The Parliament of Sierra Leone has debated, the National Security and Central Intelligence Act. The Bill is expected to bolster the legal framework for security and intelligence for state development.

The House believes that it also seek to repeal and replace the National Security and Central Intelligence Act 2023 (Act No ,2 of 2023) and to provide for other related matters.

Presenting the Bill, the Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh said the Constitution established the principles of the State. He stressed that the fundamental principle of the State is to provide security for its people and underscored the need for peace in order to enhance investment and development.

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He continued that the Bill would boost and improve on the security services of the country. He said executive protection is essential for the smooth running of the State and added that the President will supervise the operations and activities of the State Security Service (SPS).

The Chairman of the Committee on Defence, Hon. Alex M. Rogers said the Bill was prudent and continued that any responsible government would always ensure the safety and security of the State. ‘’ Security architecture across the Country requires more improvement’’ he said. He expressed hope that the Bill would align with the National Security policy.

Hon. Bashiru Silikie, representing Bo District, centred his debate on the part of 7 of the Bill, which speaks on special wing for the protection of the State. He said the wing should be depoliticized for effective service delivery. He raised concerns about the various categories of people that would benefit from State security. He used the opportunity to request State Security Service for the Leadership of Parliament. “We should have professionals in the area of security in the country’’ he said.

He continued that, providing a term limit for the Director of SPS, will make room for the politicisation of the State security service. He ended by admonishing Members of Parliament to thoroughly peruse the documents, considering its sensitiveness.

Concluding the debate, the Leader of Government Business, Hon. Sahr Mathew Nyuma commenced his debates by categorising the Bill and that it is highly essential for the security of the state. Hon. Nyuma systematically explained the purposes of the Bill, saying one of the major reasons is to protect the internal and external security of Sierra Leoneans. He highlighted the need for high concentration by Members of Parliament in order to prevent the duplication of roles and functions of other security agencies.

Hon. Nyuma referenced various clauses such as Clauses 3,6,52, and many others in the Bill that required the attention of Parliament, considering its sensitive nature. “We should be consistent in terms of the law’’ Hon. Nyuma stated. The Majority Leader clearly stated a lack of innovation in the Bill.’’ I wonder why the Chief Innovator is presenting a Bill without innovation’’ he said.

He expressed dissatisfaction over the attempt by the office of the Chief Minister to abrogate section 61 of the 1991 Constitution. He added by categorically stating that laws should not be made to discriminate against others. Using Standing Order 51:1, the Leader of Government Business moved a motion for the Bill to be sent to the Legislative Committee for further scrutiny.

Responding to questions and concerns raised by Members of Parliament, the Chief Minister, David Moinina Sengeh, clarified and assured Parliament of the security, growth, and development of the State. He ended by emphasizing the importance and the need of the nation for State Security Service (SPS).