AGP Executive Report

Ebola Disrupts Diplomacy: India’s Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-IV) has been postponed after an Ebola outbreak in parts of Africa, with officials saying it’s “advisable” to reschedule rather than cancel—while the WHO warns the Congo outbreak is spreading fast and may be bigger than first figures. Deportations Continue: Sierra Leone received another batch of U.S.-deported migrants, including nine arrivals reported from Nigeria, Ghana, Guinea and Senegal, with authorities saying they’ll be housed temporarily and sent back within weeks. Party Poll Logistics: The APC has republished rerun ward election centres across multiple districts, signalling preparations for the next voting steps. Urban Upgrade in Freetown: The mayor inspected CBD pavement works under the city’s regeneration push, including interlocking block paving and solar street lights. Finance for Daily Life: FirstBank Sierra Leone and Icona London launched salary-based asset financing to help customers buy home appliances with flexible repayments. Water Sector Partnership: SALWACO met GOAL-SL to align on its 2026–2030 WASH strategic plan for Moyamba and Kenema.

Deportation Fallout: Sierra Leone confirmed the first batch of US-deported migrants arrived at Freetown’s airport, with Foreign Minister Timothy Musa Kabba saying nine deportees (from Nigeria, Ghana, Guinea and Senegal) landed Wednesday; officials say they were detained for months and are being housed in a hotel, with expectations to return within two weeks, while Freetown says it will accept up to 300 people a year under the ECOWAS-linked arrangement. Border Security Push: ECOWAS meetings in Abuja renewed calls for tighter cross-border cooperation to fight terrorism and transnational crime, with Sierra Leone among participating states. Water & WASH Partnerships: SALWACO met GOAL-SL to support implementation of its 2026–2030 strategic plan, targeting safer water and sanitation in Moyamba and Kenema. City Works: Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr inspected CBD pavement upgrades, solar street lights and a controlled parking system. Public Health Watch: Sierra Leone’s health leadership urged equitable pandemic financing at WHA79, citing lessons from Ebola and COVID-19. Governance & Housing: A UK lawmaker urged Southwark Council to investigate the first lady’s continued use of a taxpayer-subsidized apartment.

Deportations Begin in Freetown: Sierra Leone has received the first batch of migrants expelled from the United States under Trump’s crackdown, with Foreign Minister Timothy Musa Kabba confirming 25 deportees arriving at Lungi—nine in one earlier report—coming from Senegal, Ghana, Guinea and Nigeria, and authorities saying up to 300 people a year could be accepted under ECOWAS rules, though it’s unclear if they’ll stay or be repatriated later. Tax Clampdown: Prominent lawyer Yada Williams says the National Revenue Authority sealed his office with armed police, alleging contempt of a High Court order in a dispute over unpaid rental income tax tied to UNDP-leased property. Health Financing Push: At WHA79, Health Minister Dr. Austin Demby urged faster, fair pandemic funding for vulnerable countries, warning preparedness must be backed by everyday health systems. Power Crisis Watch: Freetown’s blackouts persist as Karpowership output remains far below contract levels while Bumbuna is under maintenance. Regional Trade & Security: ECOWAS meetings in Abuja spotlight tighter cross-border cooperation to boost trade and fight terrorism and transboundary crime.

Deportation Shock: Sierra Leone has confirmed the first batch of US deportees has arrived at Freetown’s airport, with officials saying the flight carried 25 migrants from Senegal, Ghana, Guinea and Nigeria, and that the country expects up to 300 ECOWAS nationals a year under the third-country arrangement—though it’s still unclear how long people will be allowed to stay. Border Security Push: Nigeria is urging deeper ECOWAS cross-border cooperation to tackle terrorism and transboundary crime, stressing joint action across member states. Ebola Alarm: The DRC’s new Ebola outbreak is worsening fast, with WHO warning of international spread risk as the rare Bundibugyo strain hits conflict-hit Ituri and cases are reported in Uganda. Power Crisis: Freetown’s blackouts are tied to a Karpowership supply shortfall linked to a growing government debt dispute, leaving communities without stable electricity for days. Tax Crackdown: The NRA has sealed prominent lawyer Yadda Hashim Williams’ office over alleged unpaid rental income tax arrears. Education Pressure: In Pujehun, children are being pushed out of formal schooling as some communities rely only on Quranic education.

