Africa-Press – Liberia. Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, Speaker of Parliament of the Republic of Sierra Leone flank by the Liberian Delegation
The Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD), in collaboration with UNDP Liberia and UN Women, has facilitated a joint legislative–civil society organization (CSO) peer learning visit to the Parliament of the Republic of Sierra Leone.
The initiative, held from May 13 to 17, 2025, forms a key component of the Liberian Electoral Support Project, co-funded by the European Union and the Embassies of Sweden and Ireland in Monrovia. The project is managed by UNDP Liberia and jointly implemented by UN Women and NIMD Liberia.
The Liberian delegation was headed by Margibi County District #3 Representative Ellen Attoh Wreh, who also serves as Chairperson of the Women’s Legislative Caucus of Liberia.
The purpose of the visit was to enhance mutual understanding and collaboration between the legislative and civil society sectors of both countries, focusing on governance practices, transparency, and women’s participation in the parliamentary process.
Speaking during the visit, Cllr. Oscar Bloh, Country Director of NIMD Liberia, emphasized that the initiative aims to strengthen the institutional capacity of the Liberian Legislature, particularly in modernizing its operations and fostering greater openness.
“Sierra Leone was selected for this peer learning exchange based on findings from the Open Parliament Index, a report conducted by the African Parliamentary Network based in Accra, Ghana,” said Cllr. Bloh. “Although both Ghana and Sierra Leone were shortlisted, consultations and document reviews identified Sierra Leone as the most suitable choice.”
Speaker of the Parliament of Sierra Leone, Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, welcomed the delegation and praised the role of transparency in building public trust. He noted that Sierra Leone’s Parliament hosts an annual Open Parliament Day, allowing citizens to engage directly with lawmakers and understand legislative processes.
“We strive to be as open as possible,” Speaker Thomas said. “Through such openness, our people are encouraged to appreciate the daily work of the Parliament and hold it accountable.”
Also speaking, Gilbert Bosco N’habay, Deputy Clerk of the Sierra Leonean Parliament, highlighted the strong partnership between the legislature and civil society. He revealed that the Parliament has established a CSO Desk to support coordination and collaboration on public policy matters.
The visit is expected to foster knowledge sharing, promote democratic governance, and deepen cooperation between the legislative bodies and civil society organizations of Liberia and Sierra Leone.
For More News And Analysis About Liberia Follow Africa-Press
