AGP Executive Report

Masquerade & Identity: A new look at Black Masking culture frames masquerades as “wearable art” and “wearable altar,” where costumes carry ancestral memory and communal spirit. Education & Skills: The SLFA opens applications for its CAF D Diploma Coaching Course in Freetown (6–10 July), aiming to strengthen grassroots coaching. Youth & Climate: Freetown City Council backs a Youth Initiative for Climate Action mentorship for young women, building leadership for community climate action. Sports & Community: Sierra Leoneans on the Pride of Africa Cup 2026 radar as football stories and cross-diaspora ties take centre stage ahead of the 20 June tournament. Health & Safety: Save the Children and government hand over upgraded maternal and child health posts in Port Loko, improving access for mothers and infants. Justice & Family Rights: Edwina Jamiru pushes a child welfare ultimatum in court, citing the Child Rights Act 2024 and demanding a house for the child. Public Order: Police arrest 39 school pupils in Freetown over alleged riotous conduct, with calls for better discipline and parent monitoring. Land & Governance: Customary Land Registration begins in Bekeh Loko Chiefdom, Port Loko, with chiefs and stakeholders signing consent and mapping boundaries. Scholarships: NUKaFS-SL announces NLe 105,595 in scholarships for 16 students, supporting education across key disciplines.

Freetown Youth Climate Push: The Freetown City Council backed YICA’s Young Women Climate Mentorship Programme, training 20 young women to lead community climate action and strengthen female voices in environmental decisions. School Discipline Under Scrutiny: Police in Freetown West Region arrested 39 pupils over alleged riotous conduct, with officials urging students, teachers, and parents to curb tensions and promote peaceful coexistence. Jobs After Humanitarian Service: Mercy Ships’ Global Mercy departure leaves 311 Sierra Leonean crew members jobless, as President Bio and organisers appeal to ministries, private firms, and partners to hire the trained workforce. Child Welfare Court Fight: Edwina Jamiru tells Justice Momoh Jah-Stevens to buy a house for their child, citing the Child Rights Act 2024 and warning of legal action if conditions aren’t met. Education Support Spotlight: NUKaFS-SL awarded NLe 105,595 in scholarships to 16 outstanding students, backing merit and resilience across key disciplines. Health Facility Upgrade: Save the Children and government handed over an upgraded Maternal and Child Health Post in Port Loko, improving care access for mothers and infants. Land Governance Move: Lands Ministry and National Land Commission kick off Customary Land Registration in Bekeh Loko Chiefdom, starting structured mapping and community consent. Labour Partnership: Minister Mohamed Rahman Swaray met JICA’s new resident representative, seeking deeper capacity-building support for Sierra Leone’s development priorities. Culture & Identity: A debate piece on “the K word” traces how Krio/Creole identity was shaped by colonial language and social classification, stirring fresh conversations on ethnicity and history.

Education & Evidence-Based Policy: Sierra Leone’s MBSSE signed an MoU with J-PAL Africa to strengthen school subsidies and education planning using evidence, data, and what truly works. Health & Community Support: Save the Children and the Government of Sierra Leone handed over an upgraded Maternal and Child Health Post in Port Loko, improving care for mothers and infants across eight refurbished facilities. Human Rights & Rights Protection: HRCSL signed an MoU with Men on a Mission Global to coordinate action on access to justice, gender equality, mental health advocacy, youth empowerment, and community protection. Land & Local Governance: The Lands Ministry launched Customary Land Registration in Bekeh Loko Chiefdom, with chiefs, youth, and women involved in consent forms, mapping, and community briefings. Scholarships for Young Leaders: NUKaFS-SL announced 16 scholarship beneficiaries under the Hamid Gbawuru Marah Academic Excellence, Inclusion and Impact Award, supporting students across key disciplines. Capacity Building (Japan Partnership): Minister Kenyeh Barlay received JICA’s new resident representative, calling for stronger partnership to expand training and build institutional capacity. Public Safety (Anti-Trafficking): Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh said a major human trafficking operation was intercepted, with 63 victims (adults and children) and arrests reported for a network moving people into Guinea. Culture & Commemoration Debate: Activist Edmond Abu challenged Sierra Leone’s commemorative priorities, arguing some local tragedies are overlooked while global observances get more attention. Lifestyle Spotlight: SmileStar founder Mitesh Badiani continues free dental care across 14 countries, helping more than 100,000 patients.

