AYV News, July 8, 2025
The leadership of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the All People’s Congress (APC) Members of Parliament have congratulated Dr. Julius Maada Bio on his election as Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS.
President Bio said, “I had a very positive and productive meeting with the leadership of SLPP and APC members of parliament. They kindly expressed their congratulations on my election as Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS. I believe it’s essential to emphasise that the progress we make is for the benefit of our beloved country, Sierra Leone, rather than any specific party. I’m truly happy that we can all recognise the positive impact of our collective achievements. Together, as Sierra Leoneans, I am confident that we will continue to work closely to implement innovative and forward-thinking development initiatives for the betterment of our nation”.
The high-level engagement revealed a renewed spirit of cooperation between the Executive and the Legislature.
Opening the meeting, Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh welcomed the parliamentary leadership and reaffirmed the Executive’s continued dialogue and collaboration in the interest of national cohesion and stability. He emphasised that such engagements are vital for deepening trust across political divides.
Speaking on behalf of the Government side, the Leader of Government Business in Parliament, Honourable Mathew Sahr Nyuma, lauded President Bio’s ECOWAS appointment, describing it as a historic diplomatic achievement for Sierra Leone. He noted that this milestone reflects the President’s continental leadership and is a unifying moment for all Sierra Leoneans, regardless of political affiliation.
On his part, the Leader of the Opposition, Honourable Abdul Kargbo, also congratulated President Bio and used the opportunity to raise three pressing concerns affecting the opposition.
Honourable Kargbo highlighted the continued detention of opposition supporters and members over matters linked to the 2023 elections, stating that this undermines the spirit of Resolution 4 of the National Unity Agreement. He also pointed to delays in the payment of salaries and entitlements owed to APC Parliamentarians, stressing the urgent need for administrative action to avoid long-term implications on their terminal benefits.
The opposition leader added by addressing the recent controversies surrounding the Clerk of Parliament, asserting that actions taken were necessary to safeguard the neutrality, professionalism, and institutional integrity of the House of Representatives.
Honourable Abdul Kargbo concluded by emphasising the urgency of constituting the Electoral Review Oversight Committee as mandated by Resolution 20. He warned that failure to implement these reforms in a timely and impartial manner could jeopardise the credibility of future elections.
In his response, President Bio welcomed the constructive tone of the engagement and reaffirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to the full implementation of the Agreement for National Unity. He recognised the vital role of the APC in the country’s governance and emphasized that sustainable national unity cannot be achieved without their full involvement.
The President announced plans to convene a structured political dialogue between the SLPP and APC leadership aimed at resolving lingering political grievances, deepening mutual trust, and advancing reconciliation. He further assured that directives have already been issued to relevant authorities to begin implementing all outstanding resolutions without delay.
President Bio concluded by calling on both parties to uphold the spirit of patriotism and unity in advancing Sierra Leone’s democratic progress and national development agenda.
