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The Parliament of the Republic of Sierra Leone has recorded a remarkable diplomatic and institutional achievement after being elected to serve as the West Africa representative on the Standing Committee of the Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) for the 2026–2028 tenure.
This prestigious honour was conferred on Sierra Leone during the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC), which took place in New Delhi, India, from 14th to 17th January 2026. The conference brought together 61 Speakers and Presiding Officers from 42 Commonwealth countries, providing a high-level platform for dialogue on the advancement of parliamentary democracy across member states.
The conference focused on critical global and parliamentary issues, including the strengthening of democratic institutions, modernization of parliamentary systems, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in parliamentary work, the impact of social media on democracy, and security concerns for parliamentarians. Delegates also explored innovative strategies to promote citizens’ engagement, transparency, inclusivity, and accountability in governance.
The event was officially inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, who reaffirmed India’s strong commitment to democratic values, multilateral cooperation, and the empowerment of parliaments across the Commonwealth.
Following Sierra Leone’s election to the Standing Committee, the Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, Speaker of the Parliament of Sierra Leone, will now serve as the official representative of West Africa on the committee. In this capacity, he is expected to participate in high-level policy discussions and contribute to shaping parliamentary standards and practices across the Commonwealth. The Rt. Hon. Speaker is scheduled to attend the next Steering Committee Meeting in Barbados in August 2026.
The Sierra Leone delegation to the 28th CSPOC Conference, representing the Rt. Hon. Speaker, comprised:
Hon. Daniel Brima Koroma – Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Head of Delegation
Mr. Gilbert Bosco N’habay – Deputy Clerk of Parliament
Hon. Fatmata Bintu Bockarie – Deputy Chairperson, Mines Committee
During the conference, the delegation also held a closed-door bilateral meeting with the Rt. Hon. Speaker of the Indian Parliament, where discussions centered on strengthening parliamentary cooperation between the two nations. Key among the issues discussed were the proposed establishment of a Sierra Leone–India Parliamentary Friendship Group and the urgent need for Sierra Leone to establish an embassy in India to enhance diplomatic and development cooperation.
This election is widely regarded as a strong endorsement of Sierra Leone’s growing reputation and influence within regional and international parliamentary circles. It highlights the country’s continued commitment to the principles of democracy, good governance, institutional integrity, and international collaboration.
Established in 1969, the Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) serves as an important forum for parliamentary leaders to share experiences, exchange best practices, and promote the independence and impartiality of presiding officers. Sierra Leone’s election to its Standing Committee reflects the nation’s dedication to strengthening democratic governance and advancing parliamentary diplomacy on the global stage.
The Parliament of Sierra Leone’s new role on the CSPOC Standing Committee will provide a valuable opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the development of Commonwealth parliamentary procedures while also elevating Sierra Leone’s voice in international legislative affairs.
