Abdul Kargbo, the Minority Leader of the All People’s Congress (APC) in the Sierra Leone Parliament, has stressed that achieving true and lasting peace in the country requires harmony among political stakeholders and the public.
His remarks were made during a Ministry of Information press briefing at Parliament’s Conference Room in Freetown, following President Julius Maada Bio’s address at the opening of the second session of the sixth Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone.
At the briefing, Honourable Kargbo highlighted the importance of external mediation to address Sierra Leone’s political challenges.
He suggested seeking assistance from ECOWAS, the Commonwealth, and the African Union (AU).
“Some challenges are beyond our ability to manage alone, and it is crucial that we seek external support to help navigate these difficulties,” Kargbo stated.
The Minority Leader also commended the Sierra Leonean government for securing the MCC Compact grant, emphasizing that a democratic government must be open to and withstand criticism.
“A government that does not accept criticism is not truly democratic,” Kargbo asserted, adding that constructive feedback is essential for good governance.
Honourable Mathew Nyuma, the Majority Leader of Parliament from the Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP), also spoke at the briefing.
He underscored the importance of democracy and accommodating the opposition.
Nyuma cited President Bio’s removal of the seditious libel law and the increase in women’s representation to 30% as efforts to align with his manifesto.
In response, Kargbo acknowledged the opposition’s role but affirmed the APC party’s commitment to supporting sustainable development in Sierra Leone. He emphasized the need for curiosity and competitiveness in today’s world.
Kargbo further explained that President Bio’s visit to Parliament marked the beginning of the new parliamentary session, as stipulated by Section 48 of the 1991 Constitution. This session, running from July 2023 to July 2024, was inaugurated by the President to remind citizens of his campaign promises from the 2018 election and to provide a yearly progress update.
Kargbo noted that another significant aspect of the President’s address was the call for MPs to hold various government officials accountable for the management of resources and activities.
The President’s speech also covered topics such as peace and national cohesion, IMF budgetary support, and issues related to the United Nations Security Council.
