Freetown, SLENA-The Acting Clerk of Parliament, religious leaders, and civil society activists from across Sierra Leone came together for a vital town hall meeting, united by a shared vision of a future where Parliament and civil society work hand-in-hand to build a transparent, accountable, and dynamic democracy.
This inspiring gathering not only renewed their collective commitments but also sparked innovative ideas to deepen their collaboration, all with the ultimate goal of creating lasting positive change for every Sierra Leonean.
The discussion themed on “Deepen Collaboration with Civil Society Organizations and Parliament,” the gathering drew civil society groups, parliamentary staff, media professionals, and development partners. In his keynote speech, Acting Clerk of Parliament Gilbert Bosco N’habay reflected on the journey they have undertaken together, underscoring that their partnership is now a vital pillar of Sierra Leone’s democratic progress.
The occasion held on July 17, 2025, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
N’habay shared his pride in witnessing the partnership evolve from humble beginnings in the early 2000s, he commended one of the pioneers like Edmond Abu.
He recalled his own international advocacy efforts, such as speaking at a town hall in the UK, which helped garner regional support for civil society’s role in governance. “What we started is now a model that many African countries look up to,” he said, highlighting the strides made from meetings at Brookfields to comprehensive parliamentary reforms.
He also suggested plans for a “Parliamentary Open Day in November,” an initiative aimed at promoting transparency and increasing public access to parliamentary proceedings.
He reiterated the importance of civil society participation in legislative reviews, policy formulation, civic education, and budgetary oversight. “Civil society organizations must be involved in synthesizing bills that come to Parliament, advocating for better policies, and educating citizens about the roles and responsibilities of their elected representatives,” he urged.
Mr. N’habay proposed that civil society organizations be formally integrated into the oversight functions of Parliament, stating that their input can add substantial value to legislative outcomes.
He promised to relay the outcomes of the town hall to the Speaker of Parliament, reinforcing institutional support for the network. “The benefits of this collaboration are glaring. If we strengthen this partnership, we will have a Parliament that is more effective, transparent, and responsive to the needs of our people,” he stated.
As he concluded, N’habay reaffirmed his support for the Civil Society Organization Network, confident that by working together, Sierra Leone’s democracy would thrive and bring lasting benefits for all its citizens.
Credit: Correspondent-Hassan Bangura
