Opposition Deputy Leader Demands Parliamentary Review of Deportation Agreement With U.S. Government
The Opposition Deputy Leader in Parliament, Hon. Aaron A. Koroma, has called for immediate parliamentary scrutiny of a reported agreement between the Government of Sierra Leone and the Government of the United States concerning the deportation of Sierra Leonean nationals.
He noted that although the Minister of Foreign Affairs has reportedly informed the public on aspects of the arrangement some weeks ago, the full details of the agreement have not been formally laid before Parliament for consideration and review in line with established parliamentary procedure and national interest.
According to Hon. Koroma, said the first group of deportees is expected to arrive as early as Wednesday, 20 May (today), yet Parliament has not been provided with the necessary documentation or briefing prior to the implementation of the agreement, raising concerns over transparency and preparedness.
He described the situation as a serious procedural gap, stressing that international agreements of such nature require proper parliamentary oversight, accountability, and timely disclosure before execution to ensure that national interests are adequately safeguarded.
Hon. Koroma further urged the leadership of Parliament and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure that all bilateral arrangements affecting citizens are subjected to full legislative review, adding that Parliament must not be treated as a post-implementation institution but rather as a central pillar in national decision-making.
He called for urgent briefing and submission of the agreement to the appropriate committee for scrutiny and report back to the House accordingly.