AGP Executive Report

Culture & Youth: Calypso History Month spotlights Jayron “Rawkus” Remy’s work in keeping Caribbean music alive for the next generation, with his new Rawkus Designs lifestyle brand. Governance & Democracy: National Election Watch (NEW) faces a leadership injunction after an internal dispute, raising fresh questions about electoral accountability. Health in Focus: Sierra Leone joins partners for a Freetown meningitis awareness walk ahead of World Meningitis Day, pushing prevention, early recognition and vaccination. Education & Learning: ActionAid Sierra Leone hands over a new school facility in Freetown for 1,300+ learners, while the World Bank donates digital learning materials to EBKUST and other universities. Women & Community Power: Ebema Movement expands in Bo District with a grassroots launch led by First Lady Fatima Maada Bio, using sport to boost women’s participation. Ports & Jobs: Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority pledges 2027 support for youth employment, women’s empowerment and trade facilitation under the “Big Five” agenda. Rights & Safety: Sierra Leone Police receive 14 motorbikes to strengthen its Family Support Unit response to women and children’s cases. International Spotlight: A Reuters report says LGBT migrants protected in the US were deported to African countries where same-sex relations are criminalised, including a case sent to Sierra Leone.

Health & Community: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health, NPHA and partners held a Freetown health walk from Cotton Tree to Youyi Building to boost meningitis awareness ahead of World Meningitis Day, urging families to spot symptoms early and seek treatment fast. Education & Inclusion: ActionAid Sierra Leone backed a new school block at National Islamic Mission School in East End Freetown, adding classrooms, toilets and a computer room for 1,300+ learners. Women & Youth Mobilisation: The Ebema Movement expanded in Bo District with a Mendewa community launch led on behalf of First Lady Fatima Maada Bio, featuring women’s football to push empowerment and participation. Jobs & Trade: SLPHA outlined 2027 priorities under the “Big Five Game Changers,” including youth employment, port infrastructure, women’s empowerment and support for agriculture via the Port of Freetown. Police & Safety: Harbour Police carried out community sensitisation in eastern Freetown on vandalism and theft of public utilities, warning that damaged energy infrastructure threatens commerce and public safety. Child Advocacy: CFN elected a new national executive to strengthen child-led advocacy, with Sheriff Bangura as president. Culture & Media: Music tech meets culture as Drizilik partners with Africell to promote his “Audacity” album to local and global audiences. Governance & Law: The Lawyers’ Society demanded withdrawal of government statutory instruments creating new districts, cities and councils, citing missing consultation and parliamentary steps. International Spotlight: EU budget support to Sierra Leone was suspended over alleged non-cooperation in the Jos “Bolle Jos” Leijdekkers extradition row, while Sierra Leone says the delay is procedural.

EU–Sierra Leone Funding Clash: The EU suspended €18m in 2026 budget support after Sierra Leone allegedly refused to arrest/extradite Dutch cocaine fugitive Jos “Bolle Jos” Leijdekkers, while Freetown says the delay is procedural and tied to financing timelines. Ports & Jobs: Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority says it will expand support for the “Big Five Game Changers” agenda—boosting port infrastructure, youth employment, and women’s participation in maritime work. Police Crackdown on Vandalism: Freetown Harbour Police sensitised communities on protecting state assets, warning that stolen EDSA cables and destroyed signs threaten safety and disrupt trade. Child Advocacy Leadership: Children’s Forum Network (CFN) elected a new national executive to strengthen child-led advocacy, with election process disputes also reported. Education, Food & Youth Ideas: The education minister linked hunger to poor learning, as Sierra Leone launched a World Food Prize Youth Institute to turn youth ideas into solutions. Neonatal Care Boost: UNICEF and UK support delivered about £32,000 in equipment to restart neonatal services at Makeni Regional Hospital after a fire. Higher Education Digital Learning: World Bank donated digital learning materials to EBKUST and other public universities to expand blended learning and research access. Women’s Football: Ram Kamara FC beat Mogbwemo Queens 2-1 to win the SLFA Women’s Unity Cup. Creative Culture Spotlight: Drizilik teamed with Africell to push his “Audacity” album to wider local and global audiences.

