The Speaker of Sierra Leone Parliament, Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas has for the second time convened a follow-up meeting with Members of the Opposition in Parliament, aimed at resolving their continued boycott of parliamentary proceedings and encouraging their return to their constitutional duties.

The Speaker explained that the engagement was a continuation of earlier discussions on the matter, noting that he had previously committed to conveying feedback from President Julius Maada Bio following their last meeting. However, he indicated that the President was currently occupied with other official engagements.

He said his presence at the meeting was to persist in appealing to APC Members of Parliament to resume their duties, stressing that lawmakers should not abandon parliamentary responsibilities due to disputes with the Executive.

Related News

He affirmed the importance of Opposition participation in Parliament, especially as critical bills await consideration and enactment. According to him, the presence of Opposition MPs is essential in the legislative process, which he described as a core function of Parliament.

He further emphasized that a strong Opposition is a vital component of any democratic system, hence his continued appeal for them to return to the House.

The Speaker urged Opposition MPs to make use of the Well of Parliament to express their grievances and frustrations constructively. He expressed gratitude to them for attending the second engagement and for recognizing him as Speaker of the Sixth Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone. He assured them that he would continue engaging the President in efforts to resolve the impasse while urging them to resume sittings in the meantime.

He further reassured the Opposition Leader that he would engage the President on the possibility of a direct meeting with Opposition Members to find a lasting solution, stressing that dialogue remains essential in democratic governance. He concluded with a renewed appeal: “Please find a way to come back to Parliament.”

In response, the Leader of the Opposition commended the Speaker for his efforts, describing his leadership approach as commendable and stating that he remains highly respected by the Opposition, who continue to recognize him as their Speaker.

He noted that since the last engagement with the Speaker, no other stakeholder had engaged the Opposition in efforts to resolve the standoff. He stressed the importance of Opposition participation in modern democratic governance and called on the Speaker to communicate with President Bio to facilitate further dialogue. He also urged the Executive to set aside political ego and pursue meaningful engagement.

The Opposition Leader further raised concerns about public confidence in electoral processes, stating that even if electoral management were to be handled by Edmond Alpha in the 2028 elections, many citizens and Opposition Members would still harbor doubts due to past experiences. He argued that the credibility of elections remains a sensitive issue in the country and suggested that President Bio would not want his successor to face similar challenges.

While acknowledging that the appointment of Edmond Alpha was constitutional, he stressed that such decisions should also be guided by good faith. He proposed that, in the interest of peace and national cohesion, the President should consider allowing Edmond Alpha to recuse himself from overseeing the 2028 elections.

He emphasized that the Opposition’s actions were not intended to disrupt governance but to safeguard democratic trust and stability.