AGP Executive Report

Cost of Living Pressure: A new Sierra Leone survey paints a grim picture: 48% report extreme hardship and 33% severe hardship, with over half saying salaries run out before payday and 80% within two weeks. Ebola Watch & Health Safety: With Ebola still a concern in the DRC, health partners are pushing “identify, isolate and inform” safety plans, while scientists say future outbreaks may be blunted by new vaccines. First Lady, Bondo & FGM Debate: Fresh controversy continues around First Lady Fatima Maada Bio’s stance on the Bondo Society and FGM, with competing claims about respect for tradition versus child protection. Digital Skills for Youth: DSTI and UNICEF celebrated graduates from Tech 101 and Tech for Kids digital literacy programmes in Freetown, boosting early tech access for children and young people. Water Security in Freetown: Guma Valley Water Company warns deforestation and encroachment are threatening Freetown’s water supply, with contamination risks rising as catchments shrink. Women’s Economic Support: CCSL and Christian Aid back displaced Malen Chiefdom women through savings and loan groups to restart small businesses. Higher Education Admissions Reform: JAMB reaffirms support for Sierra Leone’s move toward a centralised tertiary admissions system, following stakeholder engagement in Freetown. Culture & Community: World Vision’s “Story of Hope” immersive exhibit launches June 7 at Oxford Shopping Centre, using a Sierra Leone child’s story to spotlight health and clean-water challenges.

Ebola Response & Vaccines: Cafod has launched an emergency fundraising push as the DRC outbreak worsens, while scientists say new Ebola vaccines could blunt the impact of future outbreaks. Health & Education: Sierra Leone’s Dr. Sheku Dennis Massaquoi earned global recognition for healthcare innovation and surgical training, and a Chinese medical team delivered a public academic lecture for Njala University nursing students in Bo. Water & Environment: Guma Valley Water Company warns that deforestation and encroachment are threatening Freetown’s water supply, with contamination risks rising. Women’s Empowerment: CCSL and Christian Aid support Malen Chiefdom women displaced by land conflict through savings and loan groups and small businesses. Higher Education Reform: JAMB reaffirmed support for Sierra Leone’s centralised admissions reform, backing a more transparent, technology-driven system. Rights & Accountability: INCHR urges Liberia’s legislature to pass a war crimes court bill, and a separate call argues Sierra Leone’s civil society activism is weakened without key independent voices. Culture & Community: Jazz & Soca at The Vineyard is set to benefit St Xavier’s Private School, adding a feel-good spotlight on local youth and learning.

Economic Hardship: A new Sierra Leone Telegraph survey paints a grim picture of daily life, with 48% reporting “extreme hardship” and 33% “severe hardship,” as prices, transport, electricity and fuel costs rise faster than incomes. Women’s Livelihoods: CCSL and Christian Aid are supporting women displaced by the Malen Chiefdom land conflict through 21 Village Savings and Loan groups, helping them restart small businesses with lower-interest loans. Justice & Accountability: INCHR urges Sierra Leone’s legislature to pass the War Crimes Court bill, arguing it’s a key step to end impunity and strengthen justice. Healthcare & Training: A Sierra Leonean surgeon, Dr. Sheku Dennis Massaquoi, earns global recognition for surgical care and healthcare innovation, while a Chinese medical team delivered a public academic lecture at Njala University to strengthen nursing skills. Digital Transformation: Sierra Leone’s communications minister calls for interoperable regional digital ecosystems, saying digital public infrastructure must become economic infrastructure. Women in Governance: MoGCA pushes stronger women representation through NEWMaP, focusing on coordination, mentorship and decision-making roles. Culture & Youth: Idris Elba is knighted for youth empowerment, and Sierra Leone’s First Lady Dr Fatima Maada Bio is set to speak at the Global Power Women Forum 2026. Public Safety: The US announces plans to deport 355 West Africans, including Sierra Leoneans named in the list.

