The Parliament of Sierra Leone has over the weekend engaged development partners and launched strategic documents that will create and foster a good working relationship with development partners in Committee Room One, Parliament Building in Freetown.
On behalf of the Opposition Leader, Hon. Aruna Aaron Koroma informed development partners that, as the opposition, they are part of governance and it would be prudent for partners to support Parliament, to be able to conduct effective and productive oversight to enhance accountability and transparency for the development of Sierra Leone. “There is always the need for partners to come in and support Parliament”, he informed.
Speaking on behalf of the European Union (EU), Serena Bertaina expressed delight over the engagement and commended the effort of Parliament towards strong partnership and collaboration with the EU, whilst recognizing Parliament’s democratic effort in consonance with its support.
She emphatically described the forum as an opportunity that predicates on vision, transparency, communications, and outreach to the populace. She reassured them that, they would give support to the stances of both documents. She extended thanks for the development of the documents and expressed hope for the fruitful implementation of the same.
United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Technical Advisor to Parliament, Hon. Jariatu K. Smith said the launching of the documents would not only enhance transparency, but also promote good governance. She spoke about the purpose of UNDP intervention to Parliament and their support to the institution. She highlighted their various support projects including human capacity building and institutional development.
On her part, the President of the Parliamentary Female Caucus, Hon. Veronica Kadie Sesay expressed satisfaction over the activities and service delivering of the current Parliament. She recognized and commended the leadership skills of the Speaker and the hard work of the administration and staff of Parliament. “This is the best Parliament” she affirmed and referred to her 17 years of experience as an MP.
Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma, recalled the conflicts in party-political operatives in Parliament and successive interventions of donor partners; citing the Bo Declaration supported by the latter, which is very positive.
The Leader spoke about the contention and challenges between CSOs and Parliament, which had engendered peace between the former and the latter. He emphasized the complicity of the current Parliament and assured an open space for all. The Leader also emphasized gains made by the Parliament including gender balance and called on all and sundry to emulate the same, in other MDAs.
Officially opening the engagement forum, Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Dr. Abass Chernor Bundu described the Parliament of Sierra Leone as a hung Parliament but maintained that it was the centerpiece of the democratic governance, adding that it was essentially timely to develop a working strategy. He spoke about the functions and service delivery of Parliament and its existential support to democracy. The Speaker also emphasized that Parliament plays a crucial role that predicates transparency, accountability, oversight, and representation as well as transforming policies into legislation.
Officially launching the Parliamentary Strategic Plan and Communication Strategy slated for 2021 and 2025, the Director-General of Parliament Mrs. Finda Frazer highlighted the importance of the documents. She commended the EU for their vehement support. She disclosed that the Parliamentary and Public Relations Department would take a lead in the implementation of the Communication Strategy and the Center for Strategic and Parliamentary Study (CSPS) would take a leading role to implement the Strategic Plan, whilst she as the Director-General would oversee both departments in the implementation of both.
The engagement forum climaxed with a presentation done by the Director of the Department for Programs, Research, and Partnership, Mr. Gilbert Nhabay on the rationale for partnership engagement and the development of a broader strategy to formalize the relationship between Parliament and Development Partners. An action plan was later developed, with clearly outlined deliverables for the next phase of the partnership journey.
By Mohamed Amara Gando
