Sierra Leone’s Parliament on Friday held a solemn lying-in-state ceremony in honour of Hon. Ernest Dura Koroma, former Member of Parliament representing Tonko Limba in Kambia District, who passed away earlier this month.
The ceremony, held at the State Hall of Parliament in Freetown, drew lawmakers from across the political divide, reflecting broad respect for the late MP’s legacy. Members of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) stood together to sign the book of condolence in what was described as a rare moment of bipartisan solidarity.
Parliamentary staff, former and current MPs, party executives, former government ministers, friends, and family members attended the event. Prayers were offered by the Deputy Clerk of Parliament, Gilbert Bosco N’habay.
Director of Parliamentary and Public Relations, Sheku Lamin Turay, described the late Hon. Dura Koroma as a “people-centred leader, a strong debater, and a dedicated committee member whose commitment to parliamentary work was unmatched.”
Speaking on behalf of the SLPP, Acting Leader of Government Business Hon. Bashiru Silikie said October had been a “difficult month” for Parliament, marking the loss of several members including Hon. Patricia Browne and Hon. Helen Kuyembeh. He praised Hon. Dura Koroma’s humility, diligence, and cross-party relationships, calling on politicians to use his passing as “a catalyst to reduce political tension and promote national unity.”
Leader of the Opposition Hon. Abdul Kargbo, speaking for the APC, described the late MP as a “committed servant and party stalwart” who also served as Deputy District Secretary for the APC in Kambia. He noted that Hon. Dura Koroma had been a member of five parliamentary committees and was instrumental in local development, including the construction of four bridges, classrooms, and town halls in Tonko Limba.
Opposition Whip Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara, also from Kambia, gave an emotional tribute recalling their shared political journey and the late MP’s dedication to community development. “We will mourn you, but the people of Tonko Limba will mourn you forever,” he said tearfully.
President of the Female Parliamentary Caucus, Hon. Bernadette Wuyatta Songa, described Hon. Dura Koroma as her “adopted son,” recalling his warmth and respect across party lines. “He interacted with everyone beyond politics,” she said, sharing how he often checked in on her family and sought her guidance.
The late MP’s son, Ernest Dura Koroma Jr., paid tribute to his father’s devotion to his family and community, saying, “He loved us deeply and was passionate about helping the people of Tonko Limba.”
Former Minister of Agriculture Dr. Sam Sesay described Hon. Dura Koroma as a philanthropist who devoted most of his time to community projects and “spent 95% of his time with his people.”
The ceremony concluded with prayers, reflections, and a show of unity among mourners from all political affiliations, who remembered Hon. Dura Koroma as a bridge-builder, community advocate, and exemplary parliamentarian.
