The Parliament of Sierra Leone has recorded a major diplomatic and institutional achievement after being elected as West Africa’s representative on the Standing Committee of the Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) for the 2026–2028 period.
The recognition was announced during the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC), held in New Delhi, India, from January 14 to 17, 2026. The high-level gathering brought together 61 Speakers and Presiding Officers from 42 Commonwealth countries and served as an important platform for parliamentary leaders to exchange ideas, strengthen cooperation and promote democratic governance.
This year’s conference focused on strengthening democratic institutions, modernizing parliamentary practices and deepening citizens’ participation in governance. Discussions also centred on emerging issues shaping legislatures worldwide, including the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in parliamentary work, the impact of social media on democracy and the safety and security of parliamentarians.
India’s Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, officially inaugurated the event, using the occasion to reaffirm India’s commitment to democratic values and stronger cooperation among Commonwealth nations.
With Sierra Leone’s successful election, the Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, Speaker of the Parliament of Sierra Leone, is expected to take up the responsibility of representing West Africa on the Standing Committee and will attend the next Steering Committee meeting scheduled to take place in Barbados in August 2026. Political observers have described the development as a step forward for Sierra Leone’s parliamentary diplomacy and international engagement.
The Sierra Leone delegation to the CSPOC conference, representing the Rt. Hon. Speaker, included Hon. Daniel Brima Koroma, Deputy Leader of the Opposition; Gilbert Bosco N’habay, Deputy Clerk of Parliament; and Hon. Fatmata Bintu Bockarie, Deputy Chair of the Mines Committee. Hon. Daniel Brima Koroma led the delegation throughout the conference proceedings in New Delhi.
As part of their official engagements, the delegation held a closed-door meeting with the Rt. Hon. Speaker of the Indian Parliament, during which they discussed key issues related to strengthening bilateral parliamentary cooperation. Among the key proposals raised was the establishment of a Sierra Leone–India Parliamentary Friendship Group, aimed at fostering closer ties, mutual learning and stronger engagement between lawmakers of both countries. The delegation also highlighted the need for the urgent establishment of a Sierra Leonean embassy in India to support growing diplomatic, economic and institutional relations.
The CSPOC, established in 1969, provides an important forum for Speakers and Presiding Officers to share experiences, exchange best practices and contribute to strengthening parliamentary democracy across Commonwealth member states. The conference also promotes the emergence of impartial and independent presiding officers and encourages stronger institutions that uphold democratic accountability.
Sierra Leone’s election to the CSPOC Standing Committee is being viewed as a demonstration of the country’s rising profile in both regional and international parliamentary platforms. It further reflects Parliament’s commitment to democratic values, transparency, inclusivity and accountability.
With this new role, the Parliament of Sierra Leone is expected to contribute meaningfully to shaping Commonwealth parliamentary practices and procedures, while promoting cooperation and institutional development across West Africa and the wider Commonwealth community.
