Opposition MP Urges SLPP to Uphold Conditions of MCC Compact Grant
By Musa Paul Feika
Hon. Ibrahim Barrie, the opposition MP representing Bombali District, has called on the ruling SLPP, led by President Bio, to honor the conditions tied to the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact. He emphasized that these conditions are critical to strengthening democracy and ensuring that the Electoral Commission operates in alignment with international best practices.
Hon. Barrie made this statement on Tuesday, October 15th, 2024, during a parliamentary debate on the MCC Compact agreement between Sierra Leone and the United States. The $480 million MCC Compact, he said, offers a unique opportunity to improve the country’s energy and infrastructure sectors. Furthermore, the attached conditions provide an avenue to enhance governance and democratic practices in Sierra Leone.
He expressed gratitude to the U.S. government for using the MCC grant as a tool to promote democracy in developing nations, ensuring that citizens’ voices are heard and that electoral institutions remain independent. Hon. Barrie highlighted the significance of adhering to the preconditions set out in the MCC Compact, which are aimed at bolstering Sierra Leone’s democracy and ensuring credible, transparent elections.
“The conditions tied to the Compact are not just technicalities,” Hon. Barrie stated, “but fundamental steps towards consolidating our democracy and guaranteeing the independence of our Electoral Commission. These reforms are essential for establishing a system where elections are free, fair, and aligned with international standards.”
He also underscored the sacrifices made by thousands of Sierra Leoneans, including soldiers, to secure the freedom the country enjoys today. Hon. Barrie questioned whether these sacrifices would be in vain if the integrity of the nation’s democratic process were compromised.
Referring to the controversies surrounding the 2023 general elections, Hon. Barrie noted that these events serve as a painful reminder of the fragility of Sierra Leone’s democracy. He stressed that the people’s will must remain untampered by both ruling and opposition parties, as the essence of democracy depends on free and fair elections.
Hon. Barrie expressed his appreciation to the U.S. government for emphasizing the importance of adhering to the conditions attached to the Compact.
At this point, SLPP Chief Whip Hon. Dickson Rogers raised a point of order, stating that the debate should focus on the MCC Compact agreement, not elections. He further suggested that if elections were to be discussed, they should start from the 2007 general elections.
Responding to the interjection, opposition leader Hon. Abdul Kargbo pointed out a U.S. Embassy press release dated September 27th, 2024. The release stated that Sierra Leone’s eligibility for the Compact is contingent upon its continued commitment to advancing democracy, combating corruption, and investing in its people. Hon. Kargbo emphasized that the recommendations of the Tripartite Committee, which emerged from the 2023 elections, are vital to the country’s continued eligibility for the Compact.
In closing, the Speaker of the Sixth Parliament, Hon. Sengepoh Solomon Thomas, urged MPs to refrain from politicizing the debate, reminding the House that the Compact is beneficial to all Sierra Leoneans. He assured his support for the Compact, recognizing its potential positive impact on the country.
