By Kelfala Kargbo
Freetown, 28th April 2026- Members of Parliament have called for equal access to special security protection, pressing for inclusion in the proposed State Protection Service (SPS) during a heated debate on the National Security and Central Intelligence Bill 2025.
The bill, currently before Parliament, seeks to establish the SPS to provide security for the President, Vice President, Speaker of Parliament, Majority and Minority Leaders, designated VIPs, and the immediate families of the President and Vice President. Following amendments, government ministers are also expected to benefit from SPS coverage.
Lawmakers argue that excluding MPs from the list is unfair, given their role as elected representatives of the people. “You cannot mention all those responsible people including ministers, leaving behind sitting MPs,” said Alex Rogers, Chair of the Defense Committee.
From a gender perspective, Hon. Veronica Kadie Sesay of Moyamba District stressed that female MPs face unique vulnerabilities. “If the immediate family members of the President and Vice President will be provided security service, we too, as vulnerable female MPs, should enjoy similar privilege,” she argued.
However, Leader of Government Business Hon. Mathew Nyuma countered that extending SPS protection to all 149 MPs would strain police resources. He suggested that MPs pursue amendments under the Parliamentary Service Act instead, noting that SPS membership is capped at 200.
The debate reached a crossroads when MPs pushed for a vote on the proposal. Speaker Hon. Sengehpo Solomon Thomas suspended consideration, leaving the issue unresolved as Parliament continues deliberations on the landmark security bill.
