By Abdul Kamara

All People’s Congress (APC) and residents of Kambia District are mourning the tragic death of Honourable Earnest Dura, the Member of Parliament representing Tonko Limba Constituency, who lost his life in a fatal road crash.

Hon. Dura, born on April 17, 1987, in Bayande Town, Kambia District, was widely admired for his humility, integrity, and commitment to public service. The son of JWY Koroma and Marie Nikamie Kamara, he was the eldest of four siblings. Mohamed Bundu Abubakarr, Julian Yegbety, and Fatmata S. Koroma.

Elected to Parliament on June 26, 2023, Dura quickly became one of the most dynamic young lawmakers in the APC, earning respect across party lines for his calm approach to politics and his deep connection to the people he represented. His sudden passing has left a deep void in the political landscape of Sierra Leone.

Confirming the sad news, a senior APC official described the loss as “devastating,” noting that Hon. Dura represented a new generation of leaders committed to building a better Sierra Leone. “He was young, visionary, and dedicated to his people,” the official said. “His death is not only a blow to the APC but to the entire nation.”

Tributes have poured in from across the political spectrum. The Speaker of Parliament expressed condolences to the family and constituents of the late MP, describing him as “a fine gentleman whose voice in Parliament was marked by intelligence, respect, and purpose.” He added that Dura’s contributions, particularly in debates on youth empowerment and rural development, “reflected a leader with genuine passion for progress.”

APC leader Hon. Abdul Kargbo also paid a heartfelt tribute, describing Dura as “a loyal party member and a true servant of the people.” He said the late MP spent much of his time engaging directly with his constituents, advocating for better infrastructure, education, and support for women and youth. “Earnest believed in leadership through service, not words,” he noted. “He was a bridge between the old and new generation of our party; his loss is truly painful.”

In Kambia, grief and disbelief filled the air as residents gathered to mourn their fallen representative. Many described him as approachable and selfless, always ready to listen and lend a helping hand.

“Hon. Dura was not just our MP; he was part of our community,” said Fatmata Kamara, a local women’s leader. “He supported farming groups, helped students, and encouraged young people to believe in themselves. We have lost a true son of Kambia.”

Colleagues in Parliament also remembered his calm and respectful nature. “He was the kind of MP who could disagree without being disagreeable,” one member remarked. “He valued dialogue, unity, and progress.”

Hon. Earnest Dura’s untimely death has cast a shadow over Sierra Leone’s political scene, with many viewing him as one of the country’s rising leaders, a man whose career promised great things for his people and nation.

The APC and Parliament are expected to hold memorial sessions in his honor in the coming days. As tributes continue to flow, one thing remains clear the legacy of Hon. Earnest Dura will live on through his values of humility, service, and unwavering dedication to the people of Tonko Limba and Sierra Leone as a whole. ‎