By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
The Committee of the 50 Most Influential Women in Sierra Leone on Saturday 9th May, 2026 hosted a celebration in honour of Hon. Rosemarie Bangura following her election as Vice President for the West African Caucus of the Pan-African Parliament during a ceremony held at the CCSL Hall on Kingharman Road in Freetown.
The event attracted parliamentarians, women leaders, student representatives, old pupils associations, and other dignitaries who gathered to recognize Hon. Rosemarie Bangura’s latest achievement on the continental stage. The ceremony was chaired by Madam Hawa Samai, Executive Secretary of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion.
Hon. Rosemarie Bangura, a Member of Parliament representing Tonkolili District, was recently elected Deputy Chairperson of the West African Regional Caucus of the Pan African Parliament during the continental body’s engagements in Midrand, South Africa. The Pan African Parliament, which serves as the legislative arm of the African Union, brings together representatives from member states to deliberate on issues affecting governance, development, peace, and regional integration across Africa.
The election forms part of a broader restructuring of leadership within the Pan African Parliament’s Seventh Legislature, following an Extraordinary Session held between April 28 and 30, 2026, to elect new bureau members and regional caucus leadership in accordance with the African Union’s regional rotation framework.
Speaking during the celebration, Enid Wilson, Vice President of the Freetown Secondary School for Girls Old Students Association, congratulated Hon. Rosemarie Bangura on what she described as a well-deserved achievement reflecting strong leadership, dedication, and commitment to regional cooperation and development in West Africa.
She said Bangura’s rise continues to make the institution proud, noting that she exemplifies the values of excellence, integrity, and service instilled at the school. She further stated that Hon. Rosemarie Bangura’s accomplishment serves as motivation for young women and aspiring leaders across Africa.
Representing the YWCA Old Pupils Association, Agatha S. Vandy described Hon. Rosemarie Bangura’s election as a reflection of years of hard work, integrity, and dedication to public service. She said the position carries major responsibility for advancing regional development and strengthening the voice of women within African governance institutions. She maintained that Bangura’s success demonstrates the values cultivated during her formative years and reaffirmed the association’s support for her new role.
Hon. Memunatu Jalloh, Member of Parliament for Port Loko District, praised Hon. Rosemarie Bangura’s leadership and contribution within Sierra Leone’s Parliament. She highlighted the Honourable role as deputy female caucus leader at 5he Sierra Leone Parliament and commended her ability to work across party lines with both the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party and the opposition All People’s Congress. She stressed the need for women in Parliament to maintain solidarity beyond partisan politics and collectively advance issues affecting women and national development.
The National Union of Sierra Leone Students, represented by Miguel Koroma on behalf of the union’s president, also commended Hon. Rosemarie Bangura’s election. He stated that Bangura’s work in Parliament has inspired many young people, particularly female students, to pursue leadership roles.
He noted that women continue to play critical roles in governance, mentorship, and national development, adding that Hon. Rosemarie Bangura’s achievement demonstrates that women are capable of occupying influential positions at both regional and continental levels.
Miguel Koroma further encouraged young women not to be discouraged from aspiring to leadership positions, stating that future generations would continue to build upon the achievements of women currently breaking barriers in governance and politics. He disclosed that thousands of students attended the celebration in solidarity with Hon. Rosemarie Bangura and to recognise her contribution to inspiring youth leadership.
In her remarks, Hon. Rosemarie Bangura expressed appreciation to the organisers and attendees for the recognition, stating that she was surprised by the scale of the celebration organised in her honour. She described her election as a major responsibility and an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to issues affecting West Africa and the African continent.
She explained that the Pan African Parliament consists of representatives from African Union member states, with regional caucuses playing key roles in coordinating positions and addressing issues affecting their respective regions. She stated that her responsibilities as Vice President for the West African Caucus include strengthening regional coordination, promoting youth and women empowerment, and contributing to policy discussions affecting West Africa.
Hon. Rosemarie Bangura also disclosed that this was not her first leadership role within the continental parliament, revealing that she had previously served as rapporteur for the Western Caucus. Hon. Rosemarie Bangura noted that she was elected unopposed despite interest from other countries in the region, which she attributed to the confidence reposed in her leadership and experience.
The parliamentarian took out time and also thanked the people of Tonkolili District for electing her to Parliament for a third term and pledged continued service to her constituents. She further called on African female parliamentarians to move beyond rhetoric and actively champion women and youth empowerment initiatives across the continent.
She also emphasised the need for progress in areas such as education, mental health, and youth development across Africa. She expressed gratitude to her political party leadership, women’s groups, and supporters for their continued encouragement and support throughout her political journey.
The event concluded with renewed calls for increased female participation in leadership and governance across Sierra Leone and Africa.
