By: James Kamara-Manneh
In a significant move aimed at tackling the escalating Kush crisis, the Sixth Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone endorsed a Presidential Proclamation for a State of Public Health Emergency on Kush and other harmful substances abuse. The unanimous decision came after a robust debate in the Well of Parliament on Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024.
The debate, which saw bipartisan support from both the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC), highlighted the urgent need to address the detrimental impact of Kush on Sierra Leonean society. Members of Parliament (MPs) discussed the gravity of the situation and underscored the collective determination to confront the Kush epidemic comprehensively.
Presenting the regulations for debate, Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma, emphasized the imperative to halt the spread of drugs like Kush, which are impeding societal development. He called for robust law enforcement measures and highlighted the government’s efforts in establishing treatment and rehabilitation centers for affected individuals.
Seconding the motion, Hon. Dr. Unpha Sorie Koroma echoed the urgency of the situation, emphasizing the threat posed by Kush to the lives of Sierra Leoneans. He urged stakeholders to support the necessary financial obligations for combatting Kush and other related drug abuses.
However, some MPs expressed concerns over the effectiveness of the regulations and the need for broader stakeholder involvement in the fight against Kush. Hon. Abdal Timbo Esq. criticized the delayed action in addressing the Kush epidemic and called for clarity on the definition of Kush in the regulations. He also advocated for the involvement of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency in the process.
The debate underscored the severity of the Kush crisis and the necessity for swift and decisive action. Calls for heightened law enforcement efforts, judicial accountability, and community engagement were prominent themes, reflecting a united front against the menace of illicit drugs in Sierra Leone.
The approval of the State of Public Health Emergency signifies a crucial step forward in the government’s efforts to combat the Kush epidemic and safeguard the well-being of Sierra Leonean citizens. As the nation grapples with this pressing issue, Parliament’s endorsement marks a significant milestone in the ongoing battle against drug abuse and its detrimental effects on society.
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