Courtroom Fight: Wi Duti Movement chair Zainab Sheriff takes her four-year incitement conviction to the High Court as the government moves to block her appeal, after a rally speech in Krio that prosecutors say threatened election riggers. Energy & Business: Vickie Remoe raises alarms over a proposed “Aminata” oil concession, arguing it could tilt benefits toward a foreign firm and squeeze local players. Education & Policy: Sierra Leone’s MBSSE signs an MoU with J-PAL Africa to strengthen evidence-based education decisions, including improving school subsidies and data systems. Health & Community: Save the Children and the Government hand over an upgraded Maternal and Child Health Post in Port Loko, part of renovations across Port Loko and Pujehun to cut travel burdens for mothers and babies. Labour Standards: Employment Minister Mohamed Rahman Swaray meets the ILO in Geneva to push decent work reforms and gender equality at work. Human Rights Collaboration: HRCSL partners with Men on a Mission Global to tackle access to justice, gender justice, mental health advocacy, and youth empowerment. Culture & Memory: Activist Edmond Abu challenges Sierra Leone’s commemorations, saying some local tragedies are sidelined while globally known dates get more attention. Housing & Accountability (Diaspora link): Southwark Council confirms it has repossessed a London council flat tied to Sierra Leone’s First Lady, reigniting debate on tenancy rules and public responsibility.

Housing & Accountability: Southwark Council in London has taken possession of a Walworth social housing flat linked to Sierra Leone’s First Lady Fatima Jabbe-Bio after a year-long investigation, saying it will be reallocated to families with “genuine housing need.” Education & Policy: Sierra Leone’s MBSSE signed an MoU with J-PAL Africa to strengthen evidence-based education decisions, including improving the school subsidy programme and building data capacity. Labour & Rights: HRCSL signed an MoU with Men on a Mission Global to boost collaboration on access to justice, gender justice, mental health advocacy, youth empowerment, and community protection. Health & Community Support: Save the Children and the Government handed over an upgraded Maternal and Child Health Post in Port Loko, part of wider renovations to improve care for mothers and infants. Culture & Sport: APC flagbearer aspirants Dr. Ibrahim Bangura and JFK joined Jummah prayers at Basharia Masjid in Freetown, while Ghana-led Pride of Africa Cup 2026 includes Sierra Leone and aims to strengthen African unity through football. International Spotlight: UNHCR launched a “Gamechanging Team” ahead of World Football Day, featuring Alphonso Davies and Antonio Rüdiger, whose families fled conflict including Sierra Leone.

Housing & Accountability: Southwark Council in London has repossessed a Walworth council flat linked to Sierra Leone’s First Lady Fatima Bio after a year-long investigation, saying the property will be reallocated to families with “genuine housing need.” Women’s Health & Travel Barriers: A major midwives conference in Portugal is underway, but at least 20 key experts from Africa and Asia—including Sierra Leone—were denied visas at the last minute, threatening progress on reducing maternal and newborn deaths. Refugees & Football Hope: UNHCR launched a “Gamechanging Team” of refugee-background players ahead of World Football Day, captained by Alphonso Davies, with Antonio Rüdiger among others whose families fled conflict including Sierra Leone. Culture & Style: Sierra Leone-born designer Foday Dumbuya’s Labrum won the BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund 2026, spotlighting West African-inspired menswear. Public Health Alert: Nigeria’s Lassa fever surge (663 cases, 167 deaths) has prompted urgent travel warnings for healthcare facilities. Faith & Politics: APC flagbearer aspirants DIB and JFK joined Jummah prayers at Basharia Masjid in Freetown, calling for unity and peace.

