Hon. Catherine  Zainab Tarawally, Member of Parliament representing Bombali District and Deputy Opposition Whip of the Parliament of Sierra Leone, has strongly advocated for improved welfare, better pension benefits and comprehensive support for retired military personnel and their dependants.

Contributing to the debate on the Military Veterans Agency Bill, 2026, at the Chamber of Parliament on Tuesady 10/11/2026, Hon. Tarawally described the proposed legislation as an important intervention that addresses the longstanding challenges faced by former military officers and their families, particularly those who dedicated their lives to serving the nation.

She recalled growing up around military barracks and witnessing the difficulties experienced by military personnel and their families. According to her, many retired senior military officers, including former colonels and majors, continue to face difficult living conditions despite their years of dedicated service to Sierra Leone.

The Deputy Opposition Whip expressed concern that the pensions received by some retired military personnel are inadequate to meet their basic needs, including healthcare and family responsibilities.

She further highlighted the plight of some former soldiers who participated in the country’s civil war, noting that many are now struggling to provide for their families and, in some cases, are forced to beg on the streets of Freetown to survive.

Hon. Tarawally also shared concerns about retired military personnel living abroad, explaining that some continue to depend on family members for financial and medical assistance because their retirement benefits are insufficient.

She described the Military Veterans Agency Bill as an opportunity to restore dignity, improve the living conditions of former service personnel and recognise their sacrifices to the country.

The opposition lawmaker commended the Government for demonstrating responsiveness to the welfare of military veterans, noting that the proposed legislation sends a positive message that the contributions of former soldiers are not being forgotten.

She particularly praised the Sixth Parliament for taking steps towards addressing the challenges of military veterans, describing the bill as an important milestone in recognising the sacrifices of men and women who served Sierra Leone.

While expressing strong support for the legislation, Hon. Tarawally noted that members had carefully examined the bill during their deliberations and identified certain areas requiring clarification and technical corrections.

She highlighted concerns surrounding provisions on appointments, definitions, eligibility for benefits and the institutional management of the proposed agency. She stressed that the authority to appoint certain officials must be clearly defined, noting that while the responsible minister could make recommendations, the constitutional appointment authority rests with the President where applicable.

She also called for greater clarity in the provisions relating to benefits for retired military personnel and their dependants, particularly the interpretation of retirement status and the eligibility of family members.

Furthermore, she urged the relevant authorities to review specific clauses to ensure that the legislation is clear, comprehensive and capable of delivering its intended objectives.

Despite the identified shortcomings, Hon. Tarawally commended the individuals involved in drafting and piloting the bill, acknowledging their efforts while emphasising that no legislation is entirely without weaknesses and that necessary amendments can be made where required.

She urged fellow Members of Parliament, across party lines, to support the bill and work collectively towards improving the welfare of military veterans.

In conclusion, Hon. Zainab Catherine Tarawally reaffirmed her commitment to supporting legislation that promotes the dignity, welfare and wellbeing of former military personnel, stressing that those who sacrificed their lives and livelihoods in defence of Sierra Leone deserve recognition, respect and a dignified retirement.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, 11th November 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)