Members of Sierra Leone’s Parliament have voted in favor of removing suspended Auditor-General Lara Taylor-Pearce and her deputy, Tamba Momoh, following recommendations from a tribunal authorized by President Julius Maada Bio.
The parliamentary vote, held on Friday, December 21, 2024, saw 137 MPs participating in the decision. The ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) secured 100 votes in favor of the motion, while the main opposition party, All People’s Congress (APC), managed 36 votes against the removal.
The tribunal’s report, which President Bio used as the basis for his decision, cited undisclosed reasons leading to the suspension and subsequent removal of the officials. The decision marks the culmination of a highly contentious process that has drawn significant public and political attention.
Lara Taylor-Pearce, who had served as Auditor-General since 2011, was lauded by some as a watchdog for public accountability. Her suspension in 2021, along with that of her deputy, sparked debate over the independence of oversight institutions in Sierra Leone.
Critics of the removal have expressed concerns about its potential impact on transparency and governance, while supporters argue it reflects the government’s commitment to addressing alleged lapses within the Audit Service.
The decision has further highlighted political divisions within Parliament, as the SLPP used its majority to push through the motion amidst strong opposition from the APC.
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