Power Crisis: Freetown’s blackouts are worsening as Karpowership output stays far below contract levels, with generation reported at just 5.6–6MW since January while the Bumbuna hydro plant is also shut for maintenance—leaving communities like Wellington, Calaba Town, Portee and Allen Town facing days of outages. Deportations: Sierra Leone received another batch of US deportees under the third-country arrangement—nine migrants landed at Lungi, with officials saying they’ll be housed temporarily and returned within two weeks. Health Watch: A Sierra Leone study highlights how fast screening for postpartum bleeding and maternal sepsis risk can save mothers’ lives, while globally the Ebola situation in eastern DRC keeps escalating, with WHO warning of rapid spread and rising deaths. Education Alarm: In Pujehun, children in several communities are reportedly stuck in Quranic-only schooling, with DDCC raising concerns about lack of formal education. Tax Enforcement: The NRA sealed lawyer Yadda Hashim Williams’ office over alleged unpaid rental income tax arrears. Governance & Accountability: A fresh critique argues corruption thrives on a “conspiracy of silence,” linking stolen contracts, inflated invoices and weak enforcement to everyday hunger.

Ebola Alarm in Congo: Eastern DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is worsening fast, with deaths rising to 131 and suspected cases climbing to 543 as WHO warns of deep concern over spread of the rare Bundibugyo strain. Sierra Leone on Alert: Sierra Leone says it has strengthened surveillance at entry points and health facilities, with rapid response teams on standby across all districts and isolation/PPE supplies being reviewed. US Deportations, Sierra Leone Receives Deportees: Sierra Leone has started accepting US-deported migrants under a third-country arrangement, with authorities saying up to 300 people a year will be taken in from ECOWAS states, including Nigerians, Ghanaians and Guineans. Diplomatic Shock in London-Washington: Britain’s deputy ambassador in Washington, James Roscoe, has abruptly left his post amid reports tied to a leak investigation. Health Funding Push: African MPs meeting in Cape Town pledged to cut donor reliance in TB funding by boosting domestic resources.

Iran Sanctions Escalate: The U.S. Treasury has rolled out sweeping new Iran sanctions, targeting 19 tankers and firms tied to Iran’s shadow banking and shipping networks, while President Trump says he’s delaying a fresh round of attacks after talks with Gulf leaders. Diplomatic Shake-up: Britain’s deputy ambassador in Washington, James Roscoe, has abruptly left his post, adding to recent turmoil in the UK’s embassy leadership. Ebola Alarm in the Region: In DR Congo, Ebola deaths have climbed past 130 with fears of wider spread, prompting Sierra Leone to strengthen entry surveillance and response teams as WHO flags the outbreak as a global health emergency. Sierra Leone Energy Watch: SLEWRC has launched a nationwide roadshow to explain electricity tariffs under the MYTO II framework, aiming to boost transparency and investment. Free Speech Case: Lawyers and activists are calling for the release of Sierra Leonean singer Zainab Sheriff, jailed over remarks tied to election rigging and threats. Migration Policy Pressure: Reporting highlights growing concerns that U.S. third-country deportation deals are being handled with too little transparency.

Ebola Alarm in DRC: Panic is spreading in the Democratic Republic of Congo as the Ebola death toll climbs past 130, with more than 500 suspected cases reported and Uganda also recording confirmed cases, prompting a wider regional response. Sierra Leone Readiness: Sierra Leone says it has strengthened surveillance at entry points and health facilities, with rapid response teams on standby across all 16 districts and isolation supplies being reviewed. Electricity Tariff Clarity: SLEWRC has launched a nationwide roadshow to explain updated electricity tariffs under MYTO II, aiming to boost transparency for consumers and investors. Health Financing in Geneva: Health Minister Austin Demby chaired a Global Financing Facility meeting, pushing progress on maternal and child health and other key diseases. Migration Pressure: US third-country deportation deals are under scrutiny as Sierra Leone prepares to receive deportees under its Third-Country National Arrangement. Inflation Watch: Sierra Leone’s inflation is reported at 10.24% (March 2026), adding pressure to already tight household budgets.

