By Fatima Kpaka
Freetown, 27 May 2025 – The Parliament of Sierra Leone has debated and passed into law the National Early Warning and Response Mechanism Centre Act 2025, aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness and security monitoring.
The newly ratified Act establishes the National Early Warning and Response Mechanism Centre, tasked with providing early warnings on human security and peace-related issues in Sierra Leone. During the bill’s presentation, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kenyeh Barlay, emphasized the necessity of an early warning system for national security and crisis prevention. She highlighted that the center would generate data to address disaster-related concerns while improving technical management and responsiveness.
Chairman of the Committee on Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Musa Fofanah, hailed the bill as timely and urged swift passage, stressing its importance in handling potential disasters before they escalate. Hon. Catherine Zainab Tarawallie, Deputy Opposition Whip 1, echoed support for the bill, emphasizing its non-political nature and collective benefits for Sierra Leoneans, though she urged further legislative review of specific clauses.
Hon. Joseph Williams Lamin, representing Bo District, encouraged the Executive Director of the National Early Warning Centre to persevere in ensuring its success. Meanwhile, Hon. Mariama Bangura raised concerns over the creation of new institutions instead of bolstering existing ones like the Office of National Security and the National Disaster Management Agency.
Acting Leader of Opposition, Hon. Daniel Brima Koroma, backed the bill, affirming its importance but called for a review of board appointments and increased representation of women. Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma, Leader of Government Business, underscored the Act’s significance in mitigating future crises, citing past challenges such as Mpox outbreaks and border tensions in Yenga.
Following extensive debate, the bill was ratified, paving the way for a national framework dedicated to early warning and disaster response in Sierra Leone.