The Parliament of Sierra Leone, convened on Tuesday, 28/11/2023, united in condemnation of the recent security breach that claimed the lives of loyal forces defending the State against aggression in Freetown on Sunday, 26/11/2023.

Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament, Dr. Abass Chernor Bundu, initiated the session by urging Members of Parliament to offer prayers for those who lost their lives and extended best wishes for the speedy recovery of the wounded. The somber atmosphere set the stage for a unified parliamentary response.

Following the prayers, Majority Leader and Leader of the Government Business, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma, strongly denounced the violence and invoked Chapter 2 of Section 5 (2) b of the 1991 Constitution, emphasizing the Fundamental Principles of State Policy, including the maintenance of peace, security, and the welfare of the people. He ardently supported an immediate and thorough investigation, expressing Parliament’s commitment to enact laws facilitating the prosecution of those involved in the attack.

In a firm stance against political leaders who failed to condemn the act, Hon. Nyuma stressed the need for national cohesion. He underscored Parliament’s duty to support the government in proposing legislation aimed at holding the conspirators accountable. “We are elected because of democracy, and if we fail this Nation without doing the right thing, we have failed ourselves as a Parliament,” he asserted.

The Leader further urged Members of Parliament to uphold the spirit of the Constitution and democracy in supporting the government’s efforts. This call for unity in the face of adversity reflected the gravity of the situation.

Responding to the Majority Leader, the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, conveyed the Opposition’s condemnation of the unrest, labeling it as undemocratic. He emphasized the Opposition’s commitment to democratic processes as the sole path to power. Hon. Kargbo echoed the call for a swift investigation, aligning with the Leader of Government Business’s stance. “We as the Opposition have wholeheartedly condemned the actions and urged the Government to speedily investigate and bring to book all those who are responsible for the actions,” he affirmed.

The Speaker, having listened to both leaders, encouraged the House to translate their statements into legislative action. A Private Member Motion on the matter, proposed by the Leader of Government and seconded by the Leader of the Opposition, was carried. This bipartisan support demonstrated a unified front within the Parliament to address the security breach effectively.

The passage of the motion symbolizes Parliament’s commitment to facilitating a thorough investigation and ensuring accountability for the assailants. The collective stance taken by both government and opposition leaders reinforces the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the importance of upholding democratic values and fostering national unity during challenging times.

As Sierra Leone navigates the aftermath of this tragic event, the Parliament’s decisive and united response sends a strong message of resilience and determination to protect the principles that form the bedrock of the nation’s democratic foundation.