EU Aid Tensions: Sierra Leone pushed back on claims that an EU budget-support delay is tied to the Netherlands extradition row, saying the €18m 2026 freeze is due to procedural and financing timing issues—while Dutch officials link it to Sierra Leone’s handling of Dutch cocaine fugitive Jos “Bolle Jos” Leijdekkers. Governance & Accountability: Civil society advocate Valnora Edwin urged Sierra Leoneans to judge leaders by performance, not party loyalty. Local Security: Harbour Police in Freetown carried out community sensitisation against vandalism and theft of public utilities, warning that damaged energy infrastructure threatens services and public safety. Children’s Rights: The Children’s Forum Network (CFN) elected a new national executive to strengthen child-led advocacy, with leadership headed by Sheriff Bangura. Legal Pushback on Districts: The Lawyers’ Society demanded withdrawal of government statutory instruments creating new cities, districts and councils, arguing public consultation and parliamentary steps were not properly followed. Child & Youth Support: UNICEF met Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to explore fresh cooperation for children and young people. Education & Health: World Bank donated digital learning materials to EBKUST and other universities, while UNICEF/UK support is helping restore neonatal care at Makeni Regional Hospital. Police Support for Vulnerable Groups: UNDP and Spotlight Initiative handed Sierra Leone Police 14 motorbikes and stationery for the Family Support Unit to respond faster to cases involving women and children. Culture & Music: Drizilik teamed up with Africell to promote his album “Audacity” to a wider local and global audience. Sports: SLFA confirmed 2026 Unity Cup fixtures in Bo, with women’s games on Oct 3 and men’s on Oct 4 at the Southern Arena.

EU Aid Freeze: The EU has suspended €18 million in scheduled 2026 budget support to Sierra Leone after Freetown refused to arrest and extradite Dutch cocaine trafficker Jos “Bolle Jos” Leijdekkers, with a warning that another €22.5 million for 2027 could be withheld if cooperation doesn’t improve. Police & Women’s Safety: Sierra Leone Police received 14 motorbikes and stationery from UNDP and the Spotlight Initiative to boost the Family Support Unit’s response to cases involving women and children, including gender-based violence. Education Tech Boost: The World Bank donated digital learning materials to EBKUST and two other public universities to expand digital and blended learning and strengthen students’ tech skills. Neonatal Care Recovery: UNICEF and the UK delivered about £32,000 in equipment to restart neonatal services at Makeni Regional Hospital after a fire damaged its Special Care Baby Unit. Culture & Music: Africell teamed up with Sierra Leone musician Drizilik to push his “Audacity” album to a wider local and global audience through billboards and outdoor activations. Sports: SLFA announced 2026 Unity Cup fixtures in Bo—women’s match on Oct 3 and men’s on Oct 4—with free general admission. Media & Professionalism: SLAJ opened 2026 membership applications for journalists, with set education/experience requirements and an Orange Money/Afrimoney payment option.

Education & Partnerships: Sierra Leone’s Education Minister Haja Ramatulai Wurie joined President Bio in Boston to push global partnerships on education, health innovation and research, including work with MIT on prosthetics and orthotics. Police & Women’s Safety: The Sierra Leone Police received 14 motorbikes and stationery to boost the Family Support Unit’s response to cases involving women and children, including gender-based violence. Digital Learning: The World Bank donated digital educational materials to EBKUST and two other public universities to expand digital and blended learning. Newborn Care: UNICEF and the UK delivered about £32,000 in medical equipment to restart neonatal services at Makeni Regional Hospital after a fire damaged its Special Care Baby Unit. Music & Youth Culture: Drizilik teamed up with Africell to promote his “Audacity” album through billboards and online access ahead of its global release. Gender & Media: African women’s rights and media groups launched a continental coalition focused on gender equality and making media more sustainable. Sports: SLFA announced 2026 Unity Cup fixtures in Bo, with free general admission at the Southern Arena. EU Aid Pressure: The EU suspended nearly $20m in budget support to Sierra Leone over alleged non-cooperation on extraditing a Dutch drug kingpin.

