By: Ilyasa Baa
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) are discussing with the House of the Fifth Parliament of Sierra Leone at a two days terms of reference development workshop held at Committee Room No. 1. Starting on Wednesday.
In his statement, Executive Director of Institute of Governance Reform (IGR), Andrew Lavalie said the Parliament of Sierra Leone has been transformational under the leadership of the current Speaker Dr. Abass Bundu noting that bills that could transform the country have been passed by the House for the general good of the country. “Significant progress has been made under this Parliament”, he noted, adding that the CSO desk would further strengthen the relationship between the civil society and Parliament.
In her statement, the Coordinator at the Open Government Partnership ( OGP), Hannah Hamida Jimmy thanked the Speaker and the entire membership of the House for opening their doors for partnership with CSOs.
She expressed that the formulation of the CSO desk in Parliament is a step in the right direction for the transformation of the country.
The Leader of Coalition for Change, Hon Sahr Emerson Lamina praised CSOs for their transformative role towards the development of the country. He recounted that CSOs had played pivotal role towards the end of the civil war in Sierra Leone.
He however charged them that sometimes they shut their mouths on key national issues like the sacking of former Vice President Chief Samuel Samsumana.
He referred to their partnership with CSOs as an important development that will benefit the country largely.
The Speaker of the House, Dr. Abass Bundu said the setting up of CSO desk in Parliament is a testament to the fact that the House is being brought close to the people. He reiterated that the doors of Parliament are always open to the people of Sierra Leone, adding that the desk for CSOs will further broaden the relationship between the people of Sierra Leone and the law making body.
It could be recalled that leaders of fifty-two Civil Society Organizations drawn from all districts across the country and the leadership of Parliament had held a meeting at New Brookfield’s Hotel from 17th to 18th August 2021 discussed and agreed on the process of promoting constructive engagements between civil society and Parliament of Sierra Leone, for better results in governance and accountability processes.