The ECOWAS Parliament has presented an award of recognition to Dr. Sidie Mohamed Tunis, who served as Speaker of the Fifth Legislature from March 2020 to March 2024.

The honour was conferred during an event held on Thursday in Abuja to commemorate the Parliament’s 25th anniversary.

Dr. Tunis received the award alongside past speakers and founding figures of the regional legislative body. According to the organisers, the recognition celebrates individuals who played pivotal roles in the Parliament’s evolution—among whom Dr. Tunis “stands tall” for his exemplary leadership and dedication during his tenure.

Speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the ceremony, Dr. Tunis said he felt “thrilled and humbled” by the honour, which he described as evidence that “hard work and selfless service will always be rewarded, now or later.”

He noted that his approach as Speaker was driven by a strong conviction that greater regional integration and more accessible leadership are essential to preventing the exploitation of West Africa’s diverse population.

“The fact that the award is coming from the ECOWAS Parliament makes me very gratified. It shows recognition, and it proves that I did a good job for them to still be thinking about me,” he said.

Legacy of Integration, Diplomacy, and Reform

During his tenure, Dr. Tunis championed policies aimed at deepening regional integration and strengthening the Parliament’s connection to ordinary citizens. This vision was notably demonstrated when the Parliament hosted its 2nd Extraordinary Session of 2021 in Winneba, in Ghana’s Efutu Traditional Area—the first time such a session was held outside the institution’s headquarters.

He also strengthened the Parliament’s long-standing commitment to peacekeeping, mediation, and parliamentary diplomacy, frequently engaging African Heads of State and global leaders to promote peace and democratic stability in the region. Dr. Tunis remained actively involved in addressing threats to democratic governance across West Africa, advocating consistently for the rule of law.

A strong proponent of democratic reforms, Dr. Tunis vigorously supported the direct election of ECOWAS Parliament members—a transformative goal aimed at making the body a truly democratic legislature. He initiated significant groundwork on this, including the establishment of a Special Parliamentary Committee dedicated to advancing the initiative.

He further pursued the creation of a special budget for parliamentary operations and worked to promote women’s participation in politics across the region. Under his leadership, the ECOWAS Parliament forged landmark collaborations with national institutions and parliaments, and strengthened ties between the Commission, the Court of Justice, and the regional Parliament.

Reflecting on his service, Dr. Tunis said, “My job at the ECOWAS Parliament made me stronger. I gained much more experience. I’m especially proud of my achievements, particularly my relationship with national parliaments.”

A Rising Political Figure in Sierra Leone

Hon. Tunis is the longest-serving member of the Sierra Leone Parliament and currently represents Constituency 101 in Pujehun District, where he continues to drive major development initiatives.

A seasoned legislator, he previously served as Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business in the Fifth Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone. Before becoming ECOWAS Speaker, he was a senior member of Sierra Leone’s delegation to the regional legislature.

A prominent figure in the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and a close ally of President Julius Maada Bio, Dr. Tunis is widely seen as a potential contender for the SLPP presidential ticket ahead of the 2028 elections. Analysts argue that his extensive political and diplomatic experience positions him strongly for the role, though no official declaration has been made.

When asked about his rumoured presidential ambition, Dr. Tunis told reporters in Abuja:

“Anybody can have the ambition to become president—it’s a natural progression. But at the moment, my focus is not on that. I may have the ambition, but my focus is on the president’s agenda—on helping him succeed.”

He added that if President Bio succeeds,

“I will use that success story as a campaign agenda for me. So my focus is really on supporting the president to deliver on his promises to our people.”