Sierra Leone’s Parliament has unanimously adopted a Private Member’s Motion commending the Government for discontinuing criminal charges against former President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, describing the decision as a significant step towards strengthening national unity, reconciliation and democratic governance.
The motion, which was moved during Thursday’s parliamentary sitting by the Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma, praised President Julius Maada Bio’s administration for ending the legal proceedings against the former Head of State.
Presenting the motion, Nyuma cited Section 94 of the 1991 Constitution and Standing Order 25, stating that the Government’s decision reflects its commitment to promoting peace, national cohesion and good governance.
He argued that the withdrawal of the charges would contribute to healing political divisions and advancing reconciliation.
Parliament subsequently resolved to formally commend the Government for discontinuing the case against Dr. Koroma.
The motion further highlighted Sierra Leone’s tradition of resolving political disagreements through constitutional and democratic means, while recognising former Heads of State as valuable national figures whose experience can continue to contribute to governance and national development.
As part of the resolution, lawmakers called for legislation to safeguard the welfare of former Presidents and Vice Presidents. Parliament also urged the Government to continue supporting the families of security personnel who were killed or permanently injured during the failed 26 November 2023 attacks while defending the state. The Clerk of Parliament was further directed to prepare and forward the House’s resolution to President Bio.
Seconding the motion, Opposition Leader Hon. Abdul Kargbo welcomed the Government’s decision, describing it as lawful and procedurally sound. He said Sierra Leone must learn from its history and ensure political disagreements never again threaten national peace.
Kargbo urged political leaders to prioritise dialogue over confrontation, stressing that reconciliation remains essential for sustainable development.
Deputy Opposition Leader Hon. Daniel Koroma also endorsed the motion, describing the withdrawal of the charges as a historic decision taken within the framework of Sierra Leone’s laws.
He cited the Criminal Procedure Act 2024 and the Constitution in support of the Attorney-General’s authority to discontinue criminal proceedings.
He further expressed support for the immediate return of former President Koroma and proposed the establishment of an Elders Council comprising former senior government officials to provide advice on national issues.
Deputy Speaker Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh praised President Bio for what he described as his commitment to constitutional governance and national peace.
He called on Sierra Leoneans to put aside political and tribal differences and work together for national development, adding that former presidents should be viewed as elder statesmen capable of providing guidance to younger political leaders.
Paramount Chief Member of Parliament Hon. P.C. Mami Kajue Koroma pledged to engage fellow traditional leaders in promoting reconciliation at the community level following Parliament’s resolution.
In his closing remarks, Majority Leader Nyuma reiterated that national reconciliation remains a priority for the Government.
He said political differences should never overshadow the country’s collective interest and maintained that the discontinuation of the charges against former President Koroma demonstrates the Government’s commitment to fostering lasting peace.
The Attorney-General’s decision to withdraw the charges against Dr. Koroma follows months of political dialogue aimed at easing tensions after the 2023 post-election crisis. The development has been widely viewed as part of broader national reconciliation efforts and has drawn support from both the Government and Opposition benches in Parliament.