Digital Governance: Sierra Leone’s Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Salima Monorma Bah, says Africa must move from isolated digital public infrastructure projects to interoperable regional digital ecosystems to boost trade, mobility, and trust. Health & Training: A 27th Chinese medical team delivered its first public academic lecture at Njala University, training nursing students on early detection and standardized interventions for common ENT conditions through case simulations. Women’s Empowerment: First Lady Dr Fatima Maada Bio handed over food-processing equipment to women farmers and agro-processors to cut post-harvest losses and boost productivity. Education Reform: Sierra Leone’s education minister met Rwanda officials to learn from Rwanda’s integrated digital assessment system, aiming for more transparent, data-driven reforms. Justice & Wellbeing: The Judiciary of Sierra Leone began construction of its first-ever Judiciary Clinic in Freetown to support judges and court staff with proper healthcare facilities. Culture & Youth: Idris Elba was knighted by King Charles III for youth-focused work, including his Elba Hope Foundation. Community & Faith: Catholic leaders and civil society groups in Africa are pushing united action against human trafficking, calling it a “wound to humanity.”

Education Reform & University Life: A Sierra Leone student advocate calls for rebuilding “broken systems” in universities, citing disrespectful lecturer-student relations, unfair grading, and overstretched facilities. Health & Skills Development: A Chinese medical team delivered its first public academic lecture at Njala University (Bo Campus), training nursing students on early detection and standardized interventions for common ENT conditions. Power & Everyday Living: The World Bank says West Africa’s power integration is boosting electricity supply, with thousands of kilometres of transmission lines and millions gaining access across Sierra Leone and neighbours. Women in Leadership & Agriculture: MoGCA pushes stronger women representation in governance through NEWMaP, while First Lady Fatima Bio donates food-processing equipment to women farmers and agro-processors. Digital Learning & Accountability: Sierra Leone’s education minister studies Rwanda’s digital assessment model to strengthen evidence-based reforms. Sports & Culture: SLFA and FIFA begin a three-day review of Sierra Leone’s amateur football structures. Culture Calendar: The Ministry of Tourism announces the return of the One Nation Reggae Festival (Nov 25–30, 2026). Justice & Wellbeing: Construction starts on Sierra Leone’s first Judiciary Clinic in Freetown to support judges and court staff health.

Maternal & Child Health: Sierra Leone’s Gender Minister urged stronger healthcare systems to cut preventable newborn deaths, calling out gaps across antenatal, delivery, and postnatal care and the social pressures that raise risk. Judiciary Care: Freetown’s Main Law Courts saw the sod-turning for the first-ever Judiciary Clinic, meant to support judges, magistrates, and staff with proper treatment spaces and reliable utilities. Migration & Safety: Mauritania’s coast guard rescued 181 Gambians among 911 migrants intercepted over five days, highlighting the ongoing dangers along the Atlantic route. Drug Enforcement: Liberia’s LDEA reported 233 arrests and 422.08kg of narcotics seized in Q1 2026, including kush, marijuana, cocaine, and tramadol. Politics & Trust: A CHRDI poll found widespread distrust in Sierra Leone’s two main parties ahead of 2028, with many saying neither can manage economy and national security well. Culture & Tourism: The Ministry of Tourism announced the return of the One Nation Reggae Festival (Nov 25–30, 2026), with performances, cultural showcases, and youth-focused forums. Education & Tech: JAMB pledged technical support for Sierra Leone’s Centralised Admissions System to improve transparency in tertiary admissions. Sports Development: SLFA and FIFA began a three-day review of Sierra Leone’s amateur football structures, focusing on grassroots and development pathways.

Public Health Watch: Liberia reports no Ebola cases, but officials say regional flare-ups are a serious reminder to keep surveillance, rapid response teams, and community engagement strong. Anti-Drug Enforcement: Liberia’s LDEA says Q1 2026 saw 233 arrests and a major haul of 422.08kg of narcotics, alongside a reported 92% drop in seizures—attributed to intensified pressure on traffickers. Digital & Youth Skills: Rokel Commercial Bank and EST Applied Intelligence UK launch a Cyber Circuit University Edition to train students in cybersecurity and protect Sierra Leone’s digital future. Culture & Tourism: The Ministry of Tourism announces the return of the One Nation Reggae Festival (Nov 25–30, 2026), with performances, cultural showcases, and youth-focused forums. Education & Fairness: Research highlights cultural bias in West Africa’s school-leaver exam questions, raising concerns about whether “ability” is being measured fairly. Accountability for Development: The Salone Development Scorecard is launched to track 100 national development targets and help citizens monitor government delivery. Women’s Safety & Rights: Sierra Leone’s Gender Ministry calls for 20 female drivers, while debate on FGM/C continues amid renewed calls for urgent, rights-based action. Sports Development: SLFA and FIFA begin a three-day review of Sierra Leone’s amateur football structures, including grassroots education and club development. Community & Faith: Sierra Leonean pilgrims complete the main Hajj rites, with final rites expected before departure.

