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Ebola Outbreaks in DRC, Uganda: Sierra Leone Raises Alert The National Public Health Agency (NPHA), in coordination with the Ministry of Health (MoH), has elevated Sierra Leone's alert status following confirmed Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda. In an official communiqué released on May 15, 2026, the NPHA confirmed that while there are no active or suspected cases within the country, health officials are maintaining rigorous regional surveillance. Current data indicates 246 suspected cases and 65 fatalities in the DRC. Uganda has reported one Ebola-related fatality, identified as an imported case, with no evidence of localized transmission at this time. Although the immediate risk to Sierra Leone is categorized as low, the NPHA has reinforced screening protocols at all ports of entry and within national health facilities to facilitate early detection and an expedited response. EVD is a virulent haemorrhagic fever transmitted via direct contact with infected blood, bodily fluids, or contaminated environments. The agency emphasizes that symptoms typically include acute fever, malaise, gastrointestinal distress, and, in advanced stages, internal or external hemorrhaging. Preparedness measures include the mobilization of Rapid Response Teams across all 16 districts and the replenishment of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and isolation supplies at primary medical centers. The NPHA continues to collaborate with international stakeholders, including the Africa CDC, ECOWAS, and the World Health Organization (WHO), to ensure real-time intelligence sharing and alignment with global health standards. Citizens are advised to exercise caution regarding travel to affected regions, adhere to strict hygiene protocols, and report any symptomatic individuals to health authorities immediately. The NPHA urges the public to remain composed and rely exclusively on official government channels for verified information and further updates.

NSA and NOC Partner to Advance Sierra Leone Sports The National Sports Authority (NSA), under the leadership of its newly appointed Executive Director, Barrister and Solicitor Mohamed Alphaka Conteh, and senior management, paid a courtesy visit to the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Sierra Leone on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. This visit signifies the NSA’s commitment to strengthening collaboration and fostering unity within the country’s sports sector, an effort fully supported by His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio. It reflects the new administration’s focus on establishing robust institutional partnerships to advance sports development, athlete welfare, and effective governance. The constructive engagement focused on defining parameters for mutual cooperation before, during, and after major sporting events. In his remarks, NSA Executive Director Mohamed Alphaka Conteh, Esq., conveyed his gratitude to President Bio for his appointment and reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to professionalism, teamwork, and inclusiveness. He emphasized that unity among all stakeholders is essential for achieving progress in the sports sector. He stated that his mandate from His Excellency Retired Brigadier Dr. Julius Maada Bio is to reestablish decorum, discipline, and professionalism within the sector. Mr. Conteh declared that his leadership will be founded on principles of humility, integrity, mutual respect, and reverence.

ACC Report on USL Prompts Renewed Demands for Ministerial Accountability The recent publication of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) report regarding administrative and financial irregularities at the University of Sierra Leone (USL) has intensified public discourse on institutional governance and ministerial responsibility. Released on May 8, 2026, the ACC findings determined that many allegations directed at senior university officials were unsubstantiated or had been previously addressed by statutory bodies such as Audit Service Sierra Leone. Furthermore, the Commission expressed concern regarding external interference and procedural lapses that have compromised the university's administrative autonomy. In response to the report, Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara, the Opposition Whip in Parliament, urged President Julius Maada Bio to request the resignation of the Minister of Higher Education. Kamara emphasized that such action is necessary to uphold the principles of fairness and accountability while the underlying governance issues are comprehensively resolved. Journalist Vickie Remoe similarly criticized the handling of the controversy, advocating for formal apologies and restitution for administrators who faced suspension or public discredit despite the lack of evidence of wrongdoing. Remoe characterized the allegations as a pretext for the abuse of institutional power and a failure of leadership within the higher education sector. The ACC findings also highlighted significant flaws in the university's internal investigation processes, noting a failure to integrate prior reviews by oversight agencies. The Commission underscored the importance of adhering to the Universities Act and recommended a transparent review of all administrative actions taken against affected officials. This development has sparked a broader debate regarding the need for structural reforms and corrective measures to ensure the integrity and stability of Sierra Leone's higher education institutions.

