Freetown — Retired brigadier of the republic of Sierra Leone armed forces, RSLAF Hon. KES Boyah of the Sierra Leone Peoples Party representing constituency 26 in Kono district, Monday condemned the use of cluster bombs stressing that it was dangerous to mankind.

Hon. Boyah made this statement during a consultative meeting organized by the cluster munitions coalition, CMC for parliamentarians representing the parliamentary committees on human rights and defense.

He said the use of cluster bombs was causing negative effects on perpetrators and victims.

As ex- military officer, he said, cluster bombs are life threatening.

"We need to collectively advocate for the banning of cluster munitions. Cluster bombs have badly affected communities. Therefore, we should ensure that world leaders sign the Oslo treaty, banning the use of cluster bombs come December this year," he said adding that ratifying the treaty should not be the primary responsibility of world leaders but to implement the agreement.

CMC's focal person Abu Bakarr Sheriff said parliamentarians have a pivotal role to play in order to ensure that the government signs the agreement.

He said Sierra Leone is among 32 countries where cluster bombs have been used.

"We have targeted MPs especially those in the human rights and defense committees for them to understand the negative effects cluster bombs have caused in our society," he said.

Sheriff called on parliamentarians to lobby their colleagues in order for the document to be ratified.

Hon. Mathew Nyuma from Kenema district thanked the membership of CMC for organizing the forum.

He said he has been informed about the harmfulness of the bombs.

"We have several options; we can also negotiate with the executive to sign the document. A private member bill can also be piloted to parliament to fast track the process," he concluded.