Ebola Alert, Border Watch: Sierra Leone has tightened surveillance at entry points and health facilities after Ebola outbreaks in the DRC and Uganda, with rapid response teams on standby across all 16 districts and isolation supplies being reviewed—officials say there are currently no confirmed or suspected cases in Sierra Leone. US Deportations, Third-Country Deal: The government also confirmed it will accept up to 300 ECOWAS deportees from the US per year (max 25 monthly), with the first group of 25 expected to arrive in Freetown on May 20 from Senegal, Ghana, Guinea and Nigeria. Governance Pressure: Meanwhile, local reporting continues to spotlight public spending and service strain, including renewed criticism over President Bio’s frequent London trips and the Auditor General’s latest findings on financial mismanagement. Health Impact, Maternal Care: In a separate development, a community health officer surgical training programme is credited with sharply reducing maternal mortality risk in Sierra Leone.

Ebola Alert Intensifies: Sierra Leone’s health authorities say there are currently no confirmed or suspected Ebola cases at home, but they’ve stepped up surveillance after WHO declared a global health emergency over a rare Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in DR Congo and a linked imported case in Uganda. Deportation Deal: Sierra Leone has agreed to accept up to 300 ECOWAS deportees from the US per year (max 25 monthly), with the first flight due May 20 from Senegal, Ghana, Guinea and Nigeria—details on whether deportees can stay remain unclear. Health Impact Story: A community health officer surgical training programme (CapaCare) is credited with cutting Sierra Leone’s maternal mortality risk by two-thirds, with emergency caesareans now done in district hospitals. Governance Pressure: The Auditor General’s report renews scrutiny over alleged financial mismanagement, including missing vehicles and ghost workers. Finance Upgrade: FirstBank and Visa are rolling out Visa Signature to expand premium card benefits across the region. Women’s Safety Push: Africa unites in Banjul to tackle violence against women, including cyberstalking and tech-facilitated abuse.

Ebola Emergency: WHO has declared the Congo outbreak a global health emergency of international concern, warning of “significant uncertainties” and possible geographic spread after hundreds of suspected cases and dozens of deaths in DRC’s Ituri province, with confirmed cases reported in Uganda and Kinshasa. Deportation Deal: Sierra Leone has agreed to accept up to 300 ECOWAS deportees per year from the US, with the first flight due May 20 carrying 25 nationals from Senegal, Ghana, Guinea and Nigeria—though it’s still unclear if they can stay. Digital Identity Push: African digital ID laws are outpacing parts of the G7, but experts warn the real gap is between what’s written and how systems work in practice, especially for refugees and stateless people. Governance Watch: The Philippines fell four places in a global good governance ranking; Sierra Leone is listed among the bottom countries. ECOWAS Child Protection: ECOWAS Parliament adopted a resolution to protect street children and end exploitation across the region.

Ebola Alert Escalates: The WHO has declared a public health emergency of international concern over a new Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC (Bundibugyo strain), with hundreds of suspected cases and dozens of deaths, and a confirmed case reported in Kinshasa plus an imported case in Uganda—prompting renewed regional vigilance. Sierra Leone Readiness: Sierra Leone’s health authorities say there are currently no confirmed or suspected Ebola cases at home, but they’ve stepped up surveillance and preparedness as the DRC/ Uganda situation develops. US Deportations to Sierra Leone: Sierra Leone has agreed to accept up to 300 ECOWAS citizens deported from the US each year (max 25 per month), with the first flight due May 20. Fuel Pressure: A new report links Middle East tensions to steep fuel hikes across Africa; Sierra Leone is cited among countries hit hard, with petrol up sharply. ECOWAS Child Protection: ECOWAS Parliament adopts a resolution pushing member states to protect street children and end exploitation.