Patriots Prepare for T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier in Botswana Sierra Leone is accelerating preparations for the forthcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier A, scheduled to take place from May 23 to June 1, 2026. The national cricket team, known as the Patriots, is focused on securing qualification while competing against six other African nations in this significant regional tournament. The Sierra Leone delegation is slated to depart the country on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, ahead of their initial fixture against the host nation, Botswana, in Gaborone. This tournament represents a key opportunity for Sierra Leone cricket to demonstrate its development and competitive standing on the continental stage. Team officials express confidence that the squad—which features a mix of experienced players and promising young talents—possesses the requisite determination, discipline, and skill set to strongly challenge for qualification and represent the nation effectively in Botswana.

APC Postpones Constituency Lower-Level Elections The All Peoples Congress (APC) has officially announced the postponement of its Constituency Lower-Level Elections, originally scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2026. This decision was formalized in a public notice disseminated by the party's National Secretariat on Thursday, May 15, 2026. The Secretariat indicated that a revised schedule for these elections will be released on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. In the interim, the party advises all members, executives, aspirants, and stakeholders to focus their preparations on the upcoming Ward Lower-Level Elections, which are still slated to proceed on Saturday, May 23, 2026. The APC leadership calls upon all supporters to maintain a decorum of peace and responsibility, upholding the party's core values of unity and camaraderie during this period. The National Secretariat expresses its sincere regrets for any inconvenience this schedule adjustment may cause and extends its gratitude to the membership for their continued patience and dedication to the party's democratic processes. The notice was issued under the authority of the APC National Secretary General, Lansana Dumbuya.

Six Presumed Drowned After Failed Rescue at Kenema Beach On Friday, May 15, 2026, an incident occurred at approximately 5:30 p.m. at Kailondo Beach along the Moa River in Kenema City, Kpayama Section, resulting in the presumed drowning of six individuals. The individuals, identified as Messie Wongo, Mamie Sellu, Mary Sannoh, Mamie Sillah, Joshua Orando Musa, and Foday Wai, are all residents of No. 3 Q-Line by Foya Street, Kpayama Section. The incident took place during a birthday celebration for Joshua, who had traveled from Makeni. A preliminary police investigation indicates that one victim, Messie Wongo, began struggling in the river. The other five individuals attempted a rescue. However, as none of the group could swim, all six were swept away by the river's current. Following instructions from Local Unit Commander Kenema Division, Chief Superintendent Emmanuel Kpulun, a police team led by Inspector M.S. Conteh was dispatched to the scene. The bodies have not yet been recovered. Seibatu Sellu, the elder sister of one of the deceased, provided a statement to the police. Search efforts are ongoing, and the public will receive updates as the investigation progresses.

Raji Reelected Unopposed as Liberia Football Association President Mustapha I. Raji has been re-elected unopposed as President of the Liberia Football Association (LFA) for a third four-year term. The decision was officially confirmed during the 30th LFA Ordinary Congress held at the Association’s headquarters in Congo Town on Friday, May 15, extending his leadership mandate until 2030. President Raji’s return follows what many observers describe as a transformative second term, during which the LFA prioritized infrastructure development, grassroots sustainability, and institutional growth. Under his administration, the Association strengthened its relationship with both FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) through improved transparency and accountability in managing development funds. Additionally, his leadership has overseen increased investment in youth and women’s football programs, alongside sustained efforts to enhance football facilities and organizational structures across Liberia. Raji’s unopposed re-election is widely viewed as a strong endorsement of his strategic vision for the future of Liberian football. The football community has since congratulated the LFA President, expressing optimism that his continued tenure will further elevate Liberian football.