EU–Sierra Leone Aid Freeze: The European Commission has suspended about €18m (around $20m) in budget support after Sierra Leone refused to extradite Dutch fugitive drug kingpin Jos “Bolle Jos” Leijdekkers, with further possible cuts looming. Media & Civic Life: SLAJ opened 2026 membership applications for journalists, with set education, experience and vetting requirements. Maternal Health: UNFPA backs a national review to speed up Sierra Leone’s MPDSR push to cut preventable maternal and newborn deaths, citing major gains in mortality reduction and skilled birth attendance. Food Security Meets Education: The Education Minister says hunger directly harms learning, as youth develop ideas at the Sierra Leone World Food Prize Youth Institute. Sports: SLFA confirms 2026 Unity Cup fixtures in Bo—women on Oct 3 and men on Oct 4—with free general entry at Southern Arena. Governance & Accountability: NPPA and BAN signed an MoU to boost transparency and citizen participation in public procurement. Judicial Cooperation: Sierra Leone’s judiciary offers expertise to Liberia as it moves toward a war and economic crimes court. Community Resilience: Caritas Freetown provided building materials to 40 flood-affected households in the Western Area.

Maternal Health Push: UNFPA says Sierra Leone has cut maternal mortality sharply and is now running a two-day national MPDSR review to tackle bottlenecks and speed progress, as the country enters the final 90 days of its 300 Days of Activism campaign. Food & Learning: The Education Minister links hunger to poor school performance, urging youth to turn ideas from the Sierra Leone World Food Prize Youth Institute into real solutions for food security, climate and poverty. Women’s Rights & Justice: Sierra Leone offers Liberia judicial know-how for a proposed War and Economic Crimes Court, while the Ecowas Court spotlight highlights how regional justice is shaping protections for women across West Africa. EU Aid Freeze: Brussels halts budget support to Sierra Leone over extradition demands tied to Dutch fugitive “Bolle Jos,” escalating a neo-colonialism dispute. Public Accountability: NPPA and BAN sign an MoU to boost transparency and citizen participation in Sierra Leone’s procurement system. Community Resilience: Caritas Freetown provides building materials to flood-affected households in the Western Area, shifting from cash to direct support. Sports & Culture: SLFA confirms 2026 Unity Cup fixtures in Bo, and AYV unveils contestants for Miss University 2026.

Women’s Rights & Regional Justice: A new analysis highlights how the ECOWAS Court’s human-rights mandate has made it a go-to forum for cases on marriage, widowhood, domestic violence, employment, schooling, culture and conflict—showing why it matters for women across West Africa. Judicial Cooperation: Sierra Leone’s Judiciary says it will share expertise with Liberia as the region moves toward a proposed War and Economic Crimes Court, pointing to Sierra Leone’s Special Court experience and Anti-Corruption Court mechanisms. Procurement Transparency: NPPA and the Budget Advocacy Network sign an MoU to boost public education, civil society participation, capacity building and accountability across Sierra Leone’s procurement system, with emphasis on contract management and delivery. EU Aid Freeze: The European Commission halts budget support to Sierra Leone over non-cooperation on extraditing Dutch fugitive “Bolle Jos,” with possible further payment blocks discussed. Access to Information: NaCCED’s chairman attends the ICIC/IDUAI conference in Lungi, focusing on information integrity and access to information in the digital age. Community Resilience: Caritas Freetown, with CAFOD support, provides building materials to 40 flood-affected households in Western Area to help repairs and strengthen preparedness. Education & Health Partnerships: Central University hosts European partners on a proposed Master’s in Waste Management and Circular Economy, while Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister flags ongoing Harvard collaboration on health and education outcomes. Climate-Smart Farming: Danabelsandy launches a climate-resilient agriculture project for 210 farmers, backing locally led, sustainable alternatives for rural livelihoods.

