By: Aminata Sesay
In a move aimed at strengthening national security and closing critical legal gaps, Sierra Leone’s Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Defence convened a high-level meeting with the Ministry of Defence, the Office of National Security (ONS), and the Law Officers Department to assess the country’s current explosives management framework.
The session, chaired by Hon. Alex Rogers, took place on Friday, 30 May 2025, at the ONS headquarters in Tower Hill, Freetown. The inquiry comes amid rising concerns over the inadequate regulation, transport, and handling of explosive materials issues that reveal significant vulnerabilities in both the legal and operational systems.
At the heart of the discussion was the Explosives Ordinance Act of 1955, which all stakeholders agreed is outdated and no longer reflects the complexities or risks of modern explosives use. Committee members stressed the urgent need for legislative reform to strengthen enforcement, oversight, and public safety.
Hon. Rogers opened the session by emphasizing the inherent dangers posed by explosives and the importance of a robust and modern regulatory framework. He called for a coordinated national strategy anchored in law, safety, and institutional accountability.
Major General Amara Idara Bangura, Chief of Staff and Chief Inspector of Explosives, provided a comprehensive briefing on the current regulatory landscape and ongoing efforts to improve oversight. A representative from the Law Officers Department reported on progress made in reviewing the 1955 ordinance, while the ONS highlighted achievements in inter-agency coordination.
The Committee welcomed progress in aligning key national agencies and noted the establishment of a transition team to develop a centralized regulatory body—referred to as a “One-Stop Shop” to eliminate fragmented oversight and ensure cohesive management of explosive materials.
Lawmakers also raised concerns about the increasing demand for licenses from private companies to manufacture and manage explosives. They warned that without a strong legal framework, such activities could pose serious national security risks. The dual-use nature of explosives as both industrial tools and potential weapons was a major point of deliberation.
It was disclosed that the Ministry of Defence now serves as the Regulatory Authority for explosives and is in the process of creating a national database to monitor all actors in the sector. The Committee also highlighted the need to support local businesses through the National Local Content Policy, as long as they comply with safety and regulatory standards.
Immediate handover of all regulatory documents to the Chief of Staff to streamline oversight functions. Launch of nationwide sensitization campaigns on the human and national security risks associated with explosives. Adoption of the existing Seven Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as a foundational framework for the new legislation. Regular briefings and field visits for Members of Parliament to enhance transparency and accountability.
The session concluded with a unanimous call for urgent repeal and replacement of the 1955 ordinance, and for the establishment of a more robust institutional and legal framework to govern the management of explosives in Sierra Leone.