Parliament urged to Debate Petition On Controversial Mining Claims

Paramount Chief Member of Parliament, P.C. Hon. Alhaji Musa Bamba Foray Kulio Jalloh III, led a petition to the Well of Parliament on Thursday, July 3, 2025, a significant move underscoring the ongoing tensions between local communities and government regulatory bodies. The petition, submitted on behalf of the communities and fellow Paramount Chiefs from Dansogoia, Sambaia, and Diang Chiefdoms in the Tonkolili District, aims to address critical concerns regarding land ownership and rights, amidst recent pronouncements by the Sierra Leone Mines and Minerals Development and Management Corporation (SLMMDC).

Speaking during the Parliamentary session, PC Hon. Jalloh III clarified that the motion was not aimed at undermining the government, but rather sought to vet the concerns of the affected communities. “We respectfully submit herewith a public petition on behalf of the people, landowners, and traditional authorities of Dansogoia, Sambaia, and Diang Chiefdoms in the Tonkolili and Koinadugu Districts, pursuant to Standing Orders 17 and 70 (5)a of the Standing Orders of Parliament,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of the matter.

The core of the petition revolves around regulations stipulated by the SLMMDC that claim exclusive ownership and lease authority over the Kasafoni area. These pronouncements stem from the Sierra Leone Mines and Minerals Development and Management Corporation (Allocated Minerals and Mineral-Related Assets) Regulations, 2024 Statutory Instrument No. 11 of 2024. According to Hon. Jalloh III, such claims directly contravene customary land ownership rights and violate critical national legislation, particularly the Customary Land Rights Act, 2022, and the Mines and Minerals Development Act, 2022.

“The implications of these regulations threaten not only our traditional land ownership, but also undermine the social fabric of our communities,” Hon. Jalloh III asserted. He expressed deep concern over the potential consequences these actions could have on the livelihoods of local landowners and the broader community, stressing the need for urgent action from Parliament.

Moreover, the petitioners seek the intervention of Parliament to recognize their lawful lease agreement with the Gento Group of Companies, calling for section 2 of the disputed regulations to be declared invalid for conflicting with the Constitution of Sierra Leone. “We trust that you will give this matter the urgency and attention it deserves in the interest of justice, community rights, and national cohesion,” he urged, appealing for legislative support in protecting the rights of the communities he represents.

This call for action received backing from Hon. Jawah Sesay, who seconded the motion, highlighting the importance of upholding the rights of local communities in the face of governmental regulations. The discussion is expected to ignite further debates within the Parliament, as lawmakers consider the challenge posed by the SLMMDC’s regulations on established customary rights.

Following the presentation of the petition, Rtd. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, Speaker of Parliament and Chairman of the Public Petitions Committee, announced that the committee would convene on Monday at 2 PM to deliberate on the pressing issues raised. The committee may invite witnesses to provide additional insight into the matter, indicating an openness to thoroughly investigate the concerns presented.

As the situation unfolds, local communities in the Tonkolili and Koinadugu Districts remain watchful. They hope for a resolution that recognizes their historical land rights and ensures that their voices are heard in legislative discussions. In a nation where land disputes often spark tensions, the outcome of this Parliamentary Petition could have far-reaching implications on governance, community rights, and the future of mining operations in Sierra Leone.

The petition lays bare the delicate balance that must be struck between national development objectives and the preservation of customary rights. As stakeholders prepare for the upcoming deliberations, the sentiment among local communities is one of cautious hope, as they seek a resolution that honors their long-standing connection to the land they inhabit.