By Amin Kef-Ranger
Widely regarded by observers as a landmark moment in Sierra Leone’s land governance reforms, the Government has formally recognized the lease agreement between the landowners of Kasafoni and the Gento Group of Companies. This development aligns with President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s renewed efforts to clamp down on land grabbing and ensure justice in protracted land disputes nationwide.
Credible parliamentary sources have confirmed that while the Government acknowledges the legitimacy of the Kasafoni lease, senior officials have requested that Parliament temporarily withhold further action on a related public petition. The decision aims to give room for an amicable resolution among key stakeholders: the Sierra Leone Mines and Mineral Development and Management Corporation (SLMMDMC), the National Mineral Agency (NMA) and Gento Group.
The petition in question, submitted by Paramount Chief Hon. Alhaji Musa Bamba Foray Kulio Jalloh III, represents the collective concerns of the Sambaia, Dansogoia and Diang Chiefdoms in the Tonkolili and Koinadugu Districts. It has drawn significant public interest, with many viewing the Kasafoni land dispute as a broader test case for human rights and equitable land ownership in Sierra Leone.
The Government’s recognition of the lease underscores its intent to uphold the principles outlined in the 2022 Customary Land Rights Act, the Mines and Minerals Development Act of 2022 and Section 21 of the 1991 Constitution. These laws provide a legal foundation for protecting property rights and preserving community land ownership under customary norms.
President Bio’s recent public remarks have further reinforced the administration’s zero-tolerance approach to land grabbing. During a town hall meeting, the President did not mince words in condemning public officials who exploit their positions to wrongfully claim land. “Such behavior is a betrayal of public trust,” he stated firmly. “No one is above the law.”
The President’s vocal condemnation of illegal land acquisition practices marks a decisive shift in governance, as previous administrations have often been accused of ignoring or even enabling such misconduct. “We are committed to ensuring that land belongs to those who rightfully own it,” President Bio declared, assuring citizens of the Government’s resolve to correct past injustices and prevent future ones.
The specific case of Kasafoni has drawn national attention not just because of the entities involved, but due to what it represents: a confluence of economic interest, legal precedent and human rights. By seeking dialogue between all parties, the Government is hoping to set a standard for fair resolution of land disputes.
A high-level meeting is expected to take place soon, involving representatives from the affected chiefdoms, Government agencies and the Gento Group. The outcome will be documented in a comprehensive report and submitted to Parliament, potentially guiding future legislative and policy action.
Analysts and Civil society groups have welcomed the Government’s approach, describing it as a step towards more inclusive and transparent land governance. “This is not just about land; it’s about justice, human dignity and national development,” one Civil Society advocate noted.
The Bio administration’s actions on this front could restore public trust in state institutions and bring hope to other communities grappling with similar land disputes. Many believe that a successful and just resolution to the Kasafoni issue could serve as a blueprint for managing land conflicts across the country.
With the nation awaiting the outcomes of the anticipated dialogue, hopes remain high that this renewed focus on upholding land rights will usher in a more accountable and equitable era in Sierra Leone’s land administration history.
