On Tuesday, Sierra Leone’s Parliament continued its Motion of Thanks to President Julius Maada Bio for his August 6 speech at the State Opening of the Second Session of the Sixth Parliament.

In an ongoing debate marked by sharp divisions, members expressed both commendation and criticism on a range of key issues, including education, agriculture, healthcare, and infrastructure.

Hon. Rugiatu Rosy Kanu of the Western Urban District voiced skepticism about the government’s accomplishments, calling aspects of President Bio’s Free Quality Education initiative “vague.” She highlighted unresolved issues such as the lack of permanent employment codes for teachers and substandard water and sanitation in schools. Additionally, Kanu criticized the Feed Salone program, citing inadequate road infrastructure that hampers agricultural trade and burdens farmers.

Representing Bo District, Hon. Charles Abdulai defended the government’s track record in education, noting increased student retention and improved public exam performance. He emphasized water and sanitation improvements, comparing them favorably with the previous administration. Abdulai also stressed efforts toward food security and enhanced donor confidence in the agricultural sector.

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Meanwhile, Hon. Alpha Ben Mansaray from Moyamba District advocated for a democratic approach in evaluating government performance. He raised concerns about delayed school subsidies, poor salaries, and limited manpower in education and healthcare. Mansaray further pointed out infrastructure gaps, such as the stalled bridge repair between Bombali and Karene Districts, as well as access issues in remote areas.

Kailahun’s Hon. Hindolo Moiwo Ngevao described President Bio’s speech as a “State of the Union Address,” lauding his leadership in fostering peace and unity. Ngevao praised Bio’s accomplishments, asserting that he has done more than any previous president in advancing democracy and good governance.

However, Bombali District’s Hon. Mohamed Papa Bangura took a different stance, speaking to the hardships facing ordinary Sierra Leoneans. Bangura cited rising food prices, insufficient economic support for low-income communities, and infrastructure neglect, including collapsed bridges and inadequate mobile network coverage. He described the Feed Salone initiative as an “empty slogan” and urged the government to prioritize actionable measures.

Hon. Joseph Kanu from the Western Area highlighted improvements in electricity supply and called for expanded road construction in Waterloo, stressing the importance of collaboration to further national development.

From Tonkolili District, Hon. Aruna P. Lako called for expedited road projects in the region and expressed doubts about the effectiveness of the government’s economic growth claims, contrasting current rice affordability with previous administrations. He emphasized the need for a more realistic approach to agricultural development.

Other MPs weighed in on healthcare and gender equality. Hon. Umu Pyne from Moyamba praised the establishment of over 1,500 new Primary Health Units (PHUs) since 2018 and lauded the recruitment of healthcare professionals. Pyne applauded Parliament and the President for supporting women’s participation in politics. Hon. Cecilia Mabinty Bangura from Karene District, however, urged accountability in the healthcare and agricultural sectors, describing health facilities as “insufficient” and calling for significant upgrades.

Hon. Lolloh Tongi of Kailahun District commended the First Lady’s provision of sanitary pads to schoolgirls and praised anti-corruption efforts. Hon. Simeon Johnny from Kono highlighted international accolades received by Bio’s administration, citing a recent export of Sierra Leonean doctors to Rwanda as an achievement in healthcare.

Karene’s Hon. Mohamed Sheriff Kargbo questioned the Torma Bum rice project’s progress, advocating for transparency and nonpartisan development. Western Area’s Hon. Abdulai Kamara echoed these concerns, criticizing delays in food security projects and stating, “Sierra Leoneans are very hungry.”

Closing the day’s debate, Hon. Habib Keifa Fabbah from Bo District called Bio’s vision “nationalist” and urged MPs to support the President’s development agenda. “Let’s put Sierra Leone first,” he concluded.

As the parliamentary debate continues, the discussions reveal a nation grappling with significant challenges but committed to evaluating its path forward under President Bio’s administration.