Paramount Chief Accused of Political Interference and Violence in SLPP Elections in Nimikoro Chiefdom
Kono District, April 14, 2025 Serious allegations have emerged against Paramount Chief Aiah Denton Bona Foamansa III of Nimikoro Chiefdom, as members and aspirants of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) in Constituency 023 accuse him of political interference and orchestrating violence during the party’s lower-level elections.
The complaint, lodged by several party stakeholders including aspiring constituency chairman David Tamba Osman, current chairman Tamba Abu Koroma, sectional organizing secretary Amadu A. Koroma, and SLPP supporter Nabieu Koroma alleges that the Paramount Chief attempted to impose his preferred candidate by pressuring others to withdraw from the race.
According to the complainants, the Chief summoned aspirants to his residence in Bumpeh Town, where he urged them to step down. When they refused, he allegedly issued veiled threats, telling his followers to “lay them down” a phrase interpreted as a direct threat to their safety.
Tensions reportedly escalated on April 8, 2025, when the Chief allegedly mobilized his sons, along with suspected members of the opposition APC and local thugs, to launch a violent attack on SLPP supporters. One individual was stabbed, robbed, and severely beaten, while others narrowly escaped and fled to the police. Shockingly, they claim the attackers pursued them to the police station, continuing their assault and declaring they were acting “under instruction from the Paramount Chief,” with orders to kill the chairman and his allies.
Among those allegedly used to intimidate and assault party members are Sahr Bona (aka Sahr Buwah), Tamba Nyandemoh (reportedly armed), Tamba Pessima, Timothy, and Chief Bafoh individuals said to be closely tied to mining operations under the Chief’s control.
The complainants say this violent behavior is not new and mirrors past incidents during chieftaincy elections in the region. They argue that the Chief’s continued interference not only breaches customary norms but also violates Section 72 of the 1991 Constitution, which defines the non-partisan role of Paramount Chiefs.
They further allege that the Chief has been intimidating party delegates and warning them not to vote for certain candidates, creating a hostile environment that undermines free and fair internal elections.
Citing previous attacks in Bumpeh in 2017, the group highlights what they describe as a longstanding pattern of intimidation, fueled by the Chief’s influence over local mining interests and traditional structures.
The complaint concludes with a strong warning, holding the Paramount Chief personally responsible for any harm that may come to them or their supporters. It also calls for swift intervention by the Minister of Local Government, the Council of Paramount Chiefs, Members of Parliament from Kono District, the Office of National Security, and the local police and military leadership.
“We are not enemies within the party,” the letter reads. “But we will not allow anyone to destroy our rights as SLPP members. We stand ready to defend our candidacies and ensure that democracy prevails.”
As of now, the matter is pending official response from relevant authorities.
