The Parliament of Sierra Leone has been elected to serve as West Africa’s representative on the Standing Committee of the Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) for the 2026–2028 term.
The election took place during the 28th CSPOC Conference, held in New Delhi, India, from January 14 to 17, where parliamentary leaders from across the Commonwealth gathered to discuss democratic governance and institutional strengthening.
The conference attracted 61 Speakers and Presiding Officers from 42 Commonwealth countries and focused on issues including the modernisation of parliamentary practices, citizen engagement, and the strengthening of democratic institutions.
India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, officially opened the conference, reaffirming India’s commitment to democratic values and international cooperation.
Following the election, Segepoh Solomon Thomas, Speaker of the Sierra Leone Parliament, will represent West Africa at the next CSPOC Steering Committee meeting in Barbados in August 2026.
The Sierra Leone delegation to the conference included Daniel Brima Koroma, Deputy Leader of the Opposition, who led the delegation, alongside Gilbert Bosco N’habay and Fatmata Bintu Bockarie, Deputy Chair of the Mines Committee.
During the visit, the delegation also held a closed-door meeting with the Speaker of the Indian Parliament, where discussions centred on the establishment of a Sierra Leone–India Parliamentary Friendship Group and the need for an embassy in India.
Observers say the election highlights Sierra Leone’s growing influence in regional and international parliamentary forums. The CSPOC, established in 1969, promotes impartial leadership among parliamentary presiding officers and supports democratic governance across member states.
Key discussions at the conference included the use of artificial intelligence in parliament, the impact of social media on democracy, and security measures for parliamentarians.
The event ended with renewed commitments to transparency, inclusivity and accountability, with Sierra Leone’s election to the Standing Committee seen as recognition of its dedication to parliamentary excellence and regional cooperation.
Officials say the new role will allow Sierra Leone to contribute to shaping parliamentary practices and procedures across the Commonwealth, strengthening its position in international parliamentary diplomacy.
