Parliament Approves National Early Warning and Response Mechanism Centre Act
SierraLeone Parliament on Tuesday 27th May, 2025 unanimously debated and passed the national Early Warning and Response Mechanism Centre Act 2025. The new law is geared towards enhancing national peace, security and development by establishing a dedicated centre to provide timely alerts on potential threats to human security.
Presenting the Bill in Parliament, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kenyeh Barlay, stated that the Bill is seeking to institutionalise early warning systems and strengthen technical management frameworks for disaster prevention and response.
“This centre will be a game changer in consolidating peace, fostering development, and enhancing the country’s capacity to manage crisis situations,” she told Parliament.
Minister Barlay explained that the legislation creates a legally recognised body that will generate real-time data to inform national decisions on disaster risk, conflict prevention, and peacebuilding. She assured Parliament of the centre’s added value to Sierra Leone’s existing mechanisms for maintaining national security.
Chairman of the Committee on Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Musa Fofanah, described the Bill as timely and commended the Ministry for its dedication. He urged swift passage to ensure Sierra Leone keeps pace with regional partners who have already implemented similar mechanisms.
Deputy Opposition Whip, Hon. Catherine Zainab Tarawallie, emphasised the Bill’s national importance and called for bipartisan support. “This Bill does not hurt anyone; it is meant to benefit every Sierra Leonean,” she affirmed, urging the Legislative Committee to fine-tune specific areas for improved implementation.
Hon. Joseph Williams Lamin echoed support for the legislation and called for its depoliticisation. He encouraged the anticipated Executive Director of the centre to uphold the responsibilities of the new office with integrity.
However, Hon. Mariama Bangura raised concerns about redundancy and resource allocation, noting that existing institutions such as the Office of National Security and the National Disaster Management Agency could be further empowered instead. She also emphasised the importance of addressing the specific vulnerabilities faced by women during crises.
Acting Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Daniel Brima Koroma, described the legislation as non-controversial but called for improvements in the board’s composition, particularly regarding gender inclusivity. “Let us not replicate the mistakes of the past,” he cautioned, urging reforms that prioritise balanced representation.
Closing the debate, Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma, expressed gratitude for the cross-party support. He emphasised the importance of institutional accountability and urged stakeholders to heed early warning signs. “If institutions follow through on recommendations, we can prevent many disasters before they happen,” he said.
The Bill successfully passed through all legislative stages, including committee-level amendments, and now stands as a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s effort to promote peace, preparedness, and proactive governance.