ACC Investigation Clears USL Officials of All Wrongdoing The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has published a comprehensive report concerning the investigation into the University of Sierra Leone (USL), resulting in a definitive shift in the institutional narrative. The report officially exonerates several senior university officials from allegations of corruption that had previously induced significant public discourse and institutional instability. Entitled "Investigation into Administrative, Financial and Procurement Irregularities at the University of Sierra Leone (20212023)," the May 2026 report establishes that no evidence of financial misconduct or corruption was found against key personnel. These officials had been previously scrutinized for their roles in procurement and administrative management within the university system. The individuals cleared of all charges include the former Vice Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Foday Sahr, as well as Prof. Mohamed Samai, Mrs. Olive Kash Barrie, Mrs. Waltina B. Mackay, and Mrs. Betty Brima Boima. This formal exoneration necessitates a re-evaluation of the preliminary internal findings that initially suggested substantial financial discrepancies. The emergence of the initial allegations created a highly sensitive environment within Sierra Leone's higher education sector. Widespread media coverage and public demand for accountability placed significant pressure on the institution, often preceding the conclusion of a formal, evidence-based inquiry. The ACC report fundamentally contradicts the earlier accusations by noting that many claims lacked requisite evidentiary support. Furthermore, it observed that several matters had already been satisfactorily addressed by the Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL) and previous ACC reviews. Critical of the university's internal investigative procedures, the Commission highlighted deficiencies in due process, including limited opportunities for the accused to provide formal responses and a failure to integrate previous audit data. This suggests a systemic breakdown in the balance between administrative scrutiny and procedural fairness. Legal and academic observers note that this case underscores the professional risks inherent in premature public disclosures before the completion of due process. For the USL community, the ACC's findings serve as a critical corrective to a narrative that had already impacted the national perception of the university's leadership. The report acknowledges the significant professional and personal toll experienced by the exonerated officials, who faced reputational challenges and threats to their tenure during the investigative period. The Commission emphasized the necessity of ensuring that all individuals are afforded a fair hearing prior to the implementation of punitive measures. The exoneration has prompted a broader discussion regarding governance and institutional autonomy within Sierra Leone. While legal vindication has been achieved, the restoration of professional credibility remains a complex challenge for those involved. In response to its findings, the ACC has recommended robust structural reforms. These include enhancements to administrative transparency, procurement oversight, and the management of research grants, alongside a directive to safeguard institutions from external interference that might compromise their integrity. Ultimately, the USL investigation serves as a pivotal case study in the intersection of governance, media influence, and the protection of individual rights. It highlights the imperative for public institutions to adhere strictly to the principles of fairness and evidence-based accountability to maintain public trust and institutional stability.

The Bank of Sierra Leone has entered into a strategic partnership with the International Growth Centre (IGC) through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening economic research, policy analysis, and evidence-based decision-making to support national development. The agreement is designed to deepen collaboration between the two institutions in key areas, including macroeconomic stability, financial sector development, and inclusive growth strategies. According to officials, the partnership is expected to enhance the quality of economic policymaking in Sierra Leone by promoting research-driven approaches that support long-term development planning and more effective policy outcomes. The initiative aligns with the central bank’s ongoing efforts to strengthen economic governance and improve institutional capacity for sustainable national progress. Through the collaboration, the Bank of Sierra Leone and the International Growth Centre are expected to work closely on research initiatives that provide data-driven insights into economic challenges and opportunities facing the country. The MoU marks a significant step toward reinforcing the role of evidence-based policy in shaping Sierra Leone’s economic direction, particularly at a time when global and domestic economic conditions demand stronger analytical support for decision-making.

