AYV News, June 25, 2024
Sierra Leone’s Member of Parliament representing Karene district, Hon. Mohamed Bangura, has subscribed to the Oath of Office at the Continental Pan African Parliament (PAP).
He is the only parliamentarian in the Sierra Leone Parliament’s history to have attained membership in two international Parliamentary Delegations in one Session.
His decisions are sometimes perceived as politically incorrect from a partisan viewpoint, but the results to wit are showing personally positive outcomes for his political career and profile as he sets another parliamentary record.
Recently, the erstwhile Speaker, Hon. Dr. Chernor Abass Bundu was accused of unceremoniously removing him from the list of the Sierra Leone Parliamentary Delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament, an act that many said led to his fall from the grace of Tower Hill.
Hon. Mohamed Bangura Member of Parliament (MP) representing Karene district, All People’s Congress (APC) party in response to the decision made the famous comments, “ar don lef me case to God,” or let the Lord take control.
In local parlance, we say, “Da cow wea nor get tail na God go dreb ihn fly.” Implied, it’s only God that can protect the vulnerable.
He’s the only MP in the Sierra Leone Parliament’s history to have attained membership in two international Parliamentary Delegations in one Session.
Hon. Bangura’s supporters hail him as a political maverick whereas his critics say he’s a political crosstitutionist.
He is the Chairman of the Country’s Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee and rumors have it that he’s eyeing the presidency in 2028, having served as a Political Party Leader (UDM), Cabinet Minister (Information) a Presidential Adviser and a ranking Lawmaker.
Hon. Bangura recently slammed his party for walking out of the National Unity Agreement, a decision the APC retracted spontaneously hours after Hon. Bangura’s rebuke.
The other day, Hon. Bangura was among the new Pan-African Parliament (PAP) legislators that participated in an orientation ahead of today’s opening ceremony of the 3rd Ordinary Session of the Sixth Parliament where over 20 new parliamentarians were sworn in.
This follows elections in several African Union Member States and rotation within delegations.
The Legislators underwent an orientation session by the Secretariat, which included an overview of the Parliament’s functions, roles of the AU Constitutive Act, Organs of the AU and their functions, Pan-African Parliament Protocol, and Rules of Procedure.
They were also briefed on security issues and had the opportunity to view the institution’s premises.
Ms. Lindiwe Khumalo, Clerk of the Pan-African Parliament, stated:
“Our duty is to assist you in understanding how the Pan-African Parliament conducts its business. We are looking forward to your positive contributions as we seek to build a vibrant Africa for all. All the information we are sharing with you today is complemented by documents that will be made available to you.”
The Ordinary Session is scheduled to run from the 24th of June to the 5th of July, operating under the African Union’s theme:
“The year of education, educate an African fit for the 21st century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa.
The Parliament has up to 275 members representing the 55 AU Member States that have ratified the Protocol establishing it (five members per Member State, including at least one woman and representing the diversity of political opinions in their own national parliament or deliberative organ).
