The Parliament of Sierra Leone on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, paid tribute to the late Hon. Rev. David Bai Conteh, former Member of Parliament for Tonkolili District, during an official lying-in-state ceremony where lawmakers laid wreaths and signed the Book of Condolence.

The ceremony, held in the parliamentary chamber, opened with prayers led by City Chaplain Rev. Claudius Coker. Sheku Lamin Turay, Director of the Parliamentary and Public Relations Department and Master of Ceremonies, described the late Rev. Conteh as a devoted Christian, committed legislator, and dedicated representative of Tonkolili District who served on several parliamentary committees.

Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma, paid tribute to Rev. Conteh, describing him as a visionary whose contributions left a lasting impact on national development. He highlighted the late MP’s role as a founding member of the UNPP alongside the late Dr. John Karefa-Smart and noted his reputation as one of Parliament’s most articulate debaters, a record that reflected his eloquence and commitment to public service.

Acting Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma, also praised the late lawmaker for his close connection with his constituents and his willingness to listen to ordinary citizens. He noted Rev. Conteh’s political journey across multiple parties, including the APC, C4C, and SLPP, and said he remained committed to the development of his constituency throughout his career.

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Speaking on behalf of the family, Edna Bangura, the late MP’s sister, described him as a family pillar and cultural icon, referring to him as the family’s “GPS” for his guiding role. She said the family would greatly miss him and remembered him as a principled traditionalist devoted to national progress.

Close associate Hon. Ambassador Bishop Alimamy Coleson Turay described Rev. Conteh as a man of justice and patriotism, recalling years of collaboration and late-night discussions on national development.

Rev. Conteh joined the All People’s Congress (APC) in 2007 and was elected Member of Parliament for Gbomkenlenken Constituency 061 in Tonkolili District, serving a five-year term. During his tenure, he served on seven oversight committees and chaired two. His successor, Hon. Daniel Fornah, described him as the first post-war MP for the constituency, crediting him with laying a strong foundation for political development in the area.

Former President of the Female Caucus, Hon. Veronica Kadie Sesay, who served with him since 2007, described him as polite, intelligent, and a trusted colleague. She expressed hope that he rests in peace and encouraged the family to remain in prayer.

Lawmakers from both sides of the political divide paid their final respects, laying wreaths and signing the Book of Condolence in honour of a parliamentarian remembered for faith, service, and dedication to his people. The tributes underscored a legacy that colleagues said would endure beyond his passing.