Ebola & Travel Safety: WHO has flagged the DRC’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak as a public health emergency, renewing fears for travellers heading to East and Central Africa. Football Development: SLFA and FIFA kicked off a three-day review of Sierra Leone’s amateur football structures, with grassroots stakeholders joining the discussions. Education Fairness: Researchers warn that cultural bias in West Africa’s school-leaver exam questions can disadvantage students, raising questions about what “ability” really means. Anti-Scam Crackdown: Police continue multi-province raids targeting online fraud hubs, with arrests and pressure on property owners to verify foreign tenants. Deportations: The US released names and photos of 26 Sierra Leoneans among 355 West Africans facing removal. Digital Accountability: The Salone Development Scorecard was launched to track 100 national development targets and close the gap between promises and daily life. Women & Work: Sierra Leone’s Gender Ministry urgently seeks 20 female drivers for Freetown. Community Health & Tech: Orange Foundation launched the Orange Village project in Felei-Tech City, starting school and hospital facilities. Human Trafficking Fight: IGP Sellu reaffirmed police commitment to eradicating trafficking, backed by regional cooperation efforts. FGM/C Debate: The conversation around FGM/C continues to split opinion on how change should happen. Sports & Youth: Sierra Leone’s U-17 women’s qualifiers took a hit as Benin advanced after beating the Leone Stars 5-1 on aggregate. Culture & Identity: A mother’s fight for her autistic child highlights stigma—“Autists are not demons.” Health & Care: Sierra Leone’s Gender Minister called for urgent action to reduce newborn deaths, urging stronger antenatal, delivery, and postnatal care. Local Safety: Police intensified community policing in Karene, urging stronger public partnership. Sports Tragedy: A Milton Margai University student reportedly drowned at Sugar Land Beach in Freetown.

EU Aid Under Threat: Sierra Leone faces possible loss of €325m EU foreign aid as Dutch officials push for EU pressure over alleged links to the narcotics trade. Public Safety & Community Policing: Police in Karene urge stronger community partnership to boost trust and crime prevention. Tragic Campus Loss: A Milton Margai Technical University student is reportedly drowned at Sugar Land Beach in Freetown, with details still awaited. Faith & Pilgrimage: All 2,626 Sierra Leonean pilgrims complete the main Hajj rites, with Tawaf and Sa’i successfully done; only Tawaf al-Wada remains. Health Focus: The Gender Minister calls for urgent action to cut preventable newborn deaths, stressing better antenatal, delivery, and postnatal care plus tackling harmful practices. Education Reform: JAMB pledges technical support for Sierra Leone’s Centralised Admissions System to improve transparency in tertiary entry. Culture & Youth: Orange Foundation and MoCTI launch the Orange Village project in Bo to expand education, healthcare, and tech access; SLFA also celebrates FIFA appointments for three Sierra Leonean female officials. Sports: Sierra Leone’s U-17 women’s team faces Benin in qualifiers after results that set up the final-round clash.

Higher Education Reform: JAMB pledges technical support to Sierra Leone as the country moves toward a Centralised Admissions System, aiming for a more transparent, unified digital process for universities and TVET. Maternal & Child Health: Sierra Leone’s Gender Minister calls for urgent action to cut preventable newborn deaths, urging stronger antenatal, delivery and postnatal care and tackling harmful social practices. Gender & Media Safety: A new report finds women in Sierra Leone’s media face sexual harassment at about twice the rate of men, with online and verbal abuse most common. Community Development in Bo: Orange Foundation and MoCTI launch the Orange Village project in Bo District to expand education, healthcare and technology access. Sports (Women’s Football): Sierra Leone’s U-17 women’s team faces Benin in the final qualifying round after results in the WWCQ. Education Integrity: MBSSE warns the public that a BECE 2026 timetable circulating online is fake and urges students to rely only on verified channels. Mining & Resettlement: MoPED inspects Sembehun communities affected by Sierra Rutile expansion, reviewing resettlement plans, compensation concerns and grievance systems.

