By Sulaiman Jalloh
Hon. Jibrila Sur Moijueh, Member of Parliament representing Bonthe District, has described President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s 2025 State Opening of Parliament Address as a landmark statement that not only highlights the government’s achievements but also outlines the key challenges Sierra Leone must collectively confront to advance as a nation.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with parliamentary journalists after the conclusion of the Motion of Thanks debate on Thursday, October 16, 2025, Hon. Moijueh commended the President’s message for its clarity, inclusiveness, and focus on peace and national cohesion.
It has been a long but very engaging four days of debate, Hon. Moijueh said. Despite interruptions, including the unfortunate passing of one of our colleagues, the deliberations gave Members of Parliament the opportunity to reflect deeply on the country’s progress and the way forward.
The lawmaker lauded President Bio’s leadership style and described the 2025 address as both comprehensive and visionary. This year’s speech is a landmark one, he noted. If you take the time to read through it, you’ll clearly see the positive steps His Excellency has taken to move Sierra Leone forward.
Hon. Moijueh highlighted paragraph eight of the President’s speech, which divides the address into two parts one detailing the administration’s major achievements and the other addressing the challenges that demand national attention. He specifically pointed to the Feed Salone Project and youth employment initiatives as key successes that continue to impact lives positively across the country.
As a scholar with a Master’s degree in Peace and Development Studies, I strongly identify with the President’s call for unity and stability, Hon. Moijueh emphasized. Peace is paramount. Without peace and stability, we cannot build the Sierra Leone our people deserve.
He further praised President Bio’s commitment to dialogue through the Tripartite Committee and the National Unity and Peace Agreement, both designed to address post-election tensions and promote political reconciliation. The Tripartite engagement, though sensitive, represents a bold step toward inclusive governance, he said. It shows that the President is willing to reach out, build consensus, and give the opposition a platform to contribute to national reform. That demonstrates true leadership and a genuine desire for peace.
While acknowledging the progress made, Hon. Moijueh admitted that the country’s electoral system still poses challenges that must be addressed through reforms. The President himself recognizes these systemic issues,” he said.The Tripartite Committee’s work is crucial in ensuring fairness, transparency, and accountability in future elections.
Looking ahead, Hon. Moijueh expressed optimism about Sierra Leone’s political trajectory, stating that if all political actors demonstrate sincerity and commitment to peace, the 2028 elections could mark a historic turning point. “If we approach the reform process in good faith, the 2028 elections will be remembered not for conflict, but for peace and democratic maturity, he said.
He concluded by citing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) report, which reminds Sierra Leoneans that democracy alone cannot guarantee peace unless it is inclusive and just. The government’s current reform efforts give hope, he remarked. They aim to strengthen our democratic institutions, align them with the people’s aspirations, and build a foundation for lasting peace and progress.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, 22nd October 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
