Parliament Deliberates On Counter Terrorism Act 2024

By Desmond Isaac Macauley
The Parliament of Sierra Leone has debated and committed the Bill entitled: “The Counter Terrorism Act, 2024”, to the Legislative Committee for further consideration.
The Bill seeks to provide for the establishment of the National Counter-Terrorism Coordination Committee, to provide for offenses of terrorism and terrorism-related matters, and provide for enforcement measures on terrorist funds and other assets.
Presenting the Bill before the House, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay noted that the Bill before the House is divided into eleven parts that seek to address issues relating to terrorism.
In his submission, the Parliamentary Chairman of Defence, Hon. Alex M. Rogers said the Bill is vital for the development of the State. He pleaded with colleague MPs to speedily pass the Bill into law.
Honarable Mohamed Bangura from Karene District said, the implementation of the Act is very important and urged for proper monitoring mechanism.
He submitted that the security of the people of Sierra Leone has to be secured. He encouraged MPs to support the Bill and take into account that, terrorism destroys a State.
Honorable Unpha Sorie Koroma from Western Area Urban said the Bill is very important, and that it should be committed to the Legislative Committee for further consideration. “In as much as we want to make the law, let us make it important for the people, and mindful of the law,” he cautioned.
He advised that the law should be for everyone and not for certain individuals.
Opposition Leader, Hon. Abdul Kargbo said, they as an opposition have been supporting the Government in passing Bills, but that they have to be critical. He said as an opposition leader he has gone through the Bill and cautioned the Bill should not be against political opponents and advised that the intent of the law be used for its intended purposes and not otherwise.
“What is in the Bill is not prevailing in this country but not withstanding that, it is important for the nation,” he averred.
He called on the House for the Bill to be committed to the Legislative Committee for further scrutiny. He concluded by calling for the law to be used and not to intimidate anyone.
Concluding the debate, the Leader of Government Business, Hon. Matthew Shar Nuyma said laws are made for the development of the state and not otherwise. He went on to allay the fear of the opposition that, the Bill would be used for its intended purpose which is combating terrorism and not otherwise. The Leader of the House went further to highlight the important nature of the Bill.
“A terrorist is a terrorist, and we can’t use this law to discriminate against anyone,” he submitted.
Hon. Nyuma acknowledged the importance of the composition of the Bill and assured the House that, the Bill seeks to address international standards in addressing terrorism.