FREETOWN, Sierra Leone — In a letter dated May 12, 2025, addressed to Speaker of Parliament Hon. Dr. Abass Bundu, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, Leader of the Opposition and head of the All People’s Congress (APC) parliamentary group, has formally demanded the resignation of Clerk of Parliament Hon. Paran Umar Tarawally.
Kargbo’s renewed call centers on allegations that Tarawally is pursuing an executive position within the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), a move Kargbo asserts violates Section 15(a)(ii) of the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) Act and Section 26(2)(b) of the Constitution of Sierra Leone. These provisions prohibit public officers from participating in the administration of political parties, including holding executive roles.
Further, Kargbo accuses Tarawally of making derogatory remarks about opposition members, actions he contends infringe upon the rights and privileges of Members of Parliament.
In his letter, Kargbo stated that if Tarawally does not resign, he will be compelled to withdraw recognition of Tarawally’s authority and initiate parliamentary action to uphold the integrity of the House.
This is not the first time Hon. Kargbo has called for Tarawally’s resignation. In January 2024, following an Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) investigation into allegations that Tarawally irregularly employed his wife in Parliament, Kargbo urged him to step aside to preserve the sanctity of the institution.
The ACC’s investigation revealed that Mrs. Abibatu Tarawally received salaries without fulfilling her duties, leading to her repaying a significant portion of the funds. Although the ACC later cleared Tarawally of direct involvement, the incident raised concerns about governance and accountability within Parliament.
Tarawally resumed his duties in August 2024 after his suspension was lifted, a move that sparked public outcry and criticism from civil society groups, who viewed his reinstatement as undermining anti-corruption efforts.
The renewed call for Tarawally’s resignation underscores ongoing tensions within Sierra Leone’s political landscape, highlighting the challenges of maintaining institutional integrity amid allegations of partisanship and misconduct.
