AGP Executive Report

UN Appointments: UN Secretary-General António Guterres named Nigerian Ahunna Eziakonwa as Special Adviser on Africa, bringing nearly three decades of UN experience, including senior roles linked to Sierra Leone and Liberia. Health Watch: Nigeria’s Lassa fever surge hit 663 confirmed cases and 167 deaths, with a 25% fatality rate, while Ebola response lessons from Sierra Leone are being highlighted as experts warn global systems remain unready. Public Health & Travel: Midwifery experts from Sierra Leone and other African nations were denied visas for a major conference in Portugal, raising fears of delays in saving mothers and babies. Local Governance: Freetown City Council set a price list for waste collection with clear maximum charges for households and businesses, aiming to curb arbitrary fees and improve sanitation. Economy & Jobs: The National Investment Board urged stronger investment support for SMEs at an investor roundtable, spotlighting sectors including tourism and agribusiness. Sports & Refugees: UNHCR launched a “Gamechanging Team” ahead of the World Cup, captained by Alphonso Davies, featuring players with refugee or displacement backgrounds including one with Sierra Leone family ties. Housing Accountability (UK): Southwark Council confirmed it has repossessed a London flat linked to Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Fatima Bio, after a year-long investigation.

IMF Watch: The IMF says Sierra Leone’s economy is stabilising under its ECF programme, citing a 1.3% domestic primary surplus in 2025 and progress on inflation and the exchange rate, but warns 2026 is getting tougher as revenue disappoints and fuel and food shocks bite. Anti-FGM Push: A renewed call for clearer leadership on ending FGM highlights Sierra Leone’s legal gaps and how mixed signals from power keep the practice entrenched. Local Governance: IGR and MoPED have launched Local Council Development Plans to boost citizen participation, accountability, and service delivery at the grassroots. Immigration Services: Sierra Leone’s Immigration Department has expanded decentralised services to Bo, aiming to cut the need for long trips to Freetown. Housing Accountability (UK): Southwark Council says it has repossessed a Walworth council flat linked to Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Fatima Bio, after a year-long investigation, with the property set to be reallocated to families on the housing waiting list. SME Investment: NIB boss Dr Edward Hinga Sandy urged stronger support for SMEs at an investor roundtable focused on turning interest into closed deals, including in tourism and agribusiness. Environment & Jobs: PI-CREF and Mayor Aki-Sawyerr reviewed progress on the Freetown Tree Town initiative, including green jobs and a push toward a municipal carbon credit programme.

London Housing Probe: Southwark Council has seized a taxpayer-subsidised two-bedroom flat in Walworth previously rented by Sierra Leone’s first lady, Fatima Jabbe-Bio, after a year-long investigation; the council says the property will be reallocated to families on its waiting list. Immigration Services Decentralised: Sierra Leone’s Immigration Department has launched decentralised services in Bo, aiming to cut the need for citizens to travel to Freetown for passports and other immigration needs. Education Support: Freetown Polytechnic received a major classroom furniture boost from the Government of Sierra Leone, UNDP and China under the China Education Project, including 17,700 desks and chairs nationwide. ECOWAS Trade Warning: Trade ministers in Accra warned that bilateral deals outside ECOWAS customs rules could weaken the bloc’s bargaining power, urging faster regional value chains under AfCFTA. Sports Update: Leone Stars ended their Liberia friendly series 1-1 on aggregate, with a 1-0 win in Bo and a 3-1 loss in Monrovia, as new coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa begins AFCON 2027 preparations. Media Funding: SLAJ says it received a SLE 2.7 million government subvention for 2026 to support journalist safety, media freedom and professional development.

First Lady Housing Probe: Southwark Council in London has seized and repossessed a two-bedroom council flat rented by Sierra Leone’s first lady, Fatima Jabbe-Bio, after a year-long investigation, saying the property must be a tenant’s principal residence and will be reallocated to a family on the waiting list. Leone Stars Update: Leone Stars drew level with Liberia after a 1-0 win in Bo and a 3-1 loss in Monrovia, with newly appointed coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa watching both matches ahead of AFCON 2027 qualifiers. IMF Economic Review: An IMF mission reached staff-level agreement on Sierra Leone’s third review under the ECF and a request for an RSF arrangement, noting progress on exchange rate stability and inflation control while warning revenue and spending pressures remain. Clean Cooking Push: Sierra Leone convened stakeholders for a National Clean Cooking Strategy familiarization workshop, targeting reduced deforestation and indoor air pollution through cleaner fuels and technologies. Anti-FGM Debate: The Minister of Gender says a proposed anti-FGM clause for minors was removed from the revised Child Rights Act, while an anti-FGM campaigner also accused a former education minister of failing to act on an alleged Bondo initiation case involving schoolgirls. Mangrove Conservation: The NPAA launched Sierra Leone’s chapter of the Global Mangrove Alliance to strengthen protection and restoration of mangrove ecosystems with district and community participation. Hajj Homecoming: The final batch of 262 home-based Sierra Leonean pilgrims returned to Freetown, completing the phased repatriation after the 2026 Hajj rites. International Spotlight: Sierra Leone’s role in a “third-country” deportation arrangement with the US is being challenged as potentially violating non-refoulement obligations under international law.

