The Parliament of Sierra Leone on Thursday, 16 July 2026, witnessed a rare display of bipartisan unity as the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Abdul Kargbo and Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, threw their support behind a motion endorsing the State’s decision to discontinue criminal proceedings against former President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, describing the move as a major step toward national reconciliation, peace and democratic stability.
The private motion, moved by the Leader of Government Business and seconded by Hon. Abdul Kargbo, sought Parliament’s endorsement of the Attorney-General’s decision to discontinue the treason-related proceedings against the former President. The debate attracted broad support from both the Government and Opposition benches, with Members stressing the need to place national interest above political differences.
Addressing Parliament, Hon. Abdul Kargbo expressed appreciation to President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, the leadership of Parliament and all stakeholders whose efforts contributed to the return of former President Ernest Bai Koroma to Sierra Leone and the discontinuance of the case.
He described the development as an important milestone in strengthening national unity and reconciliation, urging Sierra Leoneans to continue protecting the peace the country has worked hard to achieve.
Reflecting on Sierra Leone’s eleven-year civil war, the Opposition Leader observed that many young people had not experienced the horrors of the conflict and therefore might not fully appreciate the value of peace. He recounted showing his children a documentary on the civil war, saying they were deeply moved after witnessing images of the suffering endured by innocent Sierra Leoneans.
According to him, the emotional reaction of his son reinforced the importance of ensuring that the country never returns to violence and political conflict.
Hon. Abdul Kargbo maintained that preserving peace is the collective responsibility of every Sierra Leonean and called on political leaders across party lines to continue placing the national interest above partisan considerations.
He also commended the leadership of Parliament for promoting dialogue and constructive engagement, assuring the House that the Opposition remained committed to working with the Government in advancing Parliament’s objectives for the benefit of the nation.
The Opposition Leader further clarified that the Attorney-General’s decision to discontinue the matter was a lawful constitutional exercise of prosecutorial discretion and should not be interpreted as a political concession. He explained that both the Constitution and the country’s criminal justice system empower the Attorney-General to discontinue criminal proceedings whenever it serves the interests of justice and the public good.
While emphasizing the importance of peace and reconciliation, Hon. Abdul Kargbo stressed that respect for the rule of law must remain central to Sierra Leone’s democracy.
Quoting the late President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah’s famous declaration of “Never Again,” he appealed to politicians to reject division and ensure that future generations inherit a peaceful and united nation.
He also encouraged Members of Parliament from both the All People’s Congress and the Sierra Leone People’s Party to strengthen personal relationships beyond politics, noting that MPs frequently work together during international engagements despite belonging to different political parties.
Hon. Kargbo criticized political discrimination in public appointments, urging leaders to prioritize competence and merit over party affiliation. He warned that excluding capable citizens because of political differences undermines national development and weakens public institutions.
The Opposition Leader also welcomed the restoration of the constitutional benefits due to former President Ernest Bai Koroma, stating that former Heads of State deserve dignity and respect after serving the nation.
He concluded by commending President Julius Maada Bio for demonstrating leadership in pursuing reconciliation and urged all Sierra Leoneans to reject hatred and embrace dialogue, mutual respect and national cohesion.
Supporting the motion, Deputy Speaker Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh described the parliamentary debate as a defining moment in Sierra Leone’s democratic journey and called on citizens to embrace forgiveness, reconciliation and peaceful coexistence.
Invoking the biblical principle that “to err is human, to forgive is divine,” Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh said the Sixth Parliament had been presented with a historic opportunity to strengthen national unity and leave behind a lasting legacy of peace.
He commended the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice for providing the constitutional and legal basis for discontinuing the proceedings, noting that the decision was fully supported by both the Constitution and the Criminal Procedure Act.
The Deputy Speaker praised President Julius Maada Bio for demonstrating what he described as exceptional statesmanship, recalling the President’s role in restoring democratic governance during Sierra Leone’s civil conflict and his decision to hand over power following the 1996 elections.
According to Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, the President’s continued commitment to peace and constitutional governance has reinforced Sierra Leone’s democratic credentials both nationally and internationally.
He further reminded Parliament that its constitutional responsibility extends beyond lawmaking to promoting peace, security and good governance, arguing that the resolution before the House reflected those national responsibilities.
Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh also noted that President Bio’s role as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government places greater responsibility on Sierra Leone to demonstrate unity at home while championing peace across the West African sub-region.
He praised the bipartisan cooperation displayed by both Government and Opposition leaders during the debate, describing it as evidence that Parliament can rise above political divisions whenever the country’s future is at stake.
The Deputy Speaker urged Sierra Leoneans to reject political intolerance, observing that party affiliation should never divide families, neighbours or communities. Drawing from his personal life, he noted that religious differences within his own family had never prevented mutual respect, adding that political differences should likewise not become a source of hatred.
Calling on the media to support national reconciliation, Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh encouraged journalists to focus on promoting peace and responsible reporting rather than amplifying political divisions.
He also paid tribute to the Leader of Government Business for his role in promoting parliamentary diplomacy, which he said helped facilitate dialogue between President Julius Maada Bio and former President Ernest Bai Koroma.
Concluding his remarks, the Deputy Speaker expressed confidence that Parliament’s endorsement of the motion would be remembered as a landmark decision in Sierra Leone’s democratic history and urged all citizens to work together in building a peaceful, united and prosperous nation.
