By Mohamed Lamin Banya
The International Moral Guarantors have renewed calls for Members of Parliament from the All People’s Congress (APC) to end their parliamentary boycott and fully resume participation in legislative activities, stressing that their absence undermines inclusive governance and democratic stability.
The appeal, made by the Economic Community of West African States, the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel, and the Commonwealth Secretariat, forms part of recommendations following their recent joint assessment mission to Sierra Leone.
According to the Mission, the continued boycott by APC lawmakers risks slowing down critical national processes, including ongoing constitutional and electoral reforms ahead of the 2028 general elections.
The Guarantors emphasized that Parliament must function as an inclusive platform where all political voices are represented in decision-making.
They noted that the Agreement for National Unity (ANU) provides a framework for dialogue, cooperation, and mutual trust between the Government and opposition parties, and urged APC MPs to demonstrate commitment to the agreement by re-engaging in parliamentary proceedings.
“An effective and representative Parliament is essential for advancing electoral reforms and strengthening democratic institutions,” the Mission stated, adding that the participation of opposition lawmakers is vital for credibility, transparency, and accountability.
The Guarantors further encouraged APC leadership to work collaboratively with the Government and other stakeholders to resolve outstanding concerns through dialogue rather than disengagement.
They stressed that returning to Parliament would enable APC MPs to influence key decisions, including the restructuring of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone and the passage of the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
In addition, all political actors were urged to de-escalate tensions, avoid inflammatory rhetoric, and prioritize national interest over partisan differences.
The Mission concluded that the full participation of APC MPs in Parliament is crucial to fostering national cohesion, strengthening democracy, and ensuring a peaceful and credible electoral process in 2028.
