By Emmanuel Bangura
The Sanda Magbolontor Chiefdom in the Karene District has been embroiled in a chieftaincy succession crisis that has lingered for eight years, resulting in the recent cancellation of an election intended to appoint a new Paramount Chief. The unresolved dispute over the rightful lineage to the traditional throne has divided the community, with no Government intervention to mediate and bring about a lasting resolution.
The ongoing crisis underscores the broader challenges faced by traditional communities in Sierra Leone and West Africa, where chieftaincy disputes often spiral into social unrest and political instability. In this particular case, the community’s failure to resolve the succession issue has led to a failed election, deepening the tensions and uncertainties surrounding the chiefdom’s leadership.
Despite the prolonged nature of the conflict in Sanda Magbolontor, both local and national Government authorities have remained on the sidelines, failing to intervene and address the deepening crisis. The lack of mediation or a coordinated effort by the Government has allowed the conflict to fester, leaving the community to grapple with the consequences on its own.
Without decisive Government involvement, the community remains unable to find a peaceful and acceptable solution to the succession dispute. The absence of clear and authoritative mechanisms to resolve such traditional leadership conflicts has only prolonged the crisis, further undermining the stability and social cohesion among the people of Sanda Magbolontor.
The abandonment of the election is a stark indication of the severity of the chieftaincy dispute and the challenges the community faces in restoring its traditional governance structure. The continued absence of a legitimate and recognized chief threatens to exacerbate existing tensions, potentially hampering the overall social and economic development of the area.
To resolve this crisis, it is crucial for the Government to step in and initiate a process of mediation and conflict resolution among the various factions. Establishing a neutral and impartial mechanism to investigate the legitimacy of the competing claimants to the throne, along with facilitating a consensus-based solution, is key to restoring stability.
Furthermore, the Government should consider reviewing and enhancing the legal and regulatory frameworks governing traditional leadership succession. By providing clear guidelines and dispute resolution mechanisms, the Government can help prevent such protracted chieftaincy conflicts in the future, safeguarding the stability and continuity of traditional institutions across the country.
