By Rev Dr. Andrew T. Gbandeh-Mitta
Koidu Holdings, a diamond mining company operating in Kono District, Sierra Leone, has been embroiled in a series of controversies surrounding its treatment of workers, disregard for local content policies, and alleged involvement in money laundering. The company’s recent decision to go on “care and maintenance” in the midst of mediation with thousands of aggrieved workers has raised more questions than answers.
Is Koidu Holdings running from its own shadows? Why did they suddenly abandon the mediation process and opt for “care and maintenance”? Is the company afraid of the potential consequences of the recent series of ground falling and pending disasters ahead? Or are they intimidated by the intervention of the First Lady, Fatima Bio, who hails from Koidu?
Furthermore, why did Koidu Holdings suddenly sack approximately 1000 workers when they were directly involved in discussions with them, mediated by the First Lady? The company had even started implementing some of the workers’ demands, giving the impression that a resolution was within reach. This sudden and drastic action raises suspicions about the company’s true intentions.
Moreover, it has been alleged that Koidu Holdings has been exploiting its workers by pegging the dollar exchange rate at $100 US to 600 Leones, instead of the current 2,400 Leones. This staggering difference of 1,800 Leones per $100 US is rumored to be used to settle the greedy political godfathers who are backing the company. This alleged exploitation has led to widespread discontent among the workers, who feel that they are being cheated and mistreated.
It is no wonder that Koidu Holdings is not willing to make peace with its workers. The company’s actions are motivated by greed and a desire to maintain its exploitative practices. By sacking workers and going on “care and maintenance”, Koidu Holdings is trying to avoid accountability for its actions and maintain its grip on the diamond mining industry in Sierra Leone.
In a bizarre twist, Koidu Holdings has threatened to sue the First Lady for allegedly misleading the aggrieved workers. This move is not only unprecedented but also raises questions about the company’s wisdom in taking such a step. Is Koidu Holdings wise to sue the First Lady, who is currently mediating between them and the workers? Does the company not realize that such a move will only serve to further antagonize the workers and the local community?
Is it possible that Koidu Holdings is being advised by a political godfather who is more interested in protecting the company’s interests than in promoting the welfare of the workers and the local community? This would explain the company’s sudden and drastic actions, which seem designed to undermine the mediation process and avoid accountability.
Could Koidu Holdings be afraid of the alleged investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) into several crimes, including money laundering and local content policy failures? The company’s clandestine removal of their own machinery in the night, as if they are stealing it, raises serious suspicions about their intentions.
It appears that Koidu Holdings is trying to avoid accountability for their actions. By going on “care and maintenance”, they are able to sidestep their responsibilities to their workers and the local community. This move also raises questions about the company’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
The people of Sierra Leone deserve better. They deserve a government that will hold companies like Koidu Holdings accountable for their actions. They deserve a government that will protect their rights and promote their welfare.
President Bio must take decisive action to address the allegations against Koidu Holdings. This includes allowing the ACC to complete its investigation and take appropriate action against the company if it is found to have violated the law. The president must also ensure that his government enforces Sierra Leone’s labor laws and protects the rights of workers.
In conclusion, Koidu Holdings’ decision to go on “care and maintenance” in the midst of mediation with aggrieved workers is a clear indication that the company is running from the truth. The company’s actions raise serious questions about their commitment to transparency, accountability, and corporate social responsibility. President Bio must take bold action to address the allegations against Koidu Holdings and ensure that justice is served.