By Sallay Mansaray
Opposition lawmakers in Sierra Leone have called for direct talks with President Julius Maada Bio as efforts continue to resolve an ongoing boycott of parliamentary sittings.
Speaker of Parliament Segepoh Solomon Thomas held a second meeting on April 10 with members of the opposition All People’s Congress (APC), urging them to return to their legislative duties and help restore normal parliamentary business.
Thomas said he had previously committed to conveying the opposition’s concerns to President Bio but noted that the president had been occupied with national and international engagements. He said reconvening the meeting reflected the urgency of ending the impasse.
He appealed to opposition MPs not to abandon Parliament over disagreements with the executive, stressing that the legislature remains the central institution for debate, accountability and lawmaking.
“There are critical bills awaiting enactment that require the participation of all members,” Thomas said, warning that the continued absence of opposition lawmakers weakens the democratic process and limits robust debate.
He encouraged the opposition to use parliamentary procedures, including the Well of Parliament, to express grievances rather than boycotting sittings.
Thomas also said he would continue engaging the president and explore the possibility of direct talks between the executive and opposition leaders, describing dialogue as essential to resolving the standoff.
Responding on behalf of the opposition, the opposition leader commended the speaker’s mediation efforts but said there had been no further engagement from other state actors since their initial meeting.
He reiterated the opposition’s demand for direct engagement with President Bio, saying such dialogue was necessary to build trust and ensure political stability.
The opposition leader also raised concerns about public confidence in future elections, particularly regarding the leadership of the electoral commission. While acknowledging the president’s constitutional authority in appointing Electoral Commissioner Edmond Sylvester Alpha, he said such decisions should also inspire public trust.
He said the boycott was not intended to disrupt governance but to push for credible dialogue and reforms that would strengthen democratic legitimacy ahead of future elections.
The parliamentary boycott has heightened concerns over governance and legislative progress, with calls mounting for a negotiated settlement to restore full parliamentary participation.
