Kasafoni Land Dispute: Government Supports Lease, Calls for Dialogue
In a significant stride towards reforming land governance in Sierra Leone, the Government has officially endorsed the lease agreement between Kasafoni landowners and the Gento Group of Companies. This move reflects President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s strong commitment to tackling land grabbing and promoting fairness in resolving long-standing land disputes across the country.
Reliable parliamentary sources reveal that while the Government recognizes the validity of the Kasafoni lease, senior officials have requested Parliament to temporarily pause further proceedings on a related public petition. This pause is intended to allow for constructive dialogue among key parties, including the Sierra Leone Mines and Mineral Development and Management Corporation (SLMMDMC), the National Mineral Agency (NMA), and the Gento Group.
The petition, submitted by Paramount Chief Hon. Alhaji Musa Bamba Foray Kulio Jalloh III on behalf of the Sambaia, Dansogoia, and Diang Chiefdoms in Tonkolili and Koinadugu Districts, captures widespread public interest. The Kasafoni land dispute has become a critical test case for human rights and equitable land ownership in Sierra Leone.
By officially endorsing the lease, the Government underscores its dedication to the principles enshrined in the 2022 Customary Land Rights Act, the 2022 Mines and Minerals Development Act, and Section 21 of the 1991 Constitution, all of which safeguard property rights and community land ownership under customary law.
President Bio’s recent statements further emphasize the administration’s zero-tolerance policy on land grabbing. Speaking at a town hall meeting, the President condemned corrupt officials who abuse their power to unlawfully seize land, calling such acts “a betrayal of public trust.” He affirmed that “No one is above the law.”
This firm stance represents a marked departure from previous administrations, often criticized for overlooking or enabling land grabbing. “We are committed to ensuring that land belongs to those who rightfully own it,” President Bio declared, pledging to address past injustices and prevent future abuses.
The Kasafoni dispute has attracted national attention due to its complex mix of economic interests, legal implications, and human rights considerations. By encouraging dialogue among all stakeholders, the Government aims to set a precedent for the fair resolution of land conflicts.
A high-level meeting involving representatives from affected chiefdoms, government agencies, and the Gento Group is expected soon. The discussions will culminate in a detailed report submitted to Parliament to inform future legislation and policy decisions.
Civil society organizations and analysts have welcomed the Government’s approach, viewing it as a move towards more inclusive and transparent land governance. “This is not just about land; it’s about justice, human dignity, and national development,” remarked one civil society advocate.
The Bio administration’s efforts may rebuild public confidence in state institutions and inspire hope for communities facing similar disputes. A just and successful resolution in Kasafoni could become a model for managing land conflicts throughout Sierra Leone.
As the nation awaits the outcome of the upcoming dialogue, there is growing optimism that a renewed commitment to land rights will herald a more accountable and equitable era in Sierra Leone’s land administration.
