The opposition Members of Parliament from the All Peoples Congress (APC) have officially returned to parliamentary proceedings after weeks of boycott, marking a significant step toward restoring legislative normalcy in Sierra Leone’s governance process.
The lawmakers resumed sittings on Tuesday, 5th May 2026, where they were formally welcomed by the Speaker of Parliament, the Right Honourable Segepoh Solomon Thomas. Their return follows prolonged disagreements between the opposition and the government over the selection of the Chief Electoral Commissioner and broader electoral concerns.
Addressing the House, Speaker Segepoh commended the opposition for their decision to return, describing it as both “noble” and necessary for effective representation.
“This is your house. You were elected by your people to represent them, and there is nothing that should take you away,” he stated. “I am extremely proud of you for coming back. I urge you to continue to use this platform to advocate for your people. If there is anything you want to address, this is the place to do so. Let us move forward for God and country.”
Responding on behalf of the opposition, Minority Leader Honourable Abdul Kargbo expressed appreciation to the Speaker for his mediating role during the impasse. He revealed that the Speaker had maintained consistent engagement with opposition members throughout the boycott period, facilitating dialogue between them and the Presidency.
“On behalf of the opposition, I want to thank you for the role you played. During the boycott, you reached out to us on several occasions and created the necessary link between us and the President,” Honourable Abdul Kargbo said. “You demonstrated exemplary leadership, and we are grateful.”
He further disclosed that their return to Parliament was guided by an agreement centred on the communique and national unity and electoral accountability. According to him, the understanding includes the establishment of a committee to provide oversight on the elections management body.
“We want to assure this House that the agreement leading to our return will be honoured, particularly regarding the oversight mechanism for the electoral process,” he added.
In his response, Speaker Segepoh Solomon Thomas acknowledged the concerns raised by the opposition and assured Parliament that a leadership meeting involving both sides of the House would soon be convened to address outstanding issues.
He noted that some leaders on the government bench were currently out of the country but emphasized his commitment to ensuring inclusive dialogue upon their return.
