The Leader of Government Business in the Parliament of Sierra Leone, Hon. Matthew Sahr Nyuma, delivered a passionate and statesmanlike address while moving a Private Motion, seconded by the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, urging Parliament to support the State’s decision to discontinue the criminal proceedings against former President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma.
Describing the motion as a defining moment in Sierra Leone’s democratic journey, Hon. Nyuma stressed that his action was not motivated by political patronage, personal ambition, or partisan interests, but by a sincere desire to promote peace, national cohesion, reconciliation, and stability.
“I have not moved this motion to please anyone or seek political favour,” he declared. “I am acting according to my conscience because history and posterity will judge us by the decisions we take today.”
The Leader of Government Business said Parliament had deliberately embraced Parliamentary Diplomacy as a mechanism for resolving political differences through dialogue rather than confrontation. He explained that the initiative was undertaken in collaboration with Members from both the Government and Opposition benches, demonstrating that national interest must always prevail over party politics.
Hon. Nyuma noted that genuine reconciliation is deeply rooted in both Christian and Islamic teachings and cannot merely be spoken about but must be genuinely embraced in people’s hearts.
Reflecting on his recent participation at the Africa-EU Parliamentary Assembly in the Kingdom of Eswatini, where he represented West Africa on the Bureau and also represented the President of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), Hon. Nyuma recounted how Parliamentary Diplomacy helped ease tensions during discussions involving Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
He explained that when debate became heated, he intervened by reminding delegates that Parliament remains the only democratic institution where political opponents can openly disagree while maintaining mutual respect and working together for peaceful solutions.
According to him, African societies possess a unique tradition of communal living and reconciliation, making dialogue the most appropriate path to resolving conflicts across the continent.
Drawing parallels with Sierra Leone’s political situation, Hon. Nyuma said the country’s political divisions should never outweigh the shared aspirations of its citizens.
“Our similarities are greater than our differences,” he told Parliament. “Political parties are only vehicles through which we present our policies to the people. They must never become instruments for dividing our nation.”
He lamented that Sierra Leone’s political history since 1967 has been characterised by mistrust, hostility and inflammatory political rhetoric, calling on political leaders to usher in a new era of respect, humility and constructive engagement.
The Majority Leader also paid glowing tribute to veteran politician Hon. Dr. Michael Abdulai Mansaray, whom he described as a model of political maturity and civility. He recalled how Dr. Mansaray warmly congratulated him after an intense parliamentary exchange instead of harbouring resentment, describing the gesture as an example worthy of emulation by younger politicians.
Hon. Nyuma maintained that reconciliation requires forgiveness, sincerity and sacrifice from all political actors regardless of party affiliation.
Addressing the legal dimensions of the matter, he referred to the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice’s explanation that the decision to discontinue the proceedings was firmly grounded in the Constitution and the Public Elections Act, 2024. He said Parliament had received sufficient legal clarification that the Attorney-General acted within his constitutional authority.
He emphasised that Parliament’s motion was not intended to interfere with judicial independence but rather to express the collective opinion of the House in support of national reconciliation, peace and democratic stability.
Explaining the significance of parliamentary motions, Hon. Nyuma cited the Standing Orders of Parliament, stating that motions enable Members to propose actions or express opinions on matters affecting the nation.
He insisted that no individual is greater than Sierra Leone and argued that speaking with one voice on critical national issues would strengthen democracy, discourage dictatorship and prevent political violence.
The Majority Leader further praised President Julius Maada Bio for what he described as courageous political leadership, recalling instances where the President had placed national interest above personal or political considerations.
He also referenced former President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah’s decision to facilitate the return of former military leader Brigadier Julius Maada Bio to Sierra Leone during the country’s transition to democracy, describing that decision as another example of visionary leadership which ultimately strengthened national unity.
Hon. Nyuma commended former ECOWAS Parliament Speaker Sidie Mohamed Tunis for consistently promoting Parliamentary Diplomacy across the West African sub-region and acknowledged the constructive engagements held with him on strengthening national cohesion in Sierra Leone.
Turning to constitutional reforms, the Leader of Government Business urged Parliament to revisit judicial precedents relating to the removal of Vice Presidents, arguing that future constitutional amendments should fully reflect both Sections 50 and 51 of the Constitution in order to eliminate ambiguities and strengthen democratic governance.
As part of the motion’s resolutions, Hon. Nyuma also called on Government to provide comprehensive compensation and continued support for the families of security personnel who lost their lives or suffered injuries during the failed coup attempt of 26 November 2023.
He stressed that while promoting reconciliation, Sierra Leone must equally honour the sacrifices of those who defended the constitutional order
Reflecting on the country’s painful civil war, Hon. Nyuma argued that Sierra Leone has already demonstrated its capacity for forgiveness by reintegrating former combatants into national life following the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
He noted that if the nation could reconcile after the atrocities of the civil war, it should equally embrace reconciliation in addressing contemporary political challenges.
Throughout his address, Hon. Nyuma repeatedly emphasised that Parliamentary Diplomacy represents the most effective path towards lasting peace, democratic consolidation and national unity.
Concluding his address, the Majority Leader appealed to all Members of Parliament to rise above political divisions and embrace reconciliation as a national responsibility.
In a symbolic demonstration of unity, he invited the Leader of the Opposition and PCMPS to join him before the Speaker’s Chair and publicly shake hands, describing the gesture as a powerful message to the nation that dialogue, mutual respect and patriotism must always triumph over political differences.
The House responded warmly to the appeal, reinforcing Parliament’s collective commitment to peace, national cohesion and democratic governance in Sierra Leone.