On Thursday, November 8, 2024, the Parliament of Sierra Leone wrapped up its debate on a Motion of Thanks to President Julius Maada Bio for his speech delivered during the State Opening of the Second Session of the Sixth Parliament on August 6, 2024.

The debate was marked by strong reactions from both government and opposition members, with some commending the President’s initiatives and others voicing concerns about the country’s current state of affairs.

Honourable Abdul Karim Kamara from Kambia District began his submission by warning that the politicization of national issues could hinder the country’s development. Kamara, speaking on agriculture, acknowledged the government’s Feed Salone initiative aimed at addressing food security, stressing that food should not be politicized.

He called for better measures to ensure food affordability for all citizens. On health, Kamara criticized the ruling government for claiming success in improving healthcare, suggesting that conditions in rural areas remain dire. He urged President Bio to focus on nation-building and treat the people of Sierra Leone with respect.

Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Honourable Aaron Aruna Koroma of Tonkolili District, launched a scathing critique of the government, accusing President Bio of failing to fulfill promises made in his manifesto. He specifically targeted the Feed Salone project, calling it a “gimmick” to cover up previous unfulfilled promises. Koroma highlighted the country’s skyrocketing food prices, rising inflation, and a national debt burden, urging the government to focus on the economy. He also questioned the government’s commitment to energy sector reforms, despite repeated promises.

Chief Whip of Parliament, Honourable Dickson Momoh Rogers from Pujehun District, praised the President’s leadership, particularly in the areas of education and infrastructure. He credited the government for improving the welfare of MPs and for launching the Free Quality Education program. Rogers also lauded progress in agriculture, citing the completion of the Hill Cut Bypass Road as one of the administration’s successes.

The Minister of Basic Senior Secondary Education, Comrade Sacky, defended the government’s performance, noting the recruitment of over 14,000 teachers since 2018 and the rehabilitation of 335 classrooms. He also highlighted ongoing teacher training programs aimed at improving education quality in the country.

Deputy Minister of Finance, Kadiatu Allie, reassured Parliament that the government has made significant strides in economic policy and growth, citing a reduction in inflation and increased revenue mobilization. She emphasized that the government had attracted more donor support and completed projects such as the Millennium Compact with the United States to improve the electricity supply.

Minister of Political Affairs, Amara Kallon, outlined the government’s efforts to enhance public service delivery and civil service reforms. He also mentioned that the review of the 1991 constitution is underway and highlighted plans to upgrade the Civil Service Training College.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Theresa Tenneh Dick, responded to concerns about the Feed Salone initiative, stating that despite some funding challenges, the Ministry is working hard to shift from subsistence to mechanized farming. She also pointed to the government’s support for MPs in boosting agricultural facilities.

In his closing remarks, Acting Leader of the Opposition, Honourable Daniel Brima Koroma from Koinadugu District, thanked President Bio for fulfilling his constitutional mandate but urged MPs to stay true to their responsibilities to the people. He echoed concerns over the country’s high risk of child mortality and called for greater opposition involvement in the Feed Salone initiative. Koroma also strongly opposed the 5% tax increase on certain commodities, particularly rice and zinc, and criticized the government’s handling of accountability bodies such as the Anti-Corruption Commission.

Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Honourable Mathew Sahr Nuyma, concluded the debate by highlighting the President’s commitment to national unity and democracy. He praised the government’s leadership in agriculture and reiterated the importance of donor support in the country’s development. Nuyma urged MPs to work together for the nation’s progress, emphasizing that despite past challenges, President Bio’s leadership is steering Sierra Leone toward a brighter future.

The debate, which lasted for five days, underscored the ongoing political divide in Sierra Leone but also highlighted areas of potential collaboration between the government and the opposition for the country’s development.