Ebola Alert Intensifies: Sierra Leone is on heightened vigilance after a fresh Ebola outbreak in DR Congo’s Ituri province, where Africa CDC says there are 336 suspected cases and 87 deaths, with the virus also linked to a death in Uganda—health authorities say there are currently no confirmed or suspected cases in Sierra Leone but monitoring is tight. Deportation Deal: The U.S. is accelerating removals under a “third-country” arrangement: Sierra Leone will receive the first flight on May 20 with 25 ECOWAS nationals, under a cap of 300 per year, while legal concerns linger over where deportees are sent and what happens after arrival. Local Governance Friction: Kadjebi District Assembly nearly stalled after delayed sitting allowances, with members demanding arrears be paid before proceedings continued. Regional Child Protection: ECOWAS Parliament adopted a resolution pushing member states to protect street children and end exploitation, urging budgets and enforcement. Identity Inclusion Push: ID4Africa speakers urged governments to include refugees and stateless people in legal and digital identity systems.

Deportation Deal: Sierra Leone has agreed to accept hundreds of West Africans deported by the U.S., with the first flight due May 20 carrying 25 people from Senegal, Ghana, Guinea and Nigeria under a 300-per-year ECOWAS arrangement. Ebola Watch: Health authorities say there are no confirmed or suspected Ebola cases in Sierra Leone, but they’ve stepped up monitoring after new cases and deaths were recorded in DR Congo and Uganda. Local Governance Friction: In Kadjebi, delayed subcommittee allowances nearly derailed District Assembly proceedings, with members demanding arrears and reimbursement before business continued. Street Children Pushback: ECOWAS Parliament adopted a resolution urging member states to protect street children, end exploitation and trafficking, and fund national strategies. Fuel Pressure: Tanzania ranks among Africa’s highest fuel-price countries for May 2026, underscoring how rising energy costs keep squeezing households and businesses across the region. Airport Chaos: At Lungi, immigration directives for non-national residents were issued then withdrawn within a day, exposing deeper institutional problems at the border.

Parliament Power Shift: In the Bahamas, Lincoln Deal was sworn in as MP-elect for Freetown, saying he’ll push early budget debates and “hold government’s feet to the fire,” while Wayne Munroe—who lost his seat—hinted he could return in an appointed role. Cabinet Changes: Four ministers were sworn in elsewhere, including Wayne Munroe as attorney general and minister of legal affairs, signalling fresh legal and policy direction. ECOWAS Politics: Sierra Leone’s Opposition Leader Abdul Kargbo urged people-centred ECOWAS reforms, warning of insecurity, democratic decline, and weakening trust in electoral bodies. Health & Security Watch: Africa CDC linked 65 deaths to Ebola in DR Congo’s Ituri and warned of spread if containment slips. Drug Crisis Alarm: A major AFP probe says high-strength Indian tapentadol is still reaching West Africa and being mixed into “kush,” worsening addiction and overdoses—Sierra Leone and Liberia already declared national emergencies. Global Deals: India-Africa Forum Summit 2026 is set for May 31 in New Delhi, with a focus on innovation, resilience, and investment ties.

Cabinet Shake-Up: Four ministers were sworn in at Government House, with Chester Cooper taking the education portfolio and deputy prime minister role, Wayne Munroe moving to attorney general and legal affairs, Fred Mitchell returning to foreign affairs, and Michael Halkitis appointed finance minister—an immediate reshuffle with big policy implications. Ebola Watch: Africa CDC says it has linked 65 deaths to the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo’s Ituri province and is urging swift containment as insecurity and movement raise the risk of spread. Street Child Protection: ECOWAS Parliament adopted a resolution pushing member states to end exploitation and remove street children from the streets, while expanding access to education, healthcare and child-friendly justice. Health Funding Push: The US opened a $290m infectious disease response call aimed at early detection and rapid containment. Drug Crisis Alarm: Reports highlight how high-strength opioid tablets from India are reaching West Africa and being mixed into “kush,” worsening addiction and overdoses—Sierra Leone is named among affected countries. Climate Finance Access: A new Africa project was launched to deepen climate finance access across West Africa, backed by regional partners.