On Thursday, July 18, 2024, Honourable Daniel Koroma, the Deputy Opposition Leader in the House of Parliament representing Koinadugu District, delivered a powerful speech at the State Hall of the House of Parliament. In his address, he warned that a lack of transparency could plunge the entire country into chaos, disorder, and confusion.

Koroma highlighted the critical relationship between Parliament and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability. “Civil society is supposed to be fearless and nonpartisan,” he stated, criticizing some CSOs for associating with political parties.

Andrew Lavalie from the Institute of Governance Reform (IGR) echoed Koroma’s sentiments. He stressed that the partnership between Parliament and CSOs aims to foster collaboration and transparency to address pressing societal issues. “The nexus is set to create a platform for meaningful dialogue, mutual understanding, and joint efforts to address key challenges facing the nation,” Lavalie said.

Gilbert Bosco Nhabay, the Acting Clerk of Parliament, announced the establishment of a CSO Desk in Parliament to facilitate effective collaboration. He noted that this initiative aims to build constructive dialogue and ensure the efficient operation of the Parliament-Civil Society Network (ParICSONet).

Edmond Abu Junior, the CSO representative and co-chair of ParICSONet, acknowledged Parliament’s commitment to building a strong relationship with CSOs. He reminded attendees that this partnership began in 1991 and emphasized that CSOs serve humanity, not political interests. He urged politicians to respect CSOs.

Madam Tuma J. Gento Kamara, President of the Sierra Leone Bar Association, praised the partnership as a significant step towards inclusive governance and participatory decision-making. Honourable Ibrahim Aziz Bangura emphasized that the network would promote transparency and bridge the gap between Parliament and CSOs.

Leader of Government Business, Honourable Mathew Sahr Nyuma, assured attendees that the Parliament-CSO relationship is crucial for making Sierra Leone a better place. He urged all parties to use the law responsibly and prioritize transparency in governance.

Jack Borne, representing the British High Commission, assured the commission’s support for effective operations. Khadija Bundu from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) hailed the event as a breakthrough in ensuring the people’s voice is heard, underscoring the importance of CSOs in realizing Parliament’s commitment to open governance.