International Moral Guarantors laud Speaker Thomas, Urge Opposition MPs to end Boycott

International Moral Guarantors, ECOWAS plus United Nations representatives, commended Speaker Segepoh Solomon Thomas Wednesday; they demanded opposition legislators abandon parliamentary boycott.

This engagement advanced ongoing mediation, promoting adherence to Tripartite Recommendations while encouraging minority bloc resume chamber duties. Envoys showered tremendous praise upon Rt. Hon. Thomas for persistent dialogue with rival MPs, aiming to halt legislative non-participation.

Mission head Madam Fatoumata Jallow-Tambajang, former Gambian Vice President, explained Wednesday's visit followed previous consultations with Sierra Leone's legislature. Her team assessed progress implementing National Unity Agreement and parliamentary oversight concerning National Peace Accord. She sought identification of any barrier hindering said pact's execution.

Speaker Thomas welcomed delegates to his country's house. He acknowledged the existing National Peace Accord between Government and Opposition, expressing personal support. However, he clarified this document never formally lain before Parliament, restricting chamber authority to act. As presiding officer, he expected eventual tabling for consideration. He noted no clause within that accord demanded opposition from either side.

Concerning minority boycott, Speaker informed the visiting team about two meetings held with rival party members encouraging return. He stressed Parliament functions separately from the executive branch, avoiding entanglement in Executive-APC disputes. He urged opposition MPs to utilize the legislative platform for freely expressing views on the government. While recognizing all parliamentarians belonging to political parties, he emphasized that primary responsibility remains constituent representation.

Opposition Leader Hon. Abdul Kargbo commended the speaker's quest for lasting solution ending boycott. He confirmed that both previous meetings proved productive. Kargbo identified the minority's main worry as the Constitutional Amendment Bill modifying 1991 Constitution. According to him, several points agreed between both political parties changed within bill currently before Parliament. He called on Government adhere strictly to Tripartite Recommendations, assuring delegation opposition supported pre-legislative hearings and First Reading. He welcomed fixed election date provision, stating the rival party accepts constitutional reform principle.

Majority Leader Hon. Mathew Nyuma said the government acted displaying unity spirit, citing Peace Commission for National Cohesion establishment. He reminded me that the delegation Parliament serves as a supreme lawmaking body. Bills before House, including Constitutional Amendment Bill, remain proposals subject to modification. Nyuma stated that elections should strengthen democracy rather than divide nation. He added MPs themselves harbor no dispute, but political party interference disrupts parliamentary operations. He welcomed Moral Guarantors' presence, asserting Parliament never sidelined Tripartite Agreement. He joined the speaker calling on opposition MPs resume duties.

Closing remarks saw delegation leader Jallow-Tambajang commend Speaker's opposition engagement. She urged rival faction to recognize representation demands compromise; boycotting Parliament obstructs their objectives. The best course involves opposition remaining inside legislature wielding accountability tools against Executive. She noted that the National Peace Agreement never tabled, promising follow-up ensuring necessary steps.

Delegation raised electoral process preparations ahead 2028 polls. Speaker responded progress continues, with Constitutional Bill plus Security Bill before Parliament. Opposition boycott slowed proceedings because he desired inclusive debates on these proposals. He kept the president informed about meetings; the president supported dialogue pursuing peace alongside national cohesion.

Opposition Leader Kargbo requested a formation Committee on Electoral Management Bodies after laying the National Unity Agreement and Tripartite Accord. He reiterated calls for formal tabling Tripartite Agreement alongside recommendations granting full legal effect. Strict adherence remains necessary, restoring electoral process confidence.

Correspondent-Hassan Bangura

Parliament and Public Relations Department, Parliament of Sierra Leone