging rights ahead of the return leg in Monrovia on Tuesday. Football governance tensions: The Leone Stars’ coaching shake-up continues to spark debate, with SLFA officials welcoming new head coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa while musician Camouflage and State House communications director Myk Berewa criticise the decision and question pay and fairness. Hajj travel update: The first batch of 267 Sierra Leonean home-based Hajj pilgrims has departed Saudi Arabia for Freetown, with arrival expected early Monday. Health and women’s support: The Ministry of Social Welfare received a UNFPA vehicle to strengthen community outreach for obstetric fistula care under an integrated elimination project. Education integrity: The Basic and Senior Secondary Education Ministry says it will criminalise examination malpractice to tackle fraud and protect the credibility of Sierra Leone’s certificates. Digital skills push: DSTI and UNICEF held graduations for Tech 101 and Tech for Kids digital literacy programmes in Freetown. Public health focus: Sierra Leone continues Ebola preparedness as DRC cases worsen, with renewed emphasis on safety plans and readiness.

Mpox Diagnostics: Scientists report a portable CRISPR-based assay for Mpox detection, designed for fast, on-the-spot testing in places like Sierra Leone where lab access is limited. Education Integrity: The Basic and Senior Secondary Education Ministry says it will criminalise examination malpractice, warning that “real success does not need leakage.” Social Protection for Informal Workers: NASSIT partners with Egypt to extend social security coverage to Sierra Leone’s informal sector, where nearly 90% of workers earn a living outside traditional schemes. Ebola Preparedness: Sierra Leone marks the 2014 Ebola legacy as health authorities strengthen safety plans amid renewed DRC concerns, including “identify, isolate and inform” measures. Football—Leone Stars: SLFA leaders and officials rally the Leone Stars ahead of the Liberia friendlies in Bo, while Camouflage and State House’s Myk Berewa criticise the SLFA’s choice of Didier Gomes Da Rosa. Telecom Investment: Sierra Leone’s telecom sector has attracted over $400m since 2021, with more districts connected to the fibre backbone and improved service quality. Digital Skills: DSTI and UNICEF graduate participants from Tech 101 and Tech for Kids digital literacy programmes in Freetown. Sports Schedule: Leone Stars’ match against Liberia is set for Saturday at the Southern Arena, with a return leg in Monrovia on June 9.

Leone Stars Camp Update: Defender Abdulai Juma Bah has joined the Leone Stars in Bo ahead of the Liberia friendlies, with the first match set for Saturday at the Southern Arena and the return leg in Monrovia on June 9. Coaching Shake-up: The SLFA has appointed French coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa as head coach, while Mohamed Kallon says he’ll return “stronger,” and State House communications director Myk Berewa warns the SLFA over pay and AFCON qualification pressure. Public Opinion & Economy: A CHRDI poll says Sierra Leoneans show more confidence in the APC than the SLPP to manage the economy and security, reflecting rising cost-of-living frustration. Ebola Preparedness: With Ebola concerns growing in the region, safety plans are being pushed, including calls for health workers to stock PPE and be ready for suspected cases. Drug Trafficking Allegations: Police Chief William Fayiah Sellu is accused in a major report over a record 30-ton cocaine shipment allegedly linked to a Dutch fugitive operating from Sierra Leone. Digital Skills in Freetown: DSTI and UNICEF held graduations for Tech 101 and Tech for Kids digital literacy programmes. Critical Minerals: Sierra Leone’s mines minister joins global dialogue on rare earths and critical minerals at SPIEF 2026 in Russia. Bondo/FGM Debate: The First Lady’s stance on Bondo and FGM continues to spark strong public debate, with supporters and critics trading arguments.

Ebola Preparedness: UKHSA has told NHS hospitals and GP clinics to brace for possible Ebola cases, urging staff to check PPE and training as the DRC outbreak grows. Ebola Research: Scientists say new vaccines could blunt future Ebola outbreaks, while experts warn the hunt for the virus’s animal source remains difficult. Local Football: SLFA has appointed French coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa as Leone Stars head coach, as the team wraps up training ahead of the Liberia friendly. Public Safety Upgrade: Sierra Leone Police plan to commission three projects, including a new divisional HQ at Masingbi and the first modern forensic lab at TOCU. Drug Trafficking Scrutiny: A record 30-ton cocaine bust linked to a Dutch kingpin has reignited international focus on Sierra Leone’s role in trafficking routes. Youth & Health: Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr met kush addicts under Congo Cross Bridge, calling for rehab access and urging residents not to pay addicts for waste collection. Agriculture & Food Security: Feed Salone Agenda highlights digital input support and a farmers registry, while Green Scenery Sierra Leone assessed 45 farmers in Pujehun for a vertical farming pilot.

