Freetown Residents Reject Capital Split, Call for Unity

By Emmanuel S Conteh

A proposal by the Government of Sierra Leone to split the capital, Freetown, into separate administrative zones has sparked widespread opposition from residents, igniting heated debate over the city’s identity, governance, and future.

The Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs organized a public consultation on Thursday to gauge citizen reactions, but the event quickly descended into uproar as participants overwhelmingly rejected the idea. Many residents argued that dividing the city would undermine its historical and cultural essence, weaken governance, and fracture a population already grappling with economic and social challenges.

Speaking to Truth Media, Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyer voiced strong concerns over the controversial proposal. “If Freetown is divided, we lose the essence of a capital city. This is not a small decision; it’s about our future and our legacy,” she stressed.

Several civil society representatives, youth leaders, and traders’ unions echoed similar sentiments, calling instead for inclusive dialogue and greater investment in improving service delivery, infrastructure, and community development across the city.

Critics argue that the proposed split could create administrative confusion and deepen inequalities, while others see it as politically motivated. Supporters within government, however, claim the restructuring would bring governance closer to the people and make municipal administration more efficient.

The controversy has now widened into a national conversation, with many Sierra Leoneans urging authorities to place unity above division and to pursue reforms through participatory dialogue rather than unilateral decisions.