The Parliament of Sierra Leone on Tuesday, 28 November 2023 condemned the breach of security and prayed for all loyal forces who lost their lives while defending the State against aggression on Sunday, 26 November 2023 in Freetown.
Earlier, the Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament, Dr. Abass Chernor Bundu requested Members of Parliament to conduct prayers in honour of those who in the line of duty to the State lost their lives. During prayers, the Honourable House extended their best wishes to the wounded to gain speedy recovery.
Following the prayers, the Majority Leader who also doubles as the Leader of the Government Business, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma strongly condemned the act of violence perpetrated by the assailants and cited Chapter 2 of Section 5 (2) b of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone which predicated on the Fundamental Principles of State Policy, maintenance of peace, security, and welfare of the people, in tandem with the duties of the security forces. While condemning the act of violence the Leader vehemently supported the Government to institute an immediate and thorough investigation into the imbroglio. The MP used the opportunity to assure the Government of Parliament’s commitment to promoting the legislation of any laws that would enhance the prosecution of the conspirators.
The Leader also registered his disappointment against political leaders who have failed to condemn the unprecedented act and to promote national cohesion. “We have moved from opposition to governance and from Governance to opposition on either side” he reiterated.
The Leader also stated on a cautionary note that it was high time for Members of Parliament to support the Government if they brought any legislation for review to trial all those who were involved in the brutal invasion “We are elected, and is because of democracy that we are here” he stated and went on to say that “if we fail this Nation as Members of Parliament without doing the right thing, we have failed ourselves as a Parliament”. He urged the House to follow the spirit of the Constitution and democracy to support the Government.
Responding, the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Hon. Abdul Kargbo informed the House that he had earlier tweeted to condemn the unrest The Opposition Leader categorically stated that the incident was very undemocratic and expressed that they as responsible Opposition believed that the only way they could come to power is through democracy. “Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members we want to join the Government to ensure that the investigation is carried out” he stated and went on to buttress the position of the Leader of Government Business. “We as the Opposition have wholeheartedly condemned the actions and urged the Government to speedily investigate and bring to book all those who are responsible for the actions” he concluded.
Having graciously listened to both Leaders, the Speaker encouraged the House to buttress their statements with a motion to enhance their legislative commitment to promote the Government to institute a thorough investigation into the unwarranted actions.
A Private Member Motion brought by the Leader of Government on the matter, seconded by the Leader of the Opposition was carried.