Housing & Accountability: Southwark Council in London has taken possession of a subsidized Walworth flat linked to Sierra Leone’s First Lady Fatima Bio after a year-long investigation, reigniting debate over tenancy rules and public housing access. Gender & Harmful Practices: A fresh push to end FGM spotlights Sierra Leone’s high prevalence alongside legal gaps and the way mixed signals from powerful voices can keep girls unprotected. Women’s Leadership: Liberia’s Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center launched the Amujae Leadership Forum’s fifth cohort, urging women leaders to “lead, build and rise” across Africa. Health & Maternal Care: Sierra Leone-linked experts were among those denied EU visas for a major midwives summit in Portugal, raising alarms for progress on saving mothers and babies. Education & Learning: Sierra Leone’s Freetown Polytechnic received a major classroom furniture boost under a China education project, aiming to ease overcrowding and improve learning conditions. Immigration Services: Sierra Leone’s Immigration Department expanded decentralised services to Bo, reducing the need for citizens to travel to Freetown for passports and related services. Media & Rights: The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone flagged weak enforcement of the Sexual Offences Law, citing gaps in investigations and survivor support. Culture & Style: Labrum London—founded by Sierra Leonean designer Foday Dumbuya—won the BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund 2026, celebrating West African heritage in UK menswear. Diaspora Spotlight: AWOL America Put Salone Fos announced its 10th Annual Achievement Awards in Maryland on Sept 5, 2026, honoring Sierra Leoneans worldwide.

London Housing Probe: Southwark Council has seized a taxpayer-subsidised two-bedroom flat in Walworth linked to Sierra Leone’s first lady, Fatima Jabbe-Bio, after a year-long investigation into whether the property was her principal home. Education & Learning: Freetown Polytechnic received a major classroom furniture boost from government under the China Education Project—17,700 desks and chairs in total, with upgrades for overcrowded classrooms. Legal & Rights: The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone says Sexual Offences Law enforcement remains only “partially effective,” citing gaps in forensic capacity, trained staff, and survivor support. Media & Professionalism: Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) received a SLE 2.7m 2026 government subvention, stressing independence and support for journalist safety and training. Culture & Food: Trailblazer award winner Maria Bradford’s Sevenoaks restaurant, Shwen Shwen, spotlights West African fusion dining with Sierra Leonean roots. Tech for Youth: Sierra Leone features in an Africa EdTech Policy Toolkit launched in Accra, aiming to help 200 million learners access digital education by 2030. Immigration Services: Sierra Leone Immigration expanded decentralised services to Bo, reducing the need for residents to travel to Freetown for passports and related services.

London Housing Drama: Southwark Council has seized the taxpayer-subsidised two-bedroom flat in Walworth previously held by Sierra Leone’s first lady, Fatima Jabbe-Bio, after a year-long probe into whether it was her principal home. Fashion & Identity: London-based Sierra Leonean designer Foday Dumbuya’s Labrum has won the BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund 2026, taking a £100,000 grant plus mentorship and legal support. Digital Security: ECOWAS’s cybersecurity hackathon in Accra is using scenarios built by Ghana firm 00SEC, with teams from 12 countries racing to defend governments, banks and infrastructure. Women’s Health & FGM: Sierra Leone’s Gender Minister says an anti-FGM clause for minors was removed from the revised Child Rights Act, despite strong pushback. Clean Cooking Push: Sierra Leone convenes stakeholders to roll out its National Clean Cooking Strategy, aiming to cut firewood/charcoal use and improve air quality. Football Development: SLFA launches the CAF C Diploma Coaching Course in Freetown to expand certified youth coaching nationwide. Food Security: A global nutrition report warns hunger worsens when climate shocks and conflict hit at once, calling for coordinated food and health action. Hajj Homecoming: The final batch of 262 home-based Sierra Leonean pilgrims arrives in Lungi, completing the 2026 Hajj return.

Designer Fashion: Sierra Leone-born Labrum creative director Foday Dumbuya wins the BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund 2026, taking home a £100,000 grant plus mentoring and legal support. Clean Energy & Health: Sierra Leone convenes a National Clean Cooking Strategy workshop in Freetown, pushing cleaner options like LPG, improved cookstoves, biogas and electricity to cut deforestation and indoor air pollution. Women’s Rights & Health: Gender Minister Dr. Isata Mahoi says Parliament removed an anti-FGM clause for minors from the revised Child Rights Act, despite executive backing. Child Protection & Education: ChildFund distributes school and baby kits to support re-enrolled girls and vulnerable children, aiming to keep kids in class. Governance & Accountability: ILRAJ demands full disclosure on the Government Printing Department modernisation deal, questioning legal authority and transparency. Sports Development: SLFA launches the second CAF C Diploma Coaching Course in Freetown to expand certified youth and grassroots coaching. Culture & Business: Ecobank Adire Lagos Experience (June 11–14) confirms Sierra Leone exhibitors Creative Hub Africa and Shades of Class, spotlighting African creativity and trade. Global Spotlight on Sierra Leone: The U.S. Embassy issues a World Cup travel advisory to Sierra Leoneans, warning against overstaying and stressing I-94 compliance. Religion & Community: Final batch of 262 home-based Hajj pilgrims returns to Freetown, completing Sierra Leone’s 2026 Hajj repatriation.