Flood Recovery & Community Resilience: Caritas Freetown, with CAFOD support, delivered building materials to 40 flood-affected households in Western Area to help families repair homes and bounce back. Higher Education & Environment: Central University hosted a European delegation to advance a proposed Master’s programme in Waste Management and Circular Economy, focusing on curriculum and academic exchange. Public Health & Media Partnership: NPHA brought journalists and bloggers together in Freetown to strengthen meningitis awareness ahead of World Meningitis Day, sharing key messages on symptoms, prevention and treatment. Health Research Partnerships: Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh highlighted collaboration with Harvard University across health and education, including progress tied to maternal health and learning outcomes. Information Rights: Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh opened ICIC in Lungi, calling for stronger access to information and information integrity in the digital age. Social Protection for Older People: Government is considering a statutory framework to better protect older persons by upgrading the National Social Safety Net into a stronger legal institution. Youth & Food Security: MAFS and MBSSE engaged 16 pupils in Freetown to present ideas tackling food security and agricultural challenges. Education Funding Reform: Sierra Leone plans to scrap the per-pupil capitation model and move toward cost-based funding aimed at real school running costs and reducing headcount fraud. Civic Space Watch: A UN Human Rights Council UPR statement urges Sierra Leone to act on civic space concerns, including harassment and restrictions on civil society.

Education Funding Reform: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Education says it will scrap the per-pupil capitation grant and move to a cost-based model that targets real school running costs, location needs, and structural requirements—aimed at cutting headcount fraud and protecting underfunded schools. Older Persons Protection: Government is considering a statutory framework to strengthen legal protection and welfare for older people, including upgrading the National Social Safety Net into a statutory body with a clearer mandate. Food Security Youth Ideas: In Freetown, 16 secondary pupils presented research-backed proposals on food security and agriculture under the Sierra Leone World Food Prize Youth Institute, with two finalists emerging. Information Rights Push: VP Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh opened the ICIC conference on upholding information integrity, linking access to information with stronger institutions and citizen participation. Cyber Safety Alert: Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr warns her WhatsApp was hacked and her number is being used to solicit money—urging the public to ignore messages until further notice. Defence Budget: The Defence Ministry seeks NLe7.59 billion for 2027, including recruitment and training, border guards, C5ISTAR/cybersecurity, and upgraded military healthcare. Health & Faith: Pope Leo XIV will join children worldwide to pray the Rosary for peace starting Oct 1. Lifestyle/Community: SLAM-Global says it is apolitical and exists to amplify Sierra Leoneans’ welfare concerns at home and abroad.

Civic Space & Advocacy: Sierra Leone Advocacy Movement (SLAM) – Global launches in the US, saying it is non-partisan and exists to amplify Sierra Leoneans’ welfare and concerns at home and abroad. Information Governance: VP Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh opens ICIC+IDUAI in Lungi, calling for stronger international cooperation to expand access to reliable information and uphold information integrity. Higher Education & Lifestyle Impact: A nationwide indefinite strike by UASA leaves public university classrooms silent, with lecturers citing rising living costs and pump price hikes as the pressure behind the stoppage. Local Governance & Safety: Freetown residents and Dis We Beach activists protest the reinstatement of a fence at Cabbage Beach, arguing it restricts public access and threatens vendors’ livelihoods. Digital Safety: A UN panel hosted by Türkiye urges stronger international standards to protect children online as AI outpaces safeguards. Health & Regional Concern: DRC Ebola cases pass 8,000, with WHO warning of shortages in health workers and continued spread. Culture & Community: Tourism Ministry marks World Tourism Day with a Freetown health walk to promote healthy living and environmental awareness. Politics & Women: First Lady Fatima Bio tells SLPP North America women delegates she “walks with delegates, not supporters,” signaling sharper internal party positioning. Infrastructure Watch: Lungi Bridge feasibility studies are set to begin in November with US$1.6m USTDA support.

Information & Civic Space: VP Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh urged stronger global cooperation on access to reliable information as Sierra Leone hosted UNESCO’s International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC) and marked IDUAI, stressing information integrity in the digital age. Transport & Infrastructure: Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh says feasibility studies for the Lungi Bridge will start in November with US$1.6m USTDA support, including traffic-flow and environmental/social work to make the project bankable. Governance & Elections: The Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) began regional validation talks in Kenema for its 2025–2029 strategic plan, aiming to strengthen transparency, participation, and public confidence. Safety & Scams: Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr warned her WhatsApp was hacked and her number is being used to solicit funds, urging residents to verify messages. Health & Global Spotlight: DRC Ebola cases surpassed 8,000, with WHO warning of shortages in health workers and ongoing spread. Culture & Heritage: President Bio used the Amistad story in Quincy to renew Sierra Leone’s call for reparatory justice, linking Mende captives’ resistance to today’s demand for accountability. Tourism & Lifestyle: Sierra Leone’s Tourism Ministry held a World Tourism Day health walk in Freetown to promote healthy living and environmental awareness.