Public Safety Upgrade: Sierra Leone Police will commission three major projects this month, including upgrading Masingbi Police Station into a divisional headquarters and unveiling a modern forensic laboratory at TOCU to strengthen investigations. Humanitarian & Health: Sierra Leone’s NDMA welcomed JICA’s new country representative, with renewed focus on disaster risk reduction and capacity building. Agriculture & Food Security: The Feed Salone Agenda was showcased at a high-level China agriculture forum, highlighting digital input delivery via an e-voucher system and a geo-tagged farmers registry. Local Governance & Youth Hardship: Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr met kush addicts under Congo Cross Bridge, urging residents to stop paying them for waste collection and to support rehab pathways. Justice & Accountability: INCHR urged Liberia’s legislature to pass a War Crimes Court Bill, including an anti-corruption court, as a step to end impunity. Economy & Trade: A Nigeria-Sierra Leone trade fair is planned for 27 July–9 August 2026 in Freetown, aiming to boost “Made-in-Nigeria” exports and B2B matchmaking.

Ebola Watch: Kenya has activated enhanced border screening as the Bundibugyo Ebola strain evolves across Uganda and the DRC, with health authorities urging vigilance and rapid testing readiness. Health Capacity in Sierra Leone: A newly rehabilitated maternity ward at Moyamba Government Hospital has been commissioned, boosting maternal and newborn care in the district. Women in Governance: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs is pushing stronger women’s representation in decision-making through NEWMaP coordination efforts in Freetown. First Lady’s Agriculture Push: First Lady Dr Fatima Maada Bio has donated food-processing equipment to women farmers and agro-processors to cut post-harvest losses and add value. Education Reform Learning: The education minister has met Rwanda officials to study digital assessment systems and data-driven reforms for Sierra Leone. Digital Transformation: Sierra Leone’s communications minister says Africa must move from isolated digital public infrastructure to interoperable regional ecosystems. Natural Resources Partnership: Sierra Leone is exploring cooperation with Russia on rare earth minerals, including training and geological data work. Public Finance & Services: The World Bank reports major West Africa electricity gains, including expanded access and cross-border power trade—benefiting Sierra Leone and neighbours.

Ebola Response: India has airlifted essential medicines and medical equipment to Uganda as the country faces a fresh Ebola outbreak, using an IAF C-17 Globemaster-III flight from New Delhi on June 2. Health & Women: A rehabilitated maternity ward at Moyamba Government Hospital was commissioned, boosting maternal and newborn care in the district. Gender & Governance: MoGCA, with partners like Trocaire, is pushing stronger women representation in governance through NEWMaP engagements in Freetown. Education Reform: Sierra Leone’s education minister met Rwanda officials to learn from Rwanda’s digital assessment system and data-driven exam integrity approach. Capacity Building in Health: A Chinese medical team delivered its first public academic lecture at Njala University’s Bo campus, training nursing students on early detection and nursing interventions for common ENT diseases. First Lady’s Agriculture Push: First Lady Fatima Bio handed over food-processing equipment to women farmers and agro-processors to cut post-harvest losses and add value. Rule of Law: Sierra Leone’s Judiciary began construction of its first-ever Judiciary Clinic in Freetown to support judges and court staff with basic healthcare services. Sports: SLFA President Babadi Kamara visited the Leone Stars camp as preparations start for two friendlies against Liberia on June 6 (Bo) and June 9 (Monrovia).

Judiciary Health Upgrade: Sierra Leone’s Judiciary has begun construction of 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 treatment, rest and essential medical supplies. Sports Leadership & Camp: President Bio welcomed the new NSA Executive Director, Mohamed Alphaka Conteh, while the Leone Stars started intensive training under caretaker coach John Keister ahead of two FIFA friendlies against Liberia in Bo and Monrovia. Rule of Law Debate: The Sierra Leone Bar Association election is framed as “existential,” with calls for independence from executive pressure and warnings against security interference in Bar leadership. Public Finance Watch: Government says it collected NLe 4.52bn in Q1 2026, but mining and fisheries recorded zero returns, widening the gap between projections and actual inflows. Health for Mothers and Babies: The Gender Minister urged urgent action to cut newborn deaths, stressing stronger antenatal, delivery and postnatal care and tackling drivers like child marriage and harmful practices. Domestic Violence Case: Police invited “Loko Woman” for questioning at the Family Support Unit over an alleged domestic violence complaint filed by “Loko Man.” Football Development Review: SLFA and FIFA began a three-day review of amateur football structures to map support for grassroots and non-elite football. Peace Through Entertainment: Musicians led by Empress P met the ICPNC to explore collaboration on peacebuilding ahead of Peace Day celebrations.