A student accused of forgery and fraud is currently before the Freetown Magistrate Court, facing multiple charges related to allegedly falsifying student fee receipts and obtaining money under false pretences. Samuel Casangnell Macarthy appeared before Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah at Pademba Road Court No. 1, where he is answering to a series of criminal charges linked to incidents said to have occurred at the Fourah Bay College campus in Freetown between 1 and 28 February 2026. According to court proceedings, Macarthy is charged with two counts of forgery contrary to Section 4(1) of the Forgery Act 1913, two counts of uttering forged documents under Section 6(1) of the same Act, and one count of obtaining money by false pretences contrary to Section 32(1) of the Larceny Act 1916. Prosecutors allege that the accused forged two student fee payment receipts in the names of Isha Carew and Fatima Musa Turay with intent to defraud, and subsequently presented or used the forged documents to deceive others. He is further accused of unlawfully obtaining the sum of 8,980 Leones from Isha Carew by falsely claiming to provide genuine fee receipts. When the charges were read in court, the accused did not enter a plea, as the matter is at the committal stage. The prosecution, led by Chief Superintendent of Police Tommy B. Zizer, informed the court that all necessary witness statements have been served on the defendant. Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah denied bail, citing the seriousness of the allegations, and ordered that the accused be remanded at the male correctional facility pending further hearing. The matter has been adjourned to 18 May 2026 for continuation of proceedings.

The Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) has officially inaugurated its newly constructed district office in Kono District, marking a significant step toward strengthening grassroots political coordination and improving administrative operations in one of the country’s key political and economic regions. The modern facility is expected to serve as a central hub for party activities, including mobilisation, coordination, and communication between party leadership and supporters at the district level. Party stakeholders say the establishment of the office forms part of broader efforts to deepen community engagement and enhance organisational efficiency, particularly in strengthening the party’s presence across strategic districts. The inauguration is also seen as a move to consolidate the SLPP’s structures at the grassroots level, with emphasis on improving internal communication and supporting more structured political engagement within local communities. According to party officials, the new district headquarters will play a key role in streamlining party operations, strengthening outreach, and ensuring closer interaction between the leadership and the rank and file in Kono. Kono District, widely regarded as one of Sierra Leone’s most strategically important areas due to its mineral wealth and political significance, continues to attract increased attention from major political actors seeking to reinforce their local structures. The new office is expected to enhance coordination ahead of future political activities, while also serving as a focal point for engagement with party supporters and community stakeholders across the district.

A major step toward improved environmental health management was recorded in Freetown on Friday morning as authorities installed the first of 12 air quality monitoring devices at the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) compound. The installation forms part of a citywide initiative designed to measure and track pollution levels in real time, providing data on airborne contaminants across key locations in the capital once the system is fully deployed. The project comes amid growing concerns over urban air pollution in Freetown, driven by vehicle emissions, waste burning, and widespread reliance on diesel generators for electricity. When fully operational, the 12 monitoring stations will generate continuous data to help authorities and the public better understand pollution patterns and identify periods of high environmental risk. Environmental specialists say the system is expected to close a long-standing data gap that has limited effective air quality management and policy response. An official associated with the initiative described the rollout as a shift toward evidence-based environmental governance, stating that “we cannot manage what we cannot measure,” underscoring the importance of accurate data in addressing urban pollution challenges. Beyond the technical development, stakeholders are also calling for broader public cooperation in improving air quality across the capital. Residents are being encouraged to rely on FCC-approved waste management services to reduce open burning of refuse, which remains a major contributor to air pollution. Institutions have also been urged to play their part. The Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) is being encouraged to strengthen enforcement of vehicle roadworthiness standards to reduce harmful emissions from poorly maintained engines. Meanwhile, the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) has been called upon to improve and stabilise electricity supply, a move that could reduce dependence on diesel generators widely used in homes and businesses. Stakeholders emphasize that air quality is directly linked to public health, particularly respiratory conditions that are increasingly reported in urban communities. For many residents, the initiative represents a hopeful step toward cleaner and healthier living conditions in a city where dust, smoke, and smog have become part of daily life. The remaining 11 monitoring devices are expected to be installed in strategic locations across Freetown in the coming weeks, paving the way for a more data-driven approach to tackling air pollution in Sierra Leone’s capital.