AYV News, May 13, 2026
Member of Parliament representing Tonkolili district, Hon. Rosemarie Bangura, has described her election as Deputy Chairperson of the West African Regional Caucus of the Pan African Parliament as not only a personal achievement but also a proud moment for Sierra Leone.
Speaking during a celebration held in her honour at the CCSL Hall on Kingharman Road in Freetown, Hon. Bangura said the victory reflected the confidence and trust reposed in Sierra Leone by representatives across the African continent.
“This remarkable success reflects the confidence and trust placed in our nation, as representatives from 55 African countries and 257 delegates cast their votes in support of Sierra Leone,” she stated.
The event was organised by the Committee of the 50 Most Influential Women in Sierra Leone and attracted parliamentarians, women leaders, students, old pupils associations, and other dignitaries who gathered to celebrate her latest continental achievement.
The ceremony was chaired by Madam Hawa Samai, Executive Secretary of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion.
Hon. Rosemarie Bangura was recently elected Deputy Chairperson of the West African Regional Caucus of the Pan African Parliament during engagements held in Midrand, South Africa.
The Pan African Parliament serves as the legislative arm of the African Union and brings together representatives from member states to deliberate on governance, development, peace, and regional integration issues affecting the continent.
Her election formed part of the restructuring of leadership within the Seventh Legislature of the Pan African Parliament following an Extraordinary Session held between April 28 and 30, 2026.
Delivering remarks at the event, Enid Wilson, Vice President of the Freetown Secondary School for Girls Old Students Association, congratulated Hon. Bangura on what she described as a well-deserved achievement resulting from dedication, integrity, and leadership.
She noted that the parliamentarian continues to make her alma mater proud and serves as an inspiration for young women aspiring to leadership roles across Africa.
Also speaking, Agatha S. Vandy, representing the YWCA Old Pupils Association, described Hon. Bangura’s election as evidence of years of hard work and commitment to public service.
She emphasized that the new role carries significant responsibility for promoting regional development and amplifying the voices of women within African governance institutions.
Hon. Memunatu Jalloh, Member of Parliament for Port Loko District, praised Hon. Bangura’s leadership qualities and her ability to work across political lines within Sierra Leone’s Parliament.
She stressed the importance of solidarity among female parliamentarians beyond partisan interests in order to collectively advance issues affecting women and national development.
Representatives of the National Union of Sierra Leone Students (NUSS) also commended Hon. Bangura’sachievement, describing her as a source of inspiration to young people, particularly female students aspiring to leadership.
Speaking on behalf of the union’s president, Miguel Koroma said women continue to play critical roles in governance, mentorship, and nation-building, adding that Hon. Bangura’s election demonstrates that African women are capable of occupying influential regional and continental leadership positions.
In her response, Hon. Rosemarie Bangura thanked the organisers and attendees for the honour and expressed surprise at the scale of the celebration.
She described her election as a major responsibility and an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to regional development and policy discussions affecting West Africa and the African continent.
Hon. Bangura explained that regional caucuses within the Pan African Parliament play important roles in coordinating positions on key issues affecting member states.
She disclosed that her responsibilities in the new role would include promoting youth and women empowerment, strengthening regional cooperation, and contributing to discussions on governance and development across West Africa.
The parliamentarian also revealed that she had previously served as Rapporteur for the Western Caucus and noted that she was elected unopposed despite interest from other countries in the region.
She attributed the outcome to the confidence reposed in her leadership and experience.
Hon. Bangura further thanked the people of Tonkolili District for electing her to Parliament for a third term and pledged her continued commitment to serving her constituents.
She called on female parliamentarians across Africa to move beyond rhetoric and actively champion initiatives focused on women empowerment, youth development, education, and mental health.
The event concluded with renewed calls for greater female participation in leadership and governance across Sierra Leone and the African continent.