Infrastructure Finance Talks: President Bio met a First Bank Group delegation at State House to discuss blended financing for roads, electricity, water, bridges and industrial infrastructure. Public Trust Poll: CHRDI’s survey ahead of 2028 elections shows 50.9% of Sierra Leoneans least trust the SLPP and 37.3% least trust the APC to manage the economy and national security. Healthcare Expansion: Government says two 100-bed hospitals in Zimmi and Kpakedu, Pujehun, are nearing completion to expand access under the Free Healthcare Initiative and with new recruitment of 200 health workers. Drug Enforcement Update: Liberia’s LDEA reports a sharp Q1 drop in seizures, while Sierra Leone’s own anti-drug and public safety efforts continue to be discussed across the region. Sports Development: SLFA and FIFA begin a three-day review of Sierra Leone’s amateur football structures, mapping grassroots and non-elite football support. Tourism Calendar: The Ministry of Tourism announces the return of the One Nation Reggae Festival (Nov 25–30, 2026) with performances, forums and diaspora engagement. Digital Skills: Rokel Commercial Bank and EST Applied Intelligence UK host a Cyber Circuit University Edition to train students for Sierra Leone’s digital security future.

Ebola Watch: Uganda confirmed six new Ebola cases, bringing its total to 15, as DRC’s outbreak continues to worry health workers and travellers. Football Development: SLFA and FIFA began a three-day review of Sierra Leone’s amateur football structures in Freetown, with wider stakeholder sessions set for June 2 and 3. Higher Education Reform: JAMB pledged technical support for Sierra Leone’s planned Centralised Admissions System, aiming to make tertiary entry more transparent and efficient. Anti-Scam Crackdown: Authorities continued raids targeting online fraud hubs, with immigration checks leading to arrests and seizures. Deportations: The US released names and photos of 26 Sierra Leoneans among 355 West Africans facing deportation, citing alleged crimes ranging from fraud to violence. Governance Tracking: The Salone Development Scorecard was launched to track 100 priority targets under the 2024–2030 National Development Plan. Sports & Community: Urgent recruitment of 20 female drivers in Freetown was announced, while police arrested three over the alleged murder of an APC politician in Port Loko.

Ebola Response Costs: A Sierra Leone-linked commentary says the world is paying for US aid withdrawal after the 2014 Ebola response, warning cuts and reduced global health capacity could worsen the current outbreak. Maritime Security: Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu flagged off a Combined Maritime Task Force for the Gulf of Guinea and commissioned three new naval vessels, with Sierra Leone named among pioneering member states. Agricultural Insurance: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Agriculture, with UNCDF and partners, held a workshop to expand agricultural insurance and financing to protect farmers from production risks. Hajj Update: All 2,626 Sierra Leonean pilgrims completed the main Hajj rites in Makkah, with the farewell rite still pending. Police & Community Safety: Police in Gbanti urged stronger community-police partnership under community policing reforms. Leone Stars Coaching: SLFA appointed John Edward Keister as caretaker coach for June friendlies against Liberia, with the squad and fixtures released. Witchcraft Allegations: In Freetown, social media claims three of eight accused in a witchcraft case confessed and were found guilty, but authorities have not issued verified statements.

Leone Stars Coaching Update: The Sierra Leone Football Association has appointed John Edward Keister as caretaker head coach for the Leone Stars ahead of June friendlies against Liberia, with Alhaji Foray and Mohamed Lamin Kamara as assistant coaches; Sierra Leone hosts Liberia on 6 June at the Southern Arena in Bo, then travels to Monrovia for the 9 June return at SKD Stadium. Education Admissions Reform: JAMB says it will support Sierra Leone to adopt a Centralised Admissions System, following stakeholder talks in Freetown and a study visit to Nigeria’s model, aiming for a more transparent, efficient tertiary admissions process. Health Focus on Newborns: The Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Dr. Isata Mahoi, calls for urgent action to cut preventable newborn deaths, urging stronger antenatal, delivery and postnatal care and tackling child marriage and teenage pregnancy. Police Discipline Drive: AIG John Martin Senesie has ordered immediate corrective action in the Sierra Leone Police OSD after raising concerns over absenteeism, weak procedure adherence, and improper conduct, including social media use while in uniform. Judiciary Reform Spotlight: The Judiciary’s communications director highlights reforms under Chief Justice Komba Kamanda, including decentralised Court of Appeal sittings and Sexual Offences Model Courts in Bo and Makeni. Sports Youth Results: Nigeria’s Flamingos qualify for the U-17 Women’s World Cup final round after thrashing Guinea, while Benin beat Sierra Leone on aggregate. Court Ruling in Kono: The Court of Appeal dismisses Octea Mining’s appeal, clearing the way for MAPO and affected residents to continue their case in Koidu.