Leone Stars Update: Sierra Leone’s national team wrapped up a two-match friendly series against Liberia with a 1-0 home win in Bo and a 3-1 reply in Monrovia, setting the stage for preparations under newly appointed coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa ahead of AFCON 2027 qualifiers. Anti-FGM Push: The Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Dr Isata Mahoi, says she is disappointed that an anti-FGM clause for minors was removed from the revised Child Rights Act, pointing to ongoing political and cultural sensitivities. Clean Cooking Agenda: Government, partners and stakeholders met in Freetown to advance Sierra Leone’s National Clean Cooking Strategy, aiming to cut firewood and charcoal use, reduce deforestation and improve air quality. Mangrove Protection: The National Protected Area Authority launched Sierra Leone’s chapter of the Global Mangrove Alliance to strengthen mangrove restoration and community stewardship. Security & Drugs: Sierra Leone is strengthening Western-backed counter-narcotics collaboration as authorities pursue fugitive Dutch drug lord “Bolle Jos” Leijdekkers amid EU and domestic pressure. Sports Administration: SLFA clarified that Didier Gomes Da Rosa’s salary reports are false and said the coach is on a three-year contract funded through government channels.

Child Protection & FGM: Sierra Leone’s Gender Minister Dr. Isata Mahoi says Parliament removed an anti-FGM clause for minors from the revised Child Rights Act despite executive support, calling it a sign of limited readiness to confront harmful traditions. Accountability in Education: Anti-FGM campaigner Neneh Rugiatu Turay accuses Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh of failing to act on alleged information about schoolgirls taken for Bondo initiation during his education ministry tenure. Clean Cooking Drive: Government and partners met in Freetown to advance the National Clean Cooking Strategy, aiming to cut firewood/charcoal use, reduce deforestation and indoor air pollution, and improve livelihoods through LPG, improved cookstoves, biogas and electricity. Environment & Wetlands: NPAA launched Sierra Leone’s chapter of the Global Mangrove Alliance to protect and restore mangroves, with calls for stronger local stewardship. Trade & Tourism Services: The Trade Ministry held an AfCFTA workshop on regulatory audits for priority services—finance, communication, tourism and business services—to unlock Sierra Leone’s services export potential. Sports & National Team: SLFA clarified new Leone Stars head coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa’s pay and contract, saying salary and technical staff costs are handled by government via the NSA and Ministry of Sports. Security: Liberia-linked news also surfaced with a major cocaine seizure at Roberts International Airport worth about US$19.2m, underscoring regional trafficking pressure.

Sports & Community: Leone Stars wrapped up final training in Monrovia ahead of Tuesday’s friendly against Liberia, with officials including SLFA leaders and newly appointed coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa on hand. Match Day Support: Liberia’s state institutions have secured 5,000 free tickets for the clash, to be distributed to early supporters at set collection points. Health: Princess Christian Maternity Hospital (PCMH) says maternal deaths fell from 84 in 2024 to 64 in 2025, a 22% drop, as it targets near-zero preventable cases by 2026 with specialist staffing and partner support. Education & Tech: MBSSE is exploring a partnership with China’s Legden Holdings to bring AI, coding and robotics into Sierra Leone classrooms. Infrastructure & Tourism: A new Lungi multi-purpose complex is nearing completion, promising a conference centre, hotel and venues meant to boost Sierra Leone’s event hosting and investment appeal. Environment: Orange Sierra Leone and Tacugama planted 5,000 trees at a national park to mark World Environment Day 2026.

Leone Stars vs Liberia: Sierra Leone has released details for Tuesday’s friendly in Monrovia, with 5,000 free “Around-the-Field” tickets secured by Liberian state institutions and distributed to early entrants from 1:00 p.m. at locations around the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex; the match is set for 6:30 p.m., and Leone Stars officials attended Monday’s final training as new coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa begins his transition. Health Update: Princess Christian Maternity Hospital says maternal deaths fell from 84 in 2024 to 64 in 2025, a 22% drop, as specialist staffing and partner support push toward near-zero preventable cases by 2026. Environment & Tourism: Orange Sierra Leone and Tacugama planted 5,000 trees at Tacugama’s sanctuary inside the Western Area Peninsula National Park to mark World Environment Day. Infrastructure in Lungi: A Turkish-built Lungi multi-purpose complex is nearing completion, including a 1,500-seat auditorium and hotel, aimed at boosting Sierra Leone’s event-hosting capacity. Security & Discipline: The Internal Affairs Minister ordered tougher action on police discipline, warning against extortion at checkpoints and directing faster handling of pending cases. Sports Talent Watch: FC Kallon is reportedly tracking Nigerian goalkeeper Mustapha Lawal as clubs weigh bids after his contract ended with Shooting Stars.

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.