Health & Policy: Africa’s immunisation push faces major hurdles as coverage lags behind population growth, outbreaks rise, and funding pressure grows; Africa CDC has launched a 2026–2030 Continental Immunisation Strategy to tackle financing, data systems, community engagement, supply, and emergency readiness. Democracy & Access to Info: SLAJ reaffirmed its push for universal access to accurate information as Sierra Leone marked the International Day for Universal Access to Information, warning that digital misinformation can only be fought with timely, credible public communication. Elections & Governance: ECSL has started regional validation consultations in Kenema for its 2025–2029 strategic plan, aiming to strengthen transparency, public education, and stakeholder trust ahead of future electoral work. Women & Children: Gender Minister Dr Isata Mahoi highlighted reforms to protect women and girls, including moves on women’s land rights and ending child marriage. Education & Tech: Sierra Leone’s higher education ministry says AI-enabled learning tools are being rolled into the national learning platform, alongside plans to strengthen lecturers’ digital skills. Culture & Tourism: Tourism Ministry mobilised hundreds for a World Tourism Day health walk in Freetown, linking healthy living with environmental sustainability and tourism growth. Community Development: Rotaract Club of Freetown-Sunset is fundraising about Le245,000 to finish Lirem Secondary School in Lumley, turning an unfinished structure into a safe learning space. Reparatory Justice (Amistad): President Bio used the Amistad story in Quincy to renew Sierra Leone’s call for reparatory justice tied to the lasting impact of enslavement and the transatlantic slave trade.

Child Online Safety: Türkiye’s UN panel, backed by UNICEF and UN child-violence leadership, urged stronger international standards as AI raises new risks for children. Access to Information: Sierra Leone marks the UN’s International Day for Universal Access to Information, spotlighting “information integrity” in the digital age. Democracy & Elections: Sierra Leone’s AG outlined constitutional amendments that could shift voting from First-Past-The-Post to Proportional Representation, lower the presidential threshold, and boost women’s representation on party lists. Higher Education Tech: The education ministry says AI-enabled learning tools are set to expand across Sierra Leone’s higher education system. Women’s Rights: The Gender Minister unveiled legal reforms aimed at protecting women and girls, including action on child marriage and land rights. Tourism & Culture: MTCA soft-launched “WAKABOT,” an AI tourism chatbot and trip planner for visitors. Party Politics: APC Pujehun District elected Sylvester Massaquoi as district chairman after internal polls. UK Visa Update: The UK listed Sierra Leone among West African countries whose citizens need an airport transit visa. Health Services: Health Minister Demby highlighted expanded diagnostics and emergency care, including CT scanning and mobile ultrasound. Community Education: Rotaract Club of Freetown-Sunset is raising about Le245,000 to finish Lirem Secondary School.

Higher Education Tech Push: Sierra Leone’s Higher Education Minister says AI-enabled learning tools are being rolled into the national education management system, with support for students and lecturers plus plans to keep staff skills up. Constitution & Elections Shake-Up: The Attorney-General outlines proposed constitutional changes that could shift Sierra Leone from First-Past-The-Post to Proportional Representation, lower the presidential threshold, and strengthen women’s representation on party lists. Women & Girls Legal Reforms: The Gender Minister highlights reforms aimed at protecting women and girls, including land rights and ending child marriage. Health Upgrades: The Health Minister points to expanded diagnostics like advanced CT scanning and mobile ultrasound to cut travel and improve maternal care. Disability Support: The Welfare Minister urges stronger implementation so disability policies become real services, including better data, early identification, and assistive support. Tourism Innovation: The Tourism Ministry soft-launches AI chatbot “WAKABOT” to help visitors plan trips while promoting Sierra Leone’s culture. Community & Culture: First Lady Fatima Bio celebrates Mandingo culture and renews calls for girls’ education. Civic Education & Media: SLAJ and ECONEC meet on safer, more credible election reporting ahead of 2028. Local Development: Rotaract Club of Freetown-Sunset seeks funds to complete Lirem Secondary School. Sports & Pride: SuperSport secures rights to beam AfCON Pamoja 2027 qualifiers and finals across Africa.