Parliament’s Silence on Jos Leijdekkers Raises Alarms
Freetown – The Sierra Leonean Parliament, led by Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, is under mounting pressure to address the presence of notorious European drug kingpin Jos Leijdekkers in the country. Despite its track record of summoning institutions and individuals on matters of national concern, Parliament has yet to take any decisive action or hold inquiries regarding the case.
Recently, Parliament demonstrated its influence by intervening in the Anti-Corruption Commission’s (ACC) investigation into the Auditor General’s report, requesting that the ACC delay its findings until lawmakers conducted their own review. This assertiveness, however, appears absent in the ongoing drug trafficking scandal, leaving many questioning the priorities of the legislative body.
Citizens and critics alike expected Parliament to summon Inspector General of Police William Fayia Sellu and officials from the country’s drug enforcement agencies to explain how an EU most-wanted criminal managed to enter Sierra Leone. Furthermore, concerns over an extradition request from the Dutch government remain unanswered. The silence from Parliament has fueled speculation about a possible deliberate cover-up or lack of political will.
The international community is closely watching as Sierra Leone faces accusations of becoming a safe haven for drug traffickers. The contrast between Sierra Leone’s inaction and Ghana’s decisive response to a similar situation has only heightened concerns. In Ghana, lawmakers took swift measures to investigate and protect the country’s reputation. In Sierra Leone, however, only a few opposition Members of Parliament initially raised concerns, but their criticisms have since faded without substantial follow-up.
As frustration grows, the people of Sierra Leone are demanding answers. The role of Parliament is to provide oversight and ensure national security, yet its inaction on this case is raising serious doubts about its commitment to justice.
With the nation’s reputation at stake, Parliament must break its silence and take immediate action. The people deserve transparency, and lawmakers must fulfill their responsibility to protect Sierra Leone from becoming entangled in international drug networks.