Townhall Watch: Sierra Leone’s 2026 Presidential Townhall is set for June 30 in Makeni under the “Year of Action” theme, with President Julius Maada Bio expected to engage citizens on the Big Five, the economy, gender empowerment, and ECOWAS/global leadership. Clean Cooking Push: A national clean cooking strategy workshop in Freetown brings officials and partners together to cut firewood/charcoal use, tackle deforestation and indoor air pollution, and scale cleaner options like LPG, improved stoves, biogas and electricity. Child Rights & FGM: The Gender Minister says Parliament removed an anti-FGM clause for minors from the revised Child Rights Act, despite executive support—highlighting ongoing political and cultural resistance. Accountability in Education: ILRAJ demands full disclosure on the Government Printing Department modernisation deal, questioning missing legal instruments and asking for unredacted financial terms. Girls’ Protection Allegations: Anti-FGM campaigner Neneh Rugiatu Turay accuses Chief Minister Sengeh of failing to act on a reported Bondo initiation case involving schoolgirls. Learning Support: ChildFund Sierra Leone distributes school and baby kits to back re-enrolled girls and vulnerable children under KOICA-supported education efforts. Health Milestone: Princess Christian Maternity Hospital reports maternal deaths dropping from 84 (2024) to 64 (2025), aiming for near-zero preventable cases by 2026. Tech for Schools: MBSSE explores a partnership with a Chinese firm to bring AI, coding and robotics into classrooms. Hajj Returns: The final batch of 262 home-based Hajj pilgrims arrives in Lungi, completing Sierra Leone’s 2026 Hajj repatriation. Culture & Youth: Ecobank Adire Lagos Experience (June 11–14) confirms Sierra Leone exhibitors, while Liberia’s YPLS Africa cohort opens with young leaders from across the region.

Education & Tech: MBSSE is exploring a partnership with Chinese firm Legden Holdings to bring AI, coding and robotics into Sierra Leone classrooms, aiming to prepare youth for the digital economy. Girls’ Access to School: ChildFund Sierra Leone, with partners, distributed school and baby kits to support re-enrolled girls and vulnerable children under the KOICA-funded education project. Health & Women’s Safety: Princess Christian Maternity Hospital cut maternal deaths from 84 (2024) to 64 (2025), a 22% drop, as specialist staffing and partner support strengthen care. Civic Engagement: Government announced the 2026 National Presidential Town Hall on June 30 in Makeni under “Year of Action,” continuing President Bio’s push for direct citizen dialogue. Environment: Orange Sierra Leone and Tacugama planted 5,000 trees at Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary to mark World Environment Day and restore degraded forest. Regional Learning: A Guinea delegation visited Sierra Leone’s School Feeding Programme to learn how the homegrown model works on the ground. Youth Leadership: YPLS Africa launched its 13th cohort in Liberia with young leaders from across Africa, including Sierra Leone, focused on ethical governance and democratic renewal. Infrastructure & Events: A new Lungi multi-purpose complex is nearing completion, with a conference centre and hotel expected to boost Sierra Leone’s hosting capacity. Recognition: EBID President Dr George Agyekum Donkor was named recipient of a prestigious African Development Finance leadership award, with a keynote invite in London. Culture & Society: A feature revisits how Sierra Leone music has shaped post-war politics and civic accountability, from anti-corruption songs to “City Life” and everyday governance critique.

World Cup Host Tensions: As the 2026 FIFA World Cup nears kickoff, reports say Asian and African teams and officials faced visa delays and denials in the US, including Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan being denied entry. Civic Engagement in the North: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Information announced the 2026 National Presidential Town Hall will be held June 30 in Makeni under the “Year of Action” theme. Health Gains at PCMH: Princess Christian Maternity Hospital says maternal deaths dropped from 84 (2024) to 64 (2025), aiming for near-zero preventable cases by 2026. Education & Skills Push: Deputy Minister Sarjoh Aziz-Kamara urged digital education investment and sustainable financing at an Africa digital education round table in Ghana. School Feeding Learning Trip: A Guinea delegation visited Sierra Leone to study the Integrated Homegrown School Feeding Programme. Youth Leadership: YPLS Africa launched its 13th cohort in Liberia with over 50 young leaders, including participants from Sierra Leone. Environment Action: Orange Sierra Leone and Tacugama planted 5,000 trees at Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary for World Environment Day.

