By Shadrach Aziz Kamara
The Parliament of Sierra Leone has adopted a landmark resolution endorsing the Government’s decision to discontinue criminal charges against former President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, describing the move as part of a broader commitment to national cohesion, reconciliation, and lasting peace.
The resolution, read before the House by Clerk of Parliament Karmoh Conteh during the sitting on Thursday, 16 July 2026, acknowledges Sierra Leone’s journey from civil conflict to democratic governance and recognizes reconciliation as the cornerstone of sustainable peace.
According to the resolution, successive governments have embraced the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), the Abidjan Peace Accord, and the Lomé Peace Agreement, all of which emphasize dialogue, justice tempered with mercy, constitutionalism, and national unity.
Parliament also acknowledged the tragic events of 26 November 2023, during which members of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), and civilians lost their lives. The House paid tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, noting that their service would forever remain part of the country’s national history.
The resolution further recognizes the Government’s decision, through the Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, to discontinue the charges against former President Koroma while emphasizing that the dignity and respect accorded to former Heads of State must be balanced with the supremacy of the Constitution, the independence of the judiciary, and the equal application of the law.
Lawmakers also commended ongoing efforts by the Government and leaders of political parties represented in Parliament to strengthen political dialogue, foster national cohesion, and promote sustainable peace across the country.
The House additionally acknowledged the regional leadership of President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, particularly in his capacity as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, for promoting peace, constitutional order, and stability throughout the West African sub-region.
As part of the adopted resolution, Parliament resolved to:
Call for the enactment of legislation safeguarding the welfare and benefits of former Presidents and former Vice Presidents, Urge the Government to establish a comprehensive compensation, welfare, and support programme for the families of military personnel, police officers, and other public servants who were killed or seriously wounded during the 26 November 2023 incident, Encourage political parties, religious institutions, civil society organisations, traditional leaders, and all citizens to continue supporting reconciliation, peaceful coexistence, and national unity and Direct the Clerk of Parliament to transmit copies of the resolution to President Julius Maada Bio and other relevant authorities for consideration and implementation.
Following the adoption of the resolution, Acting Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, announced an additional decision of the House to preserve the resolution as part of the official parliamentary records for future generations.
He further confirmed that Parliament had posthumously conferred the title of Honorary Members of Parliament on all military personnel, police officers, and civilian victims who lost their lives during the 26 November 2023 incident, in recognition of their patriotism and sacrifice to the nation.
The Acting Speaker stated that, pursuant to Section 170(7) of the Constitution, the resolution will take effect after the constitutional maturity period of 21 days, after which it will become part of the official body of regulations, rules, resolutions, and agreements of the Parliament of the Republic of Sierra Leone.
