By Ibrahim S. Bangura
Hon. Abdul Kargbo, Leader of the Opposition in Sierra Leone’s Parliament, has raised alarm at the ECOWAS Parliament over what he described as worsening democratic backsliding and mounting security concerns in the country.
Presenting what he called a “firm and detailed case,” Kargbo urged urgent regional intervention, citing both political and security challenges that have undermined governance since Sierra Leone’s most recent elections.
Post-Election Disputes and Boycott
Following the disputed 2023 elections, opposition parties—including the All People’s Congress (APC)—initially refused to take their seats in Parliament and local councils, questioning the credibility of the results. International observer groups such as the Carter Center, the African Union Election Observation Mission, and several embassies also raised concerns about the conduct of the polls.
It was only after mediation by ECOWAS, the African Union, and the United Nations Security Council that opposition lawmakers agreed to participate in governance, under the condition that reforms would follow. A tripartite committee was subsequently established, producing 80 recommendations to strengthen democratic governance.
One key recommendation was to reform the process of appointing electoral commissioners, ensuring that appointments would not rest solely at the discretion of the president. However, Kargbo noted that these reforms remain unimplemented, eroding trust and heightening political tensions.
NEC Appointment Without Opposition
The opposition boycott has had direct consequences on governance. In their absence, Parliament recently approved the appointment of the Chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC), a move that Kargbo argued further undermines confidence in the electoral system. He stressed that such unilateral decisions deepen the crisis of legitimacy and weaken democratic checks and balances.
Renewed Withdrawal and Security Concerns
Citing unresolved reforms and recent security incidents, Kargbo told ECOWAS lawmakers that the opposition has once again withdrawn from governance. He claimed Sierra Leone is currently being run solely by the ruling establishment, with no effective opposition presence in Parliament or local councils.
“In all of these cases, we need an urgent fact-finding mission,” Kargbo said, calling on ECOWAS to expedite an independent inquiry into Sierra Leone’s political and security situation.
Regional Implications
His appeal places renewed regional attention on Sierra Leone’s fragile post-election environment. As opposition leaders press ECOWAS to play a more assertive role, the debate underscores broader concerns about democratic resilience and stability across West Africa.