Cancer Care Boost: Merck Foundation is expanding cancer training across Africa, including Sierra Leone, with scholarships for clinical oncology and pain management to grow the first generation of local oncologists and care teams. Youth Leadership: Over 50 young leaders started the 13th YPLS Africa cohort in Liberia, with Sierra Leone among participating countries, pushing ethical governance and youth-led change. Environment & Community: Orange Sierra Leone and Tacugama planted 5,000 trees at Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Western Area Peninsula National Park to mark World Environment Day. Health System Focus: Health Minister Dr. Austin Demby urged urgent reforms to end preventable maternal and child deaths, stressing action at community, household and facility levels. Violence Against Children: Sierra Leone’s Salone Development Scorecard reports high physical and sexual assault cases, including child rape, calling out slow progress. Local Governance & Justice: Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr visited imprisoned social commentator Zainab Sheriff, adding fuel to debate over consistency in the application of law. TVET Reform: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Technical and Higher Education met partners on upgrading TVET to better match labour market needs, especially in agribusiness. Football & Identity: Music and politics in Sierra Leone remain intertwined, with post-war artistes using songs to challenge governance and spotlight everyday life in Freetown.

Ebola Fear vs Reality: A new discussion challenges why Ebola dominates headlines more than everyday killers, urging Sierra Leoneans to focus on practical risk, clear information, and smarter public response. Health Capacity Boost: JICA and Ghana’s Noguchi institute are training Sierra Leonean healthcare professionals in lab skills to strengthen infectious-disease diagnosis. TVET Reform Talks: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Technical and Higher Education is meeting partners to align TVET with jobs, including plans to upgrade an agriculture institute into a Centre of Excellence. Maternal & Child Health Push: At the SLMDA congress in Kenema, Health Minister Austin Demby called for urgent system reform and “Triple-Zero” action to end preventable deaths. Violence Against Children Data: The Salone Development Scorecard reports high physical and sexual assault cases, with domestic violence and child rape figures still alarming. Police Discipline Drive: The Internal Affairs Minister ordered tougher action on police conduct, including checkpoints and extortion, and faster handling of pending cases. Education Integrity: The Basic Education Minister says new legislation will criminalise examination malpractice to protect the value of Sierra Leone’s certificates. FGM/Bondo Debate: Fresh commentary and reactions keep the First Lady’s FGM stance and Sierra Leone’s legal gaps in the spotlight, with calls for consistency and child protection. Freetown Governance & Decay: A new piece argues Freetown’s problems grow from unclear municipal vs central authority, leaving disorder to become “normal.” Infrastructure Financing: Liberia’s US$125m World Bank package for energy, digital integration, and roads is reported as part of wider regional development momentum. Women’s Health Access: Social Welfare received a UNFPA vehicle to expand obstetric fistula rehabilitation outreach to remote communities.

Violence Watch: The Salone Development Scorecard says physical and sexual assault cases remain alarmingly high, with 3,053 reported at Rainbo Centres in 2025 and police recording 15,188 cases involving women and children. Prison Visit & Justice Debate: Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr visited imprisoned social commentator Zainab Sheriff, renewing public questions about consistency in how the law is applied. Women’s Rights in Focus (FGM/Bondo): Fresh debate flares around First Lady Fatima Bio’s FGM-related remarks and her withdrawal from a UK event, while lawmakers and commentators argue over what Sierra Leone’s laws actually cover. Caregiving Support: The “Freetown Caring City Project” is being discussed to back unpaid caregivers—especially women and girls—and reduce SGBV. Health & Dignity: The Social Welfare Ministry received a UNFPA vehicle to strengthen obstetric fistula care, aiming to reach remote communities. Education Integrity: The Basic Education Ministry plans to criminalise examination malpractice to protect the credibility of Sierra Leone’s certificates. Energy for Rural Growth: Kandeh Yumkella commissioned an Integrated Energy Centre in Fogbo Village to expand clean power, skills, and entrepreneurship. Sports & Travel Disruption: Visa issues delayed South Africa’s Bafana Bafana World Cup preparations—another reminder of how off-field problems can spill onto the pitch.