By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Muslims in Sierra Leone have expressed joy and relief following the intervention of Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, in resolving a long-standing dispute over a 3.1420-acre piece of state land at Bai Bureh Road, Kissy.
The land, originally leased for 99 years to the Sierra Leone Muslim Pilgrims Movement (SLMPM), became the subject of controversy after the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning rescinded the agreement due to the Movement’s failure to meet lease rent obligations. The Ministry subsequently sold the property to Randlyn Holding, a property development company owned by businessman Haj Fawaz, for US$200,000.
The sale sparked protests within the Muslim community, who appealed for Government intervention to ensure a fair and peaceful resolution. Responding to their concerns, Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh convened a series of consultations involving the Ministry of Lands, the Ministry of Social Welfare, SLMPM and Randlyn Holding.
After careful deliberation, the Vice President announced that the sale to Randlyn Holding would be annulled. He further directed that SLMPM take immediate steps to regularize its ownership of the land, assuring that the Government would support the process.
In an official statement, the Sierra Leone Muslim Pilgrims Movement expressed gratitude to Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh and the Minister of Lands, praising their impartiality and commitment to fairness. The Movement noted:
“We extend our sincere appreciation to the Honorable Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh and to the Honorable Minister of Lands for their timely and judicious intervention. The Minister’s impartial directive affirming the Sierra Leone Muslim Pilgrims Movement as the rightful custodian of the property demonstrates a steadfast commitment to justice, fairness and institutional integrity. His clear stance has reinforced the public’s confidence in the Government’s ability to protect lawful ownership and defend community interests.”
The resolution has been welcomed by many in the Muslim community as a victory for dialogue, justice and national cohesion.
