Clerk Of Parliament Tables Resolution In Support Of Discontinuance Of Charges Against Former President Ernest Bai Koroma

By Josephine W. Lagawo

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RESOLUTION BY THE SIERRA LEONE HOUSE OF PARLIAMENT TO COMMEND THE GOVERNMENT OF SIERRA LEONE FOR THE DISCONTINUANCE OF CHARGES AGAINST FORMER PRESIDENT DR. ERNEST BAI KOROMA IN FURTHERANCE OF THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO NATIONAL COHESION AND
RECONCILIATION.

WHEREAS Sierra Leone has, through great sacrifice and the resilience of its people, emerged from a devastating civil conflict and has consistently pursued national reconciliation, democratic governance, constitutionalism and the rule of law;

AND WHEREAS successive governments and the people of Sierra Leone have embraced the principles embodied in the Recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the Abidjan Peace Accord and the Lomé Peace Agreement, all of which underscore that sustainable peace is best secured through dialogue, reconciliation, justice tempered with mercy, and national cohesion;

AND acknowledging that the tragic incident of 26th November 2023 resulted in the loss of
precious lives, particularly members of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, the Sierra Leone Police and other citizens whose sacrifices shall forever remain part of our national
history;

AND WHEREAS, the Government of Sierra Leone has through the Office of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice published a discontinuance of charges against former President Ernest Bai Koroma.
AND bearing in mind that the Office of Former Presidents deserve dignity and respect consistent with the traditions of the Republic, without prejudice to the supremacy of the Constitution, the independence of the Judiciary or the equal application of the law;

AND WHEREAS Parliament recognises the continuing efforts undertaken by the Government of Sierra Leone and the leadership of all political parties in parliament fostering political dialogue, national cohesion and lasting peace in the Republic;
AND WHEREAS Parliament further recognises the important role currently being played by His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, both as President of the Republic and as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, in promoting peace, stability, dialogue and constitutional order across the West African sub-region;

AND WHEREAS Parliament believes that the families of those service men and women who lost their lives deserve recognition, compassion and appropriate support from the State in appreciation of the sacrifices made by their loved ones in the service of the nation;

IT HAS  BEEN RESOLVED BY THIS HONOURABLE HOUSE THAT:

1. This Honourable House promulgates a Government or Private Members Bill into law, to safeguard the welfare of Former Presidents and Vice Presidents.
1. Parliament calls upon the Government of Sierra Leone to establish a comprehensive compensation, welfare and support programme for the families of all members of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, the Sierra Leone Police and other public officers who were either seriously wounded or lost their lives during the incidents of 26th November 2023, in recognition of their courage, patriotism and sacrifice.
1. Parliament calls upon all political parties, religious bodies, civil society organizations, traditional authorities and citizens to continue supporting initiatives that promote reconciliation, peaceful coexistence and national cohesion.
2. Resolved this day of July 2026.
(iii)
1. The Clerk of Parliament shall transmit copies of this Resolution to His Excellency the President of the Republic, and such other authorities as may be necessary for their consideration and appropriate action.
⁠
Resolved this 16th day of July 2026.

Parliamentary and Public Relations Department, Parliament of Sierra Leone.