Maternal Health Boost: Save the Children handed over two fully rehabilitated maternal health facilities in Pujehun (Salina Samba and Messibu), upgrading water, sanitation, solar power, and staff accommodation to improve safe childbirth and newborn care. Girls’ Wellbeing: Plan International distributed dignity kits to 300 adolescent girls in Moyamba for Menstrual Hygiene Day, aiming to cut stigma, support school attendance, and strengthen girls’ confidence. Community Tech & Health: Orange Foundation and MoCTI launched the Orange Village project in Bo District (Tikonko Village, Felei-Tech City), with plans for a school and hospital to expand education, healthcare, and technology access. Education Integrity: MBSSE warned the public that a BECE 2026 timetable circulating online is fake and unauthorised, urging students to ignore it and wait for verified channels. Gender & Work Safety: A WAN-IFRA/partners report says women in Sierra Leone’s media face sexual harassment at about twice the rate of men, with online harassment the most common. Sports (Women’s Football): SLFA celebrated FIFA appointments for three Sierra Leonean female officials for Women’s U-17 World Cup qualifiers, highlighting growing trust in local women referees and match officials. Culture & Tourism: The Tourism Ministry launched the One Nation Reggae Festival Creative Clinic report, positioning culture as an economic and youth-development driver. Public Debate on Drugs: Chief Minister David Sengeh rejected claims that Sierra Leone is a “drug state,” while the APC whip Abdul Kargbo hit back, calling the remarks a minimisation of the drug crisis. Civic Climate: A new Sierra Leone “pandemic of fear” piece argues that people are speaking less freely as fear spreads through public life and civic spaces. Health Mercy Spotlight: Mercy Ships’ nurse mentorship team received the 2026 Daisy Team Award for training local nurses aboard the Global Mercy hospital ship docked in Sierra Leone.

Drug Debate in Focus: Chief Minister David Sengeh dismissed claims that Sierra Leone is a “drug state,” saying the drugs’ sources are outside the country, while the APC parliamentary whip Abdul Kargbo hit back, calling the remarks a dangerous downplay of the drug epidemic. Public Safety & Service: A close protection officer to Chief Minister Sengeh, Abdul Conteh, died in a fatal vehicle accident, with the Chief Minister describing him as a loyal “shadow.” Education Integrity: MBSSE warned the public that a BECE 2026 timetable circulating online is fake and unauthorised, urging students to ignore it and stick to verified channels. Women in Media: A new report says women in Sierra Leone’s media industry face sexual harassment at about twice the rate of men, with online harassment most common. Community Health & Dignity: Save the Children handed over rehabilitated maternal health facilities in Pujehun, while Plan International distributed dignity kits to 300 adolescent girls in Moyamba for Menstrual Hygiene Day. Culture & Sports: The Tourism Ministry launched a One Nation Reggae Festival Creative Clinic report, and SLFA celebrated FIFA appointments for three Sierra Leonean female officials for U-17 qualifiers.

Maternal Health Boost: Save the Children handed over two fully rehabilitated, solar-powered maternal health facilities in Pujehun (Salina Samba and Messibu), improving water, sanitation, and newborn care. Adolescent Girls Support: Plan International distributed dignity kits to 300 girls in Moyamba for Menstrual Hygiene Day, aiming to cut stigma and protect school attendance. Climate Finance & Jobs: Environment Minister Mima Yema Mimi Sobba-Stephens told Parliament that climate finance should turn Sierra Leone’s climate risks into green growth, jobs for youth, and stronger community resilience. Government Services Back on Track: Vice President Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh reopened the Government Printing Department, restoring official publishing and strengthening transparency. Child Protection Policy: Government and UNICEF completed a key step in validating Sierra Leone’s Draft Child Safeguarding Policy to better protect children in homes, schools, communities, and online. Africa Day at the UN: Sierra Leone marked Africa Day with a high-level UN dialogue on Agenda 2063, water and sanitation, and deeper continental integration. Public Mood on Hardship: A CHRDI poll found most Sierra Leoneans are struggling daily, with rising cost of living and unreliable electricity/water topping concerns. Culture & Music Debate: R&B artist Morris Kamara criticized the “silence” of revolutionary musicians amid economic hardship, sparking fresh talk about artists’ civic role. Sports Focus: Sierra Queens face Benin in the U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier second leg after a 3-0 first-leg loss. Health Outreach: A Chinese medical team ran a free clinic in Freetown, including women’s ultrasound checks and community prevention talks. Regional Leadership: Hon. Rosemarie Bangura was elected Vice Chair of the West African Regional Caucus, expected to strengthen Sierra Leone’s voice in regional policy. Safety Watch: NPRA reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s moratorium on new fuel station construction, warning of sanctions during the compliance assessment.

Africa Day at the UN: Sierra Leone’s Permanent Mission marked Africa Day, May 25, with a high-level UN Headquarters dialogue on water and sanitation under Agenda 2063, with Ambassador Eddinia Michaela Swallow representing the country. Tragic Loss in Politics: Chief Minister David Sengeh’s close protection officer, Abdul Conteh, died in a fatal vehicle accident, leaving the family and government shaken. Maternal Health Boost: Orange Sierra Leone Foundation, with UBA Foundation and Mama-Pikin, refurbished York Village’s maternal health facility—upgrading labour and post-natal care with key equipment. Healthcare Support at Community Level: A Mercy Ships Daisy Team award highlighted nurse-led mentorship aboard the Global Mercy, currently docked in Sierra Leone, strengthening local nursing protocols. Child Protection Policy: Government and UNICEF completed a key step in validating Sierra Leone’s Draft Child Safeguarding Policy to better protect children in homes, schools, communities and online. Identity & Migration Updates: Sierra Leone begins a nationwide biometric verification drive for foreign nationals from June 1, as authorities push stronger migration management. Ebola Trust Matters: Health experts stress that Ebola clinic attacks in the region are driven by fear and mistrust—calling for community trust-building. Culture & Expression: ALL-STARS Sierra Leone backed musician Vida after her public testimony on alleged sexual assault, urging empathy and safer spaces for women.

Healthcare & Community Support: Mercy Ships’ Global Mercy nurse team has been honoured for mentoring and training local nurses in Sierra Leone, while a Chinese medical team also ran a free clinic in Freetown with women’s health checks and public prevention talks. Ebola & Public Trust: Health workers are urging communities to build trust as Ebola clinics face attacks in the DRC and experts warn that fear, rumours, and “body bag” fears can derail response. Government & Services: Vice President Juldeh Jalloh reopened the Government Printing Department, signalling a push to restore official publishing and records. Identity & Migration: Sierra Leone is set to begin a nationwide biometric verification drive for foreign nationals on June 1, as authorities tighten compliance for residence and work permits. Education & Child Protection: Government and UNICEF completed a key step on a Draft Child Safeguarding Policy, and construction has started on a US$3.5m COMAHS faculty building in Kossoh Town. Lifestyle & Culture: ALL-STARS Sierra Leone backs musician Vida after her sexual assault testimony, calling for empathy and safer spaces. Sports: The Sierra Queens face Benin in a do-or-die U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier second leg in Lomé.

Education & Youth: University of Makeni has opened online admissions for the 2026/2027 academic year, with forms priced at NLe850 (undergraduate), NLe1,500 (Master’s) and NLe2,500 (PhD), and support available at the Fatima Campus. Health & Skills: The Ministry of Health has started construction of a US$3.5m COMAHS faculty building in Kossoh Town, set to host up to 1,500 students per session and complete by March 2026. Child Protection: MoGCA and UNICEF have completed regional validation of Sierra Leone’s Draft Child Safeguarding Policy to better protect children in homes, schools, communities and online spaces. Energy & Women Entrepreneurs: Geres launched its four-year Energy for Business (E4B) project to expand clean power for rural small businesses and cooperatives, targeting women and youth entrepreneurs. Identity & Migration: Sierra Leone is set to begin a nationwide biometric verification exercise for foreign nationals on June 1, as part of stricter compliance on residence and work permits. Public Safety: NPRA reaffirmed a moratorium on new fuel filling and gas station construction, warning that any illegal operations will face sanctions. Culture & Media: The Witness Newspaper’s MD Enyeh Julius Akpovire will be honoured in London at the Voice Achievers Awards on August 21, 2026. Community Wellbeing: A CHRDI poll says 66% of Sierra Leoneans are struggling daily with either rising cost of living or unreliable electricity and water.