By Ragan M. Conteh

The Parliament of Sierra Leone with support from Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), Plan International, Child Fund and Parliamentary Network Africa (PNAfrica) on Wednesday 17th July, 2024 officially launched the Parliament-Civil Society Network (ParlCSONet).

Many have, however, perceived ParlCSONet being set up as tripartite arrangement.

It formation comes to reality under the distinguished grand chief patronage of the Hon Speaker, Solomon Segehpoh Thomas which was held at the State Hall, Parliament Building, Tower Hill, Freetown.

ParlCSONet is a groundbreaking initiative emanating from the collaborative efforts of leaders from fifty-two (52) Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) across the 16 districts in Sierra Leone and the leadership of the Parliament of Sierra Leone.

“This network aims to promote constructive engagement between civil society and the Sierra Leone Parliament to enhance governance, transparency, and accountability in Sierra Leone,” a statement indicated.

Addressing attendees, the Speaker of Parliament Hon Sengehpoh Solomon Thomas, thanked the CSOs for establishing the CSO’s desk in parliament.

He pledged his administration’s support for the civil society, underscoring that there is a need for setting up this vital sector in parliament.

He, however, called on them to engage only in constructive criticism and unbiased criticism.

Deputy Leader of the opposition All People’s Congress APC, Hon. Daniel Koroma, said lack of transparency sets a whole country ablaze, and one of the conduits of transparency is through civil society group.

He pledged their support as an opposition to the CSOs.

“There is no CSO which is not politically aligned.”

CSO are supposed to be fearless but none partisan.

To him the relationship between parliament and CSO is above all interests.

Leader of Government Business, Matthew Sahr Nyuma, said Section 97 of the constitution gives mandate for the establishment of a civil society desk in parliament.