By Jariatu S Bangura
The Deputy Speaker of the Sixth Parliament, Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, inaugurated a two-day cross-party dialogue and mediation seminar for the parliamentary leadership.
In his keynote address, Hon. Tawa Conteh highlighted the importance of fostering dialogue and mediation within Parliament, emphasizing the challenges ahead.
He commended the parliamentary leadership for promoting peace, unity, and constructive dialogue. He also reflected on the role of traditional and multimedia outlets in shaping public discourse and contextualized the meaning of consultation within the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone.
Addressing the responsibilities of Members of Parliament (MPs), he stressed that MPs not only represent the people but also legislate for the country’s peace, security, and governance. He concluded by quoting reggae icon Lucky Dube’s lyrics, “different colours, one people.”
Adikalie Sheku Kamara, Deputy Director of Research at the Commission for Peace and National Cohesion, expressed appreciation for Parliament’s focus on cross-party dialogue in promoting national peace and cohesion. He highlighted the commission’s role in conflict prevention and resolution.
The Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma, underscored the significance of data-driven analysis over perceptions. He emphasized consultation, dialogue, and sincerity of purpose as pillars of unity within Parliament.
He praised the collaborative relationship between government and opposition members, stressing respect for MPs, paramount chiefs, and parliamentary staff.
Hon. Abdul Kargbo, Leader of the Main Opposition, stressed the critical role of cross-party dialogue in promoting parliamentary decorum. He warned against excessive reliance on majority votes, advocating for consensus-building through dialogue. He commended the consultative leadership of the Sixth Parliament, urging continued unity for greater legislative impact.
Norah Babic of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) highlighted the importance of open and inclusive mediation, emphasizing the need for diverse representation, including women’s voices, in legislative processes. She stressed that Parliament must remain a space for both agreement and disagreement.
Hon. Veronica Kadie Sesay, President of ECOWAS Female Parliamentarians, emphasized women’s pivotal role in peacebuilding and societal cohesion. She called for greater recognition of MPs’ challenges and celebrated the increased female representation in Parliament, which now includes 42 women.
She praised MPs from the Fifth Parliament for supporting the Public Elections Act, 2022, enabling proportional representation and more women in leadership roles.
