By Musa Paul Feika
Acting Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma, has called on Parliament to urgently demand transparency regarding a reported agreement between the Government of Sierra Leone and the United States concerning the deportation of foreign nationals.
Speaking in Parliament, Hon. Koroma said it was important to bring the matter to the attention of the Speaker and the public, noting that concerns had emerged following remarks made last week by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC), Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba, regarding an agreement reportedly discussed between President Julius Maada Bio and the President of the United States.
According to Hon. Koroma, reports indicate that the first batch of deportees arrived in Sierra Leone yesterday, yet Parliament has not been formally informed of the details of the arrangement.
“Much as the President, under Section 40 of the Constitution, has powers relating to treaties and international engagements, Parliament has not been furnished with the details of this agreement,” he stated.
The Acting Opposition Leader stressed that no document relating to the reported agreement has been presented before Parliament for scrutiny, debate, or ratification, describing the matter as one of significant national importance.
He therefore urged the Speaker to ensure that the Minister of Foreign Affairs appears before Parliament as soon as possible to lay the agreement before Members of Parliament for proper consideration before implementation proceeds.
“We think this is very fundamental, and we want to urge your good self to ensure that the Minister brings the particular agreement before this House for the attention and education of Parliament before implementation,” Hon. Koroma said.
Responding, the Speaker of the House of Parliament, Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas instructed chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee to do needful.