By Hassan Solokoh Bockarie
Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina has presented Sierra Leone’s Country Report at the First Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja, highlighting the country’s progress in democratic governance, climate resilience, human rights, and regional integration.
Presenting the report on May 7, 2026, before the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Memounatou Ibrahima, Hon. Lamina stated thated thated that the report covered the period from November 2025, focusing and focused on political developments, environmental challenges, and Sierra Leone’s implementation of ECOWAS community programmes.
He conveyed warm greetings from the Parliament and people of Nigeria. He thanked the Government of Nigeria and the ECOWAS Parliament for providing what he described as an excellent and hospitable environment for the regional session.
According to the report, Sierra Leone’s political landscape during the review period was guided by the Government’s “Year of Action” agenda, aimed at accelerating economic diversification and constitutional reforms following the 2023 general elections.
Hon. Lamina noted that the political environment continues to reflect inclusiveness and pluralism, especially after the opposition All People’s Congress resumed parliamentary participation following the signing of the National Unity Agreement with the Government.
The report further explained that although the APC temporarily boycotted Parliament over the appointment of the Chief Electoral Commissioner, the party later returned after interventions by ECOWAS and other moral guarantors committed to sustaining dialogue and inclusive governance.
On governance and the rule of law, Hon. Lamina informed delegates that Sierra Leone continues to strengthen democratic institutions through the implementation of the Justice Sector Reform Strategy 2024–2030 and the operationalisation of the Criminal Procedure Act 2024, which took effect in November 2025.
He also disclosed that the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion and the Inter-Religious Council remain actively engaged in monitoring conflict risks and promoting dialogue to prevent hate speech and political violence ahead of future elections.
Touching on human rights, the report stated that allegations of arbitrary arrests and detentions have significantly reduced, while access to justice has improved through expanded legal aid services and judicial reforms, including sittings of the Court of Appeal in provincial areas. The report further noted improvements in freedom of expression, press freedom, and civic participation.
On environmental matters, Hon. Lamina described climate change as a major threat to Sierra Leone despite the country’s low greenhouse gas emissions. He said Government is implementing adaptation and mitigation measures aimed at reducing socio-economic vulnerability by 50 per cent through through through through through investments in agriculture, renewable energy, and disaster preparedness.
The report highlighted the Government’s “Feed Salone” Initiative as a key strategy for achieving food self-sufficiency through mechanised agriculture, private sector participation, and import substitution. It also identified environmental threats such as coastal degradation, deforestation, water pollution, and land degradation linked to mining activities.
In concluding the presentation, Hon. Lamina reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s strong commitment to ECOWAS protocols and programmes, noting that the country remains fully compliant with the ECOWAS Community Levy, has completed construction of the ECOWAS Logistics Depot in Lungi, and has successfully implemented free roaming services with Liberia, Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, and The Gambia as part of efforts to deepen regional integration and cooperation.
