By John Koroma
Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Hon. Mohamed Rahman Swaray, successfully intervened in a longstanding labour dispute involving former Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Belgium employee, Mr. Idrissa Kalil, leading to the payment of his outstanding benefits and entitlements.
The dispute stemmed from Mr. Kalil’s dismissal following a workplace accident that left him with serious injuries and sparked years of disagreement over compensation and staff benefits.
During engagements with Mr. Kalil and officials handling the matter, Hon. Swaray reiterated President Julius Maada Bio’s commitment to protecting workers’ rights, stating that “the rights of every worker in Sierra Leone are non-negotiable.”
The minister instructed officials investigating the matter to handle it diligently and ensure that the rights of all parties were respected throughout the process.
Following a series of engagements facilitated by the Ministry of Labour, MSF Belgium eventually honoured Mr. Kalil’s entitlements.
Expressing gratitude after receiving his benefits, Mr. Kalil thanked the Deputy Chairman of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), Hon. Robert Kondema Kargbo, and the Minister of Labour for their intervention.
“I am grateful to Hon. Robert Kondema Kargbo and Hon. Mohamed Rahman Swaray for their support and intervention,” Mr. Kalil said. “After years of delays and frustrations in my efforts to secure reimbursement for my medical expenses and other benefits, I am relieved that my rights have finally been upheld.”
He added that although he remains challenged by health complications resulting from the accident, he intends to continue